OF THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH. VOL. II. ] JULY, 1827. Religious Communications. A BRIEF MEMOIR OF PETER WILSON, L L. D. LATE PROFESSOR OF LAN- upon "Let laurels drenched in pure Parnassian dews, We have not succeeded in gaining the quantity of materials, which we then anticipated, towards a more full memoir of this distinguished patriot and scholar. And we must even content ourselves with what we have obtained. We assure our readers how ever, that we have procured from his surviving family, all that can at present be discovered. And we have it in our power to make some slight corrections, in what has been made public, and some additions to it. [ NO. 4. edge of the truth at an early period. So early, indeed, as his eighth year, he was deeply impressed with a sense of his sinfulness and misery. At that tender time of life, he made it a practice, in the morning and evening, in his chamber, to pray earnestly to God. And what is remarkable, he used to throw himself on the floor undressed, on his bare knees, before God. The child had been, sometime, unobserved by any of the family, in this habit, of prostrating himself on his little bare limbs. He was discovered in this position, accidentally by his mother; and was asked his reason for so doing. His answer indicated a habit of thought and deep reflection very unusual at the age of eight. "I think" said the child, "it should not be done by me in any oth er way. I do not think that I can be sufficiently humble before God Almighty in any other posture.' "My child," replied the mother, "you will take cold by throwing yourself naked on the floor. Besides God does not require this of you. You will be heard as readily in your clothes, as in this condition." He reminded her that he had been in the habit of thus prostrating himself in his linens only, and yet had never caught cold, even dur ing the inclemency of winter." She repeated her argument, and, at length he yielded to her injunction--though not without some reluctance. he deemed this a befitting posture for Peter Wilson L L. D. was a na- a poor sinner, before the Holy God. tive of the shire of Banff in the north In the days of his boyhood, and of Scotland. He was born on the when engaged in the rudiments of ed23d. of November, 1746. His fath-ucation, he evinced no small share er was a farmer, in tolerably easy circumstances. Both of his parents were eminently pious. And under their religious instruction and example, their son was brought to a knowlVOL II-13 For of talent. This, with his characteristic diligence, and love of learning, as also his circumspect and moral behaviour, induced his parents to send him to the University of Aberdeen, called Marischal College. Here he spent his youthful years with a laudable diligence, and perseverance. And he received the testimony of the Professor's satisfaction, and the applause of his youthful associates. It was here that he laid the foundation of that extensive, and accurate knowledge of the Classicks, of Greek and Roman Antiquities, and of Science in general, which fitted him, so eminently, for distinguished usefulness in the offices which he sustained in the literary institutions of our country. He was graduated at the early age of seventeen years; and received his diploma, not only with the usual salutations, but with expressions of the highest approbation. Having left college, he retired to his father's house, with a view to pursue, in retirement, his favourite studies. But he was not allowed to remain long in this situation. He received an invitation to a useful and lucrative office, in the family of a person of rank, and influence among the Scottish nobility. Young Wilson's father belonged to the Established Presbyterian Church of Scotland. And, to a youth of education and talents, an offer of this nature was the laying the first stone of the building of honour and usefulness.After spending a few years in this family his way would have been opened by the influence and patronage of this nobleman to the first situations in the Colleges, or in the Church of that country. Had young Wilson been ambitious, this would have fired his mind. But he was guided by nobler principles, and led by an invisible and kind arm to something better. His parents, particularly his fond mother, urged him to accept the honourable station presented to him. But he persisted with modesty and firmness to decline the offer. It is not improbable that, at this time, his youthful mind, full of the ideas inspired by the Classick writers, had imbibed republican principles At college, he had probably seen a specimen of the Aristocracy of the nobles, and of the manners of those who have more wealth, than wisdom or wit. He had, probably, often re volved, in his glowing fancy, the hap piness of a land, real or ideal, where men could meet on a level of equali ty-such as God had made for the happiest lot of man: where nobility and wealth cannot protrude its shape less and impudent front, before men of sense: where talent and virtue are regarded as the only nobility. Hence, it is quite probable that he could not promise to himsel much happiness in that nobleman's family; and could not, probably, brook the idea of being elevated, merely per favorem, to public and distinguish ed stations; to which very stations the same favour and loving kind ness of nobility and wealth, would just as readily elevate a fool, as a wise man! He must have been destitute of practical observation if he had not seen this often taking place in Northern Colleges, and in the Church! An incident occured about this time, trivial indeed in its nature-but sufficient to develope the views and feelings of young Wilson at this period of his youth. It was this. Whilst his father was at work, in his field, on a damp and misty day, he happened to be present when a young man, whom they called the Laird, walked up towards them, and talked with his father for a considerable length of time,-during all which his aged father stood, with his bald head uncovered, and exposed to the damp air; while the young man stood with his hat on his head, amusing himself with a small stick, or rattan in his hand. When the young man went away, the old gentleman put on his broad bonnet. His son said to him, "Father, why did you stand so long a time, with your bonnet in hand, and head bare, in this damp day, while that young man who talked with you, had his head covered?" To which the father replied, "Ah, my son, that's the young Laird.” "Laird or nae Laird, my worthy father," said young Wilson, "I wad na hae kept my bonnet in hand, and my auld bauld pow exposed to the cauld damp air, while he, a stripling forsooth, like myself, strutted about with his head covered.” "Ye wad na-say ye, callant? Then I'm afraid ye wad be accountIed a rebel." "Then I wad na live under sic a nobility, and sic a government as this." "And whare wad ye gang til laddie, then?" said the father, with some surprise. "To America, Father, I wad gang to America." It is certain that from that day he persisted in declaring that his mind was bent on quitting his native land; and on coming hither, where he might get rid of this aristocracy of manners; and where he might enjoy civil and religious liberty. After much entreaty, he obtained the consent of his fond hearted parents, who parted with him, with deep sor-row. And he landed in New-York in the year 1763, in the seventeenth year of his age. Having brought with him letters of recommendation to several worthy Scottish gentleman who resided in the city, he soon found employment. And he commenced, in the same city where he landed after his voyage across the Atlantic, his favourite, useful and honorable career of teaching the various branches, as well of a common, as of a more finished and liberal education. From New-York he was called to be Principal of the Academy in the town of Hackensack, New-Jersey, where he conducted that Institution (then in its infancy,) so as to raise its character, spread abroad its fame, and do equal honor both to it, and to himself. He was in Hackensack when the Revolutionary struggle commenced. I have now before me some anecdotes transmitted by his fellow patriot, Adam Boyd. Mr. Wilson was foremost in every measure resorted to for the defence, and welfare of his adopted country. In 1775 he signed the bond of the Association, which, says Mr Boyd, was in these words. "I promise to defend the rights and liberty of the United States, with my life and fortune." And most zealously did he redeem that pledge, says this veteran of SEVENTY SIX. His education, and extensive acquirements gained him a very considerable influence over his fellow citizens. When the daily duties of his school were closed, he seized upon every opportunity to expose the injustice, the arbitrary laws, and proceedings of the British Government toward the American States. He delivered har angues at their meetings, and wrote essays to encourage the citizens to make a bold stand against tyranny; to encourage them to learn military tactics, to shoulder the musket, and to stand forward in the ranks of the Militia. He continued these exertions until he and his associates had the pleasure of hearing the Independence proclaimed by the illustrious Patriots in the Congress of Philadelphia, A circumstance occurred about this time worthy of notice. One day a party of soldiers from a Scotch regiment, entered the house in Hackinsack, in which Mr. Wilson was residing. His lady, the daughter of Mr. Van Giesen, was, at that time, very sick, of which sickness she afterwards died. The officers were noisy, and exceedingly turbulent. Mr. Wilson reminded them that a helpless female was in the house; and was very ill. They were more turbulent if posible, and charged him and the family with being rebels. Mr. Wilson addressed them in a firm and dignified manner, and asked them if gentlemen-if Scottish gentlemen as they were, had been habituated to this conduct in their native land? A fine looking young officer, one of the number, fixing his eyes keenly on him said "Who are ye?" "I am Wilson," replied Mr. W. "What! are ye Wilson's son of Banff?" "I am, sir." It was the young Laid in whose presence he had seen his father humble himself. He had been sent over with his regi ment adhere they met. "Weel, weel, Wilson," cried the Laird-"I hope ye're nae rebel-and be that as it may, we'll mak nae mair noise here." All difficulty instantly ceased, and kind treatment followed. In the years 1777, and 1778 he was chosen a representative of the state in the Legislature. The circumstances attending that election were peculiar to that time which tried men's souls. The electors who came up to the pole, were such as were willing to come at the risk of a rope around their neck! "The British, forces," says Mr. Boyd, "lay at Brower's Hill, near the New Bridge, on the Hackensack River. We had no force to remove them. Forage, it was said, was their object. The number of electors who appeared at the pole, was SEVEN! Peter Wilson is the first on the list. There was a dead pause. The little band of patriots looked on each other in suspense. "Shall we proceed, or shall we decline?" It was carried triumphantly that they should proceed. Peter Wilson, John Ontwater, and Issac Blanch, were elected members of the Legislature: Peter Harring was eleted to the Council: Adam Boyd, Sheriff. Mr Wilson was continued in the Legislature, by annual election, until the year 1783. During the time he was in this body, he was always selected as the principal person to draft the laws of the day. And so high was his reputation as a civilian, that in the year 1783 he was appointed to revise, and compile the Laws of New-Jersey, up to that period. This was accomplished by him, to the approbation of the State, in a It is folio volume of 480 pages. known by the title of Wilson's edition of the Laws. Having served his country with unabating zeal and fidelity during the Revolutionary stru gle; he applied himself, after the peace, more closely than ever, to his Academy. His fame as a teacher was eminent. He had usually from 100 to 110 pupils under his care, chiefly from abroad. About the year 1783, and while Mr. Wilson was yet a member of the Legislature, the inhabitants of Hackensack, seeing the Academy of their favourite teacher flourish to such a degree, conceived the idea of applying to the Legislature for a charter of Incorporation for a College. Application was accordingly made.The plan was-that the late Rev. Dr. Derick Romeyn (afterwards President of Union College, at Schenectady) should be President; Mr Wilson, Professor of Languages. -But as Mr. Wilson declined, through motives of delicacy, to support in the Legislature this measure of his friends, it fell through. While engaged in his Academical vocation at Hackensack, he found time to study theology in a regular course; and to make himself well acquainted with Oriental literature. This systematick application to divinity was well known to his literary friends. In the year 1786 he received an urgent request to take license to preach the Gospel; and he actually received a very pressing call from the Reformed Dutch Church in Albany, under the care of the Rev. Dr. Westerlo, to become their pastor, and his Colleague. This call he positively declined, having been fully impressed with the idea that the LORD had designed him for usefulness in another sphere of life. This refusal highly incensed Dr. Westerlo, who thought that Mr. Wilson, like Jonah, fled from his duty, and refused to be useful in the cause of Christ. Afterwards how In the year 1793 he received the honorary title of Doctor of Laws from the Union College of Schenectady. Dr. Derick Romeyn was at that time the President. And to his influence is due the applause of this wise selection and well applied honour. He left Hackensack, and accepted the professorship of the languages, and of Greek and Roman Antiquities, in Columbia College, New-York. ever they continued to be very fast brought his mind to the resolution of friends. resigning his public offices. He had long sighed after retirement and quietness, that he might spend the evenng of life serenly, and peacefully, with a few friends, and his dear relatives, and in con anion with God. Accordingly, in 132, after having been twenty-six years Professorhe resigned his Professorship; and als,the PovoSTS P of the College. For he had been Provost of Columbia College, since the resignation of the Rev. Dr. Mason, in consequence of the Resolution of the Board of Trustees, that that office should devolve on the sentor Professor, who was Dr. W. And he retired, with the regrets, and affectionate acknowledgements of the Trustees, and the Faculty of the College; together with the warmest expressions of gratitude, for his unusually long, faithful and valuable services. Here too he maintained his rank, as an able Professor, gave ample satisfaction, and enjoyed the good will, and esteem of the Trustees, and students. He had not been long in this seat of science, when he received a pressing call to the Principalship of Erasmus Hall, in Flatbush, Long Island. This he was induced to accept.And, in a short time, this Institution became, under his genius, industry, piety, and talents, one of the most flourishing Seminaries in the United States. During his continuance there, it numbered annually from about one hundred and fifty to two hundred scholars, from various parts of our country, as also from the West-Indies and Europe, and it sent forth many pious, able, and excellent men, in the different professions. But he was not to continue long in this place. Providence designed him for a higher sphere of operation. He was called again to his former Professorship in Columbia College. He accepted it, and removed back into the city, among his friends, with the joyful anticipation of being useful and happy. ie continued in this honoured, and very useful station, discharging his arduous duties in the College, with great ability, and success; being honoured and loved by all who knew him, and enjoyed his friendship. In 1821 he felt the infirmities, and pressures of old age increasing on him to such adegree, that he at length And as a proof, both of the honorable feeling, and generosity displayed towards him; and of the estimation in which he was held by those who managed the concerns of that distinguished, and venerable Institution, it was unanimously voted that he should receive the half of his salary during his natural life. And this too, when his pecuniary circumstances were such as to render him comfortable without it. This testimony of regard and affection from the Trustees of the College, he ascribed to the partiality and kindness of his friends.The late John Wells Esq. as much distinguished as a citizen, as a learned and eloquent lawyer, was the person who first rose and made the notion, before the Board, to grant Dr. Wilson this annuity. He introduced his motion with an eloquent and truly touching speech. He delineated the character of Doctor Wilson: he dwelt on his eminent learning, and powers of mind; on the value of his services, to which he had given the vigour of his best days; the influence which his high charac |