Wood, James (1), Dd

Wood, James (1), D.D.

an eminent Presbyterian divine, was born at Greenfield, N. Y., July 12,1799. He graduated at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., in 1822, studied theology in the Seminary at Princeton, N. J.; was licensed by Albany Presbytery, and ordained and installed in 1826 as pastor of the Church at Amsterdam, N. Y., and retained this connection until 1833, when he became agent for the Presbyterian Board of Education, laboring in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with marked success; became professor of Biblical literature in the Theological Seminary at New Albany, Ind., in 1839; associate secretary of the Board of Education in 1854; president of Hanover College, Hanover, Ind., from 1859 to 1866; president of Van Rensselaer Institute, Hightstown, N. J., from 1866 until his death, April 7, 1867. Dr. Wood was a man of mark in his day, and occupied many prominent places of usefulness. In the controversies which resulted in the division of the Presbyterian Church, he was a very able and successful writer. His work entitled Old and New Theology is the most comprehensive, and the fullest exhibition of the reasons which led to the disruption that has ever been published. Its temper, tact, and conclusiveness are admirable. Dr. Hodge, late professor in the Theological Seminary, Princeton, N. J., wrote as follows: "In common with all his brethren, I ever regarded him as one of our best, wisest, and most useful ministers. The important positions which he was called upon to fill are proofs of the high estimation in which he was held. His sound judgment, dignified manners, amiable temper, combined with his learning and energy, secured for him a wide and happy influence in the Church." Dr. Wood was the author of a Treatise on Baptism (1850, 12mo): — Call to the Sacred Office: The Best Lesson and Best Time: — The Gospel Fountain (18mo): — Old and New Theology (1855,12mo): — Grace and Glory (1860,18mo). He published also four educational pamphlets, and contributed a Memoir of the Author to Rev. James Matthews's Influence of the Bible, etc. (Phila.). See Wilson, Presb. Hist. Almanac, 1868, p. 154; Allibone, Dict. of Brit and Amer. Authors, s.v. (J. L. S.)