[An American Reformed Princetonian Old-School Presbyterian Divine]
Melancthon Williams Jacobus Sr. (1816–1876), born the nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord 1816, at Newark, New Jersey, was raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, receiving early instruction in the sacred Scriptures. Distinguished by gifts of mind and seriousness of purpose, he pursued his studies at Princeton College, whence he graduated with honors in 1834, and thereafter devoted himself to the knowledge of divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary, completing his course in 1838. The Lord called him to the pastoral office at the First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn, where for nearly twelve years he ministered faithfully, expounding the Word of God with clarity and fervor. Impaired in health, he journeyed abroad for restoration, returning to accept the appointment of Professor of Oriental and Biblical Literature at Western Theological Seminary in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, a charge he discharged with eminent fidelity from 1852 until his decease in 1876. During these years, he likewise undertook the pastorate at Central Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, laboring both in the academy and the pulpit for the edification of Christ’s flock. Dr. Jacobus was esteemed among the brethren for his soundness in doctrine and clarity in exposition, as attested by his celebrated commentaries upon Genesis, Acts, and the New Testament, which are marked by devout spirit, learned research, and evangelical application. In 1869 he served as Moderator of the last General Assembly of the Old School Presbyterians and, in 1870, jointly presided over the first Assembly of the reunited Church, ever laboring for the unity and purity of the faith. Having run his race with perseverance, Dr. Jacobus entered into his eternal rest on October 28, 1876, leaving a legacy of erudition, godly zeal, and steadfast devotion to the cause of Reformed truth.
Melancthon W. Jacobus, Last Old School Moderator – Presbyterians of the Past
HIS WORKS:
Exegetical Works: