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Potts, George, D.D.

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Potts, John

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an eminent Presbyterian divine, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., March 15, 1802. Inn his father's family he enjoyed some of the best opportunities for forming his mind and heart. These were derived not only from parental counsels and instructions, but also from the frequent presence in his father's hospitable dwelling of refined Christian society. He had a good training for college, and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1819. He studied theology at Princeton Seminary, and was licensed even before graduation in 1823, and ordained as an evangelist Oct. 7, 1823; was pastor of a Church in Natchez, Miss., 182335; of the Duane Street Church, New York, 1836-44; and of the University Place Church from 1845 till his death, Sept. 15, 1864. Dr. Potts was an eminent preacher. He was a man of fine presence, and possessed of great oratorical abilities. But his aim in preaching was practical rather than doctrinal; his style full, and bordering on the figurative; his executive ability was remarkable. He engaged at one time in a controversy with the Rev. Dr. Wainwright, on the rites and discipline of the Episcopal Church, in a pamphlet entitled No Church without a Bishop. Strongly attached to the doctrines of his own Church, and laboring zealously for the promotion of its interests, yet he ever cherished the most kindly and fraternal feelings for the followers of Christ in every communion. He was, during his ministry, connected with various literary, benevolent, and religious institutions, and rendered efficient service in the cause of humanity. He published single Sermons, Addresses, Letters, etc. (1826-54), and contributed two Discourses to The National Preacher, The Character of Jezebel to Dr. Wainwright's Women of the Bible, and Introductions to Potts's Mary, Nos. 1 and 2. See Wilson, Presb. Hist. Almanac, 1866, p. 161; Appletons'Ann. Cyclop. 1864, p. 680; Wainwright, Women of the Bible; Allibone, Dict. of Brit. and Amer. Auth. s.v. (J. L. S.)