[1] In 1774, Davidson was also licensed to preach, and a year later was ordained by the second Philadelphia presbytery, becoming Dr. Ewing's assistant in the first church.

In 1775, he composed a metrical dialogue, which was recited at commencement before the Continental Congress, and in July of the same year, one month after the battle of Bunker Hill, delivered before several military companies a sermon from the text “For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God.” [1] In 1777, the occupation of Philadelphia by the British compelled Davidson to retire to Delaware.

After Dr. Nisbet's death in 1804, Davidson discharged the duties of president of the college till 1809, when he resigned.

His son, Robert Davidson, clergyman, b. in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1808; d. in Philadelphia, April 6, 1876, was graduated at Dickinson College in 1828, and Princeton Theological Seminary in 1831.

After his resignation in 1842, he held pastorates in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1843-1859, New York City in 1860-64, and Huntington, Long Island, in 1864-68, moving again to Philadelphia in the latter year.