From His Graduation from the College, 1815, to His Graduation from the Theological Seminary, 1819
His preparation for College, especially in the Greek language, had been imperfect, and the effort which had been required to raise him to the high position in the class which he occupied at the time of his graduation, had decidedly taxed his physical strength. His mother, therefore, required him to return to her home in Philadelphia, and spend there a year in general reading, and seeking the recuperation of his health, before he should commence his direct preparation for a profession. Of this year, very naturally, but few memorials remain. He spent the winter as proposed, in Philadelphia, following a course of general reading, but the pain and weakness in his chest became the cause of serious uneasiness. After the spring opened he spent several months with his cousin, Mrs. Harrison Smith, at her husband’s country seat, in the neighborhood of Washington city, D. C. He afterwards related that Mrs. Smith made him drink, frequently, new milk mixed with honey, a prescription at once pleasant to his taste, and strengthening to his chest.
His cousin Jane, eldest daughter of Andrew Hodge, jr., and Nancy Ledyard, had, some years previously, married Dr. Robert H. Rose, an intelligent Scotch gentleman of
AQ JOURNEY TO SILVER LAKE. [iSi6.
great cultivation and taste, who had become the owner of a large tract of land in Susquehanna county, near the north-eastern corner of Pennsylvania. In that day the country to the north of Easton, at the forks of the Delaware, was, with the exception of the Wyoming valley, for the most part a wilderness, broken only here and there by clearings and humble homesteads. But Dr. Rose built on the banks of the beautiful Silver Lake a residence, which, more than almost any other then existing in the Middle States, took the place and fulfilled the offices of a country residence of an English nobleman. It was built of wood, yet of large proportions, and adapted to the entertainment of many guests, thirty at a time often staying with him for days or weeks, as suited their convenience. A large library, fine pictures and works of art, beautiful conservatories and gardens, and the eminent social gifts of the host, made the place a centre of attraction, and an astonishing oasis of civilization in the “back-woods.”
Early in July of this year, young Charles paid a visit to this hospitable house, making the journey from Philadelphia in company with his aunt, Mrs. Nancy Hodge. From Silver Lake he wrote several letters to his mother, two of which remain, which are given to the reader partly because they are among the earliest traces that survive of the pen of Dr. Hodge, afterwards so prolific.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Silver Lake, July ii, 1816. My Dear Mother. - — You most probably will have heard of our safe arrival here, long before this reaches you. It was just after sundown on Sunday evening when we came in sight of the Lake. We were much less fatigued than you would expect by our four days of constant riding and, part of the time, of constant jolting. The thirty miles we came on horseback affected aunt more than all the rest of the journey. A considerable part of the road between this and the city is dreary enough; scarcely any thing to be seen but fields filled with old stumps, and, in places on fire last spring, whole woods of
^.T. 1 8.] JOURNEY TO SILVER LAKE. 41
leafless and limbless trees. There are, however, some landscapes more beautiful and extensive than any I can remember ever to have seen. From a mountain near Easton there is a prospect as rich and widely extended as your imagination can well conceive. You see before you a fertile valley, through which the Lehigh and Delaware flow, and in which they meet. Easton is situated on the point of land formed by their junction, and beyond you perceive the long ridge of the Blue mountains, covered with the richest foliage. The whole of the ride from Tunckhannock, about thiily miles, is very delightful. * * * * *
They are all very kind, and have every thing about them they could wish. The place fully answers my expectations, and will be delightful when the country is more cultivated. * * * The lake proves an abundant source of amusement, and also of healthy exercise, as we often paddle about in the old canoe. We catch here the salmon trout, of which the Doctor is very proud, as he thinks they are to be found no where in the State but in his tract. He told me that if I turned out to be as clever a fellow as my brother Hugh, he should like to make a backwoodsman of me. * *” I feel the want of iny other pair of cloth pantaloons very much. Cousin and the Doctor have repeatedly asked me to spend the summer here, but my want of clothes, and the impossibility of getting them, if nothing else, would prevent it.
You would think it strange, perhaps, if I were to close my letter without saying a word about my health, but I have litde to say on that subject. I eat here, I believe, in one day as much as 1 did in a week in the city. My breast is sometimes painful, but not often, and my back is well enough if I do not stoop much.
The good people here desire their love to you.
My dear mother’s affectionate son,
C. Hodge.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Silver Lake, July 27, 1S16.
My Dearest Mother . — V^nly from being pretty constantly employed during the past week, but principally, I fear, from my procrastinating disposition, it is Saturday morning (instead of Monday or Tuesday, as I intended) before I am seated to fulfil my promise of writing to you before our return. As there is now no flattermg to-morrow for me to look forward to, it must be done to-day.
I feel, my dear mother, fully sensible that the present is one of the most important periods of my life, viewing it as one in which the
42 CHOOSING A PROFESSION. [18i6.
choice of a profession is to be made. Having left us to act freely in this respect, you are aware of the one on which, even for some years past, I have been conditionally determined. It is the one, I know in which, generally speaking, there is the least prospect of earthly happiness, since there are so many deprivations and inconveniences to which those who embrace it must submit, as they must be ever so much more at the disposition of others than of themselves. Yet I feel that it is the only one in which I could be happy, believing it to be the path of my duty.
Considering, therefore, my choice of a profession as made, the next most important points to determine are the proper time and place of preparation for its duties. And here, my dear mamma, I leave myself entirely at your disposal, not, however, without urging my own wishes, and endeavoring to convince you of their propriety.
Had I been permitted to act as my own dictator, my feelings would have led me, agreeably to the advice of friends as inexperienced as myself, to have entered the Seminary immediately after leaving College. From this improper step my mother saved me. Since that time, however, a year has passed, and I feel anxious to be engaged in serious study, fearing that if kept back for another year, the time will be even worse than lost. For I believe it impossible for any young man whose principal business it is to pursue an object as indefinite as general information, to make his progress in any measure co-equal to the value of his time. For you know that it is necessary for the powers of the mind to be more or less concentrated in order to produce effects. The acquisition of this kind of knowledge must be the gradual and secondary work of a whole life, rather than the main object of any particular period. Besides general reading as a business must be injurious, as it has a tendency to render the mind incapable of attention to severer and less interesting studies. But should you consider that another year thus spent is absolutely necessary, do you think the present the most proper time? Would it not be better to wait until after the three or four years of professional studies, when the mind will be more matured, the habits of study and attention more firmly fixed, the stock of information increased, and the capacity for improvement in every way enlarged? For my own part, I am convinced that the benefit of a year devoted to reading at that period would be nearly quadruple that of an equal period at the present. You remember that Dr. Alexander told us that if I were to spend a fourth year in reading under his (or their) direction, my progress would be greater than during all the other three together.
With respect to the most advantageous place for the prosecution
^T. 18.] TOUR THROUGH VIRGINIA. 43
of my studies, I think, my dear mother, you cannot hesitate between, on the one hand, a place in which I can enjoy the tuition of men of talents and information, whose time and attention are devoted to the improvement of their pupils, with the advantage of good libraries, of the pompany of persons of my own age engaged in the same pursuits, of being in a class, of constant recitations and lectures, and especially the advantage of a debating society attended by the professors of College and Seminary — and on the other hand, a place in which I must be under a private gentleman who is almost entirely occupied with other concerns, and in which I shall be destitute of nearly all the above-mentioned advantages.
I trust you cannot suppose that I am influenced in what I say by a childish fondness for Princeton. I am far from being sanguine in my expectations of happiness there. The College filled with strangers will not be the source of pleasure it was when it contained so many of my dear and affectionate friends, and I know that my situation must be far less pleasant in many other respects than it was when you were there. I am ever, my dear mother, your affectionate
Charles.
During the month of October of this year, young Charles had the great pleasure and advantage of accompanying Dr. Alexander in a tour through Virginia, among the scenes of the Doctor’s earher ministry. It was accompHshed chiefly in stages and on horseback. It extended over a hne of about 600 miles from Philadelphia and back again; from Philadelphia to Baltimore; thence to Harper’s Ferry, where the Potomac breaks through the Blue ridge; thence up the great valley thirty miles wide, reaching from the heart of Pennsylvania to the heart of Carolina and Tennessee, to Lexington, in Rockbridge county, where Dr. Alexander was born and educated; thence back to Staunton, and through Rockfish Gap, by Monticello and Charlottesville, and thence to Fredericksburg, where they attended the sessions of the Synod of Virginia; and thence to Washington, Baltimore, and home.
Our father used in after years to recount to his children, with great interest, the scenes of that memorable journey, and the happiness of that blessed companionship. He told
44 TOUR THROUGH VIRGINIA. [1816.
of the remarkable evidence given of the fervent and universal affection entertained for Dr. Alexander, and the enthusiasm of his reception. Of how often when under the excitement of his cordial greeting, the Doctor, shut up to the alternatives of laughing or crying, would be shaken with a nervous laugh, while shaking hands by the half-hour, and with hundreds of old friends. Of how the inspiration of the old scenes and of the familiar faces lifted the Doctor to his original elevation of extemporaneous and dramatic eloquence, from which he had declined since he had formed the habit of reading his sermons, as a city pastor in Philadelphia. Especially he referred with unabated wonder to two sermons preached by the doctor on this journey. Once, when he preached on the sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abram, he so minutely described and enacted the scene, that the entire audience were thrilled and rent as though they were actually present at the impending tragedy. Again, when he preached on the judgment of the quick and dead by the Son of Man, he so keenly apprehended the event as real, and so graphically described it, that at the crisis, when the trumpet sounded, and the great white throne began to descend, the entire congregation, by one impulse, rose, and bent to the windows, that they might see Him, and take their places among the multitudes thronging to meet Him.
But one letter pertaining to this journey remains.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Staunton, Va., Oct. 10, 1816. My Dear Mother: — I am now upwards of three hundred miles distant from you, and from almost all those who feel an interest in me. It often makes me feel melancholy to look on the map and see the very spot where my friends are, and then reflect what a space there is between us. I can in every hour of the day guess where you all are situated, and what you are most probably doing; but you can only think of me as somewhere or other far from you, engaged in scenes which your imagination cannot call before you. 1 expect therefore that you are oftener in my thoughts than I am in yours, at
^T. 18.] TOUR THROUGH VIRGINIA. c
least I can better bring you all before me from being acquainted with the places you constantly frequent.
The first opportunity I had of writing was on Friday evening after a fatiguing ride from Baltimore to Fredericktown, the hurried letter which I suppose you received a week ago. This last mentioned place we left between two and three o’clock on Saturday morning, when the moon, being full, shone with such brightness, that we could almost fancy it was mid-day. We rode eight miles to a place called the Trap, where we breakfasted just at day-break, when we had only ten miles to ride before we reached Harper’s Ferry. During this time we had frequently beautiful views of the mountains, and could generally trace the course of the Potomac by the fog which rises in the morning, and which enveloping the foot of the Ridge, leaves only the summit visible, resting apparently on the clouds.... After passing the Ferry and finding the stage was not ready, we hastened up the hill on the point formed by the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah, to Jefferson’s rock, and kneeling on that (for we were afraid to stand) we enjoyed the most beautifully grand prospect my eyes had ever witnessed or my imagination had ever painted. I shall not attempt to give you a description of the place, but only say that I think Jefferson less extravagant in saying that a sight of it is worthy a voyage across the Atlantic, than I did before I had seen it myself. When I return 1 will endeavor to give you some idea of it. We arrived at Winchester just at dark; the Doctor perceiving the Presbyterian Church was open, we put our baggage in the tavern and went up towards it. On our way we met Mr. Hill, the Doctor’s friend and the minister of the place, who insisted on the Doctor’s preaching, although he had risen that day at two o’clock, and had ridden fifty miles over one of the worst roads in the Union. Here I met my old class-mate. Baker, who took me home with him, where I was treated very kindly by all of them (there were no less than half a dozen young ladies there). The next day being Sunday, and their communion season, Dr. Alexander preached in the morning on the text, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things?” He was as usual most excellent and affecting. We left Winchester about three o’clock Monday morning, by moonlight... and our next stopping-place was Woodstock, the county-town of Shenandoah, and this being their court-day, the whole place was filled with the oddestlooking, old-fashioned German men and women I ever saw. The Doctor enjoyed the scene very much, and was constantly telling me not to laugh, while his own mouth was wide open.... Wc slept that night at New Market, and before three the next morning we were in the stage. It was exceedingly cold until the sun rose; we rode
45 ENTERED THE SEMINARY. [1816.
forty-five miles, and arrived at Staunton about four in the afternoon. Here we spent Wednesday and Thursday at Dr. Waddel’s, Mrs. Alexander’s brother, who is quite a young man. I received here all the kindness and hospitality which I could expect or wish for even in Virginia. A Mr. McDowell, a friend of the Doctor, was so kind as to lend us each a horse; so on Friday morning we left Staunton for Lexington on horseback, and arrived there between five and six. This ride of thirty-five miles fatigued us more than all the rest of our journey together. I feel much better this morning, but my limbs yet ache a good deal. We are to visit the Natural Bridge on Monday, which is about fifteen miles from this. Then we are to return to Staunton, and on Monday week we are to leave Staunton with the two Misses Waddell.” They will drop me at Charlottesville for a day to visit Monticello. They intend to stop at the Doctor’s brother-in-law where I am to rejoin them on Wednesday evening. We shall then proceed to Fredericksburgh, get there on Friday, and, the Synod meeting there, we shall stay until the beginning of the next week, for the Doctor to see his old friends who will be there. We shall then take the steamboat for Washington, then the stage to Baltimore; then the steamboat to where my dear mother and brother now are.
I have been very happy during this jaunt (except when I felt uneasy about the state of my funds, which has sometimes even kept me from sleeping.) I have met with a great deal of kindness, and of course like the people very much. The Doctor is the man of men, talks a great deal about the country as we pass along, and tells me anecdotes of himself suggested by the sight of places where he used to be. I have much less pain in my breast than I had before I left home. I expect to return quite well.
I remain, dear mother,
Your son, C. H.
ENTERED THE SEMINARY.
On November 9th, 18 16, Charles Hodge was matriculated as a student in the Princeton Theological Seminary. This institution was founded in 1812. Dr. Archibald Alexander was the first professor, and sole instructor, until the accession of the Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., December 3d, 1813. At first there were neither public buildings nor libraries. The houses of the professors were used as places for recitation and worship. The main Seminary edifice, supplying
JET. 1 8.] TJ/E FIRST PROFESSORS. 47
apartments for dormitories, library and public meetings, and recitations, and for the residence of the steward, and the refectory was opened for use in the autumn of 18 17, when only the two lower stories were finished. Charles Hodge was the first student who ever preached in the new Oratory, that sacred room with which his person and voice has been associated for sixty-one years. The residence so long occupied by Dr. Alexander, was built early in 18 19. The corresponding house at the other end of the main Seminary building, occupied by Dr. Hodge for fifty-three years, was built during the latter part of 1824. “The matriculations of students were in 1812, nine; in 1813, sixteen; in 1814, fifteen; in 18 15, twenty-two; in 18 16, twenty-six; in 18 17, twenty-three.”
As the theological character and life-work of Dr. Hodge was determined by the discipline he received in this Seminary, and especially as he always affirmed that he was moulded more by the character and instructions of Dr. Archibald Alexander, than by all other external influences combined, I will quote at length the information given by the biographer of Dr. Alexander, as to the characteristics of the first professors, and as to their methods of instruction during the first years of the Institution.
“All Dr. Alexander’s life long he was free to acknowledge that his training, however laborious, had lacked much of the vigor and method of the schools. Theology had, indeed, been the study of his life. During his residence in Philadelphia he had gathered about him the great masters of Latin theology, whose works appeared in Holland, Switzerland, Germany, and France, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. A rare occasion of adding to his stock of Dutch theology was afforded by the sale of a library belonging to a learned minister from Holland, the Rev. Mr. Von Harlinger, of Somerset. These Reformed divines he regarded as having pushed theological investigation to its greatest length, and compacted its conclusions
48 THE FIRST PROFESSORS. [iSi6.
into the most symmetrical method. He once said to the writer, that on a perplexed subject he preferred Latin to English reading, not only because of the complete and ingenious nomenclature which had grown up in the dialectic schools of the church, but because the little effort required for getting the sense kept his attention concentrated. His penchant for metaphysical investigation urged him, from an early date, to make himself acquainted with the philosophies of the periods, from which each system took its tincture, and without which it is impossible to survey the several schemes from a just point of view. Thus he perused, and generally in their sources, not only the peripatetic and scholastic writers, but the treatises of Des Cartes, Leibnitz, Wolff, and Voetius. And there was no subject on which he discoursed with more pleasure and success, than upon the exposition and comparison of these ingenious, though now exploded, systems. He made himself familiar with the Christian Fathers, both Greek and Latin, and perused them at intervals during forty years. He did not confine himself to writers on one side. Through long years he was wont to seek with patience the best works in defence of popery; the argumentative dissertations of the extreme Lutherans and Dutch Remonstrants, as well as the Fratres Poloni, and other champions of Socinianism. It need scarcely be added that he was familiar with English theology, as treated both by authors of the Established Church, and by the great non-conformist divines. His recent travels in New England, and the prevailing excitement caused by the speculations of Hopkins and Emmons, served to keep him observant in regard to the phases of opinion in the American churches. As it respects his own conclusions, he has left on record the statement, that on his return from New England, and during his residence in Philadelphia, his views, which had been somewhat modified by eastern suggestions, began to fix themselves more definitely in the direction of the common Westminster theology.
“Although called primarily to be a teacher of theology, in its stricter acceptation, he was led both by strong native tastes and by convictions of reason, to give first attention to the criticism and interpretation of the original Scriptures. With the Greek, as has been intimated, he was sufficiently familiar to be a competent instructor, but Hebrew literature was in its infancy in America. The works of Gesenius were as yet unknown, and the learned labors of Gibbs and Stuart had not been given to the world. Even in New England the vowel points were for a time held in suspicion, and those who desired to penetrate their mysteries were fain to seek often the different and rare volumes of Buxtorf, Leusden, and Opitius. Conscious of his own imperfect knowledge, he modestly, but indefatigably, set about the work of inculcation. For a number of years, and with increased ability, he worked this field, until relieved by the services of a beloved pupil, the Reverend Charles Hodge. Criticism and hermeneutics was a department which had great charms for him, and by extensive reading, compiling and original investigation, he prepared to furnish a system of instruction, which for years he delivered as lectures, a number of which still remain among his papers. To this he added copious instructions in Biblical Archaeology, on which he prepared numerous discourses, and which remained under his control for many years. No man looked more reverently upon the typical Christology of the Levitical law; and none of his pupils can forget the awe with which he approached the recesses of the expiatoiy system, or the felicitous use which he made of the altar and the propitiatory, in his more purely theological exposition of the atonement.
“Deeply persuaded that many theological errors have their origin in a bias derived from false metaphysics, he set about the methodizing of his thoughts upon mental philosophy. The German philosophy was yet unknown among us, and he was never led to travel the transcendental, or
50 THE FIRST FROFESSORS. [1816.
high “a priori road,” but treated mental phenomena on the inductive method, as the objects of a cautious generahzation. While he uniformly recommended the perusal of Locke, it was, as he often declared, not so much for the value of his particular conclusions, as for the spirit of his investigation; the calmness, patience and transparent honesty of that truly great man. He likewise expressed great favor for Reid, Beattie, Buffier, Campbell and Stewart, with whose general methods, as well as their views of intuitive truths and constitutional principles of reason, he was in agreement, while lie dissented from many of their definitions, distinctions and tenets. From these topics he turned to the closely allied domain of Natural Religion. While he was far from being a rationalist, he was never satisfied with the tactics of those reasoners, who, under the pretext of exalting revelation, dismiss, with contempt, all arguments derived from the light of nature. He rendered due homage, therefore, to the labors of such writers as Nieuwentyt, the younger Turrettin, and Paley, and spent much time in considering and unfolding, with nice discrimination, the various schemes of argument for the Being and Perfections of God, and the necessity and antecedent probability of a revelation. Connected closely with this was the discussion of Ethical Philosophy, in which he taught, from the outset, the same doctrines which have been given to the world in a posthumous work.
“The anxieties belonging to an attempt to lay down the great lines of a method for teaching the whole system of revealed truth, to those who were to be the ministers of the Church, were just and burdensome. As compared with those later methods which grew out of continued experience with successive classes, they were probably more extemporaneous and colloquial; there was more use of existing manuals, and less adventure of original expedients. Dr. Alexander, herein concurring with Chalmers, conceived that theology was best taught by a wise union of the text book with the free lecture. Finding no work in English which entirely met his demands, he placed in the hands of his pupils the Institutions of Francis Turrettin. It would be very unjust to suppose that the young men were charo-ed with the tenets of Turrettin, to the injury of their mental independence. Dr. Alexander often dissented from the learned Genevan, and always endeavored to cultivate in his students the spirit and habits of original investigation. He very laboriously engaged in making such brief aids, in the way of syllabus and compendium, as might furnish to the student a manageable key to the whole classification. He prepared extensive and minute questions, going into all the ramifications of theology. He assigned subjects for original dissertations, which were publicly read and commented on by both professors and students; a near approach to the acts held in the old university schools, under the scholastic moderator. To this were added the debates of a theological society, meeting every Friday evening, always on some important topic, and always closed by the full and highly animated remarks of the professor..
“The division of his department into Didactic and Polemic Theology, which the Plan of the institution made imperative, gave the professor an opportunity to go over all the leading doctrines in the way of defence against the objections of errorists, heretics and infidels. In doing this he brought to bear his remarkable stores of recondite reading. He gave the biography of eminent opponents, clear analyses of their systems, and refutations of their reasons. What might be considered by some an inordinate length of time, was devoted to the cardinal differences, such as the controversy with Deists, Arians, Socinians, Pelagians, Arminians, Papists and Universalists; all being made to revolve around the Calvinistic system, which, upon sincere conviction, he had adopted.”
Dr. Samuel Miller was elected Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Church Government, in 181 3. After his acces-
52 ROOMS AND ROOM-MATES. [1816-19.
sion, the entire instruction of the Seminary was divided between Dr. Alexander and himself. “He brought with him a high reputation, as a preacher and author, and a Christian gentleman. His name was widely known from his ‘Retrospect of the Eighteenth Century,’ and more recently from his defence of Presbytery, against the attacks of Doctors Hobart and Bowden.”
Hugh Hodge, in referring to his brother Charles’ Seminary life, remarks that “now he began to discover considerable facility in acquiring knowledge, although he was not much of a student.” This judgment must be understood, in view of the fact, that Hugh was eighteen months the elder, that he matured much more rapidly than his brother, and that he was himself beyond all his associates distinguished for the strictness of his method, the extent of his patience and power of self-denial, and the absoluteness of his devotion to his duty. The correspondence of Charles with his mother shows, that during his Seminary course, he attained to the habits of an earnest and successful student. He boarded and lodged at Mrs. Bache’s during the first year of his Seminary course. As soon as the public building was ready for use, in the fall of 1 8 17, he took up his abode in it. During his junior year, he had for his room-mate, Thomas Jacob Biggs, afterwards Professor in Lane Seminary, Cincinnati. During the middle year, John Johns, afterwards Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Virginia; and during the senior year, Thomas Scudder Wickes, afterwards a pastor in the state of New York. With all of these brethren Mr. Hodge formed intimate friendships, cherished by him with warm affection all their lives. But the mutual love of Charles Hodge and John Johns was singular, and in the experience of either of them, had no rival of its kind. It burned brighter and brighter for sixty years on earth, till now, after the briefest separation. Episcopalian and Presbyterian brother are together forever.
^T. 19.] HIGH SPIRITS. 53
His most intimate friends among his classmates in the Seminary, were Johns, Mcllvaine and Wilham Nevins, They were an exceedingly joyous and playful company. Dr. Hodge afterwards, writing of Dr. Miller, said, “Our class, one of the earliest, tried his patience a good deal. We were not bad, but boyish. One particularly, afterwards one of the most distinguished and useful ministers of our church, the late Dr. William Nevins of Baltimore, was so full of fun and wit, that he kept us in a constant titter. The good Doctor wore out his lead-pencil in thumping the desk to make us behave, but he was never irritated. He made allowance for us boys, knowing that we loved and reverenced him.” He often told us how Nevins’ seasons of playfulness were followed by reaction and depression, and of his spending a large part of the night with him, seeking to restore the cheerfulness of his faith and hope. Also, how after he became assistant teacher, he was once called upon to minister to the conscience of the eccentric, but highly talented George Bush, who was overwhelmed with fear of the desertion of God, because he had killed a mouse.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, Jan. nth, 1817.
My Dear Mother: — I am not quite so lazy here as I am when at home. Yesterday morning I rose with the prayer bell, and I have now been up more than an hour, and have seated myself to write before eight o’clock.
Our ride from the city here was very pleasant, as the roads are good, and the weather, especially in the morning, was very agreeable. Elizabeth found a young lady, formerly a school-mate of hers, in the stage coming on to Princeton, so that she had not to depend on poor me for the pleasures of conversation. For my part I never was more sensible of the superiority of the talents of ladies for talking than they made me.
Your son, C. H.
54 CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS MOTHER. [18i7.
FROM THE SAME TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, Feb. 21st, 1817.
My Dear Mother: — We, the theological students, have entered upon the attempt of learning singing with considerable spirit. We have formed ourselves into a society, to be called The Musical Association of Princeton; have a constitution drawn, and no less than five officers, President, Vice-President, two Choristers, and Secretary. Biggs is our Secretary. Eaton, an excellent singer from the eastward, is President. We are to meet once a week, alternately on Monday and Wednesday evening. Ladies are to attend and enjoy the privilege of members on invitation. I hope it may succeed and be useful in improving us all in the important as well as pleasing art of singing. Dr. Alexander is very warmly in favor of it, and the ladies of his family are as zealous in the cause as we can be.
Your son, C. H.
FROM THE SAME TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, June 24th, 18 17.
My Dear Mamma: — Here I am once more in our little study fixed for another session. May the blessing of heaven rest with me here, as the kindness of providence has followed me during my absence, and may the richest mercies be multiplied to you, my dear mother and brother.
My love to Cousin Susan. Yours, C. Hodge.
FROM THE SAME TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, July 4th, 18 17.
My Dear Mother: — Caroline wishes to stay and hear Mr. Larned, who is to preach for us next Sabbath in the Hall. I hope they will conclude to remain, as I wish Miss C. to admire Princeton more than merely passing through would lead her to do. The better known, the more beloved — happy the person or the place of which this is true. And I believe, as it regards most people, it may be said with strict propriety of this little favored spot.
I am very glad you can perceive an improvement in my writing. I feared it was too small to be noticed. I write my copy regularly.
Your son, C. H.
.ET. 19.] CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS MOTHER. 55
FROM THE SAME TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, July 15, 1817.
Dear Mamma: — The Sabbath the Miss Bayards were here, Larned* preached, as was expected, his last sermon. The Hall was quite crowded, there being a considerable number of strangers present, and curiosity or a regard for the preacher enabled many of the inhabitants of town to overcome their reluctance to attend our church. They were, however, amply repaid, for Larned preached with a degree of eloquence which few could equal. The ladies bore, by their tears, testimony to his superior powers, and many of his fellow-students, who felt as though they were never to hear him again, were not much less affected than the ladies themselves. He has gone to New York to be ordained, and then intends to spend six or seven weeks with his friends. It is probable he will visit most of the Atlantic towns between this and Savannah as an agent for collecting funds for the Seminary. This is the plan, should Dr. Romeyn decline going. From Savannah he proceeds to New Orleans, there to remain and labor for the establishment of a church in that spiritual
wilderness.
Your son, C. H.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, Dec. 13, 1817.
Dear Mother: — We are very much pressed in our studies, so that I begin to feel as Hugh used to do, at seeing so much more before me than I can accomplish. But it is not in my nature to worry myself much about what I cannot help, and it is surely best to do as much as you can and let the rest go. I shall arrive at this conclusion and make a practical use of it much sooner than he (Hugh) has done, though he says he has at length attained it. What is dearly bought is highly valued. I trust, therefore, he will take care not to lose the power of looking at what he cannot accomplish or attain, without feeling too great dissatisfaction with himself.
Dr. Alexander recommended to us this morning at recitation nearly thirty different works, giving such a character of each as to excite a strong desire to read them, which must be done next week or left undone, for we then pass on to a new subject, on which we may expect a similar supply. One great thing, however, we learn —
* A prodigy of early eloquence, whose name is often mentioned with those of Whitefield and Summerfield; he shone brightly for a few years, and then closed his career in New Orleans.
5 6 CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS MO TIIER. [ 1 8 1 8.
that is, where information is to be found when we shall be more at leisure to attend to these copious sources. And another benefit is, that to be constantly occupied is to be happy, provided you are convinced that the occupation is important in itself, and proper for you. Accordingly I never was in better spirits than I have been in, all this session,. Up before sunrise, and not to bed ever much before twelve. But four evenings in the week we are occupied until nine, before we can get to study.
Susan Beattie (whom perhaps you may remember), the only daughter of Col. Beattie,* died on Tuesday morning, between sixteen and seventeen years old. I do not remember ever to have been more shocked than I was when I heard of her death. Scarcely eight days before, I saw her apparently enjoying the most vigorous health. Her hold on life appeared firmer than that of any of her companions, and the prospect of length of days was to few more flattering. She was one of the pall-bearers for Susan Bayard, and now they lie mouldering together in mournful contiguity in the house of silence, where the intercourse of friendship never can be known.
Your son, C. H.
P-CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, March 22, 1818.
Dear Mother: — My duties are so numerous and constant that there is not an hour in the day in which I feel at liberty to attend to what is foreign to my present pursuits. I am happy that such is the case, being persuaded that it is necessary ybr me to be pressed forward, in order to do all I am able to accomplish. It has the effect also of making my time pass by on eagle’s wings. I often think of Mr. Bayard’s telling me that as we grow old, our years, like the circumference of an inverted tea-cup, become less and less. I should feel old indeed if I judged of my age by this criterion, and young indeed if I judged by what I have done. Rapidly as our days and years are flying on, how difficult is it to realize that they are hastening to a close. In looking forward to the end of life, it appears no nearer now than it did five or six years ago; yet it is more than probable that half of my race is already run, and perhaps much more than half. Would that I could act accordingly!
Your son, C. H.
* Father of the venerable and universally beloved Rev, Charles C. Beattie, D. D., LL. D., of Steubenville, Ohio.
iET. 20.] LIFE IN SEMINARY. 57
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, April 2, 18 18. My Dear Mother: — My dear brother’s letter gave me more pleasure than I ever before received from anything of the kind — perhaps much more than he experienced himself, as constitutionally he is not as much affected by these things as I am. To be crowned at the close of a hard-fought course is the highest gratification pertaining to this world, and to see a brother crowned is even sweeter still. It has made xrvo. proud oilivm., though I think I never was more grateful for any blessing than for his success. To be thankful for the past, and to trust (yet with diligence) for the future, comprises no small part of our present duty. When the more important race of life is run, may my dear brother then receive an applauding welcome, and a crown of glory which fadeth not away!
Your son, C. H.
Hugh had graduated with the highest honors from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and in order to secure the means for perfecting his professional education in Europe, he sailed as surgeon of the merchant ship Julius Caesar from New York for Calcutta, September 8th, 18 18.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, Sept. 10, 1818,
My Dear Mother: — Every circumstance appears to conspire to render the prospect before our dear treasure pleasant and flattering. The gentlemen he goes with are, I expect, more than usually estimable. The Captain has a high character for amiability as a man and skill as an officer. And the ship is new, strong, swift, and handsome. We have indeed much reason for gratitude for the present and the past, and should therefore with cheerful confidence commend to God the keeping of the gift He Himself at first bestowed, and has thus far so graciously enriched and preserved.
When at Rockaway, as I had never seen nor heard the sea, as soon as we got there, though quite dark, I went out alone to go down to the beach, where the roaring was really dreadful, and not being able to see the water, and being quite alone, surrounded by the gloom of darkness, I felt chilled almost with a kind of horror of the ocean, and could not bear the thought of my brother ever venturing on its
58 LIFE IN SEMINARY. [1818.
bosom. But when the sun had in the morning gilded the expanse, the awful was changed into the beautiful and sublime, and I wished
myself at sea.
Your affectionate son, C. H.
I have found among his papers a small roll inscribed, “Correspondence of C. H. and S. B., 18 17 and 18 18.” These are the remains of an exchange of letters he kept up with his future wife from the first of his Seminary life until their marriage. As a fair specimen of this remarkable love-letter writing, I record the following, written from Princeton, in 1 8 18, day and month not given.
My Dear Sarah; — Our intercourse for some time past has been, as far as it is carried on by writing, not only very irregular, but very trifling. What can be the reason of this? Does a note of more than half a dozen lines require an effort which our feelings are inadequate to produce? Or are we really so constantly employed that a fortnight affords no half-hour on which affection might seize to devote to an occupation it considers and constitutes delightful?
But this is not the worst of it. Where, my dear Sarah, is our religion? Why have we banished it from our conversation and our writing? Can you recollect for weeks its being the subject of either? This change I know is to be attributed in a great measure, and perhaps entirely, to myself. I have never been enabled in all I have said to you to meet the difficulties you so constantly feel. Perhaps it would be right, therefore, not to attempt it again, but to commend you simply to the grace of God and to the teachings of His Spirit. But I think there is one thing which has not sufficiently engaged your attention, and which is of great practical importance. That is, that faith itself is the very first duty God requires us to perform, without which it is impossible to please Him in any thing. All attempts therefore which men so frequently make to obey before they believe, is proceeding in a way directly the reverse of what God has prescribed. All our ability to obey is obtained by faith. Nothing else will purify the heart. It is by faith that we become united to Christ, in whom all our strength resides. He then that wishes to attain to holiness will be disappointed after all his efforts, unless he begins by believing. It is to this single point then that our first and our constant efforts are to be directed.- It is but “looking unto Jesus,” as dear Armstrong told us yesterday. Until this act be performed we are struggling in our own strength, we are warring at our own charges; but as soon as we believe the battle becomes the Lord’s, then all His attributes are engaged to subdue our sins and secure our salvation. And, my dear Sarah, the reason why persons truly pious make so little progress and meet with so many discomfitures is because they do not carry on the conflict in the right way. They endeavor to subdue their corruptions by arguing with themselves and bringing up motives to holiness, instead of using faith. That is, instead of throwing all upon Christ and pleading at the moment His promise to deliver us from sin. If we appeal to Him with confidence. He will never fail to appear in our behalf. And this is the course, my Sarah, I would recommend to you. Use Christ as though He were your own; employ His strength, His merit, and His grace in all your trials. This is the way to honor Him. Fear not that He will be offended at the liberty.
Princeton,, 1818.
With regard to the subject of the first part of your last note, my dear Sarah, I have thought that a view presented some time since by Dr. Alexander would be of use to you. In speaking of the justice of God in the punishment of sin, he observed that it was the foundation of the whole plan of redemption; for had there not been some absolute necessity, arising from the nature of God, that sin should be punished, how can we suppose that He would make the infinite sacrifice of His Son, rather than permit it to pass with impunity. Besides, as God is not only Holy, but Holiness itself, and as sin is the direct [opposite of holiness, it follows from the nature of things that God must be opposed to sin, and of course to any being whose moral character it constitutes. But he to whom God is opposed cannot dwell with Him, and would not if he could; for the soul polluted by sin would find the purity of God more insufferable than the torments of hell. But not to dwell with God is by necessity to be miserable. And as sin is rebellion, self-destruction, and an attempt to destroy the peace and happiness of the universe, can God be unjust to confine its perpetrators, that they may not make His holy creation miserable, or to punish them for their malicious opposition to all that is good. Thus you see, my dear Sarah, that sin and misery are inseparably united from the nature of things, as well as from the holy decree of God. Pray for light, for that wisdom which comes down from heaven; and for your encouragement hear Him say, “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth liberally and upbraideth not.” There is more to be learned by prayer than by study. Beware, however, how you procrastinate and where you rest. Remember that every foundation is sandy save (7«e — that is, Christ. Blessed be the Lord forever that there is one. To Him, my love, go.
Go now, stay not, till by the use of means you make yourself better. This is not the purpose for which they were intended. Wait not till your heart becomes penitent and humble, but go with a proud heart for Him to change. This is the blessing you want. Then go as you are, since He alone can give you what you need.
Our mother always attributed her religious life to the instrumentahty of her young lover and husband. In Aug. 4th, 1820, she writes:
“I love to feel myself bound to you by indissoluble ties that not even the grave can change — to feel that after being cherished and guided by you through time, I shall, through your instrumentality, stand by you purified before the throne of our Heavenly Father when time shall be no more. Can any conception comprehend the ecstacy of such a moment, or any earthly happiness equal it? Am I guilty of detracting from the true source and first cause of all happiness when I suppose that even in heaven it may be augmented by the reflection that a beloved partner was the means of our attaining it?”
About the middle of October he attended the meeting of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, held in Reading, about seventy miles north-west from the city, and passed his examination preparatory to licensure. He then went from Reading through Easton and Wilkesbarre to Silver Lake, from which he wrote.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Silver Lake, Oct. 26, 1818.
Dear Mother: — I met with a kind reception from the Doctor and
Cousin Jane. Every thing is very delightful in this fairy place. The
Doctor has made several considerable improvements since I was here
before, and he bids fair soon to raise his country seat to a full equality
with the villas of foreign lands.
Your son, Charles.
JOHN JOHNS TO CHARLES HODGE.
New Castle, Nov. 2, 18 18. Dear Charles: — I missed the pleasure of seeing Earned and Breckenridge. Not expecting any of my friends on that day, I had gone out of town. * * * I do hope most sincerely, my dear brother, that you have been recruited by your jaunt to the Lake. I feel more apprehensive for you now I must be separated from you, than when I could be constantly with you. I add another expostulation to the many already given that you commence this session with a determination to be more attentive to your health than to your studies. Friends, duty, usefulness demand this of you. Go see Sarah as often as you please, if nothing else will keep you out of your room, and tell her you are following my prescription. Guinea Lane (now Witherspoon street) is more salubrious than Silver Lake to some constitutions.
Although I have not roamed much since I saw you, yet I have studied but little. Turrettin De Vocatione, IViiherspoon’s treatise on Regeneration, Doddridge s Series of Sermons on the same subject, Leiand’s View of Deistical. Writers, and a few reviews, and several biographical sketches connected with church history, comprise my labors.
I have attended a good many societies here, and several out in the country. In’ these last I have been prevailed upon to exhort, and have found more freedom than I ever expected on such occasions. When my own heart is affected and the people seem attentive, it is the most delightful thing, and I was going to say the easiest thing, in the world to talk to a few who have assembled to worship; but, dear Charles, it is heavy work, inexpressibly heavy, when views are dark and the affections languid. Very little experience on a contracted scale has taught me what I had often heard before, that nothing but sincere, deep and ardent piety will do for a minister of the gospel. I trust that I sincerely feel its necessity in a greater degree than heretofore, and hope that this conviction is the precursor of greater communications of grace and strength than I have hitherto enjoyed.
Dear Charles, write soon. J. J.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, Jan. ir, 1819. My Dear Mother: — Johns communicated to us the death of our brother Newbold. Dr. Alexander, speaking of the event before the Seminary, said: “As to John Newbold, I always thought that man, since I first knew him, one of the very best men I ever saw. I never knew a youth in whose piety I had greater confidence. It was not only genuine, but he possessed the deepest sentiments of piety. He had an intellect of the first order, and though the impediment in his utterance might have prevented his being popular as a speaker, yet he had a mind capable of the deepest and clearest investigation.” The Doctor then gave some particulars of his life and prospects.
Such a testimony from such a man is a better legacy to friends than the richest bequests of princes.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, Feb. i, 1819.
My Dear Mother: — The third and last year of my continuance at the Seminary is so rapidly passing by, that I cannot prevent myself from frequently looking forward to its close, and asking the question — “Where am I to go?” or “What am I to do?” And it is almost time that an answer to this question was prepared. For it is of so great importance that it would be wrong to defer it so long that the decision should at last be made without much deliberation. Unless I am greatly mistaken in my own heart, 1 have scarcely a wish on the subject save that the path 1 pursue may be the path of duty. Under Him, whose I am by particular obligations, I feel at the disposal of you and Dr. Alexander; and should you agree in marking out the same course, I trust I should tread it with cheerful feet. It is of great importance to have some definite object placed before us to engage our minds and interest our feelings. Something at once great and good, on which we can dwell with complacency, to which we can feel consecrated, and for which we might be constantly preparing. I have often congratulated Nevins and Mcllvaine on their possessing this enviable advantage, but now their prospect is as indistinct as my own.*
1 hope to see my good brother Johns before a great while. I wish you would send me by him a little bag oi gingerbread to eat after our long society evenings. You may smile at this coming from a man — but Johns will tell you it is worth being laughed at to gain so substantial a good.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, Feb. 10, 1819. My Dear Mother: — I do not feel very impatient or anxious about the course I am to pursue on leaving the Seminary, except that it will be necessary to decide before the meeting of the General Assembly, in case it should be thought expedient for me to take a mission either through the Western or Southern States. This is the plan which Davis urges. He intends to travel in the character of a missionary over almost all the Union, and is quite anxious I should join him. Without my knowing it, he mentioned it to Dr. Alexander, who
* The mission to South America to which these brethren had been designated had been abandoned because of the state of that country.
it. 21.] SELECTION AS TEACHER. 63
said it would be an excellent thing for me, especially should my health need establishing. But this is all his doing. For myself I have scarcely thought of it for a moment, and at present have no more plan than I had a year ago. I laughingly told the Doctor he must dispose of me before a great while. He asked if I would be willing to go where he would send ine. I said “Yes.” “Take care,” says he; “1 may shock you when I come to tell you what to do.” But I am not afraid of him. The dear little man has been unwell two or three times this session, and as he won’t take exercise, he is in danger of becoming quite enfeebled.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER,
Princeton, N. J., March 31, 18 19. Dear Mother: — They have at last commenced the house for Dr. Alexander. It is to be built on the Seminary grounds, having its front fourteen feet nearer to the road than the front of the main building. It is to be of brick, which will be very ugly, unless they intend painting it white. The dear little 7nan will then be so near the Seminary, I am afraid, he will never take the least exercise. Walking from his study to recitation, under a pretty heavy burden of clothes, is now nearly all he makes out to accomplish.
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, April 21, 18 19. My Dear Mother: — The close of session brings with it an additional burden of duties. During the last week mine has come upon me all at once, for it has happened that several extra exercises have devolved upon me at the same time. I have now to prepare for a difficult discussion by Friday evening, which will keep me diligent until it is over. I suspect that I shall always have stimulus enough of this kind to make me undertake as much as my strength is able to accomplish. My character for diligence is better than for any thing else, I am afraid. One of my fellow-students, who is quite fond of me, said the other day I must be a fool if 1 did not know a great deal, for I study so much. This is a difficult alternative to choose between — folly and great knowledge.
It became more and more evident that Dr. Alexander must be relieved from some portion of his onerous duties, and that the faculty must eventually be enlarged by the addition of a third professor for the Department of Biblical Literature and Exegesis. The Doctor’s preference was to
64 SELECTION AS TEACHER. [1819.
train one of his own students for the position. He had, in the first instance, made overtures to this end to Mr. John Johns, who, having graduated from the College of New Jersey with the first honor in 18 15, had afterwards spent two years in the Theological Seminary, exhibiting the same high qualities as a scholar and Christian. But Mr. Johns, one of whose parents was a Presbyterian and the other an Episcopalian, was at that time debating the question as to which denomination he should ultimately attach himself He in the end, with the advice of Dr. Janries P. Wilson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, and assent of Drs. Alexander and Miller, decided to enter the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which eventually he became so bright an ornament. The reason, on the part of the two Princeton Professors, for their part of the decision, was that, in their opinion, Mr. Johns, as providentially situated, and as characterized by his decided evangelical and Calvinistic sentiments, could do more good in the direction determined on than in the other.*
* Bishop Johns was brought up in the bosom of a pious and highly cultivated family. His father, Judge Johns, was Chancellor of the State of Delaware. In his native town, Newcastle, Delaware, there were two churches, the one Episcopal, of which the Rev. Mr. Clay was rector, and the other Presbyterian. Each of these ministers had an additional country parish; and they so arranged it that they never officiated in the town the same part of the day on Sunday. Hence it was that the same congregation went in the morning to the one church, and in the afternoon to the other. In Chancellor Johns’ family, some of the children were Presbyterians, and others Episcopalians. Under these circumstances, it was not surprising that the bishop, in the early part of his preparatory course, was undecided as to the Church in which he should minister. The late Rev. Dr. James P. Wilson, an eminent Presbyterian minister, before he embraced the ministry, was a distinguished lawyer, and an intimate friend of Judge Johns. It was under his advice that the bishop decided to enter the ministry of the Episcopal Church. ‘’ This decision,’’ says Rev. Dr. Hodge,” although neither of us at the time knew anything about it, determined my whole course in life. When Dr. Archibald Alexander was appointed professor in the Seminary at Princeton, he had under his care the departments of didactic, polemic and pastoral theology, together with instruction in Hebrew. He soon found that this was too burdensome, and therefore determined to select some young man on whom he might devolve the Hebrew department. He selected Johns. When he decided to enter the Episcopal Church, he took up with me. Johns was
ptT. 21.] SELECTION AS TEACHER. gr
In the morning of May 6th, 1819, young Charles Hodge, then approaching the end of his Seminary course, happened to call upon Dr. Alexander in the study in the wing of the small wooden house on Mercer Street, first door east of the Episcopal Churchyard, which the Doctor occupied before his entrance upon his permanent residence. After the business which brought him had been transacted. Dr. Alexander, without preparation, suddenly said: “How would you like to be a professor in the Seminary?” Our father often in after years told us, that this question overwhelmed him with surprise and confusion. The thought had never entered his imagination before. The Doctor, without waiting for an answer, said: “Of course I have no power to determine such a result. It will depend upon the judgment of the General Assembly. Say nothing now, but think upon it. My plan for you, at present, is simply that you spend the next winter in Philadelphia learning to read the Hebrew language with points with some competent instructor.” A week afterwards Mr. Hodge wrote to his mother as follows:
CHARLES HODGE TO HIS MOTHER.
Princeton, May 13, 1819. My Dear Mother: — The subject of my last letter has occupied my mind a good deal, though I have not come to any very definite determination. Did the duties of the contemplated office require me to give up the prospect of preaching altogether, I think I should not hesitate in declining it; for I believe that preaching the gospel is a privilege superior to any other intrusted to men. But this is not necessary, for our professors preach now nearly as much as the stated pastors of congregations. This being the case, I think the comparative
always first — first everywhere, and first in everything. His success was largely due to his conscientious determination always to do his best. He was always thoroughly prepared for every exercise in college and in the seminary. He would be able, day after day, when in the seminary, to give what Turrettin, our text-book, calls the state of the question; that is, the precise point at hand, then all the arguments in its support in their order, all the objections and answers to them, through the whole thirty or forty pages, without the professor saying a viOTd.^ — Communicaled by the Rev. Prof. Joseph Packard, D. D. AlexanJrid, Fa.
66 GRADUATION FROM SEMINARY. [1819.
usefulness of a teacher in such an institution as this, and that of the generality of ministers, will not admit of much doubt. It is evident that the moral influence of Drs. Alexander and Miller on the character of the Church is almost inconceivable; for they in a measure impart their own spirit to each of their pupils, who bear it hence to spread it through the lesser spheres of which they may become the centres. The very fact, therefore, of a man being pious in this situation makes him the means of incalculable good. It seems to me that the heart more than the head of an instructor in a religious seminary qualifies or unfits him for his station. This is a very serious aspect in which I have been led to look at this subject, and which renders it so responsible that I sometimes fear to undertake it.
With respect to my competency for the duties of the situation, I believe it will depend more on diligence than on natural talent. My attention will not, as you appear to suppose, be confined to the study of languages, and therefore no talent I may possess can lie unemployed, but will doubtless be put to its utmost strength. It will, however, be of great advantage to me that it will be necessary to become in some measure familiar with the dead languages; for I am convinced that they are as essential to a student as tools are to workmen of a different kind. I know I could have made a better choice (for the situation) than our dear professors have made, but the risk in this respect belongs to them. I feel myself too much disposed to look on the bright side of every thing I contemplate. Perhaps I may be corrected of this error before I am gray-headed.
As the event of this plan is and must for some time continue to be uncertain, every thing does not depend on my present determination. I do not think I have any right to dispose of myself, as I am not my own; but my duty is confined to the single point of trying to find out what the will of God regarding me is. I know no better way of learning this than by waiting the event — that is, to take the preparatory measures Dr. Alexander proposed for the ensuing year, and then to consider it my duty to proceed, should the way be opened, and if it be closed, consider it an indication that my path lies in some other direction.
Your son, C. Hodge.
EXTRACT FROM THE MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE DIREC-TORS OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY SEPT. 27, 1819.
“The members of the committee who attended the examinations were highly gratified, both with the manner in which the examination was conducted, and with the manner in which the students acquitted themselves.
^T.2i.] GRADUATION FROM SEMINARY. 67
“The committee, therefore, recommend that a full certificate of their having passed through a complete course of theological education, agreeably to the plan of the Seminary, be gJVen to the following young gentlemen, viz.: George S. Boardman, Remembrance Chamberlain, Samuel S. Davis, John Goldsmith, Charles Hodge, William Nevins, and Aaron D. Lane.”
These Diplomas or Certificates of having passed through the entire Seminary course were pubHcly distributed to these young men the next day, September 28, 18 19.