The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-05-04

experience, the subordinate test of truth.
This feature of DR.. Hodges mind be-
comes especially marked, as 1 humbly
venture to suggest, in his treatment of
so called scientific skepticism, which is a
prominent feature of his greatest work,
and by no means the best part of it.
Here the ground is comparatively new.
The work to be done is that of pioneer,
a road-builder. The points of contact
between truth and error have not yet
been sharply defined. The tide of battle
GIBBS and flows across the "debateable
land" DR.. Hodges summary of opinions
often presents the appearance of raw ma
terial, and his opinions are by no means
so discriminating as in the older contro-
versies. The careful comparison of his
"What is Darwinism?" with the discus
sions of Janet, Flint, and Calderwood will
show exactly what is meant.
Most of our Presbyters, while rejoic-
ing in his testimony to the purely spirit
ual functions of the Church, will be apt
to follow Breckenridge and Thornwell
when they differ from him. This seemed
to be the general drift of opinion also in
the admirable American papers read be-
fore the Philadelphia Council. In max
ing the Spirit deOelHng IN the Church
rather than the Spirit speaking IN the
Word the legislative and organizing prin-
ciple, DR.. Hodge detected from the line
of true progress.
Nor does it seem likely that DIR.
Hodges views of the Federal Govern
ment, of the discretionary War Power
OF the national Executive, and of the law
fulness of the war made upon the South
ern States, are likely to commend them
selves to our approval. But it is pleas
ant, to see in all his expressions the depth
and fervor of his love to the land of his
birth. Such fundamental differences OF
interpreting brief instrument like the
Constitution reveal to us how much we
are all apt to bring with us when we sit
down to analyse. The moral of it all is
humility, patience, charity, and prayer
And then DR.. Hodge was for peace and
complete reconciliation when the war was
over. He was for generous measures to.
wards the vanquished, whom he deemed
to have erredgrievously, but whom never.
theless he held to be honest and true
men. His opposition to the "War De-
liverances of 1865, and his sympathy
for that prosecuted saint, Dr. S. B. Nc
Pheeters, were worthy alike of his clear
head and his gentle heart
But infinitely above all these differ
ences the Christian reader will regard
the greater lessons to be learned from
such life as this First of all is the
deep spirituality, the holy conservation
of the man. He was man of prayer
He had power with God-and, hence
with man. Next to this, is the lesson Of
patient labor, and labor for Christ. This
too is within the reach of any minister
or Christian. From this self-denying in
dustry nothing could turn him aside
Neither lifelong pain, endured with
sweet serenity, nor the delights of home
nor travel, nor friendly intercourse could
stop him. All these he had, and few Of
us who study can submit, as he did, to in
terruptions. But temporary detention
removed, as the magnetic needle to the
pole, so he turned to his work. Hum
bier capacities most of US have, but not
less of obligation to use the "one talent
or the "two" which may be confded to
us. Were the whole ministry to copy
this glorious example, wide differences in
ability would doubtless manifest them
selves, but what heart can conceive, OF
pen express, the. mighty results which
would accrue to the Church and the
world2 The coral-builders busily gath.
ering atoms Of limestone from the waters
of the ocean lay the deep foundations Of
beautiful islands, and in time furnish
homes for myriads Of men. Lastly, we
will all bear away with us from the peru
sal of DR.. Hodges biography new and
beautiful illustration of the value and
blessedness of having loving heart
| His lifelong devotion to the school com.