Second, in his most successful administration of the affairs of Princeton College while he was president of that institution.
Third, by his numerous, original, and powerful writings, chiefly controversial and philosophical.
The Rev. Charles Hodge (b. December 28, 1797; d. June 19, 1878) was a fine example of the modern expositor of the dogmas of Calvinism. Strong in conviction and persistent in purpose, a clear, logical thinker and writer, he naturally became a very powerful leader, his influence being particularly felt in establishing the present exalted position of the Presbyterians, especially of the old school division. This influence was wielded partly from his chair as Professor of Didactic, Exegetic, and Polemic Theology, and especially in the famous Princeton Review, which owes its greatness chiefly to his editorship and contributions.
Philip Schaff (b. 1819; d. October 20, 1893) is a type of the scholar who, through profound research and interpretation, has created an epoch in theology by his contributions to the nineteenth century, mainly in historical and exegetical branches.
Henry Ward Beecher (b. June 24, 1813; d. March 8, 1887) easily earned the reputation of the greatest pulpit orator of his day. As pastor of Plymouth (Congregational) Church in New York, his genius and remarkable eloquence attracted and held one of the largest congregations in the United States. Spontaneity, tact, emotion were elements of his oratory, and these were always supplemented by force, depth, subtilty, and quick grasp of intellect and heart. His versatility was phenomenal. Journalism, literature, politics, social life, philanthropy, parochial organization, and even agriculture and many other branches were touched upon by him, and all with results varying from excellent to extraordinary.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (b. May 25, 1803; d. April 27, 1882) passed through the career of teacher and preacher to that of general writer, lecturer, and poet. He should probably be classed with the metaphysicians or philosophers. His publication of “Nature” in 1835 marked a new era in American thought. From subsequent addresses and works may be dated the intellectual movement which was called Transcendentalism, and which was a reaction against formalism and tradition. He lacked the method essential to the foundation of a new philosophy, but his works form a permanent addition to the highest literature of the human race.
Phillips Brooks (b. December 13, 1835; d. January 23, 1893) was one of those phenomenal preachers of the century who won the hearing and hearts of his auditors by largeness and liberality of thought; spirituality, earnestness, self-sacrifice, and great love; and by beauty and poise of character. He seldom preached doctrine, but relied on the efficacy of ardent exhortation, and the finding and kindling of the good in each auditor.
CHARLES H. SPURGEON.
Charles H. Spurgeon (b. June 19, 1834; d. January 31, 1892) stands as a type of the great popular preacher and leader in charitable work. With Baptist view’s, he revived his own denomination and exerted a helpful influence on all others. No divine of his time swayed so resistlessly the immense audiences he attracted. His plain sermons were always lightened with happy illustrations and delivered with rare power and personal magnetism, and they had the exceptional quality of retaining much of their charm and persuasiveness when in print.