Charles Hodge (1797-1878)

Charles Hodge was a leader of the ‘Princeton School’ of Reformed or Calvinist theology, and the principal of Princeton Theological Seminary (1851-78).

He was a conservative American biblical scholar and one of the greatest defenders of historical Calvinism in the USA during the 19th century. His theology was based on traditional beliefs.

Charles spent most of his adult life at Princeton University. Time Line
1812 Charles matriculated from College of New Jersey (now Princeton University (PU)
1814-5 Revival came to the PU in the winter
1815 he graduated and made a public profession of faith by joining the Presbyterians
1816 entered the theological seminary in PU.
1820 appointed teacher at PU in May
1821 he is ordained into the ministry
1822 became professor of Biblical and Oriental Literature
17th June marries Sarah Bache
1825 founded the * Biblical Repertory *
1826-8 abroad attending lectures in Europe
1840 chair of exegetical and didactic
1851-78 principal of PU
72 24th April Jubilee and Celebration of 50 years with PU
78 died 19th June

Charles wrote copiously from the beginning to the end of his theological career,
His master work, the 3 volume Systematic Theology was an unashamed defence of the tenets of the Presbyterian church. (See ‘Thought and works’)

He founded the Biblical Repertory ( later the Biblical Repertory and Princeton Review) in 1825 and remained editor and principal contributor for 43 years - the year he died. He contributed nearly 150 articles to the journal.

In the 1830s he had supported slavery; by 1846 he became convinced that slavery was wrong. He publically deno

He educated more than 3,000 ministers of the Gospel. He achieved distinction as a teacher, as a critical interpreter, preacher, and systematic theologian At conferences he spoke with clearness and logical precision but with spontaneity and tenderness.

At the 1872, 50 year Jubilee celebrations 400 of his own pupils, colleagues and representatives from various theological institutes assembled to honour him. Congratulations arrived from across the globe.

Devotion to Christ was foremost in his experience, and it was the test by which he judged the experiences of others.

Charles died on 19th June 1878 in Princeton. He had enjoyed old age surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
To his daughter he said, Dearest don’t weep. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. To be with the Lord is to see him. To see the Lord is to be like him.

Source used
American Theology