BY THE SAME AUTHOR.

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY. By CHARLES HODGE, D. D., LL. D., of Princeton Theological Seminary. Complete in three vols. 8vo, tinted paper. Price in half calf, per set of three vols., including Index, bound in with Vol. III., $22.50; in cloth, vols. I. and II., $4.50 each; Vol. III., $5.00; Index Vol., $1.00; the set in a neat box. $15 00

THE SAME, complete in three vols., including index 12 00 The latter sold only in sets.

WHAT IS DARWINISM? 1 vol., 12mo, cloth 1 50

DISCUSSIONS IN CHURCH POLITY, from the contributions to the Princeton Review, arranged by Rev. WILLIAM DURANT, with a Preface by Rev. A. A. HODGE, D. D. One vol., 8vo. . $3 50

EBHalsworth

CONFERENCE PAPERS

OR

ANALYSES OF DISCOURSES, DOCTRINAL AND PRACTICAL;
DELIVERED ON SABBATH AFTERNOONS TO THE

STUDENTS OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY,

PRINCETON, N. J.

BY

CHARLES HODGE, D.D.

A

NEW YORK.
CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS,

743 AND 745 Broadway.

1879.

PREFACE.

FROM the time of its foundation it has been the habit of the professors of Princeton Theological Seminary to meet the students every Sabbath afternoon, for prayer and conference on themes relating to the life of God in the soul, and to the practical duties having their root therein. The members of all the successive classes will bear testimony to the unique character and singular preciousness of these Sabbath afternoon Conferences in that sacred old Oratory, whose walls are still eloquent to them with imperishable associations. Here the venerable professors appeared rather as friends and pastors than as instructors. The dry and cold attributes of scientific theology, moving in the sphere of the intellect gave place to the warmth of personal religious experience, and to the spiritual light of divinely illuminated intuition. Here in the most effective manner did these teachers of teachers set the crown upon their work, and herein they exerted by far, their most widely extended and permanent influence. Here they sought rather to build up Christian men, than to form accomplished scholars, and to infuse into their pupils the highest motives, and to instruct them in the wisest methods for their future work of saving souls and of edifying the Church of Christ.

The text or topic for consideration was announced at the preceding meeting. The professors presided in turn, and were called upon to speak in the inverse order of seniority, the professor presiding for the day coming last. For many years, the discussion was opened by remarks volunteered by the students, but in later times, the entire hour has been occupied by the professors.