Charles Hodge (1797-1878) was the chief theologian of Old Princeton, and an earnest advocate for men called to preach the gospel to do so with all the faculties at their disposal. Chief among these, he argues, is a knowledge of the original languages.
"Let candidates for the Ministry lay this subject to heart," he writes in this short work. "Let them feel the responsibility which rests upon them to prepare, not in the easiest, but the best, manner their circumstances permit, to understand, explain, and defend the truth of God. Let them resolve to be Bible men — men mighty in the Scriptures; let them determine to read a portion of the Word of God in the original every day; what they commence as a task, they will soon continue as a delight. If the remarks which we have made are well founded, it must be admitted, that a knowledge of the sacred languages is one of the most essential qualifications for the Ministry; and if this be admitted, then may we confidently hope, that no conscientious candidate for the sacred office, will neglect to make this important attainment."
"Let candidates for the Ministry lay this subject to heart," he writes in this short work. "Let them feel the responsibility which rests upon them to prepare, not in the easiest, but the best, manner their circumstances permit, to understand, explain, and defend the truth of God. Let them resolve to be Bible men — men mighty in the Scriptures; let them determine to read a portion of the Word of God in the original every day; what they commence as a task, they will soon continue as a delight. If the remarks which we have made are well founded, it must be admitted, that a knowledge of the sacred languages is one of the most essential qualifications for the Ministry; and if this be admitted, then may we confidently hope, that no conscientious candidate for the sacred office, will neglect to make this important attainment."
