The Humphreys family in America - citizen hylbom blog

Moderator of the General Assembly of the then Old School Presbyterian Church, and his sermon,
called "Our Theology,"' preached at that time, is still circulated by the Presbyterian Board of
Publication. During this year he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Hanover College,
Ind. In 1853 he was appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, Professor
in Princeton Theological Seminary. This he declined, but soon after accepted the Professorship
of Church History in the Theological Seminary in Danville, Ky. It was during the later years of
his residence in Danville, 1861-66, that the exigences occasioned by bitter and disastrous civil strife
called into prominence many of his distinguishing characteristics. Among these Vere his unwaver-
ing loyalty to the National Government, together with a magnanimity and conciliation of spirit,
which were potent influences in hastening the return of concord and amit}-, both in society and
in the church. In 1866, in response to an urgent appeal, he returned to Louisville and gathered
together a remnant of his old church, which he had left in so prosperous a condition, but which
had been rent and nearly destroyed by the differences engendered by the war. This new organi-
zation was called the College Street Church, and under his ministry became one of the largest
and most influential churches in the city. He continued his labors as pastor and preacher until
1880, when he retired from the active duties of the ministry. Since that time he has been
engaged in literary and theological pursuits, and still resides (1885) among the people to whom
he has devoted so mnch of his life. In 1S71 his Alma Mater, Amherst College, conferred upon
him the degree of L.L. D.
It will be noticed that the positions which Dr. Humphrey has occupied during these years
have demanded rare qualities and gifts. With these he was peculiarly endowed. His preaching,
so distinctive as a simple and earnest presentation of the Gospel, enhanced in attractiveness by
convincing argument and impassioned eloquence, has made him distinguished as an ambassador
of Christ. None who have enjoyed the privilege of listening to him could doubt that his commission
was received from the Master's hand, and that his eloquence was inspired by the Holy
Spirit. Thus the effect of his preaching has always been not only to move and convince his
hearers, but to arouse them to high enthusiasm for the truth, asserted as with the power of God.
As a theological teacher, his knowledge of Sacred History and his unique methods of imparting
truth' not only stimulated the imagination of his pupils, but gave them the philosophy of the
subject and stores of definite information. Dr. Humphrey's public life covered a period in the
Presbyterian Church in which great questions of polity and theology were considered; and his
power in the discussion of vital subjects, together with the clear and calm judgment he brought
to bear upon them, impressed itself with controlling influence upon the great Assemblies of the
Church. His gifts as a leader among men could not fail to be recognized, as with commanding
presence and persuasive eloquence he thrilled and convinced his hearers. His power over these
Assemblies was all the greater because always modestly and courteously exercised in the spirit of
love. In advocating measures which seemed to him of great importance, all felt that his fervor
was inspired by the strength and courage of his convictions rather than by any personal considera-
tions. He has always been a man greatly beloved by his ministerial brethren, and in all the
relations of life. While Dr. Humphrey was loyally devoted to the interests of the Presbyterian
organization of his early association, designated as "Old School," so long as it remained a
separate organization, he has been no less zealous in laboring for the unity of the whole Presby-
terian Church throughout the land, and was foremost in promoting it in special crises of its
history. His theology has always been conservative, and with unwavering belief in the truths of
God's revealed world, he has, throughout the whole course of his ministry, "earnestly contended
for the faith which was, once for all, delivered to the saints."
In considering the laws of heredity, it is interesting to observe with what striking similarity
the qualities and traits that distinguished Dr. Ileman Humphrey appear in this his eldest son.
Res. (1885) Louisville, Ky.