"the basis of all true social prosperity and advancement."97 He reminded members of the congregation that there were two distinct dangers which he wished to warn people against. The first he spoke of was "the danger that arises from husbands and fathers letting their pleasure or business so absorb their time as to lead them to neglect their homes."98 The second "concerns mothers of families. Sunday schools are very useful. But they will do more harm than good if they are made an excuse for neglecting the religious instruction of children at home; and parents are making a terrible mistake if they think they have performed their duties to their children by simply seeing that they go to Sunday school."99 Once again George Hodgson's personal beliefs in the fundamental importance of sound education as a means of achieving a Christian lifestyle were clearly in evidence. The Reverend Mr. Hodgson also attempted to keep close links between his congregation and the congregations of other churches which shared the Tractarian influences in their mode of worship. To this end he was invited and accepted the offer to preach in the Mission Chapel in St. John, New Brunswick in early December of 1882. His appearance attracted "large congregations". "The services were, as usual, conducted with full ritual and the Psalms and Canticles chanted to Gregorian tones, The theme of the preacher in the morning was the Incarnation, which was ably and eloquently treated."10 In the obituary which followed the death of the Reverend G.W. Hodgson , he was characterized as a man who held very strong views on religious questions but was no bigot. It was said that unlike many men of strong convictions, George Hodgson was always ready to explain his positions to those who did not see eye to eye with him. Still, his main aim was to bring individuals closer to God: As a preacher, Mr. Hodgson was a most eloquent expounder of God's word. Simple, clear and practical, his words sank deep into the minds of his hearers, and no man could listen to his impressive sermons without deriving some good from them. We have heard many sermons of his, and they were all marked by the same earnest spirit of Christian piety. The dry bones of theology found small place in his teaching; he thought the Christian religion was intended to guide men to heaven, and he sought to make it serve that sublime end. He did not think it necessary to encumber the path with obstacles arising out of 97. Ibid. 98. Ibid. 99. Ibid. 100. Daily Telegraph. December 11th, 1882. 73