The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1865-08-03
Our late venerable father was a Christian


he learned well how to study to advantage,
and how absolutely necessary it was to carry
on painful investigations afterwards, in order to
enjoy any degree of success in his profession.
He studied every subject thoroughly and
profoundly; in other words, he completely
mastered it. Nor did he confne his studies
to the sacred Scriptures, but familiarized
himself with all the discoveries of science,
and was particularly well read in astronomy,
natural philosophy, and anatomy, as we'll as
in the -profounder researches of metaphysi-
clans. He had acquired such an extensive
knowledge of law and diplomacy, that he be-
came "a book of reference to many of the
State legislators on all that pertained to the
Constitution, respective relations and laws of
the Provinces before the Federal Union was
formed. He seemed to have the history of
that chaotic period perfectly clear in his mind,
as well as the transaction of every convention
Sis,.S eonsS fslated the independence of the
provinces. He could explain the compro-
misses, concessions, and adjustments made by
the different States that originally formed
our mighty Republic, with greater accuracy
and facility than many of our gifted states
men that made it a professional study. In
deed, one Of the most eminent jurists in the
State said, in my hearing, that he believed him
to be the best statesman in our commonwealth.
The vast and varied powers of DR.. Hoge
were not confined to the individual church of
which he was pastor, but were largely enjoyed
by the whole denomination to which he be-
longed He never appeared to better advan-
tage than in our church courts there he was
a giant among his brethren. His personal
influence, his practical wisdom, his extensive
historical knowledge, his clear mind and
logical powers told eiectually whenever they
were brought to bear on any subject He
did not say much, as general thing, on any
question, but when he rose it was usually
done just before taking the vote to state some
important fact, or mention some overlooked
principle, that decided the case. He never
argued for the sake of carrying his point, or
showing his power, but because he conscien-
tiously believed it to be his duty to do So
So great was his influence over the Synod,
that large number of its members, on an
important occasion, tried to have the roll so
called that DR.. Hoge's vote might be cast
last, lest it should influence all that followed
him; for they felt that it was impossible for
many men to see differently from him on any
subject,
If asked how we account for his great
usefulness, we of course ascribe it all to the
distinguished grace of God. No man was
more ready than DR.. Hoge to say, 'What [
am, | am by the grace of Cod Yes, it was
all-rich, free, unmerited grace But this
grace, in making him chosen vessel, was
manifested in the ways and methods likely to
zee such character as his.
was also n child of the cayeuant-
We have spoken OF the piety of his paternal
ancestry. On his mothers side he had the
same blessing. The connection between the
prayers of Gods people and the conversion
and usefulness of their posterity is often hid
from u.s. but in the next world we may see
it in manner that will surprise US. How
many able ministers there are now on earth,
who have been raised to their present position
in answer to the prayers of ancestors who
never saw them, no man can tell.
Dr. Hoge greatly extended his usefulness
by his enlarged Christian hospitality. His
house was open to all ministers of the gos-
pei, and, indeed, it was for many years the
resort of many of all classes. OF course, he
was sometimes imposed on but he bore this
patiently. Nor did he lose his reward
Many pleasant scenes were witnessed by his
family Intelligent Christian gentlemen's
visits refine, enliven, and bring down many
blessings on a well-ordered household.
DR.. Hoge also well understood the mean
ing of the apostle when he said, mo man
that warreth entangleth himself with the af-
fairs of this life, that he may please him who
hath chosen him to be a soldier Upon re-
Election and deliberaton he renounced wealth
and its temptations. At one time he was
offered on terms quite accordant with his
means thirty thousand acres of fine land in
Madison county; but he saw the effect it was
likely to have on his ministerial character
and usefulness, and declined the offer. He
had some experience of the increasing cares
attending growing fortune, and although
the scantiness of his salary, during a cOnsid-
erable part of his life, would have furnished
very plausible pretext to many to embark
in secular pursuits, he determined to mind
his calling, which was serving Christ in the
gospel His decision was wise. He never
did regret it. Even here, he has Gleft his
children a better heritage than boundcss
wealth a good name is rather to be chosen
thsf great riches Yet DR.. Hoge was inde
pendent in his old age.
DR.. Hoge's reverence for sacred things
was marked and lifelong He never 'wooed
smile, when he should win SOUL lie
was always fluent, never fippant
And he made men feel 'how awful good
ness is His presence hushed indecent levi
ty. Yea more, it commanded profound re-
spect. On one occasion he was called into
court as a witness. The clerk was about to
administer the usual oath. The counsel Of
the party who had summoned him, said, 'Mr.
Clerk, you need not swear that witness.'-
Without the oath the court permitted him to
give his testimony, and it was decisive of the
case.
DR.. Hoge was one of the remarkable
men of the age. Tall, erect, active, and in
ured to the privations and hardships of
pioneer life, he bore the weight of accumu-
iating years with unusual vigor and strength,
and did not shrink from the great work of
his youth and manhood in old age. Modest,