The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1867-07-16

REV. Moses D. HoGE, D. D.-A TOUCH
ING TRlBUTE.-The following interesting
correspondence has been drawn forth by
the announcement that the Rev. DR.. Hoge,
pastor of the Second Presbyterian church,
has under consideration call to the pas.
torate of the church of that denomination
in Lexington. Although the field to which
he is invited presents an exceedingly
promising aspect and abundant opportu-
nifty to do good, we cannot but express our
hope that the distinguished divine, whose
services to the Richmond public during
nearly quarter Of a century have en-
deared him to Christians Of every denomi-
nation, will feel it his duty to remain in
our midst:
"R1cHNoND, VA, July l2, 1867.
:" Rsy. II. D. Hoge, D. d.:
"Dear Sir,-The undersigned, citizens
Of Richmond, having learned that call to
the charge of a church in another commu-
nifty had been placed in your hands, and
was now held under consideration by you,
deem it meet and proper to take this op-
portunity Of expressing to you our high
appreciation of your labors in our midst
as a citizen, friend, and minister of the
gospel-labors which have been blessed in
a remarkable degree in Strengthening the
hands and cheering the hearts not only of
your own peculiar charge, but of the whole
community, in their times Of trial and sor-
row, and which have met with rich re-
ward in being made the instruments of God
in the salvation of many souls.
"It is, then, with deep concern that we
hear of even proposal to remove from US
one whom we regard as invaluable to our
community, and especially to the young
men Of our city, whp have become attached
to you by all the ties Of friendship, esteem,
and reverence; and we would with all
respect beg you take into consideration
this extended and still extending field of
usefulness which is open to you in this
city before deciding upon an acceptance of
the oHer now in your hands, and if it is at
all consistent with your sense of duty, to
continue to us and our people your minis
tratiOns.
eve hope, reverend and dear sir, that
you may still see the hand of God point
ing YOU to continued labor in this field,
where for more than twenty years you
have enjoyed the undivided esteem and
affection of all ages and classes Of the
community.
Whatever may be your decision, we
beg you to accept our warmest sympathles
and sincerest good wishes"
[Signed By several hundred of our most
prominent and professional business men,
independent of denominational connec-
ton.
The reply of DR.. Hoge, written on the
eve of his departure from the city, shows
that he has not yet decided as to his duty
in regard to the step.
RICHMOND, VA, July 13, 1867.
"RObert 4. Lancaster, Esq, and others:
"Gentlemen,-Having made my ar
rangemcnts for leaving town on Monday
for a visit to the Virginia Springs, can
not be satisfied to 60 without making some
acknowledgment of the letter which has
Just been placed in my hands. No token
of public regard has so touched my heart
since l commenced my ministerial life.
Comiug, asit does, from those who are not
connected with my church, and repre-
sentng so many denominations Of Chris
tians, am profoundly affected by such m
expression Of good will on the part of
gentlemen so deserving Of my respect. Be
assured that whatever my decision may be
with regard to the can 1 have received to
another field of labor, shall never cease
to remember your Kindness with CRATE
full emotions. And what has added new
value to it, is the fact that the bearer Of
YOUR letter was my venerated friend Gene
raj William RI Richardson
Yours most respectfully and truly,
"(Signed) Moses d. HoGE."
The leading ministers Of the various de-
nominations in the city have also signed a
similar communication, which is to be for
warded to Dr.. Hoge at an early day.