The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-06-13
DIR. HOGE AND THE SECOND PRES
BYTERIAN CHURCH.

Last Sabbath was memorable day to the
members of the Second Presbyterian Church
in this city. Their pastor, d.. Hoge, minis
tered to them for the last time before leaving
to attend the Presbyterian Council in Gdin-
burgh, and the Sacrament Of the Lords Sup"
per was observed by q large body of com
municants. On the Friday previous, at the
preparatory service, eight children were bap
tized, aud enrolled as the covenant children
of the Church. The Session received five
persons on profession of faith, and nine on
certificates from other churches. At the af-
ternoon service of Sabbath very large con-
gregation, including many ministers, and
friends belonging to other denominations,
listened with tender hearts to DR.. Hoge's
sermon from the words, "Abide with us, for
it is toward evening, aud the day is far
spent" After an application of the text to
the circumstances of the occasion he closed
with these words:
"And now for season in suspending my work
among you | may be pardoned if even 10 the pull
pit, which is not the place for the indulgence OF
personal feelings, snatch the opportunity which
this parting moment sHOrdsfOr saying how earnest
" [ desire that the services in which we have so
often united our hearts and voices here, may be
made permanent blessings to your souls.
Everything relating to this pulpit. to this house,
to this congregation to this church. is dear TO nae.
( pastor who has never had but one charge in all
his life is bound by peculiar ties to bis people ALI
the accumulated interest and affection of his life is
centered and concentrated on them. He has iden-
titled himself with them by long years of experience
in common joys and sorrows He has visited their
sick, and buried their dead, and wept with their
bereaved. He has baptized children dedicated to
| God by their parents 10 covenant conservation lie
has seen these children grow up, and then, upon
their own profession of faith, received them into
the communion of Gods people.
He has tried to smooth the path, and cheer and
comfort the hearts of the aged upon whom the IN.
frmities of years press heavily. In word he has
become SO identified with his people as to have nc
interest apart from theirs mo wish so strong and
warm as to see them happy in the possession OF all
| temporal and spiritual good. Aud these feelings
have been intensified when pastor has spent bis
life among people who have given him thou
sand reasons for honoring and loving them. Never
was happier lot than mine so far all these rela
tons are concerned. There has never been ripple
upon the smooth and bright current of my eccesi
astica life. have had my trials and sorrows, but
they have not come from an inharmonious, unap
preciative, unresponsive people No pastor ever
had the support Of church officers more confding
more considerable, more chershing, or Of church
members more indugent or more devoted. AND
among those who often gather here, who are moi
members of this or any church, how many are
there whose kindness shown in thousand ways
has bound them to me in the bonds of friendship
never to be broken.
And now what return can [ make for it all bu
to pray that grace mercy and peace may rest upor
every soul to whom [ have ever ministered-tha
every fondly remembered name may be written il
the book of life-that when the changes and sepa
rations of the present world are over, we may have
our happy home together in the Fathers house
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ~
When pastor thus departs it is delight
full to call to mind, as in SO many other cases
at this very time, that he is remembered ii
the prayers of his flock. Though far sepa
rated, they are all alike near to the mercy
seat, and the overshadowing wing of TIT
same Almighty One can make them happy
and safe at all times and in all places.