The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1906-06-13

simplicity and enforced earnestly His preaching was
P"NeIul and accompanied with the demonstration of
the spirit His prayers offered IN humility and sin
oefity were heard From day to day the fruit OF his
l"DorS appeared and by the end the week some
twenty persons were ready to connect themselves
with the Presbyterian Church besides others who aft
forwards united with sister churches Much the
larger portion of those who joined the Amelia Church
mad heretofore no utilization with it and were re
ceved by baptism. Both he and | were thankful TO
God for his lovingkindness and happy in the bless
ing which had been bestowed.
As about to enter the pulpIf on Sabbath
morning | requested DIR. Hoge to receive the new
members INTO fellowship with the church. as most of
them had to be baptized, and | had never admins
tered TINS ordinance to adults He thought for a mo-
mcnt and then said with tenderness but emphasis:
mo, SIR! No. sir! You their pastor. Now is
the time to gather their affections about YOU and
this Is the way to do it. Do it yourself" felt the
lorcc oil what he said and knew that it was useless
TO say anything more; when the time arrived |
announced the names, propounded the usual ques-
tlons commended them to the fellowship of the
brethren made brief address of encouragement and
eNhortation, led the congregation in prayer went
down and administered the ordinance of baptism to
those who had not already received It, returned to the
pulpit, gave out hymn and took my seat beside
him, feeling nervous and abashed
An incident then occurred which | have never for
gotten; forget. As | sat down he moved ND
closer to me, took my hand his pressed ii and
said feelingly You did it first rate first rate!
could not have done it better myself This was
revelation to mea revelation of the big heartedness
OF the man, of his desire to cheer, strengthen and
help me- And thus / found him throughout life even
down to the last
During the summer of $50 another series of pro-
tracted services held IN Amelia Church. con-
Quoted by Rev. Edward Martin, of Nottoway county
lie had been reared under DR. Hoges ministry was
the son of the venerable John Martin. an freshman
by BIRTH and all the better for that consecrat ed
Christian man and one OF the two original elders
OF the Second Presbyterian Church. OF which Dr.
oge was the first pastor by whom he greatly hon
Alexander Martin, of Danville; Rev. Roger Martin
OF North Carolina, and Rev. S. r. Martin. pastor of
Dublin and New Dublin churches at the time of his
death. He was open-hearted lmpulsive genial
man, successful pastor and preacher of unusual
power l regarded him of the foremost ALI
round men in the Presbytery of East Hanover
and there were giants in those days. He was at his
best III our meeting, preached with earnestness and
acceptance, had fine congregations and close atten-
ton, and was instrumental in bringing many to a
decision of the great question of their personal sal
walton. My recollection is that at the close OF the
meeting about as large number were received into
the church as had been the year before. He after
wards became pastor of the church at ST. Charles
No. where he died after many years useful service
RICHARD McILWAINE