256 Southern Histor'n-nl Xtx-iety Papers.
A countless multitude have successively rejoiced, in his blessedly protracted ministrations, in his unheralded bounties.
Whilst the current subtle influence of a character so nearly unique cannot be calculated, it, as assurdly, was not bounded.
Truly, it permeated ducts of thought broadly, and its influence, contagiously impelled action in others, whilst the personal medium, never cared to reckon its inspiring potency.
Dr. Hoge was of us, he could not tear himself from us what- ever the dazzling offer, the attractive advantage to allure.
Nothing, it seemed, could make him forgetful of endeared asso- ciation, of cherished and familiar objects, of the heart-flood of reciprocative affection incidentally attendant upon a loving ministra- tion, so sweetly and so evenly protracted.
It is transparent that there were no restricting lines with him in heart or hand; in gracious ministration, in succoring benefaction.
As a citizen, whilst it is palpable there could have been no expec- tancy of personal profit (certainly this is clear to the world now), there was never a call upon him, and his physical ability permitted, for furtherance of any proper object; of devotion, of honored rite, of intellectual advancement, of public good, nay, of innocent enjoy- ment, to which he did not contribute by his honored presence and by invocation and words of cheer.
It is simply true that every one who knew him, or who ever came within the radiance of his remarkable personality, was attracted to him.
Every man, woman and child here in the compass of his immedi- ate labors, loved him and revered his virtues. Comprehensive of country of birth, of sectarian tenet, of diversity of avocation, of con- dition in life ^because all felt his influence.
This charm, as well as his intellectual gifts, swayed whithersoever he went, however distant; thus two continents delighted in honor- ing him.
All this came not by endowment alone. It is held that virtuous ancestry will constrain in successive generations, and there could scarcely be inheritance more worthy than that of our loved minister.
Constant still is the publication of tribute to his memory, of his useful offices in comprehensive offering, and in expressions of sorrow from distant points.
Rev. Dr. Moses Drury Hoge was born at Hampden-Sidney Col- lege, Prince Edward county, Virginia, September i8th, 1818. He was descended on his father's side from ancestors who emigrated
