Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 26.djvu/274

 264 Southern Historical Society Papers.

in his eye, asked: " From what portion of Scripture do you get so much comfort ? ' '

" You knows Marse Moses de Bible says, dem dat de Lord loveth, he chases, an' de way He has bin a chasin o' me for de las' year, I know I mus' be one o' He favorites."

SOME OF HIS PUBLIC SPEECHES.

On his return from England, Dr. Hoge delivered an address at an anniversary of the Virginia Bible Society, in St. Paul's Church, to one of the largest audiences ever assembled in that spacious build- ing.

By invitation of the Virginia Legislature, Dr. Hoge delivered an oration at the unveiling of the Jackson statue, by Foley, presented by English gentlemen to Virginia, in October, 1875. The ceremony took place on the Capitol Square, where there had gathered an immense throng of people, and the scenes and incidents of the mem- orable day are yet fresh in the minds of hundreds of Virginians who were present. It was a grand and imposing scene. A great assem- bly of brave men and fair women gathered around the pedestal. In the full blaze of the mid-day sun, the orator faced the surging mul- titude. With the touch of a master hand, he outlined the wonder- ful achievements of the great commander who had filled the world with admiration. Portraying the characteristics of the unique life of the Christian hero, in closing the faithful picture, one could almost see the dying soldier as he looked beyond the dark, chill flood to his home and rest in the peaceful land.

" Over the river, now a heavenly guest, Under the shade of the trees forever at rest."

Fresh in the memory of many will be Dr. Hoge's address at the Second Church, in Richmond, on the occasion of the reinterment of the remains of Jefferson Davis. With an abiding conviction of the justice of the South' s cause, and an intense admiration for the heroic devotion of Mr. Davis, he spoke in no uncertain tone; yet the address was characterized by such perfect taste, glowing with such lofty sentiments of patriotism, that one never heard of an ad- verse criticism, even from the bitterest enemies of the Confederacy's Chief Executive.

At the commencement at Washington and Lee University about