[ 20 ]
course of this history, concluded to seek a place where Mr. Gloucester could exercise his gifts and graces in preaching the Gospel, for which he was so eminently qualified. To this end Dr. Blackburn left Tennessee, where he resided, and visited Philadelphia. What a providence is here seen; not merely a coincidence, as some would say, but a special providence. How does this visit, at this time, remind us of the question of Isaac to his Father, on Mount Moriah, "My Father, here is the altar and the wood, but where is the sacrifice?" and in keeping with our present subject is equally significant the words of Abraham, "My son, God will provide a sacrifice." In our case it was truly a special providence, and it seems clear, for God surely does watch over the interests of Zion, and are we not told "that no good thing will be withheld from them that walk uprightly." So we may safely argue that the visit of Dr. Blackburn, at this juncture, was providentially ordered, and no good reason can be adduced to the contrary. However, it was regarded as a favorable indication that God was leading in the matter, and by his own mysterious operation was producing the materials for establishing a church in Philadelphia. In order, therefore, to show more fully the leadings of the Most High toward this end, I will direct attention more particularly to the history of Mr. Gloucester.
A BRIEF REVIEW OP MR. GLOUCESTER, FIRST PASTOR OF
THE FIRST AFRICAN CHURCH, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
I am led to call the attention of the reader to Mr. Gloucester's history with the Church for several reasons. Among the most prominent are: first, he is worthy of notice; another is, he was chosen by the Most High,
