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condition, being once a slave, but having been converted to God under the preaching of Dr. Blackburn, and evidencing after that such piety and devotion, that Dr. Blackburn, struck with the excellency of the man, and the intelligence of one in his condition, he was induced to purchase him, it is said, and we have every reason to believe the assertion true, that Dr. Blackburn took particular pains to educate Mr. Gloucester, and so prepare and qualify him as a minister of the Gospel. In this respect Dr. Blackburn deserves all credit, for Mr. Gloucester was indeed a "workman that needed not to be ashamed," for he knew well how to divide the Word of life, giving to each his portion in due season. This no doubt accounts for the number of persons that waited or attended upon his ministry—and it is a fact that his deep piety and earnest devotion to his calling made him very many friends from among the rich and influential citizens of Philadelphia; he not only had the warm and abiding friendship of such men as Drs. Alexander, Green, Janeway and Potts, and the members of the Presbyterian churches then in Philadelphia, but Dr. Bush, the world-wide known philanthropist of Philadelphia, was almost a regular attendant wherever he preached, and many other citizens of influence were frequent visitors upon his stated ministry Messrs. McMullin, Markoe, Ralston, Jenkins, Sawyer, and lady, encouraged his heart and strengthened his hands and by their presence and support under God lightened his labors and cheered him in his duties. The various Presbyterian churches in the city were also interested in his favor, and took a deep interest in his efforts to raise this church.
Mr. Gloucester was also diligent in his calling and of fervent spirit—necessary qualities for a minister of
