[ 52 ]
The injury which has been done to this race of people by tearing them away from their friends and native country, and subjecting them and their posterity to a heavy yoke of bondage, cannot now be fully repaired; but that which was originally a crime of the most crying injustice and oppression, may, under the direction of a gracious Providence, prove eventually to be a blessing of the first magnitude, by bringing them in reach of the Gospel of Christ. But let us as far as it can be done, by acts of benevolence and charity to these people, wipe away the stain of our injustice; or at least obliterate the remembrance of it.
There are already, it is true, several African churches occupied by different denominations; but these are by no means sufficient for the accommodation of the thousands of people of color who now inhabit this city. It is believed, after some examination of the subject, that more than one-half of them are in no connection with any religious society, and seldom attend any place of public worship.
Besides, there are many, who, from education or principle, are attached to the Presbyterian Church. These find it to be inconvenient and unpleasant, for reasons which need not now be stated, to attend the houses of worship frequented by the white people. They are anxious to form a Presbyterian congregation among themselves, and they ought to be assisted and encouraged (particularly by those who are connected with that denomination), to carry their wishes into effect. And now a most favorable opportunity for accomplishing this object has occurred, which if suffered "to pass without improvement, may not soon return. There is at this time in Philadelphia, a man of color, who is a licensed preacher of the Presbyterian Church, and has been employed by the committee of missions, to labor for some time among the blacks of this place. This man appears to be eminently qualified for extensive usefulness among the people of his own color. He has already attracted their attention and affections in a high degree. And if a place of worship sufficiently large, and conveniently situated, could be obtained, there can be very little doubt but what, in a short time, he would be able, by the divine blessing, to collect and organize a large society.
This object is so important, and the opportunity of carrying it into effect so favorable, that it is deemed unnecessary to add anything more by way of recommendation. There are many, it is believed, who need no stimulus to excite them to step forward with their aid: and it is confidently expected, that very few to whom application shall be made, will refuse their contribution; and although it be but
