Page:Daniel Minort Baxter - Bishop Richard Allen and His Spirit (1923).pdf/15

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Preface

The author of this little volume makes no attempt at writing a history of Bishop Richard Allen or any of the other great men herein mentioned; he simply recalls some of the facts already recorded elsewhere so as to associate them with the spiritual significance he desires to draw out to refresh the memories of the sons and daughters of the race, these heroes so nobly led. At this time when persecution is again at fever heat as it was at St. George Church, 1786, he feels any little message of inspiration and hope, means that much encouragement, and will go far to help fight the battle of segregation and discrimination. He also thought the facts compiled with the spiritual interpretation would prove a hand book for young preachers and Allen Leaguers, whom we trust will breathe more of the Allen spirit as they read it. What brought about this little book was when Rev. Dr. S. H. V. Gumbs, my good friend, our pastor of Union Bethel, our church at Brooklyn, N. Y., held an Allen and Lincoln birthday celebra-