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 of a history. But they are too numerous to mention in connection with the present matter we have in hand. I intend in this publication, briefly, though I trust to the satisfaction and comprehension of all who will favor me by perusing these pages, to give a history of the first African Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, and in fact, the first established, and consequently the oldest in the United States.

In giving the history of this church, permit me, kind reader, to say, that not only the above reasons stated influenced me to write out the history of this branch of Christ's Church, but another reason induced me to undertake it. I will state it.

When Luke was about to write his Gospel, he prefaced it with these words to Theophilus: "Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us which from the beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the Word; it seemed good to me, also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee, in order that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed."

Herein, the Evangelist was more fortunate than myself, for others had taken in hand a declaration of those things necessary to be known. In the case of the first African Church, no one had undertaken even a brief sketch of the rise of this member of the Christian family: my readers will at once see the reason why I have undertaken to write its history—that it may not be lost. Taking the command of my Saviour, then, "Gather up the fragments, let nothing be lost," I throw myself upon your indulgence, and pray my Heavenly Father to repay 2