[ 23 ]
without having more time than his circumstances will allow, it was, on motion, Resolved, Not to take said John Gloucester on trial with a view to licensure. Ordered, that the stated clerk furnish Mr. Gloucester with a copy of the above minute.
This seeming discouragement did not, however, cool the ardor of Mr. Gloucester's zeal, or determination to labor for the salvation of souls. He understood the motive of this presbyterial course was to put the case where it properly belonged, and that in view of all the facts in his peculiar case, it was the proper course. He at once yielded to the decision of Presbytery, and returned to Tennessee, within the bounds of his Presbytery, and awaited their action. Here we may gather a reflection, and at once decide that there was an excellent spirit in the man; there was a patience and resignation that would grace the character of any professing Christian.
It will be perceived that the action of the Philadelphia Presbytery was on July 7, 1807, and on April 16, 1811, the Philadelphia Presbytery, sitting in Philadelphia, in the Second Presbyterian Church, Dr. Alexander, Moderator, we obtain the following information.—
"The testimonials of Rev. John Gloucester were exhibited to Presbytery, and ordered to be recorded on the minutes, as follows:—
"Extract of a minute of the Presbytery of Union (Tennessee), Baker's Creek, April 30, 1810.—Immediately after the ordination sermon, Mr. Gloucester having satisfactorily answered the questions usually put to candidates on such occasions, the Presbytery proceeded to set apart, and did solemnly ordain the said John Gloucester, by prayer and the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. The right hand of fellowship being duly given, and he solemnly charged to the faithful discharge of his duty, he was ordered as soon as possible to repair to the City of Philadelphia, and directed to join the Presbytery of that city, whereby he is recommended as a man of fair morals and upright conduct, both
