Page:A semi-centenary discourse.djvu/51

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colored people, Dr. Alexander has earned for himself the name of a Christian philanthropist. Our church honors him as its patron and advocate—indeed, as its founder—and he will ever live in their memories as one of the noblest specimens of the Creator's production of a Christian and gentleman. I must by no means omit other gentlemen who took similar views and entertained kindred feelings with Dr. Alexander, in behalf of the colored people. Prominently with him were Rev. Ashbel Green, D. D., who, to the latest period of his life, always regarded this African Church (whose history I am recording) with much interest, as will be seen when I come to treat more particularly upon it. Dr. J Janeway, likewise, with Rev. George Potts, regarded the recommendation and gave it their sanction. Of the laity, Messrs. McMullin, Ralston, Markoe, and Nassau, accorded to the views of Dr. Alexander, and were not slack in their efforts to advance the measure; and I am happy to record among the advocates of our welfare, gentlemen from other bodies of Christians. Messrs. Jenkins and Sawyer, of the Baptist Church, and Dr. Benjamin Rush, of the Society of Friends, gave their influence and support to it; in fact, with but a very few exceptions, not by any means necessary now particularly to designate, all the churches over which Drs, Alexander, Green, Janeway, and Potts were pastors, encouraged them in the affair and strengthened their hands—particularly the ladies of the first, second, third and fourth Presbyterian Churches: it would prove an anomaly in this case were it otherwise, for they are ever foremost in every good work.

Whilst this subject was under consideration before the Evangelical Society, and they were discussing the