A Short Account of the Rise and Progress of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in America/Preface
PREFACE.
The design of this Treatise is to present to the view of the members of the Church in particular, and the public in general, the manner in which the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was formed and established in the city of New-York, and how she became the Mother Church of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in America, and her Rise and Progress; also, to give a view of my thoughts and knowledge of the subject of Church Government, as an Episcopal Church, shewing, for the satisfaction of the ministers and members especially, and the public in general, that the "African Methodist Episcopal Church in America," is founded upon as good basis as any Church in the United States of America. And supposing that this view will come in contact with the opinions of some who may differ on the subject of Episcopacy, I wish it to be distinctly understood that it is done without any bad feelings towards any of the brethren, or any of our sister Churches who are not connected with us, nor with any intention to exalt my opinion above others; but purposely to give my views upon Scripture testimonies and upon the writings of some of the best authors on the subject of Church Government, and I shall feel willing they should undergo an impartial investigation.
This method will also show to all who may desire information on the subject of proper or authentic organization of Church Government, relative to Episcopacy, that we did not spring up like mushroons, (as some unfriendly persons would like to have it published and believed, to suit their own purposes,) but that we came in possession of that title by deliberate gradation, and have as good right as any other Episcopal Church, to be styled the "African Methodist Episcopal Church in America."
In the prosecution of this work I shall naturally labour under many disadvantages, and therefore cannot promise to give an account of every particular circumstance which took place, especially in the formation and establishment of Zion Church in the city of New-York, as forty-four years have passed away since the commencement, and many transactions which might have been pleasing to relate, have passed away with them, there having been no record kept of them by any person, and the memory being too weak to retain them. But I purpose to give some of the leading and most essential circumstances, which occurred during the progression, so far as may be in my power, in order to make this concise narration as interesting as my limited means will admit.
Hoping and praying that the undertaking may give satisfaction to all into whose hands it may come, I close by subscribing myself your sincere brother in the Lord and well-wisher,