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Bass, who, though not one of the original actors in the work, yet may be regarded as one of the Fathers of the Church, as he is one of the three survivors of that early time who joined the church whilst yet in its infancy: all the rest have departed this life, and I trust have joined the Church triumphant above, and enjoy rest from their labors.
In the year 1806 Rev. Archibald Alexander, D. D., universally known as a ripe scholar and devoted servant to the cause of his Saviour, was Pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. About this time he recommended to his Christian brethren the formation of an Institution in the city, to be comprised of all persons desirous of advancing the interests of Christianity, and in order to carry out the object to a practical purpose, an institution was organized subsequently known as the "Evangelical Society of Philadelphia."
At first but eight or nine persons responded to the recommendation, and from this small number a very important institution was established, which, under the approbation of the Most High, proved instrumental in doing much good. But a short time had elapsed before it was seen that this Society would be as a right arm to the Presbyterian churches in the city and its vicinity; thereupon a large increase of ministers and laymen gave their hearts and their influence to the objects of the Society, which insured success.
At this time there were but four Presbyterian churches in the city, and if documents of that early date can be relied upon, there were not over one thousand communicant members of the Presbyterian Church in all the city, yet it was no bar to the godly few to labor for God. In this Dr. Alexander took the lead. He recommended that the members of the Evangelical
