Page:The Afro-American Press.djvu/235

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AFRO-AMERICAN EDITORS.
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success in the most vivid and enchanting manner, yet he points out the many snares and dangers along the paths of life, which, if a race fall into, proves fatal to its existence.

In every way Dr. Albert has proven himself duly qualified to honor the race as a knight of the quill, and his journal deserves the most hearty support at the hands of a liberty-loving and free people.

In noticing The South-Western Christian Advocate and its present editor, its history would be manifestly incomplete if we failed to allude to Rev. Marshall W. Taylor, D. D., a former editor, who is acknowledged to have been one of the most gifted writers and eloquent speakers the race has yet produced, especially in the M. E. Church. Dr. Taylor has been connected with some journalistic work ever since his service as a preacher began. In 1872, while pastor of Coke Chapel, Louisville, Ky., he edited The Kentucky Methodist, which was looked upon as an able sheet. He was honored with the degree of D. D. by the Central Tennessee College. In 1879 and in 1880 he was elected editor of The South-Western Christian Advocate, a position never before held by an Afro-American. He is author of several works, viz.: "Universal Reign of Jesus," "Life of Donney," "The Negro Evangelist," "Plantation Melodies," and "Life of Mrs. Amanda Smith, the Missionary." As one says: "He was famous as an eloquent preacher, a safe teacher, ready speaker, and an earnest writer; and we will add, a polished writer. Few, if any, can peruse his books without being impressed with the deep earnestness of the man, and his evident desire to lift his readers to a higher plane. He presents his matter in such a way, that none can lay his books aside without the consciousness of having been helped by them. Previous to his death at Indianapolis, in June, 1888, he was mentioned for the bishopric of the M. E. Church. Dr. Albert justly holds high the mark set by this worthy man.