An apology for African Methodism

Preface

The writer believes in earnestness, especially in regard to Religion. He has no admiration for the character, who is reputed to have prayed, "good Lord, good Devil."

The most cutting reproof in all Scripture, is that against the Christians of Laodicea, who "were neither hot nor cold."* They are represented as making the Lord sick, like a nauseous draught, and he threatens to " spew them out of his mouth !" * A most sickening picture indeed. And yet how true is it. How perfectly contemptible — how sickening, is that class of professed Christians, who, like the Laodicians, " are neither hot nor cold ;" like their neighbors of Sardis, u have a name to live, and are dead." f

In these times, this is the class of Christians that prays not, nor works not. Their time is spent in criticising the Minister, and ridiculing the more pious souls, who may be unfortunate enough to hold communion with them. Their Minister must be

* Rev. iii: 16.

fRev. iii: 1.

VI

PREFACE.

swift of tongue, more adept in politics than in theology ; a constant attendant upon the fashionable gatherings ; and not too stringent about the common demands of the Christian life. They are fashionable Christians ! those of whom Paul doubtless speaks in his second letter to Timothy, " This know also, that in the last days, perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, ****** Having a form of godliness, hut denying the power thereof." *

It is to this class that we have especially directed our Apology.

" Methodism, has been well defined as Christianity in earned." Disregarding the tastes and maxims of the world, it seeks to make men worshippers "in spirit and in truth" — real worshippers, and not the Apes of Christian service. Why do these fashionable folks ape the devotions of the pious? Having no heart for the service, yet do they go through the motions ! Why not have manlier hearts ? It is a question whether they should be pitied or despised. No, it is no question, for the Lord despised those of Laodicea.

The tongues of this class of Christians have long been burdened with charges against Methodism.

• II Tim. iii: 1.

PREFACE.

vii

With Celsus, they say that Methodists " are uncultivated, mean, superstitious people — mechanics, slaves, women and children. " With Lucian, they brand Methodist love as " a silly enthusiasm."

This Apology is written that all such may judge with more consideratejudgment, and that henceforth they may be left without an excuse, should they continue their tirade against us.

Part II does not pretend to sketch all the leading and most intelligent members of our dozen Conferences. Those presented, however, may be safely taken as a general estimate of the intellectual strength of the African M. E. Church.

What David said of his offspring, so say we of our Apology, our first offspring ; and like him, too, we say it to friends : " Lfeal gently with the young man Absalom." *

#11 Sam. xviii: 5.

CONTENTS OF PART I.

Chapter I, The Reasons Why

PAGK.

Reason I. — Reason II. — Reason III. ...... 13

Chapter II. The Great Offence

Men not Slaves. — Manly Spirit of Paul. — Levites, but not Priests. — It Could not Be. — 'Loyalty of Nature. — Human Loyalty. — Where they Learned it. — Ans. A. — Schism. — Abram et Paul. — Hellenists. — God's Word the Fountain. — 'Interpretation. — Book of Discipline. — Cecil. — Staunton. — Chase. — Bishop of London. — Fenelon. — True Democracy. — Impartial Treatment.— St. James — Ans. B. The Mayflower — Roger Williams. — Penn. — John Wesley vs. Richard Allen. — What Dr. Coke Says — Dr. Bangs' Account. — Dr. Stevens. — The Moment of Decision. — Ans. C. The Mountains, &c. . . 16

Chapter III. The Resources At Hand

First Count the Cost. — Craftiness of Slavery. — Border States the Horizon. — War of 1812. — New Orleans. — Red Bank. — Census of 1810. — Proscription of the African M. E. Church. — Bishop Payne's Book. — The Founders. — Low Origin of Christianity. — Human Results et Divine. — God's Means. — 1*

X

Contents

The Forces. — A. Numbers. — Man the Breath of God. — Wonders. — if. Intellect. — Schoolmen, the Reformers.— Egotism.— Sect. — "New Men." — Luther, Henry VIII et Wesley. — What is Said. — Allen's Education — Coker. — Kill. — "The Sixteen:" — C. Finances. — Travelling — H. M Turner. — The Sum. — The Land 21

Chapter IV. The Grand Issue

Results. — A. Territory. — Missionaries to the South — New York et San Francisco — B. Access to People. — 100,000 x 50 — Our Real Strength. — C. Church Property. — Big Bethel, Baltimore. — Ebenezer. — Big Bethel, Philadelphia. — Catto's Description — Bridge St. — Sullivan St. — Wylie St., Pittsburgh. — Publishing House. — Christian Recorder. — What Forney says of It. — Wilberforce University. — Mathew's Description.— British M. E. Church. — The Missionary Messenger.— Editor Dizney. — What. Prof. Crummell Says. — The Two Summaries. — The Song of Mary. . . .37

Chapter V. The Comparison

A Vision. — Who are They? Two Interrogatories — I. Material Wealth. — Colored People of Border States. — What They Hoped. — The Disappointment. — The M. E. Church. — II. Colored Ministry. — Didn't Believe Them — Mountains Seen. — Education. — Action of Other Christian Bodies. — Action of M. K. Church. — Colored M. E. Preachers — Washington et Wheatley . — Jefferson et Bannaker. — Mission Conference. — Organization of It. — Explanatory. — Truth Only. — A Bright Hope . m

CHAPTER VI. EPISCOPALIANS et PRESBYTERIANS

Decision. — The Free African Society. — Allen Withdraws. — Committee Report. — Absalom Jones. — Spirit of Methodism. —

CONTENTS.

xi

Allen's Reply. — Lessons in Philanthropy. — Nazarene School. — Two Questions. — Episcopalians. — White vs. Colored. — Arminius vs. Flavius. — Convention Report. — St. Thomas. — Presbyterians. — How they Acted. — Why They Failed — Wesley vs. Calvin. — The Issue 63

Chapter VII. The Determinately Religious

What it Is. — Politically Bound. — True Wisdom. — The Epidemic of Liberty. — The Negro's Condition. — Like Ephraim. — Methodism a Clear Gain. — The Appeal <T5

Chapter VIII. Ignorance

Nehemiah et Allen. — Tobias et Mr. C . — Humanity One. —

What the Jews Thought of the Gentiles — What the Greeks Thought. — The Romans. — The Chinese. — The Saxons. — The Negro. — John M. Brown. — Charles H. Thompson. — Prof. Crummell. — "All Ignorant."— The A. M. E. Church. — Phillips' America et Thompson's Methodism. — The Inevitable White Brethren —The Glory of the A. M. E. Church. — The Gospel for the Poor — Christian Opposition to Secular Learning. — Gregory the Great. — Desiderius. — Why this Opposition. — The Ancient Literati. — What Celsus Said. — The Modern Literati. —What they Do.— The Why. — The Sad Choice. — Colored Orthodoxy — Which is It ?— The Argument Used. — True State of the Case. — Is Christianity True? What Clark says of Allen. — His Successors. . . 80

Chapter IX. Fanaticism

Fanaticism; no, Superstition. — Zeal vs. Fanaticism. — Catholic Zeal, St Francis. — Scotch Zeal, etcet. — England et America. — Joseph's Coat — Who shall Regulate It? — Two Questions : I. Does God Require a Zealous Worship ? — Old Testaxii

CONTENTS.

ment Proof. — New Testament. — HXJp. — David. — Solomon. — £i?Xof. — II. What the Scope of that Zeal? A. The Patriarchal Dispensation. — Abram et Jacob.— B. The Mosaic Dispensation —Miriam et David. — C. The Christian Dispensation.— Jesus. — Peter. — John, etcet. — What an Infidel says. — The A. M. E. Church. — (a) Her Works. — (b) Her Worship. — 1st Obj . — A Waste. —Which the Greater Evil r— 2d Obj. — Our Zeal. — A Defect. — Long Sermons. — Methodist Rudeness. — Gospel Truths. — Sumner et Phillips.— Many Languages, Some. — One Language, None. — Signs et Motions. * 96

Chapter X. Proscription

The Two Charges. — Charge I. — -Proof Demanded. — General Conference. — Annual Conference. — No Petitions Sent. — The TitL1 u African." — Names of Governments. — German M. E. Churches. — The Negro Language. — Anthony Trollope. — " African;" What it Means. — Thoughts of Allen. — Has the Cause Ceased. — Charge II. — The Fox and Grapes. —

(a) Preachers. — Conference Action. — A Free Country. —

(b) Lay Members. — The Late John Robinson, of Pittsburgh. —British M. E. Church Membership 112

Chapter XI

THE AFRICAN M. E. PREACHER.

An Ideal Picture. — No Idler. — The Composite Used. — Few have a Sheep Skin. — What are Schools? — Might not the Home be the Best Academy. — A Cloud. — The Methodist Preacher. — What he Believes. — His Morality. — The Drowned Three. — The Facts. — His Disinterestedness. — His Animus. . . 122

Chapter XII. The Methodist Brethren

An Ideal Picture. — The Liberality. — Household Expenses. — Mother was Displeased. — We are Getting Fixed Up. — Will

CONTENTS.

Xlll

PAGE.

Pay a Call. — Why Ave Beg. — (a) We are Independent. — (b) We are Honest. — (c) Our Extraordinary Expenses. — Don't Coax. — The Zeal 129

Chapter III

DANIEL A. PAYNE, D. D.

Where Born and When.— 181 1 et 1867.— What Has He Done?— Life a Temple. — Common Door of Entrance. — Individual Doors for Exit. — His Parents. — What He Has Studied. — When Made Bishop. — His Legacy. — Wilberforce. — Off to England * 148

Chapter IV

ALEXANDER W. WAYMAN.

Where Born and When. — How he First Learned. — Conversion. — Comes to Baltimore. — A. M. E. General Conference, 1840. — Goes to Philadelphia — Joins the A. M. E. Church. — The Quaker. — On Princeton Circuit.— Joins Philadelphia Conference.— His Books. — Secretary of Conference. — Secretary of xvi

CONTENTS.

PAGE.

General Conference. — Revising Discipline —"One Mistake." — Made Bishop. — When Does he Read? — Stephen Douglas. — His Poetry. — Jovial Temperament. — Trip to Georgia. . 151

Chapter V

JABEZ P. CAMPBELL, D. D.

Where Born and When. — His Parents — Given for Security. — Comes to Pennsylvania. — Thirst for Knowledge. — His Father's Night School.— " Bound Out."— Course of Study.— Converted. — A Semi-Uni versa list. — Reclaimed. — Religious Nature. — Call fo the Ministry. — A Conflict. — A Conquest. — The Conditions — Licensed to , Exhort and Preach. — On Frankford Circuit. — Off to New England — Albany Circuit. — Buffalo.— New York City.— In Philadelphia.— Elected Publisher et Editor. — Made Bishop. — 40,000 Miles. . . .158

Chapter VI

GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE A. M. E. CHURCH.

THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.

John M. Brown Elected in 1864. —Office, 49 Holliday Street, Baltimore. — Well Qualified. — A Score Years' of Service. — Manly Vigor 1*74

m

THE RECORDING SECRETARY.

The Writer of the "Apology" Elected 114

THE TREASURER.

James H. Davis, of Baltimore, Elected.— A Man of Wealth.— His Activity . . .175

THE PUBLISHER.

The "Man Indefatigable."— His Energy —His Birth-State.— Goes to Paoli, Ind.— Attends a Quaker School. — Teaches School. —

CONTENTS.

xvii

Joins Conference. — Goes to Oberlin. — Called into Active Service. — Edits the "Repository." — Elected Publisher and Editor in 1860. — Re-elected Publisher in 1864.— He Goes Ahead. 175

THE EDITOR.

Rev. James Lynch Appointed. — His Ability. — Resigns. — What is Thought of him Within the Church.— What Thought Without.— Elisha Weaver Re-appointed 116

Chapter VII. The Philadelphia Conference

Connection Organized Here. — Its Boundary. — Membership. — Work of 45 Years. — Meagre Returns. — The Why. — No Hope for a Lazy Man. — Where are They? — Non sunt. — Active Ministry. — (A.) Benj. Lynch. — A Presbyterian. — Joins A. M. E. Church.— The Man. — (B.) J. W. Stevenson.— A Sketch by W. D. Johnson. — Where Born et When. — Goes to Trinidad, W. I. — Returns. — High Temper. — Goes to Philadelphia. — Drug Store. — Studies Medicine. — Is Converted. — Enters the Ministry. — Lincoln University. — An Opinion. — His Offering : . 1 'Physiology." — (C). Peter Gardner. — Judge not from Appearance.— Knowledge of Natural Science. — uThe Chemist." — His Offering : " Education." — (D.) James H. A. Johnson. — A Native Baltimorean. — His Teachers. — Galbreath Lyceum. — Editor. — The Man. — His Offering : " Humanity and its Good Effects." — Local Ministry. — Stephen Smith. — Born in Dauphin County, Pa. — Raised by a Lumber Merchant. — The Poor Boy. — The Rich Man. — Converted. — A Preacher. — His Zeal. — His 300,000.— What will he do With it?— Laity.— (A.) Isaiah C. Wears. — A Sketch Written by Smith. — Where Born. — His School Days. — Goes to Philadelphia. — His Political Career. — Debate with Charles Lennox Raymond. — His Conversion.— Joins "Union Church." — His Career. — The Annir hilationists. — Debate. — Joseph Barker. — Infidels. — His Ability. — {B.) Wm. C. Banton. — Born in 1843.«— Called xviii

CONTENTS.

from the Brook. — Converted. — Joins Bethel. — Elected Superintendent. — Opposition to Young Men. — A Word to the Fathers. — Clerk in the "Book Concern." — Business Tact. — A Delegate 119

Chapter VIII. The Baltimore District

Its Boundary. — New Districts. — "The Banner Conference." — Missions.— Education — (a.) Membership. — (6.) Finances. — Active Ministry. — (^i.) Daniel W. Moore. — Described. — Maryland Colored Men. — No Waste in Him. — His Virtues his Fault. — What he would Make. — A Teacher. — Joins Ebenezer. — Joins Conference. — A Lover of Books. — Letter to Hogarth. —"I'm Glad."— (B.) John J. Herbert.— What he Pretends. — The Old Men dug it from the Quarry. — A Lover of Education.—$200 in Cash to Wilberforce.— The Lowly Exalted.— ilOn the Ignorance of Our Race." — ( C.) Savage L. Hammond. — Where Born et When. — Untoward Circumstances. — Learns the Alphabet. — His Instructors. — Positions Held. — His Character.— " The Education of Our Ministry." — (D.) Wm. H. Hunter. — "The Chaplain." — His Physique. — His Youth. — A Word and a Blow— The Lord vs. The Devil.— The Truth must be Defended. — His Conversion — A Leader. — (E.) James A. Handy. — Marylander. — Even Balanced. — "His Books and School Room." — Brighter Hopes. — Conversion. — Trustee. — Local Preacher. — Itinerant. — Sent South. — 11 Progression.11 — (F. ) Wm. D. W. Schureman. — Son of a Preaclnr. — His Popularity.—Why Is It?— His Child Thoughts of God.— Converted.— An Itinerant. — ( G ) Wm. B. Derrick — Of Antigua, W. I. — An Episcopalian.— Left School.— A Trade.— Off to Sea. — Shipwrecked. — On Land. — Off to the War. — Joins the A. M. E. Church. — Licensed to Preach. — Joins the Itinerancy . — Local Ministry. — (^4.) W. H. G. Brown, Balto. — Where He May Be Seen. — His Descent. — Taught by Daniel Coker. — Assists Him. — Father said, No. — Barrel Maker. — Conversion. —Goes West. — Returns. — A Preacher. — " The A. M. E. Church.11 — (B.) Lloyd Benson, Frederick, Md. — Evils of Slavery, Double. — His Mother. — How he Learned. — Asa

CONTENTS.

xix

Preacher and a Man. — ( C.) Tkos. E. Green, Washington, D. C. — A Good Sign. — Mutual Recommendation. — Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Gideon — "Fell in Love with the A. M. E. Church." —Types of Christianity.— The Continental — The The English. — The American. — His Zeal. — Business Capacity. — Laity. — Wm. E. Mathews. — Hugh Miller. — Advice to Young Men. — Young Mathews. — His Animus. — Thoughts. — Where Born et When — Of Whom. — His Mother. — His Energy.

n. — Agent.— Success. — " Semi- Centenary Address:' 20T

Chapter IX. The New York District

When Organized. — Its Boundary. — Population. — Strength. — Why Is It? — The Field. — Weeds.— John's Angel.— Statistics.— Active Ministry. — (.4). Joshua Woodlin. — " The Big Brother." — Where Born and When. — Attleborough — In Love-feast. — " Must n't be too Nice."— (B.) Wm. H. W. Winder. — Where Born and When. — School Boy. — School Teacher. — Still Young. — A Hope. — His Offering: 11 Our Duty as a Race." ....... . . 254

Chapter X . The Ohio District

When Organized. — Boundary. — Its Geography. — Mountains et Rivers. — Improved Lands. — 20,000,000 Acres. — Ohio Products.— Ohio Methodists. — Statistics. — Our Show of Men. — Active Ministry. — (J..) John A. Warren. — Birth Place. — Where. — Character. — Lover of Education. — Inconsistency. — Anecdote. — "My Methodist Preacher." — (B.) J. P. Underwood— Who is He? — Study of Divine Revelation. — (C.) Philip Tolliver, Jr. — "An Educated Ministry." — (-0.) Henry J. Young. — On " Intellectual Philosophy." — E. James A. Shorter. — F. Benj. W. Arnett. — ^The Local Ministry.- — John Peck, Pittsburg. — Laity. — Profs. Mitchell et Vashon. . 261

XX

CONTENTS.

Chapter XI. The Indiana District

PAGE.

Bishop Payne et Elder Mcintosh. — Dc facto and de lege. — Its Boundary.—Its People — The Population ; The Number Of.— The A M. E. Church. — Good for Indiana. — Statistics. — Active Ministry. — (A. ) JEnias Mcintosh. — Birth, When et Where. — A Catholic. — Converted. — " Recollections of the Indiana Annual Conference" — (B.) Abraham T. Hall. — A Pennsylvanian. — Took Up the March. — Erie — Chicago. — A Worker. — (C) Whitten S. Lankford. — Born West. — A True " Hoosier." — Sectional Distinctions. — 11 How Shall Our Standard of Piety be Raised," 305

Chapter XII The New England District

Brother Jonathan. — Where are his Brains? — Boston. — Holmes et Emerson. — No School Report in Eighth Census. — New- England Headship. — Publications. — Population. — The Boundary.— Intelligence. — The A. M. E. Church. — Slow Growth. — The Why.— (a.) Liberal Sentiment of White People.— (b.) The Future of Methodism. — Statistics. — Active Ministry. — F. J. Peck — Where Born. — Member of Bible Class Taught by Bishop Payne.— Goes to New York. — To New England. . 326

Chapter XIII. The Missouri District

The District. — Its Boundary, Climate, Soil, People. — Our Church. — Statistics. — Active Ministry.— (A) W. R. Revels, M. D. — Called Early to the Ministry. — Love of Book. — A Doctor. — Post Surgeon at Indianapolis during the War. — A No. 1 Man. — " The Existence of a Triune God" — (B.) Hiram R. Revels. A North Carolinian. — At School. — Converted. — Called to Preach. — God versus North Carolina. — Whom Should he Obey?— Goes North.— Teaches School.— A Well Read Man.— 11 Education.11 334

CONTENTS.

xxi

Chapter XIV. The California District

PAGE.

11 Westward the Star of Empire takes its Way." — A Picture. — The Veritable Negro. — When Organized, and Where, and by Whom. — The Episcopal Address.— The District. — Its Boundary.— Future Prospects. — Strength at Organization. — Statistics.— Active Ministry. — T. M. D. Ward. — Laity. — J. Madison Bell, the Poet 34T

Chapter XV. The South Carolina District

When Organized, Where, and by Whom.— Charleston, S. C, in 1816. — What Bishop Payne says. — Its Boundary. — Its Population.— Its Prospects. — Statistics. — Active Ministry. — (A.) George Brodie. — Birth Place, and When. — Trials. — Lawyer et Priest.— (B.) Wm. T. Carr.— Where Born and When.— Bought his Freedom. — A Class Leader. — Hears of the A. M. E. Church.— Joins It.— Made Elder.— Appointed Superintendent.— Hard at Work. — (C.) Wm. H. Brown. — A Marylander. — Joins the A. M. E. Church. — Sent South. — Columbia.— Laity. — Maj. M. R. Delany. — 11 The Negro in Holy Writ; the Similitude of Divine Attributes.''1 .... 365

Chapter XVI. The Louisiana District

When Organized, and Where, and by Whom.— Opening Exercises. New Orleans of Old. — John' M. Brown. — Prospects. — A Grand Work. — Statistics. — Active Ministry. — (A.) M. M. Clark. — Life and Travels. — 11 Scripture Study," a Letter. — (B.) John Turner. — A Mary lan der. - — Joined the M. E. Church. — Hears of the A. M. E. Church. — Joins it. — His Labors.— His Future 387

Chapter XVII. The Virginia District

When Organized, Where, and By Whom. — The State and Its People. — Active Ministry. — (A.) Geo. T. Watkins. — Wat-

XXI 1

CONTENTS.

PAGE.

kins Family.— Its Genius.— Where Born and When.— 11 The Law of Agitation.' ' — (B.) J. R. V. Thomas.— Of West India Descent. — Where Born. — Philadelphia Schools. — In the* Church. . . .399

Chapter XVIII. The Georgia District

When Organized, Where, and by Whom. — The District and Its People. — H. M. Turner's Work. — Glorious Field. — Active Ministry. — H. M. Turner. — A South Carolinian. — The Man. — His Attainments. — Funeral Discourse. . . . .412

Chapter XIX. The Florida District

The Organization. — When and Where. — By Whom. — The Country and its People. — Where is Bro. Pearce? . . . .421

Chapter XX

THE RISING MINISTRY OF THE A. M. E. CHURCH. Preliminary Remarks. — The Sketches. — Who wrote Them. —

Young Men for Strength 425

JAMES C. WATERS.

Where Born et When. — An Orphan Well Nigh. — Tact. — School. —

The Church His Field. — " Rise and Progress of Christianity.' 1 421

WM. D. JOHNSON.

Born in Maryland. — Member of Big Bethel. — Studious Habits. —

At College.— "An Address." . . . . • . .432

WM. F. DICKERSON.

Born in New Jersey. — Joins the A. M. E. Church. — Leader of Choir.— At College 437

CONTENTS.

xxiii

ED. S. W. HAMMOND.

PAGE.

Born Where et When — A Wild Boy.— Went to Sea.— Capt. Perry, U. S. N. — Comes Home. — Converted. — Joins Church. — At College .... 438

CHAPTEE XXI.

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN.

(A) Susan Paul Vashon. — "Lines to her Husband. — (B.) Mary A. Prout . — (C.) Sallie Louise Daffin . — 11 Impressions of a Teacher in the South."— {£>.) Elizabeth T. Briscoe.— (E.) Miss Slaughter's Article : "An Appeal." — (F.) Mary Still, a Letter. — (G.) Mrs. Bishop Wayman. — (E ) Esther Armstrong.— (/.) Annetta. Jordan. — (J.) Miss Woodson s u Essay on Music." 443

AN APOLOGY

FOR

African Methodism.

Chapter I. The Reasons Why

"Hear ye my defence." — Paul.

We propose to write for the benefit of all concerned an Apology for African Methodism, or more especially, for and in behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

We are aware the title " Apology" grates upon the ears of many, arguing as they do, that in view of the splendid triumphs which God has vouchsafed unto us, no £ 'Apology" is needed. But it should be remembered that after it had been recorded of Christianity, and recorded by its enemies 2 too, that it 11 is spread like a contagion, not only into cities and towns, but into country villages,"* also that the heathen "temples were almost forsaken," and the ££ sacrifices have few purchasers," that both Quadratus and Aristides presented to the Emperor Adrian, Apologies in its behalf; while Justin the Martyr, offered two Apologies, one to the emperor Antoninus Pius, and the other to the Koman Senate. Indeed the first three centuries of our era abound with Christian Apologists. What reader of church history has not learned of the Liber Apologeticus, presented to the Roman Senate by the fiery Tertullian ?

It is, in the ecclesiastical sense, then, we use the term "Apology" and not in the sense of an excuse.

It is asked why we write this ?

We reply :

I. That the members of the Ministry and Laity of the African M. E. Church, and especially the younger and more aspiring, may. have somewhat to reply to those who would disparage the Church of their birth, as well as of their choice.

II. That all those Christian peoples, and more particularly such as are our t{ brethren according to the flesh," who have seemed to regard the whole Bethel connexion, as they term our Church, and we accept it, in very much the same light that the ancient Jews did Nazareth, and in the spirit of that godless race, can see no good in it, constantly branding it as ignorant, fanatical, and proscriptive — that all

* Pliny's letter to Trajan.

AFRICAN METHODISM.

such may be induced to " look with their eyes, and not with their prejudices," quotingWendell Phillips ; and judge us, if not by our words, at least by our works.*

III. That the candid and impartial man, the man whose soul is capable of appreciating the endeavors of the weak, of applauding the morally heroic — that all such men may have placed within their reach some data from which they will be enabled to come to just conclusions in regard to a Church and people, whose, only offense was, they dared to obey God rather than man,f whose only offense is, they stand on their way.

*Johnx: 38.

fActv: 29.

Chapter II

THE GREAT OFFENSE. u Stand up, I myself am also a man." — Peter.

The giant crime committed by the Founders of the African M. E. Church, against the prejudiced white American, and the timid black — the crime which seems unpardonable, was that they dared to organize a Church of men, men to think for themselves, men to talk for themselves, men to act for themselves : A Church of men who support from their own substance, however scanty, the ministration of the Word which they receive ; men who spurn to have their churches built for them, and their pastors supported from the coffers of some charitable organization ; men who prefer to live by the sweat of their own brow and be free. Not that the members of this communion are filled with evil pride, for they exhibit a spirit no more haughty nor overbearing than Paul, who never neglected to remind the world that he was a man and a Roman citizen.

Slavery and prejudice, stood up like demons before Allen and his compeers, and forbade them to use the talents which God had given.

Slavery bellowed in one ear, u You may obey but you shall not rule."

AFRICAN METHODISM.

Prejudice thundered in the other, " You may hear but you shall not speak." And to utterly break their spirits, they both took up the damning refrain, " God may permit you to be Levites, but not Priests.' '

They listened ! and more than half dismayed, they asked themselves, " If we are not to think, for what purpose were reasoning faculties bestowed? if not to talk, why were our tongues created? If there be a fitness of things in creation; 'considered they in their sober reflection,' and the intellect was given to one class, with which it was to think and reason, and the tongue for utterance,, and the muscular strength for every sphere of action, surely for the same high purposes were they conferred on all. But if it be true, that our white brethren must do all the thinking and controlling, all the preaching with the multiplied ministrations of the Gospel, then indeed is there an unfathomable mystery in the fact that we are made like them, with mind and voice and strength — we whose normal condition, they teach, is only io work. Why not the horse and ox have mind and speech as well. ' ' Thus doubtless they reasoned, in substance, and never having heard that the Lord repented Him, of having bestowed rational powers upon the Negro., they concluded that they must use them at their peril, lest they be condemned like him who buried his one talent.*

Other than the intuition of their own souls, to which allusion has just been made, need we ask,

*Matt. xxv ; 25.

Who taught them these lessons of religious freedom and nerved them to be free ?

We answer on their behalf :

(a) They learned it from God's word. "What," says a zealous Churchman, "learn schism from God's word?"

No, not schism, for we argue that when it becomes clearly impossible for peoples to worship together to mutual edification, they commit not that heinous offence by separating, and forming anew such organizations as best redounds to the glory of God ; if . so, then indeed would Abram, by separating from Lot, and Paul from Barnabas, become the princes of the schismatics. Kichard Allen, Daniel Coker and others, unable to endure the mad prejudices of their white brethren, which pulled them off their knees, drove them from the body of the church, thrust them into galleries, resolved to leave them in peace, and worship under such circumstances as would be to edification, and not condemnation — as would dignify and not debase.

Allen was no advocate of Church divisions ; he had read with trembling, the thundering imprecations against all who dare to rend the visible body of the Saviour ;* hence, when compelled to leave, let it be said to his praise, that he made no attempt to bring in a new Ministry, or to institute rites and ceremonies not authorized by the Church. He sought only to have the acknowledged Ordinances conducted by pure and impartial hands ; and who is there that

AFRICAN METHODISM.

will dare to brand the word " Schismatic " upon the old man's brow ?

• The Hellenistic Christians in Apostolic times, when treated not half so cruel as were the Founders of our Zion, manfully took the matter in hand and rested not until it was adjudicated to their satisfaction. Nor did the Apostles resist, but appreciating the righteousness of their complaint, had it remedied by instituting a new order in the Ministry, even the Deaconate.