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AN APOLOGY
FOR.
A-frican METHO-PI&M,
BV
BENJ. T. TANNER,
BALTIMORE:
1867.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in tfte year IBB1, by
BENJAMIN T. TANNER,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Maryland.
TO THE
Bishops, Elders, Deacons,
AND
Jftemfors jof African €j?iscopI Cfjurt\,
THE WRITER DEDICATES
this book,
With the most unfeigned Respect.
PREFACE.
The writer believes in earnestness, especially in
regard to Religion. He lias 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 "Ivere neither
hot nor coldThey are represented as making the
Lord sick, like a nauseous draught, and he threatens
to " spew them out of his mouth J" * A most sicken¬
ing 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, " 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
* Rer. iii: 16.
f Rev. iii: 1.
VI PREFACE.
swift of tongue, more adept in politics than in theol¬
ogy 5 a constant attendant upon the fashionable
gatherings ; and not too stringent about the common
demands of the Christian life. They are fashiona¬
ble 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. Far
men shall be lovers of their own selves» ******
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power
thereof." *
It is to this class that we have especially directed
our Apology.
" Methodism, has been well defined as Christianity
in earnest." 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 P 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 unculti¬
vated, mean, superstitious people—s mechanics, slaves,
women and children. " With Lucian, they hrand
Methodist love as " a silly enthusiasm."
This Apology is written that all such may judge
with more considerate judgment, and that henceforth
they may he left without an excuse, should they con¬
tinue their tirade against us.
Part II does not pretend to sketch all the leading
and most intelligent members of our dozen Confer¬
ences. Those presented, however, may he 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 : " Deal gently with the young man
Absalom." *
* II Sam. xviii: 5.
CONTENTS OF PART I.
CHAPTER I,
THE REASONS WHY.
PAGE.
Reasqp. 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. —Felielon. — True Democracy. — Impartial Treat¬
ment.— St. James—Ans. B. The Mayflower —Roper Wil¬
liams. —Penn. — John Wesley vs. Richard Allen. — What Dr.
Coke Says.—Dr. Bangs' Account. — Dr. Stevens.—The Mo¬
ment of Decision. — Ans. G. 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. —
Bibhop Pajne'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. — B. Intellect. Schoolmen, the Reformers. Ego¬
tism — Sect. — "New Men." —Luther, Henry VIII et Wes-
ley _ What is Said. — Allen's Education. — Coker. —Hill. —
"The Sixteen." — C. Finances.—Travelling —H. M.Tur¬
ner. — The Sum.—The Land 27
CHAPTER IV.
THE GRAND ISSUE.
Results. —A. Territory. —Missionaries to the South —New York
et San Francisco. — B. Access to P< ( pie. —100,Or0 x 5(1 —
Our Real Strength. — C. Church Property. — Big Bethel, Bal¬
timore. — Ebenezer. — Big Bethel, Philadelphia. —Catto's
Description — Bridge St. — Sullivan St. — Wylie St., Pitts¬
burgh. — Publishing House. — Christina Recorder. — What
Forney says of It. — Wilberforce University. — Mathew's Des¬
cription.— British M. E. Church. — The Missionary Messen¬
ger.— Editor Dizney. — What. Prof. Crummell Says. — The
Two Summaries. — The Song of Mary. . . .37
CHAPTER V.
THE COMPARISON.
A Vision.—Who are They? Two Intern gatories —I. Material
Wealth. — Colored People of Border States. — What They
Hoped. — The Disappointment. — The M. E. Church.—H.
Colored Ministry. — Didn't Believe Them —Mountains Seen.
—Education. -T-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 52
CHAPTER YI.
EPISCOPALIANS ET PRESBYTERIANS.
Decision. — The Free African Society. —Allen Withdraws. — Com¬
mittee Report. — Absalom Jones.— Spirit of Methodism.—.
CONTENTS.
XI
Allen's Reply. — Lessons in Philanthropy. — Nazarene
School. — Two Questions. — Episcopalians. — White ts. Col¬
ored. — Arminius ts. Flayius. — Convention Report.—St.
Thomas. — Presbyterians. — How they Acted.—Why*They
Failed — Wesley vs. Calyin. — 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. , . - .15
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 Inevita¬
ble 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 Celsns 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. . . 8jp^
CHAPTER IX.
FANATICISM.
Fanaticism; no, Superstition, — Zeal vs. Fanaticism. — Catholic
Zeal, St Francis.-—Scotch Zeal, etcet.—England et Amer¬
ica, — Joseph's Coat — Who shall Regulate It? — Two Ques¬
tions : I, Does God Require a Zealous Worship? — Old Teatf-
xii
CONTENTS,
ment Proof.—New Testament. — HXJp.—David.—Solomon.
— —II. What the Scope of that Zeal? A. The Par
triarobal Dispensation.—Abram et Jacob.—B. The Mosaic
Dispensation, —Miriam et David. — C. The Christian Dispen¬
sation.— Jesus.—Peter. — John, etcet. —What an Infidel
says.—The A. M. E. Church. — (a) Her Works. — (6) Her
Worship. — 1st Obj. — A Waste. —Which the Greater Evil V—
2d Obj. — Our Zeal. —A Defect. -— Long Sermons. — Metho¬
dist 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 Titli "African."—Names of Governments.—German
M. E. Churches. — The Negro Language. — Anthony Trol-
lope. —'' African;'' What it Means. —Thoughts of Allen. —
Has the Cause Ceased. — Charge IL — The Fox and Grapes. —
(а) Preachers. — Conference Action. — A Free Country.—
(б) 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.
xiii
PAGE.
Pay a Call. — Why we Beg.—(a) We are Independent.—
(b) We are Honest. — (c) Our Extraordinary Expenses.
Don't Coax. —'"The Zeal 129
CHAPTER XIII.
THE METHODIST SISTERS.
Who Did It ? — The Methodist Sisters Helped. —Who are They ?—
An Ideal Picture, — Their Charity. — A. Charge. —A De¬
fence.— Their Work. ....... 135
CONTENTS OF PART II.
CHAPTER I.
OUR PURPOSE.
page:.
Let the Church Speak. — From the Bishops Down to the Members. 143
CHAPTER ll.
WM. PAUL QUINN.
What we Don't Know of Him.—What we Do Know.—What a
Man Does.—Labors in the East and West.—When Elected
and Consecrated Bishop. 144
CHAPTER III.
DANIEL A. PAYNE, D. D.#
Where Born and When.—1811 eb 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 Confer¬
ence.— His Books.—Secretary of Conference.—Secretary of
xvi
CONTENTS.
General Conference.—Revising Discipline.—"One Mistake."
—Made Bishop.—When Does he Read? — Stephen Douglas.
—His Poetry.—Jovial Temperament.—Trip to Georgia. . 151
CHAPTER Y.
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-Universalist. — Reclaimed.—Religious
Nature. — Call to 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 Pub¬
lisher et Editor.—Made Bishop.—40,000 Miles. . . . 158
CHAPTER VI.
GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE A. M. E. CHURCH.
(A.)
THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
John M. Brown Elected in 1864.—Office, 49 Holliday Street,
Baltimore.—Well Qualified. — A Score Years1 of Service.—
Manly Yigor. 174
(B.)
THE RECORDING SECRETARY.
The Writer of the "Apology" Elected 174
(C.)
THE TREASURER.
James H. Davis, of Baltimore, Elected.—A Man of Weal tlx—His
Activity 175
m
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
. (E.)
THE EDITOR.
Rev. James Lynch Appointed.—His Ability.—Resigns.—What is
Thought of him Within the Church.—What Thought Withh¬
old.—Elisha Weaver Re-appointed 1T6
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 Trini¬
dad, W. I.—Returns.—High Temper,—Goes to Philadelphia.
—Drug Store.—Studies Medicine.—Is Converted.—Enters the
Ministry.—Lincoln University.—An Opinion.—His Offering:
"Physiology."—( C.). Peter Gardner.—Judge not from Ap¬
pearance.—Knowledge of Natural Science.—"The 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 Dau¬
phin 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 Con-/
version.—Joins "Union Church."—His Career.—The Anni-
hilationists. — Debate. — Joseph Barker. — Infidels. — His
Ability. — (B.) Wm. C. Banton. — Bora in 1843. — Called
xviii
CONTENTS.
from the Brook.—Converted.—Joins Bethel.—Elected Super¬
intendent.— 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.—"TheBanner Conference."—Mis¬
sions.— Education. — (a.) Membership. — (6.) Finances.—
Active Ministry. — (A.) Daniel W. Moore. — Described.—
Maryland Colored Men.—No Waste in Him.—His Virtues hia
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 Educa¬
tion.—$200 in Cash to Wilberforce.—The Lowly Exalted.—
"On the Ignorance of Our Race."—(Q.) Savage L. Hammond.
—Where Born st When.—Untoward Circumstances.—Learns
the Alphabet.—His Instructors.—Positions HelJ.—His Char¬
acter.—" The Education of Our Ministry."—(-D.) Wm. H.
Hunter.—"The Chaplain."—His Physique.—His Youth.—A
Wofd and a Blow—The Lord vs. The Devil.—The Truth must
be Defended.—His Conversion—A Leader.—(JE.) James A.
Handy. — Marylander.—Even Balanced.—"His Books and
School Room."—Brighter Hopes.—Conversion.—Trustee.—-
Local Preacher.—Itinerant.—Sent South.—"Progression."—
(F.) Wm. D. W. Schureman.—Son of a Preacher.—His Popu¬
larity.—Why»Is It?—His Child Thoughts of God.—Con¬
verted.—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.—(J..) 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. J2.
Church."—(£.) Lloyd Benson, Frederick, Md. — Evils of
Slavery, Double.—His Mother.—How he Learned.—Asa
CONTENTS.
Preacher and a Man.—(C.) Thos. E. G-reen, 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. — Vm. 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. — " Semir Centenary Ad¬
dress." 20*7
CHAPTER IX.
THE NEW YORK DISTRICT.
When Organized.—Tts Boundary.—Population.—Strength.—Why
Is It? — The Field. — Weeds.—John's Angel.—Statistics.—
Active Ministry. — (A). Joshua Woodlin. — "The Big
Brother."—Where Born and When.—Attleborough. — In
Love-feast. — "Mustn't be too Nice."—(B.) Wm. H. W.
Winder.—Where Born and When.—School Boy. — School
Teacher. — Still Young.—A Hope.—His Offering: " Our
Duty as d, Race." . 254
CHAPTER X.
THE OHIO DISTRICT.
When Organized. — Boundary.—Its Geography.—.Mountains et
Rivers.—Improved Lands.—20,000,000 Acres.—Ohio Pro¬
ducts.—Ohio Methodists.—Statistics.—Our Show of Men.—
Active Ministry. — {A.) John A. Warren.—Birth Place.—
Where.—Character.—Lover of Education.-r-Inconsistency.—
Anecdote.—"My Method tut Preacher."—(B.) T. P. Under¬
wood.—Who is He?—Study of Divine Revelation. — ((7.)
Philip Tolliver, Jr. — "An Educated Ministry."—(D.) Henry
J. Young. — On " Intellectual Philosophy."—E. James A.
Shorter. — F. Benj. W. Arnett. — The Local Ministry.—
Joha Peck, Pittsburg.—Laity.—Profe. Mitchell et Vashon. . 261
XX
CONTENTS..
CHAPTER XI.
THE INDIANA DISTRICT. PAGE.
El8h°P ££ Sr^fatoT ^u^Of-Tt
A M E Church.—Good for Indiana.—Statistics.—Active
Ministry.' (A.) JSniaa Mcintosh.—Birth, When et Where.—A
Catholic. — Converted.—" Recollections of the Indiana Anr
nual Conference." — (B.) Abraham T. HalL—A Pennsyl-
vanian. Took Up the March.—Erie —Chicago.—A Worker.
( G.) Whitten S. Lankford.—Born West. — A True
" Hoosier."—Sectional Distinctions.— "How Shall Our
Standard of Piety be Raked." 305
CHAPTER XII.
THE NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT.
Brother Jonathan.—Where are his Brains?—Boston.—Holmes et
Emerson. — No School Export in Eighth Census. — New
England Headship.—Publications.—Population.—The Bound¬
ary.—Intelligence.—The A. M. E. Church.—Slow Growth.—
The Why.—(<z.) Liberal Sentiment of White People.—(6.)
The Future of Methodism.—Statistics.—Active Ministry.—
F. J. Peck —Where Born.—Mem! er 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.—I A.) W. R. Revels, M. D.—
Called Early to the Ministry.—Love of Book.—A Doctor.—
Post Surgeoo, at Indianapolis during the War.—A No. 1 Man.
—"The JUxistefwe of a Trv w (Jim! "—(2?.) Hiram R. Revels.
A North Carolinian. —At Hi liool.— Converted.—Called to
Preach.—God versus North Carolina.—Whom Should he
Obey?—Goes North.—Teaches School.—A Well Read Man.
"Education."
CONTENTS.
xxi
CHAPTER XIV.
THE CALIFORNIA DISTRICT.
page.
"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 Bound¬
ary-—Future Prospects.—Strength at Organization.—Statis¬
tics.—Active Ministry.—T. M. D. Ward.—Laity.—J. Madi¬
son Bell, the Poet. 34T
CHAPTER XY.
THE SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT.
When Organized, Where, and by Whom.—Charleston, S. C., in
1816.—What Bishop Payne says.—Its Boundary.—Its Popu¬
lation.— 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 Superin¬
tendent.—Hard at Work.—(C.) Wm. H. Brown.—A Mary-
lander.—Joins the A. M. E. Church.—Sent South.—Colum¬
bia.—Laity. — Maj. M. R. Delany.—" The Negro in Holy
Writ; the Similitude of Divine Attributes." . . . .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.—(-4.) M. M.
Clark.—Life and Travels. —11 Scripture Study," a Letter.—
(B.) John Turner.— A Marylander. — 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.—Watr
xxii
contents.
PAGE.
kins Family.—Its Genius.—Where Born and When.—"The
Law of Agitation."—(.5.) J. R. V. Thomas.—Of West India
Descent. — Where Born. — Philadelphia Schools. — In the
Church 399
CHAPTER XYIII.
THE GEORGIA DISTRICT.
When Organized, Where, and by Wham.—The District and Its
—TT- M. Turner's Wcng^»--^°. ■—AnTTYg
Ministry.—id. IBl. 1 uruei,.-=arSoath Carolinian.—TiieMan.
—His Attainments.—Mineral Discourse. .... 412
CHAPTER XIX.
TEE FLORIDA DISTRICT.
The Organization.—When and Where.—By Whom.—The Coun¬
try 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
(A.)
JAMES C. WATERS.
Where Born et When.—An Orphan Well Nigh.—Tact.—School.—
The Church His Field.—" Sise and Progress of Christianity.'' 42*7
(B.)
WM. D. JOHNSON.
Born in Maryland.—Member of Big Bethel.—Studious Habits.—
At College.-—"An Address." . 432
(C.)
WM. F. DICKERSON.
Born in New Jersey.—Joins the A. M. E. Church.—Leader of
Choir.—At College
CONTENTS. XX111
(D.)
ED. S. W. HAMMOND.
PAGE.
Bom Where et When.—A Wild Boy.—Went to Sea.—Capt. Perry,
U. S. N. — Comes Home.—Converted.—Joins Church.—At
College. . . . . 438
- CLTT A PTEB IIT
INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
[A.l Susan pa.nl Vnghnn /' TJnea to her Husband.—(-S.) Mary
A. Prout.— (C.) Sallie Louise Daffin.— "Impressions of
a Teacher in the South."—(2>.) Elizabeth T. Briscoe.—(B.)
Miss Slaughter's Article: "An Appeal."—(.F.) Mary Still, a
Letter.—(G.) Mrs. Bishop Wayman.—(H.) Esther Arm¬
strong.—(I.) Annetta Jordan.—(J.) Miss Woodson's "Essay
on Music." 443
AN APOLOGY
FOB
African Methodism.
Pi£RT I.
CHAPTER I.
the reasons why.
"Hear ye my defence."—Paul.
We propose to write#for the benefit of all con¬
cerned an Apology for African Methodism, or more
especially, for and in behalf of the African Metho¬
dist 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
14
AN APOLOGY FOR
too, that it "is spread like a contagion, not only into
cities and towns, but into country villages,"* S-lso
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 Boman Senate.
Indeed the first three centuries of our era abound with
Christian Apologists. .What reader of church his¬
tory has not learned of the Liber Apologeticus, pre¬
sented to the Roman Senate by the fiery Tertullian ?
It is, in the ecclesiastical sense, then, we use
the tferm "Apology" and not in the sense of an
pxcuse.
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 Chuffch of
their birth, as well as of their choice.
II. That all those Christian peoples, and more par¬
ticularly such as are our " 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
^s ignorant, fanatical, and proscriptive — that all
* Pliny's letter to Trajan.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
15
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.
*John x: 38.
fAct v: 29.
16
an apology for
OHAPTEK II.
the great offense.
"Stand up, I myself am also a man."-\Pder.
The giatit 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 them¬
selves, men to talk for themselves, men to act for
themselves: * A Church of men who support from
their own substance, however scanty, the ministra¬
tion of the Word which they receive; men who
spurn to have their churches built for them, and
their pastors supjftrted 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 re¬
mind the world that he was a man and ar Roman
citizen.
Slavery and prejudice, stood up like demons be¬
fore Allen and his compeers, and forbade them to
use the talents which God had given.
Slavery bellowed in one ear, " You may obey but
you shall not rule."
AFRICAN. METHODISM.
17
Prejudice thundered in the other, " You may hear
hut you shall not speak." And to utterly break
their spirits, they both took up the damning re¬
frain, " God may permit you to he Levites, hut 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
tliere 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 thmk and
reason, and the tongue for utterance, and the mus¬
cular 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 to 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.
18
AN APOLOGST FOR
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
wofd?"
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 of¬
fence by separating, and forming anew such organ¬
izations 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. Richard 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 dig¬
nify 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 cere¬
monies not authorized by the Church. He sought
only to have the acknowledged Ordinances conducted
by pure and impartial hands; and who is there, that
*1 Cor. i: 12.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
19
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 satisfac¬
tion. Nor did the Apostles resist, hut appreciating
the righteousness of their complaint, had it reme¬
died by instituting a new order in the Ministry, even
the Deaconate.
Allen was too discerning a man to charge back
upon Christian principles, the unfair treatment he
received from professed believers ; he was too honest
to hold Jesus responsible for Simon Magus.
It is not the province of the Reformer to loose the
the foundations, to change Christian doctrine; he
should rather say with Him who is the great Re¬
former, "Iam not come to destroy the law, but to ful¬
fill."*
The word of Grod properly interpreted is the
foundation of all doctrine, and every reformation
must be toward it. The creed that conflicts with it
must be annulled; that which is in harmony with,
or flows directly from, must be received.
"But," says a Caviler, " what mean you by the
phrase, 'properly interpreted?' "
We mean that interpretation, which the combined
judgment of the Christian world has always given
to it. -As it is not the prerogative of the Reformer
to change doctrine, it is equally beyond his preroga-
*Matt. y: IT.
20 AN APOLOGY FOR
tive to give a forced or individual construction to the
revealed word. We would apply to interpretation,
the same rul£ that our Book of Discipline, in conso¬
nance with, every branch, of the Christian Church,
applies to the reception of the canonical Scriptures.
" In the name of the Holy Scriptures," saith Art.
V, "we do understand those canonical books of the
Old and New Testament, of whose authority was
never any doubt in the Church." Why should indi¬
vidual opinion be tolerafed in .the matter of inter¬
pretation, if not in determining the question of the
Canon? Surely for the preservation of truth, a
proper interpretation is just as necessary as the recep¬
tion of the Canon itself, and no substantial reason
can be given why personal judgment should be al¬
lowed in the one, and denied in the other.
Cecil says: 'e The Bible is tjie meaning of the Bible.' *
Staunton, of Raven wood, says: " The Christian
faith is* not that interpretation which every man
may choose to put on the words of Scripture, for
then there would be ten thousand faiths, instead of
one, and all certainty respecting truth be lost."
One of the Bishops of London, recognizing the
necessity of such a principle of action said, "Some
decision right or wrong must be made; society could
not subsist without it."
The Catholic Fenelon believed in the principle to
such an extent as to lead him to make the daring
Temark, " It is" better to live without any law, than
to have laws which all men are left to interpret ac¬
cording to their several opinions and interests."
AFRICAN METHODISM.
21
Acting orf this principle every well ordered govern¬
ment finds it necessary to have officers regularly ap¬
pointed whose duty it shall be to define law —to give
an expose of them : in our own Republic, the illustri¬
ous Salmon* P. Chase sits as Chief Justice, the head
of those thus appointed. We ask :. Shall not the
Church, which is the Kingdom of G-od, be as well
ordered as any ?
And herein consists the strictest Democracy, the
most approved Protestantism — a Democracy and a
Protestantism, that rises in its might against a one
man rule, and insists that the majority shall hold
sway ; believing as it does,' that it is altogether more
probable that a thousand men of equal wisdom, piety
and disinterestedness, have the right view of a sub¬
ject, while the single individual is in error ; unless,
indeed, that individual lay claim to inspired wisdom,
and give sensuous demonstration of the same; should
which be done, and his message conflicts not with
the Gospel,* then, say we, let the world bow down to
his behests.
Thus, we doubt not, reasoned Richard Allen, and
the thought, doubtless, never entered his brain of
attempting to change the received dogmas, or bring
in new ones. He felt that the humane teachings of
Scripture had been disregarded, that partiality the
most flagrant had been entertained and practiced
against him and his race. When he heard the
sanctimonious Parson read, " For if there come unto
your assembly, a man with a gold ring, in goodly
*Gal. i: 8.
*2
22
AN APOLOGY FOR
apparel, and there come in also a poor Tnan in vile
raiment, and ye have respect to him that weareth
the gay clothing, .and say unto him, i Sit thou here
in a good place,' and say to the poor, 1 Stand thott
there,' (back by the door) or sit thou hfcre (behind
the door, or in some unswept gallery,) under my
footstool, are ye not partial- in yourselves?, and are
become judges of evil thoughts?"* and then tacitly
consent to the most shameful treatment of the poor
blacks, the unblushing hypocrisy of the thing, sank
deep into his warm African heart, and he resolved
to quietly withdraw.
(b) Whence arose the common determination of
the ' Eree Africans' to be ecclesiastically free ?
We give a second reply :
Allen and his liberty-loving coadjutors learned
these lessons of religious manhood, from the very
people who now strove to fasten upon them a hated
authority. They had heard the stories ^hich make
up the religious history of the country; of the May¬
flower and its heroic band, who braved the perils of
the deep, the greater perils of the land, all that
they might not be ecclesiastically oppressed. They
had heard of Koger Williams and the city which he
built for all those who might be distressed on ac¬
count of conscience.f They had heard of William
Penn — of him who forsook inherited honors and
riches, with all their concomitant train of earthly
delights, that he might be free, religiously free.
But the most potent of all, was the lesson taught
* Jas, ii r 2-4. f Providence, R. I,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
23
them by the Methodists themselves. If the rise of
Anglo Methodism is to he excused, that of African
Methodism is to he plead for ; and if the former is- to
he countenanced, the latter is to he most strenuously
defended. Was John Wesley and his people ever
made the subjects of brutal treatment, and at the
hands of their religious teachers? Eichard Allen
and his people were. Was John Wesley denied any
or all of the immunities which belong to a man and a
Christian ? Richard Allen was. Was John Wesley
driven from the Assembly of the Saints, and bade in
fact, "Go serve other gods?"* Eichard Allen was.
Nor can Methodism, Anglo or American, be so
successfully defended, as when argument^ similar to
these are employed, for all other arguments, as to
rites and doctrines, do but "beg the question,"—
are based on premises which ought first to he proved,
themselves. It was on this ground chiefly, that
Wesley himself justified the American Mefhodists
in breaking away from the English hierarchy, and
becoming a self controlling bocly. In a letter ad¬
dressed " To Dr. Coke, Mr, Asbury, and our Breth¬
ren in North America," and written after th.0 Revo¬
lutionary struggle, in speaking of Methodist Preach¬
ers receiving ordination at the hands of the English
Bishops, he objected to it: 3rd. "If they would
ordain them, they would likewise expect to govern
them, and how grievously that would entangle us
4tli. " As our American brethren are now totally dis¬
entangled, both from the State and the English
*1 Sum. xxvi. 19.
24
AN APOLOGY FOR
hierarchy, we dare not entangle them again either
with the "one or the other. They are now at full
liberty, simply to follow the Scripture, and the prim¬
itive Church ; and we judge it best that they should
stand fast in the liberty wherewith God has s<*
strangely made them free/'
In plain words, Mr. Wesley's argument was, that
if they remained in the Episcopal fold, they would
have been controlled against their wishes, which was
most true.
Nor does Dr. Coke, at the consecration of theBev.
Mr. Asbury to the office of Bishop, fail to use a sim¬
ilar train of argument, as the first, as it is undoubt¬
edly the strongest, in the defence he there makes.
We could quote at length, but refrain; lei? the fol¬
lowing suffice. Speaking of the Church of England
Tie says : " The churches were in general filled with
the parasites and bottle companions of the rich and
great. The humble and most importunate treaties
of the oppressed flocks, yea, the representations of a
general assembly itself, were contemned and des¬
pised." And because of-such oppressive treatment
toward the people, Dr. Coke justifies their with¬
drawal from the English Church, and their organ¬
ization into an independent body.
So#too, Dr. Bangs, in his " History pf Method¬
ism/' when he speaks of the Fluvanna Conference
held in 1779, says : <c Here th.e arguments in favor
of administering the ordinances, came up with dou¬
ble force. The war had separated them from Mr.
Wesley; all the English Preachers, except Mr. Asbury,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
25
had returned to England, and nearly all the Minis¬
ters of the Establishment, being, unfriendly to the
American cause, had also left their flocks and gone
home."
And what says Dr. Abel'Stevens, in his masterly
work: " English? writers have deemed it desirable
to defend him (Wesley) against the imputations of
disregard for the authority and order of the national
Church. The task *is not difficult, as will be seen
in the course of our narrative ; but it"may hereafter
be a more difficult one to defend him before the rest
of the Christian world, for having been so deferential
to a hierarchy whose moral condition at the time he
so much denounced, and whose studied policy through¬
out the rest of his life^ was to disown, if not to defeat,
Mm."
In short, the gist of the whole matter is, it was
the manly upheaval of Wesley's bosom, that for¬
bade him to. wait longer the tardy motions of the
English Bishops, and compelled him to exercise a
power long before recognized as lawful by him, and
ordain, and send on swift wing, Dr. Coke, to super¬
intend the Methodist societies, as well as to ordain
their preachers.
It was thus too, on the part of. the American
Methodists, Weary with the prejudiced actions of
Pastors, who were opposed alike to them, and to their
bleeding country; weary at not having administered
to them, the Bread by which man lives ; weary at
"beholding their little bnes called to the bosom of
G-od, without even a form of Baptism, they broke
26
AN APOLOGY FOR
away with a firm determination to be Christian men.
How then, can the world condemn a generation of
men for.acting the part of freemen, that had been
tutored by such a valiant race. Richard Allen,
taught by the example of Coke and Asbury, with
a courage equal to theirs, only acted up to the neces¬
sities of the hour in*which he lived.
(c) The third answer to the question, "Whence
learned they these lessons of ecclesiastical freedom ?"
we give:
The very genius of Columbia, the genius that
speaks only of freedom, told them to stand up with
the crowd.
Are not America and Liberty synonyms ? Is
freedom not taught by our mountains, in their de¬
fiant and unbroken range from* pole to pole? .Does
not the rushing of our rivers tell us of liberty, as
tfiey in majesty sweep along, bidding the hills stand
aside at their coming ? and what are the wave songs
of our Northern seas, but the songs of the untram¬
melled and unbought?
They learned it from the school boy, as he threw
up his cap and shouted, Liberty ! They learned it
from the broken accent of the fresh foreigner, as he
muttered out Liberty J They learned it from the
stereotyped prayer, uttered every Sabbath from ten
thousand altars — the prayer of thankfulness for
the privilege of worshiping God under our own vine
and fig tree, none daring to molest or make us afraid.
Lessons of liberty once learned are soon practiced
to the confusion of tyrants, and the joy of the poor.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
27
CHAPTER III.
THE RESOURCES AT HAND.
"For which of you intend to build a tower, sitteth not down first,
and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?"—Jesus.
It would "be placing a most shocking discount
upon the recognized common sense of Richard Allen,
to suppose that he would embark in the work of or¬
ganizing an independent Christian Body, without
first counting the cost. He who believed implicitly
in the taught doctrine, that no man should be willing
to commence to build a tower — much le§s a temple
to the Lord, without first counting the cost.
A practical man, in a most eminent degree, Allen
surveyed the field, to discover if possible, sufficient
material to rear up his projected building, sufficient
at least for foundations and pillars. He was fully
aware that the same powerful principle which drove
him from the white churches, would be on the alert,
and see to it, that he carried not his " abolition gos¬
pel '' to the thousands of his enslaved brethren in
the far South. He well knew that the oppressors
understood to perfection, the philosophy of their
ignoble calling; and would not hesitate to do any
act of violence, deemed necessary to becloud still
more the minds, and dwarf the Souls of their un¬
happy victims. The border States then, must be his
horizon; and they stood like mountains of blackness*
28
AN APOLOGY FOR
between him and his endeared race; while from their
dismal peaks, came the muttering charge, " Thus
far shalt thou come, and no farther."
Turning from such a sight, Allen looked toward
his brethren at the North.
It was the year 1816, and six. years hadpassed away
since the last census was taken, yet it is scarcely pos¬
sible that the free colored population, was as numer¬
ous then as in 1810 ; at least that class who are ever
regarded as most necessary to the successful inaugu¬
ration of any project, to wit, men of great courage.
And does the reader ask, Why ? astonished that
there should be no increase during these six years !
•He should remember that the war of '12 had swept
over the land, carrying before it all those heroic souls
who love country more than life; and among such
were hosts of black men, as New Orleans, Lake Erie
and Eed Bank testify. During that memorable two
year contest, multitudes of chivalrous men had fal¬
len, w ho doubtless would have gloried in seconding
the efforts of Richard Allen." We deem it then, a
liberal concession to account the free colored popula¬
tion of 1816, the same as 1810.
By the census of '10, the State of Maine had a
free colored population of 969 ; New Hampshire hid
970 ; Vermont had 750 ; Massachusetts 6,737; "Rhode
Island 3,609 ; Connecticut 6,453 ; New York 25,333 ;
New Jersey 7,843 ; Pennsylvania 22,492 ; Ohio 1,-
829 ; Indiana 393 ; Illinois 613 ; Michigan 120;
making a total free colored population in the nomin¬
ally free States of 78,181.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
29
Here, then, was the material upon'which that
good man looked, as whence his new horn organiza¬
tion would draw its support. In addition to these
78,181, there ijiight bg accounted the free colored
population of Baltimore, Md.; Wilmington, Del.,
as well as those of the Capital, Washington City.
We account these cities, hut not the States nor the
District in which they are situated, for it was at least
a score* years later, ere the whole of .these regions
became accessible to the preachers of the branded
" Abolition Church." In fact, so late as 1859, many
localities, at which multitudes of free colored per¬
sons could be found, were not to be reached. An¬
napolis, the Capital of Maryland, where now we have
a thriving congregation of 400 — 250 members, was
only then reached, and through the holy craft of Mary
Morrison, one of the most faithful of the Methodist
Sisters.
In brief, <fco place the number of people to whom
Allen could hope to have access at a round 100,000,
will doubtless be regarded as a fair estimate. One
hundred thousand souls ! a field of missionary ope¬
ration, that even a Paul would have coveted, or a
spirit, like unto Francis Xavier's would have died to
reach. But how was Allen to gather in this harvest,
spoiling with ripeness? where were the laborers?
Let Bishop Payne, in his late work, " The Semi-
Centenary, and Retrospection of the AfricaalM. E.
Church," enlighten us in regard to the force Richard
Allen had at command, with which he hoped to
reach the utmost limits of his projected organiza-
30
AN APOLOGY FOR
tion — from Maine to Maryland, from-New York to
Michigan.
Speaking of the organization at Philadelphia, Pa.,
in April, 1816, the Bishop says-:
" (b) Its founders were Richard Alten, Jacob Tap-
sico, Clayton Durham, Jas. Champion, and Thomas
Webster of Philadelphia, Pa.; Daniel Coker, Rich¬
ard Williams, Henry Harden, Stephen Hill, Ed¬
ward Williamson/and Nicholas Gailliard o£ Balti¬
more, Md.; Peter Spencer, of Wilmington, Del. ;
Jacob Marsh, Edward Jackson, and-Win. Andrew,
of Attle"borough, Pa. ; and Peter Cuff, of Salem, N.
J. * * * * The above sixteen men opened the Con¬
vention on the 9thjday of April, 1816."
It is the pride of Christianity, even a recognized
proof of its divinity, that its Founders were princes
only in the heart, but not in the head nor in the
pocket; lest indeed the grand result might have
been accredited to means human. Christian writers
boast frhat the reputed son of a carpenter, was pre¬
ferred to the son of a Caesar, that a Tax-gatherer had
precedence of a King, and Paul the pupil, was cho¬
sen to Gamaliel the master; and all this that the
work might plainly be of God, and not of men.
To attain results, man works, but God speaks. Is
a Palace to be constructed ? Genius must then put
forth her mightest effort, while thousands of hands,
and treasures of gold are employed in the execution.
Witness the erection of our own majestic Capitol
at Washington, D. C., and be astonished'at the time,
the labor, the wealth, the genius employed.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
31
But not so with the Lord. " And God said, let
there be light, and there was light."* Not by
might, nor power, are His results brought about,
but by His Spirit. He chooses the foolish to con¬
found the wise; the weak to triumph over the
strong ; the things that are base and despised, yea,
the things that are nought, He uses to bring to"
nought the things that are.f
But let us look more minutely at the forces which
were at hand, and which under God, proved suc¬
cessful infringing into existence the African M. E.
Church ; and then tell me if the w.ork be not of Him.
(a) Numerically. We have said there were six>
teen persons—a goodly number to be sure. The
Jewish exodus was by the Two ; Christianity itself
was propagated by the Twelve ; the continental Re¬
formation, at no time could boast of more than a half
dozen leaders; in fact Luther was the heart, and
Melancthon the head of the whole movement. So
too, as to numbers, was the English movement^ one
or two men led off and the people followed in their
wake. Men are given to the habit of underrating
themselves and others, as to the amount of force,
one man possesses. A terrible engine of weal or
woe is that being, man! and yet, is he not God's
breath, in a frame-work of clay ? Why, then, be
astounded at anything God's breath accomplishes.
There are few things, save absolute creation, that
man cannot do. •
t( A few things," repeated a Genius, 'a few
♦Gen. i; 3. t1 Cor. i: 27.
32
AN APOLOGY FOR
things. There are none save creation, hut man
will sooner or later do/ said he, ' the great Jah, has
only reserved as his peculiar prerogative the creative
force.' "
And when I remembered what Watts, and Morse,
and Stephenson, and Cyrus Fields had done, I al¬
most believed what the Grenius said;
In numbers then,the Founders of the African M. E.
Church, equalled those who have laid the foundation
of any of the other religious bodies.
(b) Intellectually. In secular learning, and even
religious, this organizing force was weak indeed.
Not a quarter of these sixteen were able to read or
write intelligently. Unlike the men who usually
lead off in forming new Church organizations, there
was not a schoolman among them, even as there were
none among the Apostles. It is the schoolmen —
men of the letter, who usually thrust themselves
forward as Reformers and Church organizers. In
their studies they satisfy themselves, that such and
such a doctrine is false, or .such and such ceremony
is detrimental to morality; it avails nothing to tell
them that the»wisest and best men of many genera¬
tions have not so regarded them. Satisfied them¬
selves, with a shocking want of modesty, they brand
the generations past as fools, and are willing to cast
aside the most revered doctrines and rites, to suit
their egotistic whims. What mean now the multi¬
tude of visions in the Christian Churah, to the
open disgrace of our Protestant faith, but that some
overwise clerical schoolmen, who would have renown,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
33
even though they destroy, not a temple of Diana, but
the temple of the Most High, with no fear before
their eyes, presume to set at nought the teachings of
the world. A writer in one of the New York Chris¬
tian Journals— The Methodist, thus aptly describes
one of these modern Organizers ; he says :
{(He was a man of very considerable learning, of
easy and popular address, bold and self reliant in
debate, and by nature a controversialist. Some have
charged him with egotism, and a large degree of
personal vanity. He was formed for agitation, and
seemed never to be more agreeably employed than
when exposing the (presumed) errors of mankind,
and waging a war of extermination against the
"sects," as he was pleased to denominate other Chris¬
tian Churches. He was a diligent student, but most
persons who knew him, and who are not partial tq
his system of doctrine, find it difficult to resist the
impression that he employed his vast powers of mind
and body, and that he sought learning, -to promote
his personal fame and the interest of the sect he
founded."
Thank God for the fact that the Founders of the Af¬
rican M. E. Church, were no discontented schoolmen,
a class of men whose chief merit consists in telling
not what they believe, but rather what they disbe¬
lieve, but were, like the Apostles, et new men " in
the Roman sense — men unaccustomed to contro¬
versy, but having a good degree of common sense,
could discern the truth and embrace it.
And does not their disinterestedness shine forth
34
AN APOLOGY FOR
with, a "brightness only eclipsed by that of the Apos¬
tles ? While Luther is charged by his opposers with
dissatisfaction, on account of the preference which
the Franciscans received over his beloved Augus-
tinians ; while Henry VIII is charged with an un¬
lawful affection toward Anne Boleyn — an affection
which the Pope denounced; and while even Wesley
may be charged with disregarding an authority,
which he professed to recognize, the sum of the charge
which the most malignant foe may bring against Al¬
len, is that he refused to submit to treatment, now
acknowledged by all to be the most unchristian.
But to return to the intellectual force. Of the
education of Allen, it is said by John M. Brown in
his Sketches, to have been liihited in his youth,
c< and that which he did obtain, was obtained when
manhood was upon him. He loved education. He
improved himself and educated his children." To
the Baltimore delegation in the Convention is to be
credited, doubtless, the greatest amount of intellec¬
tual force, in the person of Daniel Coker, and Stephen
Hill, a layman.
But it was truth simple, that made t.hese latter-day
Fishermen strong, aye, stronger than any strange
doctrine, however well fortified by liter.ary acumen
or party prejudice could possibly have done. What
cared the hundred thousand souls to whom they went
forth to minister*, about the meaningless quibbles of
theologians? They wanted only the truth — the
truth as tried in the fire of ages — the truth as it
is in Jesus.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
35
These Sixteen knew not enough to venture in
strange ways, they walked only- the beaten path.
Allen's example of exhortation was closely imitated
by them all. "I pointed them to all manner of
prayer," said the old Preacher, " and to the invita¬
tion of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, i come
unto me all ye that are heavily laden, and I will
give you rest.'"
(c) Financially. Who is poorer than the man
who lives by honest toil, but him who toils for
nothing ? With this latter class—the poorest of the
poor, were these Sixteen identified. They were the
representatives of a race, to whom not even the
nights and the Sabbaths belonged — a peeled race,
and scattered, a race meted out. Without capital,
without resources, without lucrative positions, how
weak indeed, was the force that must dispatch these
simple Evangelists to the work. Then it was, as it is
now, in the far South, where the followers of these
Sixteen, and with a kindred burning spirit, have
gone on the same joyful errand. Eev. H. M. Turn¬
er, writing from Macon, Ga., says "I have just
returned from a five hundred mile tour, travelling
night and day., stopping here and there trying to
preach. The people everywhere are eager to hear
the "Word of Life. And yet thousands have to be
neglected for want of preachers and means to travel
with.] for these Railroads make no deduction for
Negro Preachers."
Let us sum up the forces to be employed, the re¬
sources at hand. In numbers, Sixteen; in learning
36
AN APOLOGY FOR
only knowing^Tesus, and Him crucified ; in finances,
the veriest beggars.
And yet the building went up ; though scores of To-
biahs said, "Even that which the.y build, if a fox
go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.' *
To conclude chapter III. A hundred thousand
souls ! A goodly heritage was before them; and as
from their Pisgah they viewed the land, its moun¬
tains of oak and elm, its green carpeted plains,
more charming than Esdraelon, with its ten thou¬
sand vineyards, its walled cities, its flowing
streams, Allen whispered to C!oker, "The land is
good, let us go up and possess it," while the little
company catching th$ words as by inspiration, ut¬
tered a deep, Amen.
They separated, some to the South, others to the
farther Rorth, each one resolved to do and dare for
God, each one repeating in his bosom : Giving no
offence in any thing, that the ministry be not
blamed : But in all things approving ourselves as
the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflic¬
tions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in
imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watch-
ings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by
long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by
love unfeigned ; By the word of truth, by thfe power
of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right
hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by
evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet
true ; As unknown, and yet well known j as dying,
and, behold, we live; as chastened and not killed;
As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing ; as poor, yet mak¬
ing many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing
all things.
*Neh. iv: «3.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
37
CHAPTER IV,
the grand result.
"By their fruits ye shall know them."—Jesua.
Let us apply the Saviour's rule, " By their fruits
ye shall know them," to the African M. E. Church.
Let the balance be brought forth that she may be
weighed. Fifty years have elapsed since its organ¬
ization ; what are the results ?
(a) As to Territory. The field of its operations
has been so enlarged, until now, it is coextensive
with the boundary of the Republic. No longer are
its ministers confined to the sparsely populated States
of the North, for the black mountain of slavery
which stood up — and more impassable than a Chi¬
nese wall, has been removed. Mined by the prayers
of a nation, in due time the match of war was ap¬
plied, and from a thousand cannon mouths, God
spake. " Behold, I am against thee, 0 destroying
mountain."* That blast was more successful than
Grant's at Petersburg, and to day only the hateful
debris of the mountain can be seen.
Ere the smoke of battle had cleared away, the
missionaries of the A. M. E. Church, the first regular¬
ly commissioned of any, who went to the Freedmen,
*Jer li' 15.
38
AN APOLOGY FOR
were on the ground, in the persons of the Revs. J.
D. S. Hall and Jas. Lynch. This was in the month
of May, 1863; and to-day scores of our preachers
are heard, all along the Atlantic coast, and through
the green savannas of the once desolate South. St.
Louis now re-echoes the voice of New York, and
San Francisco that of St. Louis; while Boston gives
a real Methodistic, Amen, to New Orleans. Yes,,
wherever the Negro is or goes, throughout the whole
domains of the nation, there too, has he been, fol¬
lowed by the noisy Methodist preacher.
(b) With the increase of Territory, came likewise
an increase of souls demanding ministration. The
hundred thousand has been multiplied by forty.
The precise number of colored people in the United
States is not known. It is true the census of 1860
places the number at 4,427,093, but there are rea¬
sons to believe that the powers which then controlled
the Interior Department, and had controlled it for
forty years previously — the slaveholding Democra¬
cy, were not too honest in giving the true census of
the Anglo-Africans in the South; not being desir¬
ous that their strength should be known. Then, we
must make an allowance for the havoc of war — an
allowance for those two score thousand heroic dead.
However indefinite we may recognize their number
to be, yet the people to whom the A, M. E. Church
is called especially to minister, may safely be ac¬
counted 4,000,000. Truly, we may say, " The little
one has become a thousand."*
*Isaiah lx: 22.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
39
From the most reliable information possibly to "be
attained, the absolute membership of our Church in
May, 1867, will count considerably above a hundred
thousand; while the number of those who attend
our service — members and congregation, is a full
quarter of a million I
(c) As to Church Property and Buildings* On this
score, the most enthusiastic of our thousands- have no
occasion to blush. To-day we have in our possession,
and own, the most neatly constructed, and the most
costly church edifices of all the colored congregations
in the land, and a hundred per cent, morerof them.
The log cabin of two score years ago, has given
away to the neat comfortable frame, and this in turn
is fast being displaced by the stately brick. Nor,
do we seek the alleys and byways as of old, for
places of worship *, but rather the most popular
thoroughfares. In all the principal cities of the
land, the vast majority of our churches, are models
of architectural beauty.
Foremost, for richness and elegance, stands "Big
Bethel," as it is familiarly called, on Saratoga St.,
Baltimore, Md. Built under the supervision of elder
D. A. Payne, now Bishop, remodelled and adorned
according to the exquisite taste of Bev. 3Tohn M.
Brown, it stands to-day every whit a Cathedral —
the joy and pride of the whole connexion.
And yet Bethel, with-all her Gothic architecture
and Doric columns, her stainecl emblematic windows,
and altar of Parian marble, her silver Communion
Service, and velvet trappings — the glorious Bethel
40
AN APOLOGY FOR
with the melody of two organs to enrich her service,
stands greatly in danger of being eclipsed in archi¬
tectural grandeur and costliness, by Ebenpzer, now
on the verge of completion, under the direction of
Eev. W. D. W. Schureman. Ebenezer is of the
adorned Gothic style of architecture, and is built,
together with its superb parsonage, of the finest
Baltimore pressed brick. It stands upon +a broad,
active thoroughfare — Montgomery St., and will be,
when completed, not only an ornament to our connex¬
ion, but even to Baltimore city itself.
On Sixth St., Philadelphia, stands the " mother of
us all," likewise known by the familiar sobriquet,
"Big Bethel." Built of the finest brick, it is the
largest, best designed and most neatly finished, of
all the colored churches in that city. Within the
iron railings which adorn the front, may be seen the
tomb of the revered Allen, with the following in¬
scription :
TO THE MEMORY
OP THE
ET. EEV. EICHAED ALLEN,
First Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal connec¬
tion in the United States of America, and Founder of
this Church. Who was born in this city, A. D. 1760.
At the age of 17, experienced and joined the Methodist
Society, in the State of Delaware; at the age of 22, com¬
menced his ministerial labors, which were extended
through various parts of the Middle States. In 3,787,
he returned to his native city, where his unexampled
labors will redound to posterity. He was instrumental
in the hands of the Lord in enlightening many thou¬
sands of his brethren, the descendants of Africa, and
AFRICAN METHODISM.
41
wan the founder of the first African Church in America,
■which was erected in Philadelphia, A. D. 1793. He was
ordained deacon in A. D. 1799, by the Et. .Rev. FRAN¬
CIS ASBURY, Bishop of the Methodist Church. At
the organization of the African Methodist Church, A.
D. 1816, he was elected and ordained a Bishop for said
Church, by their first General Conference, and was the
first African Bishop in AMERICA, which office he filled
for upwards of fourteen years, with uncommon zeal,
fidelity, perseverance and sound judgment. He was an
affectionate husband, a tender father, and a sincere
Christian. He finished his course in this city, after a
tedious illness, which he bore with Christian fortitude,
on the 2Gth day of March, 1831, in the 72d year of his
age; gloriously triumphing over death, and in the hope
of a better resurrection, through the merits of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
" I have fought the good fight; I have finished my
course ; I have kept the faith."
Yox Populi,
Yox Dei.
Reader, go thou and do likewise.
A Presbyterian Clergyman, but who is now an
active Minister in our Church, Rev. Wm. T. Catto,
in giving a synoptical history of the colored churches
in Philadelphia, says of Big Bethel, "This church
is located in South Sixth Street, east side, between
Lombard and Pine. It was founded in 1816, as an
African M, E. Church, by Rev. Richard Allen. It is
a large brick edifice, substantially built, plain but
neat; it is 62 feet wide, 70 long, with a basement
divided into a lecture room, class rooms and minis¬
ter's study, with a library attached. The church
and lot upon which it stands, together with other
property owned by the Corporation, are at the lowest
42
AN APOLOGY FOR
possible estimate, valued at $60,000: the audience
room is very capacious, and for neatness, is equalled
by but few churches in the city; it is rated to seat
about 2,500 persons. The church is composed of
1,100 communicant members. It has a Sabbath
school containing 350 children, two superintendents,
and 20 teachers, 11 males, 14 females."*
But time would fail me to speak of Bridge Street,
Brooklyn, a most pleasantly located, und beautiful
structure; of Sullivan Street, New York, and of
those thousand and one temples which bespot the
mighty West; beginning with Wylie Street, Pitts¬
burg, (our Mother, God bless her! ) in every city
they stand, until we are led to cry out:
"These temples of His grace,
How beautiful they stand;
The honor of our native place,
The bulwark of our land."
But not only have we bought and built churches,
but there is our Publishing House, lately acquired.
After years of trial the Book Concern, under the
master guidance of Rev. Elisha Weaver, gives as¬
surance of a. lasting success. This building i» promi¬
nently located on Pine Street, Philadelphia, Pa. It
is quite commodious and is well adapted ta the pur¬
pose to which it is to be devoted. It is of brick,
three stories in height. On the first floor.is the
store room, large and well filled with a choice selec¬
tion of the standard books of the day, and makes
altogether, a creditable show, A number of the
other rooms are used for the various purposes foi;
Catto's Semi-Centenary Discourse,"
AFRICAN METHODISM.
43
which the business calls. It is purposed very short¬
ly, to have printing presses placed in one or more
of the numerous suits of rooms, and commence the
business in earnest.
But that which gives most notoriety to the Publish¬
ing House, is not the thousands of Hymn Books and
Discipline which are, there prepared and sent forth
annually \ but rather that sterling journal, the
1'Christian Recorder,'' which has really become one of
the established fixtures of our Church, and to which
every colored Methodist can point with pride. For
six consecutive years, this weekly visitor has ap¬
peared at the doors of thousands, and always to be
joyfully admitted. Ably financiered by the Book
Agent, who held on, and worked on, with a tenacity
that demands universal praise, it kept afloat during
the dark war days, when many richer journals and
longer established, had to succumb. And now, it
lives, as it were in the bloom and strength of
youth, and promises to be a ffredit, not only to the
Church whose organ it is, but even to the whole
race. One of the most distinguished men in the
nation, Hon. John J. Forney, now Secretary to the
U. 8. Senate, through the columns of his Washing¬
ton City journal, says of it, " The Christian Recorder,
13 the title of a weekly religious newspaper, pub¬
lished at Philadelphia in behalf of the African M.
E, Church. It ia devoted to the religious and secu¬
lar interests of the colored people of the United
States, is ably conducted and does credit to the gen¬
tleman having it in charge. We commend it to the
colored people of the District of Columbia.''
44
AN APOLOGY FOR
The climax of grand results, at the end of fifty
years' labor, is Wilberforce University, purchased
from the Methodist Episcopal Church at an expense
of $10A000,with the adjoining Springs of medicated
waters, and fifty acres of land ; it makes a spot the
most delectable. Nor had the last payment been
made, when lo ! on that fatal Friday of 1865 — that
Friday on which the nation made its greatest offer¬
ing to the cause of human liberty, the game foul
spirit that pulled the trigger at Washington, applied
the torch at Wilberforce, and our beautiful house
was burnt up !* But from its ashes there rises Phce-
nix-like, a structure of such proportion and beauty,
as will, when completed, be the pride, not only of
Methodists, but of all Anglo-Africans in the land.
One of the most talented of our rising laymen^ Wm.
Mathews, Esq., writes of this seat of learning as fol¬
lows :
" But what shall we say of the beauty and grandeur
of Wilberforce? Why this: Never have we seen a
spot for which nature has done more. Its hills and
dales, its rocks, ravines, rills and meadows, and
stately forests, together with the numerous mineral
springs, which gush forth from every part of the fifty
acres, making it at once the very embodiment of poe¬
try and holy aspiration. The new building, which is
now in course of erection, when completed, will be
the finest educational establishment on the continent,
owned and governed by colored men. It will be
one hundred and thirty feet long, and four stories
*Isa. 64: 1].
AFRICAN METHODISM.
45
high. The foundation, which is now finished, is of
stone, and is one of the finest specimens of massive
masonry we ever saw. Wilberforce, then, is to be a
certainty, aye, it is already such, for it now has some
fifty students, and an able faculty. Then let the
friends of education rally, and give their means to
the support of an Institution which is destined to
be- the greatest and grandest monument of negro
munificence in th& land. While at Wilberforce, we
saw autograph letters from Chief Justice Chase,
Major General Saxton, and Major General 0. 0.
Howard, addressed to President Payne, expressing
their warmest interest in the enterprise. Chief Jus¬
tice Chase concludes his letter by saying: ' My
name and limited means are at your disposal.'
With such names as these Wilberforce must prove
a success."
The distinguished gentlemen whose names have
been mentioned above are all Trustees of the Col¬
lege, and well may Mr. Mathews declare " Wilber¬
force must prove a success." From the catalogue of
1867, we give the Faculty of 18f>7 : Daniel A. Payne,
D. D., Professor of Christian Theology and Moral
Science, and Church Government; John G. Mitchell,
A. M., Professor of Greek and Mathematics; Rev.
William Kent, M. D., Professor of Natural Sciences;
Theodore E. Suliot, A. M., Professor of English,
Latin and French Literature, and Associate Pro¬
fessor of Mathematics ; Miss S. J. Woodson, Precep¬
tress of English and Latin.
We quote the following from the " Report on Wil-
3*
46 AN APOLOGY FOR
berforce/' made before tbe " Society for the
tion of Collegiate and Theological Education a e
West/' by Rev. T,"Baldwin, D. D. : .
"After having worshipped with this people m their
neat and well kept church at Xenia, witnessed their
simple-hearted, but fervent piety, and visited some
of them at their own houses : after having noticed
here and there, convenient and'tasteful dwellings
springing up in the vicinity of the Institution ; and
stood on its site, Vhere the flames had done their sad
work; thought of what this people had done out of
thpir deep poverty, and saw their unwavering faith,
and the unflinching courage with wliich they entered
upon the work of rebuilding their crumbled walls,
I must confess to the kindling of a warm personal
interest in the enterprise. Perhaps if we were to
search all the annals of educational movements in
our country, no more striking example could be
found of perseverance in the face of appalling ob¬
stacles."
Nor can we fail to notice as we conclude, the British
bM. E, Church «s another of the grand results of the
work inaugurated by Allen. The boundaries of the
Republic could not stay the zeal of the early A* M. E.
preachers for their brethren. Forbidden to minister to
them in their JSouthern homes, they followed them
in their flight to the chilly Province of the North,
and gave that consolation on*the banks of the St.
Lawrence, they dare not give on the banks of the
Mississippi, and those whom they could not baptize
m the genial waters of the Gulf, they broke the ice,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
41
and baptized in the chilly lakes. For years did the
Canadian Conference figure in history as part of
the A. M. Jl. Church, until the technicalities of
British law made it necessary for them to withdraw
and act independently^ that their rapidly increasing
property might be made secure. This Child of the
Connexion can boast of one Bishop, Willis Nazrey,
who long filled the Episcopal chair in our own
Church, a numerous band of itinerant preachers,
well built brick churches in all the Provincial cities
and many of the towns, a score hundred of members,
and a well edited monthly organ u The Missionary
Messenger," printed at St. Catharine's, C. W., with
Rev. R. R. Dizney as editor. As a sample of the
intellectual ability of this editor, who was raised in
the bosom of our Church, and in a measure is still
one of us, we briefly quote from an editorial of the
Oct. No., 1866.
"Whatever promotes and strengthens virtue*
whatever calms and regulates temper, is a source of
happiness. Devotion produces these effects in sl re¬
markable degree. It inspires composure of spirit,
mildness and benignity; weakens the painful and
cherishes the pleasing emotions, and by these means,
carries on the life of a pious man in a smooth and
placid tenor. Besides exerting this habitual influ¬
ence on the mind, devotion opens a field of enjoy¬
ment to which the vicious are entire strangers ; en¬
joyments the more valuable, as they peculiarly be¬
long to retirement, when the world leaves us ; and
to adversity, when it becomes our foe. There are
48
AN APOLOGY FOB
two seasons for which every wiseman would wish to
provide some hidden store of comfort. For let him
be placed in the most favorable situation which the
human state admits, the world can neither always
amuse him, nor always shield him from distress.
There will be many hours of vacuity and many of
dejection in his life. If he be a stranger to Grod and
to devotion, how dreary will the gloom of solitude
often prove! With what oppressive weight will sick¬
ness, disappointment or old age, fall upon his spirit.
For those pensive periods the pious man has a relief
prepared. From the tiresome repetition of the com¬
mon vanities of life, or from the painful corrosion of
its cares and sorrows, devotion transports him into
a new region and surrounds him there with such ob¬
jects as are the most fitted to cheer the dejectionj to
calm the tumults, and to heal the wounds of his
heart. If the world has been empty and delusive,
it gladdens him with the prospect of a higher and
better order of things about to arise."
As to the light in which these triumphs are viewed
by others, let us quote from a letter, te On the Rela¬
tions and Duties of the Free Colored Men in America,
to Africa,"* written by that Cambridge University
student, Alexander Crumwell, B. A.,from the shores
of his own beloved Africa. It is headed, " High
School, Mt. Yaughan, Cape Palmas, Liberia, 1st
Sept., 1860 He says : i( There is one most preg¬
nant fact that will serve to show somewhat their
(the colored people) monetary ability. The African
M. E. Church is one of the denominations of the
* "Future of Africa."
AFRICAN METHODISM.
49
United States. It has its own organizations, its own
bishops, its conferences, its organ or magazine, and
these entirely inter se absolutely disconnected with
all the white denominations of America. This re¬
ligious body is spread out in hamlet, village, town
and city, all through the Eastern, Northern, West¬
ern, and partly the Southern States. But the point
to which I desire your attention, is the fact that they
have built and now own some 300 Churches, mostly
brick, and in the large cities, such as New York,
Philadelphia and Baltimore, they are large impos¬
ing, capacious, and will seat some two or three thou¬
sand people. The free black people of the United
States built these churches, the funds were gathered
from their small and large congregations; and in
some cases they have been known to collect, that is,
in Philadelphia and Baltimore, at one collection,
over $1,000 dollars,"
But let us give a bird's-eye view of this whole mat¬
ter, by placing in opposition two summaries, that
of the first decade, and the one of the fifth decade,
as we find them in Bishop Payne's Work ; and it may
be remarked of the latter summary, that the extreme
honesty of the Bishop, if it did not lead him to un¬
derstate the facts, as many contend, it certainly saved
him from overstating them.
But let the reader compare them and judge for
himself.
50
AN APOLOGY FOB
THE SUMMARIES,
OP THE FIRST DEOADE.
10
2
17
Circuits...,..,
Stations ..
Pastors, or Itinerants....
Salary total in Balto. Dis.
for six Pastors $ 448 30
Bishop's Allowance 25 Oo
Letter BilL-...,.., 14 37£
Travelling Expenses...... 9 00
Sec. " " 9 00
Secretary's Fee 4 00
Livery for Travelling
Preachers' horses... 8 00
Expenses for Conference
Boom 3 00
Paid bal. due to Bishop 16 87J
Sum Total 537 55
For Sal. of ten Pastors
in Phil. Dis 604 20|
Total 1151 75J
Our Total Membership... 7,937
OF THE FIFTH DECADE.
a. Churches 286
b. Pastors 185
c. Annual Conference.... 10
d. Circuits 39
e. Missions 40
f. Stations — 50
g. S. S. Teachers and
School 21,000
h. Libraries with Vols.... 17,818
i. Members of Church,... 50,000
j. Aid to Orphans and
Widows $ 5,000 00
k. Support of Pastors. 83,593 00
I. Val. of Church Prop 825,000 00
m. Support of S 3,000 00
n. Total am't raised... 100,000 00
Benevolent Institutions.
a. P. H. and F. Miss. Soc.. 1
b. Conf. Miss. Societies...... 10
c. Preachers' Aid Societies.. 10
d. Educational Associations 6
Literary Institutions*.
a. Literary and Hist. Soc... 5
b. Book Concerns 1
c. Weekly Periodicals........ 1
d. Collegiate Institutions... 1
As we survey these wondrous results, where can
fitter words he found than those employed by the
Lord's mother.
" My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit
hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded the low estate of his hand¬
maiden ; for behold, from henceforth, all generations
shall call me blessed.
For he th^at is mighty hath done to me great
things ; and holy is his name.
And his mercy is on them that fear him, from gen¬
eration to generation.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
51
He hath shewed strength with his arm ; he hath
scattered the proud in the imagination of their
hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seats,
and exalted them of low degree.
He hath filled the hungry with good things, and
the rich he hath sent empty away.
He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remem¬
brance of his mercjf.
As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham and to his
seed forever."
52
an apology fok
CHAPTER Y.
the comparison.
"Do that which is good, and thou Shalt have praise for the
same."—Paul.
The late Rev. Wm. Douglass, in the first lines of
his " Introduction to the Annals of St. Thomas'
Episcopal Church," Philadelphia, says, "Seventy-
five years ago, no church edifice could he found,
throughout the whole country^ owned and controlled
exclusively "by persons of color."
Dropping full one-third of this comparatively brief
period, it can safely he declared that the churches,
owned and controlled exclusively hy persons of color,
were not so many as the fingers of the right hand.
But what is the scene to-day ? Apt indeed are the
words of Balaam, as we gaze upon it, " How goodly
are thy tents, 0, Jacob, and thy tabernacles, 0,
Israel I"*
And who is it, that between two days — and upon
a dark and stormy night too, has bespotted the wil¬
derness with their pitched tents, if it be not the Af¬
rican M. E. Church ; under whose auspices, at least
fifty per cent, of these buildings have gone up? and
whose numerous sentinels are these suddenly found
pacing "to and fro," if not the sentinels of that
church ?
* Numbers xxiii: 4.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
53
My task in Chapter Y will be to find fit and true
answers to the following interrogatories :
First. Could or would the same material results
as given in the preceding chapter have been obtained,
had Allen kept up his ecclesiastical relation with the
whites? and if so, could, or would the credit have
justly redounded to the business capacity of the
colored race?
Second. Would as many colored men have been
received into the ministry, and have found a»field
wherein to exercise the gifts and graces God
had given them ? Would as many have been ordain¬
ed ? Would as many have received the same amount
of education ? as many the same amount of minis¬
terial training ?
Most fortunately for our argument, we have the
answers to these interrogatories at hand, and it only
needs that we allude to them. The question is,
I. Could or would the same material result have
been obtained, had Allen kept up his ecclesiastical
relation with the Methodist Episcopal Chjirch ?
and if so, could or would the credit have justly
redounded to the business capacity of the colored
race ?
At the organization of the African M. E. Church,
a goodly number of colored persons, especially in
the "Border States," either from choice or necessity,
refused to join the manly movement; clasping the
hand that bound them, and disdaining the hand that
would have set them free, they kept up their rela¬
tionship with the whites, fondly hoping, we believe,
54
AN APOLOGY FOB
that their unchristian prejudice would soon wear
away, and they would be permitted to enjoy all the
immunities of christian brethren beloved. But what
are the presented facts of to-day ?
It is true our colored brethren in communion with
the M. E. Church worship in a large number of
churches in Maryland, Delaware, and other of the
Southern States, and many of them are fine ones,,
but the question is, "To whom do they belong?
The congregations worshipping in them, or, the
Methodist Episcopal Church ?" As well may we ask,
To whom does any one of our churches belong ? The
Congregation, or the Connexion ? We all know that
it is our glory, that our churches, our printing house,
our Wilberforce, belong to no one congregation or
body of Trustees in particular, but to the Connexion
in general — to the African M. E. Church. Have
we a rich church ? it is ours. Have we a poor church ?
it is ours. Every part of the whole Connexion say,
What is yours, is mine ; and what is mine, is
yours. <c And all that believed were together, and
had all tilings c6mmon."*
A^ this community of wealth, is our glory, even
so is it the glory of the M. E. Church, whose polity
and doctrine we received unabridged. Consequently
all these aforementioned churches are not owned by
their colored congregations, but by the respective
Conferences to which they belong — do not belong
to colored men, but to white men. Then as to ma¬
terial wealth, our colored brethren in communion
* Acts ii: 44.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
55
with the M. E. Church, stand, precisely where they
did seventy-five years ago, not owning and con¬
trolling exclusively a single church. Nor could we
thus argue, were they really and fully recognized, as
a living, active, controlling part of the great M. E.
Church, sharing alike its poverty, enjoying alike its
riches ; framing alike the laws which govern it, and
alike obeying them ; for as we have proclaimed this
Democratic principle to be our glory, even so would
it be theirs. But such not being the fact, we do
dwell upon the fact that after a century of giving
monies, the colored portion of the M. E. Church are
just as poor in regard to church property, as when
that century dawned ; and made thus poor, by the
ignoble fact thai the highest judicatory known to
that eminent body of Christians disfranchises its en¬
tire colored membership, both of ministers and
people I
We would not be understood here, as branding
the M. E. Church, as wicked and anti-christian, be¬
cause she does not place a slave man, unfortunate
and uillearned, over her most aristocratic and refined
stations, nor yet in her Episcopal chair; we plead
not that an ignorant man should be placed in the
shoes of a man intelligent, but only that every man
take the place assigned by merit and not by prejudice.
We plead that no man, be he white or black, be
held responsible for the doings of Grod. Is a man
deformed? Charge it not on him. Is he white?
Hold him not for it, If charge ye must, and hold
ye must, then charge and hold the sovereign Lord.
56
AN APOLOGY FOR
The answer to Question I, as to material results,
is that all the church property in which the colored
people worship, who remained in communion with
the M. E. Church, together with the publishing
houses, the seminaries, the colleges, in short all the
material wealth of that princely Connexion, is, with
the slightest imaginable fraction, owned exclusively
by white people, and exclusively controlled by them:
while the hundreds of churches in which those wor¬
ship, who followed the manly leadership of Allen,
are owned exclusively, and controlled exclusively by
colored men. This happy result could not possibly
have been attained had all the colored Methodists re¬
mained with the M. E. Church.
These facts obviate the necessity of answering in
length, the second portion of the first general inter¬
rogatory, to wit: " Would the credit of acquiring
these material riches justly redound to the business
capacity of the colored race ?" We answer in brief.
How could it, when white men did all the head-
work, when white men really own it, and absolutely
control it ; a black vote having never been cast, since
the Church was organized, neither to make a laio} nor
to annul one.
The second general interrogatory, will be answer¬
ed separately, according to the several questions,
there propounded.
(a) Would as many colored men have been en¬
gaged in the Christian Ministry"? and have had a
field wherein to exercise the "gifts and graces" God
bad given them ?
AFRICAN" METHODISM.
57
But why ask this question, when the ruling pow¬
ers in the M. E. Church, did not believe that God
ever called a colored brother to the regular work
and honors of the ministry. Be not surprized, good
reader, at this apparently rash assertion ; for, be as¬
sured, it is said in charity toward the men to whom
it relates. These men, christian men withal, gazed
upon the condition of affairs — the existence "of
slavery — the enforcement of the most oppressive
laws — the comparative ignorance of the men pre¬
senting themselves for the Master's work — the few¬
ness of their brethren to whom they would possibly
minister, all these untoward sights appalled them,
and made them believe that their colored brother
was more likely to be mistaken in his impressions in
regard to his call to the ministry, than that the Lord
would call him to do a work, that seemed to them
impracticable. Not believing that these Methodist
ministers were wicked enough to still the voice which
they doubted not, God had bidden to speak, we pre¬
fer in charity to believe, they thought God too pru¬
dent to commission a black Ambassador. And
what was their crime, but acting upon the dam¬
nable policy of expediency—of doing what seem¬
ed to be necessary, but not just — of compelling
the Church, the Church that should account to no
man, and to no times, to succumb to the base preju¬
dices of the human heart.
(b) Would as many have been ordained ? Possi¬
bly in proportion to the number, there would have
been as many ordained, but in a local capacity. The
58
AN APOLOGY FOR
fact that these colored deacons, and elders made
thus without the least regard to mental qualification
(we know elders who can scarcely read or write)
were expected to do much of the work of the white
pastors among their people, to baptize the children,
to administer comfort to the sick, and to bury the
dead, casts a suspicious cloud over this mode of action
of the M. E. Church, and makes* it appear not alto¬
gether " disinterested benevolence."
(c) Would as many have received the same amount
of education ? Let it be said to the lasting reproach
of the M. E. Church, that Church which took it for
granted that God had given it a vicegerency, more
full than that of St. Peter's successors over his color¬
ed children, that while the Presbyterians, and Con-
gregationalists, and Lutherans received colored men
into their schools of theological training — while
even the "heterodox" Christians of New England
would do the same—the Methodist Episcopal Church
— the Church that boasts of its evangelism — the
Church that thunders from ten thousand altars every
Sabbath, the doctrine of a present sanctification, has
uniformly closed the doors of its colleges, its uni¬
versities, and its seminaries against the intrusion of
any black; aye more, so bitter was this prejudice
that it even excluded her own black children from
entering on terms of equality,—even those sable sons
of hers who were preparing to do her work in a
foreign field !
After having assumed to have special charge of
the colored people for the last three-quarters of a
AFRICAN METHODISM.
59
century, need we ask, what is the intellectual status
of the most enlightened of them, even of her colored
ministry ? Debarred from its schools, they went not
to the schools of their more liberal neighbors. And
wliy should they go ? Why should a man labor for
treasures he cannot spend ? Why plant a vineyard, of
whose fruits he must never taste ? It is nonsense to
answer that men should study for the simple pleasure
it affords. However true, that is not the general
principle upon which the world moves, and it is but
tantalizing to apply it to the colored people—a peo¬
ple actuated by the same motives as are others. And
yet in no mean degree, the colored people have done
that very thing, to wit: studied for the simple
pleasure it afforded ; aye, they did more, they studied
with the well-grounded assurance, that it would
make them only the more desperate or unhappy!
America has always presented the anomaly of sub¬
jecting merit to a low senseless prejudice. No, not
always, for Washington could honor Phillis Wheat-
ley, and Jefferson could pay homage to Bannaker. It
was only in the degenerate days of the Republic—
the days anterior to the Resurrection, that an A. B.
was compelled to shave scavengers, or an A. M. to
black the boots of scullions; while a host of well-
read men must be adorned with white aprons—and
all to their country's shame, not theirs.
The M. E. Church imbued with the low prejudices
of the vulgar crowd, denied her own colored mem¬
bers, admittance into her schools of learning, schools
too, which they had helped to build; and then
60
AN APOLOGY FOR
whispered in their ears, as it were to climax a long
course of ingratitude, the chilling words of Peter
to Simon Magus, "Thou hast neither part, nor lot
in this matter."*
In regard to the want of culture, which the color¬
ed ministry of the M. E. Church make manifest, we
ask, and with solemnity, " Who shall answer the
Master when He cometh, the body of men who de¬
manded it, or those who tamely submitted to it?"
(d) Would as many have received the same amount
of ministerial training ? How can a man have the
fruits of a harvest he never planted? The results of
a labor* never performed? At the organization of
the Mission Conference in Sharp Street Church, Bal¬
timore, Md., in the year 1864, our dear brethren
realized, and I have no doubt to the chagrin of their
souls, that they were just fifty years behind their
brethren of the A M. E. Church. The very work
that Richard Allen E^pd Daniel Coker, with fourteen
others, did, fifty years ago, with manlier hearts,
and more independent wills, they were doing at
this late day. Never having met in Conference
capacity themselves, and thrust into the off corners
of the galleries, when they would attend the Con¬
ferences of their white preachers, they but moved as
one or more Presiding Elders directed.
And now, as we conclude this Chapter, we feel
constrained to speak to our dear colored brethren —
those who are "kith and kin" with us, who are
still in communion with the M. E. Church Revs.
*Actviii: 21.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
61
Benj. Brown, Benj. Gross, Robt. Robinson and
others. The writer feels conscious of having em¬
ployed strong language in his argument, against
the Church with which you are identified, but no
stronger than the necessities seemed to demand. He
writes to defend the manly action of Richard Allen,
and to show that the results of fifty years, have fully
proved the wisdom of his course. To do this most
successfully, the truths of to-day, and of history must
be told, and told to advantage. This, and only this,
he has striven to do; yea, he believes that in your
own thoughts you will say with the southern Queen
<£ The half has not been told."*
It would have been a source of unspeakeable joy
had he been permitted truthfully to record, that your
Church, had acknowledged your-full and true man¬
hood 5 and not denied it both in practice and in law
— that it had opened its school doors to you, as did
other Christian bodies, and like them, .too, have re¬
ceived you into Conference upon a perfect- ministerial
equality; but alas! the doors of its schools, and
of its Conferences as well, were locked, and bolted,
and barred against you. But we do not feel like
judging the M. E. Church of to-day, by what she
did in 1860, nor yet in 1864. God forbid that we
should. We know that Methodist preachers are men
of like passions with others, and have a slight han¬
kering after the multitude — the popular side ; and
yet we fear not to express the opinion, that the day
is not far distant when that mighty organization,
*1 Kingx: 7.
4
62
an apology for
will not be ashamed to recognize, and with all tlieir
rights, all, of every nation and clime, who love the
doctrine of Christ as expounded by Wesley. Nor
would we complain of that Providence which led
you, dear brethren, to remain beneath the parental
roof, giving you grace to suffer, and hope to look for
better days ; for the sweet thought comes to us, that
He has a high purpose in it, even the thought that
you shall be the connecting link, whereby sill the
Methodists of the Republic, white and blacky will
be joined in one ; and being thus united, move for¬
ward, like an invincible host, to the more perfect
redemption of our own country, and of the world;
which may God grant, for His glory's sake.—Amen.
african methodism.
63
CHAPTER YI.
episcopalians et presbyterians.
"Sir, come down ere my child die."—The Nobleman.
Decision is the stepping-stone to greatness, tem¬
poral and eternal; not rashness, not obstinacy, but
an enlightened and reasonable decision, that sees a
duty, and fears not to perform it. A man of such
decided temperament was Richard Allen : meek as
Moses, decided as Joshua, he was the very man to
commence, as well as to complete the exodus of his.
people from the Egypt of- ecclesiastical bondage, to
the Canaan of an untrammelled Church organization
—'from the tyranny of Pharaoh, to the gentle sway
of David. A society, denominated the " Free Afri¬
can *'—the inception of St. Thomas' Episcopal
Church, and organized in Philadelphia- toward the
close of the last century, was in no small degree, an
institution to be credited to Richard Allen,— a first
manifestation of his" undying love to his race. It
met first in his.house, where it continued until its
members became too numerous, which was in May,
1788. With Absalom Jones, Wm. White, Mark
Stevenson, and other brethren beloved, he continued
to meet the sessions of that Society, till the subject
of organizing themselves into a religious body was-
64
AN APOLOGY FOR
introduced, when the final action of the Society
upon that subject, persuaded him, says the late
Rev. Wm, Douglass, in his Annals, '.'that the cur¬
rent of religious sentiment was not flowing in the
direction he desired."*
The Free African Society held a- meeting Novem¬
ber 15, 1788, when the following Report of a Com¬
mittee was presented: " The Committee appointed
in the 9th month (September) report, that having
taken into serious consideration the manner in which
this Institutiou comes together, they have agreed to
propose that each member shall take his seat at 7
o'clock, and then all be silent fifteen minutes, after
which time, the meeting shall proceed to business."
" The meeting after some time spent in considering
the proposal, unites with, and recommends it.to all
our members."
The adoption of this Report, seemed to indicate to
the mind of Allen, a purpose on the part of the ma¬
jority of the Society to adopt a usage which to his
mind prevented that freedom which the gospel per¬
mits, if it does not enjoin ; to him it was the decided
moment, the moment of actio.n, and act he did, for
upon learning the result, he quietly withdrew, and
never after met the Society. Seven months after¬
ward, having-vainly striven in the meantime to win
him back to their company, as well doubtless to their
religious views, the Society felt called upon to adopt
the following resolution : " We, the Society of Free
Africans in the city of Philadelphia, having, accord-
* Annals, p. 23.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
65
ing to discipline established among us, long treated
with Richard Allen, one of our members, for at¬
tempting to sow division among us, and endeavor¬
ing to convince him of the error of so doing, and of
the breach of good order which he has lately com¬
mitted, "but finding him refractory, and declaring
that he no longer considers himself a member of our
Society, do find it our duty to declare that he has
disunited himself from membership with us, by re¬
fusing to submit himself to the rules of the Society,
and to attend our meetings, and he is accordingly
disunited until he shall come to a sense of his con¬
duct, and request to be admitted a member according
to our discipline.
Signed by the Committee, viz:
WM. WHITE,
CiEZAR WORTHINGTON,
CiEZAR THOMAS.
HENRY STEWART,
PETER MILLER,
NATHAN GRAY,
MARK" STEVENSON."
Thus ended, formally, the connection of Allen with
the Free African Society with which, had he contin¬
ued, he must inevitably have been carried into the
bosom of the Episcopal Church, where, had he re¬
mained, the world perhaps would not have known
an African M. E. Church ; and Allen would have
had the single parish of St. Thomas, which was
tendered him, and not like Wesley, have had the
world.
66
AN APOLOGY FOR
It is worthy of remark that the decisive step of
Allen, in thus withdrawing from the Society, never
changed the unfeigned love which existed between
him, and that man of God, Absalom Jones, first
Rector of St. Thomas, the absence of whose name
from that Committee report, however honorable.it
really is to Allen, is most significant; for he (Jones)
hesitated not in after years to validify the ordination
of Allen to the Methodist Episcopacy, by the imposi¬
tion of his own hands.
But why did Allen disunite himself from the Free
African Society ? The members of it were untram¬
melled ; free to lead, as well as to follow; to make
laws, as well as to obey them. The answer is, ihat
he recognized a fact which escaped the notice of the
major part of his brethren—the common fact that
he who leads must always keep in sight of those
being led, a principle holding most true in morals.
"As Methodism," says the compiler of the St.
Thomas' Annals, "addressed itself chiefly to the
feelings and affections, which are always strongest
among undisciplined minds, the great majority gave
their adhesion to that system." This indeed was the
very fact which Allen recognized. His people were
undisciplined, and sound judgment, with a high
charity, dictated that their emotional natures be not
forgotten, and swallowed up in a cold intellectual
ritual. He was for blending together the emotional
and the intellectual, believing that Grod made them
both, and from both demanded the tribute of
praise. He argued that when religion is all in the
AFRICAN METHODISM.
67
liead, it culminates into morality only ; when all in
the heart, into fanaticism ; hut in "both head and
heart, the well proportioned Christian will he at¬
tained. Undisciplined minds are in the majority in
every age and generation, and to say it is criminal
to use the means best adapted to "bring them to God,
though perchance it may offend the supercilious
pride of man, is to impugn the wisdom of the plan
of saving man. Allen was determined that the
heart should not pay tribute to the head, but that
each should "be sovereign in its sphere.
In a letter refusing the proffered rectorship of St.
Thomas, he says: u I told them I would not accept
their offer as (a) X was a Methodist. (6) I was in¬
debted to the.Methodist, under God, for what little
religion I had. (c) Believing that they were the
people of God (d) I informed them that I could hot
be anything but a Methodist, (e) I was born and
awakened under them (/) and I could go no further
with them (g) for I was a Methodist, and would
therefore leave them in peace and love.."
He is a bad leader who seats himself high upon
Rome glorious table land, and echoes through the
dark defiles leading thereto, " Come up hither."
In fact they are all bad leaders, who are ever prating
about bringing the people up to Uus." The first
great lesson in the philosophy of lifting up, and dig¬
nifying wretched humanity is, Descend ; the second
is like unto the first, and the third like unto the
second—Descend 1 Descend ! Descend ! It is for all
philanthropists to humble themselves, and say with
68
an apology for
the great Jah : " Come, let us go down and see
to say with. His Son, "I come." ■ Descension first,
Ascension second ; the Cross, the Crown.
Who can lift that up, under which he is not, nor
with which he has aught to do \ just as Jesus de¬
scended to the capacities of the people, and talked to
them of the fields they could see; of the flowers
they could smell; and of the light they could enjoy
—just as Jesus was familiar with the Publicans and
Sinners, condescending to eat with fhepi, in prefer¬
ence to the proud Pharisees, even so must all philan¬
thropists do, for the words are, " Follow me." The
people once lifted up, may then he taught great met¬
aphysical truths; it was Paul and not Jesus who
wrote the epistle to the Romans. And is not this
the very spirit of Methodism ? Does not Methodism
say, Give a man bread, even the Bread of heaven,
before you cram him with the dry, spiritless pastry
of the human intellect ? give him water before you
give him wine ?
Allen was a philanthropist of theNazarene school.
Hear him how he talks: "I was confident that
there was no religious sect or denomination whicn.
would suit the capacity of the colored people, so well
as the Methodist, for the plain, simple gospel suits
best for any people, for the unlearned can under¬
stand, and the learned are sure to understand; and
the reason why the Methodists are so successful in
the awakening and the conversion of the colored
people, is the plain doctrine which they preach, and
having a good discipline."
AFRICAN METHODISM.
69
Let us seek, as the concluding matter of this chap¬
ter, suitable answers and true, to the two interro¬
gatories.
I. Would the same results which we have seen in
Chapter III, have been realized, had Allen gone into
the bosom of the Episcopal Church ?
II. Would similar results have been attained had
the colored people generally have become Presby¬
terians ?
We have seen what would have been the most
probable result, had' our people remained with the
M. E. Church; we say "probable result," for we
argue that the addition of a few more thousand col¬
ored people to its fold, would not in the least have
affected for good,, the conduct of that Church toward
this people.
Interrogatory I. Would the same results which
we have seen in Chapter III, have been realized.,
had Allen gone into, the bosom of the Episcopal
Church ?
Let us have first a few sentences of plain talk. If
the aristocratic priests, who ruled the Episcopal
Church during the last half of the last century, re¬
spected not the religious necessities of the poor white
people, as the early history, aye the very existence
of the M. E. Church proves, what right have we to
expect that they would have cared for the blacks ?
If they went not into the lanes, and alleys, and city
suburbs, to minister to the spiritual wants of the
Anglo-Saxons, pray tell us, would they have gone
after Anglo-Africans ? If they baptized not filthy
4*
70
AN APOLOGY FOR
white urchins, how would hlack ones have fared?
Surely like Ephraim, they must have eaten husks, and
drank in the wind. But suppose, for sake of argu¬
ment, they had considered themselves as hound to
minister to the blacks, and even treated them with,
more consideration than they did the whites of the
same social standing; what would have been the re¬
sult ? History and the facts of to-day tell us that
they would have held them in the veriest state of
dependence, crippling their energies, and dwarfing
their manhood.
"Crippling their energies and dwarfing their man¬
hood !" we think we hear one of our colored Episco-
paliang repeat, as he hursts out into a hearty laugh.
Even so, good sir, for we contend that the colored
Episcopalians of to-day, with all their recognized
attainments, possess not that unpurchased and un-
purchasable love of liberty, that is seen in the de¬
spised African Methodist. The Methodist stands, as
the ancient chief Arminius stood on the banks of his
Vicerges, and while the Episcopalian, like Flavius,
may boast of his Episcopal ordination, his connec¬
tion with such an honored body, and the like, he
replies, "These are the wages of a slave cheaply
purchased."
The same fell spirit of proscription, that made the
Episcopal rulers provide, ere Absalom Jones could
be made a priest, that the African Church, St.
Thomas, Was not entitled to send a Clergyman, nor
Deputies to the Convention, nor to interfere with
the general government of the Episcopal Church,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
71
not only continues, but has even grown. 1 hen, in
the year 1795, they declared it was only for the
present; in 1843 it was reiterated ; and upon a pe¬
tition coming up from the Rector and Wardens in
1850, asking for the plainest Christian rights, the
majority of a "special Committee, appointed to con¬
sider the petition, concluded a lengthened Report as
follows: u Resolved, That it is inexpedient tore-
peal the Eighth Revised Regulation ; and that the
Committee'be discharged from the further consider¬
ation of the subject."
The Report was adopted by a vote of 95 Clergy
and Lay representatives for it; to 38 against it.
Thus cramped by those who should have labored
for their expansion, weakened by those who should
have made them strong, pushed back by those who
should have been first to bring them forward, the
congregation of St. Thomas has always been few in
numbers, and has don© little toward gathering in
the poor, to whom Christ, as His chief glory, preach¬
ed His gospel.
We quote the following as the spiritual work of
St. Thomas, for more than a quarter of a century:
CONFIRMATIONS, BAPTISMS, &c.
Confirmations from 1834 to 1860 .272
Baptisms, Infants 163
" Adults....... 42
Total 205
Communicants, present number 105
Congregation, " " more or less 33t
Sunday School, number of pupils, Male r 47
ii a " " Female 58
« " Teachers, Male,..— 5
« « " Female 13
72
AN APOLOGY FOR
Yet is St. Thomas a fair representative of the color¬
ed Episcopalians in the United States; aye, in pros¬
perity and influence, it is more than a representative.
Two reasons then require us to give this interro¬
gatory I, a negative reply.
(a) The deep seated prejudice of the Episcopal
clergy, prevented them from doing justice to an op¬
pressed race, and giving encouragement to their
manly aspirations.
(b) These clergymen were not philanthropists of
the Nazarene school, and consequently understood
not its first, second, and third lesson — the lesson of
unrobing themselves, and coming down.
Interrogatory II. Would similar results have been
attained had the colored people generally have be¬
come Presbyterians ?
Let it be said to the lasting honor of this Church,
that the vast majority of its theological Seminaries,
both in the East and in the West, Princeton and
Alleghany, have opened wide their doors, while their
noble band of Professors have long stood and beck¬
oned colored preachers of every denomination to
enter and enrich their heads and hearts, and enter
as men. The same liberal spirit has characterized
this Church in regard to the colored pastors and
ruling elders who might be sent to the Presbyteries.
They were uniformly received as Christian brethren,
and their every right, as members of -these Bodies,
was respected, speaking as they please, voting as
they choose ; and more than once colored ministers
have been elected Moderators.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
73
Why then are there so few Presbyterians among*
the colored people? Dr. Dickson, of Baltimore, es¬
timates the whole number at a fraction over 14,000 !
Why is its growth so slow, compared with Meth¬
odism ? There are three reasons which may be given
to account for this fact.
(a) Methodism was first in the field, and .as the
maxim is, " Possession is three points in law."
(b) Presbyterianism'acts not on the itinerating
system, consequently it had no body of men — scouts,
if you please, to hunt up those who dwell in the
wilderness."
QS) But the most potent reason of all was, that
Presbyterianism disregarded too much the emotional
character of experimental religion — it laid too great
stress upon the head. In brief, its great failure
arose from, the fact that it strove to lift up without
coming down, which involves both a physical and
moral, contradiction.
While the good Presbyterian parson was writing
his discourse, rounding off the sentences, the Meth¬
odist itinerant had travelled forty miles with his
horse and saddle bags ; while the parson was adjust¬
ing his spectacles to read his manuscript, the itiner¬
ant had done given " hell and damnation " to his
unrepentant hearers; while the disciple of Calvin
Was waiting to have his Church completed, the dis¬
ciple of Wesley took to the woods, and made them
re-echo " with the voice of free grace," believing
with Bryant,
"The groves were God'a first temples."
74
AN APOLOGY FOR
Who then can doubt the issue in such a contest,
especially in dealing with people like these Ameri¬
can?, who build a city in a week, and a Railroad in
seven days .
The parson was too slow to keep up with his
Methodist brother ; and while lie dealt magnani¬
mously by the colored people, be valued them not
enough to make haste. Nor will we seem here to
throw a Scythian arrow, but. prefer to say that so
slow indeed were the Presbyteriansa in regard even
to the uncared for whites, tbat we witness the same
among them, that we do among the colored, to wit:
The Presbyterian outstripped by the Methodist.
The complete answer then to interrogatory II, in
brief is, that the same results most probably would
not have been attained.
african methodism.
75
CHAPTER YII.
the determinated religious.
"For they have driven me put this day from abiding in the inheri¬
tance of the Lord, saying, Go serve other gods."—David.
What is African Methodism, but an outburst of
all that is manly in the Negro — manly political,
manly ecclesiastical.
Politically, impossible to be free, he embraced his
first and only opportunity to make manifest his love
of liberty with other peoples.
At the bottom of the great political fabric he lay
buried, as the mighty stones in a foundation wall;
and each was cemented to the other by mutual blood.
Like the stone he was quiet, and the fabric seemed
to have a sure foundation — so seemingly, indeed,
that at home and abroad, we began to hear preached
the doctrine of Free races, and Slave races, that is,
races who will be free, and races who may be made
slaves ; and the Negro, of course, is one of the Slave
races — meaning by this ignoble logic that the Ne¬
gro is unfit for freedom. But to a mind unbiased,
that logic vanishes like the morning dew, in the
presence of the African M. E. Church: So reasons
the astute Alexander Crummel, Esq.
The Negro then was bound politically, and he lay
76
AN APOLOGY FOB
helpless on the earth, arid over him stood the stal¬
wart Saxon, the'Saxon of the South, and of the North
as well, with swojrd, and bayonet, and lash; and
while now and then a Negro of over-daring spirit
would rise, anddespite all, strike for liberty — strike
but to fall, the sturdy good sense, and Christian
faith of the millions, told them to trust in God and
be still. But when in addition to the political yoke,
it was essayed by the ruling race, to bind on the
ecclesiastical yoke likewise, almost to a man, the
free Negroes of the Republic cried out, No ! And
though coaxed and threatened, and threatened and
coaxed in turn, their determined, No ! only increased
in volume, till Philadelphia had echoed to "Wilming¬
ton, and Wilmington to Philadelphia; while from
the far South, Charleston whispered, for she dared
not speak, No !
Whilst bound, to be patient is heroic ; when free,
to be led into bonda.ge is cowardly. So thought the
Negro, politically bound, I will be patient, ecclesi¬
astically free, I will not be a slave. He had heard
his Parson read: "Art thou called being a servant,
care not for it; but if thou mayst be free, use it
rather."
And who can tell what the world would have
thought, had the Negro, not only worn his political
chains, but had permitted ecclesiastical ones to have
been forged, and riveted upon him, and all without
a murmur, without an effort! Surely while peoples
of every land were striking for religious liberty, the
Quakers, the Baptists, the Pilgrims, the Methodists,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
77
the class of men that would have stood still, would
have "presented a strange anomaly to the ages. - We
repeat: Had Allen and his religious brethren, treated
as they were, and as dissatisfied, had they not caught
the contagious fever of liberty, the fever that burns
and consumes, it would have proved them unworthy
of their times and opportunities. ■
As diseases, physical, are contagious among men,
even so, are thoughts, moral and religious; and he
who escapes, in that same proportion ceases to be as
his kind. By taking the disease, Allen proved his
manhood. But African Methodism was not only an
upheaval of all that "Was manly in the Negro, but
also, of all that was religious — it was the outburst
of his religious nature, which like the fires of
Vesuvius, or JEtna, had long been pent up. In
the Church the most partial regulations had been
made in regard to him ; cruel laws had been en¬
acted, and more cruelly enforced. Whilst he long¬
ed for the "Bread that comethdown from heaven,"
he was forbidden to enter consecrated places for it,
nor would the Priests bring it to him. He dare not
carry his child to the baptismal "Font, nor would
these Priests bring salvation to his house.
In short, he found himself well nigh like Ephraim,
" feeding on the wind," and his soul revolted from
a fate so terrible. Those pent up feelings — those
longings after God broke forth, and the Negro re¬
solved to take the matter in his own hands !
Indeed, Methodism, both among White and Black
people, is but a demonstration of man's religious
78
AN APOLOGY FOR
nature; so mighty, indeed, that it overrode all an¬
tiquated maxims, save those only which flow from
the Bible.
Methodism, in short, is an uprising of the religi¬
ous manhood of the Christian world against the
slights and negligences, the oppressions and burden¬
some rituals of its religious teachers —it is a living
protest against priestly injustice and disobedience.
As such, it is a clear gain to God, over and above,
that which the Church as ruled by an Episcopally
ordained clergy, would have brought and laid upon
the Altar. It is the uncared for multitude, the
dwellers in the wilderness^ led on by a few Priests
who loved piety more than ceremonies, charity more
than creeds, taking the matter of their salvation in
their own hands. Uncared for, and unsaved by
those whom sacred history declares, that God ap¬
pointed to be the Saviours of the world — those
Cures of the fioul, they arose in their might, and
assumed the-right of saving themselves — assumed
the privilege of being religious 1
And now grown to a mighty host, these determi-
nately religious men, white and black, religious in
defiance of Priests and orders — these men, who
would not be pagans in a Christian land, aye, these
men who would not be sinners, appeal from man to
God, from earth to heaven. And their plea is, We
were thirsty, even for thy Word, and thy Priests
would not give us to drink;; we were hungry, even
for thy Bread, and they would not give us to eat;
we were naked, and they would not clothe us ; and
AFRICAN METHODISM.
79
turning from them, we fled to thy Word, and to
Thee, 0 God, trusting that thou wouldst not turn us
away, lest we faint by the wayside.
80
an apology for
CHAPTER VIII.
ignorance.
"Hear, 0 our God: for we are despised."—Nehemiah.
Let us open this chapter, by noticing the remark¬
able similarity which may be seen, between the or¬
ganization of the African M. E. Church, and the
rehabilitation of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. Both
had just emerged from bondage, and were weak.
Unto both a scene of common desolation presented
itself. Both had bitter enemies, Tobias, Greshom,
Sanballet, Messrs. J , S , S , R ,* with
which they had to contend. Both had temples to build,
and unto both were said the taunting words,<c Evenf
that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even
break down their stone wall." And both, thank
God, the Jew and the Negro, had a mind to work.
Each was successful, the former rebuilt his beloved
city, the latter, established the A. M. E. Church.
And now we leave the Jew, whose foes are seen no
more, and propose to devote this Chapter in defend¬
ing the Negro, as well as the Church he established,
from the charge of ignorance, brought by foes who
still are, but soon will not be.
* Bishop Allen's charity for his enemies, refused to mention their
names.
fNeh. iv: 3.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
81
As. we hear the constant echo of the words, " An
ignorant Methodist," we are more than ever confirm¬
ed in our belief of the sameness of humanity.
But how so? says Mr. Inquisitive, how can'so
slight an affair be made to weigh in so great a met¬
aphysical controversy ?
Why, don't you know, good Sir, that the Jews
regarded all the rest' of mankind as ignorant Gen¬
tiles, when lo! Socrates and Plato had lived; and
did not the egotistic Greeks brand the outside nations
with 'the general epithet, u Barbarians," when Italy
could boast of Scipio Africanus the Second, and
Polybius. And what thought Tacitus'of the' race
that produced Moses, and David, Isaiah and Jose-
phus, but that they were " the scum and refuse of
other nations." *
Humanity being one and the same, in all times
and countries, we find this same principle still alive.
The half barbaric Chinese brand the^ races which
have produced men like Newton, and Milton, and
Shakespeare, as Terrestrials," while they are the
" Celestials;'.' and these Saxon nations, in turn have
declared the race that produced Philis Wheatley,
Bannaker, McCune Smith, and Douglass, an inferior
race. So, too, the colored people, partaking of the
same spirit, pass similar judgment upon one another.
Eev. John M. Brown, an African Methodist, in mak¬
ing a point against the Spencer organization at Wil¬
mington, Del., says, ''They have no special liking
to an educated ministry while our very wise Pres¬
byterian brother, Eev. Chas. H. Thompson, tells the
•Lib. V, Sec, V.
82
AN APOLOGY FOR-
Bev. Mr. Brown 'that his Church.'c degrades the
Negro." The Episcopalians, speaking way from
Africa, say, " Doubtless all the religious societies of
colored people in America are humble, that is, as it
respects literary and theological qualification."
But why this mutual underrating of each other,
the Presbyterians assuming to out-rank the Metho¬
dists, and the Episcopalians, the Presbyterians ?
Surely the chief reason is, that they all show them¬
selves ignorant of one important branch of knowl¬
edge, even a knowledge of each other, and of them¬
selves. Nations and people do not sufficiently well
know one another. Had the Jews known of Socrates
and Plato ; the Greeks of Africanus and Polybius ;
the Romans of Moses and David, surely each would
have had a higher opinion of the other. There are
always to be found among every class of men, more
i ntellectual worth than their neighbors give them
credit of possessing.
Thus it is in regard to the African M. E. Church,
its ministry and its people. In the eyes of its Pres¬
byterian and Episcopalian, neighbors, from the
crown of its head, to the soles of its feet, it is but
one scab of ignorance ; and so free, indeed, are they
to proclaim it, that even the floor of an Assembly,
in the presence of the superior race, with whom I
have been recognized as the equal, is not regarded
as too public a place to proclaim our would-be shame,
our degrading system of worship. Contemptible
impudence that! Wendell Phillips once said in one
of his burning speeches, " That America has the
AFRICAN METHODISM.
83
largest lakes,' the longest rivers, the tallest moun¬
tains, and the most impudent white men,'' but
Burely he had never heard of our wise *Bro.
Thompson; else he would not have used the ad-*
jective.
""Methodism degrades the Negro," Methodism, •
the organization that builds more churches, supports
more preachers and missionaries, gives more money
to the poor, and has done more to prove the absolute
ability of black men to do everything which men do,
than all the colored organizations in the United
States — that is the organization, which in the eyes
of Rev. Mr. Thompson, demoralizes the Negro. And
he a Presbyterian ! Who built the Church in which
that Reverend gentlemen now ministers ? The white
Brethren. Who built four-fifths of all the colored
Presbyterian Churches, and one-half the other fifth ?
The white Brethren. Who is it that assists in the
support of four-fifths, if not every individual one of
the colored Presbyterian pastors ? The white Breth¬
ren. Who is it that makes their books, good or bad ?
The white Brethren. Who edits their papers, ably or
only to mediocrity ? The ever present, ever gener¬
ous white Brethren.
And yet the religious organization that does all
this, inter se, degrades itself by so doing, in the eyes
of our wise Bro. Thompson. Surely from his stand¬
point, independency and suppliancy, freedom and
bondage, have become inverted terms.
The opinion of Rev. Alex. Crummell, which equals
at least, that of Rev. Ohas. H. Thompson, is quite
84
AN APOLOGY FOR
different as to-African Methodism. Prof. Crummell
says, u But the African M. E. Church of the United
States, has the machinery for the most comprehen¬
sive missionary service in Africa. They have a well
tried system,; they have experience; they have a
large body of ministers; and they have a corres¬
ponding body already in existence under complete
organization in Liberia — I mean the Liberia M. E.
Church. If my old friend, Bishop Daniel A. Payne,
would only enter into this work, with all that
warmth of heart, that' energy of purpose, and that
burning Christian eloquence, which characterize
him, what blessedness would he not impart to this land J
what spiritual life would he not diffuse among all
the.Churches of his charge in America ! His people
could start on a saving, systemized plan, by which
health, power, life and energy would be constantly
poured, like a living stream, into the corresponding
body in this country, and so be diffused throughout
the land, to the villages, the hamlets, and the huts
of tens of thousands of our needy heathen kin."
Wonder if Prof. Crummell ever read the Rev. Mr.
Thompson's speech? A copy addressed to Mount
Yaughan, Cape Palmas, Liberia, would reach the
Professor. He ought to have a copy of that speech !
lest his generosity might bring, by invitation, a
class of men to Africa who would further degrade it!
That there are a host of ignorant men and women,
within the pales of the African M. E. Church, no
one pretends to deny. And be not astonished when
we declare them to be her glory and not her shame 1
AFRICAN METHODISM.
85
It is the glory of Jesus, that he mingled with Pub¬
licans, and sinners. It is the glory of the religion
which he established, that it ta'kes hold on the poor,
and exalts them, but panders not to the tastes and
prejudices of the rich. Do physicians wait on those
who "are whole? Do the righteous, really, or self-
assumed, fieed a Saviour? Yes, the African M. E.
Church, has thousands of lowly ones within her
pales, and is constantly receiving thousands more ;
and just as hospitals, in which the maimed are healed
and comforted, constitute the true glory of the Chris¬
tian nations, even so, with the poor and ignorant,
found within the A. M. E. Church; for those who
came to the supper of the rich man, were not the
inhabitants of the city, but of the wilderness ; not
the denizens of fashionable avenues, but of high-
*ways and hedges ; they dwelt not in palaces, but in
huts. Tell John, "The poor have the gospel
preached to them."*
But to say there are no intelligent men, or but a
few, found in the ranks of her Ministry, and among
her membership, is a most false assertion, as the
various sketches in the Chapters of Part II, with the
accompanying productions prove.
But, says Mr. E , your Church is -opposed to
an educated and enlightened worship, to which his
right hand friend, Mr. P , assents, and for once
says, '* Amen."
Before answering, yea or nay, to this charge, we
would remark as follows:
•Matt, xi,: 5.
5
86 AN APOLOGY FOR
Opposition to secular learning, even though it did
exist within the pales of the A. M: E. Church, would
he no new thing in the history of the Christian
Church, and in the lives of good men. It cpuld pro¬
duce as its examples, the Christians of the first and
purest ages of the Church. It is the united testi¬
mony of all* ecclesiastical writers, that the Chris¬
tians of the second and third centuries, and even
later, were strenuous in their opposition to learning.
Nor was this ieeling confined alone to the laity.;
the clergy themselves partook tff it t&a large extent.
So late as the sixth century, Gregory the Great, who
was a Pope, and is now a Saint, receives the credit,
at least from the Protestant world-, of causing to be
burnt the Palatine Library. This most eminent
character, writing to Desideiius, BisBop of Vienna,
said, " Because the praises of Christ, and those of
Jupiter, cannot have place in the same mouth. And
consider how enormous a crime it is for a Bishop to
sing, which is unbecoming even iaa religious lay¬
man. The more horrible this in a priest, the more
earnestly and faithfully should it be inquired into.
If it should hereafter appear clearly, that the reports
which have reached me are false, and that you do
not study vanities and secular literature, I shall
praise God, who has not permitted your heart to be
defiled with the blasphemous praises of abominable*
deities."*
And now the question addresses itself to us,
" Why this opposition to education, on the part of
* Mosheim, Book ii, Cen. vi, Part II, Chap. i. Note 4.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
87
the primitive Christians ? for surely, as the intellect
has to do with the soul, Christ has to do ith Plato ;
the Church with the Academy; Jerusalem with
Athens ; notwithstanding, Tertullian in the zeal of
his opposition to learning thought otherwise. Aside
from the many thoughts, which arise after reading
some of Paul's words, wherein even he seems to hold
secular learning at a heavy discount, we would an¬
swer this last interrogatory by saying, that the an¬
cient Martyrs, and Confessors, who are the glory of
the Church, opposed not education in t.he abstract,
but in the concrete,— they opposed education sing¬
ing the praises of Jupiter, and chanting the glory of
Venus. To this, they were eternally opposed, and
the really pious of every age, the souls who prefer
truth to vanity, will re-echo a hearty, "Amen."
Again, the ancient Literati set the humble Chris¬
tians such a godless example, that they could have
no affiliation with them, without endangering their
holy faith ; the strongest of the Christians tried it,
and well nigh made a wreck, as is clearly seen in
the cases of Origen aijd Clemens Alexandrinus.
Tertullian, himself bewitched, calls the Grecian
philosophers, "the patriarchs of all heresies."
Spurned by the simple Christians, their teachings
set at naught, their gods despised, and their lives
condemned, these philosophers turned upon the Chris¬
tians, and denounced them as a set of religious en¬
thusiasts, and ignoramuses. Indeed we are never
more reminded of Celsus, the ancient defamer of
God's poor, than when we hear some professed
88
AN APOLOGY FOB
Christian and wiseacre railing out against the igno¬
rant herd of Methodist; the language of both is- the
same, hear it, "They are all uncultivated, mean,
superstitious people, mechanics, slaves, women and
children."
But let us turn from the dark picture presented by
the ancient Literati, and while we thank God that
the early Christians were unmoved by the shafts of
ridicule hurled at them, let us turn and. look upon
the picture presented by the Literati of to-day, let
us see whether it is any more charming. We ask,
What is the example which the schoolmen of to-day
set to poor believers ? Has it been such, or is it,
as to win them over to the love of books ? Does it
assure them that knowledge so ennobles the mind^
that it will be ingenious in devising ways of charity
and praise? Does it assure them a heart, overflowing
with human and divine love? Would to God, that
the truth would guarantee the assertion, that just in
proportion as the colored people, as it is with them
that we especially have to -do, have become intelli¬
gent, they have become pious, God-fearing Chris-^
tians. But what is the sad truth that presents it¬
self? Alas ! that we should be doomed to make the
awful disclosure that the wiser they get, the worse
they get; worse not in the heart and life, but in the
heady which must eventually effect both heart and
life. . But why so sad a truth ? Why is it, we ask,
that almost in proportion, as our people have become*
educated, they have become irreligious and skepti¬
cal ? or if professing Christianity at all, it was of
AFRICAN METHODISM.
89
the Sardisian kind, " neither hot nor cold ?" Why,
0, why ? At the door of the American Church, lies
this tremendous responsibility, false to her high and
glorious mission, she existed hut to the comfort of
the oppressor — to the detriment of the slave ; and
these educated black men and women, horrified at
the sight, fled in dismay from her unholy precincts,
and took refuge in a cold humanity, or at best,- in
Churches, humane but heterodox. Unrecognized by
Athanasius, they turned round, but to grasp the
warm hand of Arius.
The following is the record of one of the most gifted
of American colored men, and yet is he weak enough
to be drawn into open infidelity, by the hypocrisy
of the American Church. He says, " I therefore re¬
solved to join the.Methodist Church in New Bed¬
ford The minister of the Elm Street Methodist
Church was the Rev. 'Mr. Bonney ; and although I
was not allowed a seat in the body of the house, and
was proscribed 'on .account of my color, regarding
this proscription simply as an accommodation of the
unconverted congregation, who had not yet been won
to Christ and his brotherhood, I was willing thus to
be proscribed, lest sinners should be driven away
from the saving power of the gospel. 'Surely,'
■thought I, ' these Christian people have none of this
feeling against color. They at least have renounced
this unholy feeling/ Judge then, dear reader, of
my astonishment and mortification, when I found,
as soon I did find, all my charitable assumptions at
fault After the congregation was dismissed,
90
AN APOLOGY FOR
the half dozen colored members descended from the
gallery, and .took a seat, against the wall most dis¬
tant from the altar. Brother Bonney was very ani¬
mated, and sung very sweetly, 'Salvation, 'tis a
joyful sound,' and soon began to administer the
Sacrament When it was evident that all the
whites had been served.with the bread and wine,
Brother Bonney pious Brother Bonney — after a
long pause, as if inquiring whether all the white
members had been served, and fully assuring him-,
self on that important point, then raised his voice
to an -unnatural pitch, and looking to. the corner
where his black sheep seemed to have been penned,
beckoned with his hand, exclaiming, 1 Come for¬
ward, colored friends! come forward! You, too,
have an interest in the blood of Christ. God is no
respecter of persons. Come forward, and take this
holy Sacrament to your comfort/
The colored members — poor slavish souls — went
forward as invited. I went out, and "have never been
in that Church since, although I honestly went there
with a view to joining that Church."
When the choice is offered, orthodoxy and chains,
heterodoxy and liberty, to men of thought and na¬
tural human pride — men of unchastened spirits, it
requires no seer to reveal which will b>e accepted,'
These intelligent black men in making choice of heter¬
odoxy and liberty, only demonstrate their common
humanity with the world.
But we apologise not for their want of "un¬
derstanding;" nor plead we in defence of- their
AFRICAN METHODISM*.
91
manifest injustice — injustice to Jesus, by making
Him responsible for apostate professors — injustice
ta their race, by robbing them of that deep spring
of consolation found only in Emanuel — injustice to
themselves, by reducing themselves to the forlorn
•hope of trusting in their own arm only, and not in
the Lord Jehovah.
As the untutored* and religious colored people, be¬
held the sad defection of their more enlightened
brethren, from the truth as it is in Christ, nor* able
perchance to account for it, they stood aloof from
them, lest by walking in their footsteps, they might
seem to forsake that Saviour who was uppermost'in
their affections. Like the.primitive Christians, they
oppose not education in the abstract, but if at all,
it is education bowing before the altars of infidelity
and heterodoxy — it is education railing against
Jesus!
So likewise the picture presented by the more in¬
telligent orthodox colored Christians, is anything
but inviting to the poor. In the things of G-od they
are given to an icy coldness, while in the things of
the world their spirits are at boiling point; their
room is given at the prayer meeting, their presence,
at the gay entertainment, or political rally; they
give their money for wine and fashionable vanities,
but not to the poor or the support of their ministers,
who have invariably to appeal to the white Churches,
Nor is this latter truth occasioned by their numbers
and poverty. Methodist Churches there are of less
numbers and greater poverty which support their
9*2
an apology for
own preachers, without foreign help. One'of two
things is true, either of which is to be lamented:
The Presbyterian and Episcopalian ministers ha\te
not the self-sacrificing spirit* of the Methodists; or
else their peoples have not the blessed spirit of
charity. Hence, when the humble Methodists—they
who have built scores of Churches — they who sup¬
port hundreds of ministers, with the whole para¬
phernalia of an extensive organization, hear them¬
selves branded as wild religionists, by those who do
nothing but eat the bread which more industrious
hands have prepared, it is anything but the way to
make them love education.
Dr. A. Clark makes the following most judicious
remarks on I Cor. iii: 19 :
" ' The wisdom of this world' [Whether it be the
pretended deep, and occult wisdom of the Kabbins ;
or the wise draiwn speculations of the Grecian phil¬
osophers,] 'is foolishness with God-;' for as folly
consists in spending time, strength and pains to no
purpose; so those may fitly be termed fools, who
acquire no saving knowledge by their speculation.
And is not this the major part of all that is called
philosophy, even in the present day ?• Has one soul
been made wise unto salvation through it ? Are our
most eminent philosophers either pious, or useful
men ? Who of them is meek, humble, and gentle?
Who of them directs his researches, so as'to melior¬
ate the moral condition of his fellow-creatures?
Pride, insolence, self-conceit, and complacency, with
a general forgetfulness of God, contempt -for His
AFRICAN METHODISM.
93
word, and despite for the poor, are their general char¬
acteristics."
How lamentably true are these words, in regard
to the best educated of colored men. How blatant
is the majority of them in their ujibelief ? How des¬
picable in their sight are all those who have a zeal
for souls ?
In our argument, it would seem that we had al¬
most taken it for granted that the African M. E.
Church really does oppose secular learning ; but such
a concession is the very farthest from our purpose, as
it is from the truth. We have only shown (a) for
warm-hearted, pious 'Christians to oppose education,
when mixed up with errors and wickedness, is no
new thing ; and (b) as the ancient Literati did
nothing to make education desirable, but rather a
thing to be avoided, even so the modern Literati of
colored Christians have done but little better.
To bonclude bhapter VIII.
(q) That many of our people, uneducated them¬
selves, do not appreciate education, as they ought
not in reason to be expected to do, is most true:
While this is to be lamented, yet is it one of those
disagreeable facts, which must-be borne with, and
continually worked upon — not be left to itself and
derided, but worked upon.
(J)} That which seems most to give the impression
that we as a*Church, are opposed to education — op¬
posed to an enlightened worship, is our unalterable
determination, not to compel the heart to pay tribute
to the head. If to become educated, involves a dead
5*
94
AN APOLOGY FOR
Christianity—a Christianity that builds no Churches,
and bestows no charities—a Christianity that so robs
us of manly aspirations &,» to make us willing to be¬
come perpetual paupers, to live by the sweat of other
men's brows, then as a Church we say, Away with
it! Jesus shall always be preferred to Euclid; the
Fathers to the Philosophers ; the Church, to every
human organization.
If Christianity be true, then say we, Let us have
it in earnest. Or if it be true that an earnest Chris¬
tianity is only for the simple ; or still more porten¬
tous, if it be true that an earnest Christianity, and
if not earnest, away with it, cannot stand the search¬
ing rays of truth and reason, let the world know it,
for Grod is true, whatever else be false.
(c) That we are no lovers of ignorance, our works
and progress most indubitably prove. Neither on
thi#Continent, nor on any, we venture the assertion,
can there be found a body of men, who, unaided,
have made the same literary progress. The Iqve of
Kichard Allen for education, is thus spoken of, by
Eev. M. M. Clark, in one of his sketches of that
Negro Apostle of Methodism : "No man in his day
was a greater lover of education than he» Wherever
he could hear of a young man going to College, or
to any high school, he would send him a word of en¬
couragement if not some money to sustain him.
He saw at a very early period two inevitable results
— the oppression of his white brethren in the white
Methodist Churches, would lead to their separation
from them ; and the other, in the event of their sep-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
95
aration, their greatest need would be men of en¬
lightened education to guide their ecclesiastical and
governmental affairs. Hence, he never lost* sight of
the importance of education among the rising geij-
§ration; knowing that upon them mainly would rest
the responsibilities of sustaining Church discipline
among them — and that without liberally educated
men, it would be but poorly done."
Every African Methodist itinerant has drunk in
like pleasant nectar, this spirit of the glorious Organ-
izer*and hence, to-day we fincl in the A. M. E. Church,
which, fifty years ago, had to import a secretary, a
boy, fbo, to write down the proceedings of a Confer¬
ence t not merely one, nor yet two, but a score and
more of men, that would do credit to any pulpit of
colored Christians in the land.
96
an apology for
CHAPTER IX.
fanaticism.
" The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up."—Jesus.
But the outcry of some of our Christian jieighbors
against oar Ignorance, is completely drowned tty the
vehement denunciation of what they am pleased to
call our "Fanaticism.
"Fanaticism !" methinks I.have heard that word
before-, and under similar circumstances, too* No,
"Superstition" is the word, and it is used by Tacitus
when reviling the Christians of the Pauline age; " ex-
itidbilis superstitio, destructive superstition." The
precise point where Christian zeal must stop, lest it
run into unwarrantable and dangerous practices,
is hard to be defined. That there is such a point,
reason dictates. But who shall fix it ? From what
'stand-point shall our view be taken ? If we stand
on one of the seven Roman hills, the point were religi¬
ous zeal ends, cannot be mistaken. If a Priest, then,
indeed, must his zeal be such as to enable him to
make complete abnegation of self ; while in his re^
ligious'life, his emotional nature has full play.
Who can read of St. Francis Xavier, and not con¬
clude that the most extravagant deportment,, of the
most unbridled Methodist, is sobriety. But, for a
AFRICAN METHODISM.
97
Catholic layman his religious zeal is expected to
end in the outward observance of rules and cere¬
monies. If we stand on one of Scotland's Grampian
hills, religious zeal will be found to be a plant of cold
Northern bjrth, haying little life, little expansion.
In Lutheran Germany, Calvinistic Switzerland, and
the Greek Church of Russia, the point where religious
fervor is expected to stop, is perfectly well defined.
But it is not so, however in wide-awake England,
nor nine o'clock. America. In these two living
countries, Christianity has assumed a variety of
forms — the robe of Jesus is a very coat of Joseph.
The right arm, Catholicism, is tipped off with lace
and buttons, and the most dazzling paraphernalia ;
the left arm, Episcopalianisca, vies with the right
in" gaudy demonstration ; the body of the coat, Pres-
byterianism and'Congregationalism, in the excellent
fit of its simplicity, has not a wrinkle; while-the
many-colored tails of the garment, with a large
sprinkling of black, is seen to fly up andr down in
true Methocffstic style I In the midst "of so much di¬
versity, the question is, Where is the dividing point?
Where the line between zeal and mad enthusiasm ?
Between fervor and fanaticism ? And who shall
draw it ? Who can draw it, but the holy One, unto
whom the worship is paid?. Who shall regulate St.
James, but the gentle Queen ? The Tuilleries, but the
mighty Emperor.
It would seem that it should be settled. I. Does
God require a zealous worship ? And II. What is
the scope of that zeal'—the scope, as given by "the
holy men. of old?"
98
AN APOLOGY FOR
I. That God requires, and is well pleased with, a
zealous worship, is most apparent from Scriptural
inferences and commands.
(а) In the Old Testament, having re^l of Phine-
has, who was praised for having -"zeal foj* his God,"*
we hear David say, f" The zeal of thy house hath
eaten me up whilathe author of* the CXIX Psl.
declares, " My zeal hath consumed me."J
(б) In the New Testament, Paul says, in commen¬
dation of the Jews,§ " I bear record that they have
zeal of God and of himself, he says, " Concerning
zeal, persecuting the saints."|| Luke attributes this
same character to him after his conversion. <c Paul,"
says the Doctor, " was zealous toward God."^[
To the Corinthians it was said,**''Forasmuch as ye
are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel,
to the edifying of the Church and obeying the in¬
junction here given, in the Epistle which immedi¬
ately followed, it is proclaimed of them, " And your
zeal hath provoked very many."ft
Of all God's people it is said, " They are zealous
of good works JJ while Paul declares it to be good
to be zealously affected in a good thing. Among the
very last of the Divine commands,— of those giyen
even after Jesus had sat down at the right hand of the
Majesty on high, is the owe, 11 Be zealous therefore." §§
The Hebrew word nxjp "Qiniah/' used by Moses,
* Numb. xxr: 13. f Lxix: 9.* . J Psl. cxix: 139. § Rom, x: 2.
|| Phil, iii t 6. Act. xxii: 3. ** IjCor. xiv: 12.
ft II Oor. ix : 2. ft Titua ii: 14. \\ Rev. iii; 19.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
99
in speaking of Phinehas, as well as by David, and
the author of the CXIX Psalm, to which reference
has been made, and which King James' translators
have rendered, "zeal," "zealous," is the same word
used by-Solomon, when, he declares, " For* jealousy
is the rage of a man ; therefore he will not spare in
the day of vengeance." Also, when he asks, " Who
is able to stand before envy ?"f #Thus is it"seen that
the word is indicative of the strongest possible emo¬
tion.
Also in the New Testament the Greek word, "£17*05"
used by Paul, and even all the sacred writers of the
New Testament, in their exhortation to Christian ac¬
tivity, and which*Dr. Robinson renders, "zeal, fer¬
vour, enthusiasm," is the precise word used by the
Seventy in their" translation of the Hebrew word,
which we have seen Moses, and David, and Solomon
use, in describing the deepest earnestness ot' the soul.
What.do all Ahese facts j)rove, if not that the zeal
required in God's word, is the most fervent and
'emotional in its nature ?
II. What is the scope of that zeal — the scope
given by the " holy men of old?"
(a) What scope did the Patriarchs give it? Were
they cold, formal, dignified? Dignified with God I
sacrilegious thought, that man. should aspire to dig¬
nity in the presence of God, and not rather, broken
and contrite, beat his breast, and with face covered,
cry out, " GodJ be merciful to me a sinner." Let
* Prov. vi: 34. t xxvii: 4.
\ Luke xriii: 13.
100
AN APOLOGY FOB
man use dignity "with man, his equal, but let him
not presume to approach God thus. A Pharisee once
made the attempt, and the record is, 4'He went away
not justified."*
But to the Patriarchs—to Abraham an^Jto Jacob.
How did thef approach God ? Behold the former
pleading for Sodom, the latter contending for a bless¬
ing—justification and growth in grace ! How con¬
tentious their spirits ! How warm their prayers !
The fountains of their affections were broken up, and
without restraint they gave vent to feelings unutter¬
able. Abraham in the dust gave God no rest, and
to bring temporal salvation only, to Sodom; but in
these cold days, if a man plead 4hus earnestly, for
salvation eternal, he is "ignorant and fanatical;"
or in the words of our modern religious teachers, his"
conscience needs to be* enlightened ! Jacob, seizing
with both hands the Lord's Angel, would not "let
go" till morning dawn. Imprudent Jacob, didst
thou not know there was no use making such a noise,
and of losing a good night's rest!
(&) What scope was given to religious zeal under
the Mosaic dispensation ?
Many instances could be brought forward to show
that the zeal of thosg ancient ones, was not of the
subdued, methodical kind, but was warm and out-
gushing, as fresh from the deep springs of their
heart. A cool realization of the fact, that Israel
was delivered, and Egypt destroyed, with a dignified
expression of joy, was not sufficient to express the joy
of aged Miriam, and the glad daughters of Jacob,
* Luke xviii.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
101
but with, song and timbrel" do they celebrate the
grand event, in dance before the Lord. Why Miri¬
am, I am astonished at you ! you, more than three
score years, clapping "the 'hands, and moving the
feet! How ridiculous !
But what is the deliverance from Egypt, compared
to deli-verance from sin ? Alas ! that poor'humanity
should so stand still, that men, and women, tool
will be guilty of defying "good taste," by giving
expressions of joy. with the eye, the hand, and the
foot. Alas I that there is humanity in men !
At the bringing up of the Ark to Jerusalem, who
was so enthusiastic, who treated with such- com¬
plete contempt, human .ideas of propriety, as the
mighty king David. And when we 'hear these mod¬
ern still ones, these latter day Anchorites without
•the virtues of the ancient ones, ridicule the idea of
men (they will allow it to silly women) weeping-on
account of their sins, we can but think of the
daughter of apostate Saul ridiculing David, saying,
"How* glorious was the king of Israel, who uncov¬
ered himself to-day, in the eyes of the hand-maids
of his servants, as one of the vain fellows, shame¬
lessly uncovereth himself." With David, the A. M.
E. Church, answers these despisers of her zeal and
love to God, "Itf was before the Lord WI19 chose
me before thy father, and before all his house, to
appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over
Israel; therefore will I play before the Lord, and I
will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in
* II Sam. vi: 20.
flbid. 22.
102
AN APOLOGY FOE
mine own sight: and of the maid servants which
thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour."
As Michal was doomed to barrenness the residue
of her days, who, who I ask, and with solemnity
shall say, that hecau-se these proud Churches, actu¬
ated by a similar spirit, have scorned the poor and
sneered at their pious devotion — the warm outgush-
ings of their pure love, that God hath not doomed
them to barrenness — to empty pews, and more
empty coffers.
Nor will we stop to speak of Elijah running before
the chariot of Ahab, or maddened with zeal destroy¬
ing his messengers with the fire of heaven, nor of
Elisha, nor Amos, nor Jeretniah, and the vast mul¬
titude, to enumerate which would weary the* reader.
We hasten on to inquire,
(c) What scope has the most devout souls, given
to Scriptural zeal under the Christian dispensation ?
And how shall I speak of the zeal of its Founder,
the .glorious Jesus, whipping, in the height of his
fervor, the traffickers from the Temple ? Could he
not have gone there and quietly told them, that
God's bouse was for prayer? Could he not have
called them merchants, and not, the insulting epi¬
thet, thieves ? And over all, could he not have per¬
suaded them to leave, without resorting to the
cords ? We answer, IJo, for the Devil's works must
oft be taken by storm, and"not by siege.
What, too, shall we say of his groaning in the
spirit — of his weeping. Did he not know that it
is unmanly to .weep? Ah, methinks Jesus is very
AFRICAN METHODISM.
103
G-od. Peter, noisy fellow! broke the dread silence
of Mt. Tabor, with the rapturous cry, *'* Lord, it is
good for us to be here as well as on another occa¬
sion, jumped into the sea ! John, the bigot, left off
washing his body, and fled, because Cerinthus hap¬
pened to be at the bath ! Poor little Zaccheus ran
ahead, and climbed a tj*ee ! Barnabas sold his goods,
and became poor, to administer to the wants of his
poor baethren ! Ignatius, the defiant martyr, had
no idea that from his epistles, he would be credited
with too much enthusiasm.
Gibbon declared of the last century, f" The sober
discretion of the present age, will more readily cen¬
sure than admire,, but can more easily admire than
imitate the fervour of the first Christians, who ac¬
cording to the lively expression of SulpiciousSeverus,*
desired martyrdom with more eagerness, than his
own contemporaries solicited a bishopric." He who
"hears, professed Christians, branding as indecent en¬
thusiasm, every warm manifestation of Christian
zeal, cannot but feel that, in the words of the infidel
historian, there is more of truth than falsity.
We have seen that G-od requires a zealous service,
requires us tor pray without ceasing ; requires, what¬
ever the hands has to do, to be done with all the
might; as well'have we seen the scope allowed this
zeal in each of the three dispensations, the Patri¬
archal, the Mosaic, the Christian. The really pious,
%" account them happy who endure." The tenacity
of Abraham and Jacob, the enthusiasm of Miriam
Hat. xvii-4. t Gib. His., chap. xvi. t Jas. y • 11.
104
AN APOLOGY £OR
and David, the shout of Peter, the strong orthodoxy
of John, the earnestness of Zaccheus, all, evep all are
* . . -
gloried in by the devout, while the consuming zeal
of Him who whipt the usurers, climaxes the whole.
In a little book, published in Glasgow, Scotland,
1752, and written by the Rev. John Willison,in Chap¬
ter VII, Direc. YI, we find forty-nine examples of the
manifestation of great zeal in Christians of every age
and nation ; we select a few examples for the purpose
of showing that the spirit, which is now held forth
as the reproach of Methodism, in other days, was
accounted the glory of pious souls.
" The great Mr. Knox, our reformer, when he lay
a dying, was much in prayer, ever crying, ' Come
Lord Jesus ; sweet Jesus into thy hand I commend
my spirit.' "
"Mr. John Dod had a violent-fever, that there
was but little hope of his life; yet at length his
physician coming to him said., 1 Now I have hope of
your recovery.' To whom Mr. Dod answered, f You
think to comfort me with this, but you mako my
heart sad. It is as if you should tell one, who had been
weather-beaten at sea, and conceiving he was now
arrived at the Haven where his soul longed to be,
that he must go back again to be tossed with new
winds-and waves.'"
ft I knew not long ago an eminently godly man,
G. M., that fell into extraordinary raptures some¬
time before his death, such as his bodily strength
and spirit were not able to support under, though he
had no sickness. Sometimes he was so swallowed
'AFRICAN METHODISM.
105
up and overcome by the manifestation of God's love
to his soul, that his words could not be well under¬
stood ; his natural color, heat and strength would
go off, that all about Jiim would conclude him to be
dying. Sometimes he would cry in abrupt expres¬
sions, ' 0, angels help me to praise him ! • 0,"saints
admire his love and wonder at him !' "
"The Eev. Mr. Haliburton, that shining light
in St. Andrew's, when dying, commended Christ and
godliness with great earnestness to all that came to
see him. To some present he said, e 0 Sirs, I dread
mightily that a rational sort of religion is coming
in among us, I mean by it, a religion that consists
in a bare attendance1 on outward duties and ordi¬
nances, without the power of godliness; and "thence
people shall fall into a way of serving God, which
is mere Deism, having ilo relation to Christ Jesus,
ancl thd Spirit of God..' "
"Mr. Jos. Allein, a most laborious minister,
when afflicted said, ' 0 this vain, foolis'h, dirty
world, I wonder how reasonable creatures can *so
dote upon it.' "
We come now to treat of the zeal of the A. M. E.
Church, for our veriest enemy can but &ay, "1" bear
them witness that they have a zeal."
What scope has been given to reli-gious zeal in the
A. M. E. Church ?
(a) As to works. Let the Churches which adorn
almost every city and town in the Republic, answer ;
even let the sum total of fifty years' labor, as given
in Chapter IV, answer. Especially let answer the
106
AN APOLOGY FOR
more than five score Deacons and Elders, ordained at
our Southern Conferences in 1866-7 ; &s well as the
seventy-five thousand members gathered into the
bosom of our Church within the last three years.
(b) As to worship. PJeasecL with our zeal'as to
works, these traducerssay, if we would express thus
all our zeal, it would he grand, hut then our wor¬
ship !
We object to this judgment,
1st. It is requiring us io be mpre than men, in
that they look for all good and no evil—evil by them
considered, which would require us, would we meet
their expectations or demands, to be as the confirmed
angels. They forget that Jesus said, " It must
needs be that oifence come."** And how true is it?
Every man, every body of men, has more or less
waste material on hand. The "perfect" man cursed
his day ; and the man, with a heart like unto God's,
committed the most grieyous sin. The mighty Paul
was weak enough to quarrel about John Mark; in
the Twelve there was Judas, and among a few score
honest men and women, Ananias and Sapphira,
Hence, when they propose to Accept our good, and
tell us we shall have no evil — evil by them esteem¬
ed, they make themselves more righteous than Grod.
Which is the greater evil, we ask: To be extremely
quiet and orderly io service, and even moderately
learned, and have no love, no zeal; in short, be ec¬
clesiastical paupers?' Or, To be lively in service,
even noisy, and moderately unlearned, with a heart
• Matt, xviii: 7.
AFBICAN METHODISM.
107
so full of" love, that it supplies its own wants, and
gladly ministers to the wants of others? Let Christ
be Judge. "Pure* religion and undefiled before
God, and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless
and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself
unspotted frotn the world."
2nd. We object to- their judgment, for the reason
that we hold not ourselves responsible to them, as to
the scope, whether of works or worship, we allow our
zeal. We very; much doubt the propriety of those
who have proved conclusively, they have no zeal
themselves, none to work, none to pray, of setting
themselves up as our law-makers and judges. Until
they manifest, at least a respectable amount of fer¬
vour, we say to them, " Physicianf heal yourself."
But wherein is the manifestation of our zeal, so
obnoxious to our brethren? It is in the public ser¬
vice, and at the private spiritual meetings — the
class exercises, and the-prayer meeting. In the ser¬
vice our preachers are too rude, and show a want of
refinement to suit their distilled tastes 1
In answer to this charge, we reply, We object to
making the pulpit a place wherein to display human
culture or oratory, just as Paul objected to it. If
men desire to show they are very learned, let them^
do it by defending the truth in well-written treatises;
if to show they are eloquent, let them lay aside the
priestly calling, and seek the Forum. It is the bane
of our present mode of dispensing Christian truth,
that ministers are given too great an opportunity to
» Jam. i: 27.
f Luke iv: 23.
108
AN APOLOGY FOR
preach themselves — to magnify'the elocutionist,
and not the Spirit — Aristotle and Newton, but not
Jesus. These sixty and seventy, and even an hun¬
dred minute discourses., unknown to the mighty
preachers of old/ to Peter, to Paul, to Clement, to
the golden-tongued Chrysostom should he banished
from the Church, and discourses of one-third the
length, and three times the power, instituted. Only
introduced as a hid to pagan taste and custom, it is
high time to throw them to the moles and the bats.
Declamations, dry and lengthy, may suit philosophy,
but not Christianity— morality, but not the gospel.
Christ's most lengthy discourse, that of the Mount,
can be read in less than thirty minutes, and read
with effect.
The rudeness then of the Methodist preacher, is
the pointed presentation of the truth—it is the natu¬
ral rudeness of the unhewn Cross.
Schaff thus describes primitive preaching:
I. te The Preaching of the Gospel.—This appears
in the first period mostly in the form of a missionary
address to the unconverted; that is, a simple, living
presentation of the main facts of the life of Jesus,
with practical exhortation to repentance and conver¬
sion. Christ crucified and risen was the luminous
centre, whence a sanctifying light was shed on all
the relations of life. Gushing forth from a full
heart, this preaching went to the heart; and spring¬
ing from an inward life, it kindled life, a new, divine
life, in the susceptible hearers. It was revival
preaching in the present sense."
AFRICAN METHODISM.
109
Mosheim thus speaks, Book I, Cen. I: " They
(the sermons) were neither eloquent, nor long,
hut full of warmth and love." Same Book, of Cen.
III., he says : "Yet two things deserve notice. First,
The public discourses to the people underwent a
change. For not to mention Origen, who was the
first, so far as we know, that made long discourses
in public, and in his discourses expounded the
sacred volume, there were certain bishops, who
had been educated in the school of the rhetoricians,
framed their addresses and exhortations according
to Grecian eloquence; and their example met the
most ready approbation." Of preaching, in Cen.
IY, he says: "The public discourses, especially
among the Greeks, were formed according to the
rules for civil eloquence, and were better adapted to
call forth the admiration of the rude multitude who
love display, than to amend the heart. And that
no folly and no senseless custom might be omitted
in their public assemblies, the people were allowed
to applaud their orators, as had been practiced in
the forums and theatres ; nay, they were instructed
both to applaud and clap the preachers."
But even the rudeness of these preachers might
be pardoned were they not so fearfully in earnest.
But why object to earnestness in the presentation,
of Christian truth? At least the simple Metho¬
dist regards them as truths; he has not read
enough to doubt his own immortality and accounta¬
bility ; he has not read enough to doubt the reality
of heaven, the certainty of hell] and simple man, he
6
110
AN APOLOGY FOR
preaches accordingly. The words of Charles Sumner
burn when he speaks of the worth of a man, and
what is the worth of a man compared to the worth
of a soul? what is flesh to spirit? Wendell Phil¬
lips becomes enraptured, when speaking of the com¬
ing Republic; and what is the Republic, compared
to that Kingdom that shall never end ?
The earnest preaching of the Methodist, like the
Apostles, as described by Schaff, " gushes forth from
a full heart, and springing from an inward life, it
kindled life, a new, divine life in the susceptible
hearers."
As to the emotional demonstrations which our
zeal assumes, in our prayer and class meetings, we
have this to remark. The great mass of our people
are unlearned, only a small proportion of whom ever
enjoyed school privileges; and yet are they men
whose hearts are as deep, whose affections as sus¬
ceptible, and whose passions as moving as any of
their kind. Thus unlearned, how can they express
the crushing feelings of the soul?—the feelings that
even well-taught tongues fail to express. The flood
gate but half opened, how can the mighty tide
escape ? As men are learned, they can give expres¬
sions in many tongues, as they are unlearned, the
less number; and if they be debased, they can
scarcely lay claim to a mother tongue. When the
lower nature predominates, even the animal, the
lower language of signs and motions must be em¬
ployed.
Multitudes of our people, debased by life-long op-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
Ill
pression, can scarcely claim a single tongue, with,
which to express the enrapturing thoughts of God
reconciled and sins forgiven — the thoughts that
held in honds the tongue of him who sat at the feet
of Gamaliel. And yet they must express it, for it
is like fire shut up in the hones.
But the language of signs and motions among Af¬
rican Methodists, is fast passing away. Their
tongues are fast "being cut loose, and the day is not
far distant, when the crushing thoughts of heaven
and of God, will find expressions in well-tutored
strains.
With patience we await the time, not willing to
doom to silence, the generation that uses signs and
motions — not willing to say with our revilers, "It
is all wrong." We say to these Fathers and Mothers
beloved, express all you possibly can with the tongue,
but if the burden of your joy be too great, then speak
with the streaming eye, and the clapping hand, for
he is most eloquent, who expresses most fully the
soul's great thoughts.
112
an apology for
CHAPTER X.
proscription.
"Go ye therefore and teach all nations."—Jesus.
Having freely delivered themselves of their
thoughts, concerning our ignorance and fanaticism,
they generally wind up with the charge of Proscrip-^
tion, meaning thereby that ours is an organization,
only for colored people, and from it, white persons
are excluded. Their general argument is the fact,
that our Church is called the African M. E. Church ;
and that its ministers and people (they say) are all
colored.
Let us put these charges in shape that we may get
at them. They are
I. In Jier iaw the A. M. E. Church recognizes
colored men only, as members and ministers.
II. That her practice is in strict keeping with her
law.
To both these charges we plead not guilty, and
express our readiness to enter upon trial; that our
innocence may be established, henceforth and for¬
ever.
I. In her law, the A. M. E. Church recognizes
colored men only, as members and ministers.
We would ask, and with respect, that these ae-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
113
cusers place their finger upon the law that de¬
clares it.
(a) The General Conference, a quadrennial Body,
and composed of all the travelling preachers, of six
consecutive years, is the law-making power. To
which one of the twelve General Conferences, which
have been held, can they point, as having among its
enactments, declared a white Christian inaccessible
to membership, be he a minister or member ? Surely
had such been the thought of our Church, during
the course of this half century legislation, it would
indeed have been crystalized into law. But more.
(b) We have thirteen Annual Conferences — the
Baltimore Conference, the Philadelphia, the New
York, the jNew England, the Ohio, the Indiana, the
Missouri, the Louisiana, the California, the South
Carolina, the Virginia, the Georgia, and the Florida
Conference. These all hold annual sessions, and
aside from attending to their local affairs, prepare
business for the General quadrennial Body. In the
hundreds of sessions held by these Annual Confer¬
ences, to which one can they point, as having framed
declaratory resolutions against white membership ?
To which one can they truthfully charge, with even
presenting such resolutions for the consideration of
the General Body ? At the presentation of a reso¬
lution declaring our readiness to receive a white
preacher, we do hear a member speaking in defence
of the offered resolution say: (< The very fact of deem¬
ing it necessary to vote upon it, was somewhat of a
reflection." I scarcely need record that the resolu¬
tion was carried unanimously.
114
AN APOLOGY FOR
(c) The right of Petition is held sacred by our or¬
ganization. The moving thoughts of the people in
communion with us, are laid at the feet of the law¬
making Body in the form of petitions. Where can
the record he found, of a single Church asking for
the enactment of a law to keep out the terrible white
man ? As no law has ever been ordained by the
General Conference; no resolution ever offered by
any of the Annual Conferences ; no petition ever
presented from our Churches, we demand that our
accusers shall respect the truth.
Ah! say they, the title, "African," that covers
the whole ground, and makes any special enactment
unnecessary.
As well may you say that because the English Gov¬
ernment is called the British Empire, it is only for
Britons, and a Frenchman would not be allowed to
reside at London ; or the government of Alexander
only for Russians, while no German would be al¬
lowed to tread its extensive soil. The truth is, these
governments are for all who submit to their respec¬
tive authority, and as a matter of fact, we find among
their subjects, men of every race^ and hue, and
clime.
As well might these cavillers say, that the Ger¬
man Churches in connexion with the M. E. Church,
are only for those of German birth. "What these
Churches are to the M. E. Church, the A. M. E.
Church is to the general Church. And who can
truthfully say, that none but those of German birth,
woul d be allowed to unite with these Churches ? Is
AFRICAN METHODISM.
115
not the idea only, that the German language is
spoken, and the doors stand open to all of every race,
who understand that language, or see proper to
unite with it. It is precisely thus with the African
M. E. Church, where the Negro language is spoken.
The Negro language ! Anthony Trollope said he
had none ; but we assert that he has, this wily Eng¬
lishman— this purchased slave to American preju¬
dice, to the contrary notwithstanding. The Negro
language ! What is it, but the broad language of
humanity I the language which says to men of every
race, " All we are brethren." Whosoever can speak
that language, for it is the Pauline tongue, to him
the doors of the A. M. E. Church stand open, be he
Jew, or Greek.
African M. E. Church, what is the intended force
of the title, African ? Is it doctrinal, or national ?
Be not surprised when we assert it to be primarily
doctrinal, and only national, secondarily.
Allen in his day looked around upon the many or¬
ganized Churches, and to a unit, they were defective,
not in expressed forms of doctrine, but in the syste¬
matic ostracism of a whole race—practical defection.
They professed to believe the doctrine taught by Paul
that God made of one blood, all nations of men, to
dwell on the face of the earth, but the fact was they
gave it a stubborn denial. To vindicate that doc¬
trine was a thought uppermost in the brain of
Allen — the humanity of the Negro, was the goal
to which he aspired. How could this truth best be
taught, was the question witb him. How best be
116
AN APOLOGY FOR
taught? Why, thought his prolific brain, in the
very way that others deny it. They denied it prac¬
tically, he must assert it practically. He must
organize a Church, having for its vitalizing power,
the truth that God made all men, especially him,
over whom the contention was held ; him, on whom
the ban rested — a Church, wherein the claims to
humanity of this despised class, would he practi¬
cally recognized. The title, African, is hut the fin¬
ger-hoard, the index to this suhlime truth; and
means only, that men of African descent are to he
found there, and found as men, not as slaves; as
equals, not inferiors. The doctrine of the Negro's
humanity is its primary signification.
It does not mean, neither does it say that none
others are admitted or found there ; hut it does say,
and mean, that whoever else you may find, you will
he sure to find that notable individual. But why
this prominence ? save for the simple reason, that
other Churches would not receive him as a man, this
one would, and God having given it a tongue to
speak, it said so.
And here we say, in view of the fact that many
are making haste to blot out the hated adjective, that
it is generally thought to he ample time to remove
an, effect when the cause ceases. When the Ameri¬
can people and Churches — when the Methodist
Episcopal Church in particular, shall have learned,
and the latter is fast learning, to speak the tongue
peculiar to Paul and the Negro — the language of
man's humanity; then let the doctrinal (not nation¬
al as some have asserted, and others argued) insig.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
117
ma, so long floated at our masthead be removed, let
it be hauled down, as the victorious banner is hauled
down, when the malice of war has ceased.
II. That her practice is in strict keeping with
her law.
Having shown, and we trust satisfactorily, that
there is no legal obstruction to the entrance of whites
into our connexion, no more than a Frenchman go¬
ing to reside in England, or a German in Kussia —
no more than an American born Christian to
enter one of the German Churches within the bosom
of the M. E. Church, let us now inquire, What our
Practice has been ? in order that we may reply to
the second charge.
Have we ever received any white preachers, or lay
members into our Church, within the fifty years we
have been in existence ? and that, to all its privileges
and immunities? If we have, then indeed will .fall
the last charge brought against us by those who envy
our prosperity.
We beg first to say, that if we have not received
any, we can certainly offer an excuse, as good, at
least, as the one offered by the Fox in regard to those
very sour grapes ; and that excuse has generally been
received as convincing. But have we?
We answer, Yes, and not merely one, or two, but
scores.
(a) Itinerant Preachers.
In the Baltimore Annual Conference minutes, for
the year 1864, we read, " The following preamble
and resolution was offered and passed:
6*
118
AN APOLOGY FOR
" Whereas, in the providence of Grod, two organ¬
ized Churches, with a membership respectively of
eight hundred, and four hundred and seventy-five
members, were added to the African M. E. Church
by their petition, they having renounced all their
former allegiance to the M. E. Church, South, in the
cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Ya.
Whereas, Both of the meeting-houses are large
built structures, substantial and well built.
And whereas, The Rev. A. W. Wayman, one of
the elders of this Conference, who by virtue of his
office, was authorized to do so, and the other by the
Kev. Bishop Daniel A. Payne, were received last
autumn, and the said Bishop so far recognized the
reception by appointing the Rev. John M. Brown ta
the pastorate of the Bute Street Church, in Norfolk,
and Rev. G. Greely, a white brother, to Portsmouth,
Virginia. Therefore,
Resolved, That the Annual Conference receive and
incorporate these Churches into the regular work of
the African M. E. Church."
Signed by JOHN M. BROWN,
D. W. MOORE.
Likewise in the Minutes of the same Conference
two years later, we find these words :
" On motion of Bro. Herbert, Bro. Sisson, a white
brother, was received, with the proviso, that he sus¬
tain his examination."
Here then, are two instances within the bounds of
one Conference, and within two years, where white
men have been received; if we have not received
more, we beg to enter the Fox's plea.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
119
Yes, we have received all who offered themselves.
Of course, in this free country we could not take them
by the collar and drag them in, as they once dragged
us out, but with open doors we stood, and with
notes, as clear and as loud as the Alpine buglers,
we said: " Whosoever will, let him come."*
Nor could we thrust knowledge into their thick
heads, and have them speak " instanter," the holy
speech of man's humanity. Thick of tongue, they
were slow to learn it, and though these fifty years,
they have heard it spoken, their days of infant lisp¬
ing still remain. But above all they would not ac¬
cept the Negro rule found there, nor could we make
them, for that wojild be against the genius of our or¬
ganization and our tongue ; for "slavery," "oppres¬
sion," "tyranny" are words not found in the Divine
vernacular.
Hence, we took all who came, and it was impossi¬
ble for us to do more.
(6) Lay members.
These may he counted by the dozens all through
the North and North-West, where Christian ideas in
a large measure prevail. At the reception of Rev.
J. F. Sisson, the white minister to whom reference
has been made heretofore, by reference to the Min¬
utes we find the following as some of the declarations
made :
"Bro. Hunter spoke of white persons being mem¬
bers of our Church, as at Buffalo and Chicago."
"Bro. J. D. S. Hall also spoke of two or three
* Rev, xxii.
120
AN APOLOGY FOR
white persons as having joined his Church." (Union
Bethel, Washington, D. C.)
And who that ever worshipped in Wylie Street,
Pittsburgh, Pa., during the years of '58-'59, will
ever forget the zealous, aye, the saintly John Rpbi-
son. Of this white brother, truly it may he said of
him, as of the ancient Levite, " that he had neither
father, nor mother, nor sisters, nor brothers." It
was the high privilege of the Author, to enter the
baptismal waters with him, and "both receive that
purifying ordinance. He was true in life, and in
death. During a long affliction, the brethren of his
choice often visited him at the house of his parents,
and his dying request was to be ta^en to the Ghurch,
in which he had so often rejoiced, and to be borne
thence by his brethren beloved ; but alas! alas ! no
sooner had his pure spirit been wafted to God, than
all intercourse with the minister and brethren of his
Church was forbidden; and he rests to-day among a
people with whom he never worshipped. Peace to
thy ashes, thou purest of men. With David, all thy
brethren say: "thou wast* lovely and pleasant in
thy life."
But it is within the pales of the British M. E.
Church, which was the Canada Conference of the A.
M. E., Church, up to 1856, where the impartial
genius of our Church may be seen.
Having precisely the same doctrine and laws, its
Bishop being one of our own, and its preachers more
or less, ministers who have been connected with us,
* II Sam. i: 23.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
121
that Church, is a fine proof, and is daily becoming
more so, of what our Church would he, if it could.
At least six per cent, of the membership of the B. M.
E. Church are whites.
122
AN APOLOGY FOR
CHAPTER XI.
THE A. M. E. PREACHER.
"I am a man of peace, they are for war."—Psl. of Degrees.
How shall I describe the above character ?#avoi&-
ing alike flattery on the one hand, and uncharitable
qriticism on the other. That he is worthy of notice,
is apparent from the stir he has made in the world.
For fifty yearS lias he toiled, not deigning to reply
to those who challenged him; while plying the
trowel, he ever and anon repeated the words, it Why*
should the work cease, while I come down ?"
But by the strength of his own brawny arm, with
a good degree of the Lord's blessing, the work has
advanced nobly—the walls of a complete organization
are up, many temples are finished; and while the
voice of thanksgiving is heard to re-echo through
them — while scores of Priests are at the altar, per¬
forming the Divine service, a single one, a few, would
step aside and hold controversy with her foes.
The African Methodist Preacher! Who is he ?
What the attainments of his head ? What the qual¬
ities of his heart ? What the animus of his spirit ?
A first look at the material of which the Methodist
ministry is composed, will give us an idea as to what
* Neh. vi : 3.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
123
it is. The A. M. E. Church, like a Joseph beloved,
has been given, as it were a many-colored coat, to
protect it from the blasts, even a ministry of almost
every orthodox view. Men who have been educated
to the strictest Presbyterianism, the most independ¬
ent Congregationalism, have met at the Methodist
shrine, the men of Lutheran and Episcopalian cul¬
ture, and these, having joined hands, with the con¬
vert from Catholicism, all have buried in a common
grave, their heads, their hearts, have buried them¬
selves; and Paul like, "know only Jesus, and liim
crucified."
Few of them, however, can boast of a "sheepskin."
•They are as a whole, self-made men. But let it not
be supposed that all are paupers, though they be not
worth that sheepskin — let not Numskull," be
written on the foreheads of all those whose heads
have not dozed against some college wall; for a born
fool was never thus made wise. And what are
schools and colleges after all, but places of conve¬
nience. It were a question, if the human intel¬
lect, would not be stronger, possessing more of
its native vigor and individuality, if the coming
generations of youth, were to have father and
mother for abecedarians, and then given to under¬
stand that they must study at home, and advance
themselves. We say not, let schools and colleges be
abolished, but we do lift up our voice against the
opinion that would account every man an irredeem¬
able ignoramus, if he have not graduated.
At college the intellectual forces are developed ;
124
AN APOLOGY FOR
but the query we raise is, could not that development
be done as well, and as effectually, if every fireside
should be converted into a school room, and lather
be pedagogue, and mother be sehoolmam. Admit
then, replies one, that it could be done as well, then
indeed would the two modes be balanced.
Nay, nay, for not stopping to weigh the superior
home training which the child would receive, a cloud
would be dispersed, that is dwarfing thousands of
intellects, as the shade dwarfs the flower — the cloud
—Father aint able to send me to school, and I can't
learn anything "—a cloud that millions follow with
the same confidence that Israel followed the cloud
of old; but it leads not to Canaan, but to Egypt.
But there is one character, who has mother wit
enough, and courage enough to believe that he can
learn something outside the walls of a college, even
the Methodist Preacher. He believes colleges are
splendid things, and according to present arrange¬
ments, are to be placed in the same catalogue with
fine houses, rich coaches, and dashing steeds, and are
to be accepted, if offered — attained, if possible. But
he believes, if a man cannof live in a fine brick, let
him live in a frame, or a cabin, or anything rather
than be out in the snow ; if he cannot ride in a fine
coach, let him ride in a wagon; if not behind steeds
of Arab worthr let him ride behind the honest ox.
So in regard to colleges, if you can go, he says, Go,
and with all your might." But as he would not
have you live out doors, for want of a fine brick, nor
walk for want of a splendid coach ; so he would not
AFRICAN METHODISM.
125
want you to be a fool for want of a college. He Re¬
lieves there is sufficient native power in the soul, to
advance step by step, if not frowned back by false
maxims and opinions. Acting up to his impressions,
he puts his book in his pocket, and as he goes round
his circuit he reads, reads in the buggy, reads in the
Kailcar, reads at home, reads abroad. The moments
which most men pass in idle gazing, he employs in
reading. How well he has succeeded in a literary
point, let the sketches and Articles of Part II,
answer.
What the qualities of his heart ?
His traducers say: He is terribly impure, a wretch
who has continual occasion to repeat the LI Psalm.
There is a saying going the rounds, in which the
head of his offense is told, it is: That were a Baptist
preacher to get drowned, throw a demijohn in the
water, and it would float until it came quite over his
body, and sink 1 if a Presbyterian, throw a pocket-
book in the water, and it would float, till it came
over the body, and sink I but if a Methodist preacher
got drowned, throw a lady's garment in, and it
would sink immediately, on coming over his dead
body 1
We are quite as willing to take a hearty laugh at
this clever remark as any, conceding that in the
Methodist ministry there is as much impurity as
any ; but we do contend strenuously that there is no
more, in proportion to numbers. The active min¬
istry of our Church, will not fall short of five
hundred itinerants, and yet, few indeed have been
126
AN APOLOGY FOR
the cases where preachers have been expelled for
the damning sin. Writing from memory, we can
recall but a single instance, in which the Brother
made an acknowledgment, and quietly withdrew.
In the Conference, over which Bishop Payne has
presided for twelve years, not a single instance of
expulsion has occurred.
Until the General Conference of 1864, the A. M.
E. Church, was the only one of the Protestant
Churches, that forbade second marriages, even for
crime of proved fornication, and where a legal di¬
vorce had been obtained. So much for the sinking
of the lady's garment.
But let us take another view of the moral qualities
of our Preachers.
What class of ministers can compare with, him in
disinterested labor, and self-sacrifice ? The Roman
Priest, has the assurance that his wants will ever be
supplied, not only while strength endures, but when
it fails. The Episcopalian Rector, the Presbyterian
Pastor, even all the ministers of churches, save the
Methodist, have the moral pledge of the members,
whom they serve through life, that they will not be-
forgotten in old age; neither their widows and or
phans. Not only thus, the usual support allowed to
these ministers is generally so liberal, that a portion
can uniformly be laid by for days of cloud and rain.
But how is it with the Methodist Preacher ? To
which, of the many congregations he has served,
shall he turn in the winter of age, and find comfort ?
and as to support, not a mite can be pinched from
AFRICAN METHODISM.
m
it, for in the vast majority of cases, it is already too
small, to give that easy living which a minister
should have.
But on our preacher goes in the discharge of his
duty, looking not to the right, nor to the left, but
committing his wife and his little ones, to the kind
providence of God, he offers himself a sacrifice to the
interests of the Master's kingdom.
This general disinterestedness is exhibited by all
the A. M. E. preachers, but there is a peculiar dis¬
interestedness which a few exhibit, and still fewer
appreciate.
The disinterestedness of a man like Bishop Payne,
is peculiar, and he will pardon me for putting him
between two fires. The ability of Bishop Payne, and
others whose names might be mentioned, are such,
that they have but to say the word, and easy posi¬
tions could be attained. In fact they are constantly
accosted with the words, "Why do you stay with
those ignorant Methodists ? Come with us, and your
company will be made more congenial to you." This
whole class of noble Methodist preachers, have ever
made but one answer to these importunities, the
answer, " It is ''mean to let go your blind brother's
hand."
What the animus of the spirit of our Methodist
preacher ?
He is a true American, possessing all that frank¬
ness, characteristic of his country. Of all nationali¬
ties, the American is the frankest. See the Methodist
preacher, when you will, or where, and of whatever
128
AN APOLOGY EOR
race he may "be, lie is the same, free-hearted, jovial
soul. In the Church meeting, he is unreserved,
handling the Word with a freedom, that shows that
true friends have met; and in the social circle, none is
more entertaining. Would you see a recess hour
from school, dramatized? Yisit a Methodist Preach¬
er's social meeting.
Noble man, may he long live.
AFRICAN" METHODISM.
129
CHAPTER XII.
THE METHODIST BRETHREN.
"For the people had a mind to work."—Nehemiah.
It were hard to find in any age of the Church, a
more devoted company of Christian men. Poor as
the early Christians, yet are they as liberal; and
many a one of them, with the utmost fitness can he
called Barnabas.
Of what class in society come these Brethren, but
the laboring ? and does not history and experience
stamp poverty upon all such? But few of these
Brethren have attained to easy positions in life, com¬
paratively few count their- treasures by the thous¬
ands ; and yet thus poor, and getting their little
monies, too, at such an outlay of muscle and sweat,
still have they nobly contributed to erect those re¬
ligious Temples, which ornament the land.
■It costs something to be ranked among the Meth¬
odist Brethren. Membership may be held cheaply,
in other branches of the Christian Church ; but we
proclaim it here, that no man can be a Brother in
repute without great charity. He must be prepared
to give largely of his substance. And why ? The
reason is plain,— the ambitious little body has set
up housekeeping herself! Dissatisfied with the
130
AN APOLOGY FOR
treatment at home, and being of age, she concluded
to commence life herself; and the result is, that all
the household fixtures must be got. Mother was
displeased, and would give her nothing, not even a
change; so she was compelled to btiy everything from
her own slim purse; compelled to keep up the wear
and'tear of independent life. Bishops and preach¬
ers are to be supported, with many missionaries;
churches are to be built and rebuilt; a Book Concern
is to be sustained ; a Paper to be kept afloat; Book
Steward, Editor, and Clerks have to be fed, with ten
thousand other little expenses in the catalogue of
housekeeping ; and every cent must come from the
one pocket, and the ready cash at that!
It is true that Mother became somewhat reconcil¬
ed, after two score and eight years had passed, and
promised to help the aspiring daughter to bear her
fast increasing expenses ; for the little responsibili¬
ties, always attendant upon happy matches, had
really increased so fast, that shoes and stockings
were wanting to hide the toes, as well as dresses, and
attirement for children, in general; but somehow,
Mother failed to keep that very kind promise, and
daughter, in the words of the poet Bell,
" Must paddle her own canoe."
The Methodist Brethren are the very men to do
it, of strong muscles, a strength not to be resisted,
with a will that recognizes no impossibilities, they
are just the men t6 work at the oar, and work they
do 1 A drone cannot well stay among them. The
AFRICAN METHODISM.
131
result is that our house is getting fixed up quite
snugly — our house, he it remembered, and no one's
else ; every nail we drive belongs to the firm; and
though our house is not as fine as somebody else's
house, yet is it ours, and we are getting it fixed up.
One by one the children are hiding their toes, and
the patched trowsers will soon be exchanged for
whole ones. In fact we will be fixed up after a while
In good style.
Alexander Crummell, an Episcopalian, thus speaks
of the liberality of the Methodist Brethren : "In
some cases they have been known to collect, that is,
in Philadelphia and Baltimore, at one collection,
over $1,000."*
We stop not here to debate the principle of finance,
which the Methodist Brethren have adopted, the
principle that Paul ordained; for it is not exactly
the principle which some people oppose, as the
manner of executing that principle. Yery many,
within and without the pales of the A. M. E. Church,
object to the " everlasting begging," which is done.
We-ask such objectors, and wherever found, not to
take a one-side view, but to " walk around Zion,"
to view every side of the question.
Let me hold up to their gaze this view of the
matter.
(a) The A. M. E. Church is perfectly independent
of every other Church organization. She is her own
master, responsible only to the great Head. This
being true, she has no rich Presbytery or Diocese,
* "Future of Africa," p. 239.
132
AN APOLOGY FOR
or Association unto which she can appeal for help -—
appeal and he heard. Accounting to none, she can
appeal to none. Not only has she no right to expect
aid, other than in the general way of giving and re¬
ceiving charities, hut it would he dishonorable for
her to send her Bishops, or any other of her officers,
abroad to get their support. Receiving the blessings
of their labor, she, and she alone, must bear the
burden of their wants. It would neither be right,
nor honorable for President Benson, howsoever poor
his little Republic may be, to draw on Secretary
McCullough, of the American Treasury, for his
support.
(b) The A. M. E. Church, then, must meet and
pay her ordinary expenses, or resign her independ¬
ency. Honor requires it, as well as the right. Here,
then, thousands must be raised — thousands for or-
dinary expenses alone.
(c) Look also at the extraordinary expenses de¬
volving upon all the richer Societies of our connexion.
Ours is a community of burdens, as well as of joys,
we are but one family. The older, and larger, and
stronger Brothers, feel under obligations to the
younger and weaker Brothers; they feel that it de¬
volves on them to take them by the hand and help
them along. Actuated by this feeling, numerous,
indeed, are the calls made upon the large churches,
for the younger and helpless children. But what
brother would be without a little Bister, because at
times he must help her cross the mud ? or provide a
pair of shoes to keep the snow out, and the heat in ?
AFRICAN METHODISM.
133
Tell us not that other colored Churches, do not
have these incessant calls, they have no little sisters
and "brothers ; or if they have, their white father has
provided for them.
These, then, are the requirements made upon us
— requirements that honor and religion require us
to meet and cash. How can this be done ?
Our objectors say, 11 We should not coax or
plead." As well may they object to human nature !
Shall not plead! A man's heart-strings are his
purse-strings as well; loosen them, and the purse
flies open; let them be stiff and cold, and the
" Greenback," secure in his castle, will lau gh at the
cry of the widow. And how loosen the heart-strings,
chilled by Arctic selfishness ? Let burning words,
like cannon-balls of white hotness, be hurled against
them, let the balls fall thick and heavy, and soon
they will melt and break. We apologize not for
every incident which may occur, at every collection,
for it is the high characteristic of man always to
blunder a little I But to ask us not to lift collec¬
tions, not a few, is to ask us to do one of two things,
both of which every Methodist Brother abhors,—
either to relinquish our independency, and come
under some white organization as beggars, or to
starve the little children and the weak, in the Afri¬
can M. E. family.
We are sick of the stale talk of these collections
driving away our people ! They may drive away
some, some who prefer vanity to piety, the shadow
to the substance — but never a Methodist Brother
1
134
AN APOLOGY FOE
will they drive away. He knows nothing else, hut
to divide his bread ; nothing else hut to help the
weak and lead the blind.
There is a work which these complaining brethren
may do, more honorable to them, and of absolute
benefit to the Church. Instead of railing out against
these continued collections, let them go to work and
devise a good, practicable plan, whereby the absolute
demands of the Church will be met, and the Breth¬
ren, the bone and sinew of the Church, will accept
it. But let them not ask us to leave the plan we
have, until another and better is provided.
* The Methodist Brethren are not only liberal, but
they are, what I scarcely need mention here, a zeal¬
ous body. Of this we treated in full in Chapter IXr
and only take occasion here to say, that their wor¬
ship is marked by all the warmth of their hopeful
natures. After one has visited a class meeting, or a
prayer meeting, especially a Band of these Brethren,
he will cease to wonder at the carnage of Fort Wag¬
ner and Miliken's Bend. What enthusiasm they
have ! what defiance I To see them worship, is to
be convinced that they will fight.
Hence, we throw in the remark here, that they
should be educated. The fervour of their nature de¬
mands it. The cold-blooded, unenthusiastic Saxon
may do without education, but not the Negro: he is
too rushing, and demands a pilot, else he will smash
things! Such are the Methodist Brethren, whose
offering to the world is the A. M. E. Church. May
their generations increase in the land.
african methodism.
135
CHAPTER XIII.
the methodist sisters.
" This -woman was full of good works, and alms-deeds, which she
did."—Luke.
If any one would really see the great work accom¬
plished by the. African M. E. Church, let him not
look to the East, though it may be cheering, but
rather let his eyes fall upon the better half of the
Republic, even the West.
At the Convention which organized the Church in
Philadelphia, a membership of about five thousand
was reported, a very respectable dowry to be sure;
and one, too, that has not been unimproved, as the
statistics of to-day show. But not so the West;
there the African Methodist itinerant began on ab¬
solutely toothing. Nothing! did I say? Nay, verily;
for he had a strong heart, and a stronger voice, with
a faith in God that was uncompromising ; he had a
horse, a saddle-bag, a Bible, a hymn-book j he had
a glorious field for work; and what more could he
possibly need ?
Thus equipped, he penetrated the western wilds;
and while the keeil echo of the backwoodman's axe
was heard felling the tall oaks, the voice of the
Methodist preacher was heard proclaiming a free
salvation.
136
AN APOLOGY FOR
To him Esaiah's prophecy has been fulfilled, the
desert has become as the garden ; the wilderness as
the city; all West-Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana^
Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, even all the mighty West
wherever the foot of a son of Africa hath trod, blooms
like the rose. Few indeed are the colored Churches
in any of these States, but those of the A. M. E. con¬
nexion — few comparatively.
And now, as looking upon these brilliant tri¬
umphs, the question arises, " At whose feet shall
the tribute of kind remembrance be laid?"
Shall we only remember Bishop Quinn, Noah
Cannon, Charles Peters, Fayette Davis, Levin Gross,
Philip Brodie, and that immortal band of African
itinerants, who first ploughed the fertile West?
Nay, nay, let not all the incense of our affection be
consumed upon them, however glorious they may
be. There is another band of pious souls, whose
names, unknown to men, but known to Angels — a
holy band, that should share the deep remembrance
of our hearts — a band of faithful women !
The Methodist Sisters ! what were they ? what
are they ?
Let not the reader brand us, "Enthusiast," nor
yet, " Flatterer," when we proclaim an honest con¬
viction— not blind to the many faults of these
women, yet are they as noble a band as ever graced
the Church. Partaking very much of the spirit of
their social state, yet are they as zealous as Martha
or Lydia, as loving as Mary.
Could our first preachers in the West give evi-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
137
deuce, we well know what would be their tale; they
would say, in true Methodist style, "I came to this
sister's house, and I was hungry, and she fed me,
dividing even the last loaf; my feet were cold, well
nigh frosted, she administered to me; to keep me
comfortable at night, she and husband forsook their
only bed; and when morning came, the very best
that their scanty lardery could afford, was given
to me."
This would be the simple tale that each and all
would tell; nor would they stop here, but they would
tell us how these Methodist Sisters aided them in
their work, how they willingly arranged their do¬
mestic homes for the Church, how they informed
the neighbors, and with Christian greetings received
all who came to hear the Word expounded; nay,
more, in familiar strains they would tell us how they
labored to have the preacher decently clad, giving
themselves, and then "taking the lead, with kind
words besought others to give; nor rested they till the
patched trowsers, the thread-bare coat, the worn-out
hat, the soleless boot were laid aside. Nor would
these pioneer African itinerants cease till they had
told, how she labored to build the little chapel, and
have it snugly put in trim.
Thus lived and acted the Methodist Sisters of other
days, lived thus and acted on the banks of the
Schuylkill, the Ohio, the Mississippi, the Missouri.
Would that we knew their names, would that our
Barbara Hecks were known, that we might unite
with the coming generations to do them homage.
138
AN APOLOGY FOR
But alas ! they died, and their names have gone
down to the grave with, their bodies, gone up to
heaven with their souls ; and on the middle earth
nought remains hut their undeciphered footprints.
We say, and from our hearts, Peace to the souls of
the Unknown Dead of the Methodist Sisterhood.
Though thus devoted to the Master's cause, she
has not escaped a goodly amount of slander. Her
kindness, like the widow of Sarepta—like the sisters
of Lazarus, has been most sadly impugned; and
many have heen the whispers floating around.
What shall we say of her kindness, giving rise, as
it most undoubtedly has, to very much slander, both
of preachers and people ? What shall we say ? Why
state facts. When Richard Allen and the early
Bishops of our Church, gave the preachers their ap¬
pointments, they had no money to place in their
hands to pay their expenses. It was for the Bishops
to say^ Go; it was for the itinerant to provide the
means. Often they were sent hundreds of miles,
and not one cent in pocket had they, but go they
would. Trusting in God, they took up the march,
and like Israel, as they advanced, obstacles gave way;
many a stubborn river stood up in heaps, when their
feet touched the waters. God made the people to
be at peace with them. He raised them up friends.
Many Lydias He provided to invite them home, and
provide for them. Other Churches sent not forth
the Evangelist, because they had not the visible
means of supporting him; ours, trusting in God,
sent forth the itinerant; and with manly heart he
went; and for accepting the shelter which God pro-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
139
yided, the same shelter He provided for the prophets
and Apostles of old, the names of these modern
Lydias, the names of Elijah and Paul are cast out as
evil.
So let it he, but not, henceforth and forever !
What the Methodist Sisters have heen in the past,
they are now. They are the same zealous souls, zeal¬
ous for God, His Church, His Servant s.
Full one-half the honor is justly due to her, for
making the A. M. E. Church, under G-od, what it
is. She taught not, yet it cannot he said she did not
preach ; she was no officer, yet it cannot he said she
did not lead. A very Deborah was she, while many
a preacher was to her as Barak.
In labors, temporal and spiritual, she has proved
the equal of her brethren, she has bought one-half
the bricks in all our Churches, and offered, well
nigh, one-half the prayers. The poor itinerant
knows the estimate of her, and, when calling to
mind her Unmeasured labors in his behalf, he cries
out with King Lemuel, " Who can find a virtuous
woman? for her price is far above rubies."
Her zeal, like her kindness, has brought upon Jier
the frowns of the supercilious ; she is proclaimed to
be, "too fast," " without modesty," and such like
charges. These she heeds not, but stopping not to
drink of the brook by the way, she pushes on in the
good cause 1
Long may she live ; we wish not that she may not
become the intellectual peer of any, but we do wish
that her kindness and zeal may never grow less.
THE END OF PART I.
AN APOLOGY FOR AFRICAN METHODISM.
IP-A-HT Hi
PART II.
CHAPTER I.
our purpose.
" In the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be es¬
tablished.' '—Jesus.
We purpose in Part II to let the African M. E.
Church speak for itself — speak by the lives of its
members, as well by a few productions from their
pen.
Beginning with the chief officers, the superintend¬
ing Bishops, let us gradually let ourselves down
through the General officers, that is, those created
by the General Conference, to% wit: the Publisher,
the Editor, the Corresponding and Recording Secre¬
taries of the Parent Missionary Society, with the
Treasurer of the same; then through the host of
itinerant preachers, to those in local capacity, until
we shall reach the broad and enduring basis of the
membership, upon whom we may rest with perfect
assurance.
144
an apology tor
CHAPTEK II.
WM. PAUL QUINSr.
BISHOP.
It might seem strange for one to presume to write
of another", and really know no more concerning "him
than the writer knows of Wm. Paul Quinn, the
senior superintending Bishop of the African M» E.
Church. Do you ask concerning his parents? the
father that hegat him ? the mother that nestled him?
The writer knows nought of them. Do you ask, At
which of the twenty-four hours was it proclaimed
that a man child was horn into the world? He
knows not. Do you ask even the year ? He knows
not: and would you he informed of the place, an¬
other must tell you. Suhlime ignorance indeed!
And yet the writer knows of Wm. Paul Quinn, all
that is worth knowing of him, or any other man —
he knows some little of the work he has done. What
cares the world who hegat us, or nestled us — what
cares it of the place, or the hour? Pontius the
biographer of Cyprian the Bishop, refuses to inform
us of his life previous to his conversion ; and gives
as a reason that what a man does before his conver¬
sion to Christ, is not worth knowing. Much more
reasonable is our declaration, that for the man, Wm.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
145
Paul Quinn, the Church and the world care little ;
hut for Brother Quinn and Bishop Quinn, the hearts
of a full hundred thousand yearn.
What can we tell the reader concerning our ven¬
erable Bishop ? As a commencement, what would
he hetter than to state that he was one of the glorious
seven who made up at the beginning the whole
strength of our itinerating forces ; as well as to state
that in the Philadelphia Conference he was the first
African Methodist preacher to buy a saddle-bag, and
to mount a horse !
He traveled for a few years in the Eastern Confer¬
ences, but they were too circumscribed; and when
he listened to the reports of the land that lay beyond
the mountains, his soul became enamored with
thoughts of conquest and victory, It was in 1840
that he invaded the land of the West, and no con¬
queror was ever so gloriously triumphant. The
sum of his fruits were not a few individuals, nor
yet Churches, but he lay whole Conferences at the
feet of his King.
We quote from the 'Semi-Centenary:' lt While our
Church was conquering territory in a foreign land,
she was also strengthening her stakes, and enlarging
her borders in the great West. This extension was
promoted chiefly through the wisdom, endurance and
activity of Elder Wm. Paul Quinn."
In 1842 the Ohio Conference spake of him as fol¬
lows : "We, the members of the Ohio Annual Con¬
ference, believe the Western Christian Mission, as
devised by the General Conference, held in the city
146
AN APOLOGY FOR
of Baltimore, in 1840, and prosecuted by Rev. Wm.
Paul Quinn, in the States of Indiana, Illinois and
Missouri, is the greatest Christian enterprize ever un¬
dertaken by the African M. E. Church since its rise
and progress in our country. Its present wide
spreading influence and future prospect of good to the
present and rising generations in the Western States,
entitle the Agent, Brother Quinn, who, with untir¬
ing zeal, prosecuted the mission to that honor and es¬
teem by this Conference, which is due, and is paid to
all men of great minds and enterprizing habits ; and,
'' Therefore, be it Resolved, By this Ohio Annual
Conference, that said Brother Quinn is entitled to
and has the confidence and high regard of this body
for that self-denial and truly devoted missionary spirit
which he has manifested in this enterprize ; and be
it further
Resolved, That Brother Quinn is entitled, by the
laws of Christian courtesy, to sit and counsel with
the Bishops during this Conference."
It was in Pittsburg, 1844, that the seventh Gen¬
eral Conference was held, and it numbered sixty -
eight—two bishops, thirty-nine traveling preachers,
and twenty-seven local delegates. The demands of
the work made it necessary to elect another Bishop,
and, as if by inspiration, a large majority fixed their
eyes on the great missionary, as the man most compe¬
tent to fill the post. He wa s elected; and on Sabbath
morning, May 19th, 1844, he was consecrated to
that office, which he has held for nearly a quarter of
a century ; held it with signal honor to himself,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
147
satisfaction to Ms brethren, and glory to the Church.
We conclude in the words of Bishop Payne:
"Then he was the youngest of three, now he is
verging upon seventy years — the senior of four
Bishops—still his erect, majestic form moves at the
head of an energetic, enthusiastic host of itinerants ;
and may it move onward and upward till, at the
bidding of the Great Prince of Peace, he shall ascend
to his reward in Heaven."
148
an apology for
CHAPTER III.
daniel a. payne, d. d.
BISHOP.
It were useless for us to attempt to "bring Bishop
Payne before the public in our humble Apology.
"Ego a te debeo baptizari et tu venis ad me" ? A
writer of the first magnitude, years since, told " How
a carpenter boy became a Bishop." But he is our
Bishop, and we must honor our little book with an
account of him ; brief, indeed, to be sure, yet long
enough to show what a dauntless will and pious
heart may accomplish. That eccentric little State,
South Carolina, gave him birth; and on Sunday,
the 24th of February, 1811, between 12 and 1
o'clock, P. M., in the city of Charleston. 1811 et
1867. Let us see ; he has lived fifty-six years!
More than a half century ! A good while, to be sure.
But what has he done ? Many men live that long,
And die and rot,
And are forgot!
How is it with our Bishop ? What has he seen and
remembered in this great temple. Life is a temple ;
into which all men enter by the same door, but each
takes his exit at his individual door. Some men—
AFRICAN METHODISM.
149
hosts of men we should say—enter life's temple, and,
after idling away a score of years or more, turn
about-face and depart at the same door they had en¬
tered— even the door of ignorance and sin. Other
men there. are, and nobler, who enter the door—
even the door of ignorance—but when they depart,
they depart the door, wisdom ; they enter the door
sini'ulness, but depart the door holiness. These go
not out the same door they enter, but rather an op¬
posite one. They ransack the old temple from base
to dome, go through every passage, visit ever cham¬
ber, and know much of its glories ; and going
hence, they can tell the wondering Angels the glories
of the World. Of this class is our Bishop ; entering
the Temple on the first floor, for their is no en¬
trance on any other, he has surveyed well all that
was there, and leaving it behind, he commenced to
ascend the stairways to the second floor, and up and
still up has he gone, till he has attained a lofty at¬
titude—until he can gaze out, not one window alone,
but many windows ; even the Greek window, the
Latin, the French, the Hebrew, windows that are
closed to the multitude. But enough of the figura¬
tive. Bishop D. A. Payne, "born of Methodist parents,
at the early age of fifteen, joined that Church, and
at eighteen was converted within its folds." A youth
of promise, a benevolent society of colored men,
called the " Minor's Moralist Society," sent him to
school, where he learned to read, write and cipher.
His knowledge of the natural sciences, and of the
mathematical, as far as the six books of Euclid, was
150
AN APOLOGY FOR
acquired in his native city, without any foreign aid
beyond the text hooks. He had also made some pro¬
gress in Latin, G-reek and French in the same way.
His theological training was at Gettysburg, Penn¬
sylvania, in the General Seminary of the Evangel¬
ical Lutheran Church. He has been an educator of
his race for thirty-eight years 1
Made Bishop in 1852, he has done a peculiar work
for tlie A. M. E. Church; whilst his brethren were
extending the building, he was polishing it off, in
company with a few others.
Let him " go hence" when he may, the monu¬
ment Daniel A. Payne will leave, will not be the
magnificent Bethel, Baltimore — will not be his gen¬
eral improvement of the A. M. E. ministry, but it
will be Wilberforce University, of which he is the
President, That, pre-eminently, is the legacy he
will leave to the Church and people he loves so well.
Upon it he has laid himself as the willing sacrifice.
Of it he thinks by day and dreams by night; for it
he writes, and talks, and works ; for it he has crossed
the sea.* Convinced of its supreme necessity, he
makes even other interest subservient to it ; hesi¬
tating not to declare the opinion that its success or
failure is the success or failure of the A. M. E.
Church.
» Let his life be long, and let the desire of his
heart be given unto him.
* Bishop Payne is now in England, August, 1867.
africa# methodism.
151
CHAPTER IY.
alexander w. wayman.
BISHOP.
" Alexander W, Wayman was born in Caroline
County, Md., September, A. D. 1821. His father,
Francis, and mother, Matilda Wayman, were among
the first members of the African M. E. Ch'urch in
that part of the State, and remain members of the
same Church till this day. His father being a far¬
mer, he was put early to work on the farm, during
the summer and autumn ; but in the winter he had
little to do. At night the boys would make large
light wood fires, by which they would learn the
alphabet. Each one would try to excel. Alex¬
ander was the most ambitious, and formed an idea that
he must learn the fastest of any ; and he succeeded.
He soon commenced to read in Comly's Spelling Book,
and to make letters in the sand. In 1855 he ob¬
tained a hope in Christ, and commenced to read the
Scriptures. During the long winter night, he
would read chapter after chapter for his father and
mother. It was March 29th, 1837, that he joined
the M. E. Church, and very soon began to assist in
holding prayer meeting. In August, 1839, he felt
impressed to do something in the vineyard of the
152
AN APOLOGY FOR
Lord. Up to this time he had never read any hooks
hut the Bible and the speller, and these hut imper¬
fectly. He felt a great desire to hecome a scholar
if possible. His father gave him permission to leave
home, and seek his fortune elsewhere. He visited
Baltimore City in May, 1840, while the General
Conference of the A. M. E. Church was in session j
and viewing some of the ablest members, and hear¬
ing them preach, he was encouraged to hope for
something in the future. He remained in Balti¬
more a few weeks, then went to Philadelphia and
united with the A. M. E. Church. In Philadelphiahe
was employed by a Quaker gentleman as coachman.
Having great desires to be a scribe, and write com¬
positions, he bought pen and paper, and commenced
to write over whole sheets of it, and leave it on the
table in his room. The gentleman with whom he
labored, one day went into Alexander's apartment
to look out into the garden, seeing the writing, he
read it, and finding a great many errors in it, sent
for Alexander to come up stairs. At his approach
the gentleman said to him: £fI was reading thy
writing, and I am pleased to see the Christian spirit
thou dost manifest. Sit down and let me give thee
a lesson." He took the writing and showed him
all the mistakes, and from that hour Alexander re¬
solved to go to work and do the best he could to
learn. In 1842 he was appointed by the late Bishop
Brown to the Princeton Circuit, with Rev. H. C.
Turner. Going with him to New Brunswick, N. J.,
he was requested to take charge of a small primary
AFRICAN METHODISM.
153
school. At this place there is a large college and a
great many students, who took much delight in
teaching him anything he wished to learn. Here he
commenced the study of grammar and some other
branches, and thus he has advanced on, step by step.
In 1843 he was admitted on trial in the Philadel¬
phia Conference, and appointed to the West Chester
Circuit, Pa. He purchased Smith.'s English Gram¬
mar and Modern Geography, and a little book writ¬
ten by Bishop Emory, of the M. E. Church, called
Emory's Questions. With these in his possession, he
commenced his itinerant life, and by the close of
the Conference year, he had the questions of Bishop
Emory, with other studies, well digested. The
next year he purchased Buck's Theological Diction¬
ary and Clark's Commentary upon the New Testa¬
ment, and commenced to read them. Clark's writing
gave him much trouble, because he used so much
dead language. In 1845 he was examined by the
following committee, viz: .Rev. N. C. W. Cannon,
Eli N. Hall and Levin Lee, and admitted into full
connection, as well as ordained a Deacon, and ap¬
pointed to Wesley Church, Philadelphia. Being
the first young man that was ever appointed to a
station, he felt no little embarrassment in en¬
tering upon his field of labor. This year he began
to read other works, such as Barnes's Notes on the
Gospels. At the next Conference he was elected
assistant secretary, and was appointed to Salem,
N. J. This year he studied but little, his Circuit
being large. In 1847 he was stationed at Trenton,
154
AN APOLOGY FOR
N. J. ; this being a small Station, lie had consid¬
erable time. The school committee employed him
to teach the publip school here, and he had an op¬
portunity to study more extensively arithmetic and
other branches. At the General Conference, in
1848, he was elected assistant secretary, and has
been elected every General Conference thereafter,
down to 1864. In 1848 he was transferred to the
Baltimore Conference, and appointed to Washington,
D. C. There he remained five years ; and while there
he would attend all important cases tried in court,
and attended at the Capitol to hear the statesmen.
There never was a Conference of any kind held in the
city but what he would attend. It was by this means
that he acquired some knowledge of the art of pre¬
siding over deliberate bodies. He spent six years
in the city of Baltimore, Md., as pastor of the
Churches. At the General Conference of 1860, he
with two others were appointed to revise and pub¬
lish the new edition of the Discipline. Each mem¬
ber of the committee was assigned a particular part
of the work. When completed and published, there
were several errors in the parts prepared by the
others, of which the Conference complained. There
was one simple error in his. He said to the Con¬
ference, inasmuch as the other part of the committee
had studied at Gettysburg* and Oberlinf Colleges,
and he had studied in the corn-Jield, and they had
committed several errors, and he but one, he ought
to be forgiven. At the General Conference of 1864,
he was elected Bishop by a vote of 84 to 9.'*
*Bishop Payne studied at Gettysburg, tJohn M. Brown at Oberlin.
AFKICAM- METHODISM.
155
This sketch of the Bishop, so extremely modest,
and yet so well written, we hesitate not to reveal, is
from his own pen. We read it over and over, and
finally concluded in our own mind that it would "be
unwise to pull down the unassuming structure so well
proportioned, and with all so pleasing, and run the
risk of putting it up again, and as well. We can
assure the reader that it is all true, aye, we feel
like exclaiming with Balkis: " The half has not
been told." As a preacher, the Bishop appears to
advantage; of dignified mein, easy gestures, and a
rolling voice. He is sure to make a favorable im¬
pression ; while the subject matter of his discourse is
so simple, that the most illiterate may fully compre¬
hend them ; the wisest also are generally edified.
As a man of letters, he often surprises many of
his friends. It was said of Stephen A. Douglas,
that few men ever saw him read, and yet in debate
he would make quotations from the most approved
authors, and many of them. Such a declaration
may be said in perfect truth of our Bishop. Possess¬
ing no books, or but few, and of the most social
temperament, he is rarely known to study ; and while
on the whole, this tells against him, yet does he
at times show a knowledge of facts, to obtain which
no inconsiderable amount of reading must needs have
been done. But when he reads, like Douglas, no one
knows I As proof that he does read, it should be re¬
marked that while an Elder in the Baltimore Con¬
ference, and a member of its literary society, he
invariably produced the prize essay, and upon such
156
AN APOLOGY FOR
themes as, "My School and School Master," and
" Luther and the Reformation."
Our Bishop is pre-eminently a man of the people,
or as he jocularly expresses it: " I'm a Low church¬
man." At the General Conference in 1864, every
body took it for granted that A. W. Way man must
he Bishop, and when the vote was taken, it was well
nigh unanimous, standing 84 to 9.
Though a strong man, there is one load which the
Bishop inevitably throws off, and that is the load of
trouble. He is always in a good humor. When not
absorbed in business, no man relishes a joke better
than he, and especially when he meets his brethren at
Conference.
Before he was elected Bishop, and while Conference
would usually be in session, he would make a list of
Appointments, and read it to the <e boys " with all
the gravity of a de facto Bishop. The list read over
one day, would often be corrected the next, and the
reason he would assign, would be that the Spirit told
him to change it; and all this in the best of humor.
Taking up a pen at my house one evening, while
conversing of his proposed trip to Georgia, after
writing a number of lines in phonography, which
art he had some how learned, lie wrote :
_ _ Baltimore, January 29th, 1867.
Dear Little Benjamin:—
" When this you see,, remember me ;
Should I be gone to eternity,
Go to my grave and drop a tear ;
Say he is not dead, but's sleeping here.
Long as the breeze shall whisper by,
And I beneath the sod shall lie,
My Mends that pass along may say,
He'll meet us in the rising day."
AFRICAN METHODISM.
157
tf There, says he, " let Bell heat that if he dare,"*
with a hearty laugh. He invariably gives all his
brethren some jocose title. Wm, H. Hunter is
"The Chaplain;" H. M. Turner is "Plutarch;"
"Wm. H. "Waters, "Pap Waters;" and the writer,
" Little Benjamin."
As a Church governor, as might be expected, he
leans to the side of mercy. Pastor of Big Bethel
Church, Baltimore, for three years, and with a mem¬
bership of fourteen hundred, lie expelled not a single
one. A brother, complaining of his leniency, said :
" Church governor f you might know he is no Church
governor, when he will be three years pastor of
Bethel Church, and turn no one out." Such is
Bishop A. W. Wayman. May his life be long,
and his tribe increase.
* J. Madison Bell, the poet.
8
158
AN APOLOGY FOR
CHAPTER Y.
JABEZ P. CAMPBELL, D. D.
BISHOP.
" I was born in Slaughter-Neck, Sussex County,
Delaware, February 5th, 1815. My father's name
was Anthony, the son of Frances by Sydney Camp¬
bell ; my mother's name is Catharine, the daughter
of Phillip, by Rosanna, sometimes called Townsend,
but more commonly called Young, being the names
of two masters successively. Both of my grand¬
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war% My
father was converted at an early age, also my mother;
both of whom were the children of pious parents.
Before the organization of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, they became members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, where they remained
in good standing until the organization of the A. M.
E. Church. But as soon as an opportunity presented
itself to them in the State of Delaware, where they
lived, to become members of the A. M. E. Church,
without delay they embraced that opportunity and
joined under Bishop Allen. My father was for a
number of years a regularly licensed preacher in the
M. E. Church, and as such came into the A. M. E.
Church, where he labored for about ten years, mostly
AFRICAN METHODISM.
159
in the itinerant service. I was born free, as were
both of n0 parents. This was in consequence of the
fact thatMr. Wesley's American missionaries, would
not receive slave-holders into full membership in the
Church ; they required all who held slaves, and de¬
sired to become members of their Societies, to exe¬
cute a deed of manumission to take effect at the ex¬
piration of a given term of years. By this means
my grandfathers and grandmothers were liberated,
prior to the birth of my father and mother ; but this
did not prevent me being brought into a certain con¬
dition of bondage for a time. My father was induced
to give me as collateral security for debt to one of
his creditors, he, being finally unable to pay the
debt, subjected me to the danger of being taken for
the debt. This could be and was very often done in
accordance with the statutes of Delaware. I ran
away on account of that liability, and came to the
State of Pennsylvania. After my arrival in the lat¬
ter State, I was sold for a term of years, the last two
of which I bought from my master, after serving him
four and a half years. At eighteen years of age I
became my own master. The primary object which
I had in view in making this purchase was an in¬
satiable desire for a good education. This desire
dates back to the times of my earliest recollections,
which distinctly reach to the third year of my age.
At eight years old I was hired out for wages, small
at first, but increased with the increase of years j
since which time I never lived at home with my
parents a year nor half a year at a time, nor nevei
160
AN APOLOGY POR
cost them one dollar for food, raiment, education, nor
anything else. God enabled me to provide for my
parents and not my parents for me, from that time
forward until now. My opportunities for receiving
an education in early life were very limited. There
was during the first ten years of my life no school
for colored children where 1 lived, my father had
learned imperfectly to read and write; my mother
had learned to read. I listened to them reading
with all my little soul, and felt, that if it were in'my
power I would give all the world to be able to read
like them. When about ten years old, my father
was induced by the thinking parents of some colored
children to open a school during the three months of
winter for the purpose of teaching the little he knew.
Those parents thought, that that little would be
better than none at all.
My father opened his winter school, and I thank
Grod for it, because I had a part of the advantages of
it; for two or three winters I was both janitor and
scholar. Within the period of two winters, I learned
all that my father could teach ; after that time, I
became my own instructor, and so continued until
I removed to Pennsylvania, and was bound out for
a term of years in consideration of the sum of thirty
dollars. The terms of the sale were that I should
have two quarters night schooling. When I had
age enough to enable me to do it, I earnestly con¬
tended for my two quarters' schooling, and was suc¬
cessful. I received that, and also an extra quarter
through the kindness of my master, whom I sue-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
161
ceeded in convincing that my father had made with
him a bargain greatly to my disadvantage. After
purchasing the balance of my time, as soon as pos¬
sible, I bound myself out for an additional two years
and six months to a barber, in order to have an op¬
portunity to study. I was successful in this enter¬
prise, for, during these two and a half years, I
succeeded in the acquisition of an amount of schol¬
astic training as to enable me to pursue my course
alone. Having left school, I immediately com¬
menced a course of self-instruction in the following
order, viz : Beading, Spelling, Writing, Arithmetic,
Geography, G-rammar, History, Natural Philosophy,
Chemistry, Botany, Khetoric, Moral Philosophy,
Logic, Physiology, Ancient and Sacred Geography,
Psychology, Metaphysics, the History of Philosophy,
Biblical History, Introduction to the Study of the
Holy Scriptures, Christian Theology under the sev¬
eral headings of the Evidences of Christianity, the
Doctrines of Christianity, Morals of Christianity,
Institutions of Christianity, and the Holy Scriptures
by Course.
Such was the course of study adopted and began
by me forty-two years ago, and the same course
is pursued by me at this day with little if any
abatement in my zeal to become proficient in a few
of them. I wanted a general knowledge of them all,
and a particular knowledge of a few.
I was converted at the age of ten years, and be¬
came a member of the African M. E. Church, under
the pastoral labors of the Eev. James Towson, Elder
162
AN APOLOGY FOR
of the Lewistown Circuit, Delaware. I continued
more or less faithful to the Church until I came into
Pennsylvania. Here, in the house of my master, I
was placed under professed Universalist influence,
for my master and his family were all members of the
Universalist Church ; hut really it was infidel in¬
fluence, for they were at heart and in practice Infi¬
dels— Skeptics — indeed Atheists. This proved a
hindrance to me, because I studied the writings of
Mr. Thomas Payne, Yolney's Ruins of Empires, the
Works of Hosea Ballou, and other Universalists and
Infidel writers, until I became almost, if not quite,
a semi-Universalist. But Grod had mercy upon me,
because I did it ignorantly, through the cunning de¬
vices of the arch-enemy, and the subtleties of crafty
men. After a long time I escaped from their hands,
and became a member of Bethel Church, Philadel¬
phia, which. I j Dined immediately after I obtained
my freedom, in the year 1833. There has been no
period in the history of my life that I was not re¬
ligiously inclined. Ever since I can recollect any¬
thing, I remember this, that I always respected the
house of Grod, revered the people of God, and loved
the ministers of the Lord of Hosts. I always desired
to be among Christians, and to be one of them ; and
just as soon as they would admit me, I became a
member of the Church — a little boy of ten winters.
It is not to be taken for granted that because I
always had such a feeling for the Church and min¬
istry, that my religion, therefore, was nothing more
than what is called commonly natural religion —
AFKICAN METHODISM.
163
a something very different from revealed religion.
I had. natural religion largely developed in my na¬
ture, and I thank God that I am so constituted that in
my nature I am conscientiously religious. But that
was not all in my case. I was, at the age of ten years,
a subject of revealed religion, as it is exhibited in
evangelical repentance, faith amounting to trust in
the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, with peace and
joy in the Holy Ghost; regenerating consisting of a
renewal of the heart and life.* In a word, in those
days of my childhood, I was evidently and satisfac¬
torily blessed with a theoretical, an experimental
and a practical knowledge of the essential truths of
Christianity. "I lived, walked and was led by the
Spirit and power of God. As soon as God was
pleased to reveal himself in my youthful heart, I
was moved by the Spirit of God to preach the Gos¬
pel to others ; and so clear were my convictions
tipon that subject, that I had no more doubt of the
truth that it was the Spirit of God, than I had that
the Lord had savingly converted my soul. It was
not so clear to me for a long time that this was the
Spirit of God moving me, specially and only for
the work of the ministry, for, in truth, I resisted the
impression, with all the powers of my soul, for sev¬
eral years, and until I became thoroughly convinced
that if I should continue to resist and refuse to
obey the voice of the Spirit, I would certainly be¬
come a cast away from God. A tremendous conflict
upon this subject was carried on in my soul for a
period of not less than twelve years.
164
AN APOLOGY FOR
I had, perhaps, a thousand objections to becom¬
ing a preacher, I did not want to believe that the
Spirit of God was moving me to preach, otherwise
than what I could do as a layman in the Church ; I
did not want to think that it was my duty to become
even a licensed local preacher, nor even an exhorter ;
I wanted and tried to persuade myself that this mo¬
tion of the Spirit in me was only a blind zeal, without
knowledge, for the cause of my God, and this zeal
taking advantage of the strong and powerful love
dwelling in me for the cause of my Lord and
Master, was leading me astray ; I did not want to
become a Methodist preacher, because they were
poor and despised, and always dependent upon the
people for sustenance, which increased the derision
against them ; I did not wish to engage in this
work, because I had not the advantages of a liberal
education, for-1 was always opposed to an unedu¬
cated ministry, and every year's observation occa¬
sions me to be more and more opposed to an unedu¬
cated class of religious teachers. Teachers, indeed 1
What can such a class of men teach ?
But with all these, and a thousand more objections,
I was finally constrained to yield to the Divine im¬
pression, and consent, in my judgment, to become a
preacher of the Gospel. The following are the
terms under which I surrendered myself to God : I
believed that if it were, indeed, the will oi God that
I should preach the Gospel, and that I was really
moved by the Holy Spirit, and not another spirit,
God himself would put me into the ministry without
AFRICAN METHODISM.
165
any extraordinary effort on ray part, beyond the
simple following of the indications of His Provi¬
dence. And more than this, I believed if the call¬
ing was from God, that he would not only provi¬
dentially put me into the work, but He would also
cause a sufficient number of " signs and wonders "
to follow the preaching of the Word by me, as to
enable me to be fully satisfied that the Lord had
sent me into this work. Upon this view of the sub¬
ject, I resolved, in my heart, that if the Lord should
thus indicate to me his good will, I would, without
any further hesitation, obey the teachings of the
Spirit with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
When I had fully*come to this conclusion, and
formed this resolution, I had peace of mind such as
I never experienced before. Within a few days after,
I was very unexpectedly called upon on a Sabbath
day to ascend the pulpit, and give an exhortation,
following a very short discourse. I followed this
indication of Providence. When I arose from the
seat in the pulpit to speak, I distinctly heard, as it
were, a voice within me saying : " This is your home ;
be thou faithful unto death, and thou shalt have a
crown of life."
I spoke tremblingly, under a deep sense of the
great responsibility of the ministerial office. This
first effort was received by the people with approba¬
tion ; license was granted to me upon the first pre¬
sentation of the subject, and I received it with a
trembling hand. This first license was that of an
exhorter, and given to me by Bishop Brown ; but
8*
166
AN APOLOGY FOR
I never was confined strictly to the rules governing
exporters. The Bishop himself gave me preaching
appointments in common with licensed preachers.
In the winters of 1838 and 9,1 was sent by Bishop
Brown to serve the Frankford and Berks County
Circuit, and a revival, such as I never before wit¬
nessed, broke out upon that Circuit, in which many
souls were converted to G-od, and the Church every¬
where upon the Circuit appeared to be revived ;
but more especially at Frankford. Exchanging a
gpod comfortable home and city life, to which I had
been previously accustomed for many years, for the
life of an itinerant preacher, on a Circuit sixty miles
in circumference, and making 'that change in my
life in the dead of winter, was the occasion of my
taking a most severe illness ; but after recovery from
that illness I set oat again, nothing daunted. I went
as a missionary into the New England States, and
was stationed at Providence, R. I., in 1839; here I
found the actual membership to consist only of eight
males and four females — in all, twelve members.
There was a colored population of 1,Y00 souls ; to
this population there were five colored Churches —■
two Methodist, two Baptist, and one Protestant
Episcopal. Nothing daunted, but rather emboldened
by previous success, and giving myself to prayers and
fastings, with a strong faith in G-od, amounting to
expectation, I boldly entered upon the work of a
Methodist missionary preacher. At this date, 1839,
there were only three small A. M. E. Societies or mis¬
sionary congregations in all the New England States
AFRICAN METHODISM.
167
— one at Boston, Mass., with about thirty-five mem¬
bers, one at Providence, R. I., with twelve mem¬
bers, and one at New Haven, Conn., with a member¬
ship of twenty-eight. This was the full strength of
the forces of the A. M. E. Church in the New Eng¬
land States, in the year 1839.
My labors as a missionary continued in New
England from September 5th, 1839, to June, 1843 ;
within the range of which time^ I traveled over and
labored in the greater portion of those States, and
laid the foundation of the New England Conference,
which was begun by Revs. M. Dutton and Noah C.
Cannon ; who first preached in Boston and Provi¬
dence. During the four years of my labor in that
section, there was almost a continual revival, in
which many souls were added to the Church at sev¬
eral points, viz : Boston, Providence, Stonington,
Worcester, and other places. June, 1843, I was ap¬
pointed by Bishop Brown to the Albany Circuit,
with the- oversight of Hudson Circuit. At Albany
I found the Church in a most distracted state, and
unwilling to receive a preacher from the Conference.
Here I labored three months, and received ninety-
three cents for my services ; my meals I ate in a cel¬
lar by candle-light, in the day time, on account of
the darkness, and slept in a garret. This was done
at the expense of the man who boarded me, with
what I was able to assist myself. The Church
failed to do h'er duty, yet I labored on, preached,
prayed and fasted until God brought about a change.
I found 117 names upon the books of the Church,
168
AN APOLOGY FOR
but when I succeeded in ascertaining the true mem¬
bership, I had forty-one. Having lived through the
the first quarter of the year, I was quite successful
in producing a change upon the minds of my people,
so that I fared better the next quarter — still better
the third, and had all things as comfortable as heart
could wish the fourth ; a revival of religion took
place, in which many souls were added to the
Church.
During the next five or six years, my labors,
through many hard sufferings, trials and afflictions,
were attended with the blessings of the Lord in the
conversion of many souls, and the revival of the
work of God among the members of the Churches in
western New York.
In 1850 I was appointed by Bishop Quinn to Buf¬
falo Station, with the oversight of other charges in
Western New York. Prior to my taking charge,
the Church had been divided, and a large number of
members had formed a Presbyterian Church, and
those who remained were very much divided in their
feelings and sentiments. But I was successful in
gathering them together, and when I left them, in
1852, the Church was in a very healthful and pros¬
perous condition. From Buffalo I was sent by the
appointment of Bishop Nazrey, to New York City
Station. Here I was the successor of Bev. L. Til-
mon, who caused a tremendous schism in that Church,
and divided the membership. This occurred in
1851 and '2. I found the Church in a most pitiable
state, but God was with me, and in one year's time,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
169
i succeeded in bringing about a very great change
for the improved interests of all concerned. The
work of God was revived, and a better state of
things has existed in that Church from that hour
unto the present.
In 1853 I was appointed by Bishop Nazrey to the
charge of Flushing Circuit. Here I was successful
in the work of revivals at all the points in this
charge, but had the misfortune to lose my wife,
who died at Weeksville, Brooklyn, April, 1854.
From the New York District, I was transferred to
the Philadelphia District, June, 1854. Here I was
appointed, by Bishop Nazrey, to the charge of
Union Church, Coates Street, Philadelphia, which
charge I served with acceptance until June, 1856.
Here a revival took place, such as never was known
in that charge ; a vast number of souls were con¬
verted, and many were added to the Church. I was,
also, in connection with my appointment to the
charge of this Church, appointed, by the Bishops in
Banc, General Book Steward of the A. M. E. Church,
and Editor of the Christian Recorder.
In 1856, k-was elected, by the General Conference,
to the same offices to succeed Eev. Wm. T. Catto,
General Book Steward ; Eev. M. M. Clarke, Editor of
the Christian Recorder, and", virtually, I was also
elected General Book Agent, in the place of Eev.
Wm. H. Jones.
I served alone in these offices until June, 1858, at
which time I .resigned to take the pastoral work, and
was appointed, by Bishops Quinn and Payne, to
170
AN APOLOGY FOR
Union Church, Coates Street, Philadelphia, a second
time, or, indeed, a third time, because I had been
appointed to that charge in April, 1857, to serve the
unexpired term of Rev. Charles Sawyer, who died
that year.
In this year, 1858, I was elected President of the
Board of Trflstees for the Book Concern, and by
them appointed their Agent, to collect the outstand¬
ing debts of the " Concern/' and bookseller. This
appointment made me virtually just what I was before
my resignation. TheBev. John Cornish was appoint¬
ed "to the charge of Bethel Church, in June, 1857.
The following winter he proposed a special effort in
his Church for the revival of the work of God. By
direction, he said, of the Holy Ghost, he called upon
me to conduct that revival meeting ; I accepted the
appointment, and the result was that I ne ver wit¬
nessed such a revival meeting before nor since that
time. Not less than 400 souls were converted, 300
of whom joined Bethel Church, Philadelphia, in
1858, between the months of January and May.
In 1859 I was appointed, by Bishop Quinn, to the
charge of the Wesley Church, Hurst Street, Phila¬
delphia, which I served with acceptance for one
year, and with good success ; after that, I was ap
pointed to the charge of Trenton, and the oversight
of Princeton Circuits, both of which I served two
years, from 1860 to 1861. In 1862 I was appointed
to the Bethel Church, Philadelphia, by Bishop Naz-
rey, and re-appointed by him to the same charge in
1863 ; but in October of that year I resigned that
AFRICAN" METHODISM.
171
charge, and was appointed, by Bishop Payne, to the
charge of Waters' Chapel, Tessier Street Mission,
and Ebenezer Church, Baltimore, Md. In 1864 I
was appointed, by Bishop Payne, to the charge of
Ebenezer Church, at the Baltimore Annual Confer¬
ence, held in Washington City, D.C., for April, 1864;
but in the month following, I was elected to the
Episcopal office by the General Conference of the A.
M. E. Church.
From 1864 to the present time, (May, 1867,) I have
been laboring as one of the Bishops of the Church,
principally in the Indiana, Missouri, California and
Louisiana Districts ; the last two of which were or¬
ganized into Conference by me in the year 1865.
Since that time I have traveled, up to this time,
from 1864 to 1867, 40,000 ^miles, preaching and la¬
boring day and night for my people.
But I must necessarily cease to write more at this
tim e. I have several letters before me, one of which
calls for my immediate presence in California; and
contains a draft, payable in New York, for $69 in
gold; others are calling for my presence at' points
South and West. It is past 2 o'clock, Saturday
afternoon, and I have two sermons to prepare for to¬
morrow and the day following, one of which must
be a Sacramental discourse.
What I have written is only the running notes,
from which it was my intention to have written a de¬
cent article.
I would not send you these imperfectly arranged
notes, but for two reasons ; first, I do not want you
172
AN APOLOGY FOB
to think I treat your forthcoming "book with indif¬
ference, and yourself with contempt ; second, as a
representative man among my people, I would not
like to he left out of that class of men in y6ur hook
altogether.
Such are the reasons I have to give you for send¬
ing you my fly-sheets; if yon cannot make out of
them what you want, send them hack to me hy re¬
turn mail; if the time of your publication or going
to press will admit, I will write out my intended
article from them for you ; don't fail to do this if the
time will permit. But if not, I hope that you may
he ahle to gather a few facts from these fly-sheets,
which were never intended for your eyes to see."
The foregoing sketch, as the reader sees, is from
the Bishop's own head and hand, with a slight
" cornering off" hy the writer. Whilst writing it,
hp never intended that any eyes should see this first
draughting, not even the eyes of the writer of the
Apology. The pressure of business, however, com¬
pelled him to transmit it, and the author, valuing
the substance more than the style, asked permission
to publish, and received for a reply : "You are at
liberty to dispose of my fly-sheets or notes in what¬
ever way you may feel or judge to be most adapted
to your particular purpose."
The author could not possibly have given as cor¬
rect a portrait of the Bishop had he possessed the
skill of a professed artist; and as it is his wish to
have every character to appear in his true light, he
has not hesitated, as in the case of Bishop Wayman,
to insert the original articles.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
173
Few Americans can boast of as honorable an an¬
cestry as Bishop Campbell. How would some of
our Senators boast if they could write: "Both of
my grandfathers were soldiers in the Kevolutionary
war !" They would insist that it should give them
precedency to the "White House.
Of low stature, and close built, he gives evidence
of having decended from a hardy stock ; so, too, the
fact that, for the last three years, he has traveled
full forty thousand miles, show him to be capable of
a soldier's endurance.
Possessing muscles as well as brains, he is just the
man for the Methodist itinerancy, and especially in
days like these, when the spoil is to be gobbled up,
and he is to get the most who is strongest and wisest.
May the Church long be blessed with the labor of
his han ds, and heart, and head.
174
an apology foe
CHAPTER VI.
general officers of the a. m. e. church.
The officers designated as above, are those who are
elected by the General Conference, at each of the
regular quadrennial sessions. They are the Corres¬
ponding and Recording Secretary of the Parent,
Home and Foreign Missionary Society, with the.
Treasurer of the same ; the Publisher and the Editor
of the Christian Recorder.
(A.)
the corresponding secretary.
The gentleman elected in Philadelphia, in 1864,
to fill this most important position, was the Rev.
John M. Brown. He still performs its onerous
duties, with his office, at No. 49 Holliday Street,
Baltimore, Md. With talents of a high order, he is
well qualified for the post. Having already served
the Church for nearly a quarter of a century, he is still
in the most vigorous manhood, and, from appearance,
gives promise for another score years or more of
work.
(B.)
the recording secretary.
He is the writer of the present Apology.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
175
(0.)
THE TREASURER.
A man of means, and long identified with, the in¬
terests of the Church, the General Conference
elected in the person of James H. Davis, a layman
of Baltimore, who now holds the strings of the mis¬
sionary purse. He had kept his own money so well
until, from a poor apprentice boy, he had arisen to
a man who counts his money by the thousands,
the Conference concluded that he would make an
excellent one to beep the missionary money. Elected
unanimously, he has uniformly given satisfaction to
the members of the Society with whom he is called
specially to act.
(D.)
THE PUBLISHER.
Elisha Weaver, the gentleman who has twice
been elected to this most arduous post, may be aptly
characterized as the " man indefatigable " — a very
representative man of his Church — the Church that
never recognized the legitimacy of the word c£ fail "
— the Church that does the most work on the least
capital of any Christian organization in the land.
Leaving North Carolina, his birth State, after a
month's travel, he brought up at Paoli, Indiana.
Having attended the Quaker schools which bless that
S!ate, we find him, in 1846, teaching school under
the auspices of his Quaker friends. In 1852 he ob-
176
AN APOLOGY FOR
tained permission of Bishop Quinn and the Confer¬
ence, which he had joined some three years before,
(1849) to go to Oberlin College, where he remained
hut a few months, less than a year, Bishop Payne
having called him into active service.
During the years of '57 and '58, he published, at
Indianapolis, on hehalf of the Literary Society of
the Indiana and other Conferences, the 11 Repository
of Religion and Literaturea monthly magazine,
only beloved since its death.
It was in the year 1859 that his brethren, of the
Philadelphia Conference, who seem fully to appre¬
ciate his energy and business tact, elected him to the
office of Publisher and Editor, which action was con¬
firmed by the General Conference of 1860.
We have spoken of this officer as the "man inde¬
fatigable," for without such qualities, success in the
work assigned him would have been simply impos¬
sible.
A perfect stranger as to what others may think
of him, he stops not to enquire, but hastens on to
the accomplishment of the purpose he has in view.
A friend quaintly described him as the man whose
first question is : " How do you do ? and the second,
Will you subscribe for the Recorder ?"
And herein he succeeds* when other men would
fail. May he live long.
(E.)
THE EDITOR.
Since the adjournment of the last General Confer-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
177
ence, this most responsible post has been filled by
two gentleman. The first was the Publisher, of
whom notice has already been taken ; but the double
labors of Editor and Publisher was too much for him ;
consequently the Rev. James Lynch was appointed
to the editorial chair. A young man of singular
maturity, he conducted the Christian Recorder for
sixteen months in a manner that redounded not a
little to the credit of the whole connexion.
In June last (1867) he tendered his resignation to
the Trustees of the Book Concern, which was re*
luctantly accepted, and the Publisher was once more
seated in the editorial sanctum.
To show what was thought of the Rev. Mr. Lynch,
as an Editor within the Church, we insert the fol¬
lowing, which was passed at a meeting of the Trus¬
tees, held June 13th, 1867 :
" Whereas, Rev. James Lynch, Editor of the
Christian Recorder, tendered his resignation, and we
have relu<^antly accepted it;
Resolved, That we believe his course has been
highly honorable to the Trustees of the Book Con¬
cern and Connexion, and also highly acceptable to
the Trustees, Connexion and community.
Resolved, That we tender him our thanks, and
that he carry with him an assurance of our prayers."
To show what was thought of him without our
Church, we quote the following from the New York
Christian Advocate, when noticing his resignation :
" It is fitting that we should say that Mr. Lynch
has made the Recorder a really live paper, abound-
178*
AN APOLOGY FOR
ing in denominational information, and presented
in a form attractive to his readers. His position,
•with regard to the question of affiliation with the
M. E. Church, and the M. E. Church, South, has
heen one of great delicacy, hut he has acted with
marked prudence and shrewdness. He has proved
a true and useful friend to the interests of the A. M.
E. Church."
The gentleman has since left the Connexion, and
joined the M. E. Church.
african methodism,
179
CHAPTER VII.
the philadelphia district.
It was within the bounds of this Conference that
the African M. E. Church was organized, as we
have seen, in Philadelphia City, April, 1816 ;
hence, although, it is mentioned second in the Book
of Discipline, we adjudge that its name should ap¬
pear first. Its boundary embraces Philadelphia City,
and all that part of Pennsylvania lying east of the
Alleghany Mountains, and north of the Susque¬
hanna River, including Wrightsville, south of
said river ; all of Delaware State ; all of New Jersey,
except Riceville and Rumsen."
This Conference, as early as 1822, could boast of
a membership of 4,000 ; at the session held in May,
1867, the number reported was 6,440 — an increase
of only 2,440. The population, to whom access was
possible, cannot be less than 60,000, and yet, from
this vast multitude, but 2,440 have been gathered in,
and that} too, after forty-Jive years' work I
It is true that other denominations have been at
work, but their success has been no greater than our
own, if we are to judge from the fact that St. Thomas
(the zeal of whose past Rectors and Vestrymen has
equalled that of the Watchmen, of any the other
Christian bodies) has confirmed only 272 between
the years 1834 and 1860.
180
AN APOLOGY FOR
It is a question of the most vital importance,
Why this meagre returns to the Lord ? Surely one
party to the holy compact has been unfaithful.
Bijt the Lord is faithful.* Wherein then consists
the faithlessness of the several Churches, and es¬
pecially the A. M. E. Church, whose first business it
is to hunt up the poor. How comes it that, under the
influence of the A. M. E. Church, the whole West
has been brought as a tribute to the Lord ; while
Philadelphia, its birth- place, has well nigh stood
still ? Can it not be accounted for on another than
the general principle, that no prophet hath honor
in his own country ?
We think it may be partially accounted for on the
idea or fact that when crowds of poor people will con¬
gregate in large cities, they will become idle; and
this is more true if there be a prejudice against
them, as was the case here — a prejudice that debar¬
red them from almost every employment; and who
does not know that idleness is the mother of vice ?
There is no hope for a lazy man, or a lazy people;
of necessity they degenerate in morals, for who
can keep the mind still ? Hence Paul says: " If
any work not, neither should he eat ;"t which we
would paraphrase : "If any will not work, and thus
fulfil the object of his creation, neither sTiould he
eat, that he may die, and cease to cumber the earth."
Industry and virtue, idleness and vice, these God
has joined together, and none can separate them.
The Churches of Philadelphia want half the num-
* II Thess. iii: 3.
f II Thess. iii: 12.
AFRICAN METHQDISM. 181
ber of people, tliat they mot,y get twice the number of
souls.
Let us glance* at the reports ma.de at the Confer¬
ence held in Philadelphia, May, 1867 :
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
Contingent Money .$ 161 14
Pastor's Support 15 273 70
Sabbath Schools 88*7 11
Mission Fund... 94 85
Bishop's Support .. 581 81
Super'd Preachers 65 02
Widows et Orphans 59 20
Two Cent Money a 179 18
Centenary Money 82 83
$ 17 384 84
Value of Church Property 209 500 00
CHURCH STATISTICS.
♦
Travelling Elders , 25
" Deacons 5
" Licentiates .' 4-
Local Elders 5
" DeaconS : 24
(< Preachers.. 81
Exhorters 101
Members*. .5481
Probationers 959
Sabbath Schools - 91
" " Scholars, 4197
" " Superintendents 96
" *' Teachers 418
Volumes 14377
Churches 99
Th« exhibit of the itinerant force of this Confer¬
ence given, is below its reality. We failed to get the
strongest preachers in this Conference. One would
naturally look for the tall figure of Wm. Moore, but
he is, non est. And where is R. P. Gribbs, as neat as
9
182
AN APOLOGY FOR
Beau Brummell, and Jonathan Hamilton, and Theo¬
dore Grould ? Non sunt, is the reply. Of the local
preachers, we present the name of the strongest and
the richest man in the District; while the laity,
both the old school and new school, is well rep¬
resented in the characters given.
ACTIVE MINISTRY.
(A.)
REV. BENJAMIN LTNCH.
EL D EH.
• The father of the late Editor of the Christian Re¬
corder,, as well as of Miss Jane Lynch, a teacher of no
little merit, vas born in Baltimore, where he long
held communion with the Methodist Episcopal
Church as a local preacher. An opportunity pre¬
sented itself in which to exercise " his gifts and
graces," he connected himself with the Baltimore
Presbytery, who at once procured him a teacher in
the person of the Rev. Mr. Gralbreath. •Removing
from Baltimore, he went to Troy, N. Y., where he
continued his studies under the Rev. Mr. Beamen,
D. D. Joining the Presbytery there, .at the com¬
pletion of his studies, he received a call from the
colored Presbyterian Church of that city, which lie
accepted, and in due time was regularly ordained
and installed into the holy office. In this city, and
at that Church, he labored a number of years, when
he accepted a call to the colored Congregational
Church of Portland, Maine.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
183
It was in 1862 that lie joined again the African
M, E. Church at New York, and received, as his first
appointment, Albany Station, at the Capital of the
State.
As a man, the Rev. Benjamin Lynch is character¬
ized by energy ; he knows no such, word as faih
He remained but two years in Portland ; and believ¬
ing that a better field presented itself on Lomg
Island, he lost no time, and came thither to act as a
missionary. Completing that work by the organi¬
zation of a Church, he handed it over to other hands,
whilst he sought the outcast in the city of New
York.
And thus he moves, going where the fields ap¬
pear whitest for the harvest, regardless of denomina¬
tional harness. May the active old gentleman and
preacher long live 1
m.)
J. W. STEVENSON.
J) HA CON.
This well written sketch is from the pen of ReV.
W. D. Johnson, a most promising young minister of
our Church. He is mentioned elsewhere in our
Apology.
Rev. J, W. Stevenson was born in Baltimore,
Md., August 15th, 1835. His parents, John and
Ann Stevenson, removed to Trinidad, W. I., in
1812, taking John and five other small children.
His father died \n less than a year after landing on
184
AN APOLOGY FOR
the island. His mo'ther, becoming dis&ontented, re¬
turned to the States a widow with, seven children
one having .been born on the ocean. John was
bound out to J. P. Stanley, a stove dealer in Balti¬
more, and sent to work on his farm near the city.
His stay in this situation was very short. He was
sold four different times on account of his high spirit.
When nineteen years of age, he succeeded in pur¬
chasing his -time with the earnings of extra labor.
Having gained the precious boon, he .determined to
seek a more Northern climate. He went to Phila¬
delphia, and hired with a barber under the Grirard
House, where he remained one year. Afterwards he
engaged as porter in the drug stpre* of M. Henry
Kollock, corner Ninth and Chestnut streets. Mr.
Wm. Kearney and his brother, clerks in the store,
observing the extraordinary talent whiph Mr. Steven¬
son exhibited, commenced to "instruct him in medi¬
cine. In one year he had made such progress in
compounding that he was made a clerk in the store.
Mr. Kollock, desiring that he should become a physi¬
cian for his people, sent him to Dr. Wilson, a col¬
ored physician practicing in the city, that he might
receive the necessary instruction from an able doctor
of his own race. It not being convenient for Dr.
Wilson to take him at the time, by the influence of
his friends, he was received by Prof. Woodw*ard,
with whom he remained five years engaged in his
professional studies.
While at the University, he became alarmed about
-the salvation of his soul. After six.months of deep-
AFRICAN- METHODISM.
185
est conviction, Gj-od delivered him out of his wretched
condition. He joined old Bethel A. M, E. Church,
Sixth Street, where he was very active in the Sab¬
bath School. -Feeling the weight of souls heavy
upon him, he was licensed to exhort in '58, by Rev.
W. D. W. Schureman. The next year he was
licensed to preach by Rev. Joshua Woodlin. He
became the adopted son of Bishop Campbell, from
whom he drank in the v.ery essence of the doctrine
and laws of Methodism. He was soon taken into
the itinerancy by Bishop Nazrey, and sent to the
Westchester Circuit, where he succeeded remarkably
as pastor and physician. His next appointment was
Freehold, N. J., where he was very popular in
preaching and in the practice of medicine. He was
one of the delegates from the (general Conference of
'64, to the General Conference of the Zion A, M. E.
Church*. In the same year he was ordained a Dea¬
con, and sent to Oxford Circuit, where he has re¬
mained ever since.
Lincoln University is at the head of this Circuit.
His Church, of which many of the students ar§
members and local preachers, being within a stone's
throw of the buildings. He has been a regular stu¬
dent in the University two years ; and is pursuing
av thorough ministerial education under the patron¬
age of Bishop Simpson and other friends in the M.
E. Church. Dr. Stevenson is one of the most prom¬
inent Rtudents in the institution ; his practice of
medicine being very large among them, as well as
in the neighborhood. Besides these things, the
186
AN APOLOGY FOR
Doctor attends faithfully to the four points on his
Circuit. He is like the ce iron man," Bishop Camp-
hell, in strength and rapidity of motion. He is one
of the greatest revivalists in the connexion, and is
likely to become the Spurgeon of the A. M, E.
Church.
The offering of the reverend gentleman to our
Apology 'is the conclusion of "a lecture delivered in
Boston, Mass., Sept. 3d, 1866. His theme was
PHYSIOLOGY.
" Not one man in a hundred dies a natural death,
nearly all are murdered, not suddenly, hut by slow
degrees. By continual life-long violations of phys¬
ical and organic laws —r by violations more numer¬
ous than the hairs on our heads. Such as taking
improper food; at improper times and improper quan-
ties. Drinking unwholesome drinks — breathing
impure air, often air impregnated with the very
seeds of death. Are you not breaking an express
law of nature, and therefore sinning ? See how
true it is that God has not only made the world use¬
ful, but also .beautiful. He has not only made the
sky, but he has given it the softest color of the
prism. He has not only hung the stars there, but
has made them sparkle gloriously all athwart that
high blue dome. He not only condensed the vapor
into clouds, but they brighten in gorgeous hues
around the sun, or darken in grandeur beneath
the storm. He has not only given the springs to
run among the hills, but he sprinkles their water on
AFRICAN METHODISM.
187
high and abroad, until they throw an arc across the
abyss, and glitter in the indescribable beauties of the
rainbow; and the earth is clothed with greenness
and flowers ; the mountains lift their battlements,
and ocean spreads out its majesty .# Look abroad
and see how beauty blends with usefulness in the
multitude of created things! And what* is there in
man adapted to all this ? What a tender and deli¬
cate organ is the eye — paralyze its delicate nerves
— quench its light—jseal .up its eye lids, and all
this enchantment, this field of glorious vision .disap¬
pears. Is it not a duty then to nourish and preserve
this portion of the human frame.? Look at the hand,
a little organ, but how curiously wrought — how
manifold and necessary its functions! What an
agent has it beeil for the wants and designs pf man ?
The hand — what would the mind be without it ?
How has it moulded ai^d made.palpable the concep¬
tions of the mind ? Removed its obstacles, and gone
before it to* pioneer its progress. The hand — it
wrought the statue of Memnon, and hung the brazen
gates of Thebes I It fixed the mariner's trembling
needle upon its axis, tind first heaved back the tre¬
mendous bar of the printing-press. It opened the
tubes for Galileo till world after world swept
before his vision, and it reefed the high top-sail that
rustled over Columbus in the morning breezes of the
Bahamas. It poised the axe of the dauntless wood¬
man as he opened the paths of civilization. It
turned* the. magic leaves upon which Milton and
Shakspeare inscribed their burning thoughts, and it
188
AN APOLOGY FOR
held the sword and gun with which freedom hath
fought her battles. It hath unlocked the handcuffs
and fetters that hound four million human beings
in slavery, and secured the pen that signed the de¬
claration of their emancipation. Who would weaken
the hand, then? Would you make it nerveless or
useless ? If so, would you not break a great physical
law of the^ Creator's own ordaining. You perceive
the importance of preserving .the health of thelaody
in all its organs. Then let knowledge increase — let
wisdom abound. Let the teacher go forth — let the
pupils be many. Yea, let all become students, and
seek to familiarize ijiemselves with their own won¬
derful nature.
(C.)
REV. PETER GARDNER.
EL D15 JR.
Men in appearance are very much like the physi¬
cal earth. Many of our Western plains, level* and
green, charm the eye, but they have no bottom, or
if.bottom, it is all mud ! A perfect picture of a class,
of men met every day ; men of easy address-, and
faces not uncomely ; men tha4 swing the rattan, and
can afford the mustache, but like the Western plains,
they have but little solidity. Other men there are
of homely physiquej like the rugged gold lands of
thte Pacific, unprepossessing in appearance, and only
desired for the gold that is secreted in them. Such
a man is Peter Gardner — not that we would proclaim
to the world that he is homely, for men, generally,
at the age of^ seventy-Jive, do not look half so well; but
AFRICAN METHODISM.
189
our point is, that in the gentleman named above,
there is more of absolute worth, natural and ac¬
quired, than any one would suppose. Amon^ the
very" oldest of our preachers — for he is five years
beyond the allotted three score-and ten — he still is
equal to the physical demands of the itinerant life.
Nor is there many among the young men that can
boast of more extensive knowledge in the natural
sciences. Bishop Campbell calls him the "chem¬
ist." Whilst he was a member of the M. E. Church,-
Bishop Emory ordained him Deacon, and Bishop
Quinn, of the A. M. E. Church, ordained him Elder.
The following is from his pen :
EDUCATION.
The general term education, which signifies to be
led out of ignorance into literature and science, is
far too limited. Education not only implies a
knowledge of letters and figures, but it includes a cor¬
rect training of all parts of man's nature, the phys¬
ical and moral, as well as the intellectual, so that it
may yield its due tribute to satisfy the claims ofthe
others ; and it is by wisely training and blending
the three together that the true man may be found.
Cultivate the physical exclusively, and you are lia¬
ble to become athletic, but savage ; cultivate the
moral powers only, and you are likely to become an
enthusiast; cultivate the intellectual only, and you
are almost sure to have a diseased brain ; the physi¬
cal organization is also liable to suffer. The philoso¬
phers and teachers of old paid particular attention
190
AN APOLOGY FOR
to physical training. Their teaching was that, to
have the highest culture, was to have a sound mind
in a sound body.
Education is a-necessary element of success in life ;
in vain can a man hope to succeed without it. It
consists not merely in the accumulation of facts, hut
in the use of them as well. Knowledge is said to
he power, hut it is only a means of power ; the fact
is that knowledge is powerless unless it'is reduced
to practice. Education may he regarded as reason
borrowed at second hand. As the art of restoring
health is dependent on the use of physics, so educa¬
tion should be considered in no other light than as
the art of restoring to man his natural perfection ;
this was the end pursued by the youths that attended
upon Pythagoras, Socrates and Plato. Their in¬
structions were so many lectures upon the nature of
man, his true end, the right use of his faculties, his
relation and duties to his G-od, his duties to his fellow-
men, and to himself, upon the necessity of temper¬
ance, justice, mercy, truth, and the folly of indulg¬
ing our passion.
(D-)
REV. JAMES H. A. JOHNSON".
ELDER.
Was born Dec. 1st, 1835. He received his first
instruction from the lips of a mother of more than
ordinary intelligence. When but a boy he passed
AFRICAN METHODISM.
191
under the eye of several pedagogues: first, an old
gentleman named Solomon Anderson, then a Quaker,
Francis Cochrane, till at last he brought up under
the Rev. Wm. Watkins, who has been characterized
as '{the stern old gentleman who spared neither
pains nor rod." From the Watkins' school he en¬
gaged as an*employee at Kurtz's book store, where
he enjoyed a splendid opportunity to gratify that
love of books which was a ruling passion. Aside
from having a ready access to the books, there was,
in the store, a liberal-minded gentleman, Henry
Grafton, Esq., who thought a negro might learn
something after all; by him the boy 1 ( Jimmy"
was greatly admired. Thinking it beSt that he
should have a trade, his parents put him to learn
" barbering," and cluxing the six years he was thus
etoploved^no inconsiderable part offhe time was spent
in the well-ordered school of Richard Watkins, the
• '
son of William. Theyearsof manhood having come,
young Johnson eagerly identified himself, with every
movement that gave promise of profit to himself, or
benefit to his people. Among the founders of the
celebrated Galbreath Lyceum, of Baltimore, he was
elected its first President, and was, for years, its lec¬
turer. This Lyceum wielded a vast amount of in¬
fluence, and most deservingly, too, among the thous¬
ands of colored Baltimoreans ; and -during the dark
days of slavery, it did more to preserve and im¬
prove a taste for the intellectual, than can possibly
be reckoned. It was in the exercises of this Lyceum
that James Johnson distinguished himself as a
192
AN APOLOGY FOR
writer and as a debatefr, as well as displayed no
mean executive obligations as its President. ATegu~
lar contributor to the (iLyceum Obstrver," themonth-
ly organ, " Jeems," (his cogno'men,) was always
re^d with pleasure ; and when the "Baltimore Pub¬
lishing Company" was organized he was elected'to
edit its weekly journal,"The Communicator." At the
Conferenoe held "in Washington city in 1863, the
Rev. Mr. Johnson was receive4 into the regular itin¬
erant work, and was immediately transferred to the
missionary field of the (South, assisting in the organ¬
ization of the South Carolina Conference, from
wh-ich he was sent to Edisto island. The labors of
a few months in that Southern clime soon prostrated
him, "arid during midsummer he returned home an
invalid. Upon his recovering, he was appointed to
one of the'Virginia missions. He was transferred
to the Philadelphia Conference, May, 1867.
Asa writer, he is thoughtful; as a preacher, he.
is earnest, and altogether he is a man to let the
world know that he lives.
He offers the following :
HUMANITY AND ITS GOOD EFFECTS'.
Political, religious, ethical and scientific subjects,
when we think for them on such occasions as do not
bind us "to any particular class, come up to our minds
in such order as makes it difficult to decide upon the
class from whic|j to make a selection.
But as those pertaining to -ethics are always useful
and interesting, we will take for oyir present pur-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
193
po«e as one amongst the most interesting' of this-
class the adaptable subiect: '1 Humanity and its Good
Effects."
This means a great deal, and can be made to
mean no fliore even by saying true humanity. The
qualified expression would only mean a.proper evince-
ment o£ humanity By every sentient creature, for
humanity essentially implies-all that is sincere—all
the tender feelings of a man. It is-the' seraph of
his nature shining through an honest heart — inter¬
married to " an upright disposition" — a disposition
to conform to justice and correct moi-al priciples in
all social transactions.
First,' As concerns all rational beings, ripe, warm,
and heavenly, it springs from the soul as the Gey¬
ser from its source for the benefit of all around it.
Then lite- the ivy clings unto the oak, it clings to
the objects of it's commisseration free from the prac¬
tice of deception. Governed by right,.in essence the
".Golden Kule," and Christ its great example, it
inflicts no injury, but bathes itself in beams of sa¬
cred light for the good of the whole world. Con¬
verging in'the very " beauty of holin.ess " it glows
when there is distress of body or of mind ; — she ex¬
pands and rises in proportion to seek for remedies
and gives relief when misery stalks before her. Then
she shows her worth — displays all her finest fea¬
tures as she puts forth every effort and resorts to ev¬
ery measure for the alleviation of the sufferings of
mankind. She then goes to the lowest depth of ev-
■ery resource, and like heaven-blest Sumner strug-
194
AN APOLOGY FOR
•gles and sacrifices for the greatest good. Shfe wears
a prisoner's chains; lies in dark* damp dungeons;
stands the stings of vilifying tongues ; gathers up her
angelic robes; spreads her golden pinions, and,
through the most inclement seasons,.goes, in spite of
every opposition, to the places of the needy.— ca¬
resses the poor mourner, feeds* the hungry* beggar,
and warms the chilling habitation.
Humanity is an angel of .light. The Church is
her dominion, and the pulpit is her throne. The
sceptre which she holds for the good of all mankind,
is the scroll that contains the laws of God, and is
wielded in the purest love.
Second, As relates to other living creatures she is
even so efficient, y^hilst fully susceptible to all the
wants of man, she is also conscious of, and flexible
to, th.e sensibility of the brute creation. She has no
pleasure in torturing ariy member of the feathered
tribe, or any creature that swims the seas, or any
one that roams the land. She is opposed to cruelty"
and devises various measures in endeavoring to pre¬
vent it. The creatures which subserve the purposes
of .man are made to experience better treatment than
they receive from that inhumanity which makes so
many thousands of them mourn.
She plans for their protection, and labors for their
comfort —.improves the kennel, the fold and the
stable — makes the yoke easier, and the burden
lighter..
Cruelty afflicts poor towsef with hunger, over¬
works the "gentle horse and severely goads the patient
AFRICAN METHOD*ISM.
•195
ox. It beats, and maims, and kills. Humanity
beholds tlie siglit, Raises her hands in tenderness,
and, with a bleeding heart, gives a piece of meat,
allows a little rest, and speaks in persuasive tones.
She makes the donkey know her crib, and love her
cheering voice ; makes the sheep; and the goat, and
the cow all feel abounding joy. " Her ways are
ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."
Hence, the world grows brighter under her regime.
Happiness springs up in every village, town and
city—bursts from every heart, gleams in ev¬
ery eye, and burns on every lip. It makes music on
the rivers and merriment in t'he fields ; sweetens
toil and softens care. Health and strength are
gained by man and beast. -They groan not so fre-
quently? g,nd move with greater facility* Their
sports give evidence of their growth in these con¬
ditions, and their voices, sounding through the air,
spread the declaration — man grows richer and the
beast grows fatter. All things are benefitted in ev¬
ery respect by this world-controlling power —heaven-
born Humanity. All injurious elements are dis¬
pelled, light given to every nation, and man raised
Eearer to his GJ-od; By the debasement of vice and
the exaltation of virtue, whilst the beast breathes
in pleasure on cruelty's decline, man is elevated 'to
an altitude, from which his soul is made to swell
with infinite delight by heaven's "never-withering
flowers," and fields "dressed in living green:"—
Then, as Humanity was wedded to the Son of God,
so let her be to every living creature for whom He
bled and died.
196
AN APOLOGY FOR
LOCAL MINISTRY.
REV. STEPHEN -SMITH,
ELDER, PHILADELPHIA.
Born at the very dawn of this .wonderful century,
the above named brother seems to have partaken
largely of its go-ahead spirit. His parents lived in
Dauphin County, Pa., and were poor, giving their
son Stephen, as liis legacy, a sound body, a well-
balanced brain, and unconquerable will. Precious
legacies, to be sure. Who would desire better?
Raised by a lumber merchant, of Columbia> such
was the business tact he manifested, that, at the death
of his friend he came into possession of his business.
Here he'remained for years, conducting his affairs in
such a way, as disarmed the prejudices of the* commu¬
nity, and made the lumber yard of Smith & Co., the
leading in that county. He has now retired from all
business, and is said to possess a fortune of $300,-
000,* constituting him the richest colored man in the
A. M. E. Church, if not in the United States. Own¬
ing a beautiful mansion at Cape May, he has, for
years, spent the hot. months of summer at that de¬
lightful retreat.
But it is the religious life of Stephen Smith that
deserves especial attention. He presents the rare
spectacle of a man becoming rich without pride, in¬
fluential without using it to his self-aggrandizement.
He is to be ranked almost among the organizefs of
our Church, having joined it when a young man, in
less* than two years after the Convention of April,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
197
1816. Nor has lie ceased to be one of its .firmest
friends. With it, in its days of poverty and weak¬
ness, it is one of the joy-thoughts of his heart, that
he lias lived to see it become the leading colored or¬
ganization in the land. And to know that he has
helped to bring it about! It were hard io find a
inan, who,.on the whole, has done more than he; it
is true, he has not1 lavished his means upon it with a
reckless liberality, nor do we know thateuch a course
of action would have proved.the best, either for him
or the Church. The greatest possible blessing to be
conferred by man on man, is to learn him to rely ujpon
himself, to use his own limbs and faculties.
If one thing more than another* has' contributed
to make the A. M. E. Church what it is, it has been
her uncompromising self-reliance. And would she
accomplish her destiny to completion, let her not for¬
get herself— her own head, her own heart. Let not
her young meh, especially her young minister, learn
to depend on other people's purses or brains to go
through the world; let them despise crutches
though they be golden. Nor should it be uMer-
stood that Stephen Smith has locked up his money,
and heard not the cry of his Church ; to the trus¬
tees of Bethel Church, he loaned a number of thpus-
ands of dollars to complete that magnificent edifice;
at Chester, fa., he bought a Church builcling, and
organized an A. M. E. society; while acting as City
Missionary in Philadelphia, he purchased the
ground, and built the handsome little structure,
Zion's Mission, South Seventh street. Nor has he
198
AN APOLOGY FOR
manifested a discreet liberality toward his own
Church only. As early as 1841, he built a public
•hall in Philadelphia, for the accommodation ot acol-
ored people, which the fearful riot of August, 1842,
destroyed with fire.
But the rich Elder is not only a prudent giver,
but he is a worker. In addition to providing build¬
ings, and organizing our Zion. at Chester and South
Seventh street, he also organized our Church.at Wil¬
mington, Del., Germantown and Norristown, N. J.
Since the day that he first joined, thougE. engaged
in the most extensive business, yet would he find
time to preach and to work. Few men have a more
laborious record in the local capacity. " He has been
a delegate to every General Conference, excepting the
first; he has acted as Teller in the election of every
Bishop, since Allen. Licensed to preach in 1826,
Bishop Brown tfrdained him Deacon in 1832, in
Bethet, Baltimore; and Elder, in 1836, in Israel
Church, Washington, D. C.
Yerging on his three-score and ten, for Jie was
born in the year 1800, he still possesses a robust con¬
stitution, and active mind. Living in ease, as he
can well afford, he still watches the career of the
Church he has helped to organize and build.
Early parried, he lately celebrated his fiftieth mar¬
riage day at his beautiful mansion on Lombard street.
The wife of his youth, though not possessing desired
health, graced the occasion, and with many smiles,
greeted those who came to wish, Long life ! "
Without children, the curious are wondering whsTt
AFRICAN METHODISM.
199
will be done with, the $300^000. They may rest as¬
sured that one so prudent as Stephen Smith will not
contradict a whole life by the writing of his name I
LAITY
(A.)
ISAIAH 0. WEARS.
LAYMAN, PHILADELPHIA.
This sketch is from the pen of another layman in
our Church, whose name will be remembered when
mentioned; the name of P. Smith, Esq., late cor¬
respondent and assistant editor of the Anglo-
African ? "
"Isaiah C. Wears was born in Baltimore city,
Md., in the year 1820. His parents, Samuel and.
Julia Wears, gave him three years' schooling —
from bis-sixth to his ninth, year. At twelve years of
ag3, he was apprenticed to the Rev. Joshua P. B.
Eddy, Sr., at Columbia, *Pa., with, whom he re¬
mained until his twenty-first year, learning the
barber trade.
In the year 183&", Mr. Eddy removed his family
to the city of Philadelphia, and Mr. Wears went
also. At the age of seventeen, Mr. Wears received
three months' half-day schooling, after which he be¬
came involved in literary pursuits. The first effort*
in that direction was the formation of the G-arrison-
ian Institute. He next formed the Platonian Insti¬
tute, led in its debates throughout its brief existence,
200
AN APOLOGY FOR
which was.only three years. That institution was
superseded hy the time-honored literary associ¬
ation '-'The Philadelphia Library Company." From
1845 tp 1861, Mr. Wears led in the debates of this
last-named institution.
The organization now known as, " TheJBanneker
Institute," which is now in a flourishing condition,
and an honor to our people in the city of Philadel¬
phia, received much encouragement from the tact,
zeal and energy of Mr. Wears. JFrom 1845 to 1861,
he was engaged in public debates in most of the is¬
sues of the times. Among these may be mentioned
the Colonization enterprise. This he opposed in
whatever form it was presented. In the anti-slavery
ranks he was foremost among those w"ho took the
side of the political actionists, as opposed to the ex-
plusive moral suasionists; the former maintaining
the anti-slavery character of the Constitution of the
United States, the latter asserting it to be. pro-sla¬
very. Mr. Wears received a challenge from that el¬
oquent oratory Charles Lfennox Raymond, Esq., of
Boston, MaSs,, to discuss this great Constitutional
question/ He accepted, and the discussion "took
place in the Masouic Hall, South Eleventh Street,
below Pine, and after three nights he found himself
master of the situation. Mr. Wears continued to
participate in political diacussions in organizations
of white men, leading there as elsewhere, and dis¬
cussing all the questions presented up to the close of
the war of the Rebellion.
The foregoing very briefly narrates a few incidents
AFRICAN METHODISM.
201
iti the life of Mr. Wears as touching his connexion
with literature and politics, hut by far the most in¬
teresting fact yemains to he mentioned, naftiely, his
Church telationship and labors ih. that direction.
During the year 1842, Mr. Y^ears embraced the
religion of Christ, and connected himself with the
Union A. M. E. Church, whose edifice stands in
Coates Street, below Fifth Street. One year after
he had joined Church, his. restless mind discovered
the anomalous relation which his Church held. He,,
though young, and almost alone, set himself to work,
if not to rectify, at least to arouse others who might
be more potential to remedy the glaring evil, and
bring about a positive recognition of the Episcopacy
in Philadelphia, which, up "to that time, had not
been fully asserted or gfcknowledgecj. It was simply a
combination without either head or tail, calling itself
a corporation, overshadowing us all, shutting out the
Kght and heat of our glorious connexion from them.
To speak against it was as though you were in the
Papal Church, speaking against the Pope; to act
directjy and openly against it Vas to bring down
upon your head a merciless ostracism, ensuring de¬
feat.
It was necessary therefore to mine and ounter-
mine, and so by unpei^ceived and irregular ap¬
proaches, take a citadel walled in and defended by
all the legal precautions which the Municipal #and
Sts*te authorities could afford. It was, however,
taken and held, to the satisfaction of our people, and
to the honor and. interest of the entire Church.—
202
AN APOLOGY FOR
About the year 1841, there appeared a religious sect
called Annihilationists ; they were nearly all disap¬
pointed Second Adventists, whose rallying and cen¬
tre thought was that immortality does not belong to
human nature, but fs conferred upon the individual
by his connection with Christ. Proverbial as they
were — almost every member —as Bible students, the
challenge which they threw out and published in the
daily papers, was accepted, and white men discussed
with them for four months, after which, they retired
from the field ; not so with Mr. Wears, for every
week for nine months he met them, and the result
was a split in their organization. . Maimed, halt and
blind, they may be seen in obscure places with
scarcely "a local habitation or a name!"* They
split on the question of annihilation.
For eighteen consecutive years Mr. Wears has la¬
bored assiduously in the Sabbath School attached to
his Church, moulding and shaping the youthful
minds of the rising Church of the living God. He
is ever ready to combat error in whatever form it
presents itself, whetRer in politics, religion or science,
and the ready, off-hand .manner in which he lays
hold of the different questions shows an extraordi¬
nary mind.
It was, perhaps-, in 1&53 or 1854 — the date is not
essential—when a man came across the Atlantic
ocean to preach infidelity to the American people ;
his name was Joseph Barker. Having thrown out
a challenge to the Christian clergy, Dr. Joseph F.
Berg, a clergyman of the German Reformed Church,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
203.
accepted it, and a discussion took place in Philadel¬
phia. . From that time infidelity flourished. Meet¬
ings were held, and challenges were weekly thrown
out to the clergy ; newspapers teemed with their
impiety, until Mr. Wears attacked their camp with
his invincible logic and metaphysics, wjien the
errors of infidelity gradually yielded to the truths
of revealed religion, wielded,.as they were, by a
skilful re'asoner. These infidels made a virtue of
necessity, and though some were Atheists and others
Deists, they made common cause, and met to dis¬
comfit the spread of truth. Large halls were rented
by them, and they a'dvertised to answer all questions
relating to religion, and to satisfy the minds of anx¬
ious inquirers after truth. ' Mr. Barker — who is now
a Methodist minister in England,having renounced
infidelity,—used to speak often on the authenticity of
the Bible. Upon this very topic Mr. Wears met
him, and after repeated attacks of his battery of
truth, skilfully handled, the camp of the enemy
dispersed. Mr. Wears met Mr. Barker, in person,
publicly, and put him to silence, and a short time
afterward Mr. Barker took passage for Europe,
whence he came, discomfited ; not by Dr. Berg, not
by any D. D., but by a man who, at that time, was
not allowed to enter a city railway car, nor to wield
a ballot for his own political weal.* To say that
Mr, Wears is a prodigy, is most true, but even that
needs qualification to show in what his greatness
consists : as a Jogician, he has few equals and no su¬
periors in the higher ranks of socity ; as a meta-
204
AN APOLOGY- FOB
physician, lie is equally high in the estimation of
those who are competent to judge of such matters,
and as a theologianj he ranks eminently high,
though only a lay member of the Church. A room
10x12 will hold comfortably all who openly avow
infidelity in Philadelphia, so greatly have they di¬
minished since the days of Barker, when they
counted their numbers by hundreds.
Few persons could do justice t9* Mr. Wears in a
biographical notice, however extended, much less to
give it in brief space. Let those, therefore, who
read these brief illusions, consider them merely as
a faint endeavor to show untiring zeal, well-directed
energy, properly ^applied intellect and mental sta¬
bility in one who, though born among the lowly,iden¬
tified among the despised, yet, whose genius, soars
far above those in more favored circumstances."
(B.)
•WILLIAM C. BANTON.
LAYMAN, PHILADELPHIA.
The superintendent of the mailing department of
our book concern, is the young gentleman named
above. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1843, he be¬
gan to drink in the pure waters of wisdom, which
flow so perpetually and so plentifully in that city,
but a father's* death called'him away from the brook.
Though he cannot claim the honor of graduating
from the celebrated High School, yetj, is he a man
of respectable English attainments.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
205
Converted in his sixteenth year, he joined Bethel A.
M. E. Church, where his ability and devotion to
duty gradually brought him forward, until he was
selected as the Chief Superintendent of that flour¬
ishing Sabbath School, numbering full 500 pupils.
This tribute to talent will be better appreciated when
it is remembered that in many of our Churches
there is much active opposition to young men, and
Bethel has it in common with others. It met
William C. Banton at the door ; one of the most in¬
fluential of the old men said, "That it did not speak
well for Bethel Church, if, with all her male mem¬
bers, they had to elect a boy superintendent."
Nothing discouraged, the youthful Superintendent
went to work. His teachers ably supported
him, and admirable, indeed, has been the success.
In numbers and in discipline the school is rapidly
advancing. Let me whisper a word in the ear of
the beloved fathers of our Zion, " Stop opposing
young men ; the Church you organized needs them;
your ranks are getting fearfully depleted ; call
them up to take your places, and give them the
dying blessing, f Boys, be faithful!' "
It was in 1865, that Bro. Banton entered the Book
Concern as its Chief Clerk. He has become invalu¬
able by reason of business tact and reliability. The
brethren of the whole Connexion have learned to
confide in him, to love him. He promises to do
good work for the Church. May his life be prolonged
and may his zeal never grow less. We clip the fol¬
lowing from a late issue of the Recorder:
10
206
AN APOLOGY FOR
ee W. C. Banton, Superintendent Bethel Sabbath
School, is delegated to the State Sabbath School
Convention soon to meet in this city. We under¬
stand the Convention will mate no distinction on ac¬
count of color/'
african methodism.
207
CHAPTEK VIII.
the baltimore district.
The boundary of this District, as defined by the
last General Conference, and as found in the Disci¬
pline, is as follows : ''Baltimore Conference shall
include all the State of Maryland, District of Colum¬
bia, East "Virginia, North and South Carolina, and
all that part of Florida lying east of the Chatta¬
nooga river, also Georgia, and that part of the State
of Pennsylvania lying east of the Alleghany moun¬
tains, and north of the Susquehanna river, except
Wrightsville on the south. Harrisburg, north*of
the Susquehanna, remains in the Baltimore Confer¬
ence."
The colored population contained within these
bounds, numbers full on& million seven hundred
thousand souls. Of course, such a boundary could
be but temporary. Slavery had no so oner surren¬
dered to Liberty at the Appomattox, and the mis¬
sionaries allowed to pass the charred gates of the
black and ruined city, than it was found necessary
to apportion off four new Districts ; the South Car¬
olina District, organized May 15, 1805, the Virgin¬
ia District, .May 10, 1867, the Georgia District,
May 30,1867, and the Florida District^ June 8,1867.
The Baltimore District, as now constituted, has lit-
208 an apology for
tie more than the State of Maryland, and the Dis¬
trict of Columbia, with a a colored population that
will not fall short of two hundred thousand. The
members of this District have long had the compla¬
cent thought that it stood as chief among its breth¬
ren, and they have baptised it the Banner Confer¬
ence ; but Bishop "Wayman, in his jocular manner,
avows that it has lost the Banner ! and that, hence¬
forth, his Conforence, the Philadelphia, must take
precedence !
In soberness it can scarcely be gainsaid that Bal¬
timore Conference is one of the leading, if not the
leading District in the connexion ; and especially is
this true in regard to the two subjects, Missions and
Education. Her claims to precedence in regard to
the former was acknowledged at the General Confer¬
ence of 1864, by constituting her the head and heart
of the Missionary movement of the whole Church.
Every active officer of the Parent Society was selected
from among the members of this Conference.
Nor has the Church had occasion to complain of
the confidence reposed in this District in view of the
rich harvest that has been reaped. Through the
guidance of the officers elected in '64, not less than
75,000 members have been added to the roll of the A,
M. E. Church. But it should not be presumed that
this grand work has been done without help. Phil¬
adelphia gave nobly, both in men and money ; little
New York gave men, and 'littler' New England gave
the widow's mite. The Districts of the West main¬
ly put forth their strength in the Mississippi val-
AFBICAN METHODISM.
209
So, too, in regard to Education, Baltimore Dis¬
trict lias no occasion to blush, at her past record.
Her heart has been wedded to Wilberforce, and
though it is afar off, she has given not only hun¬
dreds, but thousands, to make that undertaking a
glorious success.
At the meeting of the Conference immediately af¬
ter the negotiation of Bishop Payne had been made
public, the following resolution among others, was
passed:
1st. We highly approve of the action of Bishop
Payne, in the purchase of Wilberforce University
* * * and regard it as the most hopeful event in
the history of the African M. E. Church.
In the following year (1864) they say, " It is our
imperative duty to make that property (Wilber¬
force) shine."
In 1865, after the buildings had been destroyed by
fire, they say,
"Resolved, The Baltimore Annual Conference,
sends greetings to the Trustees of Wilberforce, and
bids them look up in this the hour of their trial,
begging leave to tender the advice that they call a
general meeting of the Board to assemble June 1st,
1865, and at once enter into ways and means
whereby our beautiful house will rise Phoenix-like
from the ashes, to a strength and beauty that will
be perpetual."
In 1866, they say, <c Wilberforce still pleads like
Rachel bereft of her children. Disconsolate doth
she sit in dust and ashes, and in her sackcloth ar¬
ray, pleads for help. Shall she not have it ?"
210 AN APOLOGY FOB
In 1867, they say, {<We all felt sad when we
learned that our cherished university had been laid
in ashes, but now our hearts are gladdened to learn
that the entire foundation is laid, and that one wing
of the building is under cover."
Nor were these all empty words, but at their ut¬
terance, monies were given by the hundreds. But
enough.
The reports made May, 1867, were as follows :
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
Salary of ministers. $5,559 35
Board " " 8,385 36
Fuel 1,123 20
Rent 1,541 35
Contingent.... 55 *73
Bishop 689 23
Worn-out preachers 93 41
Widows et Orphans ... —83 72
Book Concern 118 40
Sabbath Schools «... 1,524 91
Church Mission Society 899 10
S. S. " " 438 78
Deficiency : - 10 72
Centenary Money............ 193 80
S. S. Centenary... 23 36
Wilberforce ,, 135 76
Total $20,875 78
Value of Churches, Parsonages, &c $218,650 00
CHURCH STATISTICS.
Members 6,017
Travelling Elders . .....26
" Deacons 4
" Licentiates 4
Local preachers 119
Exhorters 7i
Sabbath School Superintendents.... .....72
" " Teachers 480
" " Scholars » 5 534
Churches 59
Parsonages.* g
AFRICAN METHODISM.
211
The gentlemen whose sketches now follow, may
be regarded as the leading members of the District,
and we beg to introduce the reader to them, hoping
he will find them not altogether unworthy of his
company.
ACTIVE MINISTRY.
(A.)
DANIEL W. MOORE.
ELDER.
No sketch-book of African Methodist preachers,
however brief or extended, would be complete with¬
out a notice of this sturdy old gentleman. Low of
stature, with lips given to curl, a mind that is
pointed, and heart most true, he is a man of abso¬
lute worth ; and while Maryland has produced many
colored men more intellectual, she has produced
none about whom there is so little waste. Our globe
has fruitful valleys, but, likewise, desert plains ; it
has waters rich as nectar, and as sweet, but like¬
wise springs that fitly may be termed mara ; with
much that is useful, our globe has much of waste.
It is thus with man; he, too, has much waste in
him, but D. W. M. has as little as most men. Of
good judgment, a conscience much like the " Touch
Me Not," the old man's counsel is always just.
In fact, his virtues are his faults. His virtue, of a
true deference to law, leads him to disregard all pal¬
liating circumstance ; his only question is, " What
212
AN APOLOGY FOR
saith the law ?" His virtue, of a true independence,
leads him to treat with perfect contempt the world s
opinions ; he cares nothing for them, and never al¬
lows them to sway his action in the least. His vir¬
tue, of an abiding faith in the truth, impassioned
and simple, leads him to disregard the least effort at
reaching the heart, and stirring up the life. He
would have made a superb Bishop of the Catholic
hierarchy.
We have spoken of what Nature has done for him;
let us now see what he has done for himself. When
a boy he learned to read in a way creditable to him,
and at sixteen he was conducting the first Sabbath
School he ever saw, in one of the Maryland coun¬
ties. Coming to Baltimore in 1827, he attached
himself to the Sabbath School of the Colored Pres¬
byterian Church, where he taught for seven years,
though holding membership in the African M. E.
Church.
It was in 1839, that he joined Ebenezer, where, as
Superintendent of the Sabbath School, instructor of
a large Bible Class of adults, mainly his teachers,
as well as a day school, he spent his time most
profitably till the year 1849 ; two years later, he
joined the Baltimore Conference, where he has ever
continued.
Unpretentious as to what he knows, D. W. Moore
may yet be classed among our best-read men. A
lover of books, he always has them by him. As
early as 1843, he wrote a letter to Editor Hogarth,
<f On the Education of the Ministry," which letter
AFRICAN" METHODISM.
213
is published in Bisliop Payne's book. He thus ex¬
pressed liimself in regard to that all-important sub¬
ject, "Let the two resolutions adopted by the An¬
nual Conference in Cincinnati, in 1838, be carried
out to the very letter, by every Elder, Deacon and
preacher throughout the Connexion ; let none enter
into the ministry before he or they understand the
plan of redemption * * * for I am of the opinion
it is mockery to send a person to teach, and know not
what lue teaches." He is well-read in the English
branches, as well as in ancient history, sacred and
profane. For a number of years previous to the
Conference of April, 18G6, he was a member of the
Executive Board of the Missionary Socieiy, and none
was more valued for his business tact • enquiring as
to its prosperity one day, and being told it was not
as successful as was desirable, he exclaimed, " I'm
glad I'm not in it, for they would lay all to my old
fogyism."
(B.)
REV. JOHN J. HERBERT.
ELDER.
We present not the name of this brother for what
he knows, and yet he knows more than most men
e\er learn, to wit: that he" knows but little. Bro.
Herbert makes no pretensions as to knowledge,
is desirous only to be recognized as one of the work¬
ers in the A. M. E. Church. Or, as he said at the
Conference of May, 1866, in Israel Church, Wash-
101
214
AN APOLOGY FOR
ington, D. 0.: "If the old men had not polished
the marble, they would insist on having the credit
of digging it out ofthe quarry."
Though uneducated, yet has he a marvellous ap¬
preciation of wisdom. Since the Wilberforce enter-
terprize has been on foot, no member of the Balti¬
more Conference, wo member of the A, M. E. Church,
has labored more zealously in his sphere, nor given
more liberally as to his means. On this latter score,,
the score of giving, we are not sure, but to him be¬
longs the pre-eminent honor of giving the most
money to that grand project. From his scanty
purse, $200.00 in cash was his offering to the cause
of education. Other men there are of ten times the
wealth and education, but none has equaled the
liberal donation of 11 Honest John," as Bishop Way-
man characterizes him. Not only has he given, but
his daughter was there as a student for a number of
terms, and he is now on the eve of sending a son.
As a testimony of respect for his deep interest, he
has lately been elected one of its trustees, in com¬
pany with Chief Justice Ohase and Major. General
Howard. Surely the lowly man is exalted^ and the
princes of the nation esteem not their robes. In
after years the name of the beloved John J, Herbert
will be remembered. He offers
u THE IGNORANCE OF OUR RACE."
After a cold and dreary winter, while I was con¬
templating upon the cheerful nature of Spring, as
well as its living aspect, I looked upon the oak, and
AFRICAN METHODISM.
215
saw how winter had bereft it. It reminded me of the
ignorance of our race ; how that the strong winds of
the law had slammed to the school doors against
them, and the deep snows of prejudice had so cover¬
ed the way that they were lost, and like the oak,
they stood bereft of all intellectual beauty. In the
spring time, the tender buds, driven by the sap,
will appear, and the oak will put on its beautiful
green garment. So is it with our people. Spring
time has come, and soon the green garment of intel¬
ligence will be put on. Thanks be to the Giver of
all good gifts.
(0.)
SAVAGE L. HAMMOND.
ELDER.
This sketch is from the pea of the Rev. B, "W". Hammond, now a
member of the Baltimore Conference, and son of the gentleman of
whom it treats.
Rev. S. L. Hammond was born in Accomac Co.,
Virginia, November 25th, 1814. He was not blessed
with the advantages of an early education. The
laws of the State did not allow, much less give
any encouragement to' schools designed for colored
youth. When about 23 years of age, he came to
Baltimore, when he bethought himself that some¬
thing else was needed e'er lie could be a man, even a
knowledge of books. In 1835 he hired to a Mr. Buden-
stine, a German ; it was there that he was taught
the letters of the alphabet, by the two daughters of
his employer, to whom he paid six cents a week as
216
AN APOLOGY FOB,
tuition. He learned so rapidly that in the space of
six weeks he-could read. These two young ladies
continued to teach hiin until he could read well and
cipher. He then attended the Night school of the
Rev. Mr. Livingston, Rector of the St. James'
Episcopal Church, also, the school kept by the Rev.
Messrs. Ward and Lorely, of the Presbyterian
Church. Thus haviag a taste, his thirst for knowl¬
edge increased as he advanced in years, and he con¬
tinued to go on laboring and studying. In fact all
his leisure time was spent at his books, for he felt
persuaded that God was preparing him for future
usefulness. A new era now dawned upon him, he
resolved to devote himself to the ministry. Having
gone to Philadelphia, he was directed by divine
Providence to form the acquaintance of Rev. D. A.
Payne, who manifested a great deal of interest in
his education. He directed him what books to study,
and formed a class of young men to study Theology
under Dr. Kurtz, of Gettysburg Seminary. He
studied theology and Church history under him
for some time. Rev. D. A. Payne having been sta¬
tioned at Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md., he became
a pupil under him where he studied English Gram-
mer, Geography, Intellectual and Moral Philoso¬
phy, Natural Philosophy, Natural Theology, Moral
Ethics, Logic — since that time, Greek and Latin
Grammars under Dr. Roan, of Baltimore. He has
occupied many positions of honor and trust, having
been appointed delegate to three General Conferen¬
ces, and for years acted as Chairman of the Com-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
217
mittee oil examining candidates for " Orders and
Admission " into Conference ; he was assistant Edi¬
tor of the Repository, Chairman of the Revising
Committee at the last General Conference, as well
as Chairman of the Committee on Semi-Centenary.
As a minister the Rev. Mr. Hammond is distin¬
guished for his ability; he cannot fail to attract at¬
tention as a man of thought. His character as a
Christian minister has won him many friends, both
white and colored. He has also been very success¬
ful in his ministry — his charges being always vis-
ite'd with the outpouring of the Spirit.
The following is from his pen :
" THE EDUCATION OF OUR MINISTRY."
This great drawing out principle, on the wings of
i nspiration as it were, is rapidly spreading its be¬
nign influence from east to west, from north to
south. The small leaven of knowledge first planted
by our venerable fathers, has gradually spread, un¬
til its influence is felt by nearly all. The old men
convinced that Education is one of the essential qual¬
ities of a christian Minister have advocated it, and
the young men catching the inspiration, have fear¬
lessly armed themselves with it, in order to battle
against ignorance. It is clearly demonstrated to be
essential because, as teachers of the people we must
first give evidence of having been taught ourselves.
God demands it, b'ecause as stewards of the house¬
hold of faith, we are to give a strict account of our
Btewardship ; our talents are to be improved; we are
218
AN APOLOGY FOR
to show by our diligent and earnest application to
study, that we are obeying the inspired injunction^
" Stud// to show thyself an approved workman unto
God." Like well trimmed lights we are to lead
those who are in darkness. Another great argu¬
ment is, That the m%n of God must be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto every good word and work.
The honor and success of the Gospel depends
much upon the educitijn and piety of those who
preach it. With those two great levers in our
hands, the success of the Gospel is certain. The
huge gates of ignorance must give way; God lead¬
ing the army we will march onward ; and lift up
the Standard, to which thousands may fli>ck, and re¬
ceive the heaven imparted instruction which will
make them wise unto salvation.
Our prospects for the future are great, many of
our young men have gone to Institutions of learn¬
ing in order to prepare themselves for greater use¬
fulness. Daily is the bulwarks of " Zion " becom¬
ing strengthened by the votaries of Educa tion. " Mul¬
titudes are in the valley of decision." The strong¬
holds of sin grow weaker. They quail before the
onward march of equipped workmen. Thousands
of banners, streaming high, invite men to feasts of
rightly divided truth, while the huge monster Ignor¬
ance is struggling in the last agonies of death. Let
our motto be Onward ! our watchword, More liffht!
* O
and the powers of darkness must tremble before the
Captains of the Lord's host.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
219
(D.)
REV. WM. H. HUNTER.
ELDER.
Tall, broad-shouldered and erect, stands the once
Chaplain of the 4th Maryland U. S. C. T. He was
appointed by President Lincoln, Sept. 23; 1863, and
when he is arrayed in army dress, he looks every
whit a soldier. But not only has he the physique
of a soldier, but he possesses in an eminent degree
those qualities which enable one to lead and to com¬
mand, without which there could be no soldiers, or
no officers rather. He is a native of North Carolina,
but brought to the nominally free States at an early
age.
A youth in his teens, and living in Newark, N. J.,
he had the reputation of being a {'hard case'' especial¬
ly as a fighter. He was like the English, of whom
it is said, that in dealing with enemies, "it is a
word and a blow, but often the blow comes first."-
Thus was it with young Hunter ; no youth in the
neighborhood cared about coming in contact with
him ; his physical strength—his daring, made him to
be dreaded. And yet withal there was a germ of man¬
liness and honor about him, that compelled him to be
respected as well as dreaded. His faithfulness to a
frien 4 was notorious : nothing could quench it; no
fear of personal danger, or legal prosecution could
restrain his right arm when lifted in defence of a
friend.
Possessing these traits, he was just the man to do,
220
AN APOLOGY FOR
when once converted, as good service for the Lord as
he was doing for the Devil. The servants, and espe¬
cially the ambassadors of the Lo*d must have muscle,
and courage, and faithfulness, as well as the servants
of the Devil. Of all the Hebrew youth, upon whom
the Lord looked, none was so fit, to stand I)efore
kings and the philosophers of Greece, as the muscu¬
lar, the courageous, the faithful Saul. In fact, truth
must be defended as well as error, and to defend it,
the same powers are often needed, indeed they are the
same traits of soul t urned to a different and better
account. It was the same tongue that consented to
Stephen's death, that afterw ards extolled the glories
of the Cro ss.
The Lord saw traits in William Hunter that He
needed, as well as the Devil, and he enlisted them
on His side. Once in the Church, it is not to be ex^
pected that he would long remain unknown, long be
a private. The energy of his soul, and its native
powers could not there be restrained, nor was it in¬
tended. The very occasion of his calling, was that he
should be a leader in Israel; and true to himself, he
very soon took the obligations of a minister; and the
very traits that made him valuable to the Devil,
made him equally valuable to the Church and the
truth. He is the same muscular, courageous and
faithful Wm. H. Hunter, ever ready to adorn the
principle, ua word and a blow, bat often the blow
first." But he strikes not now the truth, but error :
not G-od, but Satan.
Where such energy is displayed, it should always
AFRICAN METHODIfcM.
221
be tempered by a well trained intellect. Paul must
first sit at the feet of Gamaliel.
Chaplain Hunter well understood the principle, and
consequently he has let no occasion pass when it was
possible for him to i mprove his mind. When itine¬
rating the Pennin gton Circuit, he studied quite a
year at Ashmun Institute, now Lincoln University.
While serving the C hurch at Georgetown, D. C., he
studied under Rev. J. G. Butler, D. D., of the Eng¬
lish Lutheran Church ; at the expiration of this year
in Georgetown, the Literary Society of the Balti¬
more Conference, pleased with his deportment and
his talents, sent him to Wilberforce, where he re¬
mained quite a number of terms, when he returned
again to labor within its bounds.
We have alluded to his appointment as Chaplain in
the Army. It is to be said to the credit of the Afri¬
can M. E. Church, that it gave the first two of the
colored Chaplains enrolled in the U. S. service, Rev.
H. 31. Turner and W. H. Hunter, both of whom
acquitted themselves with satisfaction to the gov¬
ernment, and with honor to their Church — and both
of whom have returned within her bosom, and are
now doing valiant service.
A young man yet, Bro. Hunter gives promise of
years of usefulness to his Church and the cause of
truth — a man in whatever position he may be put?
he will do his part. A natural leader his influence
is yet more powerfully to be felt in shaping the des¬
tiny of his Church ; may his muscles become strong¬
er, his head wiser, and his heart humbler.
222
AN APOLOGY EOR
(E.)
REV. JAS. A. HANDY.
EL D JER.
Few men can boast of a mind so evenly balanced,
as the writer of the article, Progression. Born in
Maryland, the mother of many eminent black men,
but barren in the production of great white men,
if we except the lateH. Winter Davis and the living
Judge Bond. Jas. A. Handy, by nature, is the peer
of any, and gives promise to equal the most advanced
in art. Beared up by an uncle, into whose hands he
was committed on the death of his mother, he was
debarred of even the commonest school advantages.
In his own words, the horse and saw were his books,
while the wood-wharf was his school-room. Sent to
Sabbath school, with no higher motive than to keep
him out of mischief, he there first tasted the sweet3
of school books ; and to taste with him, was to in¬
dulge. Four months at a night school was the sum
total of his school days; but to such minds the
teacher and the school-room are desirable, but not
necessary ; they accept them if possible, but stop not
to shed a tear at their absence; like the Christian,
they press forward to the mark. Just here we sand¬
wich in the query, Whether, after all, too much
stress is not laid upon the school-room anil the
master ? Joining a mental and moral improvement
society, denominated the " Lewis Gr. Wells," the year
1844, brought to him brighter hopes. In the exer-
AFRICAN" METHODISM.
223
cises of tliis society, lie received a burning desire for
his intellectual improvement. It was in the year
1853, that he made a public profession of love to
Christ, and joined Bethel A M. E. Church; three
years later he was elected one of the trustees, and
at the organization of the board, was elected its
secretary. In 1859 he was chairman of a committee,
appointed by his Church, to negotiate terms of
agreement between Zion Chapel, Wesleyan Zion
Chapel, and the A. M. E. Church, which resulted in
the acquirement of Water's Chapel to our Connexion.
He received the license of a local preacher in 1860 ;
two years later he joined the itinerant ranks, receiv¬
ing as his first appointment Union Bethel Church,
Washington, D. C. After two years of successful
ministration at this post, he was sent to Emanuel
Church, Portsmouth, Va. — a most important Sta¬
tion indeed, whence he was ordered further South
to superintend the mission work in North Carolina,
as well as to assist in the organization of the S. C.
Conference.
As a man, Bro. Handy is characterized by a frank¬
ness and decision, which at times assume even an
air of rudeness. He is an earnest preacher, as well
as thoughtful, and his ministrations are crowned
with uniform success. He is, in the broadest sense,
a progressive man ; was first to introduce the order
of the S>ns of Temperance into Biltiuore, als^ the
I. O. of G. L., and D. of S. into the State of Mary¬
land ^ and he receives the credit of ranking high in the
Masonic fraternity. Last but not least, he was the
224
AN APOLOGY E0R
Baltimore agent of tlie Underground Bail Road and
Telegrapli Company for the year 1858-9-60. Jas.
A. Handy knows how to obey his superiors, respect
his equals, and command his inferiors.
" PROGRESSION."
That magic word, Onward! is interwoven with our
very being. Onward is the world's watchword!
Onward is the key-note of the Church ! Onward
her hattle cry ! The school boys say Onward to a
higher place in class, school or college ! The young
man starting out in life, as he leaves the college,
the factory or the shop, stepping into responsible
manhood, says, Onward ! and when he has reached
the first, the tenth, the twentieth round or more in
progress, he still says, Onward ! The statesman,
grappling with great questions of State policy, or
i ntricate questions of international law, plants him¬
self upon the rock of truth and right, with trumpet
voice he proclaims to his country and the world,
Onward I The wise philosophers, the men of science,
the workers amongst iron, fire, steam and lightning,
while they fill the earth with books, while they beau¬
tify the land with temples, colleges and school-
h ouses ; while they crowd the great deep with count-
less steam and sail ships of commerce; while they
chain continent to continent with massive links of
wire ; while they compel the proud Atlantic to bear
up the cable while Europe talks with America ; these
men of genius, as they stand upon the highest round
of progress that the nineteenth century has de-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
225
veloped, they still point Onward! Eventful is the
day in which we live. Fortunate is he who lives to¬
day, and has the happy privilege of helping the
world on ward. The waves of progress kiss the strand
of every continent. These mighty developments in
the onward march of the age tell us of the great
changes that are taking place ; men are determined,
the people are in earnest; the nation means that
right,*not might, shall prevail. America will yet do
justice to her sable children ; while I write, the
sound of clapping hands and the shouts of rejoicing
thousands fall upon my listening ear. Manhood
suffrage is conferred upon the black man of the Dis¬
trict of Columbia by the United States Congress.
This is progression ; the chattel is a human being ;
though black, the negro is a man; the former slave
is a voter. Griory to Grod. Onward is the motto
of the American Congress ; the passage of this bill is
but a prelude to a sequel. Universal manhood suf¬
frage is the ultimation of the great American rebel¬
lion. Coming events cast their shadow before them.
They are wise who prepare to meet and perform their
duties in the momentous unfoldings which are fore¬
shadowed, In times like these, strange times, pas¬
singly strange times, when changes are so thorough,
ramifying through the entire political and social
system of the nation ; when institutions as old as the
country totter, tumble, fall; when prejudice (that
hydra-headed monster of American origin) gives
away ; when five millions of individuals are trans¬
formed from chattels to men ; when they are removed
226
an Apology eor,
from the tack ground, to the fore rants in the affairs
of the nation. This is progress — progress in the
right direction. But this progression brings "with it
responsibility. Are we prepared ? Have we com-'
petent leaders ? Hemember that we have always
•been directed by others in all the affairs of life, {the
A. M. E. Church being an honorable exception.)
They have furnished the thoughts, while we have
been passive instruments in their hands, actiffg as
we were acted upon. We need a new set of leaders
— men that believe in Grod and revere his holy word.
The times demand, the onward movings of the age
require that our leaders should be men that firmly
rely and trust in God. In a word, we want Chris¬
tian intellectuality to lead the moving millions on¬
ward. Men that will teach us to cast behind the
dark days of ignorance, superstition, self-debase¬
ment, and all the concomitant evils of slavery ; men
that will teach us to raise up trnr heads, our hearts,
our brains, our whole man to receive the great light
which is bursting in upon us. The world is moving.
We ar# determined to move with it.
Onward, onward, is our motto,
Let betide us good or ill;
Onward, onward, is our watch-word,
This shall be our motto still.
(F.)
REV. W. D. W. SCHUREMAN.
ELDER.
The A. M. E. Church throughout its whole borders
AFRICAN METHODISM.
227
has no more popular a preacher than the reverend
gentleman named above. Descended fromapreacher,
and among the very strongest in his day, he has in¬
herited all his pulpit power, even with interest; and
to-day, wherever it is known that "Bro. Schure-
man " is going to preach, there the people flock;
not strangers who have nevfer heard, hut the people
to whom he regularly ministers. There is such a
power in his discourses, that his congregation are
held spell-hound I What is that power ? We have
hea rd him, and during our earthly pilgrimage we
have heard a great many preachers say less, and a
few say more, hut none of whom could draw the peo¬
ple— draw them and keep th£m. Where then is
the secret power of this brothejr, whpreby he is en¬
abled to so preach that he is ^always new, always
charming to the mass? We 4nswer: It is in the
eyes, the gestures, the symbolic preaching, the per¬
fect knowledge! of human nature. He is a perfect
adept at breaking into the hearts of the people. His
words come like heated balls, and knowing pre¬
cisely where to strike and when, they go through,
and the heart-city is taken by storm. We speak of
his eyes ; he looks right at you> and you are mag¬
netized.
He was born at the Capitol of the nation, April
29th, 1825. His parents were among those faithful
few who, in the midst of much derision, organized the
A. M. E. Church. His mother was a most godly wo¬
man ; and, able to read herself, she acted as teacher
to her children.
228 AN APOLOGY FOR
A peculiar history, indeed, would that "be which
gave the first thoughts of God, which children have,
His being, His nature. Could such a history be
truthfully given to the world, it might teach it a
lesson. The first independent prayer of our child¬
hood, and we remember it distinctly, was that God
would save us as he saved Noah in the ark. But let
us turn to Bro. Schureman, and his boyish thoughts
of God. His mother had taught him that when men
die, it was a visitation of the Lord ; this left on his
mind the impression that the Lord was a giant,
going about killing people — a grea t fighter. Think¬
ing thus, he concluded that all those who died must
have been cowards, and he felt like kicking their
coffins; and he made up his mind when the Lord
come to his house, he intended to fight him. In
order to do battle, as he thought successfully, he
kept piled up in the yard all the stones, pieces of
bricks, broken glass, and such other missiles as he
would pick up in the street; and his mother would
often enquire of William what he was going to do.
Understanding that the Lord came down, he would
often look up to the sky, especially when he could
see between clouds, and with a stone in his hand, he
would shake his fist, and say: "Just you come
down !"
His father, in 1834, having charge of the Salem
Circuit, N. J., Philadelphia Conference, took him
thither that he might enjoy the advantages of a
school, which he did, and so advanced in books that
he has always appeared with no serious disadvantage.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
229
Returning to Washington, D. C., after an absence of
five years, he came just in the height of a gracious
outpouring of Divine grace, and among the happily
converted, was William Schureman, then in his
fourteenth year. It was in his twenty-second year
that he entered the itinerant ranks in the Baltimore
District; two years older, he was made Deacon by
Bishop Quinn, and the following year, Elder.
He has filled with the greatest acceptance the fore¬
most station of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Con¬
ference ; and to-day he may be regarded as the most
popular preacher of any in either of them. In the
prime of life, he gives promise of good service yet.
May the eloquence of his tongue long be permitted
to gather the multitude around the Cross.
(a.)
REV. W. B. DERRICK.
LICENTIATE.
This young brother was born in Antigua, one of
of the British West Indies. His father is a pilot
among those numerous islands, and is of English
blood. Brought up in the Episcopal Church, and
early converted to G-od, he paid his devotions at its
revered altar. At school to his sixteenth year, he
had stored away a respectable amount of knowledge ;
but seeing many of his classmates leaving the school¬
room for the work-shop and the various avocations
Of life, he concluded that he must go, too. But
11
230
AN APOLOGY FOR
father said, No ; and endeavored to show him the.ne-
cessity of more thoroughly educating his mind. It
was all in vain, and seeing the hoy so importunate, he
gave away, consenting for him to leave school, (though
he had fully intended sending him to college) and
go to learn the trade of a blacksmith, which he pre¬
ferred.
The hoy William spent two years and over at the
anvil, when he became enamored with the sea, and
concluded to exchange the shop for the deck, the
anvil for the mast. Tossed like Jonah on the deep,
he learned from the winds, the lesson he refused to
learn from the evening zephyrs ; from the storm
what he refused to learn from the pleasant sunshine ;
for, since the day of his conversion, even in hoy-
hood, he felt called upon to proclaim the Truth.
Coming to the United States, he sought the shrine
of the Church in which he was horn, baptized,
converted, and had paid his devotion, but, alas,
American prejudice, in priestlyhabiliments, told him
to stand back. Dismayed at this exhibition of par¬
tiality in the very house of Grod, he left it, and, in
Norfolk, Ya., sought a refuge where God could be
worshipped in sincerity and truth — he sought refuge
in the A> M. E. Church, which has been for years
as a city of refuge to negro Christians of manly
hearts — which has been as David in the cave of
Adullam, unto whom the troubled of Israel might
repair. In less than three years he was licensed to
preach. The future of this young brother is in the
hands of the Lord, unto whom we pray that he might
AFRICAN METHODISM.
231
be kept steady, believing that if the heart be the
pilot, the force of the head will drive him a goodly
distance in the right way.
May he become one of the strong men in our future
ministry.
LOCAL MINISTRY.
(A.)
REV. W. H. G. BROWN.
LOCAL ELDER, BALTIMORE.
Full six feet in height, with light complexion and
long flowing hair, the Rev. Wm. H. Gr. Brown may
be seen any Sabbath afternoon occupying the right
hand chair within the railing of Big Bethel altar,
the very impersonation of clerical dignity.
His father, steward of the ship Electra, made
choice of a European lady passenger for a wife, from
which union was born William Brown, March 25th,
1808, in the city of Philadelphia. His parents com¬
ing to Baltimore, he was early placed in the school
of Daniel Coker, of blessed memory, whose assistant
he finally became ; but father was not satisfied that
the boy William should teach ; and taking him
from his well earned position, had him learn
how to make barrels — whiskey barrels, perhaps.
But, as is often the case, the boy thought different
from the man — the child from the parent, (Query :
When will parents learn to let children select their
232 AN APOLOGY FOR
own professions?) and William spent years to learn
that which, he was resolved to unlearn as soon as
possible. Three years to learn, and as many, per¬
haps, to unlearn— six precious years thrown away !
Embracing religion in 1825, under Rev. Moses
Freeman, he bade adieu to his friends, and started,
with his wife, to the West; for the ambitious young¬
ster had thus early taken a better part. Stopping
at Cincinnati, he remained there two years, and was
there licensed to exhort; after visiting New Orleans,
he retraced his steps back to Baltimore. Atter twelve
years officiating as an Exliorter, he was granted
preaching license, in 1840, by Bishop Brown. In
1850 he was ordained a Deacon, and in 1864 was or¬
dained Elder.
A man, allied to the generation past, he is still
the equal of many, whose connexion is with the
present and all its opportunities. Having read
theology under the Rev. Mr. Kurtz and Elder D. A.
Payne, the matter of his sermons is always better
than their delivery would lead one to infer. Possess¬
ing a vein of self reliance, and withal a respectable
amount of knowledge, he will always have people to
appreciate his talents, and award him the credit of
being intelligent.
His love for the A.*M. E. Connexion is true; tested
as it was in the great Trustee rebellion of Big Bethel,
Baltimore, in 1850, when even physical force was
lined in an effort to cut loose tjie good old ship from
the Bethel harbor, but all in vain. He is, and has
been for a number of years, the Secretary of the
african methodism.
233
Official Board, as well as the Quarterly Conference of
Bethel Church. We present the following as a sam¬
ple of the man :
"the a. m. e. church."
Through the providence of God, the A. M. E.
Church, I believe, was organized in 1816. TheEev.
Richard Allen, Daniel Coker and Jos. Champion,
were led to helieve that in them was a manhood
which they could and would develop if an opportu¬
nity were given. With this view, in spite of all op¬
position, they were induced to come before the world
ard raise the banner with the inscription : " African
M.E. Church." They started, and under the guid¬
ance of heaven ; for G-od not only guided them, but
gave them light and wisdom ; and he will continue
to be with the Church'they organized.
At the present day there is the strongest evidence
of the ability of their successors to hold up that glor¬
ious banner, and lead it, under God, to final victory
— the banner raised by an Allen, a Coker, a Cham¬
pion, and their faithful successors, viz: Morris Brown,
E. Waters, Wm. Paul Quinn, Nazrey, Payne,
Wayman and Campbell. Our ministers are becom¬
ing educated, and are going through the land un¬
furling that same banner, and in the midst of much
opposition. Their cry is still, onward 1 and will be
until all the States and the world shall become God's
vineyard. I trust we shall soon have a burning and
living ministry from Wilberforce, that can teach as
234
AN APOLOGY FOR
Christ taught — that will themselves understand
what they teach. I hope the Holy Spirit will con¬
tinue to call young men, and Wilberforce continue
to qualify them, until they shall go forth full of
light and knoweledge. We want such men in these
days of light and wisdom; we want them, for the
Scriptures have truly said; " The priests' lips must
keep wisdom
Let the trumpet make a noise,
Let the priests cease not to call;
Bid the sad of heart rejoice,
For the Saviour died for all.
(B.)
REV. LLOYD BENSON.
LOCAL DEACON, FREDERICK\ MD.
The evils of slavery have been both positive and
negative; positive in the ill it did, negative in the
good it prevented.
Sad Lloyd Benson, the local Deacon of Frederick,
Md., been born in Massachusetts, and not Mary¬
land, he would have been a man of such intellectual
calibre as would have blessed his Church and race.
Born January 24th, 1818, in Montgomery County,
Md., he was bound by all that chain of ills that
held the slaves of that region. His mother was a
good old Methodist, who only knew the Lord. A
stranger she confessed herself, and amidst stripes
and cruelties, she only had comfort in Him. She
AFRICAN METHODISM.
235
ever looked ahead to the rest that remained. Of
course, such a mother would be the most anxious in
regard to her children, and though Lloyd was sold
away at the early age of two years, yet G-od so
ordered it that his mother should attend him, and
thus the first nine years of his eventful life was spent
at his slave mother's side.
From her he received that deep religious cast of
mind—that controlling principle, which makes one
say : " I will be religious, because it is right."
As to the manner he learned to read, it is the
same tale of sagacity, perseverance, and craft that
slavery always teaches, and which the noblest of our
slave brethren have ever told. Let me give it in his
own words :
"We had but little chance to learn ; the little white
boys that we played with would steal out into the
woods, on the camp-meeting ground, and get in the
preachers' tent, for they were built of ylank, and
stood from year to year ; in these they would try to
teach us, but they could not teach more than one or
two Sabbaths till they would be found out, and the
old persons would break it up. So we could get no
learning ; yet this did not discourage me, for, though
a boy, learning was my object. A little white girl,
coming into our family, learned me my A B C's, but
it was not long till I bought a primer and learned
myself." Commencing life thus, he has pursued
the even tenor of his way, until he is respectably
well-read, knowing more than any of his former
master's children. As a preacher, he is deliberate in
236
AN APOLOGY FOR
style, thoughtful in matter, giving evidence of a
scope of reading beyond what might be expected ;
his sermons are uniformly more acceptable to those
who believe that religion is not all emotional. A
rare man is he for his time and place.
Early falling in love with the A. M. E. Church,
its Christian teachings, its manly position, he cast
in his lot with it, and for years has been one of its
strongest human stays in Frederick County; and
rough, doubtless would have been the bed of the
poor itinerant, had not this brother and his kind-
h earted wife provided for them. As a member of
society, none stands higher. The word of Lloyd
Benson is his bond with all who know him.
(C.)
THOMAS E. GREEN.
LOCAL PREACHER, WASHINGTON, D. C.
It is a good sign to be recommended by those who
raised us from our boyhood — those who looked into
our boyish hearts before we had learned to shut the
door — looked and beheld what was there. Old man
Jacob Gideon, received the boy Thomas from the
Orphans' Court, a bound apprentice, and reared him
to manhood; and if still living, doubtless, yet
thinks that Thomas is the " honestest " man he ever
saw. So, too, thinks Thomas of Mr. Gideon and his
wife ; in fact, the estimation is mutual between the
parties. As a man of business, Thomas Green says
AFRICAN METHODISM.
237
he owes all to Mr. G-ideon ; as a Christian, he pub¬
licly proclaims Mrs. Gr to be his teacher. When
the servant extols the goodness of the master, and
the master the fidelity of the servant, both may
be relied on as parties u in whom there is no
guile."
Thomas E. Green was born May 9th, 1818, and
was early made an orphan. He was converted in
his eighteenth year, and connected himself with the
Asbury M. E. Church, where he remained some six
years ; when, to use his own words, "he fell in love
with the A. M. E. Church," and casted in his lot
with us.
He is a model Methodist, aye, more, he is a fine
type of the American Christian. There are various
types of the Christian religion, different species of
the same genus. The type of Christianity, chiefly pre¬
vailing on the continent of Europe, like the country
and the government, is great for forms, and ceremo¬
nies, and grades. The Deacon must not presume to
approach the Priest; the Priest, the Bishop ; the
Bishop, the Pope ; and so the thing goes, until the
European type of religion is a thing of outward de¬
monstration.
The English type is not so stiff; it is a Hybrid —
like its own little island lying between Europe and
America — like its government, between pure Mon¬
archy, and down right Democracy. Hence, while it
has much of the European forms, it ha3 not a little
of the American life. It is a type — a species des,
tined to become extinct. It must either go back-
11+
238
AN APOLOGY FOR
and become a beautiful skeleton, or come forward
into an unceremonious life.
The American type, unlike the European and the
English, is like itself, purely American — like its
own boundless rivers, its own democratic institutions.
An American Christian cares nothing about forms
and rituals, he only values the substance ; and those
Churches of the Bepublic that insist on dazzling
ceremonies and numerous grades, are anti-American.
The moving idea of the great Eepublic is for the
substance — for the issues ; and it cares but little for
the means employed. An American Christian will
say, and from his heart: " If the Devil will repent
and do good, let him do it; and if be don't repent,
let him do good any way, if he will."
But really to bring out one trait in tbe char¬
acter of Brother T. E. Green we have used a
great many words ; we only wanted to say, reader,
that he is sanctified in his belief about the American
type of religion. He is as free as the air, and the
doors of his heart, like heaven, stand open day and
night. He is no loiterer in the vineyard of the
Lord. He accounts all his substance as belonging
to God. In his measure, he accounts himself the
Lord's banker, and he honors all the checks, which
His poor presents. The glass of cool water is al¬
ways on hand.
A member of the little post, Pisgah Chapel, Wash¬
ington, D. C., he may in truth be called its father,
for he built it, and supports its pastor under his
own roof free of expense.
african methodism.
239
The words of Paul apply most aptly to him:
" Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving
the Lord.'' Upon an envelope which I received from
him, the following was stamped :
T. E. GREEN,
Dealer in Paper, Rags, Metals, &c.,
No. 420 Eleventh Street,
Washington, D. C.
Let his days he long, and his years not a few.
LAITY.
w. e. mathews, esq.
LAYMAN.
A man of vast experience, atid uncommon " com¬
mon sense " was Hugh Miller, the Scotch geologist.
Born among the lower strata of society, by pure
force, volcanic like, he burst through its incrusta¬
tion, and, like the finest granite, graced the houses
of princes.
His advice to young men, poor young men, young
men imbedded way down among the rocks of pov¬
erty, deserves to be written in the light. He says :
" My advice to young working men, desirous of bet¬
tering their circumstances, and adding to the amount
of their enjoyment, is a very simple one. Do not
seek happiness in what is misnamed pleasure ; seek
it rather in what is termed study. Keep your con¬
science clear, your curiosity fresh, and embrace
240
AN APOLOGY FOR
every opportunity of cultivating your mind. You
will gain nothing by attending the Chartists meet¬
ings. The fellows who speak nonsense with fluency
at these assemblies, and deem their nonsense elo¬
quence, are totally unable to help either you or
themselves ; or ff they do succeed in helping them¬
selves, it will be at your expense. Leave them to har¬
angue unheeded, and set yourselves to occupy your
leisure hours in making yourselves wiser men
But upper and lower classes there must be, so long
as the world lasts; and there is only one way in
which your jealousy of them can be well directed.
Do not let them get ahead of you in intelligence."
Thus might we continue to quote the whole of
page one and two of the " Old Red Sandstone all
of whieh is just as grandly pertinent as the lines
we have given.
Alas ? that our dear friend Mathews has not made
books more his study. A young man is he of the
sublimest talents — a brain that is as fruitful as
the clouds, a spirit as fretful as the Arab's steed,
and a heart of singular fidelity, yet does he not
fortify himself with acquired wisdom. Knowing his
absolute worth — the native ability of the man —
it is the one desire of his friends to see him go
through college ; not for the naked name, but for
the grand substance. But eager for the fray, he
hates to be caged.
Hear est thou my thoughts of thee my brother—
My own brother, even the child of my mother's womb;
Thou art as a ship, a big ship, and thy hull sinks deep;
Thou couldst defy the monsters in thy way — even the whale,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
241
In vain might he rub against thee, his coarse hide could be pierced ;
A school could be driven before thee,
The bhark would be frightened at thy approach;
The whole Carchari would flee,
But thou couldst overtake the prey;
His teeth would be broken in the fight— even the notched teeth,
And thou wouldst be mailed against the stroke of the fish with
the sword;
Like a rover thou couldst plough the deep.
Weep 1 ye princes, for the ship goes not from the mooring;
She goes not hence to bring treasures, even treasures of gold, yea, fine
gold;
Her sails are wrapt, her canvass will not kiss the breeze;
Tight are they to the masts and wrapped; with strong cords are they
wrapped.
"Will not.tfye ship be dismantled if she goes not to sea?
Will her tall masts not be lowered if she plies only coastwise ?
Aye, the mighty ship will be but a coaster;
Howl! ye starving ones, for the merchant ship goes not hence ;
The bread has failed, the flour has leaped from the barrel; it rings,
And the big ship moves not;
Howl I ye hungry, for she rots at the dock;
Howl, for she brings no meat.
0, my brother, as the ship art thou,
Spread thy canvass ere it rots, and thy masts bind anew, even with
iron;
Hang not by the coast, break thy mooring and split the sea;
Yibit the distant shore, even Tarshish,
Spoil it of its treasures aiid its meat,
And bear them to thy own unhonored, starving race.
Of tlie must versatile talents, there is scarcely any
position our young friend could not fill with honor.
Let liirii take in a good cargo of facts — religious,
scientific and political— and what a merchant ship,
laden with pr oduce, wou Id be to a famishing land,
even so would he "be to his race. When we read the
words: "My schooling ending when I was about
fifteen years of age," a tense of pain ran through
my heart. From the generation with which Mr.
Mathews is identified, is to come those who are to be
the leaders of our people in a period the most event¬
ful ; because in it we will have power. Hitherto not
242
AN APOLOGY FOR
much, depended upon our action, because we had no
absolute power, and as long as the vessel did not
move,"not much depended on the pilot; but the ves¬
sel once in motion — the swift motion which char¬
acterizes democracy, then must we look well to our
pilots! If our pilots are to graduate, not only from
school, but from boohs, at fifteen — and pilots the
most promising — we tremble when we think of the
" rubs and knocks " which the good old ship will be
called upon to endure. If our young men could be
persuaded to study, if they would take Miller's coun¬
sel: "Read good books, not forgetting the best of
all; there is more true philosophy in the Bible, than
in every work of every skeptic that ever wrote
then indeed might we look with complacency upon
the coming days.
William E. Mathews, Jr., was born of Wm. E.
and Maria Mathews, in Baltimore, the summer of
1843, July 17th. His father died in 1853. His
mother, who still lives, is thus described by a friend:
"She is a woman of fine intellect, well read in his¬
tory, and perfect in grammar, if one can be perfect
in that. Although not a professed Christian, her
life is a striking example of practical Christianity."
Under the training of such a mother, young Ma¬
thews soon learned to look upward, and with a tem¬
perament like hiSj he was not long in making that
training manifest. Since his sixteenth year, he has
been more or less identified with all the public move¬
ments in his birth city. Joining the Galbreath
Lyceum of Baltimore, Md., in his 17th year, he
AFRICAN METHODISM.
243
thenceforward took a most active part in all of its
proceedings. He was elected its President before his
twentieth year.
Brother Mathews was converted in Big Bethel,
Baltimore, under the administration of Rev. John
M. Brown, which Church he joined in 1859. Of
advanced ideas in regard to Church economy, and of
the most liberal sentiment, he has only to iden¬
tify himself fully with his Church to make his influ¬
ence felt.
The agent of the Parent H. and F. Missionary
Society, his energy is made manifest by those bril¬
liant reports of monies collected which gladden the
heart of the poor missionary. We conclude this
sketch with the hope that he, in company with all
the rising leaders of the race, may fully qualify
themselves for the great work before them.
The following is Mr. Mathews' offering :
AN ADDRESS DELIVERED IN BALTIMORE ON THE OCCASION
OF OUR SEMI-CENTENARY.
Fifty years ago, over a blacksmith shop, in the
city of Philadelphia, our fathers planted the standard
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. To-day
we meet in this beautiful sanctuary* for the purpose
of dedicating that Banner anew to G-od, with the
earnest prayer that He who was with us then, may
yet protect us, and send the principles of our holy
faith down to the oncoming host.
• Big Bethel, Baltimore.
244
AN APOLOGY JOB.
It was in the year 1703, June 14th, that John
Wesley", the founder of Methodism, was horn, in Lin¬
colnshire, England. John was hlessed with the
the Christian example of a good mother. Susanna
Wesley was a woman of superior intellect and piety.
It was her custom to commence the duties of each
day by calling her family, comprising thirteen child¬
ren, around the family altar, and there, by singing
and prayer, conducted solely by herself, dedicate
their lives to God. It will not, therefore, be sur¬
prising to know that all her children, who attained
to years of responsibility, became shining examples
in the Church of Grod. When John was not yet seven
years of age, the house in which his father lived,
caught fire. It was midnight, and the entire house¬
hold wrapped in slumber. The alarm was given,
and all the inmates, except John, speedily escaped;
lie was sleeping in an apartment around which the
flames had already wrapped their fiery tongue, and
rendered escape impossible. It was a moment big
with interest. The Rector (John's father) knelt on
the cold ground, and, in the light of his burning
home, committed the soul of his child to its Maker.
When hope from every breast had departed, John
suddenly appeared at the window of his chamber.
A peasant, mounting the shoulders of another, res¬
cued him at the very moment the roof fell in.
John, after passing through a collegiate course at
the Oxford University, and after a heart struggle of
many years groping in the darkness and finding no
light, seeking consolation and finding it in none of
AFRICAN METHODISM.
245
the e stablished Churches, he, with his brother
Charles, and fellow student George Whitfield, plant¬
ed the seed of Methodism in England, which soon
sprang into animated life, and which is now illumin¬
ating the world with the glory of its refulgence, and
wra pping hoth hemispheres with its angelic folds !
And it is well that the Wesleys were imbued with
this spirit of planting a Church with new life and
vjgor, for just at this time (1730-40) the established
Churches seemed to have been overclouded by a
spiritual night. Everywhere temperance, Christian
zeal and manly integrity were receding, and giving
"place to vice and licentiousness in their worst forms.
"Indeed," says a popular writer, " there was, in
fact, a profound infidelity undermining British Chris¬
tianity." There was need, therefore, for just such
men, and just such religious enthusiasm as the "Wes¬
leys and Whitfield excited. They saw the situa¬
tion, and endeavored to prove themselves equal to it.
The trio set out on their holy mission of carrying
u glad tidings of great joy to all mankind." Their
efforts, therefore, were not confined to Church edi-
ces, but to the mines of England they went, and
there among the colliers, began that reformation
which has proved one of the greatest triumphs of
Methodism, and, among the common people in the
public grounds, lanes and alleys, they went with
their war-shout of
" Come ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore."
and thousands of people, who had been precluded by
246
AN APOLOGY FOR
their poverty from attending the established Churches,
for the first time listened to a free salvation.
I will not detain you to relate the history of the
introduction of Methodism into the United States.
You already know how Barbara Heck and Philip
Embury came over' from Ireland, in 1760, and com¬
menced the sowing of the seed in this new soil,
which has yielded such an abundant harvest. A
few years later new laborers arrived in the persons of
Webb, Strawbridge and Asbury. Like a whirlwind
this new faith spread, and gave
"Healing and sight!
Health to the sick in mind,!
Light to the inley blind,
Offering to all mankind
The new found light I"
Thus has the spirit of Methodism progressed, until to¬
day it stands a power of strength, not asking,
but challenging the respect of all. Let us look
at a few facts in the case.
Methodism, in this country, commenced in the
city of New York, with a small room, in a private
house, for its sanctuary, and six persons for its
congregation. To-day the Methodist Church pos¬
sesses a membership of over one million of souls,
exclusive of about six millions of congregational ad¬
herents, some ten thousand Church edifices, valued
at twenty-seven millions of dollars. While her in¬
fluence in the cause of education and moral training
may be judged when it is known that thirteen thous¬
and Sabbath schools are attached to her Churches,
with one million bright-eyed children in attendance ;
AFRICAN METHODISM.
241
besides Universities, Colleges, Seminaries and Acade¬
mies to tlie aggregate number of two hundred and
two, and valued at three million of dollars.
As the little stream gushes from the mountain
base, flows on into the river, broadens and deepens un¬
til it forms a bay, and finally empties itself into, and
forms a part of the mighty ocean, so the Methodist
Church, commencing poor and among the humble,
feared on the one hand and despised on the other,
she has rolled on, surmounting difficulties the most
perplexing and stubborn, until now the Church,
which a century ago was unknown, stands in the
noon-tide of its glory ; proud in the consciousness of
having brought millions from darkness to the sav¬
ing knowledge of the truth.
But alas ! American Methodism, like all other ob¬
jects, no matter how bright and beautiful, has its
lights and shades, and of this its dark side we will
of necessity have to speak, as it was the abuse of
Methodism which compelled our sires to withdraw
from the men who permitted their prejudices to get
the better of their Christian obligations.
For this our fathers were compelled, in respect to
their own manhood and Christian character, to with¬
draw from a people holding views so directly antag¬
onistic with the spirit of godliness — and fifty years
ago there sat in the city of Philadelphia as august
an assembly, actuated by principles as pure and ex¬
alted as influenced our first Continental Congress.
It was the Convention which formed the first Con-
erence of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
248
AN APOLOGY FOR
As may be easily imagined this bold act of Allen
and his compeers to form a Church governed entirely
by colored men, met with a great deal of resistance
from those whites from whom tfiey had withdrawn;
but they soon won the respect of all candid persons.
Look at it as you may, you will all be obliged to
admit that it was an act which required no little
amount of moral courage and determination, as it
would need broad brain and able hands to steer safe¬
ly our little barque which for the first time was to
try the waves and battle the billows of an unexplored
sea, as it was an experiment which was to test and
settle forever the hither perplexed question : whether
colored men were capable o i grasping and master¬
ing all points in Church policy and settling all the
conflicting issues which so frequently arise in Church
jurisprudence. We tried and we triumphed !
"For who that leans on his right arm
Was ever yet forsaken?
What righteous cause can suffer harm,
If He its part has taken?
Though wild and loud,
And dark the cloud
Behind its folds
His arm upholds
The calm sky of to-morrow."
Battling as we have, the popular prejudices of the
masses and being deprived by our independent and
isolated position from that out side assistance and
Christian help and sympathy which other Churches
have enjoyed, we have yet succeeded, and to-day the
A. M. E. Church to the student of history furnishes
AFRICAN METHODISM.
249
the strongest argument and most conclusive proof of
the competency of the race for self-government.
Let those who grumble, let all those who permit
their prejudices to get the better of their judgment,
study the facts as they exist and then dare say that
the A. M. E. Church, is not progressive in spirit
and catholic in tone.
During the first ten years of our existence, we had
but one Bishop, seventeen ordained preachers, two
stations and seven thousand members. The entire
amount of money expended throughout the entire
connection was but $11,157 75. Then our houses
of worship were often the lofts of work-shops, or if a
Church rude and small, and like angels' visits,
(( few and far between."
But to-day rejoicing in its strength and extending
its branches like the green bay tree, our Church has
progressed east, west, north and south, until our
Banner shelters beneath its ample folds over two hun¬
dred thousand souls I
And then at the end of the first ten years of our
existence there was to be seen no trace of any effort
whatever for educational improvement. Neither
Sunday School nor Missionary Society had existence
amongst us ; but to-day how changed the scene!
We have now seven Educational Associations connec¬
ted with our Churches for assisting deserving males
and females in securing a finished education. Six¬
ty-six Missionary Societies to aid the glorious work
of sending the Gospel to our brethren in the south ■—
one College, Wilberforce, and one Church organ, the
250
AN APOLOGY FOR
"Christian Recorder" one of the ablest and most wide¬
ly circulated papers published by colored men in the
country. Our Church property which a few years
ago could have been purchased for a few hundred
dollars, is now valued at one million and a half of
dollars I The Church which started with one Bishop
and scarce enough ministers to form a corporal's
guard, now has four Bishops, six hundred regular¬
ly ordained ministers, not including local.preachers
which will swell the number to at least one thou¬
sand, and the church which during its first decade's
existence, expended only eleven thousand dollars —
now in one single year collects and expends one hun¬
dred thousand. Surely, 1 'God has chosen the weak
things of this world to put to nought the things
which are mighty."
A glorious future beckons us on to labor and to
victory, the terrible clash of arms has been brought
to a close. Freedom is triumphant, and a race long
oppressed has been lifted from the thraldom of it
chains, up to freedom and manhood.
These four millions of people, must now be-educated
and christianized—for you must know that the bar¬
barism of slavery possessed a tendency to heathen¬
ize and blot out all signs of manly integrity and
Christian virtues, and who better than the A. M. E.
Church, can perform this labor ? Who more willing
than ourselves- to go among this woe-smitten and
long injured class, and stooping, lift them up to man¬
hood and to God ?
The future hangs thick with a most abundant
AFRICAN METHODISM.
251
harvest, a harvest of heads to educate, and of hearts
to sanctify and bring as willing subjects to the foot
of the Cross. Shall we prove equal to the task ?
This remains to be seen, but judging the future by
the past we shall succeed. For it is one of the
brightest pages in the history of our Church, that
while the Army of the Union, were forcing their vic¬
torious passage through the southern land and strik¬
ing down treason, the missionaries of our Church in
the1 persons of Brown, Lynch, Cain, Handy, Stanford,
Steward and others, were following in their wake
and establishing the Church and the school house,
in many instances in view of the enemies' works.
And long before the rebellion had come to a close,
these faithful pioneers of the Gospel, had already
planted our Church in Virginia, North and South
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama an<iTennessee. Indeed
one of our Bishops (Bishop Wayman,) during the
hottest of the conflict, was in the field marshalling
his host for one purpose, while General Sherman
drilled his men for another.
Already has some seven Conferences been organ¬
ized in this benighted portion of our land. The
people are rapidly coming into our borders and seek¬
ing shelter under our protecting care—indeed the
entire South, which a few years ago was black with
the darkness of its mental night and lost in the
depths of its spiritual swamps, is now being radia¬
ted with the halo of freedom, Religion and Educa¬
tion.
This then must be the mission of our Church,
252
AN APOLOGY FOR
evangelizing, educating, uplifting these long neg¬
lected ones and making them fit heirs of a glorious
immortality. But in order to fulfil this grand de¬
sign and enable our Church to keep pace with the
spirit of the age, we need to have a broader and
more catholic spirit amongst us, and this reforma¬
tive must commence in the pulpit. The fountain
head must he pure, before the stream can possibly
be. We need and must have an educated ministry,
for depend upon it, the world will expect more of us
in the future than it has hitherto. I would there¬
fore insist that all of our educational establishments
be encouraged and supported, for henceforth brain
and culture as well as Christian zeal will be the
standard by which the ministers of this Church will
be measured.
Again we must dcr away with some of the strange
customs we have among us. One of which, is the
lining out of hymns during the singing of them.
This was very well in days when our people were
ignorant, but now that we have entered the new dis¬
pensation of light and knowledge, it should be insis¬
ted upon that all of pur members should procure
hymn books and join in the anthems of praise.
Then there is another strange custom against
which I desire to raise my voice, and that is the di¬
viding of the sexes in our houses of worship—com¬
pelling the wife to sit on this side and the husband on
that. Why separate in the house of G-od any more
than around the family altar ? Do let us be consis¬
tent. Permit the wife and husband to come to Church
african methodism.
253
■with, their little ones and sit together, and let us be
done with that piece of barbarism of colonizing the
children in the galleries and separating a family in
a pjace which, above alljothers next to their homes,
tjiey should be together.
Let us go forward then, in this broad spirit of
Christian progression. Relying upon the strong
arm and guiding-hand of the God of our fathers and
invoking his blessings upon us, we will plant anew
our Banner, and girding oh our armor we will march
forward to reap richer harvests. Then in the spirit
of Christian heroism let us
"Take with solemn thankfulness
Our burdens up; nor ask them less,
But count it joy, that even we,
May suffer, serve and wait for thee —
Who's will be done 1"
Not will we cease our efforts until around the
world our fljig shall go to the heights of the Rocky
Mountains, until it covers the dark-browed children
of the Isles of the sea, Cuba, Hayti and onward^
crossing the Atlantic to the shores of Africa, we
shall gather in to our embrace the millions of that
benighted shore — then shaU we receive the "well
done I" of Heaven, and looking, we shall behold the
morning-light throwing its beams upon our tempes t-
tossed Banner, upon which shall be inscribed in let-
ers of living light — Victoey.
12
254
an apology for
CHAPTER IX.
the new york district.
It was in the year 1822, that the growth of the
lately organized A. M. E. body made it desirable to
set off a new conference, to be denominated the New
York District. It has for its present boundary, "from
the northern extremity of the Philadelphia District
to the east of Long Island, and all the State of New
York, Riceville and Rumsen, in New Jerseywith
an accessible colored population of about 55,000.
The census of New York for 1860 was 49,005 .
The African M. E. Church hitherto has been
wofully weak in New York, especially the city ; and
in the New-England States. Flourishing elsewhere,
in these quarters, it has seemed to droop. Where
shall we find a reason for this lamentable truth P
Of New England we will speak hereafter. We re¬
new the query, Why has not the A, M. E. Church
hitherto flourished in New York city ? Why have the
Zion Methodists, with their loose government, the
Presbyterians and the Baptists, been allowed to out¬
strip us in the race for souls ? It was a sad truth that
previous to 1860, our strength there was weak; in
New York city, the old Church on Second street was
badly located ajjd poorly constructed, while our in¬
terest in Bridge street, Brooklyn, was most uncer¬
tain.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
255
We see a field under the management of one ten¬
ant, is most unprofitable indeed—it is one-half
weeds, ^nd the products it gives are not full and
plump. We are led often to pronounce the soil bad.
But the field changes hands — a new tenant comes,
and behold the change! The weeds mostly disap¬
pear, and when harvest time comes, the ears of corn
are full, the wheat is heavy. Thus was it with the
New York District. Previous to 1860, it was weak,
but during the years since, it has done marvels ; and
especially since Bishop Wayman has been flying
through it like John's angel> No District has ad¬
vanced more rapidly in material and moral worth. Fine
Churches have been acquired, new ones have been
built, old ones have been repaired and paid for, the
Bishop is hopeful, the Preachers are encouraged, and
the work goes bravely on. Other denominations
have not longer to pity Bethel; and when Sullivan
street shall have broken her cords, and Bridge street
leaped into glorious day, then will the New York
District stand forth the peer of any. The following
most creditable reports, were made at the Confer¬
ence of May, 1867:
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
Contingent Money., $ 136 19
Ministers' Support 10,251 91
Sunday Schools 48# 38
Missions 234 40
Two Cent Money - Ill 95
Bishops' Money 371 12
Superannuated Ministers 5 35
Widows et Orphans 30 30
CVntpnary 145 97
Education 3 30
Sum Total 9 11,114 81
256 AN APOLOGY FOR
CHURCH STATISTICS.
Travelling Elders ............... 14
" Deacons 4
" Licentiates 2
Members ......2,272
Local Preachers 44
Exhorters 18
Churches 31
Parsonages 2
Sabbath Schools 27
Teachers 151
Scholars 1,177
Superintendents 29
Volumes in Library 5,603
The value of the Church property in this District
is estimated at $181,000.
Let the reader learn somewhat of two of its preach¬
ers.
ACTIVE MINIS TB Y.
(A.
REV. JOSHUA WOODLIN.
ELDER.
At the late Conference of the Baltimore District,
May, 1867, this Elder visited it, and Bishop Way-
man, ever and anon, introduced him to the people
as the "big brother from New York." In height he
is full six feet, and in breadth three, while the cloth
to go round him, must be an Ell English and a half
in length. He is brown complexioned, an oval face,
with lips given to curl, a voice that is pleasant, but
"broken, and eyes that are quite prominent, and when
he walks, unstable things tremble. He weighs
AFRICAN METHODISM.
257
more than fifteen score pounds. Surely one scr large,
from a Conference so small is enough. Nor is this
all that makes this gentleman of more than usual
worth, for he was horn at Attleborougli. Attle-
"borough.! says the reader, and where is that?
Why, my good Sir, it is the little town that vied
with Philadelphia and Baltimore, in giving exis¬
tence and shape to the A. M. E. Church. Philadel¬
phia with its thousands had five delegates at the
Convention; Baltimore with equally as many had
six ; whilst little Attleborough with scarcely a hun¬
dred sent three ! In this courageous little commu¬
nity, Joshua Woodlin was horn, February 13,1&13 :
and we doubt not his parents were among the num¬
ber, that commissioned those three to speak for them
in the Convention ; and when these delegates re¬
turned and told the news, that the grand project
had been set on foot, his parents were among the
first to step forward, to have their names placed on
the roll, that was destined to have the names of an
"innumerable company," inscribed upon it.
Born at such a place, and of such parents, Joshua
Woodlin is a strong Methodist of the Bethel school;
e'er manhood was upon him, for he was converted
in ,32 he stepped forward in that same small Church
at Attleborough, and wrote his name as near to his
fathers as possible, and to the present he has1 kept
up the fight. The aged father Buleigh. received
him into Church, and bade him God speed. In it
Jie has filled every post from the gravedigger and.
sexton, up to the position of Elder. He was for years
258
AN APOLOGY FOR
a member of the Philadelphia Conference, and has
filled with acceptance its chief appointments. Bish¬
op Nazrey, now of the British M. E. Church, in
the Dominion of Canada, made him a Deacon in 1855,
and Bishop Quinn an Elder in 1858.
Of respectable English attainments he long taught
school, before he entered the ministry. A respec¬
table preacher, a successful pastor, may he long live
to bless the Church.
We once heard him say in a Love-feast at a mo¬
ment of rejoicing, nTou mustn't be too nice serving
the Lord."
(B-)
REV. VM. H. W. WINDER.
EL D E R.
Again are we under obligations to the good
Quakers for what they have done for the above
named gentleman; to them belongs the credit of
placing him in the front ranks of the Methodist
preachers of the Philadelphia Conference —the front
ranks intellectually.
Born in Greenwich, N". J., April 4th, 1834, his
pious mother was his abecedarian. From the year
1840 up to 1852, he could be found in school almost
any day, especially in the winter season; but to
Clarkson Shepherd, a Quaker, is he chiefly indebted
for what he knows, as this gentleman taught him foj
six consecutive winters; in fact he it was who en-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
259
abled him to stand a creditable examination, by Dr.
Newkirk, in 1852, for the position of master of the
public school, for the town of Greenwich; as well
also to stand a more rigorous examination, in 1857,
for the position of tutor of the Hope Well school;
both of which positions he attained and filled, we
doubt not, to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Advanced beyond single equations in Algebra, to¬
gether with a respectable amount of knowledge in
all English branches, it is possible for Brother
Winder, who is yet a young man, to attain to more
than respectability in literature. May he do it.
His ministerial career began in 1857, when he was
licensed to exhort, by the Quarterly Conference of
Greenwich Circuit; but he pressed still on, till, in
1865, he was elected by the Philadelphia Annual
Conference to the position of Elder, and ordained
by Bishop Wayman.
Ranked among the young men composing the
ministry of the A. M. E. Church, may it be his to
cease not to study until the most daring shall fear
to say that Methodism degrades mankind.
The Rev. Mr. Winder's offering to our Apology
is the following :
OUR DUTY AS A RACE.
When we review the present state of affairs in
our country, and behold the spirit that exists among
a class of the whites, that are urged by a spirit of
envy against us, we cannot fail to obey the demands
of duty. VV e are aware of this spirit, hence duty
260
AN APOLOGY FOB
demands more strongly that we crush it out. And
how can this he done ? Only hy improving the op¬
portunities we now have, and showing ourselves
worthy of those in the" future.
The time is coming when we will he called
upon to travel through society on our intellect, and
if we are not prepared, then will they cast in our
teeth their "by-words of prejudice, and hind more
strongly their malicious ideas. Then, to us, as»a
colored race, our fate is in our own hands ; the ques¬
tion is, shall we or shall we not be men ? Let us
answer yes.
As a Church, we have a, name that has gone far
and wide; is it to he disgraced ? Are we to he
behind our reputation ? We answer no! We are
rather to strengthen our reputation. We should,
as ministers and representatives of our race, prove
to them that we are engaged in a great wort, and
encourage our friends, and silence our enemies.
We should encourage education by all means, for
the advantages derived from it are greatly needed by
us. Education is required in this period more than
in any other since the world began, and he who
wishes to make his mark upon the sand of time,
must take advantage of the present opportunity.
As the future of our race depends, in a great meas¬
ure upon us, let us forward march.
African Methodism.
261
CHAPTER X.
the ohio district.
The year 183Q witnessed tlie organizatioh of this
District into a Conference. "All the State of Penn¬
sylvania west of the Alleghany'Jllountains, the State
of Ohio and West Virginia, and East Kentucky," are
the territories composing it. The geography of this
District is "varied ; it has mountains, approaches to
table land, and magnificent valleys; it has rivers
and rivulets. Its eastern boundary in Pennsylvania
and West Virginia is, the lofty Alleghany range as
it sweeps from the ftforth down through the South¬
ern States of Virginia and North Carolina. Down
the western slopes of these mountains, and flowing
north-west are numerous rivers : ttie Big Sandy, the
Guyandotte, the Kanawha, the Monongahela and
the Alleghany ; these two last, uniting at Pittsburg,
form the Ohio, which receives as tributaries the
Muskingum, the Hocking, the Sciota and the Miama.
In eastern Kentucky this District is watered by the
Licking and the Kentucky Rivers.
Wilhin the vast domains of the Republic there is
110 richer agricultural lands than is enjoyed by the
brethren who inliabit this region. The rich loamy
32*
262
AN APOLOGY FOR
valleys of the aforementioned rivers are celebrated
for their fertility. In 1860 Ohio had 12,665,587
acres of improved land, and ranked as the third State
in the Union in this respect; that portion of Penn¬
sylvania lying within the bounds of this District can
be reckoned at 5,000,000 acres of improved land;
while West Virginia and the eastern portion of Ken¬
tucky will count up at least 7,000,000 more — mak¬
ing the whole amount of improved land within the
Ohio District to be upward^of 20,000,000 acres. The
products of Ohio industry alone, for the year ending
June 1st, 1860, w&s $ 125,000,000. Of all this
goodly land, the colored people partake in no 'Small
measure. The Ohio Methodists are generally farm¬
ers, full half of whom own the soil they plough.
All that is to be expected of men of strong muscle
and industrious habits are found among them, and
not one of the thirteen Conferences can boa^t of a
more virtuous membership ; for they learn from the
whistling birds and the murmuring brooks, and not
from the vicious men of crowded cities. Within the
bounds of this District there may be found not less
than 300,000 Anglo-Africans. The strength of this
Conference thirty yeajs ago, (1836) as then reporfcedj
was 8 Pastors ; 2 Stations ; 6 Circuits ; 16 Churches ;
and a membership of 1,507 ; but amidst such a peo¬
ple, and in Such a field, its growth has been marvel¬
ous.
Look at the reports of the Conference held in Lex*
ington, Ky., April, 1867 :
AFKICAN METHODISM. 263
CHURCH STATISTICS.
Members with Probationers 8,127
Sabbath Schools 76
Teachers of Sunday Schools 550
Scholars " " 4,854
Superintendents - 83
Volumes..... 7,420
Traveling Elders. ........... 34
" Deacons . 10
u Licentiates 15
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
Contingent.. $127 72
Salaries ,. 7,603 90
Board 6,874 62
Rent .*. 2,131 00
Traveling expenses of Ministers.... 1,498 00
Bishops' Salary 368 49
To make up Preachers' Allowance 18 45
Missions 425 57
Support of Sunday Schools 1,417 25
Book Concern *. 107 59
Widows and Orphans 68 01
Wornout Preachers 27 94
"Wilberforce 115 88
Sum Total $18,784 88
Value of Church Property $189,065
We have been enabled to present the brief sketches
of those who may justly be considered the leaders of
this Conference ; and yet to one acquainted with the
men, the meek features ©f Grafton Graham would
naturally be expected, but he was in the thickest of
of the fight in Eastern Kentucky, and we could not
pjet at him; so, too, ought Robert Johnson to be
among the crowd, but is not. Lewis Woodson is an
intelligent man, and we endeavored to get a fewf^cts
from him, but while conceding that, " to write an
4 Apology,' for a i Defense ' of African Methodism,
264
AN APOLOGY FOR
was no trifling task," and 11 hence, aid from all
competent sources should be sought," yet was it " out
of his power to assist." But we present the reader
with the sketches of the men who lead the grand
Army of the Ohio.
This Conference bids fair to become one of the
very strongest. Having Wilberforce within its lim¬
its, it will doubtless be the first to catch the first
glimpse of the day, which that Institution promises
to bring in. Being the first of all the Districts to
raise its voice on behalf of an educated ministry, it
deserves this peculiar honor. But to the men.
ACTIVE MINI STB Y.
(A.)
JOHN A. WARREN,
ELDER,
May truly be denominated the working Pastor.
A splendid financier, he can get more money from
any congregation for benevolent purposes than any
man in his Conference; nor will he starve himself
either. He is a good demonstration of the truth, that
a Christian minister may so train his people that
every demand, whether of grace or of debt, will find
a ready echo in their breasts — a good demonstration
of the Scripture truth, that, " the* liberal soul shall
"be piade fatas well as, "byf liberal things shall
he stand."
•Isaiah, xxxii8.
f Prov. xi : 25.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
265
Born in Baltimore, in 1815, at the early age|( of
thirteen he joined the M. E. Church, and at onc$be-
<came an earnest laborer in the Sal/hath school. It
is said of him that on Saturday evening he would
often repair to the Church, and prepare the wood
for Sabbath that the school room might be comfor¬
table.
For two years he attended the day school taught
by Mr. George R. McGill. As years grew upon
him, he looked around for a wider sphere of action
than was presented to him either in Baltimore or in
the M. E. Church. He saw that they both tended to
bondage — political, ecclesiastical.
Removing to Philadelphia, he joined the A M.
E. Church with a view to the itinerant work. After
many conflicts with foes within and without, he final¬
ly resolved to be obedient to the call, and, although
engaged in a most lucrative employment, he gave up
all for Christ, and started to Oxford, Ohio, where he
could enjoy the advantages of the college there lo¬
cated. In a letter, speaking of this part of his life,
he says: "I recited to the Rev. Mr. Clay ball six
months, when I foolishly got tired, and joined the
Indiana Conference." This was in the year 1847
and then he began that successful ministerial career
of which few can boast. As one of the leading mem¬
bers of the Ohio Conference, he has filled alf the
most important Stations, and with uniform accepta¬
bility. As a Church finanoier, Elder Warren has
no superiors, and but few equals, as Chicago, De¬
troit, Pittsburg and Cleveland can attest. As *a
266
AN APOLOGY FOR
preacher, lie is characterized by earnestness moi^e
than deep thought, for what is most remarka¬
ble in him, is the anomaly of passionately loving
education and educated men, and yet careless to a
fault in the improvement of his own mind. As an
index to the estimate he lays upon intellectual worth,
it is sufficient to state that his daughters are finely
educated ; he having provided for them a fine library
of some 300 volumes, while his parlor is made hap¬
py with the music of both Piano and Melodeon.
The following incident in his life, as well as in the
life of another character who figures in this book,
may not be uniuteresting. During his ministry at
Pittsburg, he found a youth of a stpore years, earn¬
estly engaged in superintending the Sabbath school
of that important charge. The good Elder became
persuaded that the youth was needed in the Master's
Yineyard, and at every interview insisted upon it,
much to the embarrassment of the young Christian.
The conclusion of much prayer to God onthep^rt
of both, was that local license was given to the
cowardly young soldier ; but yet the Elder could not
get him to accept an appointment, some excuse was
always offered and maintained with such disinter¬
ested tenacity that the Elder excused him. On a
bright Sabbath afternoon, when Wylie Street was
crowed, the Elder called up the young man to close,
and just as the vast assemblage were on the eve of
departing, the Elder desired the young man to move
to his right till he made an announcement j when
he said : Friends, come out to-night, your young
AFRICAN METHODISM.
267
brother (naming the young man) will preach for us.
Come out." When it is told that this was done
withojit any notice to the youth, his feelings may he
imagined.
He offers the following :
"MY METHODIST PREACHER."
(a.) On arriving in Jiis Charge, he will receive
his flock in a loving manner; and though his reception
may be cool on their part, yet he will be cheerful;
he may be informed of the deceitfulness of this one,
and the low cunning of another, nevertheless he is
equally courteous and kind to all. Nor should" he
denounce the doings of his predecessor, providing
he stood fair at Conference. In my opinion nothing
is so contemptible, as to see a brother minister
chime in with the people in defaming the character
of a former minister : and to cap the climax of mean¬
ness, is to receive him after with pretended love and
extend to him the pulpit.
(&.) While he will not be too formal and stiff with
his Officiary, yet will he fill the chair with such be¬
coming gravity, that he will command the respect
of all.
(c.) He will not preach too long, nor too loud ; be¬
ing satisfied that it is not only what he says, but
how he says it, that reaches the heart of the people.
(d.) He will look upon his members as his child-
ret), and will have no unnatural partiality toward
any, respecting not the persons of the wealthy and
268
AN APOLOGY FOR
influential. If lie shew any preference it will "be to
office, to talent, or to virtue, but not merely to world¬
ly circumstance.
(e.) He will be sure to visit his classes, and espec¬
ially the prayer meeting held in his charge. I do not
say that he will he the leader of these meetings, nor
do I say that he will sit there as one not interested,
hut he will he there to join his voice with theirs in
praise and prayer.
(/.) He will not fail to he found in Sahhath
school, and he will make opportunity to devote a
portion of each Sabbath to the benefit of the chil¬
dren, always having a kind word for them, and an
encouraging one for the Teachers and Superinten¬
dent. In connexion with the school he will certain¬
ly have a class of young men^ if the material be not
found in his school, he will hunt it up, not rest¬
ing till he has formed his class.
(g.) He will encourage the love of music in his
younger members, by sanctioning it in his Church.
(h.) He will be forward to organize a literary so¬
ciety for his young men, fully cognizant of its moral
tendency. If he does not become an active member
he will be an honorary one; he will not only attend
himself but his family likewise, if he have any.
Should a member acquit himself with credit, let him
be the first to take him by the hand ani? say, "G-o
on."
(i.) He will never be unemployed, as there are al¬
ways something for a Methodist preacher to do. He
is the last man to eat the bread of idleness.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
269
(j.) He will have taste, "but will despise a fop ; he
will he cleanly, knowing' that a lazy, dirty minister,
has no in fluence among his own people, or with the
community at large.
(1b.) His pastoral visits will he made in such a
manner, as will have a good impression not only
upon his members, hut upon all the household.
This is not done hy appearing gloomy, walking slow¬
ly, and low speaking, but on the contrary he will he
cheerful, having good manners and an easy address.
• (Z.) He will by no means keep service up to a late
hour, however interesting it may be, or whatevet
may be the opinion of hi#congregation ; he is satis¬
fied that if persons are truly convicted of sin, they
will seek the Lord at home afwell, aad iL is not ne¬
cessary to keep them at the Church until eleven or
twelve o'clock at night.
(in.) He wil"i certainly respect the feelings of his
congregation in regard to money ; should they be
behind in his suppprt, he will let the Stewards attend
to their duty, never mentioning himself until it be¬
comes absolutely necessary, then he,will call his peo¬
ple together, and in a loving manner speak of his
wants.
(w.) He will understand the laws of his Church,
and will remember that he that executes the law,
should be the last to violate it.
270
AN APOLOGY FOR
' (B.)
JOHNSON" P. UNDERWOOD.
ELDER.
The Ohio Conference has few better equipped min¬
isters than J. P. Underwood. Tall of stature, hroad
1 'shouldered," an open contenance, and steady eye,
he is just the man to draw forth from passers-by the
interrogatory, Who is he ?
Born at Mount Pleasant, Ohio, twenty-eighth
September 1824, he is a t»ue "Buckeye," possessing
all that frankness, which is characteristic of his State
and section. He too^n common with not a few of
our ministers, especially those of the west, is in¬
debted to the Quakers, for a training that was extdn-
dedto both head and heart: feeling desirous to thank
this noble people for what they have done for our
race, we take pleasure in quoting from a letter which
we received from him; he says. " I wish to mention
Mr. James H. G&ill, Dr. J. T. Updegraff, and Prof.
G-. K. Jenkins, if this should ever meet tKeir Bight,
they will please accept my humble thanks for their
many kind acts to me."
It was in the year 1847, that Solomon H. Thomp¬
son was appointed to the Mount Pleasant circuit.
That brother belongs to the generation of African
preachers, whom the Lord called " to preach" —not
to talk, Hot to lecture, no not even to teach dry
truths, but called to preach red hot words — words
AFRICAN METHODISM.
271
that fell seething upon the naked soul. To that
same generation belonged Caugh, and Robinson, and
Africanus in the east, and "Sammy" Johnson, and
Fayette Davis, and Abram Lewis, in the west, a
generation of blessed memory, who, having done
their work, are fast passing away ; and a new school
of African preachers is taking their place, a school
with less fire, called not only to preach, but to bap¬
tize. We haste to exclaim, God grant that it may
" finish its work " as fully and as successfully, as the
school of the Fathers.
Solomon Thompson in the Mount Pleasant Circuit
was blessed with a revival, his hot harangues mel¬
ted many an icy heart, and among them J. P. Under¬
wood, when lo! the quiet Quaker became a noisy
Methodist.
In less than two years after his conversion, he was
called upon to call others. In 1849, he was licensed
to exhort by James Coleman; having occupied in
turn all the grades which the Canon doth enjoin ;
he was ordained by Bishop Quinn, and received as
his first charge Captina Circuit.
As a man of letters, Bro. Underwood will compare
most favorably with colored ministers generally. He
often taught school, before entering the itinerant
ranks, and since. He is to be ranked with the men
who live in their day. Some men there are who live
in the past, and some in the future, while still
another class, live in the present; of this latter class
is Bro. Underwood, not antiquated in his views, nor
yet way ahead, he lives and moves in the glorious
an apology for
now. We quote the following tliouglitful sentences
from his pen. His theme was,
"sttjdy of divine revelation."
And was written for our Apology.
"What deep and thorough conviction is produced in
the mind, by a calm survey of the visible works of
Grod —the animals, each species of which is adapted
to its own peculiar habits of living, are all made sub¬
servient to some benevolent purpose ; the water gent¬
ly gliding along, seemingly without any propelling
force, nourishes the most insignificant, as well as
the greatest of all earthly beings; and upon its broad
bosom floats the huge ship, that is the means by
which the glad tidings of salvation are spread from
pole to pole; the noble forest waving in the gentle
breezes ; the whole host of the feathered tribe, flying
in the air, and singing their songs of praise to Na¬
ture's God, ' who first marked their throng with
bright variety. ' These are but the visible works
of the Creator, and but a few of them ; for * who can
number half His works ? ' "
"And again, from the ignorance, superstition, and
deceitfulness of the human heart, many have rejec¬
ted the evidences on which the trutlj of Christianity
rests ; and multitudes of thoughtless mortals have
been induced to disregard its authority, and have gli¬
ded down the stream of licentious pleasure, sporting
themselves and feeding vain fancies —cultivating
their own self-deception, until they have landed in
AFRICAN METHODISM.
273
wretchedness and ruin. e Be not deceived; God is
not mocked : for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall
he reap.' We must likewise remember that the har~
vest is generally greater than the seed,' "
(0.)
PHILIP T0LLIVER, JR.
DEA CON.
The Queen city of the West, Cincinnati, can boast
of few men of more genius than the gentleman
whose name heads this article. Having purchased
his freedom with his gold, his father removed to
Cincinnati, where he brought up his four children
in a manner alike beneficial to them and creditable
to him—giving to each as good training as the
common schools of that city made possible. Philip
earnestly applied himself to the studies allotted —
the highest being U. JS. History, Algebra, and thfe
Philosophies—Mental, Moral and Natural. More
latterly he has given himself to the study of the
dead languages — Latin, Greek and Hebrew. Of
an active disposition, he was early associated with
all the public measures which look toward the pop¬
ular good. He is now President of the United
Colored American Association — a most responsible
body — a member of the Et^ual Rights League, the
Library Association, and more than one of the Ly¬
ceums which grace that city. He has twice served
the School Board as its Secretary. The ministerial
274
AN APOLOGY FOR
life of Bro. Tolliver began in 1860, as local preacher ;
in 1863 he was ordained to the position of Deacon.
On the death of the lamented Edward D. Davis, he
was appointed to succeed him as Pastor of Allen
Chapel, one of the most important stations within
the bounds of the Ohio Conference. Here, where
nurtured and where he spent the days of childhood
and youth, no pastor was ever more highly esteemed
than Philip Tolliver, Jr* Prom his pen we have
the following article :
"an educated ministry."
We are to inquire,
1st. What he shall preach ? Answer: The Truth
of God. He shall set forth the law of his God
plainly ; and in order to do this, he must first un¬
derstand clearly the character of God — His purity,
justice and mercy.
2d. He must clearly know His will as to man ; he
stands in the fore-front as the representative of those
to whom he shall preach ; he shall exemplify the
argument set forth by himself, and the errors and
superstitions that he wishes to dissipate in others,
must first disappear in his own character, or his min¬
istry will be of no effect.
3d. He must labor in the strength of God, as it is
clear that God alone, with all of our acquired ability,
can give final success.
4th. Let him also labor for the glory of God, that
God may have all the praise for his endowment.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
275
5th. All are qualified by the Spirit; not by
might of genius, riches or learning. These are but
useful ornaments ; but the Spirit's power makes ef¬
fectual the message of heaven.
6th. Lastly, let him preach a pure Gospel, and
the whole Gospel. Cursed is he who shall handle
the word deceitfully.
While he may listen at the base of the trembling
mount wrapped in tempest and smoke, and hear the
voice of Him who spake as nevSr man spake, and
declare in the solemnity of death, that by the law
no flesh living can be justified ; let him love to study
the whole Gospel that proclaims, though a man
sin he has an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
the righteous. Who can or ought to be so well
qualified to publish mercy as he who has been made
to tremble at the strictness of God's moral law?
Who shall be more earnest ? Who should be better
qualified? I say the best fitted instrument is the
minister educated and ordained. May God send
forth such, that when we all meet above, both min¬
isters and flocks may hear the welcome, Well done.
Amen.
(D.)
HENRY J. YOUNG.
ELD JS R •
A native of Delaware, the little State that gave
birth to Bishop Campbell and John M. Brown, he
276
an apology for
seems to partake of that same indomitable persever¬
ance that characterizes the .above named two. In¬
deed, It seems peculiar to Delaware, for we know not
one of her sons who is passing through ihe world
half asleep. They are all wide awake.
Henry J. Young was born November 7th, 1819,
and his parents, Daniel and Dianah Young, were
both slaves. But they could not endure it, and set¬
ting their heads and hearts together, and forgetting
not their hands, th5y went to work ; and God blessed
them, and prospered their labors so signally that
they soon had treasured up sufficient to pay for
themselves ! Astounding fact — to pay for them¬
selves — their bones, their flesh, their muscle — to
pay for the air they breathed, for the water they
dranl^. To pay whom ? Him who gave them life and
being ? Who calls the wind from its rest, and the
waters from their secret channels ? If so, well.
But be astounded wfien it is told that the creature
assumes to be the Creator — man assumes to be God,
and as God claims ownership in man, and demands
to be paid for flesh and bones, for air and water.
Daniel Young and his wife Dianah, must take of
their hard earnings, and pay to some Delawarean
for the privilege of breathing God's air, through
God's lungs. Was ever robbery so heaven-defiant ?
Bro. Young, speaking of this event, says : " They
labored hard until they were able to buy themselves
from their inhuman oppressors, and thereby^save
their offsprings from all the cruelties of a slave life."
Henry J. Young was converted to God in June,
AFRICAN" METHODISM.
277
1830, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church,
in which he remained a most active member until
1840, when he connected himself with the A_ M. E.
Church. Having filled the various positions of a
zealous member, he was ordained a local Deacon, in
1848, at the Conference "held in Trenton, N. J.; the
same year Bishop Quinn called him into the regular
itinerant work, and sent him to the Lewistown
Circuit. In 1850 he was ordained Elder at the Con¬
ference tield in Philadelphia ; since which time he
has filled some of the most prominent Stations in all
our borders.
Inheriting his father's love of liberty, he early
went to Canada, where he assisted much in making
the B. M. E. Church what it is. He has since re¬
turned to the States, and in the southern work of the
Ohio Conference, his influence and tact have been
felt; to him as much as to any one man of that Con¬
ference is to be credited the triumphs which have
crowned our work in Kentucky. His education is
confined to the common English branches ; but he
is one of those men who, having a second class edu¬
cation, will make a first class man ; or a third class
education will mike a second class man.
As a preacher he is earnest; as a pastor he is la¬
borious, having built, since he entered the work,
seven Churches, and finished and improved some
seven or eight more.
A iover of liberty and of his race, may God con¬
tinue to make him useful in his day. His contribu¬
tion reads well:
13
278
AN APOLOGY FOR
"ON INTELLECTUAL PHILOSOPHY."
In examining the component parts of man, we
find a material and immaterial man; or in other
words, a visible and invisible man. The material
man has growing out from his body members, which
tend to perfect his organization, and physically
qualify him to pursue the various avocations of life.
The immaterial man, like the material, has its or¬
gans or members, which are necessary for the per¬
fection of the intellectual man. The chief character
of the intellectual man is denominated mind, which
can think, understand, compare, retain propositions,
and solve problems of the most intricate and diffi¬
cult nature. The will, is the result of the con¬
clusions of all the faculties of the mind, but the
power to execute the will in any demonstrable man¬
ner, is truly intellectual.
We have represented in the physical organization
of man a house in which a master piece of machin¬
ery is placed. The executive powers of the mind
put the great machine into operation. In compar¬
ing the intellect to a machine, we regard hearing as
the lever, the power to retain the safety valve, and
thought the propelling power, which constantly
keeps the machine in full action. The mind is the
repository, where the organs of the ears are disturb¬
ed by the vibrations of air, and the ear is informed
of approaching danger. Through the agency of
thought, these fearful apprehensions are conveyed
to the mind, which immediately call a convention
AFRICAN METHODISM.
279
of all tlie susceptible faculties ; which form the mind,
and thought at once devises a plan for the protection
and security of man. The same course is adopted
when the sense of feeling is violated, or taste tam¬
pered with ; smelling intruded upon, or sight arrest¬
ed ; complaint is made by the same agent, who never
fails to perform the duty of giving information ; and
the intellect is always equally ready to dictate a
measure to secure the interest of each faculty of the
mind.
Our desires, affections, reasons, appetites are given
to us by the munificent God, who also gave us or¬
gans, muscles, nerves, ligamenj^ and brain. The
composition of our minds, like that of our bodies, is
the work of a Divine hand. The ability to exercise
both the body and mind were given with an inten¬
tion and purpose. Thus appetite was intended to
operate for the preservation of man's life ; affection
binds him to his fellow man in the sacred ties of so¬
cial relations. Reason is to direct and control both
appetite and affection. Reason is aided to execute
this office by the power to approve or disapprove.
The intellectual mind is an aspirant. It disdains
to remain fastened to dull mortality, so, on fancy's
golden pinions it soars aloft to the beautiful and lux¬
uriant fields of immortality, and there ascends the
ladder of imagination to sublimities' enviable peak ;
and there she sets soliloquizing amid the gentle
breezes of divine inspiration, and becomes invigor¬
ated, and makes an effort to ascend the heights of Di¬
vine perfection; but, alas! she is fastened by the
280
AN APOLOGY FOR
cords of mortality, and has to descend and remain for
a season in the temple of clay.
Man is mentally qualified for the highest state -of
intellectual development, and a demonstration oi' the
fact is seen in the arts and sciences of the day. For
an impressible proof of his powers, let the sceptical
mind visit the world of arts, and then lie will see
the genius of man displayed in a thousand useful in¬
ventions. Hence the physical structure of man, the
masterpiece piece of creation, is imitated hy the
sculptor and painter ; the one takes his mallet and
chisel, brings his miniature out of the bowels of the
earth, and compares him with the most choice work
of nature, and longs for power to breathe the breath
of life into his ideal of man ; while the other takes his
pencils and canvass, and sits down to imitate his
God. When he wants to paint a man, he dips his
pencil in the day, and shades it with the night; and
he copies so accurately the delineations of the face,
and the work is so beautiful, that we think it com¬
pares very favorable with the work of nature.
In the scientific world, man not only becomes
master, but invents sciences, such as : Geography,
Geology, Geometry and Trigonometry, together with
very useful sciences of Botany, Chemistry, Astron¬
omy, Physiology, &c., and makes them all subser¬
vient to his will. He calls the lightning from the
clouds, and makes it carry his thoughts around the
earth with astonishing velocity, or he steals the
thunder-bolt, and charges his metallic battery upon
the seat of disease, and laughs as the result of his
skill is made the blessing of many.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
281
The intellectual man controls the physical by the
will which puts the mind into operation, and the
mind has complete control of the body; so, by the
mind, both will and action ar6 controlled. Thus
we liave the action of the intellectual and physical
man.
WCen the mind and body unite in observing the
moral code, which is the duty of life, they produce
the moral man. While the intellect prepares J;he
man for human association and society, the moral
character fits him for the enjoyment of the society
of the holy angels ; it also prepares him for the enjoy¬
ment of the companionship of the redeemed of the
Lord, and the association of just men made, perfect
through the blood of the Lamb.
Since the physical man is dependent on the intel¬
lectual for the knowledge of the physical laws, and
the moral man appeals to the register kept by the
intellect for the knowledge of the moral code, then
let us store our minds with useful information, and
endeavor to inform ourselves in the laws, both moral
and physical. Oh ! then let us study the sciences
and arts of the day. Then we will be better qualified
to discharge the duties we owe to our God, family
and ourselves.
282
an apology fob
(E.)
james a. shorter.
ELDER.
Blunt as the light, and as honest, is Jas. Shorter,
who, in 1864, came very near being crowned "with
the Episcopal crown. We will not say he was too
honest, hut he was too out-spoken — too blunt.
We were no member of that body, nor were we pres¬
ent until the election was over, but from what we
heard, we are decidedly of the opinion that, had the
Rev. Mr. Shorter not spoken so freely on the Green
et Nazrey question, he would to-day have been read¬
ing out Appointments. So very certain were some
of his friends of it, that they made the telegraph
going Southward say, in effect, " Come on and see
your ordained Bishop."
When but a child, at the General Conference of
1844, in Pittsburg, we recollect hearing it said of
the late Richard Robinson, who was then urged by
the men of the East for Bishop, "If he hadn't a
talked so much, he would have been elected."
So you see, brethren, it does not do to talk too
much, especially on the unpopular side. The maxim
says : i{ A hint to the wise is sufficient."
But Jas. Shorter was not made Bishop, and he is
none the less a man for that; perchance Providence
does not will, that appreciation for the integrity of
the man should thrust him into a position which he
is not backward to confess his want of literary ability
AFRICAN METHODISM.
283
to fill. But the echoes come to us over the Alle¬
ghany peaks, saying that it is the purpose of the
West, especially his own District, to try it again in
1868. We are perfectly willing that Providence
should decide it.
James A. Shorter was born February 4th, 1817, in
Washington City, D. C., and, although nominally
free, the fetters pressed his limbs too tightly, for the
love of liberty is the ruling passion of his soul. The
little ten mile square, with its huddle of slave pens,
whips and chains, could not contain him, and when
but a youth, he bade it adieu, and started for the
glorious West, where he could hear, not the clank¬
ing chain, but the rustling of the wind over the
broad prairies — could see, not the auction and pen,
but the surging lakes, and the swift rolling rivers.
He stopped at Gralena, 111., where he was convert¬
ed in 1839, and joined the M. E. Church ; coming
East in July of the same year, he united with the
Bethel A. M. E. Church in Philadelphia, then under
the pastoral care of Bishop Morris Brown. Lot
Fletcher was his leader, who was pleased with the
outspoken zeal of the youngster.
In the month of September, having married Miss
Julia Steward, he returned with his bride to his
birth city, Washington, D. C., and united with
Israel Church, Kev. John Cornish, Elder. Many
of the members of this Church lived in the lower
part of the city, the distance of a full mile or more
from the place of worship, and they resolved to have
•a place of worship at a more convenient distance.
284
AN APOLOGY FOR
Bro. Shorter, who had become distinguished for
his usefulness, was elected one of the first Trustees ;
and, having made due preparation, they went to
work; a lot was procured, the one on which the
stately Union Bethel now stands, and a temporary
structure was soon up. In this little frame they
worshipped and rejoiced, grew strong in numbers
and in faith, until now, in their fine brick, they
divide equally the spoil of souls with old Israel.
From this Church — the Church which he had been
instrumental in making — the Church which he had
served as Trustee, Steward, Leader, Exhorter and
Local Preacher, he was recommended for the itiner¬
ant service in the Baltimore Conference, and was re¬
ceived April, 1846.
Within the bounds of this District, he labored for
eleven years, filling its most important Charges ; but
the thorns of oppression were too painful in his sides,
and although measurably willing to endure them
himself, he could not endure the thought of subject¬
ing his children to the same torture; and he says:
<cOn account of slavery and its concomitant evils,
and with a view of educating my children, I took a
transfer to the Ohio Conference, where I now re¬
main/' Of course he has helped to develop the
Ohio Conference, and in it, to-day, none stands
higher.
What James Shorter lacks in education, he makes
up in native ability, so far as that is ^possible ; a
leader in Israel, may the courage of his heart long
be vouchsafed to the Church, to push through the
AFRICAN METHODISM.
285
counsels of more intelligent minds, and may the sun¬
light of his integrity never he eclipsed.
(F.)
BENJ. W . AKNETT.
LICENTIATE.
Wrote the article, "Suggested at the tomh of
Bishop Allen," from which we have quoted. He
was born way up the Monongahela river, at Browns¬
ville, Pa., March 6th, 1838, and is consequently a
young man. He is most noted for an unflinching
perseverance — does a mountain lay across his path¬
way, he nerves himself for the task, and surmounts
it; does a broad surging river flow before him, he
coolly goes to work, bridges it, and passes over. He
has had all kind of oppositions since he began to
walk the life-path — prejudice, poverty, ill-provi¬
dence, all seemed to conspire against him ; but as
ever, they only tended to develop the latent talent
of his soul. I speak of his talent, and yet it must
be confessed that many men are born with far more
than he ; for really what he has accomplished, is not
so much due to his talent as to his perseverance. He
has a pound of talent, but five pounds of go-ahead-
ativeness. Hence his success. His education com¬
menced at the public schools, where he tells us
he went one day, and stayed home two. In this
way the boy-days were passed, and when they ended
he was not much wiser than when they began. But
13*
286
AN APOLOGY FOR
the years creeping on him, his live nature woke up,
and bade him to bestir himself, for manhood was
coming. Obedient to her voice, he did awake ; and,
although, following the river for a livelihood, he did
not forget his God and his books — two towers into
which if any run we will be safe. Whilst plying the
Western waters between New Orleans, La., and St.
Paul, Minn., an accident, by which he lost a leg,
unfitted him for the river life, and returning to
Brownsville, he began to teach school, in 1859. To
some men, falling down is getting up. Whilst thus
employed, he gave evidence of that public spirit
which has since actuated him. When the Syracuse
National Convention was called in 1864, he urged
the people of his section to send delegates, which was
done, himself being among the first chosen. At
this Convention he made the acquaintance of all the
leading colored men of the land, and coming hence,
it wp,s "with the determination to leave nothing
undone that should tend to carry out the delibera¬
tions of that body." Since which time, Jie has acted
most zealously with the "Equal Rights League;"
being chosen its chief Secretary at the National
Convention, called by it in the city of Washington,
January, 1867. Engaged by the African Civiliza¬
tion Society, he went to Washington, D. C., and
took charge of its largest school. While in this
city, it was his privilege to witness many of the
events which are now- historical. Arriving there
Bee. 24th, 1865, on the 29th he wrote a letter on
the Vice-President's desk, in the Senate Chamber ;
AFRICAN METHODISM.
287
on Jan. 2d, '65, he went to the President's Recep¬
tion, and shook the hand of President Lincoln ; and
he was present when the Constitutional Amend¬
ment, abolishing slavery in the land, passed the
House of Representatives.
Converted under the ministry of the A. M„ E.
Church, he joined the same, and was licensed by the
Quarterly Conference of Union Bethel, Washington,
D. C., to preach. Of course the influence of such a
man will be felt; youthful and energetic, he gives
promise of extended usefulness to the Church. Hav¬
ing returned to the West, he has entered regularly
into the itinerant work. May the hopes of his
friends be more than realized. He contributes the
following:
SUGGESTED AT THE TOMB OF BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN,
MARCH 6th, 1867.
" Men will travel hundreds of miles, over freezing
snow and scorching sand, to behold the place where
a poet first breathed the air; they will journey to
the tombs of mighty heroes. The Mahommedan thinks
he must visit Mecca once during his life time, in or¬
der that he may receive the smiles of Allah ! The
ancient Jew went annually to the City of David.
The patriotic American embraces every opportunity
to visit the grave of Washington. The Freedman of
the South raises his devotional window towar.d the
tomb of Xincoln, and teaches his children to visit
the sepulchre of the great Emancipator. The Chris-
288
AN APOLOGY FOR
tian, though, not permitted to visit the place where
Jesus is, yet may he visit the tomb where he once lay.
In the same spirit I invite the communicant and
friend of Bethel to come with me, and let us visit the
sacred tomb of Richard Allen, the first Bishop of the
A. M. E. Church. Though no costly pile of granite
attracts the passing throng, no ostentatious statue of
brass marks the place where sacred worth is enshrin¬
ed ; nor is there any finely written epitaph to speak of
his fame, yet let us approach the sacred spot in
reverential awe. There is the tomb! what glori¬
ous reminiscences ! what sweet recollections of the de¬
parted great! There is the mother church standing
in unostentatious splender ; and while I stand solilo¬
quising about the past and the present, I look once
more upon the temple, and wonder how many have
gone from it to join the saints above. Imagination
starts up and annihilates time and space, brings the
holy bands before me in all the vividness of life ; and
whilst I look and contemplate, away ye Profane ! ye
souls, whose lives are folly and mirth, disturb me not
in my reverie; and Ye who have no taste for the
spiritual, away ! and let me meditate upon the saint
of the living God ! We ask the pure in heart, and
especially the ministers of Christ, to come and stand
at the sacred tomb, and see if they cannot learn a
lesson of incalculable benefit.
Though the white slab of marble and few brick
hide from mortal view all that remains of the Bishop,
yet I feel to rejoice in the belief that his spirit has
mounted above, and is now pleading for the preser-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
289
vation of the Church he organized — our beloved
Bethel.
LOCAL MINISTRY.
JOHN PECK.
LOCAL ELDER, PITTSBURG.
Paul enumerates the heads of the primitive Church,
in 1 Cor. 12-28, as follows, " And God hath set some
in the Church, first Apostles, secondarily "prophets,
thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of heal¬
ings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."
The commentators of every age, from Origen down,
have been puzzled to clearly define the labor of each
of these several orders. The order Avtia^s, what
was the scope of its action? The Greek language
newly made subject to the divine Spirit, could only
define things or offices, by their quality or work; or
as Dr. Robinson more neatly expresses the idea,
"The writers of the New Testament, further applied
the Greek language, to subjects on which it had nev¬
er been employed by native Greek writers. No na¬
tive Greek had ever written on Jewish affairs, nor
on Jewish theology and ritual. Hence the seventy
in their translation, had often to employ Greek as
the signs of things and ideas, which heretofore had on¬
ly been expressed in Hebrew. In such a case, they
coul,d only Releot those Greek words, which most
nearly corresponded to the Htbrew, leaving the differ¬
ent shade, or degree of signification to be gathered
290
AN APOLOGY FOR
by the reader from the context." Accepting this
fact, what better word than could possi¬
bly have been used, to denote the office and work
of a local Methodist preacher ? '1Aaid, assist¬
ance , met, one who aids, or assists, a help," says the
critical Lexicon of3agster. Donnegan defines it,
" the act of taking in exchange, a getting possession, the
affording aid." And while Parkhurst, following
Yitrmga, confines this help, as given to the infirm
and sick, as does also Dr. Robinson, yet does the
learned Dr. Lighfoot conjecture, uthat they were the
Apostles' helpers; persons who accompanied them, bap¬
tized those who were converted by them) and were sent
by them to such places as they could not attend to, being
otherwise employed."
Whatever may be the opinion of the learned as to
the labor here designated, it is certain that it may
with the very greatest propriety, be taken as a scrip¬
tural guarantee for the office and work of a local
ministry, which is preeminently a helping ministry.
But what has all this to do with the Rev. John
Peck ? whose name heads this article. That brother
stands conspicuous among those constituting an or¬
der of ministry, found in the A. M. E. Church, even
the local or helping ministry, whose lawfulness we
have been defending ; and upon scriptural grounds.
Of Roman Catholic parents, his soul very early
planned a revolt from the picture worship which it
demanded, and on the 10th of Sept,"ISIS, the city of
his soul surrendered, and the Conqueror entered, with,
his sword girded upon his thigh.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
291
Though born in Maryland, he e^rly removed to
Virginia; but the free aspiration of his nature was
too buoyant to be confined in either of those dun¬
geons, and in the year 1821, he issued out the gate
and came to Pennsylvania.' Coming to Carlisle, he
there joined the A, M. E. Church, then a mere cir¬
cuit post; but the Brother dying, at whose house the
meetings were held, the little band dissolved, and
Brother Peck joined the M. E. Church, which had
for its paster, the youthful Thomas Sargent. Here
he remained but a short time, for at a Camp meeting
given, the colored members were subjected to the most
unchristian treatment, and the spirited John Peck
was the last man in the world upon whom to attempt
such treatment. The wrongs were no sooner inflic¬
ted, than he gathered around him, all his colored
hoarders, for he kept a tent, and the conclusion of
the matter was, that, to .a man they resolved lo leave.
Striking the tent all the colored people formed into a
line, and as they marched from the ground, they
sang the good old Methodist tune, " Farewell, we
have a right up yonder."
The little band, made strong by their awakened
manhood, as one man resolved to hoist again the A.
M, E. flag j they purchased a lot, and soon there was
reared upon it a neat little brick Church. In this
Church John Peck was first licensed to preach, by
Ret. John Cornish.
While in Carlisle, an incident worthy of record
took place. About the year '34 or '35, there was a
young man in attendance upon^the Lutheran Acade-
292
AN APOLOGY FOR
my at Gettysburg. He had lately come from tlie
South, and report gave him credit of being pious and
wise.
A student of theology, and regularly empowered,
it so happened that he made his -first public effort in
that same little Church, although, not a member of
the Methodist family. He seemed greatly desirous
of becoming of the greatest possible use to his peo¬
ple ; and opening his soul to Brother Peck, he was
at once advised to cast in his lot with the A. M. E.
Church, whose future career he pictured forth as if
with the spirit of prophecy. " Who knows," said he
to the young man, " but you may one day be a Bishop
of that ChurchThat youth was none other, than
our present Bishop, D. A. Payne.
It was in 1836, that he removed to Pittsburg, where
Rev. Wm. Paul Quinn was in charge. By the great
fire of 1"845, the Church on Front St. was destroyed,
and the flock, weak and scattered, was destitute
of a place of worship. The leading men were
undecided as to the course to pursue, some advocated
rebuilding, others, and among them John Peck, ad¬
vised selling their lot, small and cramped up, and
purchase a site more elfgible. Wylie St. was sug¬
gested, but many of the members grew furious ; the
objections urged against it were the distance, the
mud, and want of gas ; but the party favoring it,, led
on by Brother Peck, were uncompromising. They
saw the direction that the City must necessarily grow,
and though the site proposed was a little far, yet they
felt assured that the time was not distant, when the*
• •
AFRICAN METHODISM.
293
corner of Wylie and Elm, would be in the centre of
the city. They carried their pointy and the result is
precisely what they had presumed on. No Church,
among the many scores which decorate the Smoky
City, has a site, more beautiful or central than this
Church. Yery much of the credit belongs to John
Peck. But let me conclude this lengthy sketch of
the Local Elder.
None stands higher in the community than he ; his
word is sufficient endorsement with those who know
him ; in fact his endorsement is necessary to every
project which comes before the people.
A man of unblemished integrity, of more than
ilsual cultilre, and judgment not to be despised, he
dishonors not his Church and connexion.
LAITY.
(A.)
JOHN G. MITCHELL, A. M.
Professor of Greek and Mathematics, Wilberforce.
I have this moment finished reading the very brief
facts which the dear Professor sent me at my very
urgent request, from which to write a brief sketch ;
and in the fullness of my heart, I feel like exclaim¬
ing .* 0, ye despisers of the negro, behold what this
man hath done !
Of Weytern birth, he longed for books ! And
why should any Westerner care for books? It is
for him to read the books of nature — the field book,
294
AN APOLOGY FOE
the barn Look, and the books of the horse and cow.
But why should he descend to man-made books;
God had given him a library in the rich rolling
prairies. Why should he want another ? Yet are
these Westerners ambitious. They accept the li¬
brary God hath given, and still in addition demand
those which man hath made. John G. Mitchell
was as ambitious as any ; with true Western instinct,
he demanded: a double library.
But he was poor, and why should the poor aspire
to seats filled by princes ? Did he not know that
they who wore soft raiment are in the court of
kings ? And how could he expect to get through
college P Whence was he to get bread and raiment ?
God, in truth, gives bread and raiment, but men
charge for the handling. However, young Mitchell
had a pair of hands that never quaked before the
plow or the cradle — hands that were eager for the
fray — hands that assured him of victory. Confi¬
dent in his hands, he went to work.
He was wading through the deep current man¬
fully, and the banks of the opposite shore heaved in
view, and, like another Leander, he split the waves
anew.; but just then a sister, Margaret, laid hold on
him, and; a loving nature like his, could not see that
sister go down, and he nerved himself anew for the
additional responsibility ; and the hidden strength
of his soul was equal to the work, for he bore Mar¬
garet safely through. And on he went, burdened
with want and care, yet hopeful, when word came
that his father was dead ! and still more loads must
AFRICAN METHODISM.
295
he bear now, for how could he see mother and the
little ones home, suffer want. " Having attended to
duties painful and solemn, and having divided the
scanty means obtained by teaching, I returned to
Oberlin."
Not long had he been seated till another messen¬
ger came with the word: "Nancy Ann is dying,
haste home," and home he went; full of trouble, yet
must he comfort; poor, yet must he enrich ; weak,
yet must he take more burdens. Nancy died, and
his consequent burdens well nigh triumphed over
him ; so oppressed was he, that he could not return
to his beloved Oberlin.
But the fire in him was unquenchable; the strength
unfailing; the genius not to be thwarted. "If I
cannot study at Oberlin, I will study at G-allipolis,"
thought he, " locality has nothing to do with mental
achievements. If I cannot triumph as pupil, I will
triumph as master ; I will be both teacher and pu¬
pil." Thus reasoned our hero, and while teaching
school for bread at G-allipolis, he was keeping up
with his class at Jberlin; and in '58 he returned to
Oberlin to share with it the honors of graduation.
But John G-. Mitchell was not only a Westerner,
and though, it would seem, ought only to desire the
book of nature; he was not only poor, and it would
seem ought not to aspire to heights of literary distinc¬
tion, but more than all, he was a negro ! And why
should a negro desire to learn ? Hated by all, and
hated everywhere, and at all times, why should he
trouble himself about knowledge? He could not
296 AN APOLOGY EOB
use it; a man need not be able to read the Anabasis,
to black boots — the Tityrus, to wait on the table ;
and these menial employments were about as much
as young Mitchell could hope to do. And as to the
effects of education, it only made him the more
sensible of his wrongs, and increased his misery.
Yet did John J. Mitchell and a host of colored
Americans want the boon ; there was a charm in
it that drew them, and they ran after it, and at¬
tained the prize.
0, ye despisers of the negro, ye biographers of
your proud Anglo-Saxon race, accept the challenge,
and show a man of all your tribe, who paid so great
a price for an A. M.
Professor Mitchell was born March 24th, 1827,
and when a boy, for a brief period, attended the
common schools of the State with all other chil¬
dren ; but the foul air of slavery blew across the
Ohio, and slammed to the school doors against
all the colored boys and girls of the State. Four
years were passed away, when a colored teacher was
employed in Laurence County, to whom young
Mitchell went for a year and a half. His parents
moved to Indianapolis, where, in 1845, he embraced
religion, and joined the A. M. E. Church. Of this
event he says : "A radical change was wrought in
me, I felt to marvel not at the saying: f Ye must be
born again.' The new birth with me was an intel¬
ligent realization."
In Randolph Oo.„Ind., is located the Union Lit¬
erary Institution, under Quaker patronage, and free
AFRICAN METHODISM.
297
from those unchristian prejudices which controlled
the schools generally of that State ; here he spent a
year or more greatly to his intellectual advancement.
He entered Oberlin in 1852, and graduated in 1858.
As we scan over the colored Alumni of this cele¬
brated college,- of the six or eight gentleman that
pass before our mind, not a third of them are ortho¬
dox Christians. What a comment on American
churches.
(B.)
GEORGE BOYER VASH0N, A. M.
Principal of Avery College, Alleghany, Penu.
Who, that has ever lived in western Pennsylvania,
has not heard of " Col " Yashon, the old high no-
tioned barber of the St. Charles Hotel, Pittsburgh.
A barber it is true, but only thus on account of the
stupid prejudices of the past generation of Americans
—so stupid indeed, that it could behold no merit be¬
neath a black skin. The father of the Professor was
a gentleman by instincthe had served in the war
of 1812, on board a man of war, and had been
captured; and when the old man gazed upon the
current of events, and beheld himself—he who had
fought for the national honor, politically ostracised,
together with his children, while the children of
those who had fought to humiliate the country were
preferred, he used to give vent to the deep indigna¬
tion of his soul.
George B. Yashon was born at Carlisle in 1824,
and five years after his father came to Pittsburg.
298
AN APOLOGY FOR
Unlike Prof. Mitchell, whose sketch has just "been
given, George Yashon had the courageous aspira¬
tions of a hopeful father to push him forward. The
Colonel thought no sacrifice was too great to make
for "my son G-eorge" while at College. George had
advanced sufficiently far in the English and Classics,
in the schools of his native city, as to enable him to
enter the Freshman Class of Oberlin in 1840, from
which he graduated an A. B. in 1844. Returning
to Pittsburg he began the study of law, under the
Hon. Walter Forward, of virtuous memory. Three
years were spent in the office of this able jurist, and
though fortified with his commendation, he was re¬
fused admittance to the bar, on the ground that be¬
ing a colored man, he was not a citizen. Leaving
the city celebrated for its smoky walls, and it would
seem, for smoky consciences as well, he repaired to
New York city, where after a most critical examina¬
tion, he was permitted to practice. A fine French
scholar, and galled with the prejudices of his birth-
land, the Professor turned his eyes to another land,
and in the month of March, 1848, he sailed for Port-
au-Prince, Hayti, where he remained as Professor in
the(l College Faustin" and other educational establish¬
ments, until the year 1850, when he returned again
to the States. Whilst in Hayti his Alma Mater con¬
ferred on him the title A. M. He repaired to Sy¬
racuse, N. Y., where he practised law for three
years, whence he was called to a Professorship in the
New York Central College. Since 1864, he has been
Principal of Avery College. On all hands Professor
AFRICAN METHODISM.
299
Yashon is recognized as a ripe scholar; especially
is he a good linguist.
Of uncertain theology during the years past, he
has latterly given in his adhesion to Methodism.
Of this gifted genius, we have but a single hope
to express — may he become a right good Methodist.
He contributes the following:
THE PROCLAMATION AND ITS PROMISE.
By reason of President Lincoln's Proclamation, it
is fitting that New Year's day should ever be regard¬
ed as a day to be marked with a white stone in our
American annals; that its annual return should be
greeted by gladsome assemblages, by all manifesta¬
tions of rejoicing, by hearty interchanges of congrat¬
ulation among men, and by fervent outpourings of
thanks to Him who holds in. His hands the destinies
of nations. The 1st of January, 1863, may well stand
as a rival, in national commemoration, of the 4th of
July, 1776 ; for on that day came utterances from the
Chief Magistrate of the Republic, which caused every
patriotic heart to swell with rapture, as it opened
from them, that the United States of America was
destined to become a soil consecrated only to the tread
of freemen : that the land of Hancock and of Wash¬
ington, awaking from the demoniac spell which had
forced it to be the oppressor of the lowly, was about
to realize the idea which lay at the foundation of its
national existence, and become, as in its earlier days,
the pride and boast of each and all of its children.
300
AN APOLOGY EOR
For, in its origin, Americans had reason to be
proud of their country,— greater reason than could
he adduced by the denizens of any other nation that
had ever figured in the history of the world. Mirac¬
ulous interpositions of superior powers may be' al¬
leged to have heralded the advent of some of this
earth's dominations. The sowing of a dragon's
teeth may have been succeeded by a harvest of war¬
riors. The thunder-peal and the meteor streaming
through the air may have pointed out the site of fu¬
ture greatness. The fierce wolf may have forgotten
her nature, and nurtured with maternal care the
destined founder of an empire. But a greater glory
was yet in reserve for. the United States of America.
Other nations, at the outset of their respective ca¬
reers, may have been compelled like the infant Her¬
cules, to battle with threatening dangers, and thus
portend their success in more than mortal labors.
It was reserved for our beloved land, to burst forth a
Pallas at her very birth, armed at every point, and
effulgent in every feature with the beams of the fully
matured divinity.
What was the occasion of this glory ? What other,
than that it spurned aside the assumed inequalities
of human conditions which had characterized the
monarchical and even the republican organizations
of the earth hitherto,— organizations which, com¬
mencing with the king upon his throne, or the aris¬
tocratic noble in ducal state, descended through all
the gradations of life, until they reached their lowest
round in the beggar wallowing in the filthily-reek-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
301
ing sewer? What other, than that it professed to vi¬
talize the sublime idea of human equality 3 which had
until then only served to give a glow of originality
to some philanthropical essay, or of fascinating inter¬
est to some highly colored romance? Ndbly was the
announcement made in the Declaration of Indepen¬
dence. "All men were crfeated equal — all men
wer.e equally endowed hy their Creator with inalien¬
able rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happi¬
ness." No wonder that an announcement so radi¬
cal in its terms should have carried terror to* the
hearts of princes, and caused their knees to tremble,
"Belshazzar-like," as they in fancy beheld the "Me-
ne, Tekel, Upharsin," inscribed upon their palace
walls. No wonder that the noble daring of the
signers of that Declaration found fitting responses
throughout a seven-years' war, in the dying cheer of
the citizen soldier, or in the groan which even de¬
termined manhood could not suppress, as the march
was traced with bloody footprints in the December
snow.
It makes one sad to feel, that the glorious emo¬
tions awakened by the reminiscences which cluster
around the days of '76, are all checked by a con¬
sciousness of the many backslidings which less than
a century has been called to witness. It makes one
sad to turn away frojn the bright anticipations of an
Adams, a LaFayette and a Herder, to trace our coun¬
try downwards through Missouri compromises,
Louisianian and Floridian acquisitions, Seminole and
Mexican wars, Fugitive Slave Law concessions and
14
302
AN APOLOGY FOR
Kansas outrages, until the fearful story terminates
in a recital of rebellion which threatened for a time
to annihilate the Union and blast all the hopes of
philanthropy throughout the world. And it makes
one sad to know, that all this fell" dream of wrong
doing and its fearful consequences came upon our
beloved country, because the negro, despised after
having been outraged, was excluded from participa¬
tion in the rights accorded to 'all men' in that glo¬
rious Declaration of Independence.
It is related in one of the sages of the old Norse
mythology, that the goddess Friga, knowing that
danger was threatening her son Baldur, took oath
of all Nature that nothing should harm him; but
that in obligating all the powers of earth under this
oath, she overlooked one thing — the humble mis¬
tletoe plant. This humble plant, Loki, the Genius
of Evil, tore up and persuaded the blind god "Hodur
to throw at his brother in sport, and thus was the
fatal Baldur slain. Will the despised and appar¬
ently powerless descendant of Africa prove a neglec¬
ted mistletoe plant, potent for the destruction of our
beloved Union ? Such he once threatened to be ; but
thank God! the utterances of the 1st of Januarv,
1863, gave a complete and satisfactory denial to
every such menace. Thank God! that he whom
the proclamation of President Lincoln found, a bond¬
man in the sugar-fields of Louisiana, has since pro¬
ven himself an intrepid and devoted soldier of the
Union, in that pseudo-chivalric foray of secession at
Milliken's Bend, and in those twelve hopeless charges
AFRICAN METHODISM.
303
against the death-belching batteries of Port Hud¬
son. Thank God ! that he who aforetime was a serf
on the cotton plantations of South Carolina, has since
vied with his more favored brother of the North,, in
the effort to plant the banner of the glorious old Bay
State upon the slippery parapets of Fort Wagner.
And, in the cordial recognition by the Federal Gov¬
ernment, and by the several State Governments, of
the manhood and daring thus attested ; his, the sole
hope that the United States of America will success¬
fully carry out the mission assigned to them by the
God of Nations.
The Union reconstructed, without a full and im¬
partial recognition of the rights of all its children,
"black as well as white, might attain to such a posi¬
tion that our national eagle, from its pride of place,
could cast its glance over the western continent,
without beholding a spot of ground unguarded by
the swoop of its mighty wings. Such an event, our
armies and navies might attain to an importance
that would enable them to hold the world in awe ;
our shipping whiten with its sails the most distant
as well as the nearest seas ; and our territory be
studded with cities and villages, rich in all the
adornments of science and art, and affording, in their
' busy marts, unceasing testimony to that prosperous
trade which is "the calm health of nations." Science,
too, might achieve her proudest triumphs among
us. , Our patient students, sitting in their lonely ob¬
servatories, might by aid of unerring calculations in¬
dicate the being of some planet, which had till then,.
304
AN APOLOGY FOR
rolled unnoticed amid the starry glories of remotest
space ; or, by means of their powerful glasses, might
call into view other splendors uporl. the brilliantly
embroidered mantle of the night. They might plunge
into the recesses of the earth, and by a careful study
of the phenomena presented by each successive for¬
mation, be enabled to trace out the laws of creation
in their every development, or with powers like
those which eastern legends ascribe to Solomon, they
might be enabled to declare the treasure houses*
wherein are heaped up the richest stores of gold and
of silver, of diamonds and of sapphires. Nay, more.
They might imitate nature so cunningly as to be¬
come, by their art, essentially creative, and in the
wide sweep of their invention, give birth to instru¬
mentalities, in comparison with which, the railroad,
the steam engine and the electric telegraph, would
seem the cumbrous machinery of a less civilized
epoch.
And yet, with all these glories, our country would
still be a by7word and a hissing among the nations.
But the Union reconstructed, with the former slave
recognized as part and parcel of the political system,
and invested with all the franchises of a government,
towards whose preservation and aggrandizement he
had rendered no inefficient aid, would, doubtless,
under the providence of God, rank not only as a first-
rate power, but among the most honored of the na¬
tions. And, to sijch a result the tide of events now
tends. Grod grant, that to this result, it may at¬
tain!
african methodism.
305
CHAPTER XI.
the indiana district.
Bishop Payne says: " While our Church was
conquering territory in a foreign land, she was also
strengthening her stakes, «and enlarging her borders
in the great West. This extension was promoted
chiefly through the wisdom, endurance and activity
of Elder Wm, Paul Quinn, his missionary labors cul¬
minating in the organizatipn of the Indiana Annual
Conference. For this purpose twenty-one ministers,
itinerants and local, assembled at a place, in the
midst of a settlement of colored farmers^ Called Blue
River, on the 2d of October, 1840."
The reader will perceive from the article which,
'the Rev. A. Mcintosh has contributed, and who has
labored a quarter of a century within the borders
of this. District, that he seems uot to regard the
Blue River .meeting, to which the Bishop alludes,
as the regular "setting apart" of that District
into a distinct Conference. We suppose to reconcile
the matter, it is only necessary to consider, that the
Bishop dates from the time the Conference began
de facto, and Elder Mcintosh from the time, de lege.
"Indiana Conference," says the Discipline, "sh'all
include the States of Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota,
306
AN APOLOGY FOR
Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa." These States
form the great North-West of the Republic; of
whose people Gen. Logan said, during the Rebellion,
" They would hew a passage to the G-ulf with their
swords.'' Descending mainly from Emigrant stock,
they are a hardy race ; the very men to dig
up its prairies, to navigate its lakes and rivers, to
heat hack the confirmed Savage, and to hunt out
the wolf and the hear. The climate of this District
is varied ; Cairo, in the South, is almost as warm as
its ancient namesake, while the winter breath of
Lake Superior makes the coat of the bear most de¬
sirable.
Of course the negro is there; he has a hankering
after his white brother, ever saying with the. Moa-
bitess of old : " Whither thou goest, I will go/'
In 1860, these five States had a colored population of
28,389; disposed as follows: Illinois, 7,628; Indiana,
11,428 ; Iowa, 1,104; Michigan, 6,799 ; Minnesota,
"r9; Wisconsin, 1,171, ten per cent, can safely be ad¬
ded, and we have, asa present poplilatioa, about 31,-
227. These people have come along with the coun¬
try, and not a few t>f them count their dollars by the
score thousand.
The A. M. E. Church towers like a green bay tree
throughout all this section. FewJ indeed, are the
congregations that have not her ministry. Coming
to the people in their loneliness and poverty, they
forget her not in the times of their prosperity.
To this Conference belongs the honor of originat-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
307
ing the idea of an u outside Congre'ss "* of colored
men at Washington, and the delegates sent under
their auspices, were among the first that arrived at
the Capitol. We would make special note of one
Mature of the statistical report for the year 1866 —
nine parsonUges are reported at an aggregate value of
$5,450. G-ood for Indiana! May she continue to
teach thp older Districts lessons of ministerial com¬
fort and of self-respect.
Let us se<* the real strength of this Conference, as
manifested in the reports made in August, 1866:
CHURCH STATISTICS.
Members.... 3,841
Probationers ; 1,011
Local Preachers 87
Exhorters 60
Churches 64
School Houses 3
Parsonages 9
Sabbath Schools 56
♦This "outside Congress," as it was called, consisted of the most
eminent of the colored men in the land, who repaired to Washington,
and remained there during the last half of the 39th Congress, looking
after the interests of the colored people generally. The following
action was taken on the memorial which the representatives presented:
Mr. Sumner. I also offer the memorial of the bishops, elders and
ministers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the United
States, and members of the Indiana district, in annual conference as¬
sembled in Springfield, in the State of Illinois, setting forth the
wrongs the colored people suffer, particularly in the late rebel States,
and asking Congress especially to give them protection through the
elective franchise This memorial proceeds from the representatives of
sixty thousand persons, and is signed by the presiding bishop of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church. It is accompanied by certain
papers and a report of the meeting" of the Conference. I move the-
reference of the petition and accompanying papers to the joint com¬
mittee on reconstruction.
The motion was agreed to.
Similar action wa3 taken by the Missouri District, and with the
same result.
308
AN APOLOGY FOR
S. S. Scholars 3,299
S. S. Teachers...- 336
Superintendents.... - 59
Volumes in Library "7,142
Traveling Elders*.. «. 18
" Deacons '. 4
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
Contingents 178 50
Ministers' Board.. ...». 6,799 95
« Bent 1,186 60
" Fuel . *47 25
" Traveling Expenses .* 1,291 50
" Salary 5,464 66
Sunday Schools 1,019 12
Missions 81 69
Book Concern.... 89 15
Worn-out Preachers 10 80
Widows et Orphans 45 60
Semi-Centenary, 518 69
Bishop's Salary... 599 20
" Traveling Expenses 241 80
Sum Total ....$18,274 51
Yalue of Church property $127,974
We know the reader will miss the genial coun¬
tenance of Frederick Myers, as well as our dear
brother Trevan, Wm. 0. Uncle Sam's mails some¬
how or othe» would not bring us the long looked for"
facts ; whether they were given to him, we know
not; we do know, however, that the old gentleman
is generally very obliging.
And not a single local preacher have wo to offef
from this, as well from others of the more distant
Conferences. Where is our friend Dawson, of Chi¬
cago, and Beverley Cary, of Indianapolis ? Two
brethren who have long graced the Local capacity.
And, although, within the borders of this Con¬
ference there may be found not a few laymen of
AFRICAN METHODISM.
309
great moral and financial worth — men of business
tact, yet so distant were they that we could not
reach them.
We offer the reader brief sketches of three of the
leading itinerants. They are men of whom no peo¬
ple need blush — ministers of whom no congrega¬
tion need be ashamed. May they long be spared to
lead on the African Methodist host of the great
North-West.
ACTIVE MINISTRY.
(A.)
J3NIAS MCINTOSH.
EL D E R.
In Chapter XI the following sentences may be
found: " Men who have been educated to the
strictest Presbyterianism, the most independent Con¬
gregationalism, have met at the Methodist shrine
the men of Lutheran and Episcopalian culture, and
these having joined hands with the convert from
Catholicism, have buried in a common grave their
heads, their hearts — have buried themselves, and
like Paul, " know only Jesus, and him crucified."
The above named gentleman is a convert from Cath¬
olicism, within whose folds he was numbered till
past his eighteenth year.
A Westerner by birth, he seems to love its bound¬
less prairies and swift rolling rivers, for it was from
these that he first learned lessons of liberty. Though
14*
310
AN APOLOGY FOR
brought to Braddock's Field University, located in
Pennsylvania, he only remained nine months, whence
he returned again to the West. Taking up his res¬
idence in Yincennes, Ind., he concluded to prepare
himself for the medical profession, and entered upon
his studies. " But a man's heart deviseth his way,
"but the Lord directeth. his step." Thus was it with
the aspiring youth iEnias ; he was devising how to
heal the body, but the Lord directed him to b.eal the
soul.
Tn the revival of Eev. Geo. W. Johnson, during
the winter of 1840, among the brightest of the con¬
verts, was the.young Catholic and medical student,
iEnias Mcintosh; and none spake more boldly, nor
walked more humbly than he.
Called of the Lord, he lost no time, for in less than
half a year after his conversion, he was licensed to ex¬
hort by Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn, then an Elder,
and the great Pioneer of the West. Licensed to
preach soon followed, and in the year 1841, he
joined the Indiana Conference, and was appointed to
Terre Haute Circuit. The estimate placed upon him
by Bishop Brown and his brethren, may be seen in
the fact that, after traveling one year, he was elected
Deacon, though the law says, two ; and the same
leniency was shown in regard to Elders' orders.
For a quarter of a century has he remained in
this Conference, and to him belongs full one mem¬
ber's share of the honor in bringing it to that high
position, which it holds among the dozen Confer¬
ences of the A. M. E. Church.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
311
A member of four General Conferences, his wise
counsel was always seen in helping to frame those
laws, which have contributed to the happy working
of the vast machinery ; at the last General Confer¬
ence, the writer well remembers him as the Chair¬
man of the Committee on Sabbath Schools, and as
such, he wrote that excellent constitution under
which our Sabbath Schools are now generally work¬
ing. By his Conference he was elected Associate
Editor and Publisher of the Repository, also the Cor¬
responding Editor of the Christian Recorder, as well
as Secretary to the Conference Auxilliary Missionary
Society. Quiet and reserved, even to the extreme,
this brother, like northern Iceland, has a cold, icy
surface, but a warm, genial heart; and those who
know him familiarly, say that many a Geyser —
warm waters of love break through that cold
surface.
From whatever stand point we view him, he is to
be numbered among the leading Captains of the A,
M, E. host.
Let the reader be sure and peruse his contribution :
"RECOLLECTIONS OF THE INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE."
" If our memory serves us right, this Conference
was set apart, by action of the General Conference of
a848, which met in the city of Philadelphia, in May
of that year. It might have been in 1844, at the
General Conference held in Pittsburg, at which time
the Rev. Win, Paul Quinn was set apart, and or¬
dained to the Episcopal Office. That there were sev-
312
AN APOLOGY FOR
eral Annual Conferences held for the District of
Indiana, prior to 1848, and two or three prior to
1844, there is no doubt, but whether they were
not Mission Conferences, are questions for others to
decide.
The writer well remembers the eloquent speech
made by Kev. Darius Stokes, when the " Committee
on Boundaries " made their report to the General
Conference of 1848, attaching the State of Missouri
to the Indiana Conference, which mates the impres¬
sion on his mind that the States of Indiana, Illinois
and Missouri were all set off as a Conference proper,
at one time.
The bounds of this Conference have always been
very extensive, and are still, embracing at the pres¬
ent writing, the States of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa,
Michigan and Minnesota. This great expansion of
b oundary was always considered by the writer to T)e
of doubtful propriety, for the reason that our people
are found* in greater numbers in cities and flourish¬
ing towns, and because of this, and the easy access to
them, they have, as a general thing, been regularly
supplied with preaching, while the rural districts
have been proportionably neglected. But my inten¬
tion was simply to write "recollections," and not
opinions: hence to the point.
The now venerable William Paul Quinn is em¬
phatically and generally acknowledged as the
" Father of African Methodism in the West." God,
in his providence, having eminently endowed him
with the necessary qualifications for the arduous and
AFRICAN METHODISM. 313
often dangerous task of planting the " standard of
the Cross " in those then Western wilds. The writer
has often heard him preach, when it was absolutely
dangerous to he either in the house or out of it;
when the greater portion of his audience were either
" mobocrats " or " lewd fellows of the baser sort
and when the " Amens" and "Hallelujahs" came
louder from the children of the wicked one than
from the children of light. The principal cause of
all this persecution was the inveterate hatred toward
the " Abolitionists ; and it is passing strange, that
in those da^s some colored people were found enter¬
taining the same hatred for Abolitionists as their
white fellow-citizens. It was a very common ex¬
pression among some of the colored people to say :
" X would go and hear this great Paul Quinn prdach
if I thought he would say nothing about abolition ;
it is something we colored folks have nothing to do
with, and it only makes it worse for us to be stirring
it up all the time." It is due the Bishop to say
that he acted very judiciously with the whole sub¬
ject, and the colored people were much indebted to
his manner of procedure for the comparative peace
they enjoyed. The idea of the Bishop being an
Abolitionist, originated from his preaching so often
from his favorite text, and which at times was so very
appropriate, to wit: "I have surely seen the afflic¬
tions of my people, &c."* This limited space would
be too small to enumerate one-half the privations of
those times. But they are past, and the Bishop still
* Exodus iii: 7, 8.
314
AN APOLOGY "FOR
lives to receive the grateful thanks of the numerous
sons and daughters of those very people who so bit¬
terly opposed him.
The first " Itinerant Preachers," of whom the
writer has a distinct recollection, were the Rev.
G-eorge W. Johnson, and*the Rev. M. J. Wilkerson,
who were looked upon in those days as " sons of
thunder," and in fact they were, for the first named
was more generally known as " Hollering Johnson "
than by any other name ; it however gave him no
offence, and he did not care what they called hini^ so
they kept him from being put in the Wabash River by
the rowdies. If you did that, and would come to the
,c mourners' bench," which he was careful to always
have "put out" every time he preached; with
this, the dear young man was satisfied. Many souls
in glory to-day, date their happiness to the faithful
labors of this zealous expounder of the Word of Grod.
Bro. W's talent was of a different kind ; his read¬
ing was rather more extensive, and his acquaintance
with human nature more accurate. He preached
mostly by comparison, and would often make use of
some circumstance in his slave life to illustrate the
condition of the sinner. His hits in this respect
were attended with happier results than could have
otherwise been produced. Brother Johnson, we be¬
lieve, is a Pennsylvanian by birth, and Brother
Wilkerson, a Virginian. Their Circuits extended
nearly two hundred miles, embracing in all that
distance, only five appointments, hence they were
constantly traveling. ■
AFRICAN METHODISM.
315
Our next Itinerant acquaintance was the Rev.
Daniel Winslow — a North. Carolinian by birth, and
an Indianian by adoption — a man full of eccentri¬
cities, and entirely original in everything ; were he
dead, we might fear that we would " never look
upon his like again." But he still lives, is yet in
the itinerancy, gently frosted by age, but possessing
the same clarion voice, the same quick penetrating
glance, using his "sledge-hammer" Grospel and
quaint expressions as in the more palmy days of his
ministry. Brother Winslow has been identified with
the Indiana Conference since its first organization.
He has " seen service," and has often been in
" perils in the wilderness, in perils by robbers, in
perils by water," and very often by " false breth¬
ren."
The Indiana Conference was a success from its
commencement. Presided over at first by that saint¬
ed man, the lamented Bishop Brown, his fatherly
advice will long be remembered by the writer of
these pages. He endeared himself to all with whom
he became acquainted, and often has the writer seen
the good old man's eyes fill with tears while as¬
signing to each brother his field of labor, at the
rise of the Conference. Many of our present" West¬
ern Brethren" never saw the venerable Bishop;
they having come into Conference since his day.
He was a man rather below the medium size, a lit¬
tle inclined to corpulency, quite bald, with a very
retiring manner \ modest almost to a fault, with a
countenance beaming with love and good will to
316
AN APOLOGY FOR
all. He dressed with remarkable ministerial taste,
wearing the " shadd coat/' straight breasted vest,
and was the very picture of a " fine old-fashioned
gentleman."
Next follow as members of the Conference, accord •
ing to our c£ recollections," the Eev. Willis R. Rev¬
els, Robert Johnson, (father of George) Robert Jones,
Thomas Ailsworth, Shadrack Steward, Baker Brown,
James Curtis, Allen E. Graham, J. B. Dunlap,
David Smith, Turner W. Roberts, together with a
large accession of local brethren, whose names can¬
not ba given in regular order. This was a period of
great religious prosperity with the Church", the
number of ministers having greatly increased, the
length of the Circuits were shortened, and this, of
course, shortened the already small allowance of the
preachers. At this period, there was only one Sta¬
tion in the bounds of the whole Conference, and the
writer has the satisfaction to know that he was the
first stationed Preacher in the Indiana Conference.
In looking over my diary, I find I received for that
year, as salary, $56.62| cents. Now, in the same
city, there are two charges, both ministers receiving
their full allowance, with many costly presents
thrown in. " What hath God wrought?"
Next, according to our u recollections," follow the
names of William Douglass, Byrd Parker, Hiram
R. Revels, Aaron M. Parker, Robert M. Johnson,
Israel Cole, Henry Trevan, and if we mistake not,
our present General Book Steward, Rev. E. Weaver,
and our worthy and talented Secretary of the Parent
AFRICAN METHODISM.
317
Home and Foreign Missionary Sodlety, Eev. John
M. Brown. Some of those heroes of the Cross have
gone to their reward ; many of them dying at their
post, and falling sweetly asleep in Jesus ; a few
*' fell by the way," and in sorrow we write it, while
we think of their talent and former usefulness. Let
the mantle of charity cover their shortcomings.
The Discipline was administered very differently
then to what it is now. There was very little dif¬
ference in those days between (e charges and com¬
plaints," and the brother who was so unfortunate as
to be 11 complained " of, was almost sure tp see the
law applied as though he was guilty of a * charge."
Those compJaints were exceedingly annoying to the
Bishop, and he used to remark that " he wished the
Brethren would take something for their complaints
before coming to Conference." Technicalities were
not well understood. Brother D. once complained
of Brother C. for " Maladministration," and an
old Brother in the Conference whispered to another
tliat he " thought Brother C. was the last man in the
world who would have had anything to do with a
female.''
The great desire with the Brethren of those days
was to liave a pure ministry, and " straight paths for
your feet" was required of every Brother. The
most rigid disciplinarian in the Conference was the
Rev. B. P. Possessing a ready turn of mind, and
being a ready debater, and holding his position with
the utmost tebaoit.y/ he was always dreaded as an
'antagonist. The writer used to often admonish him
318
AN APOLOGY FOR
for his relentless persecutions of his brethren. The
most humane man of the Conference was the Rev.
W. R. R.; and he used to often, remark that/ u for
the life of him," he could not see any sense in al¬
ways exposing the shortcomings of a brother.
Delinquent members in these days used to be u set
back " on trial, as a punishment for their misdeeds,
and the Bishop sometimes would ask a young
•Brother, in Quarterly Conference, " how many he
had set back," and if so, did he know where to find
them.
The years 1848-49 and '50 were the palmy years
of the Indiana Conference ; containing more " Trav¬
eling Preachers" those three years than at any other
time, and a host were they in themselves. Their
preaching had an unction and power rarely surpass¬
ed by the same number, and it was always a " soul
refreshing shower " to hear them. The IJible and
Discipline were their weapons, and the Holy Spirit
their support, aided by the assurance that they were
called of Grod to preach the Grospel.
Our mind turns with feelings of pleasantness to
those dear co-laborers, and the many incidents of
those days ; and the ties that bind me to them are
almost indissoluble, and I close these "recollec¬
tions " with a parting tear, and in the language of
the poet, I can say:
" There comes a voice that wakes my soul,
It is the voice of years thai; are passed,
They roll before me with all their deeds."
AFRICAN METHODISM.
319
(B.)
ABRAHAM T. HALL.
ELDER.
Indiana Conference can boast of no harder worker
in its ranks than Abraham T. Hall a true repre¬
sentative of that daring race of Anglo Africans,
who, weary with the East, sought their fortunes in
the promising West. A Pennsylvanian by birth,
having descended from old man John Hall, long and
favorably known as local preacher on the Lewis-
town Circuit, he early became convinced that if he
would have anything, or be anything, he must fall
into the ranks of those whose cry was, Westward, ho !
It was in 1841 that he took up the march, halting
first at Erie, Pa., as though considering whether he
would stop upon the bounds of his birth State. In
Erie he remained three years, joining what be calls
u a pro-slavery M. E. Church," and for the express
purpose, he says, c< of getting the colored members
out of itwhich he succeeded in doing Feb. 15th,
1844. The reason assigned for such a course was
that "there was no white brother in that Church
who would take a class of negroes. Having elected
Brother Hall as the Leader, though he was scarcely
of*age, the colored Methodists of Erie, met at the
house of Alexander Simms, and organized them-
selve's into a Union Band, for the purpose of prayer
and mutual edification. The Lord blessed them,
and in the following winter, twenty-one souls pro¬
fessed conversion, and joined their number.
320
AN APOLOGY FOR
Beholding his "brethren thus consolidated, lie now
felt free to take up his Westward jaunt. Arriving
at Chicago, th^ summer of 1845, he lost no time in
seeking the acquaintance of those who knew Jesus;
but five were found, and in the month of October,
these five banded themselves together in the house
of John Day, for the holy purpose of praise and
p»ayer.
Chicago, at this period had already attracted the
attention of the country, and the shadow of her
future greatness had already been seen; men of
every grade and purpose were attracted thither, and
among them came Madison Patterson, a local preach¬
er of the A. M. E. Church, who at once joined the
little company of five, and invited the brethren to
his house.
The sp ring and summer of 1847 brought crowds
of emigrants to the rising metropolis, and among the
number was the proverbial Methodist preacher,
horse, saddle-bags, and all; Philip Ward *was his
name, and he came thither as the appointed Mission¬
ary of the Indiana Conference. As Barnabas sought
Paul, even so Ward sought Hall, and after mutual
conference, the little band was duly organized, and
became a part and parcel of the A. M. E. Church.
From that little* company, Quinn Chapel has
arisen — the Chapel that ranks foremost of all the
Western Stations — the ChapeL whose value is count¬
ed by the score thousand>s, and whose first Leader,
Steward, Trustee, Prayer-Meeting Leader, was Abra¬
ham T. Hall.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
321
'Of course a man so zealous for G-od, and withal
witft such ability must preach, and the initiatory-
steps were soon taken by him, receiving exhorting
license in November, 1848. In this sphere he acted
till September, 1850, .when he received license to
preach, went to Conference, was received, and or¬
dained local Deacon by Bishop Quinn.
Returning from the General Conference of 1852,
in New York City, to which he wejit as a local dele¬
gate, he was rhade Chairman of the Building Com¬
mittee, under Rev. John A. Warren, and the suc¬
cessful erection of that beautiful structure in no small
degree is owing to his judgment and energy.
It was in 1856 that he joined the Indiana Confer¬
ence, and received his" first appointment from Bishop
Payne, who likewise ordained him Elder.,
(Such is Rev. A. T. Hall, a man full of energy,
a dear lover of his race, and a Methodist in whom
there is no guile.
CO.)
WHITTEN S. LANKFORD.
ELDER.
This gentle.man is allied to the first genera'tion,
begotten of that hardy race of pioneers who sought
their fortunes amid the wild prairies of the West.
He is a true Indianian — Hoosier, if you will, being
born in that State, Jan/lst, 1835.
As such, he partakes of all those characteristics
which belong to the Western men. It is said that
322
AN APOLOGY FOR
Vallandigham, during the dark war days, had a
pet scheme for a North-Western Confederacy ; »and
who . doubts that he received his first impression
for such a project, not so much from a desire to help
the South, not so much from a hatred to the govern¬
ment of the Union, but rather from the strongly
drawn distinction between the East and the West. A
generation of Wisconsin, of Iowa, of Kansas and Ne¬
braska men, is no more like a generation of New Eng¬
land or New York men, than a Spaniard is like a
Portuguese, an Englishman is like a Scotchman. The
man of the East is reserved, built close, like his own
huddled home ; the man of the West is open and free,
like his own boundless prairies. The man of the East
is. short, his soil is worked out, and he don't grow;
the man of the West is tall, indicative of his own
virgin land ; a tied purse has the man of the East,
for he gets his money from men ; a puxse that is
open has the man of the West, for he gets his money
from Grod. A m^n of kid gloves, of broadcloth and
shining G-enin hats, is he of the East; while he of
the West is a man of shirt-sleeves, of £'stogey"
boots, and slouch hats ; the Eastern man lives by
figures, the w estern man by hope.
Where such diversities exist, the only hope for the
•perpetuity of the Union is to bind them with the
iron bandages of the Railroad, and by the Telegraph
as well.
In all that characterizes the West, Whitten Lank-
ford ft a true representative. Free as the winds
that sweep over the plains, as cheerful as the laugh-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
323
ing Mississippi, as honest as a Western harvest, he
lives to adorn his portion of the A. M. E. Church.
With the most res pectahle attainments, he is equally
at home in the school-room or the pulpit.
May the Indiana Conference long be blest with
such leaders.
His contribution is :
"HOW SHALL OUR STANDARD OF PIETY BE RAISED?"
" All acknowledge in words the importance of in¬
dividuals raising the standard in tjieir own hearts*
but in all this there is a certain indefiniteness of ob¬
ject. A mere vague belief that we might be better,
and ought to be better, does not give us any stand¬
ard at which to aim, and the general standard of
preaching, and constant and unvarying confessions
in prayer, both in the Church and in the prayer
meetings, show that just about the sapie shortcomings
and failures are expected from day to day, and year
to year. In the case of a child, you would have little
to expect, as the result of a mere exhortation:
"Yoji ought to be a better child, more obedient,
more docile, more kind; you must have a higher
standard of life as a child." But if he is told,
" You must be 'perfectly obedient to the letter and
spirit of your parents' commands ; You must live in
entire harmony with your brothers and sisters ; You
must always have perfect lessons at (school; You
must always speak the truth," then he sees some¬
thing definite and attainable; he has a fixed Stand¬
ard , and can know how near he has come to it. He
has an object and a motive.
324
AN APOLOGY FOR
Our christian course is upward. Suppose we are
ascending a mountain ; peak after peak rises before
us. We see them in apparently interminable succes¬
sion, but the goal is above us. We may set out and
toil, on, on, Qn, painfully, and may be making pro¬
gress onward.
But we are conscious of progress. There is another
experience. The ascent is seldom up and up in a
direct line, but from one point to another ; and if in
going up we fix our eye upon some point, and aim at
that, it - is an encouragement when that point is
reached. Then, turning to look back on all the way
we have come, we again mark out another spot still
above us, and aim at that until we reach it.
Thus we go fr<3m strength to strength. Apply¬
ing this to our Christian life, let us first believe that
we can reach a higher standard, then aim to reach
it, and instead of vaguely, indefinitely reaching up¬
ward, aim at points of progress: Directly overcom¬
ing any known sin. Performing some known but
neglected duty. Faith in prayer. The full assu¬
rance of hope. Perfect love which casteth* out
fear. Subduing the will. Full harmony of our
own will, with the will of God. Attaining to the
"peace" of Grod, which passeth all understanding.
Sanctification, or holiness of heart and life*. What¬
soever we believe to^be attainable, let it be made
the direct object of aim and effort; and by these steps
we may reach a higher standard of Christian life.
But there must be the full belief that it may be attained}.
and earnestness in striving to attain it.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
325
How was it with conversion? We believed it pos¬
sible, desirable ; we labored, prayed, read, inquired,
sought, rested not until the blessing came. So if
there be other points of attainment beyond conver¬
sion, there should be the like definiteness of aim,
the like earnestness, steadfastness of purpose, read¬
ing, striving, prayer. When this truth shall be
fully apprehended and acted upon by the Church,
then we may look for a higher standard of Chris¬
tian character. Then shall the prejudices of caste,
and all distinctions on account of race or color, dis¬
appear before the glorious light of Christianity, as
the'dew before the morning sun.
15
326
an apology for
CHAPTER XII.
new england district.
Brother Jonathan is a gentleman of the very lar¬
gest proportions. With his head reclining upon the
granite of New England, and his feet dipped in the
Mexican Gulf, he hags close to his sides the Alle¬
ghany and Rocky mountain ridges. "His heac^ re¬
clining upon the granite of New England,"—why
not invert it, and say, "He washes his face in the
Gulf, and his feet are kept warm by the shaggy
mane of the British lion." That would never do, for
the simple reason, we must then suppose that his
"brains, which are usually found in men's heads,
must be in the South, and you know that New Eng¬
land is the brains of the country. Is not Boston as
Athens ? Dr. Holmes as Plato ! and Emerson as So¬
crates ? It would be heteroclitic, to place the brains
of Brother Jonathan in the South. The people of
the Republic can reiterate the old maxim^ "Light
comes from the Eastwhich means with us, from
New England. How comes it that Hon. Jos. G.
G. Kennedy, in his "Preliminary Report on the
Eighth Census," has not given the country a table of
School Statistics? He has given 41 tables in. all,
with statistics, from City Passenger Railroads and
AFRICAN METHODISM.
327
Musical instruments, up to Eail-roads and News¬
papers, and yet has left it blinds in regard to the num¬
ber of schools and colleges.; and how, they are dis¬
tributed. Had such a table been given, we doubt
not that New England's claim to headship would
have been recognized. In table 37, we may get a
glimpse at the intellectual character of these States.
They are six in number, with a population in 1860,
of 1,754,TIT, yet do they publish at stated periods
during each quarter, mostly dailies and weeklies.
226 Political journals, 72 Literary, and 41 Miscella¬
neous : of which journals, the aggregate publica¬
tion annually, is 140,970,644 copies. The colored
people residing in the states of Connecticut, Rhode
Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire,
and Maine, which compose the New England Dis¬
trict, and who number 24,711, partake of the gen¬
eral intelligence of the people, to a commendable de -
gree. As a whole they are the most intelligent por¬
tion of their people in the land, or they ought to
he.
As we intimated in Chapter IX, the A. M. E.
Church makes but slow progress among the colored
New Englanders — the whole District not having as
maijy members, as some individual Churches of other
sections. Why is it so ?
(a.) The liberal sentiment of that section of the
Eepublic, did not loudly demand separate Church or*
ganizations. That which gave rise to them at the
beginning, did not there exist—to wit: hatred to the
Negro. Not having injured the Negro to any great ex-
328
Att APOLOGY FOR
tent, they did not hate him to any great extent. Had the
Methodists of 1816 received Richard Allen, as kindly
as the white Christians of New England receive col¬
ored people, he ^ould have had no occasion to break
away frohi them, ancl organize separate Churches ;
nor loould he have done so. The colored people of
this District; already in the white Churches, enjoy¬
ing their every Christian privilege, have hesitated
to leave ; and it is only on the broad ground which
dictates to people oppressed, the wisdom of acting as
a unit, that they could be expected to withdraw from
their white, and unite with their black brethren.
(b.) Methodism at its very dawn, accepted as its
portion the poor: it aspired not to minister to the
noble. In England it was content with the colliers
of Kingswood; in America with the laboring classes,
even the slaves. It has ever maintained this distin¬
guishing feature, and whenever a Methodist preach¬
er is seen to look with longing eyes toward the rich,
he has lost the spirit of his organization, and should
the organization ever fail to minister to the poor, its
mission is ended, and deserves to be, for why should
distinct organizations be multiplied or even contin¬
ued, if they are all mutually unmindful of the low¬
ly. Had the Church of England fed the poor — ad¬
ministered to their spiritual necessities, John Wes¬
ley would never have sent out his preachers. This
has been the peculiar mission of the A. M. E. Church.
The poorest of the poor has been her portion. She
said with the Psalmist, "Lord, my heart is not
haughty, nor mine eyes lofty ; neither do I exercise
AFRICAN METHODISM.
329
myself in great matters, or in things too high for
me."*
Not only did she not look toward the whites, for
she knew they were fed, or if not fed, she knew they
would not accept food from black hands, but she med¬
dled not with the more comfortable class of colored
people, who were already in Church communion ;
she Tecognized her mission to be to the "publicans
and sinners," and to them she went — to the ignor¬
ant, the degraded, the vicious— to those who were
ostracised religiously and socially. Methodism took
upon herself to do the work only, which other organ¬
izations refused to do ; else would there have been no
necessity for her existence. Hence, when Noah 0.
Cannon and Jabez P. Campbell introduced the A.
M, E. Church into New England, they introduced it
to that portion of New England who were without
the pales of any christian organization, and who re¬
quired to be hunted up in the alleys and byways.
Of course these were the more ignorant ones, for with
education, we are at liberty to presume a certain de¬
gree of comfort — with morality— even Church mem¬
bership. The sturdy Methodist meddled not with
the educated, but presuming they were cared for,
passed on. But the intelligent people of New Eng¬
land were in the majority, and consequently the Meth¬
odists were in the minority. To commence at the very
bottom, and bring degraded humanity up to the re¬
spectable point, is sltjw work. The Methodist Epis-
* Psl, CXXXI: I.
330
AN APOLOGY ^)R
copal Church, has been a full hundred years in mak¬
ing their name respectable among the whites ; the
A. M. E. Church has "been fifty years among the
colored ; neither have perfectly succeeded, hut the
assurance is, both will be triumphant. Thus it is,
that African Methodism has grown slow in New Eng¬
land : and we predict e'er the time comes, that it
would flourish there as elsewhere, all the Episcopal
Methodists of the land, will be united in one invinci¬
ble phalanx.
Bishop Campbell says, "At this date, 1839, there
were only three small A. M. E. Churches, or missiona¬
ry congregations in all the New England States: one
at Boston, Mass., with about 35 menlbers, one at Prov¬
idence, R. I., with 12 members, and one at New Ha¬
ven, Conn, with a membership of 28."
The present strength of the Conference [1867] may
be learned from the following table of statistics :
CHURCH STATISTICS.
Members 891
Probationers 310
Local Preachers 22
Exhorters 6
Sabbath Schools 9
S. S. Scholars , 423
" " Teachers 68
" " Superintendents 12
Number of Volumes 3,597
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
Contingent $ 18,00
Salary of Ministers , 1,742 61
Rent " " 4u7 40
Board " " 1 641 22
Travelling Expenses 97 84
AFRICAN METHODISM.
331
Fuel
Missions
Sunday Schools
Bishop's Salary.
1' TravAll
Travelling Expenses,
57 94
97 3G
283 34
124 20
21 18
35 38
19 50
Two-Cent Money ...
Widows et Orphans,
Sum Total.
Number of Churches
Estimated Yalue of Property....
10
.$53,500 00
.$4,716 03
Among the recognized leaders of this Conference,
we might name the Revs. Joseph P. Shreeve, J. H.
W. Burley, and Lewis S. Lewis. Under their au¬
spices, especially the latter, who has seen long ser¬
vice, this Conference has exerted an influence fully
equal to its strength. We now introduce the reader
to
He is the son of Nathaniel Peck, of Baltimore,
whose kindness led him, in the old slave days,
to see multitudes of his people to the Depot, and
give assurance that they were free, and not Run¬
aways, and thus get them a ticket to pass from out
the black domains of Americau slavery. With the
Railroad Company, the word of " Uncle Nat " was
]jis bond, such was the integrity of the man.
Francis was born in the year '34, and when but a
lad of eight summers, was led to Bethel Sabbath
school, where he first learned his alphabet. Such
waS his aptness, that he soon learned to read, and
was admitted to the Bible class, taught by Bishop
FRANCIS J. PECK.
ELD E R.
332
AN APOLOGY FOR
Payne, then Elder of the Church. He says of this,
" And the instruction which the Bishop gave, I re¬
member to this day." From the Sabbath school he
was soon transplanted to the Church, for is it not
the nursery ? Is it not the place whence the little
sprigs, which are to grow into fruitful trees, are
found ? Blessed Sabbath school, let all the people
of the Lord close hands round about it^ to ward off
the chilly winds, to beat back the intruding foe.
Young Peck, nurtured, as we have said, in the
Sabbath school, gave his heart to God when but sev¬
enteen years of age, and at once became a teacher in
it. Thus employed, two years and more passed by,
when, such was his integrity, his brethren concluded
that God designed him for a broader field of useful¬
ness ; and anxious to work for the Lord, he drew not
back, though he felt" he had none of those necessary
qualifications which a young man should have who
begins to preach."
Seven years were spent in filling several unim¬
portant posts in the Christian ministry, but he
longed for ability to occupy a broader field of action.
In 1863, meeting with his old teacher, Bishop
Payne, he unbosomed himself to him, whom he re¬
garded as his father in the Gospel. The result was
that he repaired to Wilberforce, and spent a few
months in being put upon the right track.
He labored for three years in the New York Con¬
ference, when, in May, 1867, he was transferred to
the New England Conference, and was appointed to
Providence, E. I.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
333
As a preacher he is thoughtful, and as he loves
boots, he gives promise of more extended usefulness
in the days that are to come. In a letter received,
he says : "I have long been impressed that African
Methodism was essential, and that a Church govern¬
ed by colored men, untrammelled by white associa¬
tion, was the only means by which we could prove
our manhood and elevate our people ; feeling I do
no injustice by saying I believe her to be the power
under God doing this great work, for she is the only
colored Church in this country that educates her
own ministry, that governs herself, builds her own
houses of worship, pays for them herself, and is re¬
cognized by law as the rightful owner."
May he show himself worthy of his day and op¬
portunities.
334
an apology for
CHAPTER XIII.
the missouri district.
The A. M. E. Church, kept pace with the Repub¬
lic in stretching out its boundary. Did the Govern¬
ment pull »p its stakes to-day, we pulled up ours on
the morrow following, and both were found sinking
them together. Our preachers were among the
earliest settlers of the Western territories.
The boundaries of this District are thus defined:
" Missouri Conference shall include all the States of
Kentucky, except East Kentucky, Missouri, West
Tennessee and Kansas." The boundaries of some
of our Districts are like those of some of our States,'
most unnatural indeed. This is especially true of
the Missouri District. Why it should leap the
Mississippi, and take in a small part of Kentucky
and Tennessee, it is hard to tell. But it should be
borne in mind that the boundaries of all our Districts
were made at the behest of convenience, and not of
nature. One of the ablest of the Committees at the
General Conference, of 1868, ought to be the Com¬
mittee on Boundary.
The Missouri District lies in the very centre of the
great Mississippi Yalley as we have intimated, it
is divided by that mighty river. By looking on the
AFRICAN METHODISM.
335
map, it will be seen to be watered most abundantly.
Through Kansas flows the Arkansas river, with
numerous tributaries while the branches or forks, as
the Western people call them, wliich go to make up
the Kansas river, are numerous indeed. Through
Missouri flows the heavy part of the great Missouri
river, as it comes rolling down from Northern Da¬
cota ; also many tributaries. A land so well watered
can but be rich for agricultural purposes, while the
ready outlet which they afford, give assurance that
it will be cultivated. As early as 1820, Missouri
had 10,222 slaves, and 347 free colored persons ; but
Kansas was yet the hunting-ground of the savage.
After a score of years had passed, we find the free
colored population of Missouri to be 1,574, while
Kansas yet remained as the home of the Indian, for
in the census of 1840, not a white inhabitant is
given. At the last census (1860) the free colored
population of the Missouri Conference District may
be set down at about 13,000 — as follows: Missouri,
3,572 ; Kansas, 625 , one half Kentucky, say 5,000 ;
one half Tennessee, say 3,000. The slave popula¬
tion of the same District, and at the same time, was
about a quarter of a million; but these were forbidden
to give their strength to our " abolition," "or free
negro" Church. The principal occupation of the
13,000 free# colored persons was boating, occupying
the several positions of Stewards, a most responsible
office, Waiters, Cooks, Firemen, Deck-Hands, &c.
As a whole, they partook much of the spirit of their
section — extravagant with their monies, and often
336
AN APOLOGY FOR
reckless in their deportments We have known in¬
stances where parties have made from $75 to $100
every month, with no expense to themselves, and
yet have saved nothing after years of lahor. Of
course there are honorable exceptions to this rule ;
hut of the natural extravagance of the West, they
have all partaken in a lamentable degree It was
thus the Methodist preachers found them, and would
you behold their triumphs, visit one of the annual
sessions of this District; hear its preachers, see them
do business, see how the people entertain them, and
over all, hear their reports, and we feel assured that
you will exclaim: " See what theLord hath wrought!"
Men of reckless habits and daring wills l*arve been
reclaimed; fine Churches have been erected; and
much of the monies heretofore spent at the bar-room
and gaming table,«now go towards building up the
Messiah's kingdom.
But would it not be well for this people to consider
the subject of changing employment ? Would not tba
cultivation of their own rich soil give greater comfort,
greater riches, greater stability, than " following the
river?" Men adjust their habits and thoughts to
their pursuits or occupation; a reliable occupation
will tend to make a reliable man, and vice versa.
What is more reliable than the laws of nature?
What is more unreliable that Western steamboat-
ing?
The land is good ; we beseech the Methodists of the
Missouri District to possess it. Build up a strong
agricultural community; invest your monies in lands,
AFRICAN METHODISM. 33*7
which the moths cannot eat, nor rusts can cor¬
rupt ; erect houses and barns; yoke up the thick
necked oxen ; bridle the horse, that your sons may
adjust their lives to the regularity of the seasons,
your daughters adjust their tastes to the green fields
and singing birds.
But look at the statistics presented at the Confer¬
ence held in St. Louis, August, 1866 :
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
Contingent Money $ 153 65
Salary of Ministers 2,766 65
Board " " 3,703 "S5
Fuel " " 237 00
Rent " " 723 75
Traveling " • 1,632 15
Missionary Money 190 30
Bishops' " 371 35
" Traveling Expenses 148 53
Two-Cent Money 34 oO
"Widows et Orphans 29 10
Sabbath Schools..... 127 75
Semi-Centenary 252 00 »
Sum Total $10,351 88
Value of Churches &c ! $79,925 00
CHURCH STATISTICS.
Members
Probationers
Local Preachers
Exhorters
Number of Churches
" " School Houses
Parsonages
Number of Sabbath Schools
" " Scholars
" " Teachers
" " Superintendents
Volumes in Library
S. S. Missionary Money
Traveling Elders
" Deacons.....
4,790
945
119
63
22
3
1
17
19 42
126
19
2 538
1350
11
4
338
AN APOLOGY FOR
This Conference lias quite a number of able men
in its itinerant ranks; the names of B. L. Brooks,
Richard Bridges and J. M. Wilkersonare a tower of
strength in all the Western fand ; not forgetting our
friend Dove, of whom Bishop Wayman says: ei Take
the wings of a dove, and fly away."
It would doubtless have given our readers not a
little pleasure to have heard concerning them, es¬
pecially our young friend Wilkerson, whose graphic
description of the sack of Lawrence, we recollect
hearing in Philadelphia, in 1864. His escape from
the Rebels, who were after "that nigger preacher,"
was most interesting to hear. But we could not get
the desired facts. We offer our readers brief sketches
of the two brothers, Hiram and Willis Revels, who
stand like Boaz and Jachin, in the African Metho¬
dist temple, together with a production from each.
With such supports as these, the building stands se¬
cure.
A QTIVE JtflNISTB Y.
(A.)
WILLIS R. REVELS. M. D.
EL D E R m
Few merf can present the same undeviating course,
the same pressing forward, as Dr. Revels. Called
early to the ministry, for he began to preach at,
seventeen, what should we expect the son of two
poor people to know, and the boy Willis knew as
AFKICAN METHODISM.
339
little as any. But there was a mysterious power
within him, which urged him — a deep conviction
that he must be somebody • and on he went over the
numberless obstacles which ever stand in the way of
a poverty-striken, aspiring youth, until to-day, he
stands a good way up the mountain. Beginning the
life of a missionary under the auspices of the M. E.
Church, he made it a point, in whatever city or town
he was called upon to remain, to seek out a teacher,
and the promise here as elsewhere is, "They that seek
shall find." But his aspirations for knowledge
went beyond the theological only ; he wanted to
know somewhat of the medical. Having meditated
emigrating to Liberia, W. A., he entered into ar¬
rangements with the Colonization Society, through
whose instrumentality he received a very thorough
course of 'training in the medical science, receiving
license to practice, from the faculty of New Orleans,
La. As a proof of his medical skill, it is enough to
know that during the late war he was commissioned"
as Assistant Surgeon and placed in charrge of the
28th U. S. C. T. He served as post Surgeon at In¬
dianapolis, where during the latter half of the war,
he examined no less than 3,772 men, for the service.
Dr. Revels is likewise the author of quite a number
of medical Papers which appeared in the Reposito¬
ry. To-day, whether as Doctor or Preacher, Willis
B. Bevels stands high in every community he gOes,
and among men of all colors. He" is calculated to
* grace the pulpit of any denomination, to do credit to
the office of most physicians. He has contributed
the following thoughtful article:
340
AN APOLOGY FOR
"THE EXISTENCE OF A TRIUNE GOD."
"The evidences which God has given of his own
existence are so numerous that Atheism is nothing
hut wilful and deliberate absurdity. No man in the
exercise of the rational powers can honestly be an
Atheist. * In his foolish heart he may say, " No
God," yet will his understanding force him to admit
the truth he vainly strives to deny. When human
reason carefully (and prayerfully) examines creation,
it is entirely satisfied that it is not the work of
chance, that it is not* self created, that it is not
eternal. It argues negatively that creation came
not by chance, for it gives indisputable evidence of
wisdom and design ; it cannot be sell-created, for no
creature can be the author of its own existence ; and
it cannot be eternal, for it is nothing but an effect
of an antecedent cause. It argues affirmatively that
all creation is the work of an incomprehensible spirit,
possessed of all possible perfection, and consequently
entitled to-all possible praise.
God is a spirit, an indiversable unit, without any
material subsistence, or any devisable or component
parts. He is self-existent, because he can derive
nothing from creatures. He is infinite, because he
cannot be bounded byeither timeorspace. He is eter¬
nal, because antecedent to all time. Eeason says he
is infinite in wisdom, because he knows with perfect
and absolute certainty, the end from the beginning,
and directs all creation and providence, with that
perfect harmony which characterizes all their move-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
341
ments ; and he has given such an infinite variety to
all the works of his hands, that so far as man's
knowledge goes, there are no two creatures or two
things in creation exactly and perfectly alike. Rea¬
son says that he must he omnipotent, because no less
power could bring existence out of nonentity. No
finite power could arrange and establish the earth,
the sun, the moon, and all the spheres in their re¬
spective orbits, and give them fixed laws, to which
they are perfectly subject, and by which all their
movements are regulated. Reason says that God¬
head exists in a plurality of divine pe^ons, sub¬
sisting in a oneness of essence; because the whole
animal aird vegetable kingdoms teach th# rational
and intelligible doctrine of plurality in unity.
Reason and intellect finds only one essence — one
human nature, which is common to them all, and
each individual* person possesses the whole of that
nature or essence ; for it is an indivisable unit.
Among all the varieties of the irrational and inferior
creatures, in all the vegetable kingdom, reason finds
the mysterious faflt of plurality in unity. Many
animals, and only one nature, which nature is essen¬
tial and common to them all. Many vegetables
having a nature which is a unit, and essentially
the same in all. Every beast of the earth has a
body, and a spirit which actuates that body, and is a
living exemplification of the mysterious and the yet
rational doctrine of plurality in unity. Whoever
denies this divinely established doctrine, and regafds
it as irrational, denies his own existence, and regards
342
AN APOLOGY FOR
himself as being nothing but a name. Incredible
absurdity 1 every man knows, or ought to know,
that in himself there are three distinct component
parts, and yet he is but one man. He has a material
and visible body ; he has an immaterial and invisible
spirit, which actuates that body; and he has an
immortal soul, which makes him rational, intelli¬
gent a»nd accountable ; and which makes him essen¬
tially distinct from, and eternally exaltecl above
all the irrational creatures. This self-evident plu¬
rality in unity, which God gave to his crea¬
ture, man, was no doubt designed to teach him
that there is no absurdity in the mysterious
doctrine of plurality of spiritual and divine persons
subsisting in the unity of the Divine essence. Apart
from this rational and scriptural doctrine of the
Trinity, there is no salvation for any fallen creature.
Without this doctrine, the whole plan of redemption,
revealed in the Bible, is utterly incredible, and all
creation and divine revelation is nothing but a most
stupendous and absolute absurdity — a mere farce ;
and in reality there is nothing in existence but ideas
and impressions, as Hume, Berkeley and other infi¬
dels have vainly contended. But with this doctrine,
which is so clearly and harmoniously set forth in
both creation and divine revelation, all is most ra¬
tional. To all this indisputable data, reason adds the
social nature which God has given to man, in the exer¬
cise of which his chief happiness consists, and then in¬
fers that there must not only be a plurality of persons
in the Divine existence, but a social nature which is
AFRICAN METHODISM. 343
common to all the persons of tlie G-odhead; and in tlie
exercise of which social nature, the infinite felicity
of the Godhead consists. If men do not resist their
own convictions, they cannot he Atheists. When
man looks at himself, he feels conscious that he is
not the author of his own existence ; his understand¬
ing and reason teach him that he is nothing hut an
effect, which some adequate cause must have pro¬
duced. He knows that every effect must have a
cause, and every effect which manifests wisdom and
design, must have a»wise, intelligent and designing
cause, and therefore viewing himself as a rational
and intelligent effect, he is forced jbo conclude that
the author of his being must he possessed of all pos¬
sible perfection. His conscience, which always re¬
fers him to his final accountability, tells him that
he is accountable to some tribunal higher than any
that is upon the-earth, arraigns him before the
Divine throne, strips him of his Atheistical garb,
and holds him in the most fearful and agonizing
trepidation, in view of the irrevocable sentence
which his Atheism has brought upon him. He can
be no longer an Atheist, but throughout all eternity
will be made to realize that there is a Grod who
taketh vengeance."
HIRAM R. REVELS.
The African M. E. Church can boast of but few
men who equal in culture, the Reverend gentlemen
whose name graces the following article. Whilst
344
AN APOLOGY FOR
yet a boy among the pines of his native state, North
Carolina, he saw the necessity of educating himself;
and -when the opportunity -was presented, he marched
manfully through the prescribed studies, of both the
the colored schools of Fayetteville, embracing Spell¬
ing, the School Dictionary, the Eeader, with Geog¬
raphy, Arithmetic, Grammar, and Writing.
Converted to God on the eve of leaving the Fay¬
etteville schools, he felt moved to ''preach Christ."
But the sovereign state of North Carolina said, "lio
Negro shall be allowed to preach." God, versus,
North Carolina. "Whom should young Hiram obey ?
To a mind like his, and with the example of Peter
before him, he scon answered, and by action. Bid¬
ding adieu to the scenes of his youth, he took up his
jaunt for the North, where was his brother, Dr. Wil¬
lis Revels. Arriving in Indiana, and finding his
means well nigh exhausted, he opened school in Terre
Haute, Ind. In this capacity he labored till 1840,
when the call for laborers in the Lord's vineyard
waxed louder and louder, till he was in a sense com¬
pelled to obey.
Upon joining the Indiana Conference he relin¬
quished the proud thought of his youth — that one
day he would be a graduate ; but in relinquishing
the name, he still contended for the substance; and
while performing the labors of an itinerant, in his
first charge he was permitted to attend the Quaker
Seminary in Union County, Ind. At that Semina¬
ry, and another in Illinois he studied Natural Phi¬
losophy, Chemistry, Rhetoric, Logic, and Intellec-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
345
tual Philosophy, and in after years holding connex¬
ion with the Old School Presbytery, while serving
the Madison St. Congregation, Baltimore, Ml., the
Dead languages were taught him privately by some
Presbyterian divines. Bro. Bevels has filled not a
few of the finest stations in the West, in connexion
with the A. M. E. Church, and everywhere to the
uniform satisfaction of the people. Of easy manners
and an impressive heart, with a mind stored with
thfe most wholesome truths, Hiram R. Revels is al¬
together such a man of whom any church or people
may be proud. As indicative of the man, it is re¬
lated of him that while teaching a "Girls' School,"
in the city of P assisted by his amiable lady
Mrs. Phebe Revels, a fine disciplinarian, that so tho¬
roughly had the little bright eyes got to understand
his disposition, that the only way he controlled them
was to threaten them with the words, "Now daugh¬
ter, I will tell Pheby."
We quote the following from an^rticle on the all
absorbing theme:
"EDUCATION."
"The mind is that part of man's being which thinks,
understands, wills, judges or reasons, and these are
some of its faculties. One of the best methods of de¬
veloping these powers is to go through a regular
course of disciplinary study, or in other words to stu¬
dy the Mathematics, of which Arithmetic, Geome¬
try, Algebra and Trigonometry are branches. When
the mind has once been smoothed and polished by
346 AN APOLOGY EOR
the chisel of Mathematics, its powers will always he
active and capable of investigating subjects not only
of a practical, hut also of a speculative nature.
The education of the mind, "in the sense in which,
we have "been considering it, is not the result of ad¬
ditions made to it, but the bringing out of those la¬
tent powers which have always been its undeveloped
properties, by a disciplinary course of study, which
prepares it to enrich itselt with knowledge gathered
from innumerable sources. But those who have
neither the time nor means to educate themselves to
this extent, will find that being well instructed in
Spelling, Reading, Grammar, Geography and Arith¬
metic, and, if possible, in the Physical Sciences, Nat¬
ural Philosophy aryi Chemistry, they have not only
acquired a valuable fund of highly useful informa¬
tion, but that thereby their minds are greatly im¬
proved and strengthened, and that they are the
better qualified to discharge the duties of life."
african methodism,
347
CHAPTER XIV.
the california district.
Leutze's picture " Westward the Star of Enrpire
wends its way,'* on the walls of the new East Wing
of the Capitol, is a grand production. One -looks
witlrawe at those mountain heights shining in the
suif, as well as at the stern features of those pioneers.
It is a production of the purest symbolical truth —
the men, the women, the babes j the sluggish ox,
the weary dog, and the irrepressible negro, all mak¬
ing just such a caravan as may be seen every spring,
on the overland route to the Pacific, \yith what a
strange magnetism have people ever been drawn to¬
ward the West! The human course from east to west,
has ever been as regular and as certain as the coursa
of the world, on which it moves ; and the grandest
empire of the world is yet to spring up in this west¬
ern world. In a map published by Abram Bradley,
of the District of Columbia, the year is not stated,
the boundaries of the Republic are quite different to
what they are now. On that map, our country is
made to join Russian America, north of Queen Char¬
lotte's Island and at latitude 54°, while Mexico exten¬
ded as far north as 42°: our south-western bounda¬
ries were the Arkansas, the Red and the Sabine
348
AN APOLOGY FOR
rivers. But Great Britain pressed down upon us
from the north, and we were compelled to come to
latitude 49°. Pressed by Great Britain, we in turn
pressed down upon Mexico, and as a result of the war
of 1847, we became in possession of all that vast tract
of country, of which California forms a part. W e need
not rehearse here the settling of our Pacific acquisi¬
tion, how grand cities arose up in a decade, how all
that land, which twenty years ago was a wilderness,
has been made to abound in all the blessings of our
modern civilization. The negro aided in this great
work; his muscle helped to break into the mountain
store-houses, and rob them of their treasure. While
the rati(*of white emigration between the years 1850
and 1860, was 294,34, that of the free colored peo¬
ple, was 324,74. In 1860, the free colored popula¬
tion of California, was 4,086. How, and when the
A, M. E. Church was taken to that land, we are told
in the following piece of history which we received
from the lips of the old pioneer himself, Bro. Charles
Stewart. Of its truthfulness the reader may rest
assured.
THE PLANTING OF THE A. 31. E. CHURCH IN CALIFORNIA,
I left New York, Dec, 1,1851, on board the steam¬
ship "Brother Jonathan," commanded by Capt. Mil¬
ler. -I arrived on the Isthmus, at the town of Crucis,
Dec, 18,1851. Here I remained until the 14th of Jan¬
uary, in the new year 1852, when I went to Panama,
whence I sailed for California, Jan, 17, on the
steamer Republic, Capt. Hudson. We arrived safe
AFRICAN METHODISM.
349
and sound in San Francisco bay on the 11th. of Feb¬
ruary. On board the vessel was Edward Gomaz, a
West Indiaman, whose acquaintance I had made at
St. Thomas, W. I., He was a religious man and
kept a boarding house in San Francisco, No. 10 Vir-#
ginia St. His wife was a New York lady, formerly
Miss Mary Jeffries, and was a member of Zion
Church ; and likewise a former acquaintance of mine.
Having disembarked on the 12th in company with my
son Alfred Stuart, we at once repaired to the house
of my good friend and brother, Gomaz. Scarcely
had we been seated, until he remarked to his wife,
" Well Mary, Brother Stewart has come, and we will
have preaching, for I Jcnow he will not play gam¬
bler." What occasioned the rernark was that we
met on the way to his house, a former Reverend, S-l
S-r-i-g-o on his way to a gambling house, kept by
Harper and West. This poor man wag licensed and
ordained by the venerable Christopher Rush, and
when in New York, none gave promise of greater
faithfulness, but going to California, the gambling
tide bore him irresistibly on in its bosom, and
none attended the Monte table more regularly.
The Sabbath following my arrival, at a prayer
meeting held in the house of Brother Gomaz, I made
the acquantance of four young brethren, who had
come from Washington city: James Wilkerson,
Henry Butler, James Barton and Henry Lewis.
These four young Brethren, I found to be as pure
salt, in an affected place. After prayer they invi¬
ted me to their ranche, or room ; also, we made an
16
350
AN APOLOGY FOR
agreement, to attend a religious meeting, early that
evening, at the house of a Baptist sister named Ma¬
son, who had come over the plains from Cincinnati.
At the time appointed we repaired thither, and
found about a dozen there assembled, who were ad-
•dressed by a christian brother, named Brown, from
Washington city. After he had concluded, we had
a season oi prayer.
On Tuesday, Feb, 16, I met these four brethren,
again at their ranche, at 12 o'clock, and after a sea-
f oa of prayer, in which the Lord powerfully blessed
us, we communed together for two hours, concern¬
ing the spiritual condition around us. In our pray¬
ers, we had entreated the Lord to show us what to
do, and before parting, we concluded, that on the
next day, three of us would go out and seek a place
wherein worship could be held. We heard of an
Englishman —a carpenter, who had a vacant house,
that might be made to suit; we visited him, and en¬
gaged to take the place at a rent of $45.00 per
month. Having paid him a month's rent in advance,
we engaged him to make us a small pulpit, and six¬
teen benches, for which we paid him, $100.00. On
the 22d of February, 1852, the Bev. George Tay¬
lor of Boston, Mass., dedicated it for us, and admin¬
istered to us, the Sacrament. At night one of Mr.
Taylor's colleagues preached for us. Everything ap¬
peared very favorable, and I rejoiced exceedingly at
the kind mercies of God. On the following Thurs¬
day evening, we held a prayer-meeting, which was
attended by a goodly number of persons.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
351
On the 1st of March, there arrived from England,
a colored preacher, Joseph Thompson by name. He
had been ordained by the Wesleyan Methodists. He
found his way to the boarding house of Brother G-o-
maz, where I soon made his acquantance. After re¬
peated conversation, he entered heartily into the
work, and became our preacher. It was not long
before certain parties, J-n C-h, H-y C-h, and J-n L-s,
H-y W-s, called on tl^e Rev. Mr. Thompson, and ex¬
pressed themselves as desirous not only to join the
Church, but likewise to have their local preaching
licens^renewed. The course of all these men, du¬
ring their stay in California had been anything else
but commendable; this, Bro. Thompson had learned,
and consequently he informed them that he would
see about it. The next day he called to see me, and
I advised him not to have anything to do with
them. They however met him at his lodging,
and by over persuasion, succeeded in getting him
to receive them as local preachers in good stand¬
ing. When he came and informed me what he had
done, "I told him plainly that it was wrong, and the
result \fould be disastrous to all the Church : that
the men were not such as they should be, and I
feared that our work would come to nought." The
following Sabbath, two of these men occupied the
pulpit, J-n L-s at 3 o'clock, and H-y W-s at 7^.
After two months had elapsed, the Rev. John J.
Moore arrived from Philadelphia, and was invited to
preach on the following Sabbath, which he kindly
consented to do; and on Monday, March, 22d, 1852,
352
AN APOLOGY FOR
he started for Sacramento on the Steamer Ante¬
lope.
But to return: the Rev. Mr. Thompson not only
took these men in, hut made one of them, J-n L~s,
treasurer, who, it was found, wheti the rent was to
he paid, had taken the money, $45,00, and given it
to Rev. J. J. Moore, to carry him to Sacramento.
When the landlord appeared for his money, the
treasury "being empty, Bro Thompson informed him
that he would pay him in two days. At the time
specified, the money was not forthcoming, and the
landlord demanded the keys of the building.'* Bro.
Thompson called upon the Treasurer, and all four
of these Brethren, when they informed him that they
had no money, and if the landlord had the key, let
him keep it.
On the 9th of April Bro. Thompson called upon
me, and seemed to he distressed, even unto tears.
1 enquired the occasion of his grief, when he in¬
formed me what these men had done : I told him I
was not surprised. When he asked what course to
pursue, I informed him that I thought he had better
repent; however, said I, you come, and we will de¬
vise together ; in the meantime, let us seek counsel
of God. He left, and I immediately went to Grod,
and poured out my soul like water before him;
arising, I felt persuaded that G-od had heard, and
would answer. I went to a lawyer named Alridge,
from New Orleans, and who boarded at the house
where I labored—the Yerness House, and I engaged
him to draw up an Act of Incorporation, for an Af-
AFRICAN" METHODISM.
353
rican M. E. Church, and such other papers as he
deemed necessary. At the appointed time Brother
Thompson was on hand> and I directed him where
to go to see this Lawyer, corner of Kearney and Clay
Sts., when I assured him he would receive some pa¬
pers, and such information as Lawyer Kearney
would give. He went and received the papers,
which the Lawyer ordered him to take to the Mayor,
for the seal of the city, and his signature, which he
did. Aside from freely signing his papers, the May¬
or told him that when he was ready to huild, he
would give him $100.00. He advised him to carry
his papers to the Capital, [Sacramento] and receive
the state seal, as well a^ Gov. Calhoun's signature.
After this meeting with the Mayor, Bro. Thompson
returned and informed me of his success, and spoke
of going to Sacramento.
I heartily agreed with him, and my heart greatly
rejoiced at.the promised success. I told him that he
should not lack for means to carry him to Sacramen¬
to. After consultation, it was agreed that he should
leave for the Capitol, Saturday, April 29th, for
which jaunt, I gave him ten dollars to pay his way
there. Upon his arrival in Sacramento, he stopped
at the house of a preacher, Rev. Barney Fletcher,
formerly of Orleans, to whom, and other brethren, he
told his mission, with which they heartily sympa¬
thized, On Sabbath he preached for them, and at
the evening service they gave him a collection which
amounted to $50.00. On Monday, he waited on
Grov. Calhoun, who graciously received him, heard
354
AN APOLOGY FOR
his story, signed his papers, and gave him $100.00
in gold. Thus equipped, he was ready for work;
the kind Governor directed him to go to Adams Ex¬
press Office, to which he immediately repaired, and
they too, gave him $100.00. Thence he went to
the Townsend Banking House, from whom he re¬
ceived another $100.00, as well as referred him to
their House in San Francisco. When Bro. Thomp¬
son returned home he brought $450.00, at which my
heart greatly rejoiced. In San Frajncisco, the same
success attended his efforts, the Townsend Banking
House gave another $100.00, as well as the Adams
Express Company. Mr. Argenti, an officer in the
government mint, gave $200.00. Lawyer Alridge
gave $50.00 : while numbers of other gentlemen con¬
tributed building material, sufficient indeed to put
up our house. The Lord was wonderfully on our side.
Having leased a lot from the Presbyterian Church,
on Stockton St., we engaged a workman, to whom
we promised to pay $900.00. He finished the Church
in, good time, and on the 8th of August, 1852, our
house was dedicated to the Lord, by the Rev. George
Taylor, who, as we have seen, dedicated our othei
little place.
The Church completed, I resolved immediately to
return to the States, and on the 14th of August, 1852,
I left for home onboard the Steamship Oregon. Be¬
tween the towns of Crucis and Panama, I met the
Rev. T. M. D. Ward, who had arrived from New
York, in the Steamship Ohio. The Ship in which I
came, took him to San Francisco ; his, bore me away
AFRICAN METHODISM.
355
to New York. May the presence of the Lord ever
abide with that Church.
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE PACIFIC WORK INTO A DIS¬
TRICT.
This Annual Conference was organized in the
Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church,
at San Francisco, California, Apri-l 6th, 1865.
Members present: Jabez Pitt Campbell, Bishop ;
Rev. Thomas M. D. Ward, Missionary Elder in
charge of the w5rk of missions upon the Pacific
coast.
TRAVELING PREACHERS.
Peter R. Green, Peter Kelingworth,
Edward Tappan James C. Hamilton,
James H. Hubbard, John T. Jenifer,
Chas. Wesley Boardley.
LOCAL PREACHERS.
Barney Fletcher, J. B. Sanderson.
This Conference was opened with singing, prayer
aad reading a porfcioii of Scripture by the presiding
Bishop. Rev. J. B. Sanderson was appointed Sec¬
retary, and Rev. J. H. Hubbard, Assistant Secre¬
tary.
13PISOOPAL ADDRESS.
"Reverend and Dear Brethren :—With me it is a
subject of thanksgiving and praise to God that, after
years spent in prayer and deep anxiety upon your be¬
half, I have lived to meet you for the purpose of or-
356
AN APOLOGY FOR
ganizing and holding an Annual Conference with
you under the doctrines, discipline and government
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the
United States of America. This I do in accordance
with an ordinance of the General Conference, passed
at its last session, held in Philadelphia, May, 1864.
Heretofore, the work upon the Pacific Coast has "been,
for the period of about twelve years, a missionary field
of lahor ; and for the most part of that time, placed
under the missionary superintendence of Rev. T. M.
D. Ward.
From this time and forever, this new Confer¬
ence will he added to the number of regularly or¬
ganized Conferences, under the name and title of
the California District. For several years, in
the Annual and General Conferences, I have
been an advocate for Episcopal, visitation, and the
organization of an Annual Conference upon this
coast. I have frequently offered my services to
raise means toward defraying the expenses of one of
the Bishops to make the journey. I have even gone
so far as to offer the sum of at least fifty dollars out
of my own private funds, if need be, for that pur-
pose, with not the most distant thought that it
would ever fall to my lot to be that Bishop who
would come to this country and organize the first
Conference in it. But, in the providence of God, so
it is.
At present, myself and Elder Ward are the only
legal members of the Conference. But after due ex¬
amination, all the preachers who have been four full,,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
357
years traveling preachers or active missionaries, and
all local preachers who have been regularly licensed
preachers in our connexion, both classes of whose
moral, religious and official character stands fair,
and who stand a fair examination in their literary
attainments, as per Discipline, these parties I shall,
upon the recommendation of the Elder who has had
them in charge, and who has had them employed
in the work of missions during the time specified,
these I say, I shall rule in as legitimate bona fide
members of the new Conference. That they have
been four full years regularly licensed preachers,
and that they have traveled that length of time,
they must prove by their preachers' licenses and
their certificates of appointments. The brethren
having complied with these previous arrangements,
they will be admitted as full members of the Con¬
ference ; having the right to enjoy all the privileges
of the same, made and provided. Those brethren
who have not thus been authorized, and who may
desire to become members or itinerant preachers on
probation, may be received afterwards as pep Discip¬
line. May God Almighty be pleased to add his
most special blessing upon our labors in this new
organization, is the most fervent prayer of your
chief pastor and brother in Christ."
After the Episcopal address was closed, the breth¬
ren named above were admitted to membership
upon the recommendation of Rev. T. M. D. Ward,
Elder in charge, after due examination as per Dis¬
cipline.
16*
AN APOLOGY FOR
The following named brethren, after due examin¬
ation, were ordained Deacons into the traveling con¬
nexion, Thursday, April 13th, 1865 : Peter R. Green,
James H. Hubbard, John T. Jenifer.
STATISTICS AT ORGANIZATION.
Members 350
Missionary Elder 1
Deacons Traveling 3
Preachers " 4
Preachers, Local 2
Churches 10
Valueof Church Property, as given at Convention of 1863, $29,600.
We sent the Rev. T. M. D. Ward one of our cir¬
culars, and in reply he sent us the following letter:
San Franciscoj Dec. 15th, 1866.
My Dear Brother in the Lord:—You wish, to
know where I was first educated. If you have ever
been in Centre County, Pa., you have seen a little
valley called after the founder of the Keystone State.
To the West of this vale is the Alleghany Moun¬
tains, bathed in the golden glories of the setting
sun ; on the North is the Tussey Mountain ; on the
South is Nitney Mountain.
When the winds sweep over those pine-clad jnoun-
tains, and the forked lightnings leap from mountain
cave to valley deep, when the thunder-drums min¬
gle their terrific sounds with the voice of the storm,
from these I learned the lessons of G-od's power —
the vengeance and wrath of His ire. My soul was
AFRICAN METHODISM.
359
humbjed when I heard Grod's thunder-horn sum¬
moning his armies to battle.
The walls of those stately mountains, the sunlit
and star-paved sky, and the grass-clad earth were
my Alma Mater — my books were the sweeping
river, the opening rose-bud, the babbling brooklet,
the brilliant apple blooms, the thunder-riven oak,
the russet peach, the flaming stars, the sparkling
limpid spring, and the soft whispering zephyr.
The warbling of nature's feathered harpers often
reminded me of the music which is heard in the city
of Grod — the New Jerusalem. The frost bloom of
winter, and the June bud of summer, all reminded
me of the mutability of life. Thus, in passing
through life, I have found a gem of thought from
this mind and the other book.
The only positions I have filled have been a plough,
and a Methodist Preacher. Twenty-four years
I have been an officer in the army of the A. M. E.
Church — such I hope to be until my feet shall
touch the other shore—the Eden-laftd where, with
crown and harp, and robe and palm, I. hope to
spend a sun-bright day, a cloudless noon, and ever
opening morn.
Of the Laity, we present the name of
J. MADISON BELL.
POET,
A nation without Poets may fitly be compared
to a palace without the necessary adornment.
360
AN APOLOGY FOR
A structure with foundations and beams, and
floors and ceiling, and windows and doors, may be
denominated a house, but men will be slow to call
such a structure a palace. Ifc is thus with a people.
There maybe laborers, mechanics, artizans, scholars,
and men of profession, but the beau ideal of a na¬
tion is that there must be poets. The royalty of
any people is seen in its ability to produce, not only
craftsmen, nor yet statesmen, no, not even scholars,
but poets. Homer has brought more renown to the
Greeks, Yirgil to the Latins, than all their states¬
men, and orators, and warriors combined. Dante is
the representative man of mediaevel Italy, Shak-
speare and# Milton of modern Britain. The Anglo-
Africans of the great Republic have given proof of
their absolute worth, by quarrying out the rocks
upon which the government stood for years, even
Cotton and Tobacco ; they have given proof of their
dignity by producing, in Law, Jqjin Langston ; in
Medicine, Alexander Augusta ; in Literature, G-. B.
Yashon ; in Politics, Frederick Douglass; in Divin¬
ity, D. A. Payne ; in Painting, Thomas Duncanson;
in Statuary, Edmonia Lewis; and rising still higher
to the lofty realm where the Muses dwell, the
Anglo-Africans have proved their royalty by pro¬
ducing these children of the Muses: Phillis
Wheatly, Frances Watkins, Fanny M. Jackson and
J. Madison Bell.
J. Madison Bell was born in Grallipolis, in '27, of
humble parents, where he spent almost the first score
years of his life without the least show of literary ad-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
361
vantages. Going to Cincinnati in '43, he appren¬
ticed himself for three years to his brother, to learn
the art of plastering, the nearest approach to statu¬
ary and poetry which American prejudice would
allow. This employment he followed in the sum¬
mers, while the winters were devoted to the closest
study.
Here it was that the Muses visited him, and he
penned a few verses, creditable alike to his age and
advantages. Though doomed to live by " the sweat
of his brow," in the severest sense, still did the
Muses continue to visit him — the Muses to whom
the hut is as the palace ; the bond as the free ; the
white as the black.
My name is Genius,
For none I care:
I mind my business,
And none I fear.
Whom do I visit
But those I please,
In palace or hut,
I'm at my ease.
The rich can't bribe me,
The poor can't pay;
That I charge a fee
Can the world say ?
I go to all climes,
The hot and cold;
I have no spare times
My arms to fold.
I go to all hues,
The black and white;
Each must have his dues,
Quoth, Isn't that right?
AN APOLOGY FOR
My name is Genius,
For none I care:
I mind my business,
And none I fear.
Though his poetical effusions attracted considera¬
ble attention in Canada, whither he had moved in '54,
yet was it in California that his sweet strains
charmed the wild spirits of that land. Like Homer
of old, wandering from city to city, he everywhere
read with the greatest applause. Returning East,
the same brilliant career awaited him, and where-
ever he has read, before the general assemblage of the
public hall, or the refined audiences of the college
chapels, the highest laudations have been bestowed.
His Poems, mainly occasional, touch the heart
while it is yet warm and susceptible, and delivered
with a rich voice, gentle at times, and sweet as the
murmuring rill, and at times like melting thunders,
he carries his audience as by storm. J. Madi¬
son Bell blushes not at the Christian, appellation
of " Brpther." Not only a member of the A.
M. E. Church, he is a worker in it. While at
San Francisco, he was for years Superintendent of
the Sabbath school, as well as Leader of one of the
classes, under that mighty preacher, T. M. D.
Ward.
We cannot end this sketch better than by giving
one of the many notices he has received from the
Press.
"PUBLIC READINGS BY A COLORED POET,
Mr. J. Madison Bell, the colored poet whose pen-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
363
pictures of the war have found their way into some
of the Eastern journals friendly to the intellectual
development and progress of the colored man, gave
readings at Allen Chapel, on Sixth Street, last
evening, to a large audience of our colored citizens,
and, for two hours, held his hearers spell-bound
with the beauty and power of his imagery.
Mr. Bell is a tall, powerfully built man, with a
large well-shaped head, good countenance, and fine,
resonant voice, over which he has acquired perfect
command. He is easy and graceful in manner, and
expresses feeling with his vocal organs, more than
by the extrinsic means of gesticulation. Judging
by his color, it is probable that his African blood
predominates, and in listening to his verse, it is ap¬
parent that the rich imagery of the Orient finds a
natural expression.
He read half a dozen or more poems celebrating
events in the war wherein the blacks distinguished
themselves by deeds of valor and patriotism, and
most graphically portrayed their devotion to liberty
and its defenders from peril to the last of the na¬
tional struggle.
The fight at Milliken's Bend, in 1863, (which the
writer happened to witness) was accurately described,
and aside from its faithfulness to the history of the
affairs, was a vivid and thrilling picture of the des¬
perate character of the struggles between the rebel
soldiery and the blacks, wherever the chances of war
brought tliem into combat.
Perhaps no better idea of the excellence of this
364
AN APOLOGY FOR
colored poet can be conveyed than to express the
opinion that he will rank as a poet with Duncanson
as an artist, and that notwithstanding the disadvan¬
tages under which he has labored in the earlier
stages of his career, his productions bear the impress
of genius, which will eventually develope into some¬
thing more lastirfg than the tones of his voice."
african methodism.
365
CHAPTER XV.
the south carolina district.
-Our first fruits of the great Rebellion was the
ahove named District. Here had we planted in
the early days of our organization, hut the ruth¬
less oppressor came and bade us begone, that he
would cultivate the field himself. -Of our early ef¬
forts in this direction, Bishop Payne says :* "At
that time (1816) there were thousands in Charleston,
S. C., holding the same sentiment. But the repre¬
sentatives of this latter city were not present in per¬
son, because the difficulties in the mode of traveling,
with many legal obstacles, prevented them. They
were, however, known to be present in sympathy,
desire, and purpose. We say that Morris Brown,
Henry Drayton, Charles Carr, Amos Cruchshanks,
Marcus Brown, Smart Simpson, Harry Bull, John
B. Mathews, James Eden, London Turpin, and
Aleck Harleston, all of the city of Charleston, would
have been there if they could." But the inability of
these parties to be present at the Convention, and
assist in the organization of the new Church, as well
as help define its position and shape its economy,
* Page 21. Semi-Centenary.
366
AN APOLOGY FOR
prevented them not from after joining it \ and with,
their strong wills, assist in pushing out its bound¬
aries. Of the following year (1817) it is recorded in
the "Retrospectionthat "Morris Brown, at the
head of about 1,000 souls, resigned from the M. E.
Church in South Carolina, and united with the
connection—now 1822, the number had swelled to
3,000, including Charleston and the Circuit immedi¬
ately surrounding it." But the tree, which had thus
sprung up like the gourd of Jonah, like it was doom¬
ed to be soon smitten. Though goodly to look upon,
and promising goodlier fruit, yet must the axe be
laid at the root of it, and in 1832, " the civil au¬
thorities of the# State, maddened by the incipient
efforts of the heroic but luckless Denmark Yesey to
overthrow the infernal system, ordered their organ-*
ization to be suppressed." Thus withered the fair
flower of African Methodism in the South ; but its
withering was not unto death, for while its delicate col¬
ors were destroyed, its form broken, yet way down in
the peduncle of the heart, the seeds remainded, ready
to germinate at the first opening of spring. The
winter was long, full thirty years, the snows were
deep, the blasts were biting, yet it lived, and when
spring came in her chariot of war, it, first of all the
flowers, was seen to bloom, with colors deepened by
the night; form more compact, and strength a
thousand fold increased.
On the 15th of May, 1865, the South Carolina Dis¬
trict was organized, and commenced its first session
in Zion Church, Charleston, S. C.; the religious ser-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
367
vices wore conducted by Bishop D. A. Payne. Would
that we could lay before our readers the words de¬
livered on that occasion ! Thirty years before, to the
very month, he had been driven out a penniless ref¬
ugee, now he returned free,^ head and heart — the
Bishop of a connexion, whose votaries were num¬
bered by the score thousands.
JameSj^A.. Handy and James Lynch were the Sec¬
retaries of the new Conference. The organizing
force of the District were D. A. Payne, Bishop;
Jas. Lynch, R. H. Cain, Jas. A. Handy, Geo. A.
Rue, A. L. Standford, Elders ; Jas. H. A. Johnson,
T. G. Steward, Preachers.
A letter of welcome was received by the Conference
from Rev. T. W. Lewis, of the M. E. Church, North ;
signed by Messrs. Weston, Hollo way, Sasportas,
Mills and other influential citizens of Charleston.
The following Disciplinary questions of this first
Conference were asked and answered :
What has been collected for contingent expenses ?
Ans. $48.48.
What for support of Pastors? Wm. Bently has
received $150.00.
What for Sunday schools ? $16.00.
What Preachers are admitted on trial? Ans.
Chas. L. Brad well, Wm. Bently, Jas. Hill, Glou¬
cester Taylor, R. M. Taylor, Cornelius Murphy,
Wm. Steward, R. Vanderhorst, John Graham.
Who have been elected and ordained Deacons and
Elders this year? Ans. D&acoris: Wm. Bently,
Jas. Hill, Wm. Steward, R. Yanderhorst, John
368
AN APOLOGY FOR
Graham. Elders: Jas. H. A. Johnson. T. G.
Steward.
"Where are the Preachers stationed this year ?
Ans. Savannah, A. L. Stanford ; Charleston, H. H.
Cain; Wilmington, Jas. A. Handy; Raleigh, Geo.
W. Brodie ; Beaufort River Mission, T. G. Steward ;
Hilton Head, J. H. A. Johnson; Edisto Island, 0.
L. Brad well; Ogeeche River Mission, to he supplied;
Charleston Mission, to he supplied ; Georgetown Mis¬
sion, to he supplied ; Goldsboro' Mission, to he sup¬
plied.*
Where and when shall our next Conference he
held? At Savannah, Ga., second Saturday in May,
1866.
The seeds opened at this organizing Conference
fell not only in Charleston, hut were hlown far
and wide, and everywhere was the soil found to he
good. Nine Southern Preachers, strong men in
every sense, had given in their adhesion to our
cause. It was a masterly movement to receive them
— to place our hands, not only within the warm
grasp of their extended hands, hut also upon their
heads, and permit them to do hy lawx what they had
heen doing for years without law. And it is natural,
after all, for these negro preachers and people to
come to us; whatever others may say to the contrary.
Blood is always more potent than money; other de¬
nominations had the money, we had the hlood, and
* It is our thought that at this Conference, Geo. A. Rue was sent to
Newbern, N. C., but the Minutes do not say so; it is silent concerning
his appointment.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
369
the contest could not long remain uncertain. The
fires of oppression have melted down the Anglo-
Africans into one — it has burnt up their wrath
and jealousies, and whenever they see each other's
face, they see the countenance of a brother. How
often are some of our refined and aspiring colored
ladies and gentlemen, made nervous in the cars and
other public places by the approach of their black
brothers, not by any means as well clad or refined
as they. The secret is that when one colored man
sees another colored man, he at once concludes that
they are friends and acquaintances, and he makes
straight toward him. "We would digress sufficiently
long from our subject to say to these refined folks,
Do not be ashamed of your black brother, he knows
you, and you cannot get away from him. # l*ou and
he were in the fires together, and if you would for¬
get him, he will not forget you. Shall Shadrick for¬
get Abednego. Sit over in the seat, and make
room for him, for he relies on your friendship !
According to adjournment, the second session of
the South Carolina Conference met in St. Andrew's
Chapel, Savannah, Ga., May 14th, 1866, and con¬
tinued in session till May 23d. The religious servi¬
ces were conducted by Bishop Dt A. Payne. There
were on the roll
Elders — R. H. Cain, Jas. A. Handy, A. L.
Stanford, (1. W. Brodie, T. G. Steward, H. M.
Turner, C. H. Pearce.
Deacons — Richard Yanderhorst, John Graham.
Preachers — Chas. L. Bradwell, Gloucester Tay¬
lor.
370
AN APOLOGY FOR
Local Deacons— Jas. Hill, Win, Steward.
Local Preachers—,R. M. Taylor, Cornelius Mur-
pliy.
The sessions of this Conference will doubtless
never be forgotten "by those whose privilege it was
to be present. The Bishop spoke of it in the most
glowing terms. The progress we had made during
the previous year, the large accession of members
and preachers, the number presented by the Elders
for the itinerant service, the number to be ordained,
all gave assurance that African Methodism was vic¬
torious — that the prayer, and the work, and the
blood of our poverty-stricken missionaries had ac¬
complished more than treasures of fine gold. Thirty-
eight preachers were acmitted on trial; while forty-
six wejfe elected and ordained to the positions of
Deacons and Elders. A membership of 22,338 was
reported.
This Conference adjourned on the 23d, to meet in
Wilmington, N. C., the last Saturday in March,
1867.
At the Wilmington session, Bishop A. W. Way-
man was the presiding officer ; the secretaries were
Geo. W. Brodie and T. G. Steward. At this Con¬
ference the most signal victories continued to be re¬
ported, as the following answers to the Disciplinary
questions show. We give these answers in lieu of
regular statistical reports, which it was impossible to
make out, owing to the newness of the work.
(a) What for the support of Pastors ? $13,355.55.
(&) What for Missions? $941.76.
.AFRICAN METHODISM.
(c) "What for support of Bishops? $197.00.
4th. What Preachers are admitted on trial? Ans.
The number, Itinerant, 46 ; Local, 430.
5th. Who remain on trial ? The number, 18.
6th. Who are admitted into full connexion? The
number, 15.
Ttb. Who are Deacons? The number, Itinerant,
13, Local, 15.
8th. Who have been elected and ordained Deacons
and Elders this year? Ans. Itinerant Deacons, the
number, 42 ; Local Deacons, 39.
Itinerant Elders, the number, IT ; Local Elders, 2.
15th. Who have died this year ? Ans. Geo. A.
Rue, Isaac Gilliard.
16th. What numbers are in Society? Ans. 50,-
441.
18th. Where and when shall our next Conference
beheld? Ans. Columbia, S. C.
To show the animus of this Conference, we make
the following quotation from among their numerous
deliverances.
In regard to Education, they say: tC Your Com¬
mittee also think the time has come when we
should begin to lay the foundation for an educated
ministry, even among our Southren brethren ; there¬
fore we would recommend that a committee of five
be appointed to devise a plan, and select a place for
the erection of a suitable institution, either in Geor¬
gia, North oy South Carolina, where our young
ministers can study at least the elements of Divinity,
who are unable to avail themselves of the benefit of
372
AN APOLOGY FOR
Wilberforce University ; and that said committee re¬
port at the next South Carolina C/onference."
In regard to the A. M. E. Church, they say :
" Resolved, Being firmly resolved that the Afri¬
can M. E. Church has heen and is an instru¬
ment in the hand of God to lift our race up from de¬
gradation, we intend to use every means legitimate,
honorable, and in our judgment pleasing to our Di¬
vine Master, to extend her principles, and to' build
■up her interests; to unite our race into one great
African Methodist family. To this work we have
consecrated our best energies, and from this work
we do*not intend to go into the " plains of Ono " to
reason with any who oppose the work about which
we are engaged.."
In regard to the Country they say : " Whereas,
since the last session of our Annual Conference, the
Congress of the United States has enfranchised our
race in the States known as the ten rebel States ; and,
whereas, this enfranchisement is an acknowledged
declaration of our incorporate relation to tine nation,
removing every barrier to our moral, religious and
political elevation.
Resolved, That we do hereby tender our pro-
foundest gratitude to the said Congress for this noble
act, which places us in just legislation, in the front
rank of any national government in the world.
Resolved, That for this and other measures en¬
acted by said Congress, that we renew bur allegiance
to the United States, and pledge to its protection
our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."
AFRICAN METHODISM.
373
Measures were also adopted at this Conference
lolfking toward the establishment of a weekly jour¬
nal.
In the Conferences of which we have just been
Teading, the States of North and South Carolina,
Georgia and Florida, were represented with a colored
population of more than 1,272,217. Fifty thousand
of them had banded themselves together, and the
vehicle was already felt to be too large. If there
were sufficient territory for four State governments,
with a white population not greatly above that of
the colored, it certainly could not be expected that
Conference only would be organized, and made
to meet the wants of so many Methodists. Conveni¬
ence demanded that other Districts should be or¬
ganized, as well as economy; and, as a commence¬
ment, at the Wilmington session, in May, 1867J it
was decided that Georgia and Florida be set off
to themselves. The General Conference of 1868.
will doubtless ratify that decision, and order that
each of the Southern States constitute a District.
The territory is sufficiently large, while the popula¬
tion is abundant. With such an arrangement, the
whole South could be worked up to advantage.
The South, the glorious South, though she has
" lien among the pots, yet shall she be as the wings
of the dove, covered with silver, and her feathers
with yellow gold.'' Here is to be the heart of our
Church, that is to throw through the whole body the
vitalizing blood. New Eagland, New York, and even
Baltimore with those of the West, will be the border
*17
374
AN APOLOGY FOR
Conferences, the extreme members of the ecclesiasti¬
cal body. With such a manly heart as this, •wrtth
such maternal bowels, what is it that we may not ac¬
complish under the Divine lead ? Who is it that is
to evangelize the negroes of the greater and lesser
Antilles, if it be not us ? Who that is to connect Af¬
rica and America with a stream of Missionaries, if
not the A. M. E. Church ? " Awake up my glory;
awake psaltry and harp." Let the A. M. E. Church
gird itself, for the time of battle draweth nigh. Too
long hath Satan been loose, devouring our brethren
on the islands, our fathers on the far off continent.
Awake ! ye Methodist itinerants, awafce! spirit of
Allen and Coker in the hearts of the brethren, and
spirit of Quinn, fall not to sleep "till Ethiopia shall
stretch out her hands unto Grod, and the world re¬
joice in a redeemed humanity.
We present brief sketches of three of the leading
pi embers of this District. It would have been a mat¬
ter of interest to the reader, and pride to ourselves,
had we succeeded in getting sketches of more of the
Southern preachers who have identified themselves
with us, and who help in no mean measure to make
the A. M. E. Church what it is. We know that the
reader would like to hear of B. H. Williams, and
John Graham, and Richard Vanderhorst, but our
Apology is wonderfully deficient here, as in other
matters. It is even deficient in regard to the preach¬
ers who went there as missionaries. To write of
African Methodism in South Carolina, and not men¬
tion R. H. Cain, is most unpardonable. But what
AFRICAN METHODISM.
375
were we to do ? The brother was so busy building
Churches, and buying them; so busy getting a
Home for the living Old Folks, and a Grave yard for
the dead ones; so busy out-generaling some "folks
who possessed a heavy purse with the strings open,
that he had no time to have his name put on paper.
And why should he desire to have it put on pa¬
per, when it is being engraved upon the marble of
men's souls ? And where is Theophilus G-. Steward,
with a spirit bigger than his body ? He is there,
consequently he is not here, for he is not ubiquitous.
They are both doing a great work.
Of the laity, we present Maj. Delaney : one such
is enough. We invite special attention to his article.
ACTIVE MINIS TB Y.
(A!)
GEORGE W. BR0DIE.
ELDE R.
This gentleman has the peculiar honor of a reg¬
ular Methodist succession — a succession about which
there need be no controversy, coming as he does
from the strictest Methodist family in the West.
Bishop Payne, in his late work, speaks of his
father after this manner : " Philip Brodie died in
Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 9th of March, 1829. He
was the first Pastor of the Church in that city. He
was a Virginian by birth, but brought up in Ea-st
Tennessee. He was early converted in the M. E.
Church, wherein he lived an upright man for many
376
AN APOLOGY FOB
years, but finally left it for a more useful field of la¬
bor in the A. M. E. Church. He was very success¬
ful in winning souls to Christ, but his career as an
Itinerant was as short as it was brilliant, covering
only four years, from 1824 to 1828, when he was
compelled by disease to retire from the field into the
bosom of his family, from whence he took his flight
to a better and brighter world." Coming from such
a sire, so good in heart, and strong in head, we are
not surprised as we scan over the eventful life of
George W. Brodie.
A naturalized British subject, yet is he a native-
born American citizen ; a barber, shaving the faces
and combing the hair of common laborers, yet is he
a clerk in a bank ; a civilian, yet "an ecclesiastic; a
land agent, yet aspiring to the jurists' gown. With
an educational training* not to be despised, an
eloquent tongue, a susceptible heart, and man¬
ners the most insinuating, God doubtless intends
him to be useful in his day. But misfortune has
hung over his pathway like a cloud. Misfortune
did I say? aye, but the misfortune of Jonah was
his salvation. Bro. Brodie is now preaching in the
South, having been appointed to superintend the
Western District of North Carolina. Those best ac¬
quainted with the man and his life, say he is but
doing now what he ought to have dope before he
shipped for Tarshish. A man of undoubted ability,
his success as a regular Itinerant is yet to be seen.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
377
(B.)
ALEXANDER T. CARR.
EL D E R.
This reverend gentleman is a Southerner, and to
the manor born. South Carolina is his birth State,
where he first saw the light, when the years of our
century were few. He is the first dispassionate South
Carolinian we ever saw. Quiet and gentle in the
evening of his life, he reminds one of an evening
sunbeam.
Though born and reared a slave, he bears few
marks of that ignoble State — nature seemed to
make him proof against its influence. Whilst the
theory of Slave races and Free races is to be abomin¬
ated, for the reason that it makes community of that
which God's fiat proclaims individual, the theory
that one man will be enslaved, whilst another — his
brother perchance — will not wear the yoke, is most
true! A writer, speaking of Perry Douglass, brother
of Frederick, says of him : " Who like Frederick
was a slave, but unlike him, never succeeded in
breaking his own fetters."
The spirit of the Kev. Mr. Carr was restless under
the yoke, and when he considered the possibilities of
wife and children being sold from him, he banished
joy from his heart, till they all should be free. But
his very fidelity had made him valuable, and when
"old master" was approached with the subject of
allowing him to purchase himself and family, he
378
AN APOLOGY FOR
grew furious, and could not think of such a thing.
The waters of his wrath subsided, only to be stirred
up again by Alexander's pertinacity. It was the
case of the widow and the unjust Judge acted over
again. The matter of his freedom, with the price,
was finally submitted to the arbitration of mutual
friends, and the result was that liberty was awarded
him, but at a " great sum." The shining gold
paid down, and the Carr family was free. Elastic
in spirit, he soon straightened himself for the duties
of a free life; and few, indeed, are the men who per¬
formed them so well. The whole household gave
indications of plenty and comfort. G-od had blessed
him, had rewarded the industry of his hands, had
answered the prayers of his heart, and his whole life
was consecrated to Him with renewed vigor. For
years he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and after the division of 1844, his fortune
was cast with the Church South. Such was his in¬
tegrity, even while a young man, he was made
Leader of one of the most influential classes, much
to the chagrin of some of the fathers.
When the war come, it found him conducting a
livery stable in Georgetown, S. C., and his horses
and carriages were regarded as the finest in the
place. Here he continued till the great draught
made on him by the Confederate authorities, com¬
pletely prostrated him; and when the war closed,
the only fortune that remained to him was an in¬
domitable will, and an unspotted character — two
treasures more precious than rubies
AFRICAN METHODISM.
379
The South. Carolina District was organized May,
1805 ; the following May, 1866, having settled in
the meantime his secular affairs, the Rev. A. T.
Carr, cast in his lot as a regular itinerant, and was
at once ordained an Elder. At the Conference of
1865, he was made Superintendent of a very impor¬
tant District in his native State.
Tiie adhesion of such a man to our standard in the
South was a matter of the highest consideration,
for it is with such that very much of our success has
been achieved. When such men as A. T. Carr, the
two Bradwells, R. Vanderhorst, and scores of others
rallied to the standard, the cause of African Meth¬
odism was made secure in South Carolina and the
South generally.
Rev. A. T. C. is a respectable English scholar.
He reads fluently, writes readily, and does both with
more accuracy than is usual for men of his advan¬
tages. An earnest preacher, a hard working pastor,
he is destined yet to leave his footprints upon Afri¬
can Methodist history.
(C.)
REV. WM. H. BROWN
•
Spent fifteen years in the bosom of the M. E. Church,
but feeling called upon to preach Christ, he was
compelled to sever his connection with that body,
and come among his brethren — come to a Church
upon whose doors are engraved the invitation:
" Come and go with us " —an invitation extending
380
AN APOLOGY FOR
to peoples of every clime and. race , and ail invita¬
tion, too, that has been accepted by the proud
Saxon and the tamed Savage, as well as the man in
ebony.
Joining the A. M. E. Church in 1861, he at once
began work in his Master's vineyard. Within six
months after joining, he was made exhorter, and
within a year, preacher. In June, 1862, his voice
could have been heard way down on the Eastern
Shore, preaching Christ, and that, too, under the
most adverse circumstances. In 1866, he joined
the Baltimore Annual Conference, and was immedi¬
ately transferred to South Carolina District, receiv¬
ing as his first charge, Columbia, the Capital of the
Palmetto State.
A man that takes a great many things for grant¬
ed, he will generally succeed. " A great many
things for granted," what does he mean, says one?
It is a question with some men, whether they can
succeed, whether they know anything, and a thous¬
and other things about which some men doubt, but
Bro. Brown takes them all for granted. And who
shall blame him for believing that he can do as
much as any other man under similar circumstances.
Self-confidence is the back-bone of every successful
man, and the only demand the world can make
upon him is that he have it in modesty.
Successful in his ministration, Bro. Brown gives
promise of becoming one of the strong pillars in the
Southern part of the Church. He contributes the
following :
AFRICAN METHODISM.
381
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA.
A Description of the City after Sherman's Army
Passed Through it> on the 17th of February, 1865.
The ancient Capital building of the State, a ven¬
erable structure, that for seventy years had echoed
with the eloquence and wisdom of the most famous
statesmen, was laid in ashes ; six temples of the
most High God shared the same fate. Eleven bank¬
ing establishments, the schools of learning, the shop
of art, and trade of invention and manufacture, were
all buried together in one common ruin. Eighty-
four squares out of one hundred and twenty-four,
which the city contained, were destroyed.
The Capital was the first building that was bom¬
barded ; for one mile from this building, in a straight
direction, can be seen standing chimneys which have
nothing to adorn them but a heap of ashes and
bricks, and then turning Eastward, for two squares,
you see nothing but a heap of rums : also the same
in looking Westward. The house that was used as
a guard-house, the place where the flesh of hundreds
of poor, despised Africans was laid bare by the lash ;
and at a time, too, when all civilized people should
have been sitting in the sacred Temple worshiping
God, was the time when the lash was laid on more
severe — that is now lying in ashes, with nothing to
mark its history but the pillars that supported the
structure.
The Court Hou.se, a large and magnificent edifice,
where human flesh was put upon the block for sale,
17*
AN APOLOGY FOB,
382
is now a heap of ruins, and cannot bo rebuilt. -The
cause is this, the men who carried on that inhuman
traffic, are now worse off than those whom they
stood up there for sale. Many of those who lived in
fine houses, had servants to wait upon them, could
ride in fine coaches, are now poverty-stricken. Some
who have Northern friends have commenced build¬
ing, and the colored mechanics are now reaping the
harvest.
MAJ. M. R. DELANY.
U. S. A.
There are two classes of individuals in our " Apol¬
ogy." The class whose names and productions honor
it, and the class who are honored by it.
To the first of these belong Maj. Martin Robinson
Delany. Mr. D., American born, yet is he known
to three continents. From the hut he hath arisen
to the palace, and from the society of the humble, to
the companionship of princes. In the exchange of
the rough garb of a Westerner for the honored
habiliments of the field, Scripture hath been invert¬
ed — the plough-share hath been beaten into the
sword.
It would be presumption in us to offer to sketch a
life so successful — a life that has been written by
the ablest pens in the land. It is sufficient for us
to offer this article from his thoughtful brain, and
at the same time state that he is an honored member
of the African M. E. Church.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
383
THE NEGRO IN HOLY WRIT. THE SIMILITUDE OF DIVINE
ATTRIBUTES.
Ill contributing a line to the "Apology," the
writer improves the occasion of presenting a sub-,
ject, novel in all its bearing, one which he has
long contemplated discussing at length, but which
will be merely introduced here for the purpose of
setting the black mind to thinking in a direction or¬
iginal and unexplored by others. He has been
prompted by two motives to do so. The first, be¬
cause of the character of the work ; secondly, because
he has the honor of presenting it to a learned young
clergyman — the author of the "Apology/' whom
the writer has known from his earliest childhood,
frequently taught in Sabbath school; known him
through his school-boy days ; when he embraced re¬
ligion ; when a student of the Western Theological
Seminary of Alleghany Oity; and now the honored
Pastor of the Cathedral of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church in Baltimore, who bids fair to be¬
come one of the revered Doctors of Divinity, if not
Bishops of the Church he so faithfully serves as an
exemplary minister of Christ.
The progress and attitude of man or races, tem¬
porally and spiritually, to our minds, are remark¬
ably portrayed by the Scriptures of Divine Truth,
Prophetically and Apostolically, that is, in the Old
and New Testaments. And was there a question of
the negro's claims to an inheritance as a child of
G-od, we throw out the declaration—fully appreciat¬
ing the extent of ttj.9 assumption, and the contin-
384
AN APOLOGY FOR
g^ncies of criticism it is subject to — tliat he can
prove, by Holy Writ, greater claims as heirs testate
than any other race. This is a position assumed on
the presumption of the old doctrines and notions of
the negro's inferiority. In competing with a su¬
perior enemy in means and armament, we should
make forced marches to reach a point before him,
and use our heaviest arms of defense if we desire to
check his approach, and repel his attack.
What claim has the negro to a likeness of the
Creator ? For an answer, consult the 6th Chapter
of Zachariah, vision of the Brazen Mountains : In
the first chariot were red horses, in the second,
black horses; in the third, white horses; in the
fourth, grizzled and bay horses.
What are these, my Lord ?
These are the four spirits of the heavens, which
go forth from standing before the Lord of all the
earth.
The black horses which are therein go forth into
the North country, and the white go forth after
them; and the grizzled go forth toward the South
country.
And the bay went forth, and sought to go that
they might walk to and fro through the earth.
Behold, those that go toward the North country
have quieted my spirit in the North.
Here we have the origin of the races and progress
of civilization, in the exact order in which they were
propagated — the Shemitic, Hamitic, and Japhethi-
tio, with the peculiar mixed races which have since
AFRICAN METHODISM.
385
(i come forth " as the offspring of the three original;
known as the Malay in the Old, and colored or Mix¬
ed Bloods, in the New World.
Again, Revelations, Chapter 6th, vision ofthe open¬
ing of the six seals :
And I beheld, and lo, a black horse ; and he that
sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
The black in the first representation quiets the
spirit of the Lord ; in the second, brings justice as
an offering. Here are the two essential attributes
of God— Peace and Justice. It is the only purpose
of his Advent, proclaimed on the coming of Christ:
On earth peace and good will (justice) to man.
But as though.there should be no doubt as to the
true character of thp Negro — Matthew, Chapter
27th ; Mark 15th, and Luke 23rd — John being Si¬
lent— when the Plan of Salvation was laid for the
Redemption of Man, and the Son of God, was chosen
for its completion, he failing to bear the weight of
the Emblem, Simon of Syrene, or Simon Niger
(black) a Negro was chosen, who, seizing the Cross,
the Emblem of Redemption, shouldered, bearing it,
following his Lord and Master up the Hill of Cal¬
vary, ujson which he was crucified; and thus was
completed the incomprehensible Plan of Salvation.
Were ever facts more emphatically pronounced, than
the claims of the black race, not only to an inherit¬
ance ofthe Kingdom of Grace, but a similitude and
likeness of God himself? First Christ, and next the
Negro, bore the Cross of Calvary. And no picture
of Salvation is complete, except a halo of Light as-
386
AN APOLOGY EOE
cending a Hill, followed by a comely, sturdy Negro,
"bearing upon his brawny shoulder, the Cross of Re¬
demption and eternal Life.
The writer alone is responsible for these views;
and should the learned author of the Apology hesi¬
tate to insert them in his work/he may find a justi¬
fication in waiving it, by the consideration, that it is
full time, that the " lion was painting his own pic¬
tures and instead of lying on his back, struggling
in the throes of death, with the knee of a superior
man upon his chest, cutting his throat; he should at
least, if not be on top, come up to the surface, on a
level with the man, there to enter the struggle with
a fair and equal contest.
This is but a faint presentation as an introduction,
of a cherished subject, yet to t)e fully set forth.
Christ and the Negro! How wonderful! The
inscrutable providence of Grod willed it thus. The
Plan of Salvation not completed without the Ne¬
gro's aid!
AFRICAN methodism.
387
CHAPTER XVI.
the louisiana district.
The Committee on Boundary, with M. F. Sluby
as chairman, recommended in the General Confer¬
ence of 1864, "that there be set apart a Conference
in the State of Louisiana, to he known as the Louis¬
iana Conference, embracing the States of Louisiana,
Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Texas, and all that
part of Florida lying west of the Chattanooga Riv¬
er," which is really territory and people sufficient
to found an Empire. More than 361,640 square
miles ! More than 1,519,727 colored people ! Such
a boundary was for the moment. At the time of
ordaining it, much the larger part was subject to
Confederate sway. But as the war has thrown it
all open to us, there is now need of dividing it
up into many districts, 200,000 souls ought to be
the maximum allowed to any single Conference.
Previous to the "wrar, we had planted our standard
in New Orleans, .the metropolis of the Southwest.
Bishop Quinn, years ago, sent the youthful John M.
Brown there, with orders to unfurl it. Sent, did we
say. No ; Methodist Bishops never send, they only
appoint, and you must go — go if you have the
means, go if you have it not. It was thus in the
case of J. M. Brown. The Bishop appointed him to
388
AN APOLOGY FOR
N.ew Orleans, but Tie must jgo ; and go lie did, for he
got aboard of one of tbe steamers, and being a bar¬
ber, shaved his way to Ms post of labor, and of persecu¬
tion ; for more than once had his dea'r Lulee to carry
him bread whilst confined in the " calaboose." But
the word he preached, grew—it was not bound, nor
could be; and very shortly the historic St. James'
Chapel, lifted up its head. Of the labors of this bro¬
ther in that field, we read in a letter dated New Or¬
leans, July 13,1867, " In this Mission we have an¬
other victory. In the 3rd Principality of New Or¬
leans is the second and last point in our Mission. At
this place we have a fine congregation — ten years
ago we had a very large one. The congregation had
been gathered thirteen or fourteen years ago, under
the pastoral charge of the Eev. John M. Brown, who
erected a fine Church edifice for the use of that con¬
gregation." The bombardment of Fort Sumpter
found our preachers there, they receiving their ap¬
pointments from the Missouri Conference, with which
that distant post was connected. But they did not
long remain after the din of battle, for the Church
was closed. Thus cast down by the violence of war,
we were not destroyed; we said with the prophet,
" Rejoice not against me, 0 mine enemy ; when I
fall, I shall arise."* St. James was our Fort Sump¬
ter, and we intended to retake it, and make it the Me¬
tropolitan Church of African Methodism in the South¬
west. To this end was this District organized; and so
big was New Orleans and Louisiana in the minds of
* Mio. vii: 8.
AFRICAN METHODISM. 389
he Committee, that despising rhetoric they say,
'TYe recommend that there be set apart a Confer¬
ence %7b tltQ •••»••».»* embracing
-he States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Ala¬
bama, Texas," &c.
The General Conference adjou rned May 26^ 1864,
and in the Episcopal division of the'work, California
and the Southwest were given in charge of J. P.
Campbell, one of the newly elected Bishops. He
gave California precedence, and* immediately set
about the necessary preparations to visit that dis¬
tant field, which had long been imploring the pres¬
ence of its chief shepherd. In this decision, we
beg to express the opinion that he erred. The de¬
mands of the South were immediate, those of Cal¬
ifornia were not; the stakes at the South were im¬
mense, those at California much less ; the South was
uncertain, California was certain; the South could
have been reached in three days, California not less
than a month; the South could have been reached
for $25 currency, California could not be reached for
less than $100 in gold ; the first amount could have
been raised in a single Sabbath, the second required
many. But it was with the good Bishop as he said
at the organization of the California Conference : "I
have been an advocate for Episcopal visitation, and
the organization of an Annual Conference upon this
coast. I have frequently offered my services to raise
means toward defraying the expenses of one of the
Bishops to make the journey. I have even gone so
far as to offer tlie sum of at least fifty dollars out of
390
AN APOLOGY FOR
my own. private funds, if need foe, for that purpose.
Who wonders then, that he made haste to visit a peo¬
ple who had never seen nor heard their 3ishop —
made haste to set in order ecclesiastical affairs, which
all must acknowledge had been neglected too long.
The'Louisiana District was organized into a Con¬
ference November 1st, 1865, and in St. James'
Chapel, New Orleans. The Bishop, J. P. Campbell,
officiated at the opening services. The hymn siftig
was:
"Jesus, united by thy grace."
The Psalm read was :
" 0, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good; for
his mercy endureth forever."
John Turner was elected Secretary; after which,
the Bishop arose, and solemnly said: " In the name
and on behalf of the General Conference of the A. M.
E. Church, I do now declare the Louisiana Conference
duly organized in accordance with the decree of said
General Conference; in the name of the Father, Son
and Holy Ghost. Amen."
After a most interesting session of two days, this
Conference was concluded by the Bishop making the
following appointments :
St. James' Chapel, New Orleans, John Turner.
Yicksburg Station, Miss., T. W. Stringer.
Natchez, Miss., J. W. C. P#nington, D. D.
Helena RlissiQn, Ark., L. F. Carter.
Baton Rouge, La., H. Reedy.
Baton Rouge Mission, Peter Robinson.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
391
Mobile, Ala., Chas. Burch.
Little Rock Mission, C. C. Doughty.
Eed Eiver, Ark., Hannibal Augustus.
Covington Mission, La., Joseph. Lloyd.
Thibadeauville Mission, La., Jas. Reese.
Galveston, Texas, Henry W. Jackson.
It was decided to hold the next annual session in
the same Church and City, to begin the first Thurs¬
day in October, 1866. Hopefully did the Itinerants
depart to travel roads known to be rocky, and to lead
over rugged mountains, and across mad rolling riv¬
ers.
The second session met at the appointed time and
place, and was manned as follows :
Presiding Bishop — J. P. Campbell.
Itinerant Elders — Chas. Burch, John Turner, H.
Reedy, T. W. Stringer, L. F. Carter, H. W. Jack¬
son, C. C. Doughty, J. "W". C. Penington, D. D.,
M. M. Clark.
Itinerant Deacons — Jas. Reese, Johnson Reed,
Peter Robinson, Hannibal Augustus, Joseph Lloyd,
David Brown.
Local Deacons — York Collier, G. E. Gordon,
Salem Campbell, Alexander Davis, Abram Black-
well, J. M. Alexander.
Local Preachers — Jas. H. Harper, Wm. P. For¬
rest, Geo. H. Jackson, J. A. Norager.
John Turner was re-elected Secretary.
Let us see what answers were given to the Discip¬
linary questions, commencing at
Ques. 5th. Who remain on trial? Ans. The
number was 8.
392
AN APOLOGY FOR
6th. Who are admitted into full connexion?
Ans. The number was 1.
?th. Who are the Deacons? Aris. The number was,
Itinerant Deacons, 13 ; Local Deacons, 14.
8th. Who have been elected and ordained Elders
and Deacons this year? Ans. The number was 15.
The answers to the remaining Disciplinary ques¬
tions we -are enabled to give in regular statistical
form.
CHURCH STATISTICS.
Members 8,186
Probationers ... 1,427
Local Preachers - 113
Exhorters 109
Churches 11
Parsonages 1
Sunday Schools 16
S. S. Teachers 85
S.S. Scholars 1,129
Yolumes in Libraries 2,184
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
Contingent Money..... $ 264 00
Minister's Salary 1,480 15
" Board 3,954 35
" Fuel 13(1 25
" Rent 456 50
" Traveling Expenses 991 50
Bishop's Money 245 00
" Traveling... 116 30
Two-Cent Money 47 90
Widows et Orphans 12 50
Sup't, Bishops et Preachers 4 00
Missionary Money 340 20
Semi-Centenary 300 00
Support of S. S 189 35
Sum Total................. $8,452 00
Estimated Value of Church Property $51,400 00
AFRICAN METHODISM.
393
The mind of this Conference, as expressed in the
several reports, is all that could be desired, and we
dov'etail in the remark, that some of these reports
are models of Church papers, especially those from
the pen of M. M. Clark.
On Temperance, they say :
Resolved, That by precept and example we will
discontinue the use of spirituous liquors and
tobacco among our ministers, preachers and mem¬
bers."
On Missions, they say :
" Therefore we recommend that it shall be the
duty of each minister having charge, to organize
missionary societies-
On Sabbath Schools, they say :
"We further recommend that it shall be the duty
of each minister having a charge, to visit the Sabbath
Schools under his superintendence as often as possi¬
ble."
After a session of nine days, and having transacted
business the most important, this Conference ad¬
journed Nov. 12th, to meet in Helena, Ark., Novem¬
ber, 1867. As we have been writing this paper, and
have had occasion to inscribe Orleans, Red River,
Mobile, Baton Rouge, Helena— names that smelL of
blood — in the fulness of our heart, we are led to cry
out: What hath not the Lord done ! We present
the reader with the sketches of the two leading minds
of the Conference. It would have done his soul good
could we have told him somewhat of old man Jacob
Norager, the French twang, of whose sweet voice we
394
AN APOLOGY FOR
remember well in 1860 j as well as otlier of those
faithful ones who, in the midst of much persecution,
witnessed a good confession. And where is our
friend Birch, with his Irish twang ; he is an im¬
provement on Davy Crockett, for he will always look
twice before he leaps ! Non est, is the word.
ACTIVE MINISTRY.
(A.)
REV. M. M. CLARK.
ELDER.
Among the preachers of the African M. E. Church,
none stands higher for learning and dignified mein,
than the reverend gentleman whose name is at
the head of this sketch. Of the finest taste and cul¬
ture, easy manners and modest adornment, he is
most acceptable to persons of every grade of society.
Convincing in his arguments, stirring in his appeals,
he is a model of pulpit oratory. As a man of litera¬
ture, he stands in the foremost ranks of our educated
divines. The Greek and Latin classics were taught
him at the High School, corner of 7th and Chestnut
Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., as well as by Prof. JoneS,
of Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa. He studied
the French and Spanish under Prof. Brunard, while
Prof. Sacius and the learned Albert Barnes instruct¬
ed him in Hebrew and Chaldaic. Divinity he studied
at Oberlin under Profs. Finney, Cole and Morgan;
while a fair amount of medical knowledge was im-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
395
parted to him in Dublin, Ireland, "by Drs. Nut and
Stringer ; in America by Dr. Revels. We speak of
him being in Dublin. This famous city he visited
while in attendance upon the meeting of the Evan¬
gelical Alliance, to which reverend body he was
delegated by Israel A. M. E. Church, Washington,
D. 0. While absent, he took occasion to visit the
chief cities of the United Kingdom. Nor has this
active divine visited the United Kingdom only, but
he was a resident of the Republic of Liberia, W.
A., for more than a year, during which time he
acted as principal of the Monrovia High School.
Since his return to his native land, he has filled
the pulpit of many of the most important charges
with uniform success. In addition to the pastoral-
duties of St. Louis, he was made President of the
Board of Education. He it was who was selected,
in company with a few others, to represent his
Church at the General Conference of the M. E.
Church, in 1864, at Philadelphia ; as well as the
General Conference of the M. E. Church, South,
in 1866, at New Orleans ; in both which capacities
he acquitted himself to the credit of his Church
and his race. He is the author of quite a number of
well written articles, which have appeared from
time to time in the various literary channels of our
Church.
The following was written for our "Apology:"
Brother Tanner:—
As your book is designed to convey to the present
and future generation some thoughts of the men of
396 AN APOLOGY FOB
this age, I know not what better thought I can
convey to them than to recommend to all to whom
your book shall come, to read the Holy Scriptures,
in which is their eternal life. In commending them
to the study of the Scriptures, we would recommend
also the mode of studying them :
1st. The types, and sacrifices, and prophecies, all
of which point with a significant finger to the one
central object as the only true antitype of them all
— the Lord of Glory.
2d. The New Testament we would recommend to
the faithful study of all as a faithful testimony, that
in Him was accomplished all that the types, the sac¬
rifices and prophecies did signify.
3d. We recommend next to this high tower of
Scriptural intelligence, a sound, moral and intel¬
lectual education. These things commend them¬
selves to all men, and they have in all ages past, and
will in all ages to come, control the moral and intel¬
lectual world. Let these traits centre in and con¬
trol the life of any individual or people, there will
be controlling power ; there will be good law-mak¬
ers, good rulers, good citizens, and a tower of
strength and power in every department of society.
4th. We would likewise recommend to all men,
the prudent and honest acquisition of the soil ol
the earth. Material wealth is power. This unite 1
with a high and well balanced intelligence, is noth
ing more nor less than the capital of the nations 11
the earth. And that nation that possesses the larg¬
est share of a high moral intelligence, controlling
AFRICAN METHODISM.
397
and utilizing the greatest amount of material wealth,
is the greatest nation and people on earth — all be¬
ing sanctified by Scriptural knowledge and intelli¬
gence."
(B.)
REV. JOHN TURNER.
ELDER .
Our Elder is of light complexion, for his mother
was a Saxon, hair inclined to curl, smooth skin,
even features, and eye that is soft, easy voice, and
manners the most kind. He first saw the light
among the mountains of Frederick County, Md., and
in the year 1826, the 10th of March. Whilst a poor
boy of half score years, he was taken to the far
West, where he has ever since remained. As a man
of letters, he presents nothing remarkable ; having
received a foundation at the District Schools of Ed¬
gar County, Illinois, he has not failed to build on it,
until now he can boast of respectable attainments, at
least. During the years '57 and '58, Prof. Inglis
taught him theology, in St. Louis. His religious
career began in 1842, when he made a public profes¬
sion of religion, and joined the M. E. Church. With
this Church he remained till the year 1848, when he
heard of the A. M. E. Church, and "believing it to
be the Church for all the colored Me thodists of this
country," he made haste and cast his fortune in with
it. Three years after, he was licensed to preach, and
in September of the same year, 1851, he joined the
18
398
AN APOLOGY FOR
itinerant ranks. Being " tried " for two years, he
was made Deacon, and twelve years after, was cloth¬
ed with the full powers of a Christian Elder. His
ministerial career counts up to fifteen years ; during
which time, no man in the West has "been more
faithful to the Church. Universally acceptable as a
pastor, he has done his full share in moulding the
minds of our Western Zion ; and throughout its ex¬
tensive borders, none stands higher in the estima¬
tion of saint and sinner. He was one of the three
selected by the Bishops to represent our Church be¬
fore the General Conference of the M. E. Church,
South, which met at New Orleans, in May, '65;
and, although his course, as well as the course of
the whole committee, has given rise to no little con¬
troversy, on account of the supposed affiliation of the
A. M. E. Church with traitors, yet has it tended to
extend our borders, and greatly increase our num¬
bers. To charge the A. M. E. Church with proving
false to the negro's best interest, by affiliating with reb¬
els, is to charge the defenders of Thermopylae with
cowardice; and none know it better than those who
make the charge.
african methodism.
399
CHAPTER XVII.
the virginia district.
It must have been a happy hour to Bishop Way-
man when the morning came, to organize a Confer¬
ence of the A. M. E. Church in Virginia — that
Virginia which had so long proclaimed upon her
statute hooks that God should not call a negro to preach
upon her territory — and to organize it in Richmond !
The city which he often declared, and before the
negroes had been mustered into the army, too, could
not be taken till colored troops would assist; and
he would then say, with a glow of joy : "I am go¬
ing down there to preach from this text: ' I come
to seek my Brethren.' " And,true to his prophecy,
colored troops assisted in the taking, and first en¬
tered its ruined precincts, while he has often preached
from his oft-quoted text. By a vote of the Balti¬
more Annual Conference, at its session of 1867, it
was deemed expedient to organize a new District
in Virginia, and rely upon the good judgment of the
General Conference of 18f>8, to ratify the action.
The 10th of May was selected as the time, Rich¬
mond the place, and "Third Street" the Church.
All things happened as ordered, and the New Dis¬
trict was brought into being by the following force
of brethren :
400
AN APOLOGY FOR
Presiding Bishop—A. W. Wayman.
Elders — George T. Watkins. J. R. V. Thomas,
J. D. S. Hall.
Deacons—R. H. Parker, Peter Shepherd, Matthew-
Marshall, George Williams, John H. Offer, J. J.
Hill.
Licentiates — Aaron Pindell, Jacklin Strange.
Visiting Brethren — John M. Brown, Cor. Sec.
of Missions Wm. H. Hunter, R. Hall, W. D. Har¬
ris, Baltimore Conference; Wm. H. Brown, South
Carolina Conference.
J. R. Y. Thomas and Wm. H. Hunter were elect¬
ed the Secretaries.
The material with which this District begun, as
well as what it accomplished, may best be seen in
the answers given to some of the Disciplinary ques¬
tions :
Ques. 4th. What preachers are admitted on trial ?
Was answered as to number, 7.
Ques. 5th. Who remain on trial? The number, 2.
Ques. 6th. Who are admitted into full connexion?
The number, 2.
Ques. 8th. Who have been elected and ordained
Deacons and Elders this year? Deacons, 9; El¬
ders, 5.
Ques. 18th. Where and when shall our next Con¬
ference be held? Third Street, Richmond, April,
1868.
During the sessions of this Conference, numerous
indeed were the good things said and done. On the
first day of its sittings, John M. Brown offered the
following pertinent resolutions :
AFRICAN METHODISM.
401
teResolved, That a Committee be appointed to draw
up an address to our brethren in Virginia, congratu¬
lating them upon their recent success, and upon the
advanced position in which they have been placed by
the recent acts of Congress, and by the impartiality
shown by the selection of the Grand Jury of the
United States Circuit Court .of Virginia.
Resolved, That the same Committee be authorized
to write an address to all colored Methodists of Vir¬
ginia, defining our positions, and stating the points
of agreement and disagreement, and urging sill to
unite in one common fold."
Of course such, resolutions passed unanimously.
The most notable events of the second day was a
visit from the members of the Grand Jury, wbo were
severally introduced to Conference; and an ad¬
dress of Bishop Wayman, to the young men who
had just been received into the itinerant ranks. It
is said of it, " The whole Conference felt the force of
his remarks, and all seemed to enter upon a fresh
consecration to the work of Methodist itinerants,
with all the trials, anxieties, and dispositions of a
life so self-sacrificing."
On the third day, two letters were read from Bal¬
timore, Md.: The first came from " The Good Sa¬
maritan Sabbath School, No. 1," under the superin-
tendency of Mary Morrison, a sister heretofore men
tioned, and of the most evangelical ^
tained $7 for the Mission cause. Letter o. ^
fT « The Juvenile
and was signed by Mary A. J
402
AN APOLOGY FOR
for the same laudable purpose. These sums, small
though they were, were indicative of the unity of
our connexion, and were so received by our new made
friends. Wm.D. Harris made also his report on
this day; during the previous year he had acted as
Presiding Elder of the Richmond district. He re¬
ported ten preaching places, 1041 members, an in¬
crease of 376 during the year. Nine Local preach¬
ers, five Exhorters, nine Sunday Schools, 607 S. S.
scholars, thirty-seven teachers.
On the fourth day, Conference statistical reports
were made, showing that the District began with
5,450 members, 4,000 Sabbath School scholars,
twenty Local Preachers, and property to the amount
of $75,000. Ministers of the two branches of the
Methodist Church were introduced to Conference,
and at the conclusion of the morning session, Rev.
Dr. Mead, of the Church South, pronounced the ben¬
ediction. During the afternoon session of the fourth
day, the Petit Jury of the United States Circuit
Court entered the Conference room. The members
of it were introduced by Col. Marsh. Speaking of
the address which the Colonel made, the Conference
reporter says: " His words were the words of a
Christian gentleman." Bishop Wayman replied on
behalf of the Conference; among other remarks,
were these, " So it is, Virginia leads, and to-day we
see a mixed jury, composed of men of my race, and
of Anglo-Saxons —Virginia, ever renowned for illus¬
trious deeds, will be no less so for this."
The concluding exercises of the fourth day, was
AFRICAN METHODISM.
403
the Sabbath School anniversary ; nearly six hundred
children were present. A writer says, 11 They looked
well — nicely clad." The principal address was
made by the Rev. Joseph Mitchell, of the M. E.
Church. It is said that it was received with a hearty
response from more than a thousand voices.
On the eve of the adjournment, the following re¬
solutions were passed:
Resolved, That Conference return their thanks to
the officers and members of the 3d St. A. M. E.
Church for kindness shown to the Conference during
their stay in Richmond, which has rende red its ses¬
sions so pleasant, and the same is also returned to
the community generally, who have contributed to
aid and encourage us in the glorious work in which
we are engaged.
Resolved, That we return our thanks to Judge
Underwood, who so kindly sent to each member of
the Conference a ticket to attend his court during the
trial of Jefferson Davis.
Resolved, That we return our thanks to the Presi¬
dent and officers of Richmond, Fredericksburg and
Potomac R. R., for giving to each of the members
who came over their road, free return passes.
Resolved, That Conference adjourn to meet in
Richmond in April, 1868.
Father Parker preaches in this District, (R. H.
Parker we mean,) than whom we never knew a
man of mightier natural abilities ; and from whose
untaught tongue more true eloquence flows, than
the parishioners of Old Trinity ever heard. Wiser
404
AN APOLOGY FOR
men, if they reach, the heart at all, it is only
through the intellect, and that door is mostly frozen
up, or has a rusty lock, hut the old man reaches it
hy every imaginable ayenue, and coming to the heart-
door, he hatters it all to pieces.
The ministers we offer are the leaders of the Con¬
ference, and preside over its two chief Churches.
With such men to lead, "Virginia District cannot he
far behind any of her sister Conferences.
A.GTIYE MINISTRY.
(A.)
REV. J. E. V. THOMAS.
ELDER.
Well proportioned in hreadth and height, a pure
black, with the most beautiful teeth, and hair that
shows how really comely the hair of the Negro is
when cultivated, brilli ant eyes, nose that is aquiline,
and skin that is as smooth as a child's, is the Rev.
J. E. V. Thomas. His father was a West-Indian by
birth and residence. He came to Baltimore about
the year 1800, as Steward of a trading vessel. His
mother, a slave of Eastern Shore, and had descended
from a Methodist preacher, whom Freeborn Garri¬
son had licensed. Fifteen children were vouchsafed
to this pair, of whom Jeremiah is the youngest, and
is, what the Astrologers, with a host of other folks,
regard with awe, " a seventh son." Attaining
their freedom, the family removed to Philadelphia ;
AFK1CAN METHODISM.
405
where his mother, a most godly woman, made every
sacrifice, that her children might receive the advan¬
tages flowing from the many schools of that city.
Jeremiah attended the school on Sixth near Lom¬
bard, and was taught by a Mr. Bird; here he
learned the elementary branches of our tongue, with
the histories of the United States and England; also
the science of music, of which latter he is an adept.
Though he attended this school for nine years, and
acquired what would undoubtedly pass for a good
common school education, yet did he not stop when
Reaving, and especially since he has entered the min¬
istry. Few ministers are more studious than he,
delving as he does in a wide range of literature.
For years he had as preceptor in theology, our well-
read Bishop, J. P. Campbell. Joining the ministry
in 1856, he was long attached to the New York Con¬
ference. In 1863, Bishop Payne transferred him to
the Baltimore District, placing him in Israel Church,
to succeed the Eev. H. M. Turner. While in this
charge he was made Elder ; getting wonderfully sick
however during his examination I
A heart has he with its doors always open, and
table set; a mind well stored by much reading, a
voice like to the thunders, that makes sinners trem¬
ble in preaching — that makes his opponents feel
curious in debate. May his heart long beat, may
his mind's store never be less, and may his voice
never die.
18*
406
AN APOLOGY FOR
(B.)
KEY. GEO. T. WATKINS.
EL D EE.
It has been said of old Edward Beecher, that he
gave more "brains to the world in the persons of his
children and grand-children, than any man of his
generation. The same may be said, in truth, of the
sire of the Watkins family, which, for intellectual
force, stands first among the Anglo-African families
of the Kepublic. * The Woodson family, of the
West, may equal it in intelligence, but not in that
rare gift, which, for a better expression, may be de¬
nominated u good common sense." So, too, with the
highly educated Jones family of Oberlin — three
sons out of four having graduated with credit from
Oberlin. The Shadd family of the Canadas, the
Jordans of Baltimore, the Cooks of Washington,
and other notable families might be named, but in
the possession of natural abilities, and the cultiva¬
tion of them — in the possession of those distin¬
guished powers which make a mark and leave it? the
Watkins family -—Geo. T., John L., and that sweet
child of the Muses, Frances Ellen, is the most nota¬
ble of all.
The subject of this sketch was born in Baltimore,
Md. His father, Rev. Wm. Watkins was the o*nly
school teacher which the colored people of that city
had during the dark old days. George was taken
into school when only six summers had been whiled
AFRICAN METHODISM.
407
away, a ad there, beneath the keen eye of the old gen¬
tleman, he was kept for more than a dozen years. It
was said of him, when in his sixteenth year, by a mas¬
ter Grammarian, (e George Watkins cannot be excel¬
led in his knowledge of grammar and geography."
Amidst so much ignorance, and where educated
colored men were so rare, any other employment
than that of teaching would argue the gravest dire-
lection of duty on the part of one who had enjoyed
the rich opportunities of young Watkins ; but faith¬
ful to duty, we find him for fourteen years earnestly
engaged in directing " young ideas how to shoot."
The following is the advertisement as it appeared
in the Repository; from it we may see somewhat
of the men and the school r
BETHEL CJHURCH ACADEMY, Saratoga street.
Rev. Geo. T. Watkins and John L. Watkins, Principals.
This Academy, located in the Basement of Bethel Church, is now
open for the reception of pupils, Male and Female. The course ot
instruction will be comprehensive, embracing) the different depart¬
ments of &n English Education, Mathematics, Vocal Music, the va¬
rious styles of Drawing and Painting; also, the Greek and Latin
Languages.
Persons wishing their children correctly and thoroughly taught, or
adults having made proficiency in any of the branches named, and
desiring to perfect themselves in the same, would do well to apply
at the above academy.
Earnest attention will be paid, not only to mental and moral, but
also to the physical improvement of those placed in this Institution.
Hours of Tuition.—from 9 to 2 o'clock.
The Terms which are reasonable, made known on application
to either of the Principals.
Baltimore, Feb. 1st, 1862.
The ministerial life of Geo, T. Watkins began in
1856, when he received license as a local preacher.
Bishop Payne ordained him Deacon in 1860, and
Elder in 1864 ; at .which latter date he entered reg¬
ularly into the itinerant work, receiving as his first
appointment, Union Bethel Station, Washington,
408
AN APOLOGY FOR
D. C. Well read, and of a cool temperament, Bro.
Watkins may be ranked among the first of African
Methodist preachers, For months he acted as " Sup¬
ply to the Madison Street, Presbyterian Church,"
but born of Methodist parents, and nurtured in its
bosom, no inducement could get him to change his
Church relationship. As pastor of St. John's
Chapel, and Superintendent of Missions in Eastern
Yirginia, he is at this date (Jan. 1867,) doing good
service in theJEledeemer's vineyard. The following
article is from his pen:—
"TEE LAW OF AGITATION."
Agitation is the life-blood of all Reform move¬
ments. It not only lays the foundation, but it
builds the superstructure. I mean by Agitation not
a mere spasmodic ebullition of passion, a tempor¬
ary excitement which evaporates with the occasion
that produced it, but a grand, ever-active, ever-living
principle, which is incorporated in the law of our
being, a principle by the breath of Divinity, and,
therefore*indestructible. The whole universe is sub¬
ject to this law.
" It warms the sun, refreshes in the breeze,
Glows in the stars, and blossoms in the trees;
Lives through all life^ extends through all extent,
Spreads undivided, operates unspent."
God, the all-wise, all-powerful Jehovah, is the
great Agitator. The heavens, which declare His
glory, and the firmament which showeth forth His
handiwork, are, in the broadest sense of the term,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
409
Agitators. Every blade of grass, every ray of sun-
lightj performs its duty as an Agitator. Yonder
tiny bird, warbling forth the praises of its Maker,
bids th e Atheist cease his wicked and senseless rhodo-
montade, and bow in humble adoration before Him
who fills the earth with His goodness, and illumes
the heavens with His glory. The murmuring little
river, the storm-maddened ocean, the infuriated
avalanche, all act their part in the grand drama
of Agitation. Tempests purify the atmosphere from
noxious exhalations. So, in the moral world, Agi¬
tation is a renovator, cleansing it from the destruc¬
tive malaria which arises from the cesspool of ignor¬
ance and iniquity. Agitation is life ; stagnation is
death — moral, spiritual, physical death.
I have adverted to Agitation as a grand principle
incorporated in the law of our being. This princi¬
ple may be, and often is, perverted. It may not be
amiss to remark here that men do not always agi¬
tate in behalf of the right. Agitation may be made
the il abomination of desolation," as well as the
modus-operandi by which the moral and religious
horizon may be gilded and girdled with imperish¬
able glory. The late slaveholders' rebellion fur¬
nishes abundant attestation of the fact, that Satan,
the arch-enemy of G-od and man, is also an Agita¬
tor — a faithful, determined Agitator. The Agita¬
tion of Jeff. Davis, Stephens, and their cradle-plun¬
dering confreres for slavery, doubtless, made the
flames of hell burn more brightly than ever. The
prayers of Stonewall Jackson were as refreshing to
410
AN APOLOGY FOR
Beelzebub as a draught of ice-water would be to the
importunate and unfortunate Dives. But it is a
consoling reflection that God superintended the Agi¬
tation which lately convulsed the nation, and he has
made it conduce to his own glory, and, consequently,
the good of humanity. The more I retrospect the
past, and contemplate the present, the more am I
convinced of the imperious necessity of a thorough,
persistent, determined, heaven-directed Agitation.
Light and darkness, heaven and hell, are irrecon¬
cilable antagonisms that moral chemistry cannot
commingle. There is no affinity between liberty and
slavery ; neitheir President nor people can cause
their affiiliation, for God hath put them asunder.
Constitutions, compacts, compromises, courts, con¬
ventions and conferences cannot change the essential
character of things. When truth and error m^et
each other, their belligerent proclivities are at once
developed. There must be war between them in the
very nature of things ; for God hath decreed it,
and his decrees are irrevocable. This great truth
rushes down upon us with the gathered momentum
of all the ages. It cannot be obliterated from the
pages of history. History is our impartial instruc¬
tor. Men and women, in obedience tp the dictum
of their perverted mental and moral organism, may
affect to ignore the plain and possible utterances of
common sense, but they cannot extinguish the light
of historic facts. History has a voice which rhetoric
cannot silence, nor philosophy successfully contro¬
vert. She tells us that in all ages of the world,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
411
right has had to grapple with wrong, truth with
error, justice with injustice. She tells us that all
Reformers have been Agitators. She points us to
Luther and Melancthon I They could not, they
would not be silenced, for they were doing (3-od's
work. They could not accomplish the object of their
missions by simply dreaming of the success of the
Reformation. They met the superstitious hordes
with the sword of Truth, and the helmet of Right¬
eousness. They fought, in the great conflict of the
ages, with desperate energy, and with a zeal com¬
mensurate with the importance of the work which de¬
volved upon them. At length, victory perched
upon the standard of the Right. Ignorance and
superstition retreated from before them. Paens of
thanksgiving from the disenthralled made the wel¬
kin loudly ring. So has it ever been. So will it
ever be. Every man has something to do while
passing from time to eternity. He cannot lose his
individuality. His duty cannot be performed by
proxy. He must do all in his power to establish
righteousness and abolish iniquity. Th#* tragic
solemnities of the present hour, call upon each one
of us to dash forth, in the name of God, in the broad
highway of human duty and human responsibility,
and labor earnestly and unitedly for the Right.
" To your tents, 0, Israeli" Awake I Awake!
Arise I or be forever fallen.
412
AN APOLOGY FOR
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE GEORGIA DISTRICT.
By the organization of this District, the South
Carolina Conference lost the fairest portion of her
territory. The Georgia District! What is it
now ? What is it likely to become? It is seldom,
indeed, that the things of the future can be answered
with more precision than those of the present; and
yet such is the case here. The present statistics
cannot be given for two reasonsthe first, that they
were given in with the South Carolina District sta¬
tistics, at its late session in Wilmington, and the
statistics then were given mostly as a whole, and it
is impossible to discriminate; the second, that H. M.
Turner, who is pre-eminently the father of this new
District, is and has been so much engaged in collect¬
ing the spoils, that he has not taken time to count it,
for who counts the spoil till the battle is over ! and
the battle in the South — the peaceful battle of de¬
nominations, still rages. On the authority of Bish¬
op Wayman, we state that the A. M. E. Church
has " swept the State." The Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, has turned the eyes of her colored
membership towards us. And they have all come ;
not especially upon the advice of that Church, for
AFRICAN METHODISM.
413
her service-to us has been more of a negative char¬
acter than a positive — she dissuaded them from
placing themselves again under any white organiza¬
tion. Her language to them was : " If you will ndt
remain with us, do not go to any other white organi¬
zation, for we will be as good friends to you as any.
If you will go, go to your Brethren of the A. M. E.
Church." Thus' prepared, when they heard the
trumpet voice of Turner in the Southeast, and
Turner again in the Southwest, they were ready to
unite with the organization they represented.
Thus it is with the Georgia District now; the
spoils are piled up ! we know not the munitions of
war we have captured ; but we doubt not their effi¬
ciency ; coming as they do from the Church South,
not a gun will be spiked, not an artillery wheel
broken.
Not so uncertain is our future in Georgia. It re¬
quires no prophet to tell that Georgia is destined to
be the Conference District of our whole Church.
Georgia, doubtless, has now the-largest colored pop¬
ulation of any one of the States. It is true that be¬
fore the war Virginia had the largest, but within
the last six years, thousands of colored people have
left Virginia, owing to the fierceness of the war, as
well as her close proximity to the North. Not so
Georgia; her people not only remained home, but
they were saved the destruction common to war.
The colored population of 1860 was 465,698. With
this immense population, and to use the Bishop's
figure, having made a " clean sweep," who can
414
AN APOLOGY FOR
doubt the certain glory of the comiDg days. There
African Methodism is to flourish like the Bay tree
of David ; there will mighty preachers arise, and
the most ahle divines ; there, too, will schools of the
highest grade of learning he erected, and we have
an inkling that from it will depart the first of our
missionaries to the Carribean Islands, and to Africa.
The organization of the District was ordered for
May 30 th, 1867, at which time some forty "preachers
were present; yet the Secretary coolly tells us " that
not more than half of the piembers are present, times
being so hard, many could not get here." Owing
to the absence of the Bishop, H. M. Turner was
elected Chairman pro tem.} and T. G. Stewart was
made the regular Secretary. Speaking of this first
day's proceedings, a correspondent says : 11 It not be¬
ing a regular Conference, only a few committees
were appointed. They were principally engaged in
examining and admitting young preachers." Be¬
fore adjourning, the Chairman read a telegram
from Bishop Wayman, stating that he would be
present on the morrow.
The second day of Conference, Friday, May 31st,
Bishop Wayman was present. W. J. Gains con¬
ducted the religious services. Of the incidents of
this second day, we note the arrival of R. P. Gibbs,
late of Philadelphia Conference. In concluding the
business of the previous day, seventeen preachers
were admitted into the itinerancy. During the dis¬
cussion of the subject of ordination, it is said that
i( W. J. Gains made an able speech against the
AFRICAN METHODISM.
415
measure. He said they had enough of incompetent
ordained ministers now, and he protested against so
much liberality longer." On the eve of the adjourn¬
ment, the Bishop read out forty appointments in
Georgia, and eight in Alabama.
We spoke of unspiked guns captured, and how
true! and they are of the heaviest calibre. C. L.
Bradwell and W. J. Grains are men of whom any
organization might be proud, and we doubt nofc that
among the scores of Southern preachers which we
have received, quite a number will be found to equal
them.
We offer a sketch of H. M. Turner, together with
a quotation from a sermon which he preached on the
death of a Baptist clergyman. As a man of genius
and strength, H. M. T. has few equals in or out of
the A. M. E. Church.
HENRY MCNEALE TURNER
Is a South Carolinian, which readily accounts for
all the nervousness, three-fourths of the fire, one-half
the eccentricity, and one-quarter the fatuity, found
in him. He was born at Newberry C. H. in the year
1833. A dream which he had in his 12th year, of
multitudes of people coming to him, to be taught,
made him conclude that some day God would enable
him to be, and»to do something, great. That boyish
dream has been as a guiding star to his whole life.
Licensed to preach in his twentieth year by Dr. Boyd,
of the South Carolina Conference of the M. E. Church,
416
AN APOLOGY FOR
South, he surprised the people at the amount of knowl¬
edge displayed in preaching his first discourse, for
hut a few thought he eould read ; and it is 6aid that
when they heard him quote history, ecclesiastical and
profane, some of the white people declared him to be
a white man galvanized. Ever after, crowds both of
white and colored people waited on his preaching as
he traversed most of the South. Going to New Or¬
leans in 1857, he first learned the existence of the
African M. E. Church, through Dr. W. E. Revels,
(elsewhere noticed,) and he at once gave in his adhe¬
sion to it; joining the Missouri Conference, Bishop
Payne transferred him to the Baltimore Confer¬
ence, where he labored for a number of years, re¬
ceiving as his last appointment in that District, Is¬
rael station, Washington, D.C. In this charge, be¬
neath the literal shadow of the Capitol, he labored
with eminent success ; it being no rare sight to be¬
hold Senators and Representatives among his audi¬
tors. Appointed by the martyred President to the
Chaplaincy of the 1st Reg. U. S. C. T., and the first
too of all the colored Chaplains, he jesigned his pas¬
toral relations with his Church, and fo llowed that
noble Regiment to the Front,where he remained until
the war was over. As a further appreciation of the
man, when mustered out of the Volunteer service,
he was recommissioned by President Johnson a
Chaplain in the Regular Army, and ordered to At¬
lanta, Ga. Finding there Shermanized officers, as he
calls them, that is, officers partaking of the ignoble
prejudice of that General j as well as beholding the
AFRICAN METHODISM.
417
sad spiritual condition of his people ; and over all,
having a burning desire for the spread of his Church
in that region, th6se all led him tp resign, and en¬
ter untrammeled into the Master's work, where
he is to-day doing valiant service* for his King.
As a scholar, the late Chaplain has not the
beautiful symmetry of the Collegiate, but in
many things, he has more than his height and
strength,. Rev. Dr. Rowan, principal of Trinity Col¬
lege, Baltimore, carried him as far as Livy in Latin
and Xenophon in Greek, including the reading of
the Yulgate and Beza, with the Septuagint and
Greek Testament. A Jewish Rabbi carried him
through the Clirestomathy and the Five books of Mo¬
ses. He has been honored with a "wood cut" in Har¬
per's Weekly, as well as Fowler's Phrenological Jour¬
nal, with an extended notice accompanying each. H.
M. Turner, christened by his brethren with the "sobri¬
quet" "Plutarch," is a remarkable man ; and though
at times the paraphernalia of the kitchen seems to be
in the parlor, and visa versa, there is always enough
of him, to demand the respect of the most learned
and the admiration of the mass. More earnest than
polite, a man who thinks for himself, speaks as he
feels, and who fears only God, his memory will not
cease with his life — a man who may truly say with
Themistocles, <e Tis true I never learned how to tune
a harp, or play upon a lute, but I know how to raise
a small and inconsiderable city to glory and great¬
ness." He offers the following :
418
AN APOLOGY FOR
The conclusion of a funeral sermon preached on the death of the
Rev. Milton Tilinghast, Pastor 1st Baptist Church, Macon, Ga., by Rev.
H. M. Turner:
1 'Turf of the eatth, fall lightly on that man of God,
and after thou hast fallen, rest in protracted suspense.
0 Grave, dost thou dare to "boast, dost thou gape thy
gloomy mouth exultantly? and chilly Vault, darest
thou to boast of the dear won trophy ? 0 Grave, let
me inform thee to-day, thou art receiving thy own
destruction. That man whose mangled frame hears
the marks of death's stroke, is one of God's children,
a jewel of Heaven, a star that no cloud can shade;
he is one of the glittering gems, which Jesus bought
by his heart's blood, to adorn with a resplendent lus¬
tre, his royal diadem. He is not dead but sleepeth.
There is no power beneath that, which rolls from
God's eternal throne, can kill him. He is clothed
with the indestructible elements of rejuvenance.
The earth has simply opened her bosom, to give him
a bed of repose, till the first blast of heaven's trump,
shall announce his name, and welcome his acquittal
at God's decisive bar. The recording cherubim
wrote his epitaph in letters of gold, the same evening
he bid his wife farewell; not on stone, not on iron,
nor brass, but on the bas-relief of the eternal heights.
"While I with impure lips presume to preach his fu¬
neral, I think I feel the zephyr of an angel's wing.
Surely this Church to-day, is thronged with teeming
myriads. 0 ! for ears not clogged with mortality,
nor paralyzed with sin, that I might hear the whis¬
pers of our celestial guests, though they are invisi¬
ble.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
419
"Grave, dost thou imagine thy cold fetters can hind •
such a one forever ? dost thou pride the vain idea,
that thou hast him now, and will keep him ? Why,
if thou wert not eyeless, thou couldst see the angels
of heaven standing over thy gloomy cavern, watch¬
ing every particle of his dust, and noting the process
of its decomposition, with an accuracy that would
give a blush to thy vanity, and force an acknowl¬
edgement, alarming alike to thyself and all others,
that contain the mortal remains of God's redeemed
children. The Graves of righteous Abel, Seth and
Enoch answer from the other side of the flood, and
vauntingly exclaim, 0 thou proud man, thou hast
come down at last, hast thou? Yes, and here thou
shalt remain forever, for nearly five thousand years,
thou hast been in my clutches, and five thousand
more will "bring no nearer thy day of releasal. But
from Calvary's smoking brow, the eternal God re¬
sponds, cO Grave* I will be thy plague, 0 Death I
will be thy destruction.' From thy bosom erelong,
the hand of Omnipotence will lift to eternal life, that
putrifiying carcass, while the notes of that silent or¬
gan, fanned by the breath of God," will chime into
reviviscent harmony, with Gabriel — timbrel for its
base, and louder swell the enphonious strains, of
that kingdom, prepared for the faithful, from the
foundation, of the world. Glorious resurrection, a
theme too rich for imagination's scope; too gTand, for
the portrayal of human language.
Let it suffice, "that he shall rise again. Philos¬
ophy may intrude a thousand queries, unanswera-
420
AN APOLOGY FOR
ble by human skill, seeming impossibilities may rear
their defiant heads, and say, "It can't be done." But
our Maker, all honor to his name, says, "He shall
rise again."
"Therefore you members of his Church, you sheep
of his pasture, 'Loose him and let him go,' untie
that cord of affection, unfold that binding napkin of
a thousand sympathies; have you forgotten the last
words that quivered upon his lips, as he stood be¬
tween life and death, with one eye gazing upon his
glorious reward, and the other viewing the agonies
of his heart-rended wife, lO my dear, do not grieve af¬
ter me, I am crossing Jordon in peace.' Why, could
David say more ? Did Paul say more ? Would any
one desire more ? No, the burning seraphs of heaven,
if covet they can, covet the dying testimony of your
triufiiphant pastor.
"With a harp of angel melody, and a palm branch in his hand,
This saint 'mid circling spirits round the golden throne shall stand,
And his song shall be enduring as heaven's eternal day,
And his victor crown of amaranth, shall never fadeaway."
african methodism.
421
CHAPTER XIX.
the florida district.
We feel confident that no portion of our Church
can complain of the two junior Bishops not itinera¬
ting in the broadest Methodist sense. One of them
•writes that he has traveled 40,000 miles within the
last three years; the other, Bishop Way man, we
feel assured, has been as constantly on the go. In
less than four months, he held four Conferences, and
organized three new Districts ! The latter were Vir¬
ginia, May 10th, 1867; Georgia, May 30th, and
Florida, June 8th.
The Florida District was organized in Tallahasse,
the Capital of the State, at the date above mentioned.
The Bishop delivered a most feeling address ; he
spoke of the dark way the Lord had led us, yet we
traveled on, relying on the promise : "Thou shalt
hold thy peace, and I will fight thy battle." And
had he not fought our battle ? Many aged members
were seen to shed tears. A brother present writes :
1' The appearance of the Bishop in our midst filled
the hearts of the people with gratitude to God for
having spared them to see a Bishop of their own
race. This indeed created great joy, tyjit when they
19
422
AN APOLOGY FOR
saw the Conference open, and their own brethren
transacting business, they were astonished above
measure, and the expression burst forth from the
hearts of the gray-haired fathers and mothers:
' Thank God, we have lived to see the day for which
we long have prayed.' "
Two years ago we had but 125 members, and 2 local
preachers in all the State, when C. H. Pearce, late of
the British M. E. Church, D. of C., was called to that
field. This brother has labored most assiduously,
and our complete success there is owing, under God,
to his tact and ability. At the Baltimore Confer¬
ence of April, 1864, Goram Greely, a white brother,
was appointed to this field, but he was unsuccessful,
at least as an African Methodist, and no official
report of his mission work ever reached Conference.
To the question, What was done at the Florida
Conference ? we reply :
B. W. Quinn was elected acting Secretary.
20 preachers were admitted on trial.
17 Deacons and 5 Elders were ordained.
45 appointments were made.
5,240 members reported.
2,500 Sabbath school children.
3 Parsonages, worth $3,000.
Church property to the value of $17,884.
The boundaries of this District, with that of Vir¬
ginia and Georgia as well, have yet to be defined.
The only law for their organization, was the great
law of necessity. In the mission work of the South, it
was now or upver. The people had to be gathered in at
AFRICAN METHODISM.
423
once. To delay a twelve month, was to circumscribe
our boilers — was to drive away scores of thousands
of our brethren. On this score Theophilus Steward
writes from Charleston, in the month of June, 1867 :
u We have nearly passed through our period of
gathering in and he adds with the greatest truth,
" We must now build up and elevate our Church to
a higher sphere of thought, and a more refined de¬
votion. Cast out bad men, and cut off dead men ;
check rash men, and offer encouragement to those
who will work, and the speed of our upward course
may ]be nearly doubled." Penetrating thoughts are
these, and most fitly spoken ! Let them be pondered.
We doubt not that the coming General Conference
will ratify the work done, and give to the energetic
Bishop the good cheer. It could have been wished
that the same success had been met in the great
Southwest. How comes it that we have not organ¬
ized more than the single District of Louisiana in
that section? Why have we not to-day a Texas,
a Mississippi, and an Arkansas District? We feel
sure that Bishop Campbell is fully able to tell the
why, It should be remembered that he was only
made Bishop in '64, when the work on the Atlan¬
tic coast had already advanced to no inconsid¬
erable degree. Before the General Conference met,
and at the Baltimore Conference of April, 1864,
839 members were reported from South Carolina.
It should also be remembered that not only had the
Atlantic coast the advantage above noticed, but it
had what was still more, the constant care of a
424
AN APOLOGY FOR
Bishop, and many Elders. Previous to 1864, the
Mississippi Valley, South of Cairo, was almost for¬
saken— we mean since the war began. Bishop
Nazrey was confined theoretically to the East —the
Ohio Conference was his Western boundary; Bishop
Payne was chained to the Baltimore Conference, and
Wilberforce University ; and to expect the aged
Bishop Quinn, who once was glorious in a charge
on the works of Satan, to make a dash down the
Mississippi, was too much. And the glorious field
lay there with none to go and gather in its rich
fruits. Coming to the episcopacy in 1864, Bishop
Campbell found his hands and his head full; the
far distant California had to be attended to, and he
gave it precedence, and hastened away. On his
return he went straight to the South, and has
labored with the greatest assiduity and success.
Of the Florida Conference, we would have been
pleased to give a sketch of C. H. Pearce, the moving
spirit in that field, but we have it not. All that we
have written concerning this Conference, is his work;
accept that, good reader, as his offering to the A.
M. E. Church, and to our Apology.
african methodism.
425
CHAPTER XX.
THi) RISING MINISTRY OP THE A- M. E. CHURCH.
We have seen the rise and growth of the African
M. E. Church. A question of vital importance is,
Has her strength increased with her body? . A
giant must needs possess more strength than a
child — a tower must he constructed of thicker walls
than a dwelling — the Generals of our army must
possess more brains than Captains of companies.
Has the ministry of the A. M. E. Church in the
past, and especially, will it in the future, keep pace
with her growth and influence? As the flood rises,
and the channel deepens, will the pilots he able to
hold the ship steady ? Clark in his sketches, tells
us that this very thought weighed heavily on the
mind of Bishop Allen. Bishop Campbell when an
Elder, wrote an article, " The forthcoming ministry
of the A. M. E. Church," which he concluded with
the following prayer, on behalf of our rising min¬
istry, " The Lord G-od of your fathers, make you a
thousand times as many more as you are, and bless
you as he has promised you." That prayer of the
present Bishop, has been the prayer of the whole
Church, since its organization. As our untutored
426
AN APOLOGY FOR
Bishops viewed the land as it lay before them, and
beheld the whited tents, they prayed that able men
might be raised up to lead them. As our Elders
and Deacons felt the responsibilities of their stations,
pressing them to the earth, they prayed, Lord, send
help. And the prayer of Bishop, Elder and Deacon
received a hearty response from every member.
Thus has the whole Church prayed ; and as the
time to which, they looked with mingled joy and
fear, have come, let us see whether their petitions
have been answered. To the question, Has God
given to the A. M. E. Church, pastors, according
to his own heart, to feed it with knowledge and un¬
derstanding? We refer to the sketches heretofore
given, with the accompanying articles : as well as
answer with an emphatic, Tes. God has given to
the A. M. E. Church, pastors suited to the work
required of them. Say not, that they were unculti¬
vated and rough, for they had rough work to do.
Polished instruments are useless in a quarry. To
the question, will he continue to vouchsafe such,
ministers ? Faith answers, Yes. But what are the
present prospects ? We offer, in answer, the follow¬
ing" sketches of a number of our young preachers,
who are at school. They are, those only, attend¬
ing Lincoln University ; we say nothing of the half
dozen studying at Wilberforce. Of these sketches,
we claim not to be the author. The young Brethren,
mutually agreed to prepare sketches of each other.
Of course, few if any young men have histories in
which the public is interested. History is but a de-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
427
tail of action, between man and man. Most young
men have no histories, for the simple reason, that
their time of action has not come, they have not yet
stepped on the stage.
The reader will agree with me, that these young
Brethren have wasted no material; they are real
economists, and like the workmen in our mints,
have gathered up the very dust of the gold, and
brought forth an additional coin. "Young men for
strength," saifch the good Book, hence they get not
weary.
A word in their behalf. If they have pictured
each other in words too glowing, ascribe it all to that
stage of a man's life, when it is impossible for him
to discern a cloud overhead, or a mountain in his
way. As writers they all give evidence of a talent,
not to be despised. To them, we say with the Ora¬
torio of Joseph.
"All the land doth lay before you."
Of them we say with the Bishop's prayer.
"The Lord God of your fathers, make you a thou¬
sand times as many more as you are, and bless you
as he has promised you."
(A.)
JAMES CORNELIUS WATERS.
BY E. W. HAMMOND.
James 0. Waters was born in the city of Balti-
timore, Sept. 17th, 1841. His father died June
428
AN APOLOGY FOB
14th, 1849, leaving his mother a widow with two
small children. Thus thrown upon the world, he
was compelled to battle against the varied difficul¬
ties which beset his pathway ; but these trials only
drilled his youthful mind to combat the vicissitudes
of after life. When about eight years of age, he at¬
tended for a few months a common school, but ad¬
verse circumstances overtaking the widowed mother,
his tuition failed to be paid. At a very early age,
he exhibited a taste for study, every leisure moment
he could spend in solitude, laying the foundation of
that education by which it is hoped he may yet make
his mark in the world.
In the year 1859, he became a member of the M.
E. Church, being then in his 18th year. From his
early youth he was attached to the Sabbath school.
He was elected President of the "Young Men's
Christian Association," which position he held with
honor until the dissolution of the association.
In 1860 he became a member of the Lone Star
Lyceum, and contributed much to the fame of that
Society by his ability as a debater, afld a writer.
He has contributed largely to the press, and his
articles show considerable thought, notwithstanding
his limited education. He is now engage 1 in com¬
piling a work which he begun while a boy. In
1865 he strongly advocated the call for a State Con¬
vention of colored men, which assembled in Balti¬
more, Dec. 27th, '65. He took an active part in its
proceedings; after which he was elected Corres¬
ponding Secretary of the-Maryland State Equal
AFRICAN METHODISM.
429
Rights League, which was formed at the close of
the Convention. He has filled many offices of honor
in the different organizations with which he has
been connected. Having previously joined the A.
M. E. Church, in July, 1866, he entered the min¬
istry, and in October of the same year he was admit¬
ted to Lincoln University, in order to prepare him¬
self for more extended usefulness as an ambassador of
Christ. He is engaged in the studies of the Theo¬
logical class, giving promise of excelling many of
his fellow students. Subjoined is an article from
his pen:
««A SKETCH OF THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF CHRISTIANITY."
" Christianity may be briefly said to consist in be¬
lieving that Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son
of God, and the Saviour of the world. That there
is in man a faculty -that teaches him that there is a
God, there can be no doubt, for when we look retro¬
spectively at the world's history, we discover that
in all ages men have had some object of worship,
hence we find that Egypt, Carthage and Rome
had a countless number of gods: the single city of
Athens having at one time not less than thirty
thousand. Innumerable temples, altars and statues
were raised to them. Nor to the known gods only
did they erect altars, for their extreme superstitions
culminated in erecting an altar u To the unknown
God." Men must have something to worship, and
whether we look at the ancient Roman, as he bowed
to Apollo, the Carthaginian, as he sacrificed his
19*
430
AN APOLOGY FOR
children to Saturn, the South Sea Islander, as lie
worshipped the sun, or the Indian, as he pays hom¬
age to the Great Spirit, we are impressed with the
conviction that Grod has deeply stamped his image
upon the minds of his rational creatures. Through
the ages of the Mosaic dispensation, the many types
and symbols were emblematical of the great antitype,
Jesus Christ. The long list of prophets penetrating
the dark future, and gazing seven hun Ired years in
the distance, foretold the coming Messiah. Isaiah
spoke of him as a child already b jrn, when he said,
" unto us a child is* horn ; unto us a son is given,"
and from him to the last prophet, Milachi, extends
one unbroken link of prophecy in regard to him.
At the expiration of four thousand years, at a period
when the Roman armies had carried the Roman re¬
ligion into every country, insomuch that it had al¬
most become the religion of the known world —
when this mighty empire was in the meridian of
its greatness, when the arts and sciences had reached
their acme in the heathen world, then it was that
Christianity broke forth from the East like the sun,
and chased away the dark clouds of ignorance and
superstition which pervaded the entire world.
In the obscure village of Bethlehem was born Him
of whom Moses and the prophets did write — Jesus
the Son of Grod, frail humanity blended with the
G-odhead. At the expiration of thirty years, He
commenced his ministry. He s *nt forth his Apostles,
and though they were unlearned publicans and fish¬
ermen, yet the Grospel spread rapidly in the first
AFRICAN METHODISM.
431
century through Judea, Samaria, Persia and Syria.
Though it taet with bitter opposition, yet the Church
advanced. In the city of Antioch the followers of
Jesus where first called Christians. In the seventh
century the great beast Popery, raised his head, and
beclouded the true light by the grim visage of his
face. The eleventh century witnessed the sanguin¬
ary Crusades, when thousands were butchered ; Ma-
hommedan temples, altars and cities destroyed, and
their country laid waste. In the thirteenth century
that infamous organization known as the Inquisi¬
tion was instituted, before which the defenders of the
Cross of Christ underwent a mock trial, preparatory
to the torturing of the rack. Many of the victims,
having a horse attached to each leg and each arm,
were pulled to pieces ; many were burnt at the stake,
while others were thrown to wild beasts. With the
dawn of the sixteenth century, came the brilliant
light of the Reformation. On the 10th day of De¬
cember, 1520, Martin Luther publicly withdrew
from the Cornish Church, and determined, at all
hazard, that he would protest against the power as¬
sumed by"the Pontiff. Thus began the great Reform¬
ation. Near the middle of this century sprang up
Calvinism ; also, the great massacre of St. Bartholo¬
mew occurred. The eighteenth century gave birth
teethe Presbyterian Church. In the twenty-ninth
year of the eighteenth century, Methodism was
founded by John and Charles Wesley. They were
called Methodists in derision of their skillful method
in defending their doctrines. In 1735 John and
432 . AN APOLOGY FOR
Charles Wesley embarked for America, landing on
the shores of Georgia, where they planted the Cross
among the Indians. They were followed by Whit¬
field, whose efforts to spread Methodism were emi¬
nently successful. He earnestly labored with tongue
and pen, and had the proud satisfaction of seeing his
labors crowned with success. The Methodist Church
has grown rapidly ; at the expiration of one* hun¬
dred years, they number more than one million com¬
municants in the United States alone, while there
are many thousands scattered over every country in
Europe. In 1816, Kichard Allen, driven forth from
the sanctuary of his white brethren, organized the
African M. E. Church, which has been peculiarly
favored of God, numbering now over 100,000 souls.
Thus have we but imperfectly sketched the Kise and
Progress of Christianity, and can but conclude that
the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, is
destined to roll until it fills the whole earth — until
the kingdoms of this world shall totter and fall, and
be buried in the vortex of oblivion, but tfle kingdom
of our God and his Church shall endure forever."
(B.)
WM. D. JOHNSON.
BT E. D. HAMMOND.
Wm. D., son of George H. and Elizabeth John¬
son, was born in Calvert county, Md., March 19th,
1842. When he was about 6 years of age, his pa-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
433
rents removed to Baltimorft, where they united with
Bethel A. M. E. Church. William ^tended the
Sabbath school of this Church : he also attended the
day school of Rev. H. H. Webb. He was consid¬
ered a good boy until about 17 years of age, when
he became associated with the sporting young men
of the city, and notwithstanding the entreaties of
his parents, he became quite unruly. During the
great revival at Bethel Church under Eev. John M.
Brown, in the year 1861, he visited the meeting,
and it was there that the preaching of the WoTd had
a powerful effect upon his mind. In a moment the
past rushed before him; he saw himself lost and
undone, without G-od—in the power of Satan: he be¬
gan earnestly to cry, "Lord, save, or I perish." At
length God smiled graciously upon#him, and bade
him go in peace. Shortly after he embraced reli¬
gion, he evinced a deep and abiding love for souls>
and a willingness to spend and be spent for their
salvation. He resolved to consecrate himself en¬
tirely to* God. He was licensed to exhort by Rev.
A. W. Wayman, (now Bishop) in the year 1862.
In the same year, earnestly desiring to prepare him¬
self for the work of the ministry, through the inter¬
est of A. B. Cross, of Baltimore, he gained admis¬
sion to Ashmun Institute, (now Lincoln University)
under the patronage of Hon. Wm. E. Dodge, of N.
Y., where he has continued until the present time.
He was licensed to preach in 1863, by Rev. A. Till.
His standing as a scholar is most creditable, and he
is highly esteemed by the Faculty as a young man
434
AN APOLOGY FOB,
of rare mental abilities. As a preacher, Mr. John-
son is deep and metaphysical; his discourses are
characterized by sound Theology, and profound rea¬
soning. He has obtained considerable celebrity as
a lecturer and poet; he has also occupied many posi¬
tions of honor, being now President of Garnet Lite¬
rary Association, of Lincoln University, which posi¬
tion he holds with much honor and credit. He is
now engaged in the regular studies of the Freshman
class,^viz ; History, Physical Geography, English
Composition, Latin, G-reek, Mathematics, etc. Mr.
Johnson contributes the follawing :
AN ADDRESS, DELIVERED AT THE COMMENCEMENT OF LIN¬
COLN UNIVERSITY JUNE, 27th, 1866.
Mr. President, friends and fellow students: Our
i nstitution has passed through her period of experi¬
ment. At times she has been shaken to her founda¬
tions, and her enemies hare prayed that she might
fall. Her supporters, true friends of our race, "re¬
lied upon God. They believed that this College
would be a lever to assist in raising the once migh¬
ty, but palsied hand of Ethiopia, which she sighs
to stretch out to the Eternal One.
A young colored man who felt, "woe is unto me
if I preach not the Gospel," and who also felt very
much the need of an education, was seen regularly
to approach a large stone, near the present situa¬
tion of this building, where he prayed that God
would help him. He became the private student of
Eev. Dr. Dickey — Ashmun Institute was planned,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
435
and that stone so often washed by the te#rs of the
earnest seeker, became the first in Jts foundation.
He was its first student, its first graduate, its first
missionary to Africa. How many young men have
followed his steps ? How many are now oppressed
with groanings which cannot be uttered, for the
same reasons that once bowed him down ? How
many are now pursuing the same course ? Sirs, the
labors of the past year have made this Institution
like a high and shining sun, whose light diverging
in ten thousand directions, cheers the dark minds
of millions just liberated from slavery. It is the
grand centre of attraction to our young men, aspir¬
ing to usefulness and honor. She has closed ten ses¬
sions, with an average of the same number of stu¬
dents to represent her ; but how different is it to¬
day? Her walls are crowded—she is expanding
her wings to make room for her famishing children.
Yes, an Institution that has kept but a doubtful
pace with ten years, has suddenly cast away the
robe of obscurity and become a University. To-day
the prayer of Yan Rennselaer is more than answered.
Here ten souls have been born to God in a single
day. Our friends are standing in the high places of
the nation —*the exigencies of the war have filled
our halls with those who had not the hardihood to
expect such blessings — and our new and imposing
buildings, are rearing their spires toward heaven
under a new and revered appellation. Yes, the name
is changed. In the history of the world-wide efforts
to elevate our race, there does not appear two more
436
AN APOLOGY FOR
illustrious names, than tliose adopted by our Insti¬
tution. Is African Americans, we shall regard
them as the strong and beautiful pillars, which
shall support the fallen energies of a people emanci¬
pated by their efforts. As students of the Universi¬
ty, we shall remember them alike. Ashmun, thy
self-denial — thy extended labors beneath the tropi¬
cal sun of our fatherland — the sacrifice of thy life
upon the desolated altars of poor Africa, will never
be forgotten. Thou hast touched a chord in the
heart of our people that will vibrate forever. The
garland placed over the College door by Yan Renn-
selaer, in perpetuation of thy memory, shall not be
trampled in the dust nor marred; but while the
brightness of Lincoln's name shall adorn the out¬
ward tabernacle, thine shall be cherished in the
sanctum sanctorum of our hearts.
But what shall we say of Lincoln ? A hardy but
honest son of the West emerged from obscurity, and
by the flickering light of Providence, hewed his way
through the dark passes of poJitical life, and stand¬
ing at theheadofthe ages, preached deliverance to the
enslaved. He struck for the liberties of a persecu¬
ted and despised people, whom all feared and but
few pitied. He redeemed them with his blood, 0
how the heart struggles to measure its outbursting
gratitude 1 The effort is vain — It is like a drop in
the ocean—It is swallowed up in the emotions of
the great. The prairies still droop over his hallowed
tomb — The nations still weep at hearing his name —
Senates still cherish the drapery that enshrouded
AFRICAN METHODISM.
437
their halls in gloom — Marble is fashioned to his
likeness, and his gfeatness is written upon the eter¬
nal rocks. But 0, Lincoln, our martyr, what can we
do! Poor, despised and disfranchised, we still drag
the chain. Yet we hope, because thy friends, thy
true friends are struggling with us in the holy cause
for which thou didst die. But Ah ! What gratitude
stirs my breast! My muse, whither hast thou fled !
Martyred Lincoln!
When nations hush the mufflecTsob of wo,
When our last tear through ages vast shall flow,
When Senates loose their drapings worn for thee,
Thou martyred champion of the noble free.
Here on this consecrated spot shall rise,
Shall lift thy hallowed memory to the skies—
A monument of intellectual blaze,
Shall gild thy labors through unnumbered days,
And by its light shall Afric's children blest,
Thy goodness read. Rest, Lincoln, Rest.
(C.)
WILLIAM FISHER DICKERSON.
BY J. C. WATERS.
Was horn January 15th, 1844, in the town of
Woodbury, Gloucester County, New Jersey. When
about eighteen years of age, he went to New York
City, where he was reared amid all the vices of
that modern Sodom. But having thrown around
him .those influences that emanate from genuine
piety, his feet were saved from the paths of vice,
from those follies that form so often the rocks
upon which many young men have split. In the
438
AN APOLOGY EOR
month, of July, 1863, he attached himself to the A.
M. E. "Church, Sullivan Street, New York, and
soon became one of the leading young men in that
Church. Possessing fine musical ability, he he-
came leader of the choir attached to it; which
position he filled with credit until April, 1866,
when he entered Lincoln University to complete his
studies for the ministry. November 24th, 1866, he
was licensed a local preacher by Rev. H. J*. Rhodes
of the A. M. E. Church. He is a young man of no
ordinary mental ability, and will, no doubt, become
a useful man in the vineyard of the Lord, and be in¬
strumental in the hand of God in demolishing the
kingdom of the wicked one, and assisting in rearing
upon the ruins thereof the kingdom of our Lord and
Master. May heaven protect him, and may he make
his mark in the world's history as a chosen vessel to
bear glad tidings to many sin-sick souls. He is
highly appreciated among his fellow students for
his intelligence and gentlemanly deportment. May
he steer his bark clear of many rocks that line the
coast of life, and at last glide into the haven above,
wbere he will cast the anchor of his soul in the ever
peaceful wat6rs of heaven's broad bay.
(D.)
EDWARD S. W. HAMMOND.
BY W. D. JOHNSON.
Edward S. W. Hammand, the only son of Rev.
S. L. and Hannah Hammond, was born in the city
AFRICAN METHODISM.
439
of Baltimore, Md., February 14th, 1842. Both his
parents have for many years been connected with the
A. M. E. Church. At the age of six years he
was sent to the day school taught by Mrs. Hen-
son ; afterwards attended the schools of Rev. Geo.
T. and R. R. Watkins and H. H. Webb, in Balti¬
more. He was regarded as a bright, but rude boy.
At the age of .seventeen he went to sea with Capt.
Perry, U. 8. N. While at sea he received many re¬
markable warnings from God, but they were un¬
heeded. He returned in 1860, and was paid off in
Boston, Mass. Being very unsettled in mind, he
shipped immediately, as an able seaman, on a vessel
bound for Yera Cruz. On this voyage he experi¬
enced many hardships. The vessel was wrecked —
all the crew rescued and carried to New Orleans,
where he was imprisoned on account of his color and
freedom. His release having been effected, he re¬
turned home, where he became associated with wild
company. A conscience made tender by the pious
instructions of devoted parents, raised the warning
voice ; but he sought to drown it by a deeper plunge
into folly. Unmoved by the tears of a loving
mother and sister — by a father's grief, he again
left home and proceeded as far as New York, where,
like the prodigal, he came to himself. Being deep¬
ly convicted of sin, he began to attend Church, and
becoming an earnest seeker of salvation, it pleased
God to remove the heart of stone, and give the
heart of flesh. He soon began to feel a deep concern
for his fellow sinners — determined to enter the
440
AN APOLOGY FOR
ministry, and with his mind thus fixed, he returned
again, to his father's house, where his parents re¬
ceived him with ecstacies of joy. He united with
Big Bethel Church, Baltimore, where he met Mr.
\Ym* D. Johnson, who was spending the College
vacation of '64, from whom he gained the required
information, and was admitted to Lincoln Univer¬
sity in the fall of the same year ; where he has re¬
mained to the present-, under the patronage of Hon.
Wm. E. Dodge, of New York. Mr. Hammond was
licensed to preach Dec. 17th, 1864, hy Eev. J. W.
Stevenson. He is gifted with a vigorous mind, and
will make a fine scholar. He is engaged in the
regular studies of the Freshman class, viz : Univer¬
sal History, Physical Geography, English Composi¬
tion, Latin, Greek and Mathematics. Subjoined is
a specimen of his composition :
AFRICAN METHODISM; WHAT IT HAS DONE FOR THE ELE¬
VATION OF OUR RACE.
What hast thou done, 0, Methodism,
For our enslaved, disfranchised race ?
No mortal pen was e'er inspired,
Or e'er will be, with truth enough,
To picture to the eager mind
Thy sacrifices, groans and tears;
Thy rich and faithful works of love.
■How was it with thy pioneers,
Ascending to the highest cliffs,
And raising high the blood-stained flag
Of Christ on Calvary, they preached
That all men were created free
And equal by His holy hand ;
Or in the lowest valleys prayed :
" Let Afric stretch her hands to thee,
And let the princes wished for, come."
AFRICAN MElHODISM.
Like ancient knights, thy heaven-taught sona
Clad in habiliments of steel,
The armor of the living God,
Their breastplates marked with righteousness,
And helmets, swords, and sh elds enstamped
With confidence in "Zion's King,"
They fought 'gainst human slavery;
Led forth by Allen, Coker, Brown,
Quinn, Nazrey, Waters, Payne, the crown,
Preceded by the great I Am;
With courage then, they onward marched,
Entered the domicil of sin,
Where men were kept, and taught to oppose
The Right. Behold the two-edged sword
Thrust deep into their conscience seared.
The eternal irate God calls loud,
Swift angels fly to execute
His will — the death or life of man;
I am the Lord ; the power is mine,
To new create, and to destroy.
They still marched on, and as each year
Rolled round, her membership increased
From tens to thousands; yet the wheels
Of Zion clogged by those who would
An Educated Ministry oppose.
But just at this auspicious hour,
The noble Payne with banner high,
Inscribed this motto, Light and Truth ;
Followed by others who obeyed
The Apostle's great command to all,
Study to show thyself approved.
And by their efforts, Hercules-like,
The two-leaved gates of ignorance
Gave way, and let the victors in.
And since that hour, our glorious Church
Has onward marched with those who came
From Oberlin's ancestral halls,
And Alleghany's templed walls ;
Then Wilberforce sends forth her light,
And Ashmun, too, defends the right;
" Old Maryland " sends to the field
Self-taught, self-educated men ;
Wayman and Campbell, with their all,
Were ready at the trumpet's call.
The sons of Bethel great have gone,
From Bast to West, from North to South,
442
AN APOLOGY FOR
To tell the story of the Cross,
Or teach our brethren long denied,
Of heaven's great boon — intelligence.
On many a desecrated spot
By slavery, there now is seen
A temple to the eternal King
Of Glory, and in place of sin,
Their banners bright emblazoned now,
Good will to every soul op man.
Does this degrade the negro ? No ;
Assertion false. If we may judge
The future by the past, our own
Great Bethel shall indeed outshine,
Outrun, outlive the cruel wrath
Of all her foes. Then shine on, thou
Star of heaven, thy magnitude
"Will be the first.
african methodism.
443
CHAPTER XXI.
influential women in communion with the a. m. e.
church.
(A.)
MRS. SUSAN PAUL VASHON.
This sketch is from the pen of one of our members.
This lady, wife of Professor G. B. Vashon,
is a native of Boston, Mass., where she received
her education, principally in the Smith School,
then under the management of her maternal uncle,
Mr. Thomas Paul. She also attended, for several
terms, a Ladies' Seminary at Somerville, Mass., pre¬
sided over hy an excellent instructress, Mrs. Lucy
O'Meara. Mrs. Yashon's maiden name was Smith.
Left motherless at an early age, she passed her
childhood beneath the watchful care of her maternal
grandmother, her aunt, the late Miss Susan Paul,
and the male relations already mentioned. Her
faller lavirg n* " and settled in Pitts¬
burg, Pa., she went thither, and was appointed
a teacher in the school of which her future hushand
became, shortly afterwards, the Principal. They
were married in 1859.
444 AN APOLOGY FOR
Mrs. Yashon lias written considerably both in
prose and verse ; but latterly her pen has been suf¬
fered to lie idle ; for, like the mother of the Grracchi,
she now finds her jewels, the engrossing objects o£
her care, in the partner of her choice, and in the
children with which Grod has blessed their wedded
life. The subjoined article, however, may serve to
illustrate her power as a writer, at the same time
that it exhibits her in the character of an affection¬
ate Christian wife and mother :
TO Iff BELOYED HUSB \ND ON HIS BIRTH-DAT .
Hail to the bright, auspicious mora !
That yearly comes with smiling ray
To usher in the gladsome day
On which, beloved one, thou wast born.
Sure on that day some seraph bright,
Leaving the regions of the blest,
Flew toward the hymenial nest,
And hovering on wings of light,
Upon thy infant head did shower
Rare sunshine for thy coming years —
A future bright, undimmed with tears —
Of mental gifts a noble dower.
For each and all whom God has made
A heart witn kindly feelings warm,
A ready grasp, an open palm,
" For man is man whate'er the grade."
All these are thine, and more, I know,
Than my imperfect Muse can sing;
But let the offering which I bring
In these fond lines my worship show.
Me, the beloved one of thy heart,
Thou didst create thy happy wife,
A portion of thy soul and life,—
Of thee and thine*k loving part.
AFRICAN METHODISM. 445
Oh happy union ! mystic, sweet!
True emblem of that life above,
Whose source and motive power is love,
Wherein life, soul, and being meet.
I, thy dear wife, of whom was born
Our baby girl, our darling boys,
Would gladly wreathe of mutual joys
A garland for thy natal morn.
Fain would I sing of blissful hours,
Of seasons sweet I've passed with thee;
But Time, alas 1 rude tasker he,
Bids me not stay in Memory's bowers.
But dearest! I will wish for thee
A future all unclouded fair;
Undimmed by suffering or care
I'll trust thy lamp of life may be.
Long years may joy thy steps attend,
And when for thee the grav§ doth yawn,
May its bleak night precede the dawn,
Whose day of bliss shall never end.
(B.)
MISS MARY A. PR0UT
Was born at a place in Maryland called South
River, February 14th, 1801, and though long since
married to the Lord, has never been married to man.
We notice her not for any literary merit, though
she can read and write with proficiency, but rather
for her high social standing, her deep piety, and
earnest labor for the Church. Converted in her
girlhood days, in Baltimore City, whither her
parents had moved, she connected herself with Big
Bethel, when the total membership consisted of but
nine souls. She has often swept the cobwebs from
20
446
AN APOLOGY FOB
the ceiling of the old Church, and to her numerous
visitors, she still shows the stick of the broom she
employed. Since her spiritual natal day, she has
not ceased to work for God and the Church. One
year after her conversion, she was made leader of a
female prayer-meeting. During the early days of
Bethel, when it was poor and in deht, she was con¬
stantly devising ways and means of relieving it *
now leading off in a festival; now an excursion;
and now perambulating the streets with a subscrip¬
tion book. At one fair given in behalf of Ebenezer,
and in which she led, $800.00 was cleared; and at
another, $500.
She is now laboring earnestly to get up a Widows'
Home; she says in regard to it: "I am now trying
to raise a Widows' Home, for aged and infirm old
women, and I do not know but it will be my last
work, if, indeed, I am spared to see it accomplish¬
ed."* A woman of the deepest religious experience,
she walks "the high places of Israel/' as she is
wont to say. May her sun set in light.
(C.)
MISS SALUB LOUISE DAFFIN.
There is no commoner remark made in regard to
folks, who Simeon-like, are small of stature, than
that "precious goods are put up in small packages."
♦The Widows' Home has been achieved, and has been opened with
the best of prospects.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
447
If one would visit the U. S. Senate, and behold the
men who occupy its honored seats, he would almost
be led to doubt the truth of that little apothegm, for
not a few of them stand full six feet. Indeed, Garret
Davis of Kentucky, is about the smallest man seen
on the floor. But we do not propose to allow the
American Senate, where small men hitherto have
sat, to make void our arguments ; giants have only
been, and are, the exception, and not the rule,
and old school-master always taught us to stick to
the rule. ''Precious goods are always put up in
small packages," most true indeed in regard to our
little heroine, whose height is only about four and
a half feet; and weight perhaps a hundred. She
don't weigh more than Bishop Payne !
Born in Philadelphia, Penn., she was placed in
school when but a child of six, and kept there until
she reached her year eleventh ; when she was called
away from books to learn the art of drees-making ;
here eight years were spent. But " Sallie" some¬
how thought she was not exactly in ber own place.
Different thoughts filled her mind, than studying
how to make the dresses suit, of the gay coquettes
of the city of brotherly love and sisterly, too. Her
thoughts were upon books and work, not the work
of the needle, but of the brain and heart; she
thought even of going as missionary to dear old Fa¬
therland, Africa. Feeling thus, she entered that
model of Quaker munificence, "The Institute for
Colored Youth," at the round age of twenty. Two
years after entering she received the diploma, as well
448
AN APOLOGY FOR
as the first mathematical prize offered to the female
pupils. But before this tribute to her genius had
been paid, she had carried off the prize awarded by •*
the Literary Association of Bethel A. M. E. Church,
for an essay entitled, "Temptation, and the Temp¬
ter and in the year 1860, she received the second
prize offered by the same Association. Emerging
from school with torch in hand, she did not subdue
the flame as many do, but she prepared to carry it
long, and keep it bright. The opening up of the
great mission work of the South, found her teaching
at Wilmington, Del., and though the greatest in¬
ducements were offered her, to them all she gave a
decided, "No," and torch in hand, she started for
the gloomy South, made doubly gloomy by the smoke
of incessant battle.
Employed by the American Missionary Associa¬
tion, she was first sent to Norfolk, Ya., where she
remained teaching and working, in the School-room,
and in the Hospital, during the whole of McClellan's
inglorious campaign, when he left three score thou¬
sand men sleeping in the marshes of the Peninsula.
She speaks of her experiences among the Freed-
men, and the sick and wounded soldiers and sailors,
not only in Virginia, but in North Carolina, whith¬
er she had been ordered, as "intensely interesting."
Returning home in 1865, she spent but a few days;
for she longed to be engaged again in the good work of
love and light. She is now a teacher at Freedman's
Village, near Washington, D. C.
A member of the A. M. E. Church, she stands
AFRICAN METHODISM.
449
foremost among its intelligent, hardworking, and
pious members : partaking of its obloquy, she shares
the honor of helping it do a work that angels would
covet. She is a fine prose writer, and now and then
pays a golden denarius as a tribute to the Muses.
Bead her hastily prepared Impressions :
" IMPRESSIONS OF A TEACHER IN THE SOUTH."
"The terrible and sanguinary conflict through
which our country has so recently passed, has cul¬
minated in the birth of a nation from the womb of
slavery, oppression and ignorance, into a world of
light and liberty.
Scarcely is it possible for the minds of those who
have never been South, to form any adequate con¬
ception of the magnanimity and importance of the
work that is being done among the Freedmen, both
educationally and morally, and in many parts, of
the great revolutionization of ideas and sentiments
that is perceptible among the dominant race.
While in certain localities, the former masters con¬
tinue to evince a hatred to the freed negroes and
Yankees of the intensest sort, yet the susceptibility
of the former to grasp and retain knowledge — their
propensity to labor quite as industriously under the
new regime as under the overseer's lash — their
commendable discrimination between right and
wrong, are all bearing their influence to roll back
the tide of prejudice that has so long predomina¬
ted.
450
AN APOLOGY FOB
The poor whites of the South, form a pitiable ex¬
ample of pride and poverty ; but even they are be¬
ginning to arise from their lethargic state. While
it is true from force of habit and circumstance, their
movements may for a time be tardy, yet by the con-
cencentrated forces of religion, education, and Yan¬
kee enterprize, they will be made to feel their incom¬
petency to cope with the great flood that is steadily
flowing in their midst, and consequently an emula-
tory spirit will be infused into them. Thus, they
will gradually become enlightened from the base ideas
of other days, and light and truth flow through
purer channels — channels made pure and trans¬
parent by the regenerating influence of the grace of
God.
When the American Missionary Association of
New York, and kindred organizations review the
great work they have already accomplished, and are
still accomplishing, how rejoiced must feel their
hearts, that they live in this day when they can con¬
tribute so extensively in the upbuilding of Christ's
kingdom, by the elevation of millions of mankind !
May they all receive their reward from Him,
who will recompense to every man according as his
works shall be I
Of the large number of teachers who have been
engaged in this work, many of them are among the
best in the country. A few mistakes have been
made, but these form the minority. As yet, there
have been but comparatively few colored teachers in
the field ; but a sense of justice demands that mention
AFRICAN METHODISM.
451
be made of Miss Blanche Y. Harris, of Ohio, and
Miss Edmonie G-. Highgate, of Syracuse, N. Y.,
who figured conspicuously in the campaign of 1864,
in Norfolk, Va. These ladies possessed not only a
refined education, but were eminent in piety, and
indicated by willing sacrifices, their interest in the
cause of their race.
It is an unjust idea that any half educated person
is fit to teach the negro of the South. There is needed
the best educated — the man or the woman of unex¬
ceptionable morals and Christian philanthropy —
those who are willing to sacrifice their love of pleas¬
ure upon humanity's altar, and who bear upon their
brows the sacred inscription, "Holiness to the Lord."
Such are a few of our impressions, and but very
few. The remainder must be left to be distributed
at a more convenient season, while we continue in
the work assigned, trusting that this, our life-work,
shall be blessed of God, in the elevation of our be¬
nighted racej and their being prepared to enter
upon their duties as men on this mundane sphere
(D.)
MRS. ELIZABETH BRISCOE.
Mrs. Toy, of Baltimore city, was the mother of
eleven children, and what; is really remarkable,
they were all girls. The subject of this sketch was
the youngest of all, and first saw the light, March,
27, 1827. Attaining to girlhood, she was a con¬
stant attendent upon St. James' Episcopal Church ;
452
AN APOLOGY FOR
ill close proximity was Bethel Church, of which Bish¬
op Waters was pastor. During the year 1841, a
real Methodist revival broke out, and its effects,
were like unto Sampson's foxes. In company with
some giddy companions, Lizzy Toy, went down to
the Methodist meeting, for the purpose of having
some "fun." They "hollar'd" so, and their sing¬
ing ! all kinds of metres combined! whiie their
prayers, so quaint and irregular, made it all together
a place where one could spend a huge hour! But
Lizzy had scarcely taken her seat than the deepest
consideration Beized her. "Here I am," thought she,
" if I knew better how to serve God. I do not do it;
and these people are serving him ; it is true it is not
exactly my way, yet are they serving him. The
one talent, which they have received they return,
even wit7i i little us lry to God; while I return nei¬
ther talent, uur iwry. Yea more, I have come to
ridicule them, in their humble offering."
Thus reasoned Lizzy Toy, while the cheek grew
palled, the nerves weak, and the spirit oppressed.
That same evening, the evening of March, 29, 1841,
witnessed Lizzy Toy, a Methodist of the most uncom¬
promising hind.
Marrying Augustus Briscoe, a gentleman of Catho¬
lic tendency, she accompanied him to the West,
Pittsburg, Pa., where she at once attached herself
to Old Front St., A. M. E. Church, under Father
Collins. The old man taking her by the hand said
"Child, we are all on probation, all. on probation
till we get to Heaven, may you stand." It was in
AFRICAN METHODISM.
453
L845, that she joined the Sabbath school in the new¬
ly built Wylie St., with John Peck for Superinten-
lent. In this school she spent more than a score
(rears consecutively. The writer remembers her
luring ten years' connexion with the school, as
3cholar, and teacher and Superintendent ; and what
does he remember, but that she was always present,
always prepared, and always smiling. From posi¬
tive knowledge, the writer ventures the assertion, that
in the last three years of his connexion with the
school as its Superintendent, Mrs. E. T. Briscoe was
not absent from her post a dozen times ; and it should
be remembered, that that school has two sessions,
in winter and summer. Such a fact outweighs every
word of praise that could possibly be said in hef be¬
half.
A woman of the highest social standing, in the
most easy circumstance in life, and like unto Han¬
nah before she went up to Shiloh, she lives only to
instruct the ypung, reclaim the erring, comfort the
distressed, and relieve the needy. Though a mem¬
ber of more than one Beneficial Society, she uni¬
formly refuses to accept office, firmly persuaded that
her position in life is to work.
Returning to Baltimore in 1865, she once again
entered the Sabbath school, where as Female Super¬
intendent, the writer finds her, a true co-laborer in
the Lord's Vineyard.
20*
454
AN APOLOGY FOR
(E.)
MISS S. A. SLAUGHTER.
AN APPEAL.
This Appeal is from the pen of Miss S. A. Slaughter, of Detroit,
Mich. A young Christian lady of whom Wm. Webb says, "I wish
the A. M. E. Church was blessed with hundreds like her."
" The subject of the education of our race presents
so vast a field for thought, that in attempting to
say anything in reference to it, I am at first setting
out, lost amid the mazes of avenues open for an en¬
trance to the vast area. That we are a people seek¬
ing to rise above what we have been, our enemies
can and do affirmatively witness ; that we are a peo¬
ple worthy of a promotion, our genius and talent
when permitted a development have fully testified.
That we are a people who w'ul swell the alrealy teem¬
ing list of e ninent raja of earbi, is left to us to de¬
cide. We are decidedly one of the strong nations
for whom the world was made ; being placed here by
the Divine Creator among the first, and still after hav¬
ing outlived many tribes and nations, are a very prom¬
inent member of the earth's population to-day. Had
we been created for any other object than progress
and distinction, spiritually anl temporally, we should
long since have been an extinct race. But like our
great precedent the Jewish nation, under the gall¬
ing bondage of the yoke of Egyptian slavery, we have
increased and grown to a fearful strength in the
sight of our enemies. And although our fountain
AFRICAN METHODISM.
455
head in this country was a small beginning, yet like
the great Mississippi we have spread our tributary-
branches in every direction. And now we must edu¬
cate ; we must educate or we must perish. This has
been and is still the motto of the great nation whom
we are following and imitating in all its virtues and
vices. But while they have had centuries of improve¬
ment in the art and sciences, we have been lagging
in the rear, with only the force of imitation for our
instructor ; while ever and anon, here and there, a
bright meteor, a genius from among our ranks,
would burst forth upon the astonished gaze of the
world, to convince it of the smouldering fires of in¬
tellect, that lay concealed beneath our dark cover¬
ing ; waiting only for the reviving breath of freedom
to fan them to living, burning flames. Must I say
that this great work must begin at once, and that
too in our home circles? We leave too much of this
labor to be performed by the already overburdened
teachers, who are given to us as a slight assistance
on the toilsome, upward journey.
I appeal to you, Mothers, who are entrusted with
the precious care of your infants ; that you do for
them that which is calculated to assist them in their
progress in after years, and which every mother
though uninitiated in higher arts, yet fully compre¬
hends. Many may say they are unacquainted with
the laws of nature, and cannot do what they other¬
wise would. Then study them, chain your minds
to reflection ; let not age nor slight incumberances
deter you ; and so rear your offspring, that healthy
456
AN APOLOGY FOR
"bodies, will give vigorous, active brain ; and the
mind being the organ of that brain, will conse¬
quently bring forth abundantly to gratify your
every longing desire.
I appeal to you, Fathers, who are expected to lead
right, in the great struggle for light and knowledge;
lead your little ones if it be but by gradual steps
to the hill of science; and if you find, yourselves
unable to ascend, inspire them, by your vigilant
desire, to persevere until the summit is. attained,
and success is ours. And though you may not be
able to accomplish as many or as mighty acts as
your models, you will at least possess the satisfaction
gained as is said by Lady Byron's maid, who, 11 by
her teaching, learned to spell."
I appeal to you young men, to leave the vitiating
influences of the bar and billiard-room; detest the
vices of the nation you follow and imitate; love and
cling with a tenacious grasp to their virtues ; keep
your hearts with all diligence, for out of them are
the issues of live; and by your industry manual and
mental, show to the world, that although as a na¬
tion of slaves, we were servile, docile and unresist¬
ing, that now as freemen, we are ambitious, perse¬
vering, industrious and honorable.
And lastly to you, young ladies, who in a degree
hold the reins of power, who can guide by your gen¬
tleness, the turbulent promptings of the sterner sex:
who by your gentle firmness can be incited to man¬
ly deeds of nobleness, or to rash -and unprincipled
acts of violence, sway the sceptre of your kingdom,
AFRICAN METHODISM.
457
as sovereigns of wisdom and prudence; seeking, ob¬
taining, and using a Divine strength, for the lahor ,
for as Mr. Longfellow tells us,
" Lives of great men all remind us,
We can make our lives sublime ;
And departing leave behind us,
Footprints on the sands of time."
(F.)
MISS MARY STILL.
A fine sample of the Methodist Sisters is the
above named lady ; full of energy is she, with a
heart that yearns over her race — not the rich and
affluent of them, not the proud and popular, but
over the lowly, the degraded, the helpless. Though
socially the equal of the foremost in the land, yet
she disregards all, and for years has lived only to
bring up her race and her Church taher own high
level; not by standing a great way off, and looking
with pitiable contempt upon them : not by crying
alound, Come up to my level ; but having learned
the magic art of coming down, she takes the lowli¬
est by the hand, and says : My brother, my sister,
good cheer.
We know she will be surprised when she sees
what we have done in regard to her letter, for she
had not the most distant thought of our publishing
it, but there is so much, of Mary Still in it, that we
cannot forgo the temptation to publish it in toto.
We requested her to write some facts about herself,
when, lo ! she has forgotten herself, and wrote most
of the Church and people that lie nearest her heart.
458
AN APOLOGY FOR
Brother Tanner — Dear Sir;—Yon inform m&
that you are preparing a work entitled : " An
Apology for African Methodism." The evidences
in our favor are so clear and convincing in their
character, as to make an apology unnecessary. Still
I think ifc time that some of our number should
hurl back the slander which men, in the heat of
popularity, have seen fit to throw at an organiza¬
tion that has struggled long and hard to gain an
independent position. The fathers in the early his¬
tory of the Methodist Church seen to it that the
African race in the United States had the Gospel
preached to them. The Word was received, ran, and
was glorified. Hence arise those virtues and graces
that are essential to a religious and civilized life. You
request mo to give you some facts contained in the
history of my life, as you wish to give me a passing
notice in your book. I am truly obliged to you for
the respect that you are about to confer upon me,
but, believe me sir, I do not think there is anything
in my history worth setting before an intelligent
public. If there is, it is God's amazing love to my
soul. But useless as it is, as you have requested, I
will proceed to give you such facts as may occur to
my mind.
I was born and reared in the State of New Jersey;
and at a time, too, when the advantages for educa¬
tion for those of my race were very poor. From a
child I was extremely sensitive to our oppressed and
proscribed condition. This kindled within my heart
an earnest and increasing desire to be useful when-
AFRICAN METHODISM.
459
ever or wherever opportunity would allow. There
was a tiihe while I resided in my native State that
the white people and colored all worshipped together.
But prejudice being strong in those days, it prevent¬
ed many of the colored people from attending on the
means of grace. The older inhabitants among the
colored people felt but too keenly its demoralizing
effects, and resolved upon a separation. So, after
much perplexity and long deliberation, the brethren
and sisters were called together to consider what
would be the best course to pursue to promote their
moral, social and religious interest. So, without a
foot of land to call their own, or a stick of timber
for building, or without money in their pockets,
they started under the old Methodist flag in an enter¬
prise that has resulted gloriously and nobly to their
present and future happiness. About the time that
they began to think of acting more for themselves,
Brother Robert Evans was converted at camp-meet¬
ing. He wasthen called to preach the unsearchable
riches of Christ to a dying world. The zeal that
he always manifested for the present and future
welfare, lives in the memory of thousands to-day of
those who used to attend his preaching. His travels
were principally in that State. It is due to his
memory to say that many houses that were used for
revelry, became houses of prayer and praise.
From my own native hills and plains, I removed
to Philadelphia, where I availed myself of the ad¬
vantage of a school that was then kept by a lady of
considerable merit. While I was with her, I ap-
460
AN APOLOGY FOB
plied myself with much, diligence to my studies,
and thereby added & considerable to my stock of
knowledge. About twenty years of my life, I have
been keeping school.
In 1864, I left Philadelphia for Beaufort, S. CL
There I saw the horrid effects of American slavery.
I labored there near two years ; at the end of which
time, I removed to Florida. I am now engaged in
teaching among the freedmen.
(a.)
MRS. BISHOP WAYMAN.
Mrs. Harriet E. A. Wayman was born in Balti¬
more, December Hth, 1827. Her father Mons.
John De Grouchy, was a Frenchman, and it is said
was a relative of the great Marshall, whose name he
bore. Harriet was raised up in her father's house,
receiving the kindest treatment. At the age of five
she jvas sent to the school of the Rev. Wm. Leav-
ington, Rector of St. James1 P. E. Church. Here
she learned the rudiments of an English education.
As years grew Upon her, and she exhibited a taste
and skill for needle work, she was placed under
Madame Cloud, to learn the Grecian and Crape
work, which, after a time, she was enabled to exe¬
cute with charming excellence. She learned tambo
and embroidery from the skilful fingers of Madame
De .Grouchy. For years she held communion with
the Episcopal Church, but upon her marriage with
the Bishop, she concluded to become, not only his
AFRICAN METHODISM.
461
wife, but one of the sheep of his fold; joining the
Bethel A. M. E. Church, May 5th, 1865.
A woman is she of more than ordinary talents and
attainments, most lively in temperament, and in¬
clined to he gay. But since her marriage with the
Bishop, much of her liveliness has been suppressed.
To the Methodist fathers and mothers of '76, she is
still however thought to be very gay ; but to them
she can say, what a zealous Presbyterian said, who
hated Romanism and Episcopalianism with intense
hatred, and who upon a Sabbath was railing out
against them. Upon being accosted by a lady
Episcopalian friend with the words : 0 Mr. A ,
I do wish you would not let out such furious re¬
marks against my Church ; replied : My Dear Mrs.
B , you speak of what I let out, but you do not
know how much I keep in."
Her residence is on Baltimore Street, and is fitted
up in the most elegant style, as her handsome in¬
come well affords her to do. She takes a most lively
interest in the Church of the Bishop, always ready
to lend a hand to further its interest. At a fair
lately given in Philadelphia, on behalf of the Chris¬
tian Recorder, she went thither, and became one of
its most successful table-holders.
(H.)
MISS EST.iER ARMSTRONG.
The fourth daughter of the Bev. John P. Arm¬
strong, this lady was early imbued with the deepest
religious sentiments. Her father held communion
462
AN APOLOGY FOR
with the M. E. Church, and Esther, whilst a babe,
was baptized by the Rev. Matthew Sourin, Presiding
Elder of a District in which the town of Pharsalia
lay. But weary with oppression, and shuddering at
the idea of rearing up his children — especially his
girls—in the midst of Maryland slavery, he de¬
termined to seek a more liberal and purer commu¬
nity, and in 1836, the Armstrong family removed
to Philadelphia. Here Esther profited by the
good circumstances that surrounded her ; she was
early entered at the Lombard Street Grammar
School, where she remained in regular attend¬
ance for seven years, and received ^,11 that store
of information that has enabled her to be of such
vast service to the Church and Sabbath school.
We speak of the Sabbath school, for here it is that
she has done such eminent service for her Master,
Entering the Bethel A. M. E. School when but a
few summers had passed over her head, she has re¬
mained there for twenty-five years ; twenty of which
has been actively employed. She was eight years a
scholar, five years teacher of Bible class, directress
of Infant Department six years, and is now the Assist¬
ant Superintendent of Adult Department. In 1858,
March 28th, she made a profession of Christ, and
united with the Church, April 10th.
As a vocalist, Philadelphia has few to equal her
as a soprano singer; joining the musical association of
Bethel Church, in 1850, she was soon made its
leader, and for years the sweet melody of her sing¬
ing thrilled the souls of those who heard. Such was
AFRICAN METHODISM.
463
her record that in 1865, she was invited to the po¬
sition of leading soprano in the Protestant Episco-
'pal Church of the Crucifixion, where her voice may
be heard and felt on any Lord's day morning.
She lives by the sweet talent God has given her,
and which she has so perfectly cultivated. A mem¬
ber of the Church's choir below, may she hold her
position in the Church's choir above.
(I.)
MRS. ANNETTA JORDAN.
On the corner of Liberty and Clay Streets, in the
city of Baltimore, Md., there stood an old fashioned
brick house, with its antique dormer windows ; it was
the home of the Toy family, of whom came the subject
of this sketch. Consequent upon the loss of a kind
father, Annetta, a child of ten summers, was placed
in a family of Quakers, where she remained for
* years, learning much of heart, and head, and hand.
To express her gratitude to this Bailey family,
her own words are, 4'If I have anything to boast of
under God, they must receive the credit."
It was in the month of August, 1835, a camp meet¬
ing was held in Jamison's Woods, some ten miles
from Baltimore. Crowds visited it, of every age,
condition, and state of mind, young, old, rich, poor,
the gay, and the thoughtful. And there beneath
the shades of aspiring oaks, and humble foliage,
"In the darkling woods,
Amid the cool and silence they knelt down,
And offered to the Mightiest, solemn thanks
And supplication."
464
AN APOLOGY FOR
Among the attendant young Misses, none were
more beautiful, none seemed bent on enjoying them¬
selves more than Miss Toy ; but in the height of
her joy, an arrow of truth reached her heart, as well
as the hearts of many others of the circle of young
Misses, with whom she associated ; and not a few of
them returned home, with affections set on Him,
who is fairer than all his brethren. Whatever
may be said of the evils attending Camp meeting,
it cannot be denied, but much good likewise has
been accomplished; and it is gratuitous to say
that the evil over-balances the good — it is begging
the question to argue, that even the good accom¬
plished, would be done under other, and better cir¬
cumstances. Let these Christian feasts of taberna¬
cles, be placed under proper restriction, like every¬
thing else with which man has to do, for the wretch
pollutes whatever he touches,—let the grounds be
procured, let booths be erected, and the strong fence
and gate, then from our hearts we say, let the woods
annually be visited and be made to echo with the
Creator's praise.
With the conversion of Miss Toy began that ac¬
tive christian career which happily continues to this
day. Among the converts of young ladies an Asso¬
ciation, "The Daughters-of Sharon," was organized
at once, having for its objects, works of charity, and
advancement in the christian life. Miss Toy was
selected as its first President, although but seventeen,
which Presidency alter a score and more of years
have elapsed, she still retains.
AFRICAN METHODISM.
465
After eight years of rare conjugal Miss, with
George Wells, who had early sought her heart and
hand, and was accepted, and who is reported to have
been a "truly devoted christian," he died, leaving
however his widow in comfortable circumstances.
The most prominent man in Bethel Church, at
this time, and for years after, was Eev. John Jordan,
a local preacher. He was a man of fine executive
ability, a splendid financier as his fortune attests,
and a natural leader. By a sad stroke of Providence
he was left a widower, with no less than five chil¬
dren. It was for him to exercise his judgment,
in selecting a wife for himself, as well as a mother
for his children ; two qualities rarely blended to¬
gether. His choice fell upon the widow Wells, to
whom he was married by Elder D. A. Payne, now
Bishop, in 1846, and the wisdom of that choice is
seen in the happy manner in which jshe played the
double role of wife and mother.
In accepting the hand of the Eev. Mr. Jordan,
heavy with responsibility as it was, she sought
counsel and strength of God ; promising on her
part, if the Lord would bless her to bring up th ose
five children, as well as her own little Josephine,
to honorable manhood and virtuous womanhood,
and over all, to see them brought to Christ, she
would devote all her time to works of charity. Her
covenant was like unto Jacob's: "If God will be
with me, and will keep me in this way that I go,
and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put
on, so that I come again to my father in peace, then
466
AN APOLOGY FOR
shall the Lord he my God." Jacob returned in
peace,—the hopes of that mother were realized.
And would the reader know, especially if he he
the head of a family, the means God employed in
fulfilling the desire of that mother's heart, let me
whisper: "It was the all-controlling influence of
the family altar."
Nor are we to suppose that the weighty responsi¬
bility of bringing up those children consumed all her
zeal. Every charitable project among the female
members found a hearty support at her hand.
In 1836, a Bible was to be presented to the Barbers'
Association by the ladies of her Church, and she was
chosen to make the address. In 1837, and after, she
took a most active part in the Friday afternoon
prayer-meeting, as well as in the "Sisters' Band/'
In 1847, she was one of the first to second the en¬
deavors of her pastor, D. A. Payne, in organizing
the "Mothers' Association." The Dorcas Society,
drawn together the following year, for the purpose
of making garments for the poor, also received
much attention, and she was elected its first Pres¬
ident ; suffered to lie dormant for awhile, it was
revived during the administration of Eev. John M.
Brown, and still lives to bless the poor. Lately
re-elected its President, Mrs. Jordan has instilled
into it new life, so that it might not be amiss to
state that during the present winter, (1866-7) up¬
wards of 500 families have been relieved, and 30
cords of wood distributed.
To conclude : In society none stands higher than
AFRICAN METHODISM.
467
she ; her home is a pattern of neatness, without ex¬
travagance ; of comfort, without the gaudy display
of the income of $25,000.
Possessing a religion characterized by work, her
name id blessed by the poor. The writer knows of
no finer example of Solomon's (Prov. xxxi,) "Virtu¬
ous woman" than she.
(J.)
MISS JEMINA WOODSON.
This article is contributed bj Miss Jemina Woodson, of Pittsburg, a
lady of the finest culture. For years she attended Avery College, and
left it with signal honor to herself and the school. A member of
Wylie Street, she labors faithfully in its S. S. school.
MUSIC.
Music is any combination of sounds producing con¬
cord. It is the harmonious blending of instruments
or the melody of one or many voices. The Creator
appears to have designed that there should be some
general way of denoting joy, hence many animals,
as well as mankind, are capable of expressing by
song their happiness. There is music in the spon¬
taneous warblipg of the morning songsters, or the
low gushing melody of the nightingale, which sooths
the spirit, and diffuses a feeling of tranquility and
peace over the listener. Even the works of inani¬
mate nature seem designed to diffuse a joyous spirit.
The dense forest, echoing back the murmur of
the rushing waters; exhilerating air and sweet
scented flowers of a summer morning ; the sublimity
of the towering mountain, or the roaring cataract,
all tend to inspire a spirit of poetry and song.
468 AN APOLOGY FOR
The earliest histories mention music as formi£ '
principal part of the entertainments^ °
But the means of producing it in ancient times were
very few and simple, generally consisting of wind
or stringed instruments, so that they could have no
conception of the sublime and soul-stirring effects
produced by many instruments of the present time.
There are probably few means that will aid more
effectually in the elevation of the mind and the im¬
provement of taste, than music. It harmonizes
with all the social virtues, and exerts a most happy
influence when the mind is depressed by perplexing
thoughts ; often producing a serenity so delightfully
calm and peaceful that the realities of life are al¬
most forgotten.
To be deprived of this great source of pleasure,
would produce a blank in our existence, which, would
be difficult to supply. How often in the social circle
do intervals in conversation occur- which may, by the
introduction of music, be filled in a manner better
suited to the tastes of all parties than in any other
way. Hence we may consider it as one of the great¬
est blessings conferred by a kind Providence on his
creatures, and very worthy the attention of the
highest and noblest of mankind. Indeed, it may be
said to resemble a clear summer morning, which
paints all nature in brighter colors, and: diffuses a
cheerful joyous influence over the spirit of every one
THE END.