Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1865-10-31
From Religious Telescope, Dayton, Ohio.
The United Brethren Church and
Negro Equalitv.

Mr. EDITOR - have learned that since / le (
home there has been much said, and considerable
| excitment manifested, in consequence of a reso-
luton passed at the General Conference of the
United Brethren Church, which was held in To-
wa last May. A construction has been placed on
said resolution which is not authorized by its
language, and differences drawn which were new
or contemplated by any who voted for it. l hope
therefore you will give me the privilege of occu-
pying place in the columns of your paper, to
say few things to the public
I am informed that great stress is laid upon the
word Equality" as employed in the resolution.
Does not the resolution clearly define what is de-
sired 2 We have said tn At we wish all to STAND
upon an equality before the law, whether white
or black. Does this mean social equality. or
desi, that the two races should be so blended
that no distinction should hereafter be observedf
Surely not Such an idea Ihave always abhorred,
and still abhor; and defy any man In Firginla TO
point to word that have ever said, or an act
that have ever committed, that would justify the
conclusion that desire the commingng of the
two races. And the taste of that white man mus t
be yitiated indeed who would suffer himself to
become friend of anal lgamation.
But what sound objection can be Urged to all
men standing on an equality before the laws If
the black man violates the law, let sbim be pun
ished for his crime as would be a white man for
q similar offence. If the black man is wronged
in his person or property, let him have the same
redress before the law that the white man has;
am asked whether the black mans oath should
be taken before the courts of justice / answer
yes the same as that of the white man, if the
court is satisfied that he understands the moral
obligation of an OATH No mans oath ought to
be allowed who is 30 debased and ignorant as
not to understand the obligations of an OATH
Shall we be told that the black man who has
mind enough to embrace salvation upon the con-
ditions set forth in the gospel and who is able to
give before on ecclesiastical court satisfactory
reason of the hope that he has of an interest in
the atonenent of Christ and who is thought wor-
thy of membership in the Christian church and 4
seat at the communion table, can not understand
the moral obligations of an oath Surely not.
If oil are placed on equality before the law, and
all punished or protected by the law according to
justice. who can complain and who say that
such principle is wicked, and whoever adyo-
Gates such principle should be held up before
the public as one not worthy to be tolerated in
society? Surely Done who with calm unpreju-
diced mind, will see cause to complain.
The other feature complained of in this resoiu-
tion, is the desire that all be placed in tho enjoy
ment of all the rights of American citizens--that
is. that al have the right to vote.
ISkelieye that the majority of pioIs and refecs-
ing men, both North and South, are wiling TO
admi. that God in his providence has ordered thas
the colored race in our land should be free: bus
whether they shall remain among us. or eventu-
ally be colonzed and placed in some quarter Of
the world by themselves, am not able to say
IF. however, they shall remain among US, it should
be otir purpose to encourage them by every pos
sible means to seek those intellectual qualitica-
tions that will enable them inteligently 10 exer-
else the rights Of citizenship; aud among those
rights is the right Of voting If any Intellectual
Or property qualification is necessary, let the tess
be lied to all alike
81 1.o1- tAan
clusion, that the great hue and cry that has been
made recently, in my own county, ard the adjoin-
ing counties, against myself, and the church Of
the United Brethren in Christ has not been be-
cause of the passage of the resolution referred
to- but because of deep seated prejudice in the
minds of many against us Christian denomi.
nation. How often has it been said during the
war, that if the Confederacy was established wo
would have to be banished from the State of Vir-
sinia. And some even went so far as to say NE
ought to be hung. | ask, what had we done to
bring upon US all this persecution! / will au-
swer: As n denomination we were opposed to
slav cry. and our book Of discipline makes slavery
a test of membership. But notwithstanding we
have always been an anti-savery church, we have
to be quiet people, interfering in
no way in the rights of others, and endeavored
as much as possible, to live at peace with all
men.
Another reason for the persecution that We
have had to bear, is this: As denomination,
a large majority Of our people were in heart op-
posed to secession. They were for the perpetuity
of the Union. Yet they maintained quiet spirit,
and treated with respect and kindnes those who
Were Of a different opinion and am none
have right to complain, whether they were in
the army not, of any treatment they received
from me, my family, or any member of the United
Brethren church in Virginia.
Mr.. Editor, let it not be said that i have bsi
come political preacher, for | have never
preached. either in the North South, political
SERMON. have never considered it MY calling.
Some who preach the gospel of peace have been
very Industrious in circulating the offensive res-
olution, and placing upon it such a construction
that would make it unreasonable and offensive
to the the public mind. Consequently, some Of
our own brethren think we must be unavoidab IL
crushed by the torrent that is brought to bear
against us. would say to such brethren, look
at the resolution it is, not as it is explained by
our enemies and you will see that there is Hoth-
ing contained in il that is contrary to the COM
mand "Do justly" / know that as church
we suffer ourselves too often to be Influenced by
the smiles and frowns of others. 1t is too late id
the day to be alarmed by the cry, ssAbolitionist!
Why, if six years ago a man had
publicly said in Virginia against slav ry as Hen,
ry A. Wise has lately said, his life would have
been in danger.
This question of equality before the law i. now
being considered by statesmen, North and South.
The arrangement lately entered into by Governor
Sharkey. of Mississippi, and Col. Thomas, does
grant to the black man protection in person and
emitting negroes to be sued, and ma.
king them competent witnesses according 10 the
law of evidence. This is all that | have meant
by placing all on an equality before the laD. II
after this statement of my views, the enemies of
our Zion are still disposed to persecute, we win
not return railing for railing, but will endeavor
to do good to oil, whether friend or foe.
]. J. GL0SSBRENNER,
Cora, Pa, Sept. 27, 1865.
P. S.-Virginia preachers will pleass let this
be made as publie possible
Rockingham Register requested to copy.
Six mon hs of the conciliatory plan of An
drew johnson has done more to overcome ro-