The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1867-03-20
A SEPARATE ORGANIZATION.

A SEPARATE ORGANIZATION.
Would it be best to have a separate Church
organization for the colored people? Our an
swer is in the affirmative, not however to the
exclusion Of other modes of supplying their
spiritual wants This opinion was merely
stated in the close of former article. We
know that some of the wisest brethren in the
Church, and who need no testimony from man
as to their interest in the welfare of the negro,
do not adopt this view. Nor can it be denied
that it is open to some objections; chiefly
these two: that it would be increasing still far
ther the number of separate churches, already
too great, and that it would expose the black
man to become the prey of mischievous and
fanatieal influences A dissent from the opin-
ions of such men, and, as we know, so sincerely
held, should be cautiously as well as most res
pectfully entered But after weighing with
all possible care the considerations for and
against the measure, we are constrained to the
conclusion that the balance is decidedly in
favor Of separate organization, and our be-
lief is that in littlewhile the judgment OF the
Church will settle that way; in fact that it is
so now. And In support of the propriety of
this plan we ask special attention to two facts
1. That the current desire of the negro popat-
latioR IS IN tiis direction There are no doubt
exceptional cases, but we speak of the current
desire. This feeling was indicated while they
were slaves. The testimony might be called
almost universal to the fact that they did even
then greatly prefer separate preaching for
themselves. That they prefer it now who will
deny? So strong is this feeling that he who
would reach them In connection with arrange
ments for their accommodation in the galleries
of churches, viii simply spend his labor for
naught. Nor would it be much better if sepa-
rate seats were provided below, or even if you
were to suppose them mixed with the whites.
1t is perfectly settled fact that as mass they
viii not attend the preaching Of the Word IN
der any such arrangement.
1t may be answered that this feeling is all
wrong and wicked; and shall the Church yield
aud pander to such depraved sentiment
We reply: 1.) That there is no doubt much
that is wrong in it, but if experience shows
that it is deep-rooted and inveterate, what is
the part of wisdom in dealing with it as prac-
teal question? Who does not know that men
have constantly to be dealt with according to
their prejudices, not against them? And GER
tainly the negroes are not the only party who
claim the benefit of this policy. If ever there
was time or case for the application of the
wise, Christian policy of the Apostle in becom-
ing "as a Jew to the Jews, that he might
gain the Jews" Il Cor tx 2O-23,) it is this
But T. is this feeling an unnatural one? So
far from it, nothing else could be expected.
When discussing subjects of this kind we con-
stantly hear it declared that the negro is the
inferior of the white man. Very true; and
that feeling has been rooted for ages in the
very structure of our society; it will last for
ages to come. But what does that fact, what
do all these feelings point to? To separa-
ton, more or less, In worship and Church re-
lations. In every country, or community there
is tendency towards this, according to their
social position. In large cities it is found ex-
listing in different churches of the same denom-
inatiOn. Evenint the Roman Catholic Church,
where they profess to break down every dis
tinetion, not only do we find this separation to
different churches, but often the same church
is attended at one hour by one set of Worship
ers, and Immediately after by an entirely differ
ent class. This is certainly so in Europe, and
to some extent in this country. The reason is
that, under every condition in which men have
existed, there have been different classes of
society, and these classes, having associated
together in other things, feel most comforta-
Die in doing so in their worship; for their very
worship is all mixed up with what's social also.
You may complain of it as wrong, or that it is
carried too far; but it has foundation in the
structure of society in its best estate, and it is
much wiser to make concession to it, as an
in6rmity if you will, and make the most of
as you find it, than vainly to attempt its over
throw
If this view is well founded in regard to dis
tinctiOns in society generally, every one must
perceive that it applies to the case before us
with tenfold force. Not only are there the old
associations of slavery still fresh, but between
no two races, or rather varieties Of the same
race, on the face of the globe, is there such
wide physiological diversity. Hence the re-
pugnance to intimate association is mutual.
Certainly he who expects the negro who is not
treated at all as the equal of the white man in
social intercourse through the week, to feel al
together in his element in the same church, or
rather in its gallery on the Sabbath, may be
expected 20 look for grapes on thorns. We
} epeat it then that the great current is towards
separation. 1t has been so wherever it could