Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-03-27
The Nashville Banner and Negro
Equality.

Equality.
The Nashville Banner oftbe 18th inst.
takes us to task in its usual of-hand style,
for condemniny, in our prompt man
ner, the attemptin one of the Episcopal
Churches of this city to recognize negro
equality.
The happy editor eDdeavors to render
us ridiculous by informing the public
that the confirmation Of negroes with
whites had bsen the custom of the
church during iis past history. But iti
evident from the ignorance displayed 10
this that the editor has not been ire
ouent visitor Of God church, Of which be
assumes to know so much. That be has
90 much as heard the chimes of the
"church going bells " is probable, but
when the unhappy editor launched ef into
theology, he knew so little that in
his trade against the LEDGER the
unfortunate lost, or failed to find, his
text and before he had finished his song
his frieads began to cry that the editor of
the Banner had made an ass of himself.
As TO its being the custom Of the Church
spoke of to receive and confirm, indls-
criminately, negroes and whites at the
chancsI, we deny most emphatically. 1t
is our misfortune not to enjoy the happi-
ness of belonging to this good Church OF
Christians, bat the information can be
readily obtained to substantiate what Ss
say from those who have been educated
under its holy teachings.
The custom, as we have been ;siormed
by old members of the church is, when
negroes and whites are to be confirmed,
for negroes to await in the rear of the
whites until the latter have had the holy
hands of the priest laid upon their heads,
and then for the Africans 20 walk forward
aud be admitted to the ordinances Of the
church necessary for perfect member
ship. But in the event the negro is
not required to wait 10 the rear Of bis
superiors until they are initiated. he 10
invariably assigned position at the
altar separate and distinct from that of
his white brethren; and 10 this comfy
of manners we regard it nothing wong
OF irreyereht of the church-for the
same difference is observed toward the
ladies by the gentlemea frat allowing
them to go forward, and then the gsuiles
men Cling around the chancel, all in
turn receiving the blessing of Gods
agent here on earth. This distinctive
difference is recognized even by God
among the angels in heaven. AS one
star di6'erelh from another in msgni-
tude, SO do the worshippers Of the great
lam, q doctrine held by all Christian
denominations. We are not over sensi-
tive about our social relations, as the
Banner would make believe, for our
status has been well established for
several generations back, and no fear Of
an alteration by the changing political
features Of the country can make Us the
advocate Of any theory whatever. The
fears that haunt US most is iERt such
susceptible youths as John Happy may
attempt to ewing come black Dinah
around the circle In loves embrace, as
he has shown a predileetioR in this dirsc-
tion already by bis advocacy Of negsoss to
political equality. Aud then the example
of such would indaoe others TO do like
wise, and soon the land would be cursed
with mongrel breed whose existence
would be accounted only SO many brevets
on the noble race CT whites The LFDG.
Err. would not interfere with the regular
established customs Of any church, and
only condemned little arrogance on
the part of Bishop for endeavoring, IS
we thought, through tia church to incul-
cate negro equality among our readers
We only disspprove Of the idea so far al
regards The social and political conditions
of the people; nothing more We leav,
religion to the priest.