Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-06-30
THE RELIGION OF THE NEGROES.

To the editor of the Alexandria Gazette:
Ny attention has been called to an item
in the GAZETTE of the 10th inst, to which
reply. refer to an extract f,on Bishop
Dudley, of Kentucky, as follows: The
religion of the negroes is superstition,
their sacraments feliches, their worship is
wild frenzy, and their morality sham"
| do not know the occasion on which
these remarks were made, or what else may
stand in connection with them; but they
are harsh, unchartablc and made against
whole race, when previous and present
conditions of poverty and ignorance should
awaken in all Christian and liberal minds
feelings of commiscration and tolerance,
but which seem on;y TO awaken in his and
kindred minds, those of prejudice and in
tolerance. And | am sorry to say that
was greatly surprised TO read your words of
commeudatiGn and endorsement of this ar
raignnent. | will not attempt to go into
discussion to show the falsity and unfair
ness OF these charge3-the animus of which
is quite apparent. do not deny that my
race is in Il state of comparative ignorance
Il condition by no means surprising, nor
that they are impulsive and excitable,
though warm hearted. With these char
4cterislics and under such conditions, why
should it he thought SO grave an offence,
50 disgusting defect, that many under
strong religious and mental excitement
should run into all enthusiasm bordering on
wild frenzy" and in many instances make
an exhibition of a ''superstitution," into
which higher culture would be less liable
10 rua IL is well known that religious eX
citement affects differently, different minds
@l,, ;rhl n,1t ptt.
suppose the Bishops theory does not un
der any circumstances allow any excite
ment or enthusiasm in religion. Well, this
may suit him and his | will not denounce
them for their opinious and customs. But
YOU will allow me to say, that they
should remember the homely old adage, that
those whose who live in glass houses should
ne careful how they throw stones. Do our
''Sacrameuts" approximate any nearer TO
the essence OF ''fetiChism" ami "supersti-
ion than do their semi .supersti,ious belle!
IL, and reverence for what is known as
) "bu chism, ritualism, priestly vestments,
&c? | think not nearly so. This unwa!-
"n.raated arrangement of my race is beyond
~ he limits Of Justice truth and all charity.
And think The good Bishop, instead of a !
his worry over the "superstltion." "fetich
aSm" and shams Of the poor ignorant
loleeroes would be more seemly and
.rolitably employed in laboring to
po,rrect his own people and awaken in
ox,em such religious enthusiasm, not to say
rerzy," as will draw them out Of their
igious apathy and pharisaical morality so
C ofevalent among them.
ura-Baptismal regeneration and mere out
rd morality, while it may not be wild
uzy" or superstition" is, in my opinion,
e,sc. means Of salvation, no better than
15c IN morality or negro "fetiches." / ven
nothing in saying that for real spiritu
and experimental religion the member.
ior of the various colored evangelical
,7o ches will well compare with the Bishops
ch membership.
Mcssrs. Dudley and Toombs really
pat. = our advancement in all that is good
soc. sight, they should cease to vituperate
ace, and show their good intentions in
smore sensible and tangible form.
.,od conclusion. allow me to say that | fear
is !SieWs auti melnouS iii ieSaiu W oui
Ire quite ultra, and as ultraism always
i rather than helps any cause in which
lens ty be employed, as friend of your
irreo and in the interest of my race, hope
;,nL LIN yiil tie advised to cease to rehearse and
'"'' r. the vituperations Of Messrs. Dudley
a,omhs. They only serve to exasperate
W a. widen the breach between the races,
aiensify the partiZan feelings of both
81 J. S. COOPER.
.TINE Va June %