Richmond planet., 1898-02-19

matter of separation from the white
people OF this country in Christian
work, sounds very strange to one, who
has heard for year or two another
charge, which is the direct contradic-
tory TO this
OTHER SIDE OF THE CONTROVERSY.
Who has not heard the cry-"Negro-
backs white mans literature 70 or the
Publication Board of the National Ban
tist Convention is a tool in the hands
OF the Southern Baptists to introduce
their Sunday School literature into our
schools and churches" There is a
half-truth in this statement, but only
half. 1t is matter of fact that, IN
getting out its Sunday School litera-
ture, the Publication Board of the Nat.
ional Baptist Convention has hitherto
co-operated with the management of
the Southern Baptist Convention in a
general way
The literature which it publishes is
the brain-work of Negro men and Ne.
gro women: the management of its
business is in the hands of the menu
. bers OF the National Baptist Conven-
tioB, but for the use of valuable prinr-
ing material, and in getting out the
pre- sswork, the Board has depended not
IN vain upon the kindness Of certain
Southern white Christians, who are en-
gsged in similar work
Ihls IS cooperation, yet the breth-
rem Who year ago shouted themselves
hoarse IN protesting against this "un-
noIy allance are now organizing new
District Conventions, because, as thev
affirm, he National Baptist Convention
insists upon entire separation from Une
white people of this country in Chris
tian work.
THE ORY OF STOP THIEF"
If this is not a near approach to hv-
pocrisy, l confess that l do not know
what TO call it.
But Rev Lewis makes some declara-
tions, in addition to his questions
which require attention.
(l) He speaks of the National Bap-
tist Convention as the so-called Nat
ional Convention" That is too bad
POWERFUL REJoINDRR.
Will he abuse his own mother in that
style he illegitimate infant that
was brought forth December l6. 1897
is child of this Convention. and
doesit Eot own that mother by calling
itself The District Baptist Conven-
tion" in contra distinction from The
National Baptist Convention ?" Poor
little rebel infant it was born mad
(2) Rev. Lewis endeavors to prove
the National Baptist Convention co be
band of hypocrites. But his whole
statement rests upon q wicked untruth
There was absolutely no double deal
ing as he charges. There was not even
temptation to do anything OF the
kind. for Is he tells us, the National
Baptist Convention, through its Board
had divided the country in districts
with reference to its work"
POOR SILLY MAN"
Poor silly man, il the thing had been
done, did ne expect the Convention tn
take any other action than il did II
agreed before the Boston meeting to
divide the country in mission districts
1t would tolerate no new action on the
subject at the Boston meeting, and AT :
ter that meeting it carried out its own
program as at first agreed upon. Reg
Lswis may do some tall talking and mr.
ter volumes OF abuse before he il
through with his articles, but God
have mercy ON his good name when it
comes to questions of fact.
(3) Rev. Lewis has intimated On
three several occasions, that I was an,-
ployed by the National Baptist Con.
gention to do what did at the District
Baptist Convention. Indeed. in his
last communication he speaks of me ss
attorney Brooks"
CHARGES REV. LEWIS WITH FALsRHooD
Well, well how any Christian man
can manufacture so many trnthless
statements in order to win in a news
paper controversy is q mystery 10 me
| Better fail a thousand times in an h a
contest than win fruitless victory hv
falsifying the truth and reprOaebin o
the cause of God. No one reouesta5
me to make that speech It grew ont
OF number Of circumstances I act-
ed from sense OF duty and riobt in
the fear of God. But had l been ssked
to take care of the interests of the Nat
ional Baptist Convention, would not
deny it. 1t is a common thing at Rap-
tist Associations tor some brother to
represent a national socisty at the re-
quest o + the national or district seere-
tary of such body.
REV DIR. NORRIS AND HIS PAST REooRD.
have spoken in many parts of the
country on the invitation of distin-
guished friends. When the corner.
stone of the Virginia Seminary wa,
laid Rev. p. r. Morris, who then be-