THE CONGREGATIONALISTS IN GEORGIA.
The Congregationalists are considering the question practically, but with a division of sentiment. Some stand firmly against all race distinctions, while others are disposed to compromise on a plan that keeps the two organizations in Georgia still separated by the color-line, but that provides for the appointment of a few delegates from each, to form a new body that shall have charge of the interests of the denomination and be represented in the National Council.
We are not careful to criticise the details of this plan, nor are we anxious to secure any particular modification of them. The cardinal fact is that the plan itself keeps the two bodies in Georgia apart for no other assigned or assignable reason than race prejudice; for who supposes for a moment that if these bodies were both white there would be this elaborate plan devised to touch each other with the tips of the fingers, instead of giving at once the whole hand-grasp of Christian fellowship? And so long as this plan makes or retains the line of caste distinction or practically delays or evades its rejection, it is a compromise that should not be endorsed. But already the old pleas for compromise are urged in its behalf:
1. It is said that this is a first step towards the ultimate—a bridge to facilitate a future coming together. But a bridge is not possible, nor if possible, necessary. There is no doubt that since the New Testament was written there have been great improvements in bridge building, both mechanical and theological; but between equal manhood on one side and race prejudice on the other, "there is a great gulf fixed," and no bridge can span the chasm. The Negro must surrender his manhood or the white man his prejudice. There is no half way. But when either is surrendered, there is no gulf, and no bridge is needed. If the Negro will take his place as an inferior, he and the white man can ride on the same seat in a buggy: if the white man will surrender his prejudice, the Race-Problem is settled. Which shall be surrendered—the manhood or the prejudice? The Congregational churches have no doubt on that question, and if we are to educate men in right principles we must stand firmly upon them ourselves. To begin with a compromise is to yield the very point at issue.
2. But now also the opposite tack is taken. We are told that race prejudice is a fixed fact—that the Southern people will never yield, and that hence if we are to plant Congregational churches in the South at all, we must compromise. And once more we have with us the "practical men," who claim to take common sense views, and they urge us again to be content with the "half-loaf." But this compromise "half-loaf" is very much like the famous "little book" that John ate that was indeed in the mouth "sweet as honey" but afterward proved to be exceedingly "bitter." The truth is that this half-loaf, and Ephraim's "cake not turned" and the drink that was "lukewarm, neither hot nor cold," constitute a very unhealthy diet for Christian people. The past has its lesson by which we ought to have profited; and it will be a shame if, with all our experience, we are found to need the reproof that "when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that some one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God."
We have to deal once more, in the history of this nation, with the precious interests of the poor and neglected, and we must guard against past mistakes. The issue before us is a square one, and no dodging and no compromise will meet the case. We plead now for eight millions of freemen as we once plead for four millions of slaves. God is their Father, Christ is their Redeemer and the Church must recognize their equal manhood. We hold with the Christian Union that: "It were better far that the Northern Church should not go with its missionary work into the South at all, than that it should go with a mission which strengthens the infidelity that denies that God made of one blood all the nations of the earth for to dwell together."
The Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian churches North resist all overtures for separating the colored and white people in churches and ecclesiastical bodies in the South. The Episcopal Church, in Virginia and South Carolina at least, have consented to the separation on the color-line. The Congregationalists will soon decide the position they will take. Will they range themselves with the Episcopalians now standing alone?
INDIAN CONTRACT SCHOOLS.
The public has been made aware through the press recently that the United States Government aids the Roman Catholics to support 2,098 Indian pupils and assists all Protestant denominations in the support of only 1,146 pupils. Why is this discrimination, and who is to blame for it? If the Roman Catholics give for plant, teachers' salaries, etc., an amount proportionately greater than that given by the Protestants, then the Protestants have themselves only to blame, and the difficulty can be remedied by their giving an equal amount. But if, on the other hand, the Government gives in proportion more to the Roman Catholics than it does to the Protestants, then the Government is showing a wholly unjustifiable partiality. Figures are in order on this subject. Who will furnish them?
A MINISTER'S TESTIMONY.
"I have just been reading the AMERICAN MISSIONARY for August with profound interest. I rejoice with you that the 'figures are still improving'.
"Your 'practical thoughtful friend' is a suggestive example for us all, I am not surprised that this year he 'has doubled his special contribution.' 'Nothing succeeds like success,' is true also of achievement in bringing ourselves to give to the Lord of what he is constantly giving to us.
"I thank God for the simple, but singular and noble justice done by that judge and jury in Chicago who maintained the civil rights of brother Smith.
"Mrs. Regal's paper on 'The Local Society,' seemed to me full of excellent suggestions. One in particular, that of a birthday offering containing a cent for every year of age, is eminently practical, and conducive to surprising results. How better can we set up our Ebenezer than by thus saying from our purses as well as from our hearts, 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us'?
"Finding it is best for myself to 'strike while the iron is hot,' I sit down at once to send you a check. The signal mercy of the Lord enables me to make my offering of dollars instead of cents, and has put so many benefits already into the fraction of the current year that it may be reckoned as a complete year. How small an acknowledgment does even a dollar seem for a year of life, with all its escapes from peril and all its experience of good! What a refreshing addition to the resources of the church would result if each professing Christian would give such a birthday offering of one cent for each year of life! May the Lord fill us all with the spirit of him who gave himself unto the death for us.
"I pray earnestly that the American Missionary Association may continue to enlarge, and its work to prosper."