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AFRICA Jp flCAW METHODISM.
BY
Rev. ALFRED LEE RIDGEL, A.B.,
Presiding Elder of the Liberia Annual Conference African Methodist
Episcopal Church, West Coast of Africa.
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY
bishop h. m. turner, d.d., ll.d., d.c.l.,
Presiding BISHOP of Africa.
ATLANTA, GA., U. S. A.:
Franklin Printing and Publishing Co.
Geo. W. Harrison, Manager.
i8c;6.
CONTENTS.
Page
Introduction . . 7
Preface 13
Biography of the Author 15
CHAPTER I.
Travels in America 21
CHAPTER II.
Voyage to England 30
CHAPTER III.
From England to Africa 35
CHAPTER IV.
Africa 40
CHAPTER V.
Missionary Possibilities of the African M. E. Church
in Africa 57
CHAPTER VI.
Mohammedanism in West Africa 65
CHAPTER til.
Holy Ghost Preaching 74
CHAPTER VIII.
Sabbath Desecration 80
CHAPTER IX.
Systematic Emigration Indorsed 86
CHAPTER X.
An Educated and Progressive Ministry 93
CHAPTER XI.
Sketch of African Methodism in Africa—Its Origin,
etc., etc 102
CHAPTER XII.
Life and Labors of Bishop H. M. Turner, D.D . . 106
CHAPTER XIII.
Sketch of Mrs. Fannie M. Ridgel 112
CHAPTER XIV.
Sketch of the Life of the late G. G. Vreeland, P. E. 114
DEDICATION.
to
Rt. Rev. H. M. Turner, LL.D., D.C.L.
Rt. Rev. B. W. Arnett, D.D.
Rt. Rev. Abraham Grant, D.D.
Rt. Rev. James A. Handy, D.D.
Rev. W. B. Derrick, D.D.
Rev. John T. Jenifer, D.D.
Rev. John M. Murchison, B. D.
Rev. James M. Conner, S.T. D.
Rev. H. T. Johnson, D.D., Ph.D.
Rev. C. S. Smith, D.D.
Rev. John W. Beckett, D.D.
Rev. P. W. Wade, D.D.
Rev. Thomas H. Jackson, D.D.
Rev. W. A. J. Phillips, D.D.
Rev. H. B. Parks, B. D.
Rev. J. I. Lowe, P.E.
Prof. Wm. M. Ewings, A.M.
Rev. J. R. Frederick, P.E.
Rev. John Miller, D.D.
Prof. W. H. Councill, A.M.
Rev. J. E. Neal, P.E.
Rev. T. W. Henderson, D.D.
Mrs. Bishop H. M. Turner.
Mrs. G. W. Swan.
Mrs. G. T. Thurman.
Mrs. G. G. Baker.
Mrs. E. W. Lampton.
Mrs. Sada J. Anderson.
Also a host of other friends of African Missions, whose names
I cannot recall at this distance.
And to my devoted wife, Mrs. Fannie M. Bidgel, is this little
volume most sincerely dedicated as a faint expression of gratitude
for their devotion to the cause of humanity, and advancement of
the Church of God. Authoe.
INTRODUCTION.
The present age is not famous for deeds of dare and ad¬
venture ; cheap notoriety, evanescent popularity and tem¬
porary honors appear to satisfy the ambition of the present
generation. Inordinate selfishness has such a grasp upon
the men of to-day, that one is rarely found who is willing
to sacrifice his own ease and comfort for the good of others
or for a name that will go down to coming ages. Merit,
pure and simple, holds a secondary place in these times of
scheme and artifice. If wre look among statesmen, we find
United States senators who have succeeded in getting rich
through the issue of bonds upon imaginary stock and
futures—actually buying up legislatures for a seat in that
grave and venerable assembly, when they know they will
not be able to make a speech upon any important question
until they have hired some professional speech-writer to
manufacture one for them and type-print it, so they can
read it as any newspaper article.
Among the members of the lower house of Congress a
dozen men, out of three hundred or more, make all of the
speeches that have the tinge of statesmanship. The re¬
mainder are mere political harangues, made up of wit,
humor and sarcasm. The judiciary of the country in the
main are composed of failures in the legal profession, for
the few able jurists are in such great demand that they are
often able to make more out of a single case before the bar
than the pay of the judge will amount to in a year, and
sometimes in two years. A like imbecility and intellectual
and literary impotency run through every grade of jurid¬
ical and statesmanic scale till we reach the ordinary justice
of the peace.
Our authors are more numerous than in any period since
time began, but the trashy literature imposed upon the
public shows to a demonstration tbat nine-tenths of them
would be better employed reading books than in writing
them. Great scholarship, deep reading, profound thought,
8
Introduction.
synthetical and analytical power and systematization is too
largely an adjunct of the past, for the reason that social
intercourse with the giddy and the gay and the toddy-glass
must be denied, and protracted application, as well as
burning the midnight oil, is an essential prerequisite to
literary excellence and distinction.
The same condition of things aptly applies to the ecclesi¬
astical sphere. Ministers of the gospel in the main no longer
hunger and thirst for a profound knowledge of the Bible and
a thorough familiarity with theological lore. The chief
aim is to squeeze by the committees on examination
and get to be deacons and elders, regardless of the neces¬
sary qualifications to meet the requirements therewith con¬
nected. And if they can flaunt a diploma from some third-
class institution of learning, they feign to be insulted if
a committee should subject them to a reasonable examina¬
tion ; and when once admitted into the ministry, study
and protracted meditation cease to be a virtue. A large
majority appear to be ignorant of the fact, that true educa¬
tion requires a lifetime of hard study, and that wit, anec¬
dotes, florid sentences and a few rhetorical embellishments
are no test of profundity, either in a literary or an intel¬
lectual aspect. Thousands of gospel ministers seem to
think they can trick and cunning their way to the hearts
of the people, or to their attention at least, and finally to a
seat in heaven, without half of the proficiency required of
a blacksmith, or a carpenter, or in any other mechanical
profession, because it involves talk, forgetful that when
talk is defective, or trivial and light, that the people will
fully realize it and grade their intelligence and ability
accordingly. I know of ministers carrying the title of
D.D. who will go to bed at the earliest opportunity and
lie there till ten and eleven o'clock next day and complain
about not having time to read. Such moral sluggards God
never intended to be the directors of His people. Minis¬
terial fitness and fidelity call for industry, patience, endur¬
ance, invincibility and consecrated devotion, as well as the
sacrifice of self, in all the phases that involve the indi¬
vidual himself, or his family and domestic relations. And
in as much as his calling is infinitely more lofty than the
statesman, the jurist, the warrior, the explorer, the inventor,
Introduction.
9
the discoverer, or any otlier pursuit or profession of a secu¬
lar nature, so his sacrifices heroism, adventures and risks
should be infinitely more stupendous and mighty, especially
so as Christ Jesus our Lord has promised to be with him
till the world shall end.
Among the ministry of African descent in the United
States, where they are found in the largest numbers outside
of Africa proper, profundity, thoroughness, self-abnegation
and the spirit of sacrifice, are at a discount that is alarming,
especially in the light of divine revelation. Few of the
American Africans, or negroes, if you prefer the term, are
"willing to make any sacrifice in a physical or secular man¬
ner for the amelioration of our condition. No one appears
to be willing to sacrifice life, money, or even risk any
bodily comforts for the betterment of the masses. No
self-protecting organizations exist, no secret pass-words, or
forms of expression have been agreed upon as a call to
rally to each other's defense when the bloody lynchers are
-doing their work of death and destruction among our
people. And even when one would dare to enter a protest
against existing evils, they will fly to the North and play
the scullion through the day and write a tissue of abuses
at night which is of no practical benefit. It is useless,
however, to draw7 a picture of existing things in a material
and moral point of view. The American black man is
without a single hero. Indeed, the bulk of them have no
proper conception of the meaning of the term.
Churchiologically, the same condition of things exists.
"The only aspiration for fame, honor and immortality that
■exists to an insignificant exception is at the expense of
■others. Many of the pastors will build large churches on
•credit and have their names engraved on the corner-stone,
and hasten away for another minister and the congregation
to pay the debt. Those who aspire to distinction in the
ranks of the ministry, do so almost invariably through the
votes of others, seeking to be elected to the Bishopric, or
to some general office, instead of aspiring to distinction by
writing hymns or learned works on Theology, Astronomy,
Geology, Geography, Chemistry, Intellectual and Moral
Philosophy, or delivering a series of lectures on Ancient
History, or delving into the labyrinths of Archaeology and
10
Introduction.
establishing the claims of nature to the primitive color of
man, and showing through it that all men started black
and remained so till God said, "Let there be white," just
as He said " Let there be light."
No honors conferred can equal those that come through
merit, but meritorious honor and distinction are at a low
ebb among negro ecclesiastics, because it involves, as we
have said before, an amount of labor, patience, self-
abnegation and sacrifice, which is foreign to the age, and
especially to the American black man.
Rev. A. L. Ridgel, A.B., Presiding Elder of the Liberia
Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, however, is one of the amazing few who has had
the courage and the dauntless invincibility to break through
the lethargic environments and proclaim himself a hero,
not by words, but by works and noble deeds. Nearly
four years ago, single and alone, amid discouragements and
the contemnation and jeers of his brethren, he surrendered
his pulpit at Newport, Arkansas, and turned over a splendid
congregation into the hands of his presiding elder for him
or the Bishop to fill, and began to travel and collect money
and means to enable him to go as a missionary to Africa.
I need not describe what he had to contend with, for the
book you will read, after glancing at this introduction,
will describe it too well for our credit and the honor of
our common Christianity. Elder Ridgel stands without a
peer among the young men, not only in the A. M. E.
Church, but of any church manipulated and managed by
members of our race. Since he "has been in Africa he has
had to battle with poverty, look starvation in the face,
fight with maladies indigenous to a strange country, con¬
tend with a tropical fever, and bear the abuse, misrepresen¬
tation and villification by those behind from whom he
expected sympathy, prayers, support and words of comfort
and cheer. But, like a man of valor and a hero as he is, he
bore it all and stood like an impregnable wall, preached
the gospel with a power and eloquence that has enabled
him to take hundreds into the church and enlarge the
boundaries of the connection, and at the same time write
scores of letters for the press of the country describing the
resources of Africa and the possibility of our church ; also
Introduction.
11
preparing booklets for publication, editing a paper with an
extensive circulation, which is read upon three continents,
and now he gives the world a decent volume, which for
size, diction, rhetoric, thought, logic, philosophy and learn¬
ing will be read and admired by tens of thousands. There
are chapters in this volume, the subjects of which are
treated with an ability that would not reflect upon Lord Ma-
caulay himself. This production alone will immortalize
the name of Elder Ridgel, should he never write another.
Not only for its chaste diction, terse and pointed sentences,
wide reading and commendable learning, but the question
will rise in the future, how he could command himself,
utilize the severe ordeal through which he has passed aud
concentrate his intellectual powers to discuss such grave
questions as he has raised and treated with such consum¬
mate ability. The reader will find a vein of philosophy in
his treatment of the dissimilarity between the African au¬
tochthons and the African Americanized, which, we
venture to say, has never been brought out by any of the
writers of the present generation. He shows beyond ques¬
tion that none of the proletaneous divisions of the Africans
can. equal in manhood instincts those upon their native
soil, for the reason, as we have said a thousand times, their
environments tend to dwarf them and in every instance
they will be successful. Subjugation begets degradation,
and degradation begets treachery and racial infidelity, as is
verified in the treachery of the Irish and Polanders, which
abound wTitli traitors toward each other, and will as long
as they are the victims of subjugation by other national¬
ities.
We are glad that Dr. J. M. Conner was kind enough to
furnish a sketch of Brother Ridgel's life, for if he is true to
himself in the future, as he has been in the past, the world
will need this information when he shall have paid the debt
of nature; for the history of Sierra Leone and of Liberia
with their religious achievements can never be written up
without incorporating the name and labors of Rev. A. L.
Ridgel. And yet his career has virtually just commenced;
where it will end can only be determined by that God
who can read the future. Trusting that this book will be
an inspiration to the men of the present day and millions
12
Introduction.
who are sleeping in the womb of the future, and that its
contents may evolve great and mighty men and women
from the descendants of Africa, we ask upon this effort the
blessings of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Fraternally,
H. M. Turner.
Atlanta, Ga., U.S.A., March 20, 1896.
PREFACE.
In this little volume will, no doubt, appear many things
already given to the public concerning Africa, her people,
their customs, etc. However, I have been moved to yet en¬
large upon the subject, not for name, nor to get myself
before the reading world, but for a much higher and in¬
finitely grander purpose—a purpose or cause in which
the interests of millions of my kinsmen are involved.
Designing individuals have both written and said many
things which tend to place Africa in a false light before
the world.
Many have strongly denounced the country and have
held up her people before the public for ostracism, which,
to say the least, is more due to prejudice and race-hatred
than anything else.
Others have overrated the possibilities, especially when
certain classes of persons are included. Therefore, having
a personal knowledge of the situation of West Africa, I
feel it my duty to give others the benefit of my experi¬
ence, etc.
In this little volume the reader will have the honest con¬
victions of a close observer of the affairs of West Africa and
the advisability of migration, a subject of so much impor¬
tance to those of our brethren in exile.
We do not claim for it literary merit, but I do claim for
it the embodiment of truth, presented in a spirit of meek¬
ness and fear toward God, and a sincere devotion to my
oppressed race.
In this age, when mighty volumes are flooding the land;
when men of title and ability draw so heavily upon the
public mind, we cannot expect but a secondary place for
this feeble effort.
However, we do hope some good will accrue from what
maybe gathered from facts herein written.
Trusting that the God of hencen has directed me in all
that I have written upon these pages,
I am, your humble servant,
Alfred Lee Ridgel,
Edina, Grand Bassa County,
Liberia, West Africa.
November 29, 1895.
BIOGRAPHY OF AUTHOR.
The subject of this sketch was born in Bradley county,
Arkansas, August 10, 1861. He is the eldest son of
Alfred and Charlotte Ridgel. His parents were devout
Christians and members of the A. M. E. Church. Rev.
Alfred Ridgel was a minister of considerable notoriety.
Young Ridgel can best tell his own story concerning
the death of his mother, and also of his conversion.
Here is what he says:
" My dear mother was an exemplary Christian woman.
She would often walk four miles on the Sabbath to hear
the gospel preached. It was under the preaching of my
father that I was aroused to a sense of my soul's salvation.
This was in the month of June, 1876, in the fifteenth year
of my life. I have always desired to be a Christian. I
cannot remember the time when I did not pray and beg
the Lord to convert my soul. I was converted while a
penitent at the altar begging for mercy, but was not wholly
satisfied as to the genuineness of my conversion until two
weeks later, when I heard a voice, saying, 1 You are free
indeed.' Since then I have never, in any way, doubted
my conversion.
"My dear mother died January 1, 1875, at 5 o'clock,
a. m. Her last words were these: 'Husband, raise my
children right, teach them to be Christians. I am going
home to glory. You all must meet me over there.' Ah,
my best earthly friend died that morning! Oh, how my
tender heart did ache that morning, when I heard the doc¬
tor say, ' She can't live.' Oh, how my infant soul throbbed
while she bade us adieu.
"Five motherless children were left behind—one of
whom was a baby.
" Dear mother is gone, but I shall see her again some
day. Oh, yes, some day my journey will be done, the bat¬
tle will be fought and the victory won. The Lord has
been good to us.
" We have all reached manhood and womanhood. My
(15)
1G
Biography of Author.
eldest sister, India, is a devout Christian woman, but my
poor brother, Haywood, is yet out of Christ, yet exposed to
the wrath and vengeance of a just God. Sisters Tennv and
Delia are both married and trying to live Christian lives.
"My father died August, 1885. He left a glowing testi¬
mony as to the future welfare of his soul. I was not at
home when he breathed his last, but reached home shortly
after his death. Oh, God, help me to meet my sainted
parents in the better land.
"A few months ago, September 16, 189—, I visited his
grave, and dropped a tear upon that sacred spot."
Our subject was sent to a country school at an early age,
where he laid the foundation for an education. His edu¬
cational advantages have not been by any means good, but
by dint of courage, perseverance and a determination to
fight down hindrances and come to the front, he has ac¬
quired a splendid education.
He was licensed to exhort by Rev. D. Wilson, when but
eighteen years of age. Four years later he was granted
local preacher's license by Rev. R. A. Sinquefield. After
serving in the capacity of local preacher some years he was-
recommended to the Annual Conference, which met in
Helena, Arkansas, November 16, 1881, Rt. Rev. H. M»
Turner, D.D., presiding. He passed a splendid examina¬
tion and was admitted on trial. Bishop Turner appointed
him to the Walnut Lake Mission, where he found a hand¬
ful of discouraged members, and a half-completed church
edifice.
Our young itinerant had not long been on the scene
before he matured plans, marshaled his army, and pitched
battle against his enemy. During the year souls were
converted, members received, the church structure im¬
proved, and the best dollar-money report in the history of
the charge was made.
Listen to what one of his members says:
" Brother Ridgel is a grand, young man. We all love
him and hate to give him up, but our little mission is not
able to maintain so worthy a young man."
The year 1885 found our young giant on the Sheridan
Mission, with four places of worship, sixty members scat¬
tered over a whole county, and he, with no horse to ride,
Biography of Author.
17
when some of his members saw fit to loan him one.
His first experience in borrowing mules came near proving
very serious. Having to meet an appointment some fif¬
teen miles distant, good old Brother Hayman volunteered
to let him ride his mule, "Mike." Of course the kind
offer was thankfully accepted. Mike was soon saddled, and
our young divine, with well-stuffed saddle-bags, containing
two suits of clothes, a Methodist hymn book, A. M. E.
Discipline, and a copy of the Sacred Word, was well on his
way to little Macedonia Church, when "old Mike" became
excited at a bunch of hogs by the way, and began pitching
at such a rate, that the gospel messeuger was landed about
fifteen feet from the more furious than excited beast, with
the bags thrown squarely over his back, which, when ex¬
amined, were found to be unharmed. Old Mike soon re¬
traced his steps homeward, with the young clergy following
hard upon his heels. So great was his success on this
mission, that a strong petition was sent to the Annual
Conference begging his return, which was granted, and
the second year was no less successful than the first. But
let old Brother Hayman speak: "I just tell you, Brother
Ridgel is the very best preacher that we have ever had on
this work. Even the white folks are talking about what
a preacher he is. If our work was able to maintain him
we would ask his return, but it is a shame to keep such a
young man in the woods."
Eighteen hundred and eighty-six found our subject at
Swan Lake. This was his first year on a circuit. His
administration on this work was highly commended by all
of his official members, while the l.iity of the church
simply idolized their young pastor. During the year sixty
members were received into the church, money was raised
for the erection of a new church edifice, and a good dollar-
money report was made.
Eighteen hundred and eighty-seven found Rev. Ridge 1
holding forth on the Pastoria Circuit, one of the largest
circuits in the South Arkansas Conference. Here he dis¬
tinguished himself as a financier and revivalist. A great
revival of religion broke out, near a hundred souls were
brought into the church and the work so greatly enlarged
that the circuit was divided at the conference into two self-
2am
18
Biography of Author.
sustaining charges ; the dollar-money report was one hun¬
dred dollars, the largest that had ever gone from that work.
Hear what Mr. W. E. Pennington says of our subject:
" Rev. A. L. Ridgel is by far the ablest pastor that we have
ever had on this charge. We shall do all in our power to
have him returned. Our church has flourished as never
before. Our prayers shall follow him wherever he goes."
Brother Ridgel writes as follows concerning his labors
on the above-mentioned charge:
"Never in my life did I spend a more pleasant year. The
people were generous, kind, and progressive. They never
refused to oblige me in any way possible. Their homes
were places of comfort, and their conversations enjoyable.
God bless them."
In 1888 Bishop R. R. Disney appointed Rev. Ridgel to
the Forest City Station, a charge of importance, but quite
difficult to hold. So turbulent were the elements of dis¬
satisfaction, that some years as. many as four pastors had
been sent to this charge. Some of them were men of abil¬
ity, experience, and great pulpit powers. Our young di¬
vine forsook his home conference, accepted a transfer, bade
the dear brethren of the good old South Conference adieu,
and was soon off for his new, but difficult, post of duty.
Soon the city was captured by his devotion, untiring
zeal, and burning eloquence. The congregation increased
with each succeeding Sabbath. The young people were
gained for the church and Sunday-school. For years,
pastors had endeavored to renovate the church edifice but
failed. Brother Ridgel asked the brethren to follow him.
He pulled off his coat, got his tools and went to work him¬
self, and very soon the church was a thing of beauty.
The first year at Forest City closed with a glorious
revival of religion in which sixty persons were happily-
converted to God; eighty were added to the church, and
the old church debt nearly wiped out of existence. At the
conference of 1889, which convened in Forest City,
a strong petition was made to Bishop Disney for the return
of Rev. A. L. Ridgel which was granted. The second year
was one of wonderful success. The debt was paid, an organ
was purchased for the Sunday-school, the membership was
doubled, and the best dollar-money report ever sent from
that station was made at the conference of '90.
Biography of Author.
19
In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Ridgel pub¬
lished the Forest City Enterprise, a six-column folio weekly
newspaper. He soon became distinguished as an editor.
Often his editorials were copied by the leading papers of
the State. He was pastor iu Forest City during the great
riot in which A. M. Neely, one of the leading colored men
of the State of Arkansas, was murdered. He did more to
reconcile the disturbent elements than any minister of the
city, which was due to his popularity as an honest, straight¬
forward servaut of God, who had no time or inclination
to bother with political affairs.
Hear what Prof. Wm. Erwing, of Forest City, says con¬
cerning the labors of our subject in that place:
"Rev. A. L. Ridgel has accomplished more for our
church and community than any pastor that we've had for
years. He is a young man of which the church and race
should feel proud. He has been with us two years and we
want him longer, but he deserves a more lucrative and
prominent position. "We commend him to the people
among whom he may labor as a worthy young man, full of
zeal, scholarly, eloquent and profound."
At the conference of '91, Ilev. Ridgel was appointed to
the Newport Station. His beginning in this very impor¬
tant charge was auspicious, but ere six months had passed
a serious trouble arose which caused the pastor to resign.
The remainder of the conference year was spent in travel¬
ing in different parts of t-he State with a brief pastorate on
the Cherry Valley Circuit.
The year '92 wTas spent in the pastorate of the Brinkley
Station. Here, as elsewhere, he had wonderful success.
The church was remodeled and painted, an organ was pur¬
chased for the Sunday-school, and the membership greatly
increased.
We have given you a brief account of the life and labors
of Rev. A. L. Ridgel, one of the most promising young
men of the African M. E. Church. I trust his life and
success will give impetus to some struggling young man,
and cause him to succeed.
Yours for the race,
Jas. M. Conner.
Africa and African Methodism
CHAPTER I.
TRAVELS IN AMERICA.
Having fully decided, after much prayer and meditation
to go to Africa, to eugage in missionary work, and not
having the requisite means to defray my expenses, I began
a soliciting tour November 9th, 1892. I attended the West
Tenn. Conference, which met in Memphis, Tenn., Bishop
John M. Brown, D.D., D.C.L., presiding. After mak¬
ing known my mission, the good Bishop kindly consented
to assist me in every way possible.
He gave me a special meeting, at wThich time I presented
my .cause to the dear people, and they gave me a liberal
collection. Rev. C. S. Smith, D.D., was present and made
an eloquent speech, as did Rev. C. O. H. Thomas, A.M.
Sunday morning, Nov. 13th, I left Memphis for Brinkley,
Arkansas, where I spent a few days and proceeded to
Newport, Arkansas, the seat of the Arkansas Conference.
Here I met that noble man, Bishop B. W. Arnett, D.D.,
who, like the sainted Bishop Browrn, gave me a warm re¬
ception and much encouragement in my undertaking.
A special night was granted me, a tremendous congrega¬
tion assembled, and I made known my intentions, where¬
upon I was given thirty dollars to help me on to Africa.
Drs. C. S. Smith and T. H. Jackson were present and made
able speeches.
From Newport I went to Little Rock and spoke in " Old
Bethel" on Sunday night.
The dear friends gave me five dollars and many words of
encouragement.
November 29th found me at Hope, Arkansas, the seat of
the West Arkansas Conference.
I was accorded the usual hospitality by Bishop Arnett,
and the noble brethren of the West Conference. A. special
(21)
22
Africa and African Methodism.
collection was raised in my behalf, amounting to §20.00.
Sunday was a great day in Hope. Bishop Arnett preached
a powerful sermon at 11 o'clock a. m. and Rev. C. S. Smith,
D.D., surpassed himself at 3 o'clock p. m.
December 4th found me at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the
seat of the South Arkansas Conference. The conference
was largely attended; the reports were good, and the ser¬
mons, speeches, etc., were excellent. Ex-Senator Bell was
introduced to the conference, and delivered a thrilling ad¬
dress, as did a young minister of the Lion Church.
The Bishop selected Dr. Thomas H. Jackson to respond,
which he did in the most able manner. Dr. Jackson is,
beyond doubt, one of the very ablest men of the race. I
was given a special night to speak for dear Africa, which
I did to the best of my ability. As this was my home con¬
ference, where I had served for several years, and had
many warm friends, the occasion was quite a solemn one.
Many tears were shed, and many " God bless you's" were
showered upon my poor soul.
Dr. Smith followed in a most powerful, logical and
touching speech. Dr. Smith is one of the most eloquent
speakers of the church; and has been styled the "coming
Douglass. " The dear people gave me fifty dollars to assist
me on to Africa. Bishop Arnett and the conference received
an invitation from Mr. Wiley Jones, the colored street
railroad magnate, to accompany the managers of the road
over his extensive line. The invitation was accepted, and
the Conference in a body, headed by the Bishop, Dr.
Smith, and the presiding elders of the conference, marched
down and took passage on a negro street railroad car.
Oh, what a change twenty-seven years prior to this
event. Mr. Jones was a chattel slave. He was sold as a
horse, but thank God, and all honor to Mr. Jones, to-day
he is worth two hundred thousand dollars.
December 6th found me at Monticello, Arkansas, the
home of my two dear children, Lenora and Mattie. After
spending a few days with them and Aunt Catherine Allen,
in whose care I had intrusted them during my expected
stay of three years in Africa, I left for Greenville, Miss.
En route to Greenville, I passed through Arkansas City,
a small but important town on the banks of the great Mis-
Africa and African Methodism. 23
sissippi river. After a few hours' stay in this busy town I
crossed over the largest river in the United States, and
proceeded direct to my destination, which I reached in
safety, but cold, ah, my—whew!
Here I spent seven days. I visited the public school,
under the management of Miss L. A. Williams, one of the
most talented young women that I ever met. She received
all of her school training in the State of Mississippi, and is
one of the acknowledged educators of the race. On Sun ¬
day I spoke twice to large congregations in the A. M. E.
Church, of which Rev. E. W. Lampton was pastor. The
kind people gave me five dollars and sent me on my way re¬
joicing. I found many well-to-do Colored people in
Greenville. The churches were all in splendid condition,
spiritually and financially.
From Greenville I went to Vicksburg, the metropolis of
the State. On arriving I was conducted to the A. M. E.
Church, where I met Bishop Arnett; Rev. J. I. Lowe,
and Rev. S. J. Campbell, of Liberia, Africa. On the
next day we left for Port Gibson, the seat of the Mis¬
sissippi Conference. The session was pleasant. On Sun¬
day Bishop Arnett preached one of the ablest sermons that
I ever heard. It was a high day in Israel. Everybody
seemed to enjoy the services. Here, as elsewhere, I spoke
in behalf of Africa, and received a liberal collection. After
four days I returned to Vicksburg, and spoke for Dr. O.
P. Ross, to an immense congregation. The dear people
gave me ten dollars. Dr. Ross is a grand man. Such men
are not often found. As a preacher he is logical, eloquent
and profound.
God bless him and his good people.
In company with Bishop Arnett and Professor Arnett I
left Vicksburg, bound for Atlanta, Georgia. We passed
through Meridian, Jackson, Miss., and Birmingham, Ala.
At the last-named place I parted with the dear Bishop, and
his noble son, they bound for Cincinnati, and I for Atlan¬
ta, Ga. On account of my own foolishness I failed, to get a
palace car at Vicksburg, for which I suffered. I was on
the car all night and until in the afternoon of the next
day. I was unable to lie down or to get a mouthful to eat
during the entire trip. It being Christmas week, the cars
24
Africa and African Methodism.
were crowded with a set of half-drunken men and women,
who conducted themselves in the most shameful manner.
I complained to the conductor, but he seemed inadequate
to the task.
Just before reaching Atlanta a man came aboard with a
basket of nice fried chickens, one of which I purchased at
an enormous price and soon devoured it.
December 20th found me in the "Gate City," the guest
of Bishop Turner, 30 Younge street.
The Bishop was at home, fat as you please, and hard at
work. He bade me welcome, introduced me to the family
and off upstairs we went to the Bishop's spacious study.
Books, books, books, I never saw just such a library as the
Bishop has, unless it is that of the late Bishop Campbell's.
I spent more than a week in thecity; preached at the "Old
Bethel" and Allen Temple. Allen Temple is a structure
of exquisite beauty and neatness. All honor to Rev. J. G.
Yeiser, the builder, and Rev. R. R. Downs, who came so
near cancelling the debt during his two years' pastorate.
Rev. L. Thomas was hard at work on his Master's
building—New Bethel. When complete *it will be one of
the finest A. M. E. Churches in the South. Atlanta is a
great city. Great in numerical strength, great in wealth,
great for educational institutions, and great for African
Methodism. Morris Brown College, Gammon Theolog¬
ical University, Clark University, Atlanta University, and
other schools of importance are all found in Atlanta.
I left Atlanta for Savannah, Ga., making a short but
pleasant stop at Macon, where I met Rev. L. H. Smith,
Rev. W. C. Gaines, and other noble men of God. I found
Sister, Gaines a model Christian woman, ever ready to do
her Master's biddings. Rev. L. H. Smith gave me a copy
of his valuable book, titled " Earnest Pleas." Iam pleased
to say that I have found it to be, as Doctor Coppin says,
" worth its weight in gold."
On reaching Savannah, I was conveyed to the splendid
hotel of Mrs. L. Baker, where I remained during my stay
of one week in the city.
It was my good pleasure, wThile in Savannah, to meet
that broad-hearted, scholarly gentleman, Rev. J. B. Lofton,
A.M., also Revs. R. R. Downs and T. N. M. Smith.
Africa and African Methodism. 25
I preached twice and lectured once in St. Philip's, the
leading A. M. E. Church of the city. I found Rev. Smith,
the pastor, a Christian of the highest type. His church
gave me more than forty dollars to help me on to Africa.
Savannah is a city of considerable importance. There
are many well-to-do negroes among her population and
several professional men of note.
There are five A. M. E. Churches within the city limits,
with any number of suburban places of worship. I found
the race prejudice to be very great; much greater than I
had expected to find iu a city containing Sv> much wealth
and intelligence among Afro-Americans. As an evidence
of this statement, I will relate a personal experience during
my short stay there.
One day, feeling very hungry, I dropped into a depot
lunch room and called for luncheon. The attendant, giving
me a rather mean look up and down, gruffly replied:
'We don't serve colored folks here, but I will give you a
cuj) of coffee and you can go there to the window and drink
it." I indignantly refused it and left the room. Oh,
prejudice; what a monster thou art! How deep-seated in
the American white man's heart! Shame upon the Amer¬
ican white man's civilization, to say nothing of his pre¬
tended claim to Christianity. A free colored citizen can¬
not drink a cup of cotfee at one of your depot lunch counters.
From Savannah I went to Charleston, South Carolina.
I arrived in Charleston one cold afternoon and was driven
to a hotel, but did not stay there long, for when that heroic
Christian gentleman, Dr. L. R. Nichols, learned that I was
in the city, and had gone to a public hotel, he was aston¬
ished at my audacity, and ordered me to come at once to
his magnificent residence, where I remained during my
stay in the city.
Dr. Nichols differs broadly from the majority of our
ministers in this respect, for my experience is that our
brethren don't want to be bothered with visiting preach¬
ers when a collection will be in demand.
I spent more than a week in Charleston; preached at
Mt. Zion, Morris Brown and Emanuel.
I found Rev. J. H. "Welch, D.D., and Rev. J. D. Lites
affable Christian gentlemen; also Rev. W. W. Becket. On
26
Africa and African Methodism.
Wednesday evening we held a missionary meeting, and
speeches were made by Dr. J. H. ^ elch, Rev. \V. "W.
Becket, and other distinguished ministers. More than
forty dollars was realized, which amount was given to help
me on my African trip.
Charleston is a great African Methodist centre. Emanuel
alone has a membership of two thousand, besides proba¬
tioners. Dr. L. R. Nichols is pastor of this great church.
He was putting forth strenuous efforts to complete his
spacious new church, which, when finished, will be a
marvel of beauty and grandeur.
I left Charleston for Washington, D. C., calling a halt
at Columbia, S. C.; Charlotte, N. C., and other points
along the way.
On my arrival in Washington I met that noble-hearted
man, Dr. J. W. Becket, who made me welcome to his com¬
fortable home, and had me preach to his people in the
great Metropolitan Church. I also called to see the late
Bishop Brown, who was at that time very feeble, but no
one surmised the end so nigh. I loved Bishop Brown.
He treated me as a father would treat his son. I can never
forget the afternoon that I left him.
After helping me to adjust my wrappings, he laid his
trembling hand upon my head and said : " My son, you
are going to Africa; you will have it hard over there, but
be faithful. We will pray for you, and help you in every
way that we can. Don't expose yourself while you are
North. God bless you." I left him. He died before I
reached Africa; but I shall see him again.
Washington is a beautiful city. The streets are broad ;
the buildings are large, substantial and artistic. Toward
the east the national Capitol lifts its dome heavenward.
In a northerly direction the famous Howard University is-
conspicuous by its towering spire and streaming flag.
Here can be seen prominent persons from all parts of the
globe. Westward is the Washington Monument, which
resembles a great snow-covered shaft, glittering five hun¬
dred and fifty-five feet in the sunlight.
I stood upon the spot where the immortal Garfield fellr
a victim to the assassin's bullet. Oh, what strange emo¬
tions ran through my soul as I stood on that sacred spot.
Africa and African Methodism.
27
I thought of the noble dead on the battlefield, in the col¬
lege halls, in the Senate chamber, and in the Executive
Mansion. His, like the death of the immortal Lincoln,
" shook the universe. "
I left Washington for Baltimore, Md., one cold after¬
noon. Before reaching my destination, the snow began
falliug at a fearful rate, and cold—heavens, me ! I did not
stay in Baltimore long. While there I met Rev. Jas. II.
A. Johnson, who was then pastor of Bethel Church, one of
the largest churches in the connection, and the doctor said
times were so very hard in Baltimore that I soon decided
that I would proceed at once to Philadelphia.
It was ten o'clock one bleak Saturday night when I ar¬
rived in the " City of Brotherly Love. " The snow was
deep, and a stiff, cold blizzard was blowing from the north.
I secured a cab and was driven to the Gilbert House, where
I obtained good accommodations. Sunday morning came
and I trudged my way through the deep snow to "Old
Bethel" Church, where I heard Rev. W. D. Cook, the pas¬
tor, preach an interesting sermon.
As I sat on that historic spot, made sacred by the tears,
prayers and labors of Richard Allen and his coadjutors,
my soul became so full of the Holy Spirit that I could not
restrain my tears.
It was a happy day with me. Everything seemed
touched with heavenly beauty and sacredness. The upper
choir seemed to lend their voice to song, and God seemed
to inspire every prayer.
Oh, what a precious time. It was truly a day of great
feasting to my poor soul. At 7:30 o'clock I tried to
preach to an immense congregation in " Old Bethel. " The
Holy Ghost came down and took possession of me, and I
stood before the elite and gigantic intellect of that great
city without fear or dread.
It was not me; but the Holy Spirit that took dread fear
away. Of myself I can do nothing. Oh, God, give me thy
Holy Spirit whenever I attempt to preach thy blessed word.
Philadelphia is a vast city. There are many places of in¬
terest in and around Philadelphia. The great Zoological
Garden, the Government Mint,- the public buildings, the
Penn Statue, the great parks, etc., are all places worth seeing.
28
Africa and African Methodism.
X spent more than a month in and around Philadelphia
preaching, lecturing,and working in behalfof my African trip.
I visited Camden, Trenton, Princeton, N. J.; New York.
At the last-named place I met that grand, philanthropic,
Christian gentleman, Dr. John Miller, who gave me $200
to assist me in my African trip. Dr. Miller is growing old,
but is nevertheless vigorous, especially intellectually. He
has written several books which rank high in the literary
and theological world. While Dr. Miller is white, educa¬
ted aud rich, yet he is free from prejudice, for which his
race is so characteristic.
In Trenton I found a warm friend in the person of Rev.
Seth D. W. Smith. Bro. Smith and his good people gave
me $8.00 to help me on to my distant field of labor.
While in Philadelphia I formed a correspondence with
a young lady who was at the time teaching in the public
schools of Maryland. Several letters were exchanged, an
agreement made, and in a short time I was on my way to
Pocomoke City, Md., to see Miss Fannie M, Worthington,
of Washington, D. C.
On my arrival I found her at the depot awaiting my
coming. I spent several days in Pocomoke. After some
serious questious had been propounded and satisfactorily
answered, we set February. 7th as the time for our
marriage.
I returned to Philadelphia to await the date of this im¬
portant event. True to her promise, she joined me in Cam¬
den, N. J., where our marriage took place in the residence
of Rev. A. H. Newton; Rev. A. H. Newton and Rev. H. T.
Johnson, Ph.D., performed the sacred matrimonial rites.
A lew days before our leaving for Africa, my wife's
mother, Mrs. Rachel A. Piles, came from Washington to
Camden to see us off. She is a woman of fine parts. I love
her as though she was my own dear mother. February 17
we bade mother and friends adieu, and left for New York
City. Soon we were in the great metropolis, and proceeded
to Sullivan Street A. M. E. Church. Here we met Bishop
Turner and several brethren from Philadelphia, Camden,
and Princeton, N. J. Dr. Derrick gave the Bishop a fare¬
well reception, which was poorly attended, owing, possibly,
to the severity of the weather. Oh, my! How cold it was !
Africa akd African Methodism.
29
W e spent the night with a dear old sister, near the church.
God bless her !
Thus ends a brief accouut of a three-months' tour
through the United States of America.
For most part, the entire trip of thousands of miles was
pleasant and profitable.
Our cause seemed to be the people's cause, hence wher¬
ever presented we received a hearty response. It is true, here
and there we met those who seemed to look upon us with sus¬
picion, and treated us coolly, but so rarely was such the case
that we gave the rebuffs but little or no notice. Strange to
say, but wherever we seemed unwelcome the ministers
were directly or indirectly the cause of it. The people of
various congregations were always open-handed and warm¬
hearted. Not one exception to this rule can we remember.
But truly we have some narrow brethren holding high
positions in our churches.
Personal gain seems to have absorbed all their higher
and nobler senses.
Of all narrow, conniving and self-important men, those
under the garb of the ministry are the most detestable.
However, we have many reasons to feel proud of the
signal success that attended our labors during such an ex¬
tensive tour. We feel duty bound to make personal refer¬
ence to the unmeasured kindness that we received at the
hands of Rev. I. W. L. Roundtree and Dr. H. T. Johnson
while in the East. They seemed ever ready to lend us a
helping hand. In their homes we were made welcome and
shared as a member of their families; in Rev. Roundtree's
church we were accorded every ministerial courtesy that
could be wished.
Father of all mercy,
Thy name be praised
For the great protection
Thou hast granted a child
Of such siniul disposition,
And such wandering ways.
CHAPTER II.
VOYAGE TO ENGLAND.
Wednesday morning, February 22, 1893, we embarked
on that grand steamship a Majestic" for Liverpool, Eng¬
land. Our ship steamed out of port at 10 o'clock a. m.
Revs. H. T. Johnson, D.D., editor Christian Recorder;
W. D. Cook, A. H. Newton, W. H. Davis, I. W. L.
Roundtree, A.M.; J. B. Standsberry, D.D., and W. B. Der¬
rick, D.D., came down to the pier to see us off. It was a
very sad parting with me, as wife and I were to be gone for
four years to labor in the wilds of Africa as missionaries,
perhaps never to return. However, we bore up as best we
could. We gazed at our friends ashore until they were
lost in the distance, then, going to our rooms, quieted down,
put all in the hanods of a just God, and began to behold the
grandeur of the great ocean. At times the ocean was very
rough, tossing our great ship as though she had been a
mere bubble in the midst of a terrific storm. Often the
wind blew so hard that the waves could not rise high, but,
oh my, after the winds abated, what giant waves would
lash our ship; the angry billows would pile up mountain
high as far as the eye could behold ; white-crested, they re¬
sembled mountains covered with snow. There is nothing
that causes the soul to • revere and humble before the
Almighty more than a careful examination and study of
the mighty ocean. I mean nothing in nature.
I have seen many grand—yes, exquisitely grand—and
charming scenes, but I must confess that the most soul-
inspiring, the most sublime, the most glory-like scene that
my eyes ever beheld was sun-rising on the ocean.
" Old Sol " mounted his chariot in all his regal splendor,
chasing away the mist as he shed a flood of light upon the
placid ocean with becoming dignity to his royalty; each
ray reflected upon the ocean with such astonishing brill¬
iancy that one might imagine the mighty waters strewn
with diamonds.
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Africa and African Methodism.
31
"Who would not bow before such a God as lie who cre¬
ated the great ocean so pregnant with wonders? I love
Him more than ever for allowing me the privilege of seeing
this wonderful display of Ilis mightv power.
The sane mind that, after seeing this stupendous ocean,
would say "there is no God" deserves to be classed among
brutes and not among human beings.
Another most delightful sight is " sunset at sea." It is
also full of serious reflections and valuable consideration.
It is the unfailing sign that another day is gone, that we
are nearer our eternal home ; that time does not wait, but
is ever hastening on and is lost in eternity. As the light
of the "master of day" is lost behind the western horizon,
the once sparkling waters are transformed into a dark blue
hue, and as the receding rays are being replaced by dark¬
ness the evening of our days are plainly pictured to the
mind's eye; then with the imagination we see ourselves re¬
ceding from time to be lost in eternity.
But one of the most solemn, reflective, and death-like
occasions that I have ever experienced is "night at sea."
It affords an opportunity for earnest thought and serious
meditation. The deep thunder-like roar of the irritated
waters, the mournful whisper of the weeping winds, the
struggling vessel forcing its way through the angry billows,
are all lessons from which much can be learned. But
often the melancholy scenes of " a night at sea " is trans¬
formed into that of grandeur and solemnity. We gaze
with admiration at the distant stars; the " silvery queen"
of night (if not obscured by wandering clouds) often breaks
the monotony of "a night at sea." Sometimes a light-
Louse is espied in the far distance, the flickering light is
only seen now and then until the "good ship" comes
nearer and nearer, leaving distance behind, then it is that
we realize the lines of the immortal Sankey, "Let the lower
lights be burning," to express the sentiment of our souls.
One day while out on mid-ocean it was whispered that
one of the shafts of the propeller had broken and the ship
much disabled. Wild consternation prevailed until the
master mechanic stated " the breakage has been repaired
and the ship will reach port all right." Oh, what an alle¬
viation to our troubled minds.
32
Africa and African Methodism.
We readied Queenstown early one beautiful morning.
Several small crafts came out to our ship to take passengers
and cargo to Ireland. The sight of land was quite a relief,
for it was the first we had seen since leaving New York.
The remainder of the voyage was uneventful. Soon we
were anchored in the dock at Liverpool. After satisfying
the demands of the custom house officers, we were conveyed
to the St. George Hotel, where we were well provided for
during our stay. Liverpool, as is well known, is the great¬
est shipping mart in the world.
The city presents quite an " old-time " appearance. The
houses for most part are crude, the streets rough and well
thronged with nearly every species of mankind. I never
saw such an array of beggars and infirm people as I saw in
England. There was great excitement prevailing on ac¬
count of the starving condition of thousands of people who
could not obtain work and who threatened an uprising
unless the avenues of labor were opened. Twice a day
hundreds of hungry and enraged men assembled at the
Wellington Monument where inflammatory speeches were
made, necessitating a strong corps of officers ready for any
emergency. I spent nearly two weeks rambling about the
great cities of this famous country. While in Liverpool I
visited the most important public places.
The museum, however, fell far below my expectation.
It does not begin to compete with those of Boston, Phila¬
delphia, Washington and Cincinnati in the United States.
It was my privilege to meet many distinguished men, speak
to several large congregations, meet the Young Men's Chris¬
tian Association, and interview the secretary concerning
their great work in different parts of the country. I also
had the privilege of dining at the great Northwestern
Hotel, in company with Bishop Turner and Hon. Sando,
a millionaire of London.
One thing to the everlasting credit of England, she is
free from color prejudices.
Color is in no way a barrier in Europe, but seems rather
a blessing. Everybody appears interested in the colored
brother.
I did not go to London in company with Bishop Turner
and my wife, preferring to wait until my return from Africa,
Africa and African Methodism.
when I would have more time to .see the wonders of that
great city.
Bishop Turner relates some funny things in connection
with his trip to London. Of course, while there the Bishop
was anxious,among other places, to visit the British Museum.
On entering this most wonderful place of the kind in the
world, the Bishop's attention was turned to a rather digni¬
fied looking gentleman, quietly reclining in a chair, smoking
a cigar; very naturally the Bishop saluted the gentleman,
"Good morning, sir," but received no response; feeling
quite sure that his salutation was not heard, he addressed the
gentleman in a much louder and more excited tone of voice,
but again received 110 response from the objective point,
but was informed that this gentleman was a " wax figure
only," and not a human being. This more laughable than
grave mistake somewhat nonplussed the good Bishop, but
he queeringly passed on; however, in the course of his per¬
ambulation lie passed a beautiful young lady sewing, with a
pleasant smile upon her face; the Bishop paused,and likewise
saluted her, but received no response; feeling sure that he
was not mistaken, he saluted her the second time, and to
his great surprise, was once more informed that she, too,
was u wax."
Very much annoyed, but with a step of independence,
the Bishop pursued his course, to be soon confronted by a
gentleman, silling at a small table, writing; feeling the
embarrassment of two repeated deceptions, the Bishop was
determined not to fall victim to a third one, and before
saluting the gentleman in the usual manner, he said, " Say,
mister, are you living or dead?" The gentleman being
no doubt aware of the fearful ordeal through which the
Bishop had passed, laughed and said, " Sir, I am living."
My visit to London and other English cities will appear
in another chapter.
I found the English people to be very progressive, espe¬
cially in church work. Various societies are operated at
Liverpool in behalf of mission work in India, Africa and
other foreign lands.
The Wesley an Methodist Church is very strong in Eng¬
land. I visited many of their fine churches, and formed the
acquaintance of a number of their most eminent men.
3am
34 ' Africa and African Methodism.
But I must say I found England a somewhat difficult
field for missionary contribution. We were much surprised
at the suspicion of the preachers. This, however, in our
case, might have been largely due to overstrain of the coun¬
try financially as well as to the great sums of money ex¬
pended in Africa by the English churches. I was every¬
where received as a brother and gentleman. Not a sneer,
to my knowledge, was given me anywhere in all that great
land. God bless the English people. England has already
been the seat of philanthropy, religion and education. On
her historic shore Frederick Douglass, the great American
orator, attained his freedom; her people were first of foreign
lands to express indignation at the heinous deeds of the
American white people perpetrated upon defenseless Ne¬
groes ; and it was " old England " that with bateless breath
listened to the plaintive cry of Ida B. Wells, the heroine of
her race. Long live her pious queen; long wave her im¬
perial flag, and long live her noble people to assist in behalf
of the oppressed of mankind.
CHAPTER III.
FROM ENGLAND TO AFRICA.
AVe embarked on the steamship Teneriffe Saturday,
March 18, at 10 o'clock A. m., for the west coast of Africa.
The accommodation on this small vessel was poor com¬
pared to that given on the great Majestic. On account of
our lateness in securing passage, Bishop Turner, Rev.
Vreeland and myself were all packed in one small room,
while my wife and a young lady from Liverpool occupied
another equally as poorly furnished.
. The voyage was long, the ocean rough, and the scenes
varied and attractive. Alter three days' sailing we were
all out on the dreadful Bay of Biscay. This is the most
boisterous part of the ocean, hence the most dreaded.
On Sunday night a most terrific storm raged all night
long on this " ocean graveyard." The winds blew with
such tremendous force that every moment seemed the last.
Great excitement prevailed among both crew and passen¬
gers. Possibly no man on board was more calm than
Bishop Turner. Rev. Vreeland came near being carried
overboard by a monster wave that swept over the prome¬
nade deck. Brother Vreeland was so thankful for his
escape that he came dowTu in our state-room and offered a
most earnest prayer. All night and well up in the next
day this dreadful storm raged. Very few passengers were
able to take their meals.
The following lines were suggested to my mind after we
had passed through this most trying ordeal. I give them
as I penned them down, feeling sure that they will be of
interest to some one who may read them :
A NIGHT ON THE BAY OF BISCAY.
Thou dreadful Bay of Biscay,
How cruel thou hast been;
For in thy bosom sleepeth
Ten thousand made thy prey.
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06
Africa and African Methodism.
Thy waves are dark and angry,
Thy billows rough and wild,
And kindness to the travelers
Thou always hast denied.
I know thee, Bay of Biscay,
From treatment done to me;
'Twas only through my Saviour
I escaped from being thy prey.
Oh, cruel Bay of Biscay,
God looketh down on thee,
And least when thou expecteth,
He'll set thy captives free.
For years thou hast held them captive,
In a dungeon dark and cold ;
But when their Saviour cometh
He'll wrest them from thy fold.
One dark and starless night
My heart was made to ache,
"While tossed to and fro
Upon thy angry waves.
Thy furious billows roared,
The wind shrieked shrill and loud;
Our struggling vessel groaned
Beneath the angry cloud.
The terror of that night
I never can forget,
And always shall my Saviour thank,
That my poor life was spared.
Our first call was at Grand Canary Island. This island
belongs to Spain, hence the place is largely composed of
Spaniards, a dark-complexioned people, and the women are
very pretty. The whole island is supposed to be a volcanic
eruption that took place possibly thousands of years ago.
Bishop Turner, who is quite a philosopher, declares this
to be a fact. One of the most mysterious features con¬
nected with this island is the formation of a sand-bedr
when the entire place is free from sand otherwise. Some
suppose the sand to be brought to the surface by minute
insects; others claim the cause due to the winds sweeping
over the great Sahara desert, which is only eighty miles
away, bringing, so to speak, great showers of sand upon
their wings and depositing them at the base of the Canary
mountain, where this bed of sand is formed. However,,
no well-founded solution has as yet been advanced upon
Africa and African Methodism.
37
this phenomenon of nature. Coming scientists will doubt¬
less find the reason why, and publish it to the world. It
was here that Bishop Turner saw the mirage of a ship, or
an " optical illusion," which is caused from an unequal re¬
fraction in the lower strata of the atmosphere, and causing
remote objects to be doubly inverted, suspended in air,
approximated or changed, or as if reflected iu water. The
object is a novel one and may only be seen once during a
lifetime.
A number of savage-looking Spaniards came aboard of
our ship with cigars, fruits, canary birds, and many other
things to sell.
My wife looks very much like a Spanish lady, which
caused these rough-looking Spanish men to give her special
notice, which was not at all pleasant to her.
Grand Canary, to say the least, is a beautiful place, and
a great health-resort for invalids from Germany, France,
England, and Africa.
Our next call was at Goree, a small French town of no
particular importance other than its traces of war with
Great Britain and other powers in years gone by. Here a
number of native Africans came aboard; also many Mo¬
hammedans from the Sahara desert took passage for Sierra
Leone. I was much amazed at these Mohammedans on
account of their peculiar dress. They all wore loose gar¬
ments carelessly thrown about their persons. The men
and women wrere so nearly dressed alike until it was diffi¬
cult to tell them apart. They were very devout. Each
morning and evening they gave the most profound rever¬
ence to God, according to their belief. I found them to
be very superstitious and extremely averse to Christianity.
Our stay at Goree was short and uneventful.
From Goree we sailed direct to Bathurst, an English
town of considerable importance. Here we went ashore,
wandered over the town, made some few acquaintances,
attended the Wesleyan church, where Bishop Turner
preached an eloquent sermon. Oh, the singing was more
angelic than human. The great organ pealed forth in
solemn tones, carrying the soul back more than eighteen
hundred years, to the scene of the crucifixion of our
blessed Saviour. It was Good Friday, and an enormous
38 Africa and African Methodism.
congregation had assembled to celebrate the most memor¬
able event in the history of the world.
I never heard such soul-inspiring singing in all my life,
exQept in the great Metropolitan Church in Washington,
D. C.
Having crossed over into the tropics, we found Bat hurst
very hot indeed. We sailed from Bathurst to Sierra Leone-
without stopping at any of the small ports by the way, ar¬
riving in Freetown, Sierra Leone, April 4, 1893.
On account of a death that occurred on our ship between.
Liverpool and Bathurst, we were not allowed to disembark
until late in the afternoon, and as the night was very dark
we remained on board all night and disembarked early next
morning. Oh, my ! how warm it was. How strange every¬
thing appeared.
Thus ended a journey of more than fifteen thousand miles,
seven thousand of which was on the bosom of the great
Atlantic ocean. I had wandered all through Arkansas,
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North
Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland, Dela¬
ware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
When I look back over the immense journey, fraught,
with dangers on every hand ; when I remember how sinful
and worthless I have been compared with others of God's
servants, and then find myself here on the shores of our
fatherland with health and strength, trying to preach the
gospel to my dear kinsman, who are bound by the strong
cords of heathenism, I can but exclaim in the language of
the Psalmist: " Praise the Lord, O, my soul, and forget
not all His benefits." I here, on this, the tenth (10th) day
of October, 1893, reconsecrate myself to my Saviour and
His great work.
Oh, Lord, have mercy upon my poor soul, and spare my
life to accomplish some good among these poor heathen
souls.
" Guide me, oh, thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land,
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Strong Deliverer
Be Thou still my sword and shield."
Africa and African Methodism.
39
The hope of my life has at last materialized. I have
been spared and privileged to stand upon the free soil of
Africa. I now know what it is to be a free man. I feel
that life is worth living. But, oh, my mind runs back to
the blood-stained soil of America ! Ten millions of my
fellowmen loom up before me ; the dismal reign of terror
that there prevails pains my very soul.
However, the future atfords some light. Education and
exalted manhood will doubtless actuate thousands of young
men and women to leave the haunts of American slavery
and pitch their tents on the free and sacred soil of Africa,
and assist in the establishment of a mighty negro empire.
AVe hope to see such a period. God knows our condition
is awful. Only divine interposition can ameliorate it. Per¬
haps the fearful catastrophe that has swept down upon the
race is a divine visitation to stir up the American negro
and drive them home.
Moral cowardice, God despises ; slavery is an abomina¬
tion in His sight. All men are equal before Him, since
He created all.
CHAPTER IV.
AFRICA.
First we shall present a few facts and pass upon some of
the many things that have come under our observation in
West Africa, and especially in the Colony of Sierra
Leone.
Freetown has a population of 40,000 civilized and semi-
civilized people.
The town contains many well-built houses in a good
state of repair, though adjoining them there is a string of
wooden shanties of various shapes and sizes.
In addition to the numerous well-to-do stores, many of
them owned by natives, every African is possessed with the
praiseworthy ambition of becoming a householder, and to
accomplish this end he' will live for years in the strictest
enonomy, until the happy day arrives when he can blossom
into a full-fledged landlord. To such au extent does this
feeling prevail, that it is looked upon as a reproach for any
native in a comparatively well-to-do position not to own
one house at leae.t.
The principal part of the town has therefore a clean and
bright appearance, enhanced by the broadness of the
streets, laid out on a regular plan. The appearance of
these is much improved by a pathway of grass on each side,
which affords a pleasing relief to the hard, red earth, baked
by the all-powerful sun. There is a spacious fruit market
close to the wharf. Here, early in the morning, may be
seen a wealth of tropical fruits; bunches of plantains,
bananas and large size pineapples are jostled by green and
brown-skin oranges, while custard apples, avercardo pears,
melons, mangoes, guavas, limes and other tropical fruits,
besides a profusion of vegetables are scattered about on the
clean stalls. On most of these small articles of personal
vanity,and cheap mirrors and knives,are exposed in tempting
juxtaposition to the necessaries of life, and probably en¬
courage the native servants to make a slight difference in
MO)
Africa and African Methodism.
41
their accounts of their purchases in order to obtain which¬
ever of these luxuries that may excite their envy.
Surely in no tower of Babel could more noise have been
made than is heard here on a busy morning, while the
gaudy print handkerchiefs and gowns of the women enliven
the ever-changing scene. The services of policemen on
duty are seldom required to enforce order, everything is
conducted good humoredly.
\et the shouting, gesticulating, gleaming ivories and
glistening eyes would lead a stranger to believe that a never
ending battle of arms and tongues is proceeding. Close bv
the market place the Cathedral is situated, with its large
windows which, unfortunately, only open in one or two
absurd places, and consequently let in too much garish
light, and far too little air. The structure is devoid of
architectural beauty. The next building of considerable
importance is the "NYilberforce Memorial Hall, a monument
to the honor of that philanthropic gentleman for whom our
great Wilberforce University is named. Many of the
churches are large and well arranged. The military head¬
quarters are situated on the very top of the great Sierra
Leoue mountains. The sweet music of the well-disciplined
orchestra rolls down the mountain sides in the most soul-
inspiring tones. The wharf presents a grand aspect when a
number of vessels from all parts of the world are lying in
port. The most salubrious breeze sweeps over the gentle
waters, which sparkle under the radiance of a tropical sun.
Freetown is a beautiful African town. The sanitary
regulations are fairly good; the city hospital is commend¬
able, as is the other benovelent institutions of the colony.
We regard the British Government a godsend in Africa.
Thousands of the people, who, had it not been for Great
Britain, who are now educated and in easy circumstances,
would have been savage heathen. In all of the government
departments are progressive, young men employed as
clerks, etc., at good salaries. The leading lawyer of the
town is a colored man. He has won high honors, not only
in his own country but in England as well. The queen's
advocate is a native African. Time and again he has filled
the high and responsible office of "chief justice" of the
colony with honor and dignity.
42
Afkica and African Methodism.
Africa, according to accepted history, once stood at the
head of all other countries in commercial and architectural
greatness. Ancient Egypt, we have no doubt, was the
abode of native Africans. We are not unmindful of the
many futile efforts that have been put forth to prove that
the ancient Egyptians were not Africans. Prejudice and
hatred for the negro race have actuated modern historians
to use their utmost endeavors to rob the sons of Hamr
not only of Africa, but of every other laudable achievement
which they have gained.
But we cannot expect more from a people who are
blinded by prejudice, and ignorant of the real facts in the
case. However, we are often disgusted at those of our own
nationality, who should do all in their power to defend the
race from furious assaults, joining in with our race ene¬
mies, and likewise endeavor to disprove our relation to the
ancient Egyptians. We can but look upon such persona
with contempt and brand them either with the most pro¬
found ignorance or the basest race hypocrites.
It is not that opposition from without that injures the
negro race so much, but those continuous collisions, revolts,
and warfares within. We, as a race, have not as yet
learned the importance of unity and race love. I am sure
that many wTho pose as race leaders and wiseacres upon the
negro question, have not studied the subject sufficient ta
arrive at intelligent conclusions. We are too willing to-
grant the requests of our enemies and accept what they^ say
concerning the past, present and future of the race as true.
This is wrong. Let us weigh matters and examine state¬
ments before we concede to them truth and recognition. T
remember some years ago hearing one of our most fluent
orators laboring to convince his hearers that the negro*
race had no history; that all this talk of the negro's past
greatness in Egypt was foolishness; that the Egyptians were
white folks, etc. Of course those who heard this tirade of
false statements, for most part, were ignorant of the facts in
the case, and accepted what they heard as true, hence deaf¬
ening applause time and again went up, bidding the enthu¬
siastic speaker to lie on. Our people must learn to spurn
with indignation anything that reflects discredit upon the
race. I do not wish to couvey the idea here that we should
Africa and African Methodism.
43
palliate the wrongs of our people, but there is a more judi¬
cious and corrective manner by which such wrongs can be
adjusted. I fear we are too ready to give sanction to
things of which we are totally ignorant.
Why should the negro despise Africa ?
"W hy should he join the enemies of the race and heap a
mountain of abuse upon the country, and help rob a de¬
spised and oppressed people of their just rights?
Despite all criticism, impediments, prejudices, strife, and
hatred, Africa is steadily rising in the estimation of the
civilized world. "White men, women and children from all
parts of Europe and Ameiica are continually flocking to
her borders. Her gold, silver, diamonds, rubber, and num¬
berless other valuables have a charm that mankind cannot
resist.
I mean that class of mankind that has the ability to
grasp the situation and reap the harvest. The European
imperils his life in search of the hidden riches of Africa.
He climbs her mountains, swims her streams, penetrates her
forests, confronts her natives to enrich himself and his pos¬
terity. They come to this country as missionaries, teachers,
merchants, mechanics, explorers, and generals; large com¬
panies conduct immense business in every available section
of the country ; they soon amass fortunes and return home
and spend their remaining days in ease and luxury.
Young white men and their wives come here, brave the
climate, exclude themselves from society for twenty, thirty
and forty years, in order to grow rich and leave a legacy
for their children.
But, alas, for the poor negro ! Every country is better to
him than Africa.
He will extol negro-hating America to the skies; he will
boast of her railroads, telegraphs, schools and churches,
which mean nothing on earth to him; but turning to
Africa, his ancestral home, the land of fruits, gold, silver,
and diamonds, and best of all, the laud of freedom—I say
the negro turns to Africa with a frown, and contemptuously
exclaims, I'm no African !
The negro seems to think that Africa is the most debased,
shameful, and worthless country on earth. lie seems to
feel himself humiliated and outraged when associated with
44
Africa and African Methodism.
Africa. He seems to forget that Africa furnished civiliza¬
tion for the world, and hence stands to-day as the mother of
art, science and civilization. Four thousand years have not
produced a people whose architectural genius has meas¬
ured up to that of the ancient Egyptians. The grand old
pyramids stand as everlasting witnesses of the negro's past
greatness and future possibilities.
What rational, 'cool and thinking people would be
ashamed to own kinship with such a country and such
a people ?
The modern historians, especially, have been busy trying
to rob the negro of Africa's greatness. They are proud of
the most remote relation to African civilization and great¬
ness. Among the earlier historians, however, such was not
the case. Let us here examine a few of the most celebrated
historians of the world, and see what their views were of
Africa and her people. In "Christianity, Islam and the
Negro," a book written by Rev. E. \Y. Blyden, L.L.D.,
the following appears on page 175 : "The secular poets
and historians of those times also bear witness to the excel¬
lence of Ethiopian character. Homer, the prince of poets,
and Herodotus, the father of history, both speak in praise
of them.
"In the earliest tradition of nearly all the more civilized
nations of antiquity, the name of this distant people is
found. The annals of the Egyptian priests were full of
them; the nations of inner Asia, on the Euphrates and
Tigris, have interwoven the fictions of the Ethiopian with
their own traditions of the conquests and wars of their
heroes; and at a period equally remote they glimmer in
Greek mythology. When the Greeks scarcely knew Italy and
Sicily by name, the Ethiopians were celebrated in the verse
of their poets; they spoke of them as the 'remotest nations,'
the 'most just of men,' the 'favorites of the gods.' The
lofty inhabitants of Olympus journey to them, and take part
in their feasts; their sacrifices are the most agreeable of all
that mortals can offer them. And wrhen the faint gleam of
tradition and fable gives way to the clear light of history,
the lustre of the Ethiopians is not diminished. They still
continue the object of curiosity and admiration, and the pen
of cautious, clear-sighted historians often places them in
the highest ranks of knowledge and civilization."
Africa and African Methodism.
45
History is preguant with the most favorable references
to the negro in his primitive stage of life. The negro,
under the light of an impartial civilization, shone brightly
amidst the national constellations.
His standing as a man, a citizen, and nobleman, was
never questioned until his exile and enslavement. Slavery,
the most direful evil of which a nation can be the victim,
is the source from which all our national and social troubles
sprung. When a people has been subjected to years of
cruel boudage, among strangers in a foreign land, and yet
maintain the moral courage that characterizes the African
ex-slaves, we need not doubt the ability of such a people to
rise to a wonderful height in religion and civilization.
AVith all the lamentable defects of the ex-slave, with his
apparent non-interest in hi^ native land ; with the powerful
tendencies toward white men absorption, in principle, habit,
etc.; when we consider the extreme low depths from which
the race has come, we can but acknowledge that they have
displayed a wonderlul amount of tact and heroism.
Doubtless no people have surpassed them under similar
circumstances.
But notwithstanding all this to the credit of the race,
there are many among the dominant races who argue the
inability of the negro to attain national greatness.
Just here I wish to say, that to my mind the negro
in foreign lands must return home and become renegroized,
if you please, before he can fully appreciate himself and his
people. For nearly three hundred years the American
negro has been away from home; two hundred and forty-
seven years of this time he served as a slave, subjected
to the mo.^t inhuman treatment; whipped, sold, terrorized
in numberless ways; in every instance he. was reminded of
his inferiority, as reckoned from the white man's stand¬
point. He was taught as a slave that the most commend¬
able thing he could do was to be an honest, obedient negro
to the laws of master and mistress; everywhere he turned
the white man was lord and ruler; finally, with such stroug
environments, many of the weaker minds succumbed to the
almost inevitable and formed the opinion that God created
the white man to rule and the negro to serve. Such con¬
victions are dangerous to the race, for when the negro
46
Africa and African Methodism.
becomes satisfied to occupy a secondary position in the
affairs of the world, his aspirations will never rise higher.
Under such conditions we would virtually be a slave.
Voluntary slavery is far more dangerous and destructive
than compulsory slavery. One controls the mind, while
the other controls the body.
In one state, the individual is content to eke out a mis¬
erable existence, while in the other state the outraged
individual resents the blow and wrestles to throw off the
burden.
Freedom is a great blessing. Freedom brings on re¬
sponsibility, responsibility gives rise to necessity, necessity
gives birth to industry, industry begets wealth, and wealth
begets independence, and independence-demands recogni¬
tion, and will have it. So it is plain that a race can never
fully develop under such restrictive laws and regulations.
Such is the condition of the American negro. Freedom
has been fought for and gloriously won, but has never been
thoroughly established and vindicated. He is forced in
every department of life to occupy a secondary position.
His color is looked upon with scorn and contempt. His
very presence is obnoxious in white society. Separate cars,
hotels, barber-shops, churches, etc., are provided for his ac¬
commodation. No degree of qualification fits him for lofty
position. He is placed below the most worthless of white
society. His skin is a badge of inferiority with Europeans
or white men.
Now tell me that a race can fully develop under such
conditions !
Never!
Now what are some of the most discouraging features of
the American negro's existence and history to-day ?
First. As a rule he regards the white men as being
supreme, which is an indirect concession to the false theory
that the negro is constitutionally inferior to the white man.
Second. The strong and ever-pressing unwritten law,
born and established in the days of slavery, "that America
is a white man's country," and that " negroes have no
rights that white men are compelled to respect," has been
virtually conceded by the American negroes; hence the
mob violence, the impositions upon unprotected negro wo-
Africa and African Methodism. 47
men, and various other calamities inflicted upon the race,
without even the appearance of resentment. What do we
see ? White men have no fears whatever to insult our
wives, our daughters, and murder our men in the most
shameful manner. To-day every negro woman is a subject
for insult and debauchery for lustful and unprincipled
white men.
Who in the South have not been pained to behold the
moral ruin of our most beautiful girls who have become
the concubines of white men, and seem to regard it as an
honor? In America, to be white implies all the greatness
and graces of the universe. Almost every negro is trying
to get white. Xobody wants to be b'ack. Even black
ministers are rejected bv negro congregations.
The&e things show the drift of public sentiment. One
of the most distinguished colored ministers of the United
States was asked to resign the pastoral supervision of his
church, not long since, wholly upon the ground of his
dark complexion.
In more than one of the large American cities can be
found negroes who have separated themselves from those
of their race in whose veins the blood of the proud Cauca¬
sian does not flow.
I certainly regard such race divisions as omens of dread¬
ful consequences to the race.
But we must reason from cause to effect. There is a
cause for every effect. As we have said elsewhere, to be
white in America, is an incontrovertible evidence of supe¬
riority. Man being of an ambitious nature and wishing to
be associated with all supposed greatness (the negro be¬
ing no exception to the rule), he is willing to sever all his
race relations to gain the most remote and deceptive rela¬
tions with the dominant race. The negro, daily suffering
from the effects of colorphobia, when not endowed with
great race proclivities, will resort to the most unnatural
means to ameliorate his condition. To the thoughtful
mind such tendencies betoken an unhealthy state of things
for our future as a distinct race of people. Negroes, irre¬
spective of the amount of Caucasian blood that may course
their veins, are regarded as negroes in the fullest sense of
the word, and are treated as such.
48
Africa and African Methodism.
The octoroon can come no nearer social equality than the
pure-blooded African.
All negroes are placed in the same category. They all
suffer the same direful evils. They all meet the same bar¬
riers in the path of human greatness.
But there seems to be a selfish pride roaming the bosom
of many mixed blooded negroes. Their conclusions are
based upon the grounds of divine preference to white, a
doctrine conceived in sin and born of iniquitous parents,
and dates its birth to the introduction of American slavery.
Such a spirit should be checked. It will, if continued, en¬
tail indescribable disgrace upon the race. It will put a
club in the hands of negro-beaters to pound our race's
heads with.
Again, this subject has a moral feature of great impor¬
tance. As has already been said, hundreds of negro
women think it an honor to be the mistresses of white men.
Why is this ? Nothing less than the universal eulogy lav¬
ished upon the haughty Caucasian,- and the endless denun¬
ciations, criticisms, and misrepresentations heaped upon the
poor black man. It was my unpleasant privilege to hear a
woman of light complexion hurl the daring epithets in the
face of her husband, that she was sorry that she was iden¬
tified with the negro race, that she would have married a
white man had her grandmother not been so black, etc.
No woman can be a true wife who deplores the complex¬
ion of her husband.
It is said that a race can never rise above the mothers ;
hence, if this impure and unnatural blood is continually be¬
ing poured into the veins of our women, how can we en¬
tertain hope for the race under such conditions?
So we hold that the negro can never develop into
gigantic manhood under the stultifying influences of Ameri¬
can caste.
Such is not the case in Africa. Here the sentiment is
just the reverse. The natives cling to their traditions
just as tenaciously as does the proud Caucasian to the his¬
tory of England or America. He sees something great in
negroes. He sees God as a great controlling principle
looking upon all nations with the same degree of respect,
and according to each and all sacred rights that demand
recognition binding with equal importance.
Africa and African Methodism. -J9
However, before we further proceed along this line, let
us refer to the primitive history of this great continent and
her native inhabitants.
The following occurs in that remarkable book written
by Dr. Blyden, oil page 176, in the form of a quotation :
" But no one who has traveled in Northeastern Africa,
or among the ruins of the banks of the Nile, will for a mo¬
ment doubt that there was the connection, not of accident
or of adventitious circumstances, but of consanguinity, be¬
tween the races of inner Africa of the present day and the
ancient Egyptians and Ethiopians. To get rid of the re¬
sponsibility of brotherhood to the negro, an American pro¬
fessor, in an elaborate work, claims for the tropical Afri¬
can pre-Adamite origin, and ignores his relationship with
Ham. His argument, however, is as yet beneath the level
of scientific criticism. The expressions of Yolney, the
great French traveler, after visiting the magnificent ruins
of Egypt, are expressed as follows : 'When I visited the
Sphinx I could not help thinking the figure of that mon¬
ster furnished the true solution of the enigma ; when I saw
its features precisely those of a negro, I recollected the re¬
markable passage of Herodotus in which he says: "For my
part, I believe Colchi to be a colony of Egyptians, because,
like them, they have black skins and frizzled hair, that is,
that the ancient Egyptians were real negroes of the same
species with all the natives of Africa." This historical fact
affords to philosophy an interesting subject of reflection.
How are we astonished when we reflect that to the race of
negroes, at present our slaves and the objects of our ex¬
treme contempt, we owe our arts, sciences, and even the
very use of our speech.' "
Here we have substantial evidence of the past greatness
of the African in his primitive state. He was remarkable
for learning and wealth. Powerful in war, yet congenial
and liberal.
But even members of the race have contradicted the
statements of eye-witnesses of the past glories of negroland,
so afraid they are that something "good will come out of
Nazareth." As wTe have said before, it is astonishing how
many, who pretend to be race lovers and advocates, will
shut their eyes to every good and noble phase of negro his-
4a m
50 Africa and African Methodism.
tory and seize with greed every deplorable feature con¬
nected thereto.
Nothing can be plainer and more convincing of negro
greatness than the rapid progress the race has made in
America since emancipation. Turned loose, as they were,
ignorant, poor, handicapped, and despised; turned out as an
old worn-out horse to die, they have struggled onward and
upward, until to-day the race controls millions of dollars,
churches, colleges, etc. Now, if a people can succeed so
admirably under such adverse circumstances, what might
we expect of them under more favorable circumstances.
But I must say just here, that I do not favor wholesale
emigration to Africa.
After a careful study of the subject, I am convinced that
it is not the best.
First. I oppose it on the grounds of race, poverty and
ignorance.
It must be remembered that as yet there is a large per¬
centage of ignorance among our people. Twenty-seven years
is not sufficient time to educate and prepare millions of
people who have spent two hundred years in bondage for
the great work of governmental responsibilities. There is
not sufficient experience in governmental affairs among our
people at present for such an arduous task.
In addition to this, we have not the means. As a race,
we are poor. We are not only poor, but we have not
learned to unite our finance and conduct extensive business
enterprises; there is a lack of confidence in each other,
which has hindered our race progress in various ways. It
such is the case in America, where the race is surrounded
with the most experienced financiers, it is unreasonable to
expect more in a heathen country where no examples are
to be had from other races.
Again, the majority of negroes in America have become
so absorbed in white man's rule, that they are not willing
to risk their chances in a country where a white man is not.
Such people would be a menace and curse to the country.
Very soon they would grow weary with the struggles inci¬
dent to a heathen land, would begin to complain, censure,
and long for the land from whence they came. Time and
again have I heard prominent negroes say : " I would not
live under a negro government/'
Africa and African Methodism. 51
What is most needed along the line of emigration to
Africa is a number of progressive, self-reliant families to
emigrate here who have the country and its people at heart;
who believe in the possibility of the negro to succeed ;
wTho are willing to suffer for a season to plant deep the
precious seed of natioual progress and independence. Two
millions of such families would be a godsend to Africa.
But to deport the millions of ignorant, helpless, and non¬
progressive negroes from America to this country would
plunge the land into a state of conflict and poverty such as
the world has never seen.
Persons coming to Africa should study well the situation ;
thoroughly prepare themselves; have a natural love for the
land of their fathers, then come on.
I disapprove of the excitable manner that many of out
<lAfrican emigration" advocates go before the public. They
simply preach emigration without presenting any feasible
plan to execute the desired ends. There should be some
well outlined policy adopted for the benefit of such persons
as may wish to migrate hither. Africa presents an inviting
field for the future greatness of self-reliant negroes. I
especially insist upon those of our people who live in the
mob-inflicted districts of the South to avail themselves of
■every opportunity to come to Africa, where they can have
peace from the inhuman whitecaps and lynchers.
The condition of negroes in those sections grows more
and more precarious. Our women of the South, especially,
have gloomy surroundings. They have no protection
whatever from capricious white men, who seem to have a
burning desire to destroy their virtue. Colored husbands
are not able to suppress these demons of colored society. I
have seen colored ladies insulted on the streets in the very
presence of their husbands, who were not courageous
enough to retaliate the insult. These and many other
evils equally as enormous are more than sufficient causes to
force the people of color to hunt a more congenial clime.
Dr. C. S. Smith, D.D., in a sermon in Bethel A. M. E.
Church in Chicago, during the "Great Fair" of 1893,
fully expressed my feelings as regards the negroe's situation
in America, and his relation to Africa, etc. We here quote
just a few lines of that wonderful sermon:
52
Africa and African Methodism.
"Some people turn up their noses and say: ' Africa! I
am not going to Africa/ What does Africa care? Africa
would be impoverished by such people going there. Africa
don't need me one-thousandth part as much as I need
Africa, and this is why I am going there on a tour of ob¬
servation. "Why do I need Africa? Why for the enlarged
opportunities it will afford me; for the air of freedom
which I can breathe there; for the privilege of going in
and out among men and feeling that my color is no bar to
me; and when I take their rough, black hands into my
own, I will feel the touch of a brother."
I fully indorse every word Dr. Smith says. He has many
advanced ideas upon the subject. But of all, he is coming
to Africa aud see for himself.
« Dr. Smith further said :
" The man who simply goes with the gospel in his hands
to any heathen land is a failure. If a man wants to be a
power in any heathen laud, let him go with the Bible in
one hand and a hammer and saw in the other."
How true. What is needed in Africa is a moral, intel¬
lectual and industrial redemption. The gospel must be
accompanied with all the essential elements of real progress
or it will fail to accomplish the desired ends. The vast
riches of this great continent are to be developed by trained
heads and trained hands. The African youths must be
given a practical education to enable them to perform well
their part in the civilization of the continent. We have
already mentioned the inexhaustible treasures hid away in
the bowels of this giant continent. Her treasures of gold,
silver, iron, etc.; her ivory, rubber, diamond, cam wood,,
and hundreds of other valuables. Her towering mountains,
spacious plains, placid waters, luscious fruits, all of which
await the return of her children in exile.
After all, Africa has a blessed history.
Dr. Blyden writes as follows concerning this old historic
land:
" If we come down to New Testament times, we find
again, Africans and their country appearing in honorable
connections. When the Saviour of mankind, born in lowly
circumstances, was the persecuted babe of Bethlehem, Af¬
rica furnished the refuge of his threatened and helpless in-
Africa and African Methodism. 53
fancy. African hands ministered to the comfort of Mary
and Joseph while they sojourned as homeless and hunted
strangers in that land. In the final hour of the Man of
Sorrows, when his disciples had forsaken him and fled, and
only the tears of sympathizing women followed in the dis¬
tance, showed that his sorrows touched every human heart;
when Asia, in the person of the Jews, clamored for his
blood, and Europe in the Roman soldiers was dragging
him to execution, and afterward nailed those sinless hands
to the cross and pierced his sacred side, what was the part
that Africa took then ? She furnished the man to share
the burden of the cross with the suffering Redeemer.
" Simon the Cyrenian bore the cross after Jesus.
Fleecy locks and dark complexion thus enjoyed a privilege
and an honor, and were invested with a glory in which kings
and potentates, martyrs and confessors, in the long roll of
ages would have been proud to participate.
" Africa, bleeding Africa, so long enslaved by despotic
creed, will again take her place among the nations of the
earth. AYhen her children in exile, like the despised man
of Galilee, will find no continual habitation, when they shall
have been convinced of the love of a mother and shall re¬
turn home, Africa, phenix-like, will arise from her long
slumber and become the scene of indescribable glory and
power. Historians, travelers and explorers may deride
her; enemies of her children may scorn and laugh, but God
has His own time to re-establish this land and redeem her
people."
In our imagination we can see a second Hannibal con¬
trolling mighty armies; a second Constance with treasures
of gold, and others of authority that none dare dispute.
Bishop H. M. Turner, one of the most learned and pro¬
gressive men of the race, advocates the establishment of a
negro government in Africa where the genius of the race
can be displayed.
He claims for the race the most miserable existence in
the United States of America.
For years Bishop Turner has exposed the dastardly
crimes perpetrated upon the race by unprincipled members
of the dominant race.
In the national convention of colored men which met in
54 Africa and African Methodism.
Cincinnati, November 28, 1893, in his opening address the
Bishop used the following very pertinent and forcible lan¬
guage :
"But through some satanic legerdemain within the last
three or four years the most fearful crimes have been
charged upon the members of our race known to the cata¬
logue of villainy, and death and destruction have stalked
abroad with an insatiable carnivoracity that not only beg¬
gars description, but jeopardizes the life of every negro in
the land, as any one could raise an alarm by crying rape,
and some colored man must die whether he is the right one
or whether it was the product of revenge or the mere crack¬
ing of a joke.
"The United States Congress and Supreme Court both
have dumped the negro.
"Our supposed constitutional rights have been nullified,
and the President of the United States can do nothing but
give us a few second-hand positions, and those of us who
are not dead are simply living by the grace of our respect¬
ive communities, and we had as well realize our situation
and pander to no sentimentality but that which involves
our honor and manhood.
" Congress can legislate for the protection of the fish of the
sea and the seals that gambol in our waters, and oblige its.
men, its money, its navy, its army, and it§ flag to protect
them; but the 8,000,000 or 10,000,000 of its black men and
women, made in the image of God, possessing $265,000,000
worth of taxable property, with all their culture, refinement
and in many instances, noble bearing, must be turned off to
become the prey of violence, aud when we appeal to th$
general government for recognition and protection, Justice,
so-called, drops her scales and cries, away with you."
We feel free to say no man living is better acquainted
with the true condition of the American negro than Bishop
Turner.
Hence the views of such a man deserve reflection and
consideration. When a man of Bishop Turner's invinci-
bleness comes to the point that he is forced to raise the
alarm, we should heed the warning.
However, many think to the contrary. They fear no>
evil. They apprehend no danger of more serious race con-
Afkica and African Methodism. 55
fiiets, but predict smooth sailing and bright sunshine ahead.
Surely they are hopeful prophets. We should be pleased
to have such faith but spurn such profound blindness.
However, many of those who appear to entertain hope
under the present crisis are not true to themselves, for no
man or woman in a perfect state of mind can fail to realize
a serious state of things without a radical change. Many
who pretend to see glorious things awaiting the negro in
America refer to the primitive state of the Celts and Gaulsr
whose condition, according to the report given of them by
Julius Csesar, was that of the basest barbarism. They
claim that those people survived Roman oppression and
finally rose to honor and distinction.
But it must be remembered that Rome never completely
subdued the Britons. They always resented Roman oppres¬
sion. Thousands of Roman soldiers fell before their ar¬
rows. While the Romans held some tribes as slaves, others
fought, burned, and scattered devastation broadcast. Finally
Rome, tired of war with those barbarian tribes, withdrew
and left them alone.
Again we must remember that this was not a conflict
based upon race prejudice and caste, but Rome, crazy to
extend her dominion over the world, commissioned Csesar
to visit Briton and conquer the inhabitants.
But vast are the differences between the conditions of
the Britons under Roman oppression and that of the negro
under American slavery. The Britons as slaves, if yon
please to regard them as such, were a much more free and
independent people than the American negro living under
the pretense of American citizens.
What resistance did the negro as a race ever offer his
owner during his two hundred years of bondage? What
effort did we make to escape from an oppression that was
enough to insult the devil himself? Even while the
Union soldiers were losing their lifeblood upon the
battle-field hundreds and thousands of negroes were so
completely unmanned and were such absolute slaves and
cowards, that they remained at home, served their mistresses
with apparent indifference as to the result of the war.
Why was this ? Was it because the negro was a born
coward ? No!
56
Africa and African Methodism.
The history of the negro in Africa where he has retained
his manhood proves to the contrary.
A braver people never lived than the Ashantees, Dahom-
ians, Mandingos, and Kroos of Africa to-day.
But this cowardice is due to slavery. It shows the effects
of complete subjugation. It proves that men under severe
treatment can be reduced to a state of beastly indifference
as to their most vital interests. The fragments of slavery
yet linger in the negro's bosom.
He dreads the white man even after thirty years of free¬
dom. He trembles before his ex-master. Who is to
blame for this great sacrifice of moral manhood ? Can we
blame the negro who, forced as he was into bondage, could
but submit to whatever come upon him ? As a slave he
was not to blame; as a freeman he is much to blame, for
there is yet a shameful indifference upon the part of the
majority of negroes relative to their own interests and the
interests of the race.
We cannot afford to pander to nonsense longer. Already
this "smoothing over" policy has done us great harm.
Let us stand or fall upon our merits or demerits, as the case
may be.
We are confronted with a great evil. Our rights have
been taken—not stolen. Our manhood, if we ever had
any, has been crushed; our lives have been blown out with
but little concern; our women have been seduced, outraged
and brutalized at the pleasure of human demons; we have
no redress before the courts of the land. What must be
done to ameliorate the condition of 10,000,000 negroes in
America surrounded with such conditions ?
My fellow-men, we point you to Africa. Free Africa;
rich Africa; negro Africa.
Come home where you can rest from near three hundred
years of persecution. Come out from among your enemies
and come among your friends.
Let every negro who is prepared come without delay.
Your mother longs to take you in her bosom. She has
gold, silver, diamonds, ivory, rubber, fruits, and everything
you need. Come home!
Here you can have peace, prosperity, and fully enjoy the
rights and privileges of citizens. Prejudice, caste, and race
hate are unknown.
CHAPTER V.
MISSIONARY POSSIBILITIES OF THE AFRICAN
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
IN AFRICA.
Possibly there is no church in existence that has grander
possibilities for a glorious success among the heathen of
Africa than the A. M. E. Church.
First, our church is preferred because it is controled by
members of the race. The African, as all other races, has
strong race proclivities. He believes in those enterprises
governed by his own people. The past record of Europeans
as missionaries cannot be commended in every particular.
As a rule white men go to Africa to make money rather
than to save souls. White missionaries have been re¬
peatedly charged with carrying the Bible and whisky to
•convert the heathen with. Africans are by no means fools.
They are endowed with powerful natural abilities. They
are indeed perceptive. They watch with vigilance those
who claim to be representatives of a higher principle than
that in wThich they believe. With all their heathenism they
know that whisky and Christianity are incongruous. Hence
they have great reasons to question the sincerity of
European missionaries in many cases.
However, I do not wish to underrate the labors, sacrifices
and philanthropy of the great Anglican, Wesleyan and
Episcopal Churches. Had it not been for white philan¬
thropists and Christians the light of civilization would not
have reached Africa even at this late date. We are pleased
to say that those churches are doing great good for native
Africans. Churches have been built; schools erected;
natives have been sent to England, educated, and returned
as teachers, preachers, doctors, etc.
The Church of England and the British Government have
done more for the moral, social, intellectual and industrial
development of the country than all other instrumentalities
African should alwavs keen such noble
58 Africa and African Methodism.
deeds before him, and ever cherish the memory of such
noble benefactors.
I beg to differ with those who claim that God has re¬
served Africa's redemption for Africans only. I believe
that the propagation of Christianity is binding upon all
Christians alike, and that white men and women are just as
much responsible for the christianization and civilization
of Africa as colored men and women. " God is no respecter
of persons." While we must admit that climatic severities
debar the active personal efforts of Europeans in African
mission work, this does not lessen by any means their
obligations, for those who cannot go can send others who by
nature are adapted for the work.
If A frican mission work is to be restricted to her indig¬
enous agencies I fear very much that Africa will remain
yet many centuries in heathenism.
We are pained to witness the woeful indifference of
colored professors as regards our great African mission
cause. What are the various negro churches doing for
Africa to-day ? Comparatively nothing.
Those who are willing to go under the auspices of colored
churches almost invariably are left to eke out the most
shameful existence. Not a" few have been left to die
paupers. Hundreds have suffered for the absolute neces¬
saries of life.
Our churches are not as a rule willing to make the most
insignificant sacrifice for the cause of foreign missions.
We are conscious of the fact that we are not able to com¬
pete with the rich white denominations of the world in our
financial contributions for the maintenance of foreign
missions; as a race we are poor; we have done well in many
respects, especially for our home work, but it is plaiu that
we have not utilized the various opportunities to build up
and extend our work in distant lauds.
The A. M. E. Church, with her 600,000 members, is well
able to expend $25,000 annually for foreign mission pur¬
poses and not neglect her home interests in the least.
What we most need is a will to do. We have not as a
whole realized our heaven-imposed duties to Africa. Hence
we cannot well afford to discourage those who are willing to
help us in this great work. We cannot afford to be selfish-
Africa and African Methodism. 59
I often hear colored persons say white men have no busi¬
ness in Africa, White men have as much right to say negroes
have no business in England, France, Germany, Belgium or
America.
Again, Africans often thoughtlessly say God has walled
Africa in with a wall of fire to protect her from the inva¬
sion of white men. White men with equal propriety might
say that God has walled North America in with a wall of
ice to protect her from the invasion of negroes. " Of one
flesh and blood hath God made all the nations of the earth
to dwell together in peace."
What would we know to-day of Africa had it not been
for white explorers and historians ? Who, white or black,
living or dead, has shown more love and devotion for
Africa and her people than Livingstone ?
Who has spoken in more complimentary terms of the
"Dark Continent" than Mungo Park? Numbers of
other celebrated white historians have shown the highest
degree of love for Africa and her millions of heathen. So
we cannot afford to shut our eyes to such noble deeds and
say the Europeans have no business in Africa.
The negro is not able to redeem Africa were he ever so
willing. He, perhaps, could furnish the majority of
workers but from whence the means ? We must invite
every legitimate agency, whether indigenous or exotic;
whether homogeneous or heterogeneous. God has invited
all mankind into the work, either directly or indirectly.
But let us return more directly to the subject claiming
our consideration at this time. We claim for the A. M. E.
Church great possibilities in Africa.
Nothing is more evident to my mind at this time of our
success with the numerous fields opening on every side, and
the most cordial invitations to come and bring the bread of
life.
During the seven years of our existence in Sierra Leone
the most encouraging results have been produced.
We have four churches in the city of Freetown, with five
hundred members; two progressive day schools with an
average attendance of four hundred pupils. Besides, we
have organized fine mission schools in the interior where
60 Africa and African Methodism.
schools are being taught and new opportunities opening for
extension.
Rev. J. R. Frederick, who came here alone, almost
moneyless, has accomplished a work that will stand to his
eternal credit when his body shall be sleeping in mother
earth.
Bishop Turner, the pioneer African Methodist Episcopal
Bishop to Africa, has done a work here that challenges the
admiration of God and angels; a work that will live, grow
and develop into gigantic proportions; a work that will
bless millions of our fellow-men in this benighted land.
However, this work has not been accomplished without
great personal efforts and tremendous individual sacrifice.
Brother Frederick has had stubborn opposition, and that
from members and ministers of his own church.
Bishop Turner has been bemeaned, opposed, criticised
and rejected because he dared work for the redemption ot
three hundred millions of human beings. In order to give a
mere hint as to the sentiments of the leading ministers of
the A. M. E. Church, with regard to our mission work in
Africa, I will here give the personal remarks of one of her
favorite Bishops. Referring to my going to Africa, he
said :
" Ridgel, you are foolish. If I had my way I would re¬
call every missionary Ave have in Africa, and stop the whole
thing. As a church, we have no business in Africa."
I cannot express my surprise and disgust at a Bishop
who was so ungodly; so blind ; so non-progressive; so in¬
famously narrow as to oppose the salvation of souls.
In the same city the pastors of the various churches, in
council assembled, declared that they would not bring my
interest before their people as they were opposed to our
missionary modus operandi. The reader will be more
astonished when informed that such was the sentiment of
our church and ministry right in the very city that gave us
connectional life, and on the hallowed spot where sleeps the
ashes of the sainted Allen. In justice to the pastor and
members of Old Bethel, we must say that they gave $20.00
towards the cause of Africa.
Oh, how my heart did ache! What bitter and painful
emotions ran through my soul!
Africa and African Methodism.
61
I wept as a child. I wanted to leave the place whose
ministry had vowed to cheek the very work that Christ
Jesns commanded his ambassadors to do. Two years have
failed to restore lost confidence in such vile, unchristianly
emissaries. God bless these poor souls ! With such weights,
hindrances and conflicts, Bishop Turner has succeeded
grandly in his African work. He is loved as a father in
Africa. If here, he would soon be the instrumentality of
African Methodism sweeping this vast continent.
The people of Africa prefer our church government to
that of the other churches here. They regard our polity
more in keeping with genuine Christianity and better suited
for a people just emerging from heathenism.
Again, they like the Methodist fire. It gives joy, peace,
happiness and consolation to the soul. The African is
naturally enthusiastic. He has a soul that can be touched
by gospel magnetism. Forms and ceremonies, robes, sup-
plices, are not his ideal of the gospel ministry. Hence he
approves of African Methodism.
Along the west coast of Africa are several colonies
where our church would doubtless prosper beyond the most
sanguine expectation. We have no organization at Lagos,
Niger, Gold Coast and in the great Congo Free State. At
each of those places we have been cordially invited to come
and organize. However, we have not been able to go, for
want of means. Other denominations have gone there and
brought the most flattering reports of the country and peo¬
ple. God hasten the time when African Methodism will
join the procession.
If our church could or would expend ten thousand dol¬
lars annually in Africa for five years, we would have ten
annual conferences, fifty thousand members, thousands of
dollars' worth of churches, coffee farms, schools, and a self-
sustaining work. I have in my mind the very plan by
which it can be accomplished. Why not launch out in the
deep waters of missionary enterprise ? Why not catch the
spirit of the other Christian churches? Why not do val¬
iant service for the Lord? We have the materials, we can
get the means, we can accomplish the work.
It must be remembered that the civilized world has its
eyes upon Africa. The rush is simply awful. Foreigners
62 Africa and African Methodism.
are taking possession of every available spot. They come
with the government, gospel, school, industry, and with
their armies. They mean business. Unless the negroes
in foreign lands bestir themselves, soon Africa will be gone,
and they will be left without a national home beneath the
canopy of heaven. Two-thirds of Africa is gone now, and
the remaining one-third is a bone of contention between
Great Britain, France, Germany and Belgium. These
master powers have been fought back by nature for many
years, but climatic barriers are rapidly disappearing
and Europeans are flocking to Africa in large numbers
every year in quest of gold, silver, diamonds, rubber, and
the articles of great value. Just why Afro-Americans
have such an antipathy for Africa I cannot understand.
The kings around Sierra Leone have welcomed Rev.
Frederick to their country saying, " We like your church
because it is a black man's church."
These kings control thousands, yes millions, of people;
their countries are large, rich and worthy of consideration.
Suppose we could embrace these opportunities? Suppose
we could send a half-dozen enterprising missionaries to
these countries, and these missionaries could persuade these
several kings to become Christians, why, who knows but
by such powerful instrumentalities thousands, yes millions,
of these poor, heathen brethren would be brought within
the folds of our church.
I am sure much good could be accomplished upon sim¬
ilar plans. The African Methodist Episcopal Church,
especially, has a great opening along this line. She can
immortalize herself here in the fatherland. She can be a
mightier lever in the elevation of this mass of degraded
humanity. The cause of missions is the true spirit and
mission of Christ. Our Saviour was a wonderful example
of missionary sincerity. He went among the people
preaching, teaching, healing the sick, raising the dead,
thus laying the foundation for great missionary operations.
The church that loses the genuine spirit of missions
has lost the spirit of Christ and cannot survive. The
Greek Church became obsolete because it wa3 devoid of
the spirit of missions. The denominations that have given
the most attention to its missionary interests have been the
Africa and African Methodism. 63
most successful in all the departments of Christian opera¬
tions.
When a church comes up to the true standard of mis¬
sionary zeal; when the ministry is imbued with missionary
enthusiasm; when the membership utilizes every oppor¬
tunity to enhance the gospel of Jesus Christ, to promote
the interest of moral, social, intellectual and spiritual life
and activity, such a church, such an organization, such a
ministry and such a people have advanced a long way on
the road of real success. But when a church is dead and
deaf to the plaintive cry of thousands, millions and
hundreds of millions of human beings; when a ministry
becomes indifferent to the spiritual life and moral welfare
of the people over whom they are set as moral guides and
spiritual teachers, such a church, such a ministry and such
an organization is a long way back in the quagmires of
sin, and extinction must ultimately follow.
Now, what we need in the A. M. E. Church is a true
missionary spirit; such a spirit as characterized the pioneer
ministers of Methodism. We want hundreds of such men
as Wesley, Whitefield, Bishops Allen, Morris Browrn,
Quinn, Campbell, Brown, Handy, Cain, Turner and
others. We want men at the head of our department
of missions who are imbued with the missionary spirit;
men that can sympathize with their missionary brethren
who are suffering on the field; men who can devise plans
for raising money for the great cause of missions.
We do not wish to be understood as anyway referring to
the present administration of our missionary affairs. I am
sure that no man within ©ur church limits is more inter¬
ested in the spreading of the gospel and the civilization of
Africa and the heathen world than Bishop Henry M.
Turner.
Oh ! may God hasten the day when our churches every¬
where will be truly awakened to the great cause of Christian
missions; when the name of our God shall be known in
every land, and his name praised by all people; " When
the songs of Satan will be succeeded by the songs of Jesus,
and blasphemies will be turned into praise." I fully be¬
lieve in the final triumph of Christianity. I believe that
the Koran, Kalee, Juggernaut, Confucius, will all yield
64
Africa and Afkican Methodism.
to the blessed old Bible ; the day will come when Maliomet
will be exchanged for Jesus, the Saviour of the world, and
the nations of the earth will bow at the sceptre of the cross
of Christ. Oh, let the kingdom come! Let the gospel
notes ring out in every land ! Push on the mighty victory
of the cross until China, Japan, India, Africa, shall each
exclaim : " The Lord, He is the God, He is the God!"
CHAPTER VI.
MOHAMMEDANISM IN WEST AFRICA.
A brief reference to this religion, its devoted advocates,
as seen in West Africa, will be the object of this chapter.
Every reader of Church history doubtless remembers
the bloody record of Mohammedan reign in Arabia, Syria,
Palestine, Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Asia Minor.
The following account of the terrible enemy to Christian¬
ity occurs on page 79 of Dr. Barth's Church history:
Mohammed was originally a merchant, who traveled
to neighboring countries for the purpose of traffic, and thus
became acquainted with the religious peculiarities of Jews
and Christians. Being from a nation descended from Ish-
mael, the son of Abraham, he easily found, both in Judaism
and Christianity, many materials for his own new doctrine.
He taught that, as there is but one God, so Mohammed
was his greatest prophet, greater than Moses and Christ;
that everything which comes to pass is Preappointed by
an inevitable fate; that after death good is rewarded and
evil punished. Frequent prayer at certain fixed hours,
beneficence to the poor, circumcision, fastings, pilgrimages
to Mecca, and abstinence from wine, are the chief rules of
his religion. On the other hand, he allows polygamy,
made divorces easy, and represented the future state as a
perpetual enjoyment of sexual pleasure; hence, it is not
surprising that he found so many followers.
In the fortieth year of his age, after having come for¬
ward with the assertions that the Angel Gabriel had ap¬
peared to him, and had revealed all this to him, he gained
over a number of his countrymen, whom he confirmed into
the persuasion that his doctrines were from God, by relat¬
ing to them many pretended miracles of his own, and by
appearing to work others, equally pretended.
Nevertheless he met with much opposition, and being
expelled from Mecca, in the year 622, he fled to Medina.
From this period the Mohammedans date their era, which
they called the Hegira, that is, " The flight of their
prophet."
5am (65)
66
Afeica and African Methodism.
At Medina the number of his followers so increased that
in 630 he led ten thousand men to Mecca and took the
city; after \vhich he required all kings and emperors by
special embassies, which he sent to them, to acknowledge
him as the apostle and prophet of God, and resolved to
propagate his religion by the sword. But, before he could
proceed any further, he died at the age of 63, in the year
632.
After his death, his doctrines were collected in a volume,
which is called the Koran, " or reading," and which is re¬
garded by his followers as their sacred code. It is full of
improbable, foolislj tales, mixed up with some particulars
taken from the Bible, principally relating to the patriarchs.
His successors, the caliphs, conquered in a few years all
Syria, Palestine with Jerusalem, Persia, Mesopotamia,
Egypt and Asia Minor. Whoever resisted them was put
to the sword. Temples and cities were destroyed, and
Mohammed's doctrine imposed upon the oppressed inhabit¬
ants. We could wish that what is told were overstated,
namely, that in a short space of twelve years after his
death, thirty-six thousand towns and castles were taken by
the Arabians, and four thousand Christian churches de¬
stroyed ; but it is quite certain that their victorious marches
must have been like the flight of locusts, and that the
devastation they occasioned must have resembled the ca¬
lamities wrought by these devouring insects. The whole
coast of Northern Africa, which was covered with a large
number of Christian churches, became their prey; and on
that coast they so entirely subverted Christianity, that not
a trace of it was to be found.
Only in Egypt, the Coptic Christians maintained their
footing, as did the Nestorians in Persia, and a few smaller
Christians elsewhere; but they lived under severe punish¬
ment, which gradually reduced them to a very low and de¬
plorable state. The Arabs quarrelled among themselves
about the choice of their Caliphs, and this quarrel made
demands on their attention and strength for about thirty
years, which gave the Christians a little respite. By these
contentions the Mohammedans became divided into two
parties, called Schutes and Sunnites.
The former, who are chiefly found in Persia, regard the
Africa and African Methodism. 67
Ivoran slone as the book of religion ; but the latter received
also the traditions of the first four caliphs.
It was not till the year 668 that they renewed their at¬
tacks upon other countries and besieged Constantinople
seven years; but they were forced by a powerful means of
defense, called Greek fire, to withdraw their troops. At
the beginning of the next century, having pursued their
victorious march along the north coast of Africa to the
very shores of the Atlantic, they were able to cross the
Straits of Gibraltar, and to pour into Spain. They pur¬
posed to traverse the length of Europe, and to attack Con¬
stantinople on the land side. The King of the Visigoths,
to whom Spain was then subject, lost his life in a long,
bloody battle with them, and the Arabs now marched with¬
out opposition through Spain, crossed the Pyrenees and
reached Lyons and Besancon: and as three centuries the
Western Church had been threatened with ruin by the
deluge of the Huns from the East, so was she now reduced
to most imminent danger by this raging torrent of Arabs.
■" Germany trembled. " Such is a brief hint of the terrible
record of the followers of Mohammed. They left blood,
death and ruin in their wake; Christians were not spared;
thousands went to the stake; churches, temples and cities
went down before them. Men, women and children suf¬
fered a like fate. Christian women were put to death in
the most shameful manner. They were burned, flayed,
disjointed, hung, and put to death at the edge of the sword.
"While we must admit that there are some good features
connected with the Mohammedan religion, but, as a whole,
we see nothing in it worthy of commendation. Their un¬
compromising advocacy of polygamy is, of itself, sufficient
to make the religion detestable to all Christians and civilized
persons. I know men among them who have twenty and
thirty wives. Their highest ambition seems to be the grat¬
ification of their sexual propensities.
I agree with Dr. Barth, that their base practice of po¬
lygamy is the cause of their rapid increase. I regard Mo¬
hammedanism as being one of the greatest foes to the
Ohristian religion, especially in Africa, where the greatest
part of the inhabitants are the victims of paganism and the
basest superstition.
68 Africa and African Methodism.
However, the pagan is in much better condition than the
Mohammedans; the pagan does not combat Christianity on
the grounds that he has something as good, like the blind
Mohammedan, but, when convinced by the light of the
gospel that he is wrong, accepts Christianity as his " all in
all."
Not so with the Mohammedan. He believes the dead
prophet—rather the false prophet—to be greater than the
risen, triumphant Saviour; he regards the Koran greater than
the old chart which has guided millions into the Beulah
land. The Mohammedans are a wofully deluded people.
I have no great reasons to be astonished when I hear of
Mohammedans accepting the Christian religion; because by
so doing they are advancing, they are getting something
better, they are getting all and giving nothing; but when
preteuded Christians throw down the Gross and take up the
Crescent, exchange a blessed Saviour for a lifeless, false, and
debased prophet, I must say, such an action defies the maj¬
esty of heaven and hurls the most daring and far-reaching-
epithets in the face of a just God.
To disregard the divinity of Jesus Christ, to reduce him
to the common level of a mortal man; to worship the name
of a sinful, degraded and blood-thirsty human ingrate,
rather than extol the name and sacred memory of a holy,
eternal, and omnipotent Jehovah, is a sin of alarming
magnitude.
Dr. E. W. Blyden, the learned negro, the eminent lin¬
guist and traveler, to whose book we have time and again re¬
ferred, has the following to say in behalf of Moham¬
medanism :
"West Africa has been in contact with Christianity for
three hundred years, and not a single tribe, as a tribe, has
yet become Christians. Nor has any influential chief
adopted the religion brought by European missionaries.
From Gambia to Gaboon, the native rulers, in constant in¬
tercourse with Christians, and in the vicinity of Christian
settlements, still conduct their governments according to
the customs of their fathers, where those customs have not
been altered by Mohammedan influence. The Alkali of
Port Lako and the chief of Bullon, under the shadow of
Sierra Leone, are quasi-Mohammedans."
Africa and African Methodism. 69
The above statement by no means adds to the Moham¬
medan any commendable qualities; but rather show them
to be, as we have said elsewhere, a people almost unsuscep¬
tible of the Christian religion.
A people living under the shadow of the Christian
church where the gospel is being preached, entreaties made,
not only by European agencies, but also by the indigenous
agencies ot the soil, and yet remained untouched, unmoved
and unconcerned as to the religion of Christ Jesus; what
does it show but the most stubborn resentment and self-
satisfaction in the direful doctrine to which they cling.
If Mohammedans are more susceptible of the Christian
religion than pagans, why is it that more progress has not
been made among them along the evangelistic line ?
There are many reasons why we might expect pagans to
more readily lay hold of Mohammedanism than Chris¬
tianity.
First. Mohammedanism is a kind of a first-grade pagan¬
ism. To be a Mohammedan the pagan only has to go a
short way out of his old path. He can cling to most of
his superstitions, have his old number of wives, practice
sorcery, etc., all of which makes Mohammedanism prefer¬
able to Christianity.
Second. Christianity demands of the pagan a complete
surrender and entire change of life, both out and in; it
compels him to forsake all practices and become a new
creature.
Ignorance, centuries in heathenism, make this new doc¬
trine a mystery and hard for the pagan to accept. The
mystery seems to be how has Christianity succeeded so well
under the circumstances; how has its influence made any
visible effects upon such a blind, superstitious, and sinful
people ? We repeat it, that Mohammedanism is paganism
in disguise. So far as spiritual advancement is concerned,
an exchange is hardly possible. Christians should be
praised rather than criticised for their devotion, success,
and sacrifice in this dark land.
When you meet the Mohammedan convert and present
to him Jesus, he in return presents to you Mohammed; if
you offer him the Holy Bible he offers to you the doctrines
of the " Blessed Koran." The evangelist invariably finds
70
Africa and African Methodism.
in the Mohammedan an uncompromising foe and antagonist
of the Christian religion.
The Christian cannot expect any advantageous channels
to open through the fallacious system of Mohammedanism.
While here and there he may gain a convert, now and then
he may have opened to him a mosque, but such events are
few and far between. Bat, on the other hand, hundreds of
pagans have embraced the Christian religion at a single
service. They have brought forth their devils and fetishes
and surrendered in the presence of hundreds of people.
Evidence and circumstances all along the lines will show
that pagans are far more friendly towards Christians and
more anxious for the truth than Mohammedans.
Dr. Blyden again says:
"A Mohammedan writer taking the same superficial
view of the effects of Christianity, and with the same love
for epigrammatic terseness, might say Christianity has con¬
secrated drunkenness; it has consecrated negro slavery; it
has consecrated war; and he might gather ample materials
for sustaining his position from the history of Christianity
during the last three hundred years, especially in the west¬
ern hemisphere."
The doctor does not well sustain himself in the above
position from a fundamental standpoint. He seems to for¬
get that Christianity does not indorse such conduct, and
those who are guilty of such crimes have no right to be
styled Christians.
They may be attached to the Christian church in a for¬
mal manner but they are not Christians in the true sense of
the word. Christianity condemns all forms of sin. Pious
Christians have enacted the most rigid codes of law for the
punishment and exclusion of persons who violate the word
of God.
Not so with Mohammedans. They admit and indorse
crime from a fundamental standpoint. Their church is
founded upon the doctrine of polygamy, a crime positively
forbidden in the word of God. They teach their blinded
followers that such a course of life is right. They take no
steps to condemn those baneful sins that are frowned upon
by all true Christians.
Again, Mohammedanisnl denies the divinity of Jesus
Africa and African Methodism.
71
Christ. It styles Mohammed as the superior of the Son of
God. They dispute the biblical account of the fall of man
and original sin ; they deny the redemption of the world by
the death of Christ; they dispute the plan of salvation,
which is the only assurance of eternal rest and happiness.
What doctrine could be more erroneous, more detestable to
a Christian than a doctrine that disregards the Saviour of
the world.
No word of censure is too severe for Mohammedanism.
Should not Christians shun a doctrine based upon the very
sins that God has commanded them to flee " as from an
adder"? We are indeed sorry for those poor deluded per¬
sons who are following in the dark paths of ruin—Moham¬
medanism.
Every Christian should be on the alert and spare no
pains to wage incessant war against Mohammedanism. We
see in it a gigantic evil. An evil that threatens our very
existence in Africa and other Mohammedan countries.
Every day we see the effects of this monster evil upon the
Church of God. Our missionaries find the doctrine deep-
seated in the people among whom they are called to labor;
our churches are chilled from the effects of it.
Let us pray Almighty God to forever blot Mohamme¬
danism out of existence.
I found in Sierra Leone a great tendency toward Mo¬
hammedanism, which is due largely to the complex state
of that colony, and the public espousal of several influen¬
tial men of the Mohammed doctrine who had previously
claimed Christianity. A long and spirited controversy was
carried on through the columns of the Weekly News, the
official organ of Freetown, in which the editor of said
paper maintained that polygamy was excusable, especially
in Africa, owing to the hot climate, which caused the sex¬
ual propensities to run higher than in colder climes.
Such a position is erroneous from the fact that women
have the same nature as men, and if a plurality of wives
is necessary to gratify the natural propensities of men, then
a plurality of husbands is necessary to gratify the sexual
propensities of women, which the advocates of polygamy
and Mohammedanism most iugloriously fail to accord the
fair sex.
72
Africa and African Methodism.
Africa can never be civilized under the influence of Mo¬
hammedanism because the compromise between that doc¬
trine and paganism is too great. It is true, the Mohamme¬
dans have schools, mosques, etc., but water cannot rise
above its source. Since their very faith is defective, it
holds that their teachings and education are also defective.
Those countries where Mohammedan doctrines have gone
for centuries uncontradicted, holding entire control of all
religious teaching, stand as greatly in need of Christian civ¬
ilization as does the pagan in his heathenism.
Christianity only has produced peace, prosperity, and
general development among the nations of the earth.
England, the greatest civilized country on earth, owes her
elevated position in learning, wealth, commerce, and match¬
less influence more to Christianity than any other agency.
America, with her many defects, clings tenaciously to the
Christian religion, hence her wonderful progress in all the
higher pursuits of life. France was the scene of revolution
and blood until the magic tread of Christianity eclipsed the
doctrines of her noted infidels. And notwithstanding the
large percentage of Catholics in France the Christian re¬
ligion scatters its benign influence over that Republic, and
the past and present condition of the country is contrasted
by the words peace and war, prosperity and decay, which is
due to Christianity. If there is any one principle in the
Mohammedan religion that merits consideration and recog¬
nition, it is its freedom from caste, race prejudice, etc., so
largely indulged in by pretended Christians. So far as we
have been able to see, there is no difference on account of
color. Every one enjoys the same untrammelled rights.
But we might say, and truthfully, too, even as much for the
devil. No one can accuse the devil of colorphobia.
Underlying all external phases must be a grand principle,
unimpeachable, such as is peculiar to Christianity. It
matters not what the devotees of the cross may do, no one
can truthfully charge it to Christianity. Not so with Mo¬
hammedanism.
The very doctrine is rotten. The very foundation is
faulty, and whatever external pretensions of safety may
appear are as deceptive as the beautiful yet destructive ice¬
bergs that float down the northern seas. If the heart is
Africa and African Methodism.
73
diseased the whole body is in momentary danger of death.
The whole human system depends upon this one small but
vital organ for life. Just so with religion. Tae whole
superstructure depends upon the foundation. If the foun¬
dation is rotten the building is unsafe, and the occupants
stand in momentary danger of a collapse, and death may
follow.
AVe have shown that Mohammedanism was unsafe from
a fundamental standpoint. First, because Christ is rejected.
Second, the sexual passions of men have control of the
higher senses. The Bible, the only book of inspiration, is
exchanged for the Koran, and whoredom, so strictly forbid¬
den by our Saviour, tolerated.
But the'Christian church rests upon a sure foundation.
That foundation is Christ, the mighty arm that upholds the
universe. Nineteen hundred years she has bravely weath¬
ered the gale of winter and heat of summer. Rome, with
her imperial armies, could not stop her; Greece, with all
her learning, could not confound her ; the iron hoof of
Romanism could not crush her, and all the demons in the
i( infernal regions" cannot defeat her. She has carried
peace in one hand and bread in the other; from the broken
fragments of long fallen empires she has brought forth
mighty nations, and ere long Africa will spring forth under
her magic touch and take her place among the nations of
the earth.
CHAPTER VII.
HOLY GHOST PREACHING.
AVe often hear persons who profess Christianity criticis¬
ing ministers of the gospel who put life and enthusiasm in
their sermons. " Oh/' they say, " we want more classical
love, we want more theory, we want more science and his¬
tory." I often think such persons need more of the grace
of God. Political speakers, congressmen and legislators
pour out their eloquence with such force, such power that
great audiences are moved to uproarous applause; men
stand to their feet, women dash their handkerchiefs to the-
air, and even children join the universal ecstasy, but wheu
ministers of the gospel dare show the emotion of the soul
while discussing the most vital, the most important subject
that ever engaged the human mind, we frequently hear a
number of classical " fops," educational dudes expressing
disgust and describing the scene as a " monkey show."
Such soulless mortals are to be pitied.
Preaching not characterized by the Holy Ghost is no-
preaching. Preaching of a mere theoretical nature is not
the preaching that the world most needs to-day. " Cry
aloud, spare not, lift up a standard for the people/' God
speaks in thunder tones. His chariots shake the earth and
sky. He is heard in heaven, on earth and in the grave.
God has given us voices to use, and not to hide away; we
have no faculty worth saving from God's service; we
should put soul, mind and body in the work.
Bishop Turner, one of the ablest preachers and one of
the most profound and classical scholars of the age, says:
" We learn from one of the Hebrew Talmuds that when
the jubilee trumpets were blown, announcing the great
year of freedom from debt and freedom to the slave, that
the trumpet blast waxed louder and louder, till the sound
was heard through the land, and the echo returned the
shouts of the people. So God meant for his ministers to
proclaim his word louder and louder till the people respond
in shouts of salvation."
(74)
Africa and African Methodism. 75
As we have said elsewhere, many persons can see great
reasons why they should be jubilant, shout and encourage,
until it comes to the house of God. They are always wil¬
ling to eulogize Washington, Lincoln, Grant, Gladstone or
Bismarck, but never willing to eulogize Christ Jesus, the
Saviour of the world.
The ministry, to a great extent, have yielded to the
whims of a few literary nincompoops, and instead of pour¬
ing hot gospel truths upon the people till those unregen-
erated pests were brought to their knees and converted to
God, have turned aside to theory, science and manuscript
preaching, which can never accomplish the mission for
wThich it was sent forth.
Let us here quote Bishop Turner again: "The silent
forces of nature; let us repeat it, the silent forces of nature
—nature has no silent forces. Let us see : rivers rise, roar
and drive everything before them, even to the great gran¬
ite boulders; old ocean lifts her waves sky high and dashes
mountains to pieces; winds in cyclones sweep the land and
make continents tremble; electricity sounds her battle
gongs in the heavens, till man and beast and earth itself
seem affrighted; the sun, the god of day and dispenser of
innumerable blessings, shoots out fiery billows to the dis¬
tance o£two hundred thousand miles, and if it were not for
dead e*her the roar would resound through space for bill¬
ions of miles; the internal fires of the earth roll in angry
floods and hurl up mountains higher than clouds ever float;
the planets in space, while riding on their orbits, generate a
music which makes the universe a literal orchestra. Let
the preacher go and do likewise, preach till he stirs the
universe of human hearts, the universe of immortal souls."
I fully indorse every word of the above quotation.
Bishop Turner has possibly brought more people to Christ
than any other man within the church of his age. How
on earth can the preacher expect the people to be moved
when he manifests no earnestness in his own message?
We do not wish to convey the idea that there is not even
the possibility of pulpit extravagance. I have seen much
of it myself. I am not in sympathy with a vast deal of
idiotical gestures, genuflections, etc., that are indulged in
by ministers of the gospel.
76
Africa and African Methodism.
We have always indorsed an educated ministry, but not
a dead ministry. Education and religion are not antago¬
nists, they are closely allied; the former is auxiliary to the
latter. There are no reasons why the hebmists should not
be as enthusiastic as the common English scholar. The
philosopher should be as zealous Christian as the peasant.
Metaphysics, astronomy and philosophy should all be sub¬
servient to the religion of Jesus Christ.
A congregation grows and develops into greater spiritual
activities in proportion as it receives spiritual food from the
pastor. Like priest, like people." A great responsibility
rests upon those wrho are in charge of the flock of Christ.
Much of the spiritual lethargy of our congregations is due
to the spiritual indifference of the ministers. Too often
pastors manifest no concern whatever for the salvation
of souls. Money-gathering, festivals, etc., are all more
prominent, in many of our churches than revivals of relig¬
ion. For years I have been impressed with the impor¬
tance of putting forth some effort for soul-saving at every
service. By all means, the doors of the church should be
opened at every service. Bishop Grant has followed this
plan with most gratifying results. In the year 1893 he
received thirteen thousand persons into the church.
When we look over the field to be cultivated, by the
Christian church, when we look at Africa with her two
hundred millions of pagans and sixty millions of Moham¬
medans, and then see how little we are doing toward the
accomplishment of the work, we are almost made to ex¬
claim, as did the old prophet: " Oh, that my head was
water, mine eyes a fountain of tears, etc." " We are doing
comparatively nothing," says Bishop Turner.
Our young people have more pleasure in horse-races,
theatres, circuses, card-playing, social amusements, than
they have in the church of God. Many of those wrho do
attend the churches, go as miserable critics, to ridicule the
preacher should he happen to misplace a verb, or fail to
give the correct pronounciation to every word through the
sermon. The poor old people, who have enough religion
to say "glory to God," or possibly shout now and then, are
often laughed at aud called "old fogies," hence the meet¬
ings are growing cold; sinners are going to hell, back-slid-
Africa and African Methodism. 77
ers are lost, and the outlook is gloomy indeed. Other de¬
fects too numerous to mention are obvious to the casual
observer. I really believe that the church will have to
undergo another reformation during the twentieth century.
Another Wycliife must blaze forth and shower a flood of
condemnation upon the formal tendencies of the church and
corrupt practices of the people everywhere. Another
Luther must confound the trashy theoretical essay reading,
so largely indulged in by those who claim to have a " mes¬
sage from the Lord" for all people. Another IIuss must
sacrifice his life for the maintenance, propagation and de¬
fense of pure and undefiled religion. We have wandered
far from the path of our fathers. Men are no longer wil¬
ling to suifer for the gospel of Christ. Every brother wants
an easy place. Many want to be bishops, general officers,
etc. Few, few want to be humble pastors or humble mis¬
sionaries. All want to go with the multitudes. Public
sentiment seems inevitable. We have few Joshuas who
dare bring in a " minority report."
Oh, God wake up the ministry ! Wake up the laiety !
Wake up the sinner! What will become of the world at
this rate of Christian progress ? Give us faith, persever¬
ance, patience and hope. Give us the victory in thy name.
Another baneful, demoralizing and wicked spirit has as¬
sumed undue proportions among ministers of the gospel in
the form of ridicule upon the uneducated portion of the
people.
We have known such masters to actually forbid shouting
within the churches built by those who felt free to praise
God aloud.
Any Christian has a God-given right to shout when
moved to do so by the Holy Spirit.
Even a bishop would transcend the bounds of ecclesiasti¬
cal authority to enter a protest.
God himself has not laid down prescribed rules by which
Christians should give vent to their feelings, but has ac¬
corded every one the untrammelled right to be their own
judge in the matter. Negroism, " fogyism," and like epi¬
thets are too often directed to those who become animated,
or rather happy, under the sound of the gospel. It is a
poor, worthless and pitiable church where from Sabbath to
78
Afkica and African Methodism.
to Sabbath, from year to year, no one becomes happy. It
is strange that men will get down and pray for God to send
the " Holy Ghost," send the " fire from on high," and when
it comes abuse those who are moved by it. Why don't
they pray for God not to send his Holy Spirit ? Why don't
they pray for a religious death in the church ? Such a
course would be far more consistent. I sometimes wonder
what these silent Christians, who are afraid of a shout or a
revival, will do when they get in heaven, if they are so
fortunate as to get there. Heaven, we are told, is a place
of mighty shouting and rejoicing.
Saints and angels will join in one long, loud acclaim of
honor to Him who sitteth upon the throne. Ten thousand
times ten thousand will join in the chorus. Yes, "a number
that no man can number" will raise their tuneful notes,
swelling out in thunder tones. Heaven's mighty orchestra
will peal out in loud notes of praise to Jesus who is "crowned
Lord of all."
This will be mighty unpleasant company I should think
to our " silent-force " Christians.
When you rob our old mothers and fathers of the sacred
privileges of enjoying heart-felt religion, you deprive them
of all the church is to them. We should be very careful how
we invade the sacred domain of Christian rights and prerog¬
atives, for the Saviour said while on earth : "It would be
better to have a millstone hung about the neck, and cast in
the depth of the sea, than to offend one of these little ones of
mine."
Perhaps we have a faint conception of the high estimate
placed on the Christian by the Saviour of mankind. Jesus
has given us as a church of very broad latitude in the exer¬
cise of religious worship and fellowship.
Again, it should be remembered that the old people are the
most stable, trustworthy and important factors of the church.
Take away the mothers and fathers and our churches would
soon be as the Roman temples were in the days of the apos¬
tolic fathers.
What we need is the " Holy Ghost from on high" to
arouse men and women to flee the wrath to come.
We may reach the mind with our intellectual powers, but
we can never reach the soul through that medium.
Africa and African Methodism.
79
No man can understand God merely with the mind. The
Grecian philosophers endeavored to find out God by reason.
What was the result? They could never settle on any par¬
ticular god. They had gods many. They gave various
names and accredited various qualities to their gods. But
when the light of Christianity burst through the darkness
of the ages, men and women through the spirit settled upon
the one true God.
"We are not more learned than were the Grecian philos¬
ophers, therefore we must have the Holy Ghost to teach us,
to guide us, for we have " principalities, powers and devils
to war against."
Christ Jesus was always ready to help, encourage and
cheer up the poor, the needy and the disconsolate.
We shculd emulate our Lord and Master. We should
<3o all in our power for the alleviation of humanity, and the
salvation of poor, dying souls.
In order to check the mad rush of iniquity that sweeps
over our land, it requires more than human power; hence
to check sin, arouse men to " flee the wrath to come," ad¬
vance the church and honor Christianity, requires indeed
the power of Almighty God.
We need never fear revivals of religion, enthusiastic con¬
gregations, a living, burning and experimental religion,
but we have great reason to fear religious dearth, dead
church, formal Christianity. Oh! yes, we should feel seri¬
ous apprehensions when such conditions exist.
Let us each day of life strive to obtain more of the
" Holy Ghost." Let us ask God for that religious fervor
that characterized the early Christians.
When we can feel the blessed spirit each day as we jour¬
ney through life; when the " amen corner" of our churches
is filled with warm hearts, pulsating under the powerful
influences of the Holy Ghost; when men who expound
God's word, will be directed in the delivery of a sermon by
the Divine Spirit, and not by manuscripts, then we may
expect a rich religious harvest, and not until then.
CHAPTER VIII.
SABBATH DESECRATION.
" In six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth,
and rested the seventh day, therefore the Lord blessed the
seventh day and hallowed it."
We are commanded to "Remember the Sabbath day and
keep it holy." It is to be a day of respite from all secular
employment, and wholly devoted to God. But how many
pretended Christians take the blessed Sabbath as a day of
earthly pleasure; a day to visit, to give big dinners, dis¬
cuss politics, and buggy driving rather than visit the house
of God? Others excuse themselves from church by saying:
" We read the celebrated sermon of Dr. Talmage; we read
our Bible at home and learn more than if we were to at¬
tend the services." We agree that Dr. Talmage's sermons
are grand, we all love to read them, but they are not in¬
tended to keep us from church. We have six days to read
Dr. Talmage's sermons, and should be more than willing
to dedicate one day out of seven to the service of our
Heavenly Father, who gives us all we have.
Moreover, persons who merely go to God's house to
hear a sermon have but a poor conception of their relig¬
ious duty. They should go to church to sing, to pray,
contribute to the collection, and participate in the various
services of the occasion.
Our young people have almost abandoned the morning
services. I have gone into numbers of our largest
churches for morning services where a young man or lady
could scarcely be seen. Where are the young people?
Some have gone visiting, some have gone courting, some
have gone on excursions, some have gone out for a drive.
Oh! mother, I warn you against allowing your daugh¬
ters to plunge headlong into sinful pleasure. Bring them
to church. Your heart will ache some day when it's too
late. Look at the immoral deluge that is sweeping over
our land to-day, especially in our great cities. Look, if
you please, at the thousands of our fairest young maidens
going down under the billows, never to rise again. Put a
Bible, hymnal and prayer-book into your daughters'
hands instead of a dime novel.
(80) '
Afkica and African Methodism. 81
Bring them to church rather than carry them to the
theatre, or Sells' Bros, great circus, if you please.
Fathers, keep your sous from the haunts of vice; warn
them against Sabbath desecration.
Christians, go to some church every Sabbath when you
are able, and stop your Sabbath desecration by giving big
dinners, ice-cream parlors, etc.
Thousands of you know you are criminally guilty.
Again, we see hundreds of parents attend church and
leave their children at home. Such is sinful. You know
it is. Where is the sweet little Mary or Johnnie; yonder
they go down some dark alley to play ; jump the rope,
throw ball, play marbles; after awhile they fall into bad
company, they have no love for the church, they want to
go everywhere else; finally Johnnie learns to drink and
gets drunk, stabs his friend or his foe. Mary is seduced
and goes to the assignation house. You are all disgraced,
your heart breaks, and you, by your own conduct, meet an
untimely grave.
Be careful how you desecrate the holy Sabbath. Be¬
ware of your children beforehand, lest they fall into the
tempter's hands. Every child should be brought up under
the direct influence of the church. They should be regu¬
lar church-goers. See to it that they are.
Money gathering is another form of Sabbath desecration
in many of our churches. Preachers and stewards resort
to the most niggardly means to induce the people to give
money. We want the money—yes—must have it at any
cost, seems the order of the day. Such scenes are often
witnessed during revivals of religion over poor sinners
who have come forward for salvation.
Oh, how my heart has ached while witnessing such bane¬
ful form of desecration. God and angels looked down
with righteous indignation upon the scene. We are not
unmindful that church officials, as a rule, claim this to be
the only successful way of raising means to carry on the
financial department of the church. But we know to the
contrary.
Our most financial churches will not tolerate such dese¬
cration. They adopt more reasonable and more successful
plans to gather money. They have their financial com-
t> a in
82
Africa and African Methodism.
mittee to meet during week nights and report their finance.
I tell you, God is displeased with such Sabbath desecra¬
tion, and as Christians we ought to stop it. It can be done
without losing one dollar on the part of the church.
Thinking people are disgusted at the evil practice. Let us
lift our voices against it.
Another form of Sabbath desecration is witnessed at
il basket meetings" where everybody must bring a basket
of food for distribution after religious services are over.
Hundreds of people come simply to "fill their bellies."
Of course, some must watch the baskets while the others
worship. It often happens that a thief steals a basket, or a
cake, sometimes a shoulder of meat, which causes a con¬
sternation. I have also seen men fight, women quarrel,
horse-races run, aud all sorts of Sabbath desecration car¬
ried on at such meetings.
With my whole heart, I oppose such forms of worship.
If we want a "picnic", let us have it some other day, and
not pollute, debase and desecrate the holy Sabbath. Let
the ministry raise their voices against it.
But the most detestable, daring and God-insulting form
of Sabbath desecration, to my mind, is the "Sunday ex¬
cursion." They have as an excuse money gathering for
the church. Thoughtless preachers, as a rule, head them.
They close their church doors, call their members from
their God-imposed duties, to participate with them in dese¬
crating the holy Sabbath. The church does not always see
the money. Often men are shot and killed while on these
errands of hell.
Prostitutes are put on the same seats with ladies; drunk¬
ards curse in the face of respectable society (if such society
ever goes on such missions). All kinds of sin are carried
on, which the ministry should condemn and not tolerate.
There are thousands of legitimate ways for raising
money, and it is useless to argue to the contrary.
The Sabbath is a day that should be observed with the
most profound and solemn devotion and reverence. It is
a day when all persons, saints and sinners, rich and poor,
statesman and President, king and queen, should all as¬
semble to pay tribute to a kind, indulgent, yet just and
strict Heavenly Father.
Africa and African Methodism. 83
David once said: "I was glad when they said unto me,
Let us go into the house of the Lord." " I had rather be a
doorkeeper in the house of the Lord, than to dwell in the
tents of the wicked." "My feet shall stand within thy
gates, oh! Jerusalem, for a day within thy courts is better
than a thousand years spent in sinful pleasure."
I would to heaven that such was the universal senti¬
ment of Christians to-day. If so, we would not have half
-as many empty churches on the Sabbath. We would
not have half as much crime committed in the world.
Our jails would be empty, convict farms would be known
as a relic of a barbarous age; assignation houses would
be converted into happy homes, and drunkards, gamblers,
-and sports would all be changed, and contribute to the
•common cause of Christ.
Our General Conference should enact some law by which
church members who willfuly and persistently desecrate
the Sabbath, by either giving or going on excursions, could
be expelled from the church. Then pastors and presiding
elders should have the moral courage to respect and exe¬
cute such laws. Our Bishops should also use their power
to crush out such flagrant sin.
Often our churches are completely emptied on Sundays by
excursions. How many young women have been forever dis¬
graced on such occasions? How many wives have brought
disgrace upon their family circle by such association ? Men
have been lead into lives of dissipation by allowing such al¬
lurements to control their higher senses. We lament the
loss of so many valuable jewels to our race, victimized by
excursions. More than this, there is a just and awful God
who takes cognizance and will some day bring the trans¬
gressors to account. Behold the long list of desecrations!
Look yonder! at the thousands of immortal souls tum¬
bling down the awful precipice of night! Oh, mothers,
your sons are there; some of you have daughters there.
Every excursion train is freighted with immortal souls,
madly rushing on to hell; every Sunday excursion con¬
ductor is a demon to hell, paid to carry on a human traffic
for the devil.
Let us, as Christians, lift up our prayers, voices, and en¬
ergies against it. Let us form a solid phalanx against the
84 Afkica and Afkican Methodism.
monster evil that stalks our land and robs our church,
stains our character, dishonors our God, and deprives our
families. Far should it be from any Christian to support
such a base, vile, and race-sacrificing institution.
In conclusion, we shall notice briefly another form of
desecration, that, where practiced, has reduced our churches
to the common level of amusement halls. I have refer¬
ence to church parties or festivals.
I certainly oppose such parties being given in the church
of God, which has been solemnly dedicated for religious
services only. I must confess that I have time and again,
contrary to an honest conviction, allowed churches over
which I had the pastoral charge, to be disgraced and dese¬
crated by such parties.
But for several years past, I have withstood the sweep¬
ing current of this popular sin and routed it from my
charges. These parties, with no such design upon the part
of those who give them, destroy the sanctity of God's
house and reduces the sacred rostrum to the level of the
political platform. They make the church a public amuse¬
ment hall, where all kinds of wicked propositions are made
by those, who, other than on similar occasions, never enter
a church.
I have seen drunken men, using all manner of vulgar
and nonsensical language, occupying a prominent position
at such parties. We have actually seen beer and hard-
cider, either capable of producing intoxication, sold by
stewards within the walls of churches. These same breth¬
ren, on Sundays, would pour out a tirade of abuse upon
those who did not advocate temperance.
Again, concert-giving is another very unbecoming and
humiliating practice indulged in by the majority of our
churches. At these concerts love-songs, negro-ministrel
pieces, etc., are sung. Such songs should not resound
through houses dedicated to Almighty God for His divine
worship.. ; Theife are hundreds, yes thousands, of halls
where such secular entertainments could be held, and not
disgrace the house of God with them.
Our church law forbids members to attend theatres, cir¬
cuses, etc., when we give a far lower grade of entertain¬
ment within the church walls. Such inconsistency is too
Africa and African Methodism. 85
glaring. God's house is a house of prayer, and not a den
of thieves.
The most rigid laws have been enacted by the various
State Legislatures for the protection of churches and re¬
ligious services, but we who call ourselves Christians have
but little regard for our churches when a few dollars are
in question.
May the time soon come when every church will be free
from these debasing, vile and sacrilegious gatherings, which
scatter their baneful influence to the moral ruin of so many
promising young men and women who could be a blessing
to mankind.
When we reach the period of our Christian life that
each member will have one grand object, the glory of God
and the salvation of man, we will then, and not until then,
be free from the corrupting influences that we have briefly
narrated in this chapter.
No interest should be paramount to that of saving souls.
If we take care of the spiritual work, the finance will be
a matter of little or no burden. But when money seems
to be the all-important issue, even good people are in¬
clined to question the motives, with now and then a solemn
protest.
By all means we should, as Christians, entertain that
high regard for the church that.its sanctity and importance
demands.
I was deeply impressed with the profound reverence en¬
tertained by the Mohammedans for their church. Each
worshiper removes his sandals before entering the edifice.
They repeatedly kiss the ground as au acknowledgment of
the blessings that they have received from Almighty God.
They sit on mats spread on the ground as a sign of humili¬
ation. But we, self-righteous Christians; we, the best peo¬
ple on earth; we, who love Jesus so much, that we hate the
name of Mohammed, half of us will not stand to sing or
kneel to pray.
We sit straight up in our fine pews, beneath our feet
fine carpet is spread, and we are so proud, so unthankful,
that we will not even bow our knees on fine carpet, while
the Mohammedans bow and kiss the earth.
Let us consider and profit thereby.
CHAPTER IX.
SYSTEMATIC EMIGRATION INDORSED.
The subject of African migration is one of the living-
issues of the day. It is now engaging the minds of our
greatest men, both in Church and State.
Shall the Afro-American return to his "fatherland"? is
a question asked by many who are desirous of getting light
on the subject, for say what you please, the American negro,,
as a whole, is not satisfied with his present treatment, and
thousands are anxious to leave the land of their "curse."
We are conscious of the fact that hundreds of thousands
of American negroes had rather remain where they are;
they cannot bear the idea of going to a country not ruled
by white despots; they cannot think of leaving the cook-
pots of negro-hating white people, who will tell those very
negroes that all they (the white people) want with negroes
is to perform the hard labor and keep their sons and
daughters in ease and luxury.
Surely the American negro is the most unconcerned
person on earth.
Far more so than the most interior African. Slavery
left the American negro, with rare exceptions, entirely
divested of moral courage.
What people beneath the sun would daily submit to such
indignities as are heaped upon the American negro but a
people divested of moral stamina ?
We feel safe in saying " the negro has no future in
the United States of America." Many brand such an as¬
sertion with falsity and deception, nevertheless, we shall
hold our position until our opponents present a more feasible
way by which we can throw off the American yoke and en¬
joy the freedom for which our fathers fought, labored and
prayed.
Africa,and especially that portion known as Liberia, lying
along the west coast, presents a grand opportunity to the
oppressed negro in exile. Liberia is an independent negro
government, and despite all opposition she has maintained
(86)
Africa and African Methodism.
87
her position aixl stands to-day among the recognized
nationalities of the world.
Those who best know the odds against which this infant
Republic has had to contend only express surprise
that she has been able to exist until now.
The lands of Liberia are rich, and crops cau be planted
and grown at almost any season of the year. The climate
is not so dangerous by far as often represented.
Here in Liberia are thousands of acres of virgin soil await¬
ing the arrival of our people in distant lands, who could soon
grow rich and independent if they would embrace it.
The Liberian territory extends more than three hundred
miles along the coast of West Africa, and penetrates forty
miles back into the interior, taking in and constitutiog the
most fertile and desirable section in West Africa.
The country has been much coveted by European
countries for years. Some years ago England fraudulently
obtained possession of valuable lands on the east coast—
Sulamah, Lavanah and Manoh. In 1893 the French re¬
sorted to the most inhuman means and gained possession
of the great " Ivy Coast," and even raised the French
ensign at Cape Palmas. However, they were defeated in
this last attempt to rob an honest and weak nation, and
were driven from Palmas, one of the healthiest and most
desirable towns of the Republic.
Affain, the Liberians have had infinite trouble with a
CJ '
native tribe known by the name " Greybo." Possibly no
native tribe along the coast is better educated than the
Greyboes. For years they have had access to the Episcopal
schools at Cape Palmas.
We often see among them Greek, Latin and Hebrew
scholars. Several are able preachers, and not a few are
teachers and cateehists in the Protestant Episcopal Church.
But, strange to say, this tribe seems determined to disrespect
and violate Liberian laws. It seem that some foreign
nationality has conspired with this powerful tribe to destroy,
if possible, the very government of Liberia.
The Greyboes acknowledge that their white tutors in
school taught them to look with disdain upon the Americo-
Liberians, who had been slaves. Such teaching is very un-
christianly, but very peculiar to white Americans especially.
88 Africa and African Methodism.
We might expect such infamous doctrine from a set of
pretended Christians just from the hotbeds of American
slavery and race caste, etc. However, the gallant Liberians
defeated their entrapped foes and forced them to sign the
treaty of peace and submission.
Notwithstanding all the perils, privations and national
conflicts through which this little " Black Republic " has
passed, she still presents an open door for her brethren
in the land of oppression. With all the invasions made
upon her territory by rival powers, she yet has land
sufficient to give ample room for millions of our fellow-
men, who are yet wearing the yoke of voluntary bondage
in America.
Back from the great St. Paul river are vast tracts of rich
lands, uncultivated. The country is high and healthy ;
the natural scenery is delightful to behold. In Grand
Bassa County, up the St. John, Benson and Mechlin rivers,
are lands sufficient to furnish homes for hundreds, yes,
thousands, of families.
In all of my life, I have never seen a more flattering
opening for emigrants.
The government has offered every inducement to en¬
courage migration, which, as all know, is more than other
governments are doing.
Those of our people who elect to remain on American
soil, in the face of such an opening as we have described,
deserve the punishment inflicted upon them by the haughty
white American.
Let it be remembered, however, ao we have stated else¬
where in this work, that we do not favor the "wholesale
deportation" of Afro-Americans to this country. Great
care should be exercised in the selection of emigrants.
As a rule, young and vigorous persons should be selected.
Self-reliance, race pride, and a desire for independence,
should be distinguishing features and indispensable pre¬
requisites visible in those who are advised to come.
Those of our people who are merely hunting fame and
personal promotion on a selfish basis, are unfit for a new
and undeveloped country. Centuries of submission have
made visible marks of moral and social imperfections on
our brethren in exile, and have sorely unfitted many of
Africa and African Methodism. 89
them for anything but a career of servitude, which they seem
to enjoy. Freedom to such a people would be bitter and
unappreciated. They, like the ancient Israelites, would
soon long for the "flesh-pots of Egypt."
An indomitable will and courage, an elevated manhood,
with a hatred for subserviency, will alone be sufficient pillars
on which to stand during the rigors of pioneer life.
Hundreds of our people believe that white men only can
succeed in national affairs. They maintain that the time
has not yet come for negroes to seek and strive for national
independence; they claim that the white men should
be given full sway, and his system of tyranny and blood¬
shed should be indorsed. This school of teachers, as a rule,
stand at the head of our race in America. Those of them
who have the moral courage to condemn the bloody reign
which has placed America among the most barbarous na¬
tions that ever existed, will oppose any feasible plan to
relieve their fellow-men of the tortures of sword and fire.
It is painful to note the inconsistency of Mr. Douglass, the
leading orator and statesman of the negro race, who, with
nervous and burning eloquence, will condemn the Ameri¬
cans, North and South, but will in the very next breath, and
with equal zeal, denounce African migration in any general
form, which is at present, the only "solution of the race
problem."
What is true of Mr. Douglass is true also of nine-tenths
of our leading men.
These distinguished divines and zealous advocates of a
quiet submission to American tyranny recommend prayer
and patience as the only alternative in the premises.
Well, we admire their faith, but question the logic of
their position or argument. We might, with equal propri¬
ety, recommend that Africa be Christianized by recalling
all the missionaries and taking away all the Bibles. What
man with common sense would get and pray for God to re¬
deem Africa, or any other that only those of our race, who,
by geographical limitations, are free from the infernal slave
system of America, herald forth the doctrine of patience
and resistless submission. Well, perhaps a few Southern
negroes, who have either been paid or influenced to decry
freedom for their brethren, can be found here and there,
90 Africa and African Methodism.
but they constitute a very small minority of the great mass
of suffering humanity in the Southland.
Strange to say, but the greater part of our leading men,
especially those of the East, oppose even missionary operation
in Africa. Every effort has been made to make Bishop
Turner's labors in Africa a failure.
The work has not only been criticised but abused in very
severe terms. Undue measures have been established and
operated to abuse the public mind, for the express object of
disgracing and impoverishing the cause.
Why such vituperations, such high-handed treachery,
such malicious designs have been resorted to, we cannot ac¬
count for, unless from a hatred for Africa.
But it is my candid belief that our people are throwing
away grand opportunities, for which they will lament, but
too late.
God will not respect the petitions of such recreants of
their most sacred interests.
We must act as well as pray. When Providence opens
to us a door, we must not be too cowardly to enter
into that door.
Israel was not freed in Egypt, but was commanded to
cross the Red Sea, pass through the wilderness, conquer the
enemy, and find freedom in Canaan.
Such a history is of peculiar significance to us as a race
to-day. We may treat these suggestions with contempt; we
may spurn with indignation the very idea of such a thing;
but, heathen land, without agents to carry on the work?
Why, common sense would at once say, get up off your
knees, put your hands into your pockets, and help to
pay the expense of a thousand missionaries to carry the
light to Africa.
Now, our dear deluded brethren are down praying for
God to open an effectual door through which they can pass
to escape the awful calamity that has befallen the race,
when common sense says to these great apostles, "Behold!
an open door in Africa. See that wide open gate in
Liberia. Hear your brethren calling you from across
the sea." But these doctors of the law seem to regard
it the voice of Satan, and run away, with their ears, stopped
crying: "How can we leave these white folks?" "IIowcan
Africa and African Methodism. 91
we stand the genial rays of freedom's light?" " How can
we leave this gloomy prison?" "How can we bear the idea
of having a negro president, negro judges, negro senate,
etc.?" "How can we live in a land where negroes are
not burned, flayed and disjointed ?"
Such is the evident course of their reasoning. Poor
philosophers, poor logicians, poor race leaders, and worse
gospel trumpeters.
Bishop Turner, Dr. C. S. Smith, Prof. W. II. Councill,
A.M., with a number of others, take quite a different
position, and say: "Let us go up and possess the land.
We realize the profound ignorance of our people when they
are induced to remain in bondage, surrounded with death,
when freedom's fair land lies just over the sea. We are also
confronted with a cold, illogical personal selfishness on
the part of those of our race leaders, who, on ac¬
count of their own more favorable situation, advise their
bleeding kinsmen to continue to wear the galling yoke
of bondage, for we cannot more appropriately title the
present condition of Afro-Americans. It must be obvious
to the casual observer, mark well the 1 signs of the times'."
Europeans are flocking to Africa, and not a few to
Liberia, in quest of wealth. The natural resources of the
country place it at the front column, from a commercial
and mercantile point of view. Steamships are hugging
the African coast by the hundreds. Traders soon grow
vastly rich by exchanging rotgut whisky for gold-
dust, ivory, cam-wood, fibre, kola nuts, palm kernels, palm
oil, etc.
The country abounds with tropical fruits of every vari¬
ety; valuable animals roam the forests of Liberia without
fear of molestation.
Nature has done everything necessary for the happiness
of those who dwell in this free land.
Again, we repeat it, that we oppose wholesale emigration.
We favor a gradual influx of industrious negroes from
abroad to continue a healthy state of the country, that
each succeeding exodus may have less difficulties against
them. But to empty the ten million American negroes
into this country within five, ten, or a dozen years, would
be a dire calamity to the country.
92
Africa and African Methodism.
Let us have a gradual migratiou of those persons who
are tired of bondage, and those who are self-reliant. Such
persons would be a godsend to Liberia, and Liberia
would prove an asylum of peace to them.
CHAPTER X.
AN EDUCATED, PROGRESSIVE MINISTRY.
Education is an essential element in ministerial qualifi¬
cation. However, let us first examine the term in its literal
sense.
Education—"act or process of drawing out, etc.; tuition,
nurture, teaching, breeding"; such is the definition of Mr.
Webster.
ria(<ko.—training, education, learning, science.
Ediico, ere, duxi dudum—to lead out or forth.
It will be observed that the English, Greek and Latin
definitions all have similar meanings, in the development of
the moral, meutal and industrial faculties, which vary
according to the law of intuition. That is to say, that the
developing process must be governed by the intuitive re¬
sources for development. There are persons who can never
be educated, from the fact they have no intutive endow¬
ments, and cannot therefore comprehend the difficult prob¬
lems involved in what we denominate an education. In
other words, they have nothing "to draw out"; while there
are others whose minds have been so heavily charged with
natural ability or intuition that they scarcely need peruse
the long and tedious list of books recommended in the cur-
riculums of colleges to enable them to grapple with the
most intricate subjects. Such a person was the late Henry
Highland Garnett, one of the ablest orators that the race
has ever produced.
Such persons are rare exceptions, and even they should
pursue some definite and high branch of study, otherwise
they will be superficial, having an overflowing vocabulary
with no logic, profundity and precision. As Bishop
Turner once said, "A diarrhoea of words and constipation
of thoughts."
Education does not consist of merely completing a college
course and obtaining a diploma, but it embraces a develop¬
ment of all the higher senses or qualities of man. The
subject rightfully should be considered under three heads,
(93)
94 Africa and African Methodism.
intellectual, moral and industrial. Here let us consider
the mind which is the seat of thought, the intellectual or
rational faculty in man, the understanding, the entire spir¬
itual nature, soul, etc.
Mr. Webster, the great American lexicographer, is very
confused and unsatisfactory in his discrimination between
the soul, the mind, and the spirit. In fact, he virtually
makes the three to mean the same thing.
From his explanation we get but little information, so
far as the real difference or distinction of these three cor¬
relative terms.
But let us say, that the mind is the essential faculty of
man, so far as time and things are concerned, and is a re¬
ciprocal treasure, both receiving and imparting knowledge.
Of course it must receive before it can impart. Now, the
mind must deal with the things of nature. The mind has
been able to tell the difference between a star and a planet;
it has devised plans to measure the distance to far-off
worlds; it conceived the great law of gravitation and directs
the electric currents ; it has invented an instrument (spec¬
trum) for reading light, by which means we learn some of
the properties of the sun's composition ; it has compre¬
hended the great sun-storms or fiery tornadoes sweeping
over the sun's disc; it has found the composition of water
and described the minute animalcula that inhabit it; the
mind has produced many grand and wonderful things, but
the mind can never comprehend the spirituality of man
nor the infinitude of God.
To prove this assertion, we have only to quote ancient
history, or heathen mythology, which would consume
more space than we had alloted for this chapter; however,
we shall adduce a few instances.
" Cadmus, one of the earliest of the Greek demigods. He
was the reputed inventor of letters, and his alphabet con¬
sisted of sixteen letters. It was Cadmus who slew the
Boestian dragon and sowed its teeth in the ground, from
each of which sprang an armed man."
" Cneph, in Egyptian mythology, was the creator of the
universe, a god of great power, wisdom, and excellence."
" Cybele, the mother of gods, hence called Magna Mater.
She was the wife of Saturn. She is sometimes referred to as
Africa and African Methodism. 95
Ceres, Rhea, Ops, and Vesta. She is represented as riding
in a chariot drawn by lions. In one hand she holds a
sceptre and in the other a key. On her head is a castel¬
lated crown, to notify that she was the first to protect castles
and walls with towers."
"Gabriel, in Jewish mythology, is the prince of fire and
thunder, and the angel of death to the people of God."
"Mercury, the son of Jupiter and Maia, was the mes¬
senger of the gods and the conductor of the souls of the
dead to Hades. He was the supposed inventor of weights
and measures, and presided over the orators and merchants.
Mercury was accounted a most cunning thief, for he stole
the bow and quiver of Apollo, the girdle of Venus, the tri¬
dent of Neptune, the tools of Vulcan, and the sword of
Mars, and he was therefore called the god of thieves."
'* And there without the power to fly,
Stands fixed a tip-toed Mercury."
—Lloyd.
" Then fiery expedition be thy wing,
Jove's Mercury, and herald for a king,
Be Mercury, set feathers to thy heels,
And fly like thought from them again."
—Shakespeare.
"Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance or justice, was one
of the infernal deities. Her mother was Nox. She was
supposed to be constantly traveling about the earth in
search of wickedness, which she punished with the greatest
severity. The Romans always sacrificed to this goddess
before they went to war, because they wished to signify
that they never took up arms but in the cause of justice."
" Forbear, said Nemesis, my loss to moan
The fainting, trembling hand was mine alone."
—Dr. Wharton.
Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, war, and the liberal
arts, is said to have sprung from the head of Jupiter, fully
armed for battle. She was a great benefactress of man¬
kind and patroness of the fine arts. She was the titular
deity of the city of Athens. She is also known by the
names Pallas, Parthenos, Tritonia, and Glaucopis. She
was very generally worshipped by the ancients, and her
temple at Athens, the Parthenon, still remains. She is
96 Africa and African Methodism.
represented in statues and pictures as wearing a golden
helmet encircled with an olive branch and a breastplate.
In her right hand she carries a lance, and by her side is
the famous regis or shield, covered with the skin of Amal-
thea, the great goat which nourished Jupiter; and for the
base of the shield is the head of Medusa. An owl, the
emblem of meditation, is on her left, and a cock, the em¬
blem of courage, on her right.
"The Elgin marbles in the British Museum were brought
from the Parthenon, her temple at Athens. Pandora, ac¬
cording to Hesiod, was the first mortal female. Vulcan
made her of clay and gave her life. Venus gave .her
beauty, and the art of captivating was bestowed upon her
by the three Graces. She was taught singing by Apollo,
and Mercury taught her oratory. Jupiter gave her a box,
the famous 'Pandora's box,' which she was told to give to
her husband, Epimetheus, brother of Prometheus. As
soon as he opened it there issued from it numberless dis¬
eases and evils which were soon spread over the world,
and from that moment they have afflicted the human race.
It is said that Hope alone remained in the box.
"Among the Egyptians the soul-of the departed was
described as making long and perilous journeys in the
under world. Instructions were given by which it could
vanquish the frightful monsters that constantly assailed it
before reaching the first heaven. That passed, it entered
upon a series of transmigrations, becoming successively a
hawk, lotus flower, heron, crane, serpent, and crocodile, all
being emblems of deity. Meanwhile it maintained a mys¬
terious connection with its mummied body, and was at
liberty to come and go from the grave during the day¬
time, in any form it chose.
"At last the body, carefully preserved from decay,
joined the soul in its travels and they went on together to
new dangers and ordeals. The most dreadful of all en¬
counters was the trial in the great Hall of Justice before
Osiris and his forty-two ancestors, where the heart was
weighed in the infallible scales of truth, and its fate irrev¬
ocably fixed.
" The accepted soul was identified with Osiris and set
on a series of ecstatic journeys in the boat of the sun, the
Africa and African Methodism. 97
final glory being a blissful and eternal rest. The rejected
soul was sent back to the earth in the form of a pig or
some unclean animal, to suffer degradation and torture.
"As suggestive of Egyptian morals, it is interesting to
find in the soul's defense before Osiris such sentences as
these: 4 I have not been idle ; I have not been intoxi¬
cated; I have not told secrets; I have not told falsehoods;
I have not defrauded ; I have not slandered; I have not
caused tears; 1 have given food to the hungry, drink to
the thirsty, and clothes to the naked.'"—Barnes's Ancient
History.
We have not space to deal with the vague notions of the
Greeks and Romans respecting the souls of the deceased.
I thiuk what we have presented is sufficient to prove the
inability of the mind to fathom the great mystery con¬
nected to our spirituality and to the infinitude of Al¬
mighty God, hence the need of a moral or spiritual educa¬
tion. I prefer to use the term spiritual education, from
the fact that it better implies our meaning.
Some years ago the learned Bishop Turner stated in the
columns of his paper (Southern Recorder) that there was no
such thing. A prelate of our church took grave exceptions
to the statement and answered in a series of elaborate arti¬
cles, wliich I regarded foreign to the subject at issue.
I agree with Bishop Turner and repeat his statement:
"There is no moral religion." Morality, we grant, is a
part of religion, but it is not a religion, or rather, a Chris¬
tian religion of itself. Just here is where we often blunder;
we call Mr. So-and-So a good moral Christian, because he
happens to pay his debts, go to church, don't get drunk,
don't tell lies, etc., so far as we know; yet Mr. So-and-So
has never made an open profession of conversion; he
knows nothing of heart-felt religion and is just as ignorant
of salvation and the operation of the Holy Ghost as the
heathen philosophers were of the true God.
Intellectual education, or book learning, is an important
factor in the great work of the church, but is not a sub¬
stitute for regeneration.
A man may acquire all the learning that books can give,
or the mind is capable of receiving, and yet be a miserable
fool to the spiritual department of the kingdom of grace.
7am
98 Africa and African Methodism.
Take the Grecian poets, historians, philosophers and
orators, who were the most learned men of that age, and
see what vague, erroneous, and fanciful ideas they enter¬
tained of God, the final abode of the spirit, and other things
which the finite mind cannot approach.
Their gods were almost as numerous as their ideas.
They worshiped serpents, crocodiles, things terrestrial,
things celestial, and things infernal. Were they ignorant
so far as the cultivation of the mind was concerned ? No.
The poems of Homer, the immortal blind Grecian poet,
though near three thousand years old, stand at the head of
classic poetry.
Demosthenes' Oration on the Crown has never been sur¬
passed by mortal man; though it has passed through the
intellectual crucible of near three hundred centuries.
Csesar, Cicero, Plato, Aristotle, Zeno, Epicurus and other
master minds of Grecian and Roman literature were vic¬
tims of the most superstitious practices, which shows con¬
clusively that man has yet a higher principle that connects
him to his Maker. That principle is the soul, or the spir¬
itual part of man.
Spiritual education is often neglected and frequently ig¬
nored. That it is infinitely more important than intel¬
lectual education, needs only the comparison of time and
eternity, a never-ending somewhere, either in bliss or woe.
Now, what is moral education? What we call moral
man is one who observes the laws of his country. This
very man may never bend his knees to God : he may never
put forth any effort for the salvation of poor souls; his own
heart may be as hard as a stone, yet, if he pays his debts,
obeys the civil laws of his country, he is called a good
moral man. I claim that no human being can live a moral
life when they have never known Christ in the pardon of
their sins. Christ is the great moral teacher; he commands
us to repent of our sins and receive the Holy Ghost; and
yet many who have never repented, know nothing of the
efficacious influence of the Holy Spirit, around boasting of
their morality. Shame on such deceit and hypocrisy.
Moral and spiritual teaching has a salutary influence over
those who sit under the sound of it; nine-tenths of those
whose lives are in direct opposition to its directions will
Africa and African Methodism. 99
concede that it is a good doctrine, but what do they know
about it? What practical knowledge have they of its
workings?
Such persons know just about as much about spiritual
education as a school boy who has never seen inside of a
book of geometry, yet hearing others demonstrate geometri¬
cal propositions, knows about the general principle of that
science. Moral influences may have a good effect from an
external source, but must be actuated by internal motives;
must become a part of the individual life; must be real¬
ized through the operation of the spirit upon the soul, before
a sure basis for time aud eternity can be formed. Hence
moral education should be taught by one who is able to
comprehend the subject in all of its correlative parts and not
by an individual who has simply obtained a theoretical
knowledge of morality by the study of moral ethics. We
see the effects of this "modern-day school" of "moral re¬
ligionists." They preach a doctrine that the spiritual man
will not accept. They try to 'cram this " simply-do-re¬
ligion " down our throats; they, having never been con¬
verted, despise religious enthusiasm. They can't bear to
see any one shout; they want profound quietude; they ar¬
gue the silent forces of nature; they do all this hard labor
rather than go and get converted; rather than have the new
birth in Christ. Hundreds of churches are suffering
spiritual death to-day, under the pastorate of moral theor¬
ists and unconverted preachers. But, let us see; we want an
educated ministry; aministry well abreast the times; aminis-
try that can grapple with the great scientific and theological
issues of the day. But, we don't want that class of educated
preachers that will crush out the religious life of the church.
We must here notice the opposite divisions of our ministry.
I have reference to those who claim that a man does not
need any intellectual training to enable him to explain the
word of God. They hold that God will fill the mouth with
arguments at the proper time. This class of preachers con¬
stitute the bane of our ministry. They appeal to the ig¬
norant passions of the people ; they bray like a mad jackass
for hours at a time ; they use the lowest grade of compari¬
sons, and use the coarsest language; they abuse education
just as some educated fops abuse emotional religion; they
100 Africa and African Methodism.
stamp the floor and beat the Bible. I have seen them come
down from the rostrum and preach up and down the aisles
of the house. I have seen them sit down and preach, stand
up and preach, run and preach, lay down and preach, run
around the church and preach—I say preach, it was simply
a lot of snorting and acting the fool.
Such profound ignorance and " tom-foolery " should be
frowned down by an intelligent public.
We need a ministry that will operate between these two
extremes. Not the high-toned philosophical theorist, pour¬
ing out a flood of difficult extract terms which only the
educated mind can grasp; nor the ignorant fanatic, yelling,
bellowing and stamping, depending upon his stentorian
lungs and musical voice to raise a religious excitement in
the congregation. "We want a ministry full of the evangel¬
ical spirit that characterized the apostles and apostolic
fathers, men like Luther, Wycliffe, Wesley, Whitefleld,
Allen and Brown. A ministry while learned and philo¬
sophic, yet spiritual and simple; a ministry awake to the
great cause of Christian missions, and every other depart¬
ment of the church.
We shall close this chapter by entering our most solemn
protest against the wholesale conferring of titles upon
unworthy individuals. The titles D.D., LL.D. and
Ph.D. carry with them no importance in our church and
among our ministers. Our leading institutions have dealt
with a liberal hand along the line. I know D.D.'s in our
church who cannot speak a half dozen correct English
sentences during the delivery of a sermon two hours long.
Almost anybody is a doctor of divinity among us. It is
not so in England. When a man has D.D. conferred
upon him there, it means something. I know Englishmen
who could swallow a half dozen of our pretentious D.D.'s
in America, that would not accept D.D. under any con¬
sideration.
It is sickening to hear the long list of D.D.'s at our
conferences, etc. It is doctor this, and doctor that, and
doctor the other, and if half of those doctors were put on
examination they could not pass the examination for local
preacher's license. My God, the thing is disgusting !
I am astonished at such schools as Wilberforce, Paul
Africa and African Methodism.
101
Quin, Allen and Morris Brown titling so many uneducated
men, who will ultimately disgrace those institutions that
represent the intelligence of the A. M. E. Church.
It is true we have a number of men who merit the title
D.D., Ph.D. or LL.D. We might mention Bishops B.
P. Lee, B. T. Tauner, H. M. Turner and others of our
Bishops; also Drs. Embry, Coppin, H. T. Johnson, T. H.
Jackson, J. S. Flipper, W. D. Chappelle, aud a number of
others whose names we cannot recall.
But there is an array of bobtail D.D.'s who should dis¬
possess themselves of the titles for conscience sake.
We must close this chapter without touching "a pro¬
gressive ministry," which is due to space, and not lor a
want of argument. While we have been plain, possibly
too much so for our own good or popularity in dealing
with this subject, yet we have been governed by no selfish
or personal motive but by one grand sentiment aud object,
and this is to do justice by all.
There is too much of deceit aud flattery extant for our
good as a church or a race.
CHAPTER XI.
SKETCH OF AFRICAN METHODISM IN AFRICA.
We have experienced great difficulty in getting data and
facts regarding the origin and development of the African
M. E. Church on the shores of Africa. We are pleased,
however, to give publicity to what have been obtained
from time to time.
The A. M. E. Church was organized in Sierra Leone by
Rev. John R. Frederick, in 1886, in the city of Freetown.
Zion Church, which formerly belonged to the Lady Hun¬
tington connection, was the first legal transfer to our con¬
nection and is, therefore, the mother church of our con¬
nection in the Colony of Sierra Leone, West Africa.
Brother Frederick experienced great difficulty in prop¬
erly getting the church and her interests before the people.
Support was hardly expected, other than from abroad,
which was very meagre. However, the work continued to
grow until very soon additional workers were needed.
From Zion, in Freetown, sprang up several missions inte-
riorwards. At the first Annual Conference held by Bishop
H. M. Turner, D.D., in November, 1891, the following
missions were reported :
Zion members 289
Scarcies missions 28
Magbelly missions. - 16
Thus it is seen that November 3, 1891, we had a mem¬
bership in the Sierra Leone Conference of 323 full mem¬
bers, eight thousand dollars' worth of church property, one
thousand dollars' worth of school property and four travel¬
ing preachers, J. R. Frederick, H. M. Steady, D. B. Roach,
M. Newland.
At this conference the work received new life. Rev.
G. D. Decker, an expsrienced, well-educated minister of
the Wesleyan Church, was received into the connection,
and entered upon active ministerial duties, to the great
delight of all. Brother Frederick, whose labors and draw¬
backs had been great, felt that God had smiled upon his
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Africa and African Methodism. 103
efforts; the members rejoiced that their eyes were permit¬
ted to behold a Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church. The church was put on a permanent basis, and
many friends were made for the struggling church work.
Bishop Turner enjoyed fairly good health during the
conference session, but was afterwards seized by African
fever, which lasted him until he had gotten out on the
mighty deep. Rev. T. R. Geda, who accompanied the
Bishop to Africa from the United States of America, was
of great value at this conference. His sermons, songs and
various efforts met the hearty approval of all.
Here we have a lapse of two years before another epis¬
copal visit is made to this distant work. During this time
Brothers Frederick, Decker, Roach, Steady, Newland and
Sclienker are hard at work toward the great interior. Soon
we see two other missions spring up, with an increase of
interest all along the line.
April 3, 1893, Bishop Turner arrived at Freetown,
Sierra Leone, with Rev. G. G. Vreeland, A. L. Ridgel and
Mrs. Fannie M. Ridgel, as missionaries from America.
Rev7. J. R. Frederick, P. E., tendered a most cordial
welcome to all, and expressed himself as being more than
hopeful for the future prosperity of the church.
The conference session was pleasant and the reports
were far in advance of the previous conference. While
we are unable to give figures and definite facts as reported
at this conference, owing to the non-publication of the
minutes, yet we feel safe in saying that a grand work had
been done. Siuce the last conference Rev. A. L. Ridgel
was added to the work and assigned to Payne's Mission,
where, after experiencing much difficulty and stubborn
opposition, he accomplished a good work. Mrs. Ridgel
gave general satisfaction as a teacher.
The appointments at this conference were as follows:
Zion, Rev. J. R. Frederick; East End, George D.
Decker; Payne Mission, A. L. Ridgel; Magbelly, Joseph
Coker; Scarcies, D. B. Roach; Educational Work, H.
M. Steady ; , M. Newland; Evangelist, H. Russell.
We feel safe in saying that our church property in Sierra
Leone will amount to $15,500, with a membership of 700,
besides probationers. Rev. H. M. Steady, a well educated
304 Africa and African Methodism.
young man, has charge of the educational work, and has
been wonderfully successful along that line. This grand
work has been accomplished with but little foreign aid.
Notably among those who stood by the work was the late
Bishop Daniel A Payne and the Sisters of the Mite Society.
There is great hope for our church in Sierra Leone.
Native kings have come all the way to Freetown to invite
Rev. Frederick to their kingdoms. They seem to love the
A. M. E. Church. Zion, the mother church, has a liberal
and loyal membership. They contribute more for mis¬
sionary purposes than any church of the connection.
Brother Frederick is a noble church worker and is much
beloved by all his membership.
We wish we could give a more elaborate and definite
account of our Sierra Leone work, but it is utterly impos-
ibleto do so under the circumstances.
Somehow our people do not believe in written history.
When we began this work we begged the late Sister Sarah
Gorham for a biographical sketch of her life. Sister Gor-
ham thought we were hasty in trying to write the history
of our church work in Africa, and we never got a line from
her. Very soon she passed away, rich in experience,
boundless in graces, and not a page of authentic history.
We also begged several of our Sierra "Leone ministers for
a sketch of their lives, which was treated with indifference,
hence we cannot give a vast amount of valuable matter that
we had hoped to give.
There must be an awakening along this line. Too many
valuable lives pass unnoticed. As a race struggling for
recognition we cannot afford it.
We will now briefly notice our Liberian work, which,
like that of Sierra Leone, has but little from which to draw
information.
Rev.S.F.Flegleristhehonored founder of this work. He
came out some time in 1878, under the authority of Bishop
John M. Brown, and began operations on the St. Paul river,
where we'now have the following missions: Brewerville,
Arthington, Johnsonville, Royaville, White Plain, Cape
Mount, and Eliza Turner Mission.
Brother Flegler was associated in the work with Rev. S.
J. Campbell, who has since withdrawn from the A. M. E.
Africa and African Methodism.
105
connection. Rev. Flegler remained in Liberia three years
planting and advancing African Methodism under many
difficulties that would have made an ordinary man suc¬
cumb. However, he bore up manfully and acquitted
himself like a man of God. Among the zealous, persistent,
and indefatigable coadjutors iu those dark and inauspicious
days was Rev. C. Irons, who is no less devoted and active
now, though advanced in age and greatly reduced in phys¬
ical strength.
Rev. Hagin came to take up the work where Rev. Flegler
left off, and succeeded in organizing in Grand Bassa, where
we now have the following stations: Lower Buchanan,
Upper Buchanan, Center Buchanan, Edina, Hartford, Little
Bassa. Rev. Hagin was soon called from the work, which
virtually left the church without a leader. Very soon we
see the Rev. S. J. Campbell at the helm marshaling the
little baud of African Methodists.
Dark clouds overspread the connectional sky, opposition
pressed hard upon them, scornful fingers were pointed at
them, enemies rage, but the little bark that Allen launched
survived the waves and kept up her sails.
At present the work is in a most hopeful condition. We
have at present in the Liberia Annual Conference seventeen
missions and circuits, twelve traveling preachers, and one
industrial mission school.
If the connection will succor this little plant soon abun¬
dant fruits will be gathered from West Africa.
CHAPTER XII.
RT. REV. H. M. TURNER, D.D., D.C.L., LL.D.
We shall not enter into minute details in this brief de¬
lineation of the life of Bishop Turner, who is such a fa¬
miliar character to even the ordinary reader of American
history. We do not mean to impress the reader that the
history of our subject is confined to the narrow limits of
the Amirican continent, for the life, labor, and genius of
Bishop Turner has gone forth to help make up the history
of the world.
The birth, education, and early history of Bishop Turner
has been beautifully given in " Men of Mark," a book
written by Dr. W. J. Simmons, of Kentucky.
We shall, however, notice the leading events in the life
of our distinguished prelate.
First, let us see him as chaplain of the United States
army, commissioned by the'illustrious Lincoln to go on the
field amidst the smoke and fire of contending armies and do
service for his country, his God, and his race. Did he
shrink, and say, I can't go? No. Such words never fall
from the lips of Bishop Turner.
He regards no sacrifice too great, no peril too dangerous,
no enemy too hostile when duty calls. He has answered to
every emergency during his eventful life. The race has
found him a leader, indeed. Braver than Douglass, more
heroic than Payne, superior to Langston, Bruce, Lynch, and
Bassett in intellect and moral courage, he easily takes a
place at the head of the race column.
After the brave Union soldiers had whipped the slave-
dealing rebels of the South, when four million poor, home¬
less, ignorant, and depraved negroes were turned loose to
die, when the reconstruction period opened, we see Elder
Turner, as he was then known, among the first to espouse
the cause of his fellow-men, whose wounds were yet bleed¬
ing and whose hearts were aching over the very thoughts
of the cruel bondage through which they had passed.
He was active, brave, and honest as a politician ; he was
(106)
Africa and African Methodism. 107
fearless and eloquent on the legislative floor; lie made bis
opponents fear and honor him as but very few men could do.
Second, let us notice Dr. Turner as a preacher, organizer,
etc., during the early history of African Methodism in the
State of Georgia. He was the leading spirit in all the
great movements of the church, he received thousands* of
members into the connection, erected numbers of places
of worship, and is to-day regarded the " founder of Af¬
rican Methodism in Georgia." He was once Presiding
Elder for the entire State of Georgia, where to-day we
have four Annual Conferences, hundreds of traveling min¬
isters, and thousands of members. Georgia is prolific for
African Methodism. As a preacher, Dr. Turner had but
few if any equals; as an organizer, he was the very em¬
bodiment of success.
His whole soul went out for his God, his church, and
his race.
Third, we see our subject at Philadelphia, at the head
of the " Book Concern," one of the most difficult depart¬
ments of the connection. Possibly the Christian Recorder
was never so extensively circulated as when Dr. Turner was
manager. This was mainly due to his prestige and influence
throughout the connection. No man in the A. M. E.
Church has so great influence over the masses of our church
membership and race as Bishop Turner. He says just what
he pleases, and everybody rushes to hear what he has to say.
He was very successful as manager of our " Book Concern,"
from which position he was elected to the high, sacred, and
responsible office of Bishop, in the city of St. Louis, Mo.,
May, 1880.
As a Bishop, he is the most interesting man on the bench.
Educationally, he is not the superior of Bishops Tanner and
Lee ; as an orator, he is not the equal of Bishop Wardf,
the most eloquent orator of the church ; as a revivalist, he
is not the superior of Bishop Grant; but as a parliamenta¬
rian, organizer, church extender, writer, lecturer, and
author he is in advance of any man within our church cir¬
cles. More people, white and colored, seek his company,
ask for his opinion on church and race issues, than any man
of the race. While he is greatly beloved, most sought,
''Forty thousand.
tBishop Ward, the great orator, passed away June 10,1894.
108 Africa and African Methodism.
most idolized by his friends, he is also the most berated,
most criticised, and most hated by his enemies. Bishop
Turner, however, has but few enemies among the progressive
and race-loving people. His opposition conies from those
who are narrow, deceitful, and treacherous.
As an editor, Bishop Turner is first-class. His name at
the masthead of an organ is a true signal of success.
This fact was more than demonstrated during his edito¬
rial management of the Southern Christian Recorder. That
paper was rapidly gaining grounds, and was destined to be
the great mouth-piece ior the Southern division of the
church.
The late Dr. M. E. Bryant kept the paper prominently
before the public until his untimely demise, when alas! it
began to wane, and to-day is more of an air-castle than a
real church organ.
That wonderful book, "Methodist Polity," alone would
immortalize Bishop Turner. It is by far the most valu¬
able production given the church. What book within our
church limits met such a warm and universal reception.
What publication has brought the same amount of reve¬
nue to the church coffers? What book can fill its place?
None. "Methodist Polity" is a work that even Bishop
Turner's persecutors must bow before and acknowledge its
greatness.
We are not unmindful of the other splendid works pro¬
duced by our ministers, such as "Apology for African
Methodism," by the scholarly Bishop Turner; "Digest of
Theology," by the erudite Dr. Embry; "'Divine Lagos,"
by the classical Dr. Johnson; "Relation of Baptized Chil¬
dren to the Church," by the profound Dr. Coppin; but
even these authors will give Bishop Turner the palm.
One of the most important chapters in the history of
Bishop Turner's life was his visit to Africa, and organiz¬
ing the Sierra Leone and Liberia Annual Conferences.
o i
For years the church had manifested a desire to organize
work on the shores of our fatherland; as an expression of
that desire Rev. J. R. Frederick had been duly commis¬
sioned and sent to Sierre Leone to organize there and else¬
where in the country. The late Bishop R. H. Cain* was
*Bishop R. H. Cain was a great man.
Africa and African Methodism. 109
preparing to visit Africa, but was called from labor to re¬
ward before he could execute bis desires; hence it was left
for him, who had contributed to all the measures of the
church to mount the high seas and organize two Annual
Conferences in Africa. Bishop Turner's presence in Africa
was hailed with shouts of ecstatic joy ; his success was a
signal one; he at once received one of the ablest men of
the Wesleyan Church into our connection, which of itself
gave new impetus to the work.
During this episcopal visit Bishop Turner wrote a series
of letters which were published in the Christian llecorder.
These letters furnished more information on Africa than
had ever been known by the church before. His letters
at once became famous; men and women, white and black,
church members and sinners, all rushed for Bishop Turner's
letters.
The energetic Dr. Smith, of the S. S. U., compiled and
published the entire series in pamphlet form and has sold
hundreds and thousands of them.
Bishop Turner is regarded by the English and African
people as being the greatest man of the race.
This fact was evidenced in part when the Liberia Col¬
lege conferred upon him the degree of D.C.L.
The Bishop enjoyed reasonable health during his first
African trip. When we consider the immense amount of
work that he accomplished with but little help, we are as¬
tonished. He was accompanied by Rev. T. R. Geda, who
did not survive until the Bishop reached the shores of
America.
The organization of African Methodism in Africa con¬
stitutes a very important chapter in the history of our
great connection and will stand as an everlasting monu¬
ment to the memory of Bishop H. M. Turner.
We are sorry to note, however, the woful indifference
our church has manifested toward the distant branch of
her own planting in Africa.
But God who rules the destiny of nations will pro¬
tect, succor and advance our church in Africa until she
can stand alone and take her place among the great de¬
nominations of the world.
While Bishop Turner is great in learning; great in hero-
110 Africa and African Methodism.
ism; he also has a great big, warm heart that cannot har¬
bor deceit, hatred and kindred sins. A greater humanita¬
rian never breathed the breath of life.
He is free from pomposity, self-importance, so peculiar
to men of high standing in Church and State. No one
need fear to approach Bishop Turner. He accords every
right and honor upon those who stubbornly oppose his
cause; to crush an unfortunate brother is too small a thing
for this great man to do. His hand is always extended to¬
ward the weak and fallen. If obedience to the Golden
Rule: "Do unto all men as you would have them do unto
you," make men great of heart, warm with love, exem¬
plary and noble, Bishop Turner is one of the noblest men
of the world. Who will charge Bishop Turner with being
despotic, even when despotism might be excusable? Who
will dare charge our subject with usurpation, or anything
along that line? Instead of being guilty of jthe foregoing
crimes, he is guilty of unmeasured indulgence, often using
prayer, patience, advice, exhortation, to save an offending
brother, when the discipline would appear to be the only
means of adjustment. Along this line of Christian dealings,
many have attempted to brand Bishop Turner with reck¬
lessness as to the moral interest of the church. Such alle¬
gations fall to the ground for want of scriptural support.
What man can be too forgiving? Our very nature is re¬
vengeful. We crave to retaliate every personal insult, and
nothing but God's spirit can control our wicked passions.
In these particular graces Bishop Turner seems to have
excelled.
Externally, Bishop Turner is a rough man. Unpreten¬
tious, always in a hurry, but never leaving before the time;
plain of speech, piercing voice, somewhat tremulous; large
in stature, presenting at once the appearance of a master
intellect, a brave leader, a mighty champion for the right.
Short acquaintance, however, does not develop the many
admirable elements or graces in the make-up of Bishop
Turner. The longer the acquaintance, the more familiar
and intimate the life and dealings with this great man, the
greater will be the love and reverence for him.
It has been our good pleasure to attend him on three
continents—America, England and Africa. He retains
Africa and African Methodism. Ill
his individuality everywhere. He is strictly himself. I
have seen him in America amidst his persecuted race,
pouring out an avalanche of denunciations upon those who
were guilty of their (his race's) innocent blood. I have
seen him amongst the crowned heads of England pleading
for the same oppressed people; and whether in negro-hat¬
ing America, or strolling through the graveyard-like
Westminster Abbey, or investigating the mysteries of the
British Museum, or trudging beneath the tropical sun of
Africa [among his heathen brethren, he is the same com¬
mon, plain, persevering, polemic Bishop Turner.
Bishop Turner is to the ,A. M. E. Church what Julius
Oesar was to the Roman Empire. Cresar carried the Ro¬
man ensign where none but him could have carried it.
He swung up the brazen eagle where none but Csesar
could have defended it. He gave to Rome territory, do¬
minion and. wealth as no other man did. Returned to
Rome amidst pomp and splendor, to see all that mighty
Empire rejoice over his splendid triumphs. But alas!
Jealousy, hatred, murder began brewing in the hearts of
those who claimed to be his friends, and soon we see
mighty Csesar losing his life blood at the foot of Pom-
pev's statue in the Roman Senate, caused by a thrust from
the swords of Cassius and Brutus.
But we do not compare the great A. M. E. Church to the
wicked Roman Empire; we cannot believe that our good
Bishop has such a dreadful foe as Brutus; but we do be¬
lieve that ere long a mighty host of young African Method¬
ists will arise and vindicate the course of Bishop Turner.
Two continents will join in the great acknowledgment of
his wonderful deeds—Africa and America. Native Afri¬
cans with six hundred thousand African Methodists will
shout the grand acclaim, Henry McNeal Turner, the daunt¬
less pioneer Bishop, has conquered despite man and devil.
P. S.—Since writing the above Bishop Turner has made
his third visit to Africa, looking the very picture of health.
He preached and lectured with uncommon power during
his stay in Africa. His presence was hailed with extreme
delight by all.
May God bless and preserve him yet many years to push
forward the work of the church.
CHAPTER XIII.
MRS. FANNIE M. RIDGEL.
The object of this sketch was born in Vicksburg, Miss.,
U. S. A., June —, 1870. Her father and mother, Jas. M.
Worthington and Rachel A. Worthington, were in easy
circumstances and could afford to lavish every necessary
advantage upon their only child.
Mr. Worthington was educated in Paris, France; hence
was highly cultured. He entered politics in Arkansas, and
filled some of the most important positions in Chico
county.
Mrs. Worthington (now Mrs. Piles) is a woman of ex¬
traordinary parts, easily taking a front position among the
leading women of Washington, D. C., where she now re¬
sides.
Soon after the death of her devoted husband, Mrs. Wor¬
thington moved to the State of Mississippi, where Fannie
was put in school. After her marriage to Mr. John W.
Piles, a gentleman of high standing and education, she
moved with her husband to St. Louis, Mo., where Fannie
enjoyed the best society, and all the educational advatages
of that great city. Some ten years ago the family moved
to the " National Capital," where Miss Worthington con¬
tinued her studies with great proficiency and rapidity. At
the age of eighteen she began as teacher in the public schools
of Maryland and New Jersey. As a teacher she has always
given satisfaction.
Her information is broad and varied, which is largely
due to her studious habits. Of course she has enjoyed
superior social advantages which add much to the bulk ol
information obtained in so few years.
February 7, 1893, she was united in holy wedlock to
Rev. A. Lee Ridgel, A.B., in the city of Camden, N. J.
On the 22d day of the same month she sailed with her
husband and Bishop H. M. Turner, D.D., D.C.L., for
Africa. While in England Mrs. Ridgel accompanied the
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Bishop to London and visited many of the most important
places of that great city.
On reaching Africa she at once began teaching a private
school which grew to such size that an assistant teacher
had to be employed. After one year in Freetown, Sierra
Leone, Mrs. llidgel sailed with her husband for Liberia,
where they w7ere hailed with great joy, and she was soon
placed at the head of the Edina Female Institute, which
position she now fills with ability and acceptation.
Mrs. Ridgcl is a noble young womau, of an amiable dis¬
position, a true heroine, a loving wife, and true friend.
Perhaps she is the most important female adjutant to the
Missionary Department of the A. M. E. Church.
A Friend.
8am
CHAPTER XIV.
REV. G. G. VREELAND, P. E,
We have done our best to give our readers an elaborate
account of Rev. Vreeland, but alas! uothing was accom¬
plished on that line. Our acquaintance begun in Liver¬
pool, England, March 4th, 1893, where he was awaiting
our arrival in order that we all might proceed to Africa
together. I found Bro. Vreeland to be a kind-hearted,
Christian gentleman. He was the life of the company on
our eventful voyage. Elsewhere in this work we men¬
tioned his narrow escape on the dreadful Bay of Biscay.
Rev. Vreeland preached a splendid sermon one Sabbath
night just before our arrival in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
He did not tarry long at Freetown, but proceeded with
the Bishop to assist in the session of the Liberia Confer¬
ence. I never saw him again after we passed on board the
steamship Teneriffe in the harbor at Freetown. Somehow
I felt that we would never meet again on earth; I turned
away and wept. Soon the Teneriffe steamed out of the
port and my dear friend and companion was lost in the
distance. On the Bishop's return from Liberia he reported
Bro. Vreeland in reasonably good health and expressed a
great hope of his future labors and success.
I felt somewhat relieved, but by no means could I dis¬
miss the sad impression of our never meeting again on
earth. However, I felt sure that I would precede Vree¬
land to the Beulah land. The fever seized my poor frame
with the fury of'a mad lion. Two weeks I wrestled with
death, and finally I decided to just throw myself in the
hands of God, bid my wife adieu, write a father's dying
message to my two sweet babes across the sea and go up and
join father and mother in glory. But ah ! God said, " No,
you must stay a while longer; you must bear scorns, abuses,
slanders and sufferings before you go. I shall take Vree¬
land, he is ripe for harvest."
Bro. Vreeland fell bravely at his post Oct. 8th, 1893, in
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115
Grand Bassa County, Liberia. I can almost see his grave
from where I write. It is an humble grave, a poor mis¬
sionary's last resting place; not a stone slab to mark the
point; poor Vreeland sleeps there; poor, yet rich, rich in
blessings.
Kest on, my comrade, rest,
I'll join you by and by.
In sweet communion's bliss
We'll spend eternity.
Elder Vreeland was an able preacher. When I say
able, I mean able in doctrine, language, thought and re¬
search. I soon found out after our acquaintance that he
was by far my superior. In fact I was startled at the
scope of his information. He was deep, profound and
sometimes he bordered on eloquence. However, his
voice was not touched with musical sweetness that reaches
the soul and fills the whole being with ecstatic joy. He
dwelt with the more difficult faculties—the mind and its
subdivision. He confounded his hearers writh logic, poured
out from a born logician. He carried his hearers through
the fields of science and then swept through the cosmos
like a blazing meteor. History was his delight. He was
especially efficient in ancient and medieval history. It
was astonishing how accurately he could recount historical
events. In Greek and Roman histories he was almost
perfect.
Elder ATreeland found a warm place in the hearts of
the Liberians. His demise was bemoaned by a host
of friends whose devotion was exemplified during his
long illness. He suffered awfully. A combination of
complaints developed after he took the fever. We have
the happy satisfaction to know that he died a Christian.
While his life may not have been free from errors, while
his critics may hurl hot words of denunciation at many of
his actions, yet all must admire and commend his devotion.
Who is free from error? Who is it that can boast of
perfection? Whose life can we mention that has not been
stained by some voluntary or involuntary sin? Many
who derided poor Vreeland, who laid down his life for his
church, his race and his God, if He who knows all things
would swing back the co- ring and garb under which they
110 Africa and African Methodism.
hide, would stand in a thousand times worse condition than
Yreeland. I am sure, that Vreeland stands a -hundred de¬
grees higher in the sight of God and just humanity for the
sacrifice of his life than his red-mouthed accusers do; who
would find fault of Christ if he was on earth.
Brother Vreeland left New York for Africa by the ap¬
pointment of Bishop Turner, in December,. 1892, but
remained in England till we reached there in company
with the Bishop. Before his departure for Africa, he was
a member at different times of the Ontario, Virginia, New
York, New Jersey, and Pittsburg Annual Conferences, and
when he left, he carried the smiles and blessings of the
late Bishop Payne, with whom he has met in the better
land. When he left for Africa he was a member of the
Pittsburg Conference.
Peace to his ashes. Let others say what they please,
but I write him down as having been a hero, a minister of
the Word, a Christian and a martyr.
The best of men are criticised,
. It was our Saviour's fate
To bear the bitter scorn of men
That hell itself would blush to take.
Let such a mass of rebels rage
And vent their angry splegn;
Before a just and awful God
They, naked, must appear.