84 Separation or Continuity, Which?
immediately, on the defensive, others are uncertain to the out come
and passively await developments. W. L. Bulkley.
recognition Of manhood.
Should the Church at any time through its organized agencies-
express in unambiguous and unmistakeable terms a desire to dis¬
miss the colored membership or should the Church even hint the
same, I believe that the self-respected of our people would only de¬
lay them a sufficient period to adjust the property interest. Thous¬
ands of us had notices served upon us in 1865 in the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South. It never came a second time. Every
interest save manhood and religion, was immediately surrendered-
We have gained much of true manhood since that time.
J. B. Middleton.
The Negro members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, believe
in the churches pattern after the great Church of the first born in.
heaven, made up of every nation, people and tongue. In practi¬
cal application of the principles of equal rights by the Church in
reference to the unity, fraternity and equality of all her children
our people believe that the spirit of prejudice is permitted often tO'
exert too powerful an influence against them. Bishop Foster's-
book has helped to empasize this sentiment. A. E. P. Alaert.
We are not so much dissatisfied with our presents relations in the
Church, but with the statement that no one of these higher posi¬
tions in the Church can ever come to us, and for no other reason
than that we are Negroes, but we will contend for righteousness and
true church relations upon the New Testament basis.
E. M. COLLEIT.
I think there will be more or less solicitude touching our posi¬
tion until the desired representation has been granted.
I>. W. Hayes.
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