"Another Ounce" to the Southern Watchman

Subject

Religion

Description

In this 1857 response to a letter from Wilson Lumpkin, an anonymous contributor defends his original letter to the Southern Watchman, published on November 26. He affirms that there were persons of color who preached at the Baptist Church and that many "negroes do believe they cannot sin after conforming to certain regulations." He describes their worship practices, calling them a nuisance and a mockery of religion. Critical of the freedom allowed in the Baptist church, he emphasizes the importance of "strict obedience to regulations."

Creator

Southern Watchman, An Ounce

Publisher

Southern Watchman

Format

.jpg

Language

English

Type

Newspaper

Coverage

1857

Text

For the Southern Watchman.
Mr. Christy: Justice to myself impels a brief review of the reply made to my article of a few weeks since, by Hon. Wilson Lumpkin.
I would premise by observing that my intention has been totally misapprehended. True, my former language may bear the interpretation of attack upon a feature of faith of the Baptist denomination, though I must hold such is more in the letter than in the spirit. "Reproach to the Baptist Church in this place," is utterly disclaimed, if said church is not responsible for what is said and done at the house formerly brought to notice. Nor is reproach intended to be cast upon any source; but simply to remedy an evil in existence, brought about, it is apprehended, by no authority. As a citizen and a christian, I may wish no kind of injury to the Baptists; and especially with regard to the Baptist Church at this place, I do most heartily desire that they may so increase in numbers and wealth that it may no longer be said-"the Baptist Church in this place is composed chiefly of very poor people, who are not able to provide properly for the support of one minister," if that result is desirable. I may say, if this were a proper forum, that nothing would more delight me than the discussion of a point or two made by Gov. Lumpkin; that, however, is denied me, and I must content myself with what may be allowable in a political newspaper. I cannot refrain from the passing remark, (with reference to the assertion, "that the negroes here, like poor people everywhere, are strongly inclined to become Baptists,") that I shall not quarrel with their choice, though it is true that the word poor, like many others of our language, is capable to two constructions.
"There are no people of my own class in that Church." Ah! Governor, the water is too deep for me to attempt wading that stream. I trust that I am not called upon to defend the practice of others in this regard-that is their business. But is it not something to be observed, just here, that Gov. Lumpkin "has interwoven in his article" "grounds of reproach?" I might now "play even" and quite with entire fairness.
I am represented as insinuating "that the Baptist negroes of this place are the worst negroes in town." Here is what was said by me: "A fact worthy of consideration is this-the best negroes in Athens attend there," (the Methodist Church.) It is not a necessary implication that the good negroes are all absorbed. Therefore, ex necessitate, no such insinuation is made as that the Baptist negroes are bad. In defending the proposition that the best negroes attend the Methodist Church, I but argue the superiority of exclusive, systematic white instruction to occasional white, and a great deal of negro preaching.
That negroes do preach (if we may call it such) at the Baptist Church is a fact "known and heard of all men." Any number of witnesses can be brought to the stand in proof of this. That is evil No. 1.
As a proof that negroes do believe they cannot sin after conforming to certain regulations, I would just observe that I, "An Ounce of Preventive," have heard with my own ears, with my eyes fixed upon the speaker and hearers, a negro, who has often to my best belief and knowledge, talked in the house aforesaid, declare that the keeping of God's laws was in the spirit, (or intention) and not in the act. That a person might commit a wrong act, and yet, because in spirit he was right, (did not wish to do it,) therefore it was no sin. Evil No. 2.
What is to be the result of such teaching? You must obey your masters-in spirit. Taught in that manner, as a citizen, I have a right to say that the doctrine of "Final Perseverance" is pernicious in the extreme. And further upon this immediate point, I will refer to a well-attested conversation that once took place: Said A.B. "I believe, in the doctrine of 'Final Perseverance,' but desire that the doctrine should not be attempted to be taught my children or negroes."
"Why dear sir?"
"Because their minds could not comprehend it; and it would therefore tend to their great injury."
With this before us, can we dare intrust that doctrine to the exposition of those who cannot understand it themselves?
Therefore the remark, that such physic should not be administer by unskilful hands. I do not, nor have I, attempted to unscripturalize this doctrine s believed in by those whose minds and consciences have been enlightened. That were a question altogether foreign to the object sought.
Besides the fact that more than one citizen has declared many of the meetings at this house a nuisanca, I might instance the mockery made of our holy religion by the "worship of the feet" (or "holy dance,") and noises, one of which I heard when the house was filled to overflowing, unlike anything that ever fell upon my ear-and the meaning of which I have been at an utter loss to understand. All of which goes to show the importance, to master and servant, of strict obedience to regulations provided and referred to. White men may frequently attend there, but why is it, if I have been correctly informed, some of the negroes at the Methodist Mission House are continually asking for the privileges of the Baptists, viz: To send off and get negroes of their own color to preach for them?" Why people of their "own color?" Because they can impart more instruction? No: but their "liberties" are greatly increased; which liberties, though not desired for that especial purpose at the time, in the very nature of things, will eventuate in excesses of some kind; and it is better for all parties, to prevent with an ounce than cure with a pound.
The Governor's closing remark can not pass without some slight attention at least. "Negroes are out best protection against mobs, insurrection and violent outbreaks of every kind." Surely the gentleman must have been ... commonly "exercised" to indulge ... bold an assertion. I had always thought that security from these rested in virtue and intelligence of the .... But suffer my Greek to meet his: no foreign clement in our midst, and very name of "insurrection" ... ready obsolete-that is amongst whites. This element is comparatively small in this portion of our conference and therefore, not to be feared; ... insurrections are to be feared but ... one quarter, and that a dark one, the only way in which Gov. Lumpkin's rule can work is, negroes keep ... influx of foreigners; and as they, ... Governor, are in your embrace ... your party's,) I trust, with this ... fore you, you will squeeze them tight.
"Even an anonymous writer ... has replied so as not "to would the ... of any man," especially ... the Hon. Wilson Lumpkin-for ... he entertains the profoundest ... both for his past services and ... attainments and virtue.
ANOTHER OUNCE.
N.B.-The public are honestly ... assured that neither this nor my .... article are written in either a .... or party spirit, but simple as an .... member of community-a citizen.

Original Format

Newspaper article

Collection

Newspaper Abstracts

Citation

Southern Watchman, An Ounce, “"Another Ounce" to the Southern Watchman,” African American Experience in Athens, accessed September 29, 2023, https://digihum.libs.uga.edu/items/show/29.

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