The Colored People by J. W. Christian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 23, 1909

The Colored People

By J. W. Christian

J. W. CHRISTIAN

FIFTY years ago the dark, threatening storm-cloud of war was rising over the horizon of this fair republic. It was not a foe from across the sea that threatened us, nor the sister kingdoms to the north or south, but a mighty struggle within our own borders.

This country, which had extended to the oppressed of every nation an invitation to share the blessings proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, which declares that all men are created equal, and possess certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, had within its own territory over three million human souls in the shackles of slavery. From its earliest history, the right of one man to hold another man in slavery had been challenged by men in both South and North. This ever-widening breach culminated in the Civil War. For more than four years the republic breathed heavily under the tremendous war strain and the anxiety for its final outcome. When Lincoln signed his name to the famous emancipation proclamation, the death knell of slavery struck. A little later the terrible war closed. Nearly four million colored people were thrown upon their own resources, with no master to direct them in the struggle for their livelihood; and helplessly ignorant of the ways of the busy world, they sank into a condition almost worse than slavery. With no schools, no churches, and no one to care for their development, how could this unfortunate race face a more fearful situation?

But little has been done for the colored people by various Christian denominations. To-day there are over ten million colored people scattered all over the United States. The great masses, however, are in the Southland. It was not until 1895, only fourteen years ago, that Seventh-day Adventists began work in this needy field. How well we remember with what eagerness we read of the work of the missionary steamer, the “Morning Star.” God blessed in these humble efforts. Danger, seen and unseen, allowed of no discouragement, and fearlessly the early pioneers moved forward. Souls were converted, and are rejoicing in this message. Churches were organized, and small schools established.

We have at present about fifty small mission schools in operation, three small sanitariums, and only one training-school for the whole colored people. Every step in the establishment of these institutions has been a step of faith. Means are needed properly to equip these institutions. We do not want large unwieldy schools and sanitariums, but where we have one school to-day, we should have at least one hundred.

The evangelistic work shows a steady, healthy growth, as will be seen by hasty comparisons of conditions fourteen years ago with the present time. At that time there was but one ordained minister and one licensed missionary laboring among the colored millions of the South. To-day we have about one thousand colored Sabbath-keepers in this field. These are organized into forty churches, and have upward of twenty meeting-houses. We have about twenty colored ministers and licentiates proclaiming the third angel’s message in this field, and God is blessing the unselfish labors of these men. This is truly encouraging.

Through the spirit of prophecy the Lord told us years ago that we should educate Negro men and women to work for the colored people. These must have opportunity for training, which means that we must plan not only to sustain the schools now in operation, but to open many more.

On every hill and mountain, in every valley and plain, are souls, precious souls for whom Jesus died, that we must warn. Daily hundreds of these blood-bought souls are going down into Christless graves. We can almost hear their death-cry as they sink beneath the horizon of life: “You held the torch of life in your hand; why did you withhold it from me? I am dying, but without God and without hope. My blood shall be upon your garments.”

God calls for us to redeem the time. From an unpublished Testimony I quote: “I awoke. But my soul was so burdened! There was presented before me the situation of the Southern field. The work which should have been done in that field has not been done. God has given warnings, but they have not been heeded. Church-members in America, who have pleasant homes, should remember the Southern field. It is in need of special attention and support. Let the work go forward. Encourage the people to help in this field.”

The General Conference Committee has set apart the first Sabbath in October as a time for special consideration of this field, and for us to bring our offerings to help extend the work. May God move upon us to make large gifts to this needy field. Let us do for this poor benighted people as we would wish to be done by if we were in their situation.

Nashville, Tenn.