IS THIS A “NEW THEOLOGY”?
By W. N. G.
The martial spirit is taking hold of the professed disciples of Christ as never before. This need not be a matter of surprise, as the prophetic Word gives us ample reason to expect such things in the last days. But somehow it is a surprise to see this spirit manifested to such a degree in the Baptist Church, whose motto for so long has been, “Thus saith the Lord.” The Baptists have been noted as an educational people; that is, they have been zealous in the line of religious education. Therefore, we are led to wonder if the proposition contained in the following despatch is the result of another feature of “new theology”:— “Boston, July 25.—The Twelfth Baptist Church adopted the following:— “‘Resolved, That the President be requested to institute a free military school in which to educate colored soldiers for the duties of commissioned officers, which was, on March 21, 1864, done for white soldiers, who were appointed to lead colored troops, and the men chosen for this responsible office be taken from those who have won distinction on the battle-field. “‘Resolved, That the people assembled recognize with gratitude the courage and soldierly qualities of the blacks now in Cuba, who made the victory of Santiago a possibility. As the climate of Cuba, a menace to the white soldier, is adapted to promote the highest development of the black, it is our hope to see the Pearl of the Antilles become to America what it has never been to Spain—the home of a thrifty and happy people. “‘Resolved, That it is our belief that the black man has been educated and trained to fulfil an important mission, not only for Cuba, but for the Spanish possessions that are to come under our control. The Cuban, for whom we went to war with Spain, when asked to do menial work, declined, claiming that he was a soldier and not a workingman. The negro, faithful to his master before emancipation came, and as a contraband in helping us to build our forts and work essential to the success of the army, was a soldier as faithful in burden-bearing as he was brave in battle, and now occupies the proud position he holds in the eyes of the world, because Christ’s rule obtains control, and “he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”’” W. N. G.