ths in the South_, p. 82.

[11] Rhodes, _History of the United States_, Vol. I, 317.

[12] Hart, _Slavery and Abolition_, p. 100.

[13] Dodd, _Cotton Kingdom_, p. 75.

[14] Hart, _Slavery and Abolition_, p. 100.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE NEGRO BAPTIST CHURCH

The freedom and local democracy of the Baptist Church enabled the
Negroes to participate in the affairs thereof much earlier than they
were so indulged in the other denominations. Pioneer Negro preachers
and churches, therefore, first appeared in the Baptist Church. The
development of the attitude of the Baptist Church toward the Negro,
however, has been by cycles. The relations of the two races in church
matters differ widely from what they were years ago. Members of both
races formerly belonged to the same congregation, which in the
beginning in this country ignored social distinctions. They have since
then undergone radical changes to reach the present situation in which
they have all but severed connection with each other.

In the beginning, the attitude of the so-called Christian whites
toward the early Negro preachers was that of hostility. This
opposition, however, did not come from the Baptists themselves, but
from the master class. George Liele in the West Indies, Andrew Bryan
in Georgia, and David George in Canada had much difficulty in their
pioneer work, suffering many indignities and hardships. Andrew Bryan
was whipped in a cruel and bloody manner but triumphed over
persecution by his bold declaration that he was willing to die for
Jesus. Rev. Mr. Moses, working in Virginia about this time, was often
arrested and whipped for holding meetings. Others were excommunicated,
but such opposition could not stay the progress of the work, for these
pioneer preachers finally succeeded. This is attested by the
resolution of the white Baptist Association expressing deep regret on
the occasion of the death of Andrew Bryan.[1]

When the Baptists had won a standing after the grant of toleration in
the United States and Negroes began to connect themselves with them,
the status of the blacks in the Baptist Church had to be determined.
Was the Negro to be a mere member in the back seat or a participant in
the work of the Church? Under the labors of inspired white men
thousands of Negroes were converted, baptized, set apart as churches,
and instructed in all things which pertain to a life becoming the
gospel of Christ. White persons, on the other hand, have