1808

Note in the Minutes: "The matter of abusive treatment of slaves received attention at this meeting, and the Association recommended the churches to take notice of any improper treatment of slaves by their members, and deal with them in brotherly love, according to the rules of the gospel."

1814

A letter from the African church was received and considered, it being admitted that the slaves labored under many difficulties in maintaining their worship. And they were urged to diligence in obeying their masters. The Association also advised them to get written permission from their masters or overseers prior to their assembling for worship.

1865

The Association advised the churches to organize their colored members into separate bodies at as early a day as might be practicable. They were now no longer slaves.

1866

It will be recalled that we are now in the beginning of the reconstruction period. Slavery has been abolished and new conditions confront the Southern people. Social and financial distinctions which prevailed before the war are rapidly passing away, and a common level will be reached. With these new conditions will come by and by new ideas of church life and progress.

1903

The report on "Work Among the Negroes" has this to say concerning a certain book:

"There is now a dangerous book in circulation among our people, which should be spoken against everywhere by Christians; yet many professed Christians, who know more about the North Pole than they do about the Bible, find time to read this book, 'The Negro a Beast,' and talk about the poor negro as being some kind of a brute without a name. We will extend to him the hand of Christian fellowship and bid him Godspeed in the Christian race."

Some resolutions were passed condemning this book, and warning all people, young and old, against buying or reading the same. [p. 247-8]
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[Taken from T. C. Shilling, Abstract History of the Mississippi Baptist Association From Its Preliminary Organization in 1806 To The Centennial Session in 1906, 1908. - jrd]

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