The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-05-16
A License to Preach the Gospel.

1t is fact that Ministers are required TO take
out license to preach under the law lately
passed by the Legislature of South Carolina
1t is difficult to write calmly, and in christian
spirit, about this last crowning act OF infamy;
yet, it is the duty of the press and the people
to herald the fact to the world, that in this day,
generally conceded to be one of great civiliEa-
ton and enlightenment, for the first time in the
history of the world, the minister of the Cos
pei of God is required to pay for the privilege.
In every civilized community, ever since per-
secutions and inquisitions have ceased, the
minister of Christ has been regarded as pecu-
liarly privileged, from the nature of his high
calling, and his person i.s.- been more carefully
and respectfully guarded, for his works sake.
And in almost all christian communities, the
property of religious corporations, used for re-
iigious purposes, has been exempted from tax
alton, and not required to afford any revenue
TO the government If such is the case, upon
what ground can it be held that minister must
be taxed2 !,
The pittance that may be derived from the
imposition of this taE, will not exceed six thou
sand dollars; but that is not the question at
ALL The real point to be considered is the ten
dency of this ruling. 1t demonstrates the
grasping, covetuous, diabolical disposition of
the authorities of this State. TosqueeSe every
dollar that they possibly can, and use it in
fraudulent manner, to pay debts fraudulently
contracted, to fatten themselves upon the earn.
ings of honest toll, is the purpose of these cor
morants.
The Office of the minister of Christ hos hith.
erto in a measure been held sacred. The min
lister was not called upon to perform many duA
ties which other citizens were required to per
form. The levying of this tax has tendency
to obliterate all these distinctions which the
wisdom and delicacy of law-giyers has thrown
around ministers, and leave no outward indlca,
ton of the sanctity of their position. These
distinctions were made because of the sanctity
which respecters of religion had for the cause,
but in these days, South Carolina's rulers have
no such respect and no need for religion.
Who ever heard of ministers being required
to take out license under the U. S. Internal
Revenue Laws, or any other that was ever
framed; and yet it was conceded that those
laws reached everything that was taxable.
Being no candidate for Office, and not con.
cerned in politics, we cannot be accused of say
ing what we are about to say, for political pur.
poses. nor do we care whether or not we are
accused of so doing, but we would invite the
colored men who have hitherto given their
support to the Republicans at the head of this!
government, to consider this new feature Of
Radical law and to ask them whether they will
adhere to and support the authors of such
law9 The colored man like the white, pays
taxes on all he has 1.-THE more property he has
the greater are his tazes) and yet at M this time
he beholds the State nearly twenty millions of
dollars in debt, two.thirds of which has been
added within little more than year; the
school-houses closed, industry of every descrip-
ton paralyzed; the taxes growing more bur
thensome every year. and he not lone one whit naesd %
and every promise made to him unfalflled:-
Finally, invading hitherto sacred domain,
this Radical government taxes your ministers.
The Gospel is no longer free, the church is no
longer free, the Altar of God has been polluted
by the Radical tax-gatherer, and yet you stick
to him closer than to brother.
The contemplation of such blasphemous ac-
ton as requiring license to preach the Gospel
to fallen man, is shocking and horrible.-Cam'-
den Journal.