Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-08-25

ception OF religious freedom. and contrary
TO the Constitution OF the United states
they would not accept Il. As denomina-
ton we have always been consistent with
this principle when we depart from II
we shall cease to be Baptisis.
II was n member OF the Foreign Mis-
sion Board of the Southern Baptist Con-
vention when the Legislature OF one OF the
Mexican States offered TO make US deed
TO very large school property. without
any pecunIary consideration. With per-
feet unanimity the board promptly de-
clined 10 accept the gift. on the ground
that II would be a violation OF one OF the
cardinal principles OF the Baptist denomi-
nation. Sometimes seedy. dilapidateu'
hard pressed. impecunious Baptist preach
er has laid aside his principles and ac-
cepted a government chaplaincy. but such
instances have been rare. and have never
failed to receive the reprobation when
they deserve"
DR. Hawthorne discussed this principle
at some length and gave II as his con-
scientious opinion that when American
Protestants were ready for an absolute
divorce OF Church and State they would
find American Catholics willing and eager
to Join them in the patriotic and righteous
movement
DR.. Hawthornes last point was that the
exemption from taxation Of houses OF re-
ligious worship. parsonages. and the pro
perty OF UNCONVENTIONAL schools Is incom-
patible with true religious liberty He
said:
1T costs as much TO protect the proper
ty Of churches and UNCONVENTIONAL schools
as IL does the property OF the railroad
companies and manufacturing corpora
uons. II costs this city and state just as
much 10 guard this house OF worship as
il does to protect a -four mill or furni-
ture factory. The stockholders Of the FUR
niture factory pay the city and state FOR
the protection of their property, while the
owners OF this church property pay no
thing. why do they pay nothing? Be
cause this property is used for religious
PURPOSES. claim that this is not legiti-
mate ground OF exemption. In eNempting
church property from taxation the State
patrOnizes religion: II contribute 70 the
treasury Of the church the amount which
1t costs to protect it's property. This is
just as much a violation OF the principle
Of religious freedom as an appropriation
from the Federal Treasury to denomina-
tiona schools I'm the Indian Territory"
The speaker discussed this branch Of
his subject i'm all Of its details. strongly
flll iilhriLtA4 Alf liiluHlANf VI tAfluHiliAr
property used for religious purposes from
taxation, and. in conclusion. safd
Fellow Christians, the religion OF our
Lord Jesus Christ Is from Heaven. God
is the author of It. His wisdom and
almightiness are behind II. and in It;
and therefore 1t can live and triumph
without the patronage and support Of
this worlds kings. princes. and parlia
ments. To covet the aid OF temporal
authority and power or alliance with
secret, dark-lanterned political comblna-
lions in advancing its sacred cause,
Is to doubt and deny its divinity Its
immaculate Founder has prescribed all
the necessary means and instrumentalities
for promoting its triumphs. We cannot
improve upon His wisdom. Let no crea-
ture Of clay. no worm Of the dust dare
TO take from or add 10 the glorious
Gospel Of the Son Of God. Let IL stand
Just as It came from the heart and hand
Of the Infinite. BY the attraction OF lie
own native. divine, Respondent beauty
il will win it's way to a throne in every
human breast, and lift the whole world
Of mankind to God and glory"