Swansea and Glamorgan Herald, and South Wales Free Press. — 1863-10-07 (Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales)

RATE SEIZURES. —Some time agi the churchwardens of Ystradgynlais summoned two of the ratepayers before the magistrates for non-payment of church-tate. Both appeared, and, we believe, objected to the validity of the rate. However, a few days ago the goods of both were seized. The rate and costs we understand were paid in one instance and not in the other, consequently the policeman seized a quantity of leather from the house, which was sold by public auction before the Ynyscedwin Arms. The sale took place at one o'clock p.m., and only two or three individuals present. None of the parties present felt disposed to bid and the policeman in whose custody the leather was bought it for tenpenee the pound. The sale lasted about three minutes. We unders'and the affair has created some stir in the place and the clergyman of the parish has not risen in the estimation of the people by it ; and neither has the seizure and ths sale benefited the Church of England. There are rumours of more summonses and of course, more seizures; because the people are determined not to pay a rate which they look upon as an unjust impost. They think those who attend the services of the church should defray the expense of worship in the same and not compel their dissenting neighbours to do it. We think it is high time for churchmen to think of their position in relation to the vexed question of church-rates, and make up their minds to relinquish thsir hold of it at once and for ever, and determine to bear the expense of worship themselves. Who eon with a clear conscience, pray on cushions bought with other peoples money, and take the geesemint with bread and wine obtained by means of a ills. trees warrant? Surely all this is a mockery of worship We recommend the following paragraph from an address delivered lately at a vestry meeting in the parish of Egliarn, by Mr. II u3li Shields, a solicitor resident there, who himself is a churchman. Mr. Shields concluded his address in the following words.—" I think that none of us can consider the subject dispassionately without some misgiving at the thought of our extorting churchrates from other congregations. The law may allow this, and the magistrates may award accordingly; but conscience requires a higher sanction; and it there be injustice in our dealings with this matter, the consequences must be shocking to every pious mind. The command, Thou shalt not steal,' is as much broken by our taking advantage of an unjust law, as by our violating a just one. As covetousness is idolatry in the eye of God, and hatred is murder, so unfair dealing is theft, and extortion is robbery. To commit these acts for the support of religious worship, is not to consecrate them, but to add impiety to injustice. I, the Lord, love judgment; I hate robbery for burnt offering.' Can we venture, in the face of this solemn declaration, to bring into the sanctuary the proceeds of a church-rate? Shall we dare to place them on the Lord's table as symbols of the sacrifice once offered on the Cross? For my part, I cannot join you in such boldness; and, therefore, I oppose the levying of any church-rate, though I should willingly subscribe ten times the amount of my rate towards the voluntary support of our Church services." We understand that Mr Shields intends publishing it and church people as well as dissenters should possess a copy and peruse it with an unprejudiced mind.