Religious Persecution in Boston
A FEW sentences tell the whole story. Boston Common is a great resort, and Rev. H. L. Hastings improved the opportunity one Sunday to preach there to the people. He had no license, and was arrested. The Common is the place for a good deal of amusement, but the city authorities thought they must draw the line somewhere, so they drew it at preaching. Mr. Hastings was placed in the prisoner's dock along with common "drunks." They were fined one dollar each; he was fined twenty dollars. He applied for a license permitting him to preach, but was refused. So he preached no more, but on the next Sunday read on the Common three chapters from the Bible. For this he was arrested, fined forty dollars, and in default of payment, was sent to jail. The liquor sellers have not been molested. The Boston authorities know what is most inimical to their interests. And yet some people tell us that there is no danger of religious persecution in this country. Boston takes great interest in the evangelization of the heathen; who shall evangelize Boston?