Exemption of Church Property from Taxation—a Protest.
A noted writer in the San Francisco Sunday Examiner says: "The churches are again clamoring for exemption from taxation." He makes no exception as to "the churches." But there is one denomination in California which does not join in the clamor. The Seventh-day Adventists do not believe in exemption of church property from taxation. They protest against this proposed amendment now before the Legislature. They believe that the church of Jesus Christ is fully able to stand alone without State aid. They do not believe that the church of Christ ought in any way to bind herself to the State machinery. They believe in the apostolic injunction: "Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor." They will, therefore, pay willingly the humanly equitable taxation of property imposed by the State; but they do not believe in honoring a State sabbath; for the Sabbath belongs to God, and He alone has the right to command it. Where are the Baptists, and the spirit of Roger Williams?