Though doubtless some monastic orders have been vowed to poverty, it will
probably be generally conceded that a life of privation has not found
favor with divines as a class; and one of the earliest acts of the
provincial legislature bid each town choose an able and orthodox minister
to dispense the Word of God, who should be "suitably encouraged" by an
assessment on all inhabitants without distinction. This was for many years
a bitter grievance to the dissenting minority; but there was worse to
come; for sometimes the majority were heterodox, when pastors were elected
who gave great scandal to their evangelical brethren. Therefore, for the
prevention of "atheism, irreligion and prophaness," [Footnote: _Province
Laws_, 1715, c. 17.] it was enacted in 1775 that the justices of the
county should report any town without an orthodox minister, and thereupon
the General Court should settle a candidate recommended to them by the
ordained elders, and levy a special tax for his support. Nor could men
animated by the fervent piety which raised the Mathers to eminence in
their profession be expected to sit by tamely while blasphemers not only
worshipped openly, but refused to contribute to their incomes.
"We expect no other but Satan will show his rage against us for our
endeavors to lessen his kingdom of darkness.
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