Mr. S.—Perhaps such conduct might be a proof of the sincerity of your Christian principles, though I can hardly admit that it would.
Mr. C.—If it be a part of true religion to tread as far as we can in the steps of our Divine Redeemer, I would ask, has he not, in this very particular, set us an example which it is our duty to follow?
Mr. S.—In whatever Christ has set us an example, I admit that we should follow his steps; but I do not remember the instance to which you allude.
Mr. C.—Do you not recollect that our Saviour, though he had proved that he and his disciples were “free” from paying the tribute, the Church-rate [7a] demanded for the support of the Jewish temple, yet wrought a miracle for the payment of it, lest they should offend by refusing it? (Matt. xvii. 24, 27).
Mr. S.—What reason have you for calling the tribute paid by our Saviour, the Church-rate?
Mr. C.—Because, “the tribute demanded was not any civil payment to the Roman powers—that was strictly exacted by the publicans; but the Church dues, the half-shekel, about fifteen pence, which was required of every person for the service of the temple, and the defraying of the expenses of the worship there: and which our Lord paid, notwithstanding his ‘Father’s house was become a house of merchandize, and a den of thieves.’”—M. Henry.
Mr. S.—I own, that if an ancient and annual charge on property was to change with the religious opinions, first of one occupier, and then of another, there would be great confusion, and every rogue would cry out “I am a Dissenter.” Yet, still, I think, that some respect should be shown to the principle of Dissent.
Mr. C.—I hardly know what you mean by the principle of Dissent. It was said, not long since in the House of Commons, that “Dissenters have always their Dissenting principles, and their conscientious scruples when they have money to pay, but none when they have money to receive.” [7b]
Mr. S.—Do you mean to insult me by casting such reflections on the Dissenting body?
Mr. C.—Certainly not. You and I are not going to quarrel after having known each other for more than five and-twenty years.