Bible in Schools.
Manawatu Times, Rōrahi XXVII, Putanga 7743, 19 Pipiri 1903, Page 3
Mō tēnei niupepa
Bible in Schools.
(To the Editor.)
Sir, —This is really more a layman's question than a clergyman's, because the latter has the knowledge, and can find the time, to give his children the hometeaching about the Creator, which you allow is necessary. But the working men and women rarely have the time if they have the inclination for Biblereading or teaching. But you seem to treat the question as if it was only a petty matter between two sets of men— those.in favour of religion in schools, and those opposed to it - apparently forgetful of the Creator of the human race and :Hiß design in making such beings; v.aich is, according to the Bible, to develop our mental and spiritual faculties, through learning about Him and His works, with a view to fitting us for a higher condition hereafter. According to the Bible, the nation which does this best may expect to take the lead of all other nations.' It shall be the most successful in its commercial and farming operations; it shall increase in population and succeed in war against invaders.
I may tell you that, some seven years ago, at the suggestion of the Bishops, a canvass of the town on this question was made, and we found 5 to 1 in favour of Bible in Schools. Within the last year a canvass over a larger area, including the town, gives, I believe, a 9 to 1 majority in favour, thus showing a large increase in the numbers in town, or that the addition of the farming class outside was so nearly unanimously in favour that it increased the proportion from 5 to 1 to 9to 1. Now, I hold .this increase in number has not come without considerable thought, and I hope I have, through the medium of the Manawatu Times in times past helped some to make up their minds on this subject, and that I may yet bring you to a state of mind which will help you to forward a movement essential for the spiritual welfare of the nation. lam sorry to see Mr Jolly's attempt to make deductions from criminal statistics. We all have ■black sheep and black lambs in the human flock, which cannot be dealt with as the ordinary shepherd would deal With them. But knowledge that the invisible source of all good sees them, is the best restraint on the black lambs. You deny that shocking revelations of juvenile crime and immorality have been exposed in the Law Courts. I suppose that applies to the word shocking. I am afraid the genuine shock, when we first hear of, or participate in crime, only comes once in a lifetime, so an upto-date Editor has probably heard of every crime going, and cannot expect to be shocked any more.—l am, etc., ; J. D. E. Hewitt.
