BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Press, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5461, 21 March 1883, Page 1 (Supplement)

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

TO THB 2DIXOB OP THB FBHfiS. Sib,—l know many Churchmen who wil agree with your remarks upon the question of introducing the Bible into the State schools "as one of the text books." There are many who hare retained their earlytaught reverence for the Word of God, and to place the " Sacred writings upon the same footing as other historical works" would be to them a more revolting form of State infidelity and State interference than the present prohibitory tax upon Christianity—taken absolutely in ita bare naked cruelty and injustice. Sir, I too regard with feelings of awe the infinite niceness of Mr Bowen's letter; but to argue from Biccarton to the rest of the world, is to place that pretty little village, with its gentle pastor, in rather a ridiculous position, and it certainly makes the question more difficult than otherwise. .1 am thankful that you admit the "momentous nature of the interests involved." All that Churchmen want in a moderate grant, out of their own money, for seenlar work actually done in their schools to the satisfaction of the Government Inspector. If Churchmen have the pluck to ask for it they will get it at once; if not, they must at least have an opportunity of declaring their apoetacy, so that thise whose responsibilities to the young are direct may know where they stand and who they have to reckon with. I have been interested by ' recent utterances, but nat mesmerised* I am, &o.j B. A. MoßTritxßt Curate, St. Aihaa*. Mar* 17th, 1883.