THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13467, 6 July 1909, Page 8

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

TO THE EDITOR OP "THE PRESS." Sir, —Again I ask you to let m© give a few more facts and comments relating to "Bible reading in schools" : — Before doing so I may say that "Beware"' has slung a bolt at mc already, which has awakened rue up completely. I hay© indeed slept much too long—but now will make up for lost time. But what do I find now that I havo been roused up, after moro than thirty years' sleep? Bible readings were going on smoothly every monu'ng until 6ome sectarian differences arose—and it was quickly decided to have none at all, to get out of the trouble. After this came an age of experimenting, which resulted in failures; the profits promised never were realised. And now do I find the position now? There are no sectarian differences now worthy of being noticed; public opinion is now ninety per cent, for repealing the Act of 1877, but thero is no need to do this, for our requirements are so small that many Boards in tho Dominion are satisfied with the power they possess to give these readings—--only ourselves, with a few exceptions, are unfortunately forbidden to read the Bible through the action of our local Board.

When tv© havo a Board) that will work with the Committee and parents/ instead of being behind we shall be one" of the most progressive educational districts in th© Dominion —always resisting the temptation of increasing th© syllabus—we shall start with the experiences and examples of all the Coram itties in the world who have, proved th© Bible to be a most valuaoie asset in making bright and intelligent children. No risk this time; no more failures.

How a Christian can object to have a _K>rtion of Scripture read, vofd of denominationalism, for a few minutes in a whole week is past my comprehension. But we are going to have more than thirty minutes, for we are now roused up in reality by these fears coming to us.

We have now passed the first stageß of our ojperations, that of protest against tho action of the Board, and although we cannot vet enter into possession, we may anticipate, by inviting hints and suggestions, how we will proceed, and in what manner we will allocate the few minutes. Will parents and committees now be upon tho alert in not losing one - optportunity to give effect to our wishes?— Yours, etc., PILGRIM.