THE BIBLE IN THE SCHOOLS.

Evening Star, Issue 4955, 20 January 1879, Page 3

THE BIBLE IN THE SCHOOLS.

TO THE>DITOJL Bm,—l see by this morning's paper*) that tho outcome of last night's meeting in the Athenasum Hall r« the Introduction of Bible-reading in the public schools is the formation pf a committee to use their influence, etc , to secure at the next elections 'such representatives os shall establish by law “ the. daily reading of the Bible in the public schools." • Now, really, sir, in all deference to the gentlemen comprising'the said committee, and giving them all ’ credit for pure motives and honest intentions, I do hope that the community will net allow themselves to be led by the nose.by a-few clerical and lay autocrats, -whose'chief < l^ l . ifiuation °®co appears to be a large amount of otliciousness in meddling with affairs that do not concern them. Will the time ever come when men, professedly learned in Scripture, will dearly perceive the distinction between things that differ, and Cease to thrust upon tho State a duty which belongs only to the Church ?—I am, 4c, s J r, .. T - T- H. R. Rothesay, January 18. to THE BDIToft, Sir, — The teaching of religion (as at present generallyunderstood), in our State schools, would mean the teaching of sectarianism in some form or other. The question is: What is religion tlf the answer to this is of such a nature that persons holding different views oh this alj-important subject can agree to, then let religion be introduced. If, however, it means that tho conscience of any one section of the community is to be violated, then, for sake of.peace, religious instruction had far better bo left out of the State schools.—l am, &c., _ L m. Dunedin, January 13.