THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Evening Star, Issue 7254, 4 July 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

„ ~. K> THE EDITOR. Sir, —The letter appearing in last night’s issue of your paper over the name of “ Charles J. Rae” calls for reply in respect to charges made in it against “ A Lover of the Book” and others who desire with him to have the Bible reinstated in the public schools. When la a controversy opprobrious names are hurled at the opposing side it may be taken pretty well for granted that those who find it necessary, in support of their cause, to use such terms are on the weak side of the argument, as truth scorns such aid as personal abuse on her behalf. In Ur Rae's opinion those who bestir themselves in any way to bring about the reinstatement of the Bible in the schools, from which it was so unjustly removed, are victims of fanaticism, and are goaded on by the wild spirit of bigotry. Is your correspondeot so ignorant of history as not to know that during the dark ages, to which time ha refers, it was the spirit of bigotry, so abhorent to him, which kept the Bible from the people and forbade the people to read it 7 His statements are entirely opposed to the teaching of history, from which we learn that it was not those who wished to spread the knowledge of the Scriptures, but their opponents, who set up the iron stakes, and would no doubt do so to-morrow had they the power, and burn loth Bibles and Biblereideis again, as they used to do. The Bible teaches men to love their enemtoi, to be kind and gentle to them, not to return railing for roiling—a course of action foreign to human nature, and, therefore, foreign to all persons, religious and irreligious alike, who set their own opinions, traditions, etc., above the Word of God. Ur Rae says that “ A Dover of the Book ” would not allow one who does not believe the Bible to be a school teacher. Not knowing who the “ Lover of the Book ” is, I cannot speak for him; but I suppose that no one who believes the Bible to be God’s Word could approve of any person who was known to have little regard for it occupying the position of a teacher. Other professions, where the instruction of youth is not affected, are out of the field, and no such logical necessity exists as your correspondent would make out. Touching the last clause of his letter, common sense and moral purity require the recognition of God in our public schools, as well stated by Prolessor Catalan!, Royal Inspector of Schools in Catania, as quoted In a letter which appeared in the Star of 29th ult. The Professor proposed “ that the gospels should be read ”; and'eaid that “ his suggestion would be opposed only by those who do not know bow much philosophy, science, knowledge of the human heart, eto., is shut up in that book, which is eminently suited, from its structure and inherent power, to educate the man.” The writer of the letter just mentioned truly said “the Bible has nothing to do with sects; it embraces individuals and nations; as a history it is unique; and it is the great elevator of mankind.” No, the Biule is not a sectarian book, but tiuly cosmopolitan—a book that will benefit everyone who will hear Us words and receive its admonitions, but a book that with a voice of authority threatens terrible disaster to all who despite and neglect its warnings and teach men so.—l am, etc,, Irenads. Dunedin, July 2. SETTLEMENT OF THE LAND. TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— ln his speeon in the North Dunedin D illshed Mr Alien is reported to have said on the land question: “I believe the settlement of many people on our lands is the only true foundation-stone upon which to build New Zealand's prosperity.” I hope that there are many who think with him. Eight years ago in Quebec province 17,701,589 acres were owned by 118,085 occupiers, giving an average of nearly 150 acres to each, the population of the province being 1,358,469. In this province every male colonist above the age of eighteen may obtain a free grant of 100 acres upon eight of the great Colonisation roads. Rut certain conditions must be fulfilled, one being that at the end of the fourth year a dwelling-house must have been erected on the land, and at least twelve acres must be under cultivation. In the province of Ontario the number of acres owned were 19,605,019, and the occupiers 17,258, giving above 1,000 acres to each, while the population was 1,913,460. In this province every head of a family (man or woman) can obtain a free grant of 200 acres on very simple conditions. There they do very much to attract emigrants, who hear there are good roads and good sohoo’s, the education of the young being regarded as one of the highest duties of civilisation. Fruit is cultivated to an enormous extent, and there are cheap and ample means of sending it to collecting centres and seaport towns. Such are some of the inducements given to people who want to start farming in one British colony. Wo must be prepared to give inducement equivalent to that offered by Canada, for this Colony has its advantages and disadvantages which must be placed in a just balance along with those of other countries. The man with the capital we have all been wishing for so long to come and occupy our lands will not come so far if he can strike a better bargain nearer home. Let those who are possessed of the best acres in the beat positions in the Colony wait in hope for the man with the capital sufficient tie satisfy, them for most have a heavy burden to carry so far. But if a good stiff tax were put on the land that might make him hurry up. Ail well-wishers of the Colony must thank the Stout-Yogel Ministry, who hare done more in practice to settle the people on the land than any previous Government in the Colony. The village scheme has many recommendations. It gives those a start in the way of acquiring a home in rural New Zealand who dare not under any of the other schemes do more than dream of such a thing With the railway passing his door, a man can now go from bis village home in search of work as easy as from his city one. There are great numbers who have to do so ; and, although it may be said that there are more chances of work about the large towns, we may place against that the small rent and the result of a year or two’s labor performed in the time generally lost between jobs, which might piaoc many independent of going beyond their own homes for a living.—l am, eto., AD. Dunedin, July 2.