THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Evening Star, Issue 7301, 27 August 1887, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Like wolves, the Bible in-schools opponents 91t6 abroad devasto.(in<r and attempting to destroy every influence that c'orecb ineir patrj, it opposed «o whit tbeir slanted minds believe concerning that allimportant question. Our request and method (or attaining it is so simple, yet so urgent and necessitous, that we are amazed at the opposition which it has to contend with. All we ask is that a portion of God's Word contained in the Old and New Testaments be read once s-day by the scholars in an orderly and reverential manner, without comment; a conscience c'ausc being provided for tho-:e who object. The Dauay Bible, or some other book which might be upon for the children of objectors, might also be used during the period cf Bi'.le-readiog. The objection has been raised that some teachers am not in beany sympathy with the truths in the Bible and are thei'fore unfitted for that part Of the woik. To Euch I would e»y that they have no right to he pissed as certified teachers of children in a Christian community. And if thf y found themselves handicapped by way of srettitig promotion on account of their irreligious eelitf, thero would be fewer Freethinkers amongst them, and these who are would take good care not to show it, especially when on duty. During Bible-reading the teacher is neither expected to read the Bible nor to impart instruction therefrom, but simply to preserve order and secure good conduct. Some will argue that parentefhould give Bible instruction at home, the proper place for it. I think so, too. But their saying so and my thinking so will not induce parents to do their duty in that respect. Therefore we must take the case as it stands and deal with it accordingly. If everyone would do his duty we thcutd experience a different stale of things altogether. Tnc majority of parents neither read the Bible themselves, nor ask their children to do so. Is it then fore to the credit of a Christian community that a large percentage ol the rising generation should grow up to mature years without a knowledge cf the Bible, the highest standjid cf trirh and morality? We say then that Bib'c in schools is the only effective way we cm reach the children of neglectful parents. When this can be done without extra expense or inconvenience we see no reason why so desirable a consummation should notbecarried intoeffeot. The voice of the country has decided in its favor. Why, then, should a Bmall mir.o iiy be the ruling power over this all-important question, specially in a Christian community ? Now is the time to make our impress upon the minds cf our representatives. Let us bind them by promises that they will endeavor by all the means in their pow it to give effect to our wishes on this question when in P*»liament assembled; and if honest, tru'hful men (which electors now should be convinced of by referring to their previous character before giving them their votes) they will not fail to car.y iuto effect the pledges uren. And if such be found, as we sirjCfrely hope there may, they willb* the most likely men to go in for honest and thorough retrenchment—l sm, etc, T.B.P. | Dunedin, August 26.