A NOTE OF WARNING.

Evening Star, Issue 7361, 5 November 1887, Page 2 (Supplement)

A NOTE OF WARNING.

TO THS KMTOB. Sir,—When objection is taken to the introduction of the Bible to the State schools by asserting that such a course would inevitably lead to denominationalism and the consequent destruction of our system of State education, the answer made is that this is an attempt to create unnecessary alarm; that there is no probability of such « result following the reading of the Bible; that it is not religious teaohing that is wanted, but simply the " reading of the Word," which is to be its own interpreter. Again and again it has been urged that an arrangement in accordance with this latter suggestion would not satisfy those who desire the Bible to be read for its religious teaohing. The Ret. Mr Fitchett has, as you put it, "let the cat out of the bag" in the Anglican Synod; and the Rev. J. W. Buttle has given the public an insight to the ideas on the subject of regions training held by even the younger men among the Wesleyan Ministry. I should not be surprised to find soma of the older ministers giving utterance to such opinions as have been made by Mr Buttle, as they are quite in keeping with the traditions of Wesleyan Methodism, but X had hoped that the younger ministers (especially the young colonial ministers) Were snaking themselves free from these traditions. The deliverance of the Rev. J. W. Buttle has undeoeived me, and if he may be accepted as representing the young men in the Methodißt Conference, then may we bracket the Wesleyan Methodists with the Anglicans and the Papists as the advocates of denominational' education. I to-day came across a copy of the Wairarapa daily of Ootober 17, in which is an epitomised report of a sermon preached by the Rev. J. W. Battle on the previous Sunday evening in the Masterton Wesleyan Church, which, it is said, was "well filled with an attentive congregation." The text selected by the rev. gentleman was a portion "of the 6th verse of the 4th chapter of Hosea—' My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. In the course of his sermon he is reported as having said: "It was the duty of the State to make good citizens, and that good oitiaens could not be made without religious training." After pointing out the defects of the education system now in operation, Mr Buttle went on to state how he would remedy the defects complained of, "Hewouldfiratabolish the Boards of Education and allow the local committees, to, decide whether or not religious instruction should be given in the sohools under their care. He would have all children instructed in religion, but, at the same time, there should beaconscience clause. He would also allow the Roman Catholic sohools the same privileges as the State schools, on condition that they should bp subject to examination by the. Government Inspector." I commend these sentiments to the consideration of those who support "the Bible-in-Schools " cry but desire at the same time to maintain our system of national education.—l am, etc., Secular. Vunedin, November 1.