THE FAMOUS THIRTEEN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15955, 24 December 1913, Page 8

THE FAMOUS THIRTEEN.

TO HIE EDITOE.

Sin,—lll last Friday's issue the Rev. A. Cameron gives his explanation and defence of his vote against the policy of lib Church in the Bible-in-schools debate. In introducing it he says: "The Iriends of'the moves ment aro no doubt rejoicing in the great' majority in their favour—lo2 against 13. 1 do not grudge them their joy in number*. 1 know that some of the leaders arc not so light-hearted when they remember who the 15 are who aro opposing," I wish you to emphasise the words: "I know that some of the leaders are not so light-hearted when they remember who the 13 are who are opposing." Tor these words are of the very essence of Mr Cameron's unconscious conceit. The- 13 names are not all known to me, but I Can vouch for 10 o{ them—Revs. J, 11. Mackenzie, A. Cameron, Professor Hewiteon Dr Erwin, James Chisholm, A, A, Murray, Walter M'Lcan, and F. W. Robertson, and Messrs John Caughley and I'. G. Pryde (elders). Perhaps Mr Cameron can supply the three other names of his silent frenchmen. .Surely that is not a list to make the leaders ot the Bible-in-schools movement feel very melancholy!

liut out of the 13 only live spoke, and their ' speeches were forceful rather than eloquent, emotional rather than logical, rhetorical rather than convincing. The Rev. J. H. Mackenzie's c speech may be left out, as his ambition is to go down to posterity as the father of the iVekcw system. In his eyes, neither light nor wisdom can come from anywhere- except Nelson. Dr Erwin's speech was an appeal to the prejudices of the assembly against the Anglican Church, and ite assertions were exposeu' by Dr Gibb. Mr Cameron's speech was the longest and the most interesting. It was partly the explanation and defence contained in his letter, and partly a scries of personal assertions. "1 know,' 1 "1 knoiv."' was its refrain. Its assumption was an impossible theory of Churcn and State, and its argument was that our children aro (without Bible reading) as good an the children in Scotland, Germany; and Ne.v South Wales (with Bible reading). Professor Hewitson's speech was the shortest and weakest. Its standpoint whs as near as possible that of the Roman Catholic Church. Its assertion was that Bible reading is of no value. Its implication was, therefore, it is of no use to put the Bible into the hands of the children. And yet Mr Hewitson is a professor of the English. Bible, and is employed to teach the students of Knox College to read and study the Bible. lie is also convener of the Foreign Missions Committee, which spends al>out £7000 a year to send men and women to China and India to read the Bible to these nations. His attitude outs out all the Bible societies, the Sunday schools, and all who endeavour to give the Word to tho world. But tho Rev. I. Jolly and the .Shorter Catechism cleared the ■ atmosphere. Mr Caughley's attitude and arguments are' too well known to need repetition or comment. If there was nothing in the list of names, there is certainly .nothing in the list of speeches to make anyone fear for the future or (eel melancholy. '" when they remember who tho 13 are "who are opposing" the Bible in schools in the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand.—l am, etc.. ■