A BOMB-SHELL.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 4830, 7 May 1914, Page 7

A BOMB-SHELL.

BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS OPPOSED. AT DUNEDIN PRESBYTERY. Electric Telegraph—Press Assetistion Dunedin, Last Nglit. Politics and religion were mingled at the meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery, to the discomforture of the supporters of the Bible-in-schools movement. The usual motion favouring a referendum on the question having been tabled by Professor Dickie, a bombshell unexpeeterdly came from tlie Rev. James Chisholm. Taking the floor, the reverend gentleman said: “So far I have kept silent on the question. Others as well as myself have stood aside until it has beeonie a kind of reproach that we have done nothing to show reasons for our opposition. Hence it seems to lie thought that we have no right to lie heard. I claim that light. 1 move a.s ail amendment: "Whereas, according to the Divine order and the experience of the Church in every age, the home and the family circle furnish the first and liy far the best opportunity for bringing the children to the feet of Christ, that they may learn of Him. and, whereas the introduction into the State schools of'selections from the Bible to lie taught not as the word of God. not as Holy Scripture, able to make the children wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus, hut as a manual of history, literature and morals, is. from a Christian point of view, a political device of very doubtful utility, this Presbytery regret that the attention and energies of the Church should be largely diverted from what is primary and essential in the Divine order and directed to a movement piously designed to make up from outside help for what she lias failed to accomplish hy her-own inherent power.” An attempt to get the amendment, ruled out, on the ground that it was merely an expression of regret, having been overruled by the Moderator, the Rev. Mr Scorgie moved: “That the Presbytery proceed to the next business, on the ground that an effort was made to upset the policy of the Church. A vote was taken resulting in Mr Scorgie\s motion being carried, and the whole question was consequently shewed. Surprise was expressed that the Presbytery did not taken test vote.