To the Editor of the Colonist.

Colonist, Volume XXX, Issue 4855, 8 July 1887, Page 3

To the Editor of the Colonist.

Sir,—Your correspQndent in yesterday's

'ielail^ cincleir i> • ;Q>*^i-lies;- ''an^er the lnistskea impreßsioh tLat the majority of pareiits in Nelson object to religious inßtvudtion being taught in the public schools. It is not so. The majority of us bare been led astray by the term " religious instruction." In my ignorance my impression hw been it was' intended for the teacher to expound Scripture, and knowinpr front |niyßOhoolday experience that their time must, or ought to It, fully occupied otherwise, have not been favorable for inatruQtiqn on theses; lines. However, with reference to reading the Bible as a class book, it is otherwise, and I cannot conceive' of parents or other perrons who mean well to the community, the reasons for their objections. On my own behalf I would eve a go further, and ask that school should commence with singing the morning hymn and the Lord's Prajer, and finish in the evening with the Lonl's Prayer and to sing the evening hymn. 'J herefore with referen-o to my vote...at the fcrbbicoming election, it will be given to that gentleman who eupjooiti the views on the leaflet. Your correspondent " Q " appears to be a " shining light," born before his time. Permit me for his edification,.and as bearing on the question at issue, to quote a few lines of the great philosopher Lord Bacon:—' A little philosophy may incline men to infidelity; but.a farther proceeding therein bringeth them back to religion. For when the mind looks on second causes scattered, it sometimes rests among them; but when it beholds them confederated and linked together, itmust needs fly to Providence and Diety. The first principles of right reason is religion,. After all my studies and inquiries, I dare not die with any other thought than those of the Christian religion." With reference to the Iriahjjuestion re his Lordship the Bishop of Nelson, there is not a shadow of doubt his Lordship is correct in all that he has ctated. Popery is Popery the same wherever you meet with it; the end sanctifies the means, and auricular confession the torturj and slavery to the priest's rule. Yours, <Src, . - ■ M. Nelson, July 7,1887.