THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS QUESTION.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXXVII, Issue 11740, 18 September 1902, Page 7

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS QUESTION.

To the Editor. Sir, —"Pro-Veritate is quite reasonable in replying to "Fight Fair," that it is the argument, not the arguer, that is oi importance; but this rule surely need not be pteadedby the clergy as an txcusa lor refusing to take part in the present newbpaper discussion. All honour to Mr Dewdney for his rational, if not convincing, i letter. I see by your Saturday's issue that several of the Wanganui ministers Avere to preach on the Bible uestion on Sunday, the j.4th. That is all very well* for those ■who attend their places of worship, most of whom are professing Christians. But how does it help outsiders? People who are not. professing Christians are not likely to visit the churches on the off-chance of hearing something they have not heard before. Avowed Freethinkers are, as a general rule, persons Avho have at least taken some pains to examine both sides, Avhioiv is not - the case with the ordinary run of professing Christians. It is quite useless to plead with Freethinkers! the authority of the Church. They must be convinced by facts and arguments, not by allegations and rhetoric. Therefore, if theWanganui clergy really wish to get the Bible read in schools, let them come down into the arena of the Press-discussion, and convert their opponents by facts1 and meats.—l am, etc., GEO. FRED. ALLEN. September 15, 1902.