THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 2848, 5 April 1872, Page 2

THE EDUCATION QUESTION.

To the Editor, Siu, —In a letter by “Episcopalian” in support of national denominational schools, appearing in yonr paper of the 27ch, he male reference to the rational Education Union of England, whose objects were to secure primary education to every child on principles of morality and religion. An association could not be formed for a better purpose, providing it were possible it could be carried out on the principle of doing as we would bo done by ; but that demand and the spirit of deuominationalism are opposed to each other, and cannot work in harmony | Of course the conscience of the pupils of saul Union, or their nominees, would be educated to believe that the one of the thousand codes of religion and morals now taught in the British dominions, aud which one they are now teaching, was the only religion and code of morals authorised by God. All others were false, &o. That the instructions now given to them were express commands from God, to be stored up in their memories as monitors for their conscience to rest on. it is true conscience may be and is educated to believe impossibilities, and conscience obliges and compels. Mark tbo number of men eminent for their learning so educated, who are its slaves. By their conscience they are debarred from doing unto others as they would others should do unto them : by it they are debarred from seeing with their own eyes or understanding; by it they are debarred from training youth in freedom’s path; by it they are debarred the u-e of their own reason. By conscience they asm compelled to believe truth a falsehood, and a lie to be truth. Human natu, e claimed and claim: her birthright—freedom. Hence the num ber of religions and codes of morals amongs professors of Christianity. Many have fount in Scripture what to them appear expresi commands, which they have taken as theii standard : as the Quakers —men of peace—- “ Kesist not evil ; if any man smite thco or the one cheek, turn the other to him also.’ Many other sects have a like origin, and from these and other sources they have increased and are increasing. This diversity of opinion seems part of our author’s plan for everything animate or inanimate that exists, differs in degree, constitution, appearance, and matter from everything that is, and that all things should be subservient for our use and enjoyment—our minds so ordered and varied that there is room for its exercise in each man for its pleasure and profit, and as a unit in producing that which is for the good of all. Freedom, and liberty to exercise it. allows this order to be carried out; aud it is remarkable that in every religious sect of any standing there are learned and devout men—also among Mahommedans and idolaters, who know neither our religion or laws—who inculcate the rule, “Do .into others as you would others should do into you.” Under British rule there are more relins than under any other, and happily nvil aud religious liberty prevails. But ;he introduction of denominational or my other schools for the teaching of eligion would be an interference with that iberty. Still, it is the duty of every State o assist in and see their youth instructed n the science of life—the knowledge of prodding for their own wants, and Ibe doing , into others as they would have others do into them ; thus, iu the words of Solomon, hey would be trained in the way they hould go—in freedom and wisdoms path, ud become useful citizens. With religion, r their religion, beyond protecting them in ;s exercise, the State has nothing to do. nstruction on that head is better in the auds of those duty.authorised and qualified -> give it—the parents and clergy they fe*

cognise as their spiritual guide. This would be satisfactory to believers in the command, do unto others as you would be done by; and this command is believed in by many non-professors of Christianity.—l am, &c. Wm. Dalrymfle. Pout Chalmers, March 30, 1872.

aud blessinga. My bcoks and letters and papers not to be destroyed or sold, but, with all my property, neat'y packed in boxes, and left in charge of Mr Leo to await my return or further disposal. Ihe money left in your hands to be invested in (post office savings bank) “in name of William Prewett, and the book to be put in charge of Mr Lee or held by yourself” Henry John Harrison, an inmate of the Sailor’s Home, had answered one of the advertisements, and was engaged by Nichols as agent for the the ideal Norton. His poverty seems to have saved his life, for a letter was sent to him stating that Norton had engaged a clerk. Bockley, a boatman, let out a boat to Nichols aud Lester, the sail of which had been washed, but there wore several dark stains like patches of blood, which were cut out and submitted foi examination to Mr Watt, analytical chemist. A verdict of wilful murder was returned against both prisoneis. Nichols offered to become informer, but the authorities declined his evidence. He is said to be nephew to a former Solioitor-gficiieral.