BISHOP MORAN’S LENTEN PASTORAL, AND EDUCATION.

Evening Star, Issue 3110, 6 February 1873, Page 2

BISHOP MORAN’S LENTEN PASTORAL, AND EDUCATION.

To the Editor. Sir, —The writer and many thinkers admire the leader in the Morning Star of the 27th ult. for its wisdom, and the moderation of its strictures on Bishop Moran’s Lenten pastoral. He condemns the system of education in Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago, inwhich, as inevery other human institution, there is room for improvement. They do, however, bear favorable comparison with the system of education pursued in the Two Sicilies, in 1869, which were then entirely under the control of Bishop Moran’s coadjutors, and of course, in his and their eyes, that system was perfection. The hundred sects of worshippers in Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago have equal ground of complaint with the Bishop, and every flock has an equal right with him to make known to our rulers what he terms the injustice done to them, by petitions clear and respectful. Let all remember, the essence of goodness is seen by example and charity of opinion. This is clear as the sun in the sky, nor should any deride another’s creed, although they cannot solve their doubts, but with deference V>ear wit.li tliom, Irear them, pis <lg©B our author j for we know not when we affce right; to-morrow’s knowledge may prove we are wrong to-day ; nor can we shape another’s mind to ours, for there are not two things framed in nature without a difference ; so do the minds of men differ about what is right. In proof, on the 19th August, 1869, there was an entry written by the b’ev. Mr Maloney in the visitors’ book of the Industrial School. He writes—“ None of our industrial schools in Europe can excel it m everything that is satisfactory.” 6th March, 1871, the Lev. Mr Coleman writes in said book —“The establishment does credit to those at the head of affairs. ” On the following Ist April he writes—“ The managers are all attention.” 'J he following 6th of July, the Rev. Mr Coleman and the Rev. Mr Norris repeat the same—“ These opinions are in strict harmony with those of- all other visitors.” Notwithstanding, Bishop Moran differs in opinion from all these'; and is repo: ted to have publicly denounced the industrious school as, &c., and that such

should not be allowed in any Christian country. Doubtless the opinions of all were honestly given ; majorities are not always right. He knows who was right in that case. If educated men differ so widely about a matter so clear to the mind and the eye; surely the educated and others, in a hundred religious creeds, in which there is much mystery, are not to be condemned for their difference of opinion, but each prized as they are seen, in their works and walk, to prize order and truth. If, as suggested by the Bishop, one or all of these sects petition our rulers against the injustice be says is doue to them, and if our rulers grant the prayer to one, they will be guilty of a crime against all other sects and their God who shields all alike. If they grant the petitions of all, then will anarchy commence with all its horrors.

A kingdom is a nest of families—the religious sects are the families. They will be best governed by continuing civil and re igious liberty as it is ; the parents and their leaders, who alone are : qualified, imparting to the aged, the young, and others, the mysteries in each of their religious creeds; the State casting her protecting shield ever the coming race, compelling education and training to all so far as to enable them “to earn their daily bread, apd be truthful, useful citizens. How this ' may be best and cheapest done, may form the subject of another communication. -1 am, &c., bENEX.