BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1527, 9 January 1879, Page 3

BIBLE READING IN SCHOOLS.

[Bx TELEOBArn.] [FROM THE CORRESPONDENT OF THE PRESS, 1 Dunedin, January 8. At the Presbytery to-day, Mr Will, in seconding the adoption of Dr. Copeland’s overture rc Bible reading in schools, said ho would sooner accept Denominationalism with all its consequences, than the extreme position to which they were being driven by Secularists. Dr. Stuart thought that the result of all this agitation would bo to strengthen alism, and if they persevered in it the next session of Parliament would see Donominationalism triumphant. He recommended a suspension of agitation till a general election. Ho referred to the apathy shown in Dunedin cn matters of education. He was not awaro that there was any groat body of men in league to prevent tbe Word of God being read In schools. He knew that there were some people who talked wildly, and without intelligence, but he would be sorry to think that the mass of the community were in league for so offensive a purpose, go was aware that some members of Parliament were ardent Secularists, yet, when spoken to ; they paid they had no antipathy to religion.

Mr Watt thought there was not so muc* 1 extreme Secularism in the community as they were at first inclined to believe. He preferred the present system to Denominationalism. Before the present Education Bill had had a fair trial, and while it was in the “ hands of the Philistines in the hands of Denominationalists —it was ungenerous that they should set their faces against it. By the present action they were simply strengthening the hands of Denominationalists.

Ur. Copeland was the only other speaker.