BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 December 1912, Page 2

BIBLE IN SCHOOLS

TO THE EDITOU. Sir, —I feel it encumbent upon me after G. J's article on the Bible in Schools question to present my viewon the subject, as I have always been led to believe that any debatable subject, which should by right be referred to every section of the community at a general plebiscite, should be freely discussed both for or against so that everyone may have an opportunity of deciding which side is worthy of Support. lamat a loss to understand « what G. J. means by the phrase " un- J scriptural methods." 1 contend thaT^ any man of proven character (and' cei> tainly none other should at any time have the teaching of classes!!* school children), should certaiily'Siiave as much right to' teach the little ones whom Christ loves about His glorious gospel on week days as they nave on Sundays. G.J. says that the parents are given full instructions to teach, religion to their children. In that I cordially agree and expect that, they will be judged by the just and right- ' eous judge at the last day according as they have imparted Christ's loving message to their children or failed in their divine mission, but we must remember that they have also to impart the lessons of honesty, truthfulness, obedience, and other virtues as well as those sweet divine teachings of Faith, Hope, and Charity; 'and how many parents really do "this, but already leave these lessons to be only partially taught in school. Tho children are taught daily how such aud such a sum of money multiplied sever* al thousands of times will produce a much larger sum. Verily the teachi ing of Caesar's goods are pretty thoroughly crammed into the minds of the little ones, but will G. J. assert that as a sufficient reason why God's glorious teachings should be crowded out. I understand that to every Christian the fact is beyond dispute that we are only pilgrims here, and that the fleeting things of this life must give place to the larger and more complete eternal glory in the future; therefore how very important that the little ones should be fully instructed in divA'^ realities. We road that St. Paul, e^^L whiln sufferingmartrydorafor a noPR^V cause, said : •• I am not ashamed oi^^ the Gospel of Chriet, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every soull that believeth." Would any right* \ minded person allow the narrow pre- \ judiced bigotrj of sectarianism to deprive the young New Zealand boys ' and girls from sound, sincere, scrip. tural teaching. I trust not with &]} my heart. Let the vote be taken. As all the old heroic reformers of the past ( have declared : the truth is right and " must eventually prevail, I am, etc., T.D.