Bible Influence.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 30 April 1913, Page 2

Bible Influence.

Reply to Mr Claud Hopper.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In the issue of your paper dated Feb 19th your Mokai correspondent stated that the Bible " had the effect of stifling legitimate ambition, retarding studies and inspiring most deadly fears." He used this as an argument against the use of the Bible in state schools, thus inferring that this is its general effect. Now, as far as I am concerned, he or anyone else may argue from now till doomsday about or against Bible-in-schools (more properly termed Religion in state schools), but I certainly could not and will not stand by and let such a false inference be palmed off on your readers without vigorous protest. In making my protest I have established an affirmative before which your correspondent has retired step by step. Now I answer his last week's question by asking one—is he prepared to give evidence of his sincerity in this controversy either per medium of public lecture or through the columns of your paper, by attempting to establish this " inference," by giving some ground for his boast of preferring" sound common sense " (which boast has so far proved empty meaningless "wcn-ds as far as his letters have been concerned). If he does this and to any degree holds public attention or sways popular opinion, then I shall be quite prepared to challenge him to debate public ly upon the point at issue, namely, as to whether the reading of the Bible has the general effect of " stifling legitimate, ambition, retarding studies and inspiring most deadly fears."

I shall adhere to the attitude of my last letter and am prepared to consider and controvert if necessary, any propositions put forward that conflict, with my convictions. lam not ashamed of Christ Jesus, of the book that testifies of Him, and am ready to face a world of opposition as other of His followers have done in days gone by. But let me emphasize finally that abuse is not argument, nor do sneers, denials, or doubts disprove facts : and further, as Sir Oliver Lodge says in his latest work "facts should be given the due weight of their existence."

The only attempt at reply to my main argument, so far, has been to cast doubt upon the authenticity of Queen Victoria's words. Now I demand quotations of an authentic denial of these words and if !!! they are discredited from a reliable source I will withdraw this one statement. But what of the other ten^ testimonies ?-^—" Here are the opinions of some of the highest authorities in education, science, literature and art, all proving my contention and he fights shy of them,"--the excuse given being, that it is only regard for your space and the patience of the public that restrained him. Let him be scriptural for once and for a change "Prove all things' and hold fast to

that which is good," then, Sir, with your permission, I challenge him to make public his findings in these columns. , I was surprised to read me opening paragraph of last week.s letter ; Mr Hopper in his letter of April 2nd, without replying to me at all, stated his intention ot withdrawing for a time owing to pressing duties, yet in that paragraph he charges you, Mr Editor, with bringing this correspondence to an untimely end. Unless lam sadly mistaken, your columns are still open to any opinions that are frank, honest and reasonable, you have said nothing to the contrary. - As he refers to your exercising the Editorial Veto, the natural corollary is—since you rule childish quibbles and personal insults out of court—that he is shut up because these are the sum total of his " sound common sense. In closing I ask Mr Hopper one moie question—if he doubts the truth of a private conversation of the late Queen, what does he make of the words of the Coronation ceremony? The Archbishop said—" it (the Bible) has sweetened the home life, it has permeated literature and art, and shaped the national character. Its truths, so long as they are made the standard of life, will preserve the glory of o,ur Empire through generations to come." His Majesty King George replied —" .... It is my confident hope that my subjects may never cease to cherish their^ inheritance in the English Bible, which in its secular aspect is the first of national treasures, and in its spiritual significance the most valuable thing the world affords." These words are not heated exr aggerations spoken in a "corner by some insignificant fanatical bigot, but they were spoken on a hill by the leading lights of our Grand Empire, and therefore must not be ignored as weighty evidence in this controversy. I am, etc, HORACE W. MILNER. 25/4/13.