RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 436, 23 August 1877, Page 3

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION.

(To the "Editor of the Mount Ida Chronicle.) Sib, —Will yoa kindly allow me space to reply to the letter of " Alpha," which appeared in your last issue ? The pith of his remarks seems to be that classes of religious instruction for children, if started in this town, would be well attended and useful. With him I feel very strongly that a large share of the clergyman's time should be devoted tc teaching children, and I have, after due notice both in Church and Sunday School, conducted weekly evening Bible Classes during the winter months ; tho attendance has been hitherto very small. I am extremely glad, however, to hear that your correspondent knows of "many parents who are anxious about tho instruction of their children, who would gladly send them to such a class." My anxiety on the subject is also great. I therefore take the opportunity afforded me of expressing my readiness cither—(l) To attend (with the consent of tho Committee) the district school at an appointed hour either before, during, or after the ordinary studies ; or (2) to conduct evening classes twice a week. lam willing that these classes, unless conducted simultaneously with those by other denominations, should be entirely unseetarian. They would also be open to adults. At the same time I will give separate instruction in the doctrines of my Church. All that I should desire would be a fairly regular attendance of tho pupils. Thanking your correspondent for the suggestion, and hoping that it may bo taken up by others, —I am, &c, J. Hobbs. The Parsonage, Aug. 21.