THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Southland Times, Issue 1600, 2 July 1872, Page 3

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Sib, — With all respect for Mr Calder, I am still unwillingly compelled to differ from him. His reply ia somewhat ambiguous, and open to adverse criticism, which I will not now attempt. He seems to have scarcely made up his mind, and would, I fear, be inclined to concede too much to what I must designate a spurious liberality. He would not exclude, but would not ivsist upon the daily reading of some portion of God's word. There is the point at which we diverge. I hold that it should be compulsory to read it, though not to explain in accordance with any sectarian views. On this vital question let the " trumpet give no uncertain sound." I consider it will be our duty as Christians to reject any candidate in future — whatever his other qualifications — who may have decided about, who ia not sound upon, this most important subject. The powers of evil are marshalling their forces for the coming conflict, and shall we insanely go to battle without our sword P Surely that would be an excess of liberality ! Satan still hoists his } pirate flag, and is endeavoring by every artifice to gain new adherents to his cause. It therefore behoves Christians to show their colors, boldly to avow their creed, to rally round the standard of Immanuel, the bloodstained Banner of the Cross. " I'm not ashamed to own my Lord, Nor to defend His cause, Maintain the glory of His Word, The honor of His Cross, But oh ! may this my glory be, That Christ ia not ashamed of me." Lest any should think I wish to exalt myself, or should imagine I desire to be looked upon as a pattern, I must in the most unqualified terms repudiate any such intention or desire. I know lam but a sorry specimen of what a Christian ought to be. lam full of failings, imperfections, and sins. Ido not willingly court publicity, yet, being in this instance called upon by duty to sign my name, 1 will conclude by adopting the language of a fox-hunting parson in England, who, when reproved by some of his parishioners for his gaiety, promptly replied, " Gentlemen, don't copy me ; do as I say, but not as I do." — Yours &c, Baiteb Pike.