MR. BURTON'S SERMON.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 187, 27 December 1912, Page 6

MR. BURTON'S SERMON.

To'the lulitor. Sir.—l do not usually reply to anonymous correspondence. -but the lady or gentleman who writes under the signature of "Exdnie isis" in your issue of Tuesdjay, and who criticises my attitude towards the 1 Bible-in-State-Schools • League, is evidently not quite familiar with pither the procedure or the spirit of the Methodist Church. For years, it is Jrue, our ■conferences have passed general resolutions iir favor of the Bible in schools, and at last conference a committee reported favorably on the New South Wales system. The report of the committee was adopted; but there was no serioussi discussion. -on the subject; ; Since that time a league, with a definite propaganda', vhas .been formed,, and tlje Conference "will be asked to assent to, or dissent from, its platform. Doubtless when the Conference meets in February, there will be a i full-dress debate qn the question., .: Though the majority should approve of tho programme of the. League, tlieiresolntioni wilt Tie recommendatory and not obligatory in character, and .Church .will allow to every minister awj member who dissents from; the , finding,; of, the .majority, the fullest | liberty .of vote and speech. There aro net ex-qathedra utterances on ques-. ' tions~ <?f' and every minister :h(is. the,piopj> ppufpfi; freedom in his own piilpi.t. lam just as anxious as Canon i Garland or ,''Exqni(,msis"' to see suitable ;.pprt;ipps qf :; the in the hands iof.,{>.iu\ cjhiydrep,, as .part of the .necessitry knowledge they are' to acquire in our iState spools, but T.;am strongly supposed jto ,the intro(|.uctioii of sectarian •teaehinjg, in any, form, whatever, within the. walls ,■ of our. public, schools.—T am, < etc., ; ~ ■ JOHK ; W. BURTON '