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A WEEKLY JOURNAL OF POLITICS, LITERATURE AND NEWS.

EDWARD WHELAN]

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THE BIBLE QUESTION.

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MEETING OF PROTESTANT MINISTERS AND THEIR FRIENDS AT THE TEMPERANCE HALL.

On Friday evening, the 13th instant, in pursuance of notice,

a meeting was held in the Temperance Hall, for the purpose of

!

'The Bible is the Word of God.

Chis is true Liberty, when Scsecboun filen, having to atte the Vublic, ‘nap speak free.——EURIPIDES. l CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND,

apa 1s atk *nee epee we

Word. They have not the Bible —they never had it. (Applause). lt is a good book to read. If so, we must read it when weare young; for as we grow up the duties of life leave us little time to read. Besides, youth is the

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‘pear fair enough, and seem written ina liberal spirit; but l

‘can detect, lurking beneath a specious exterior, a design the ‘most alarming. *T'is true, the Bishop, in his apology, says he

was misinformed in regard to the expulsion of Catholic children, traveller returns.

proper season when the lessons of that sacred book will sink from a publie school ; but he does not contradict the assumption

into the heart, and incite it to look up to God as the giver of all grace and the controller of destinies. ‘Therefore, we can-

that no prayer shall be used in the public schools, and he has the assuranee to think Butler's catechism must be used! He

advocating the introduction of the Bible as a class-book in the | 9% do without it in our public schools, and we must have it| would wish to prevent Protestant children from using the nips there—not by sufferance, but by authority. (Applause) The} asa class book ; dut the catechism and mass-book must be

public schools At an early hovr, a great number of persons were in attendance, and before 7 o'clock the Liali was filled to overflowing. At half-past 7 o'clock, it was moved by Capt.

Mr. Duncan opened the meeting with prayer. COLONEL GRAY them addressed the meeting: Ladies

_ Bible gives-a stability to character which, without its aid, would | used!

and Gentlemen—Having been called to this chair L avail myself |

of a prescriptive right to say few words declaratory of my sen-

It has deen my jot to pass many years amid divers nations,—among people professing the various creeds of Greeks, Komans, Copts, | Jews, “odslem, Bhoodists and Pagans,—and all my experience has tagght we that no good ever arises from coercion, per- secution or reviling., | would rather convince my fellow men by fair argument and sound reasoning, than by rougher means. Bat at the same time that | am willing to accord all license of thought aad practice to thuse w ho choose to arrogate to them. selves the worsh:pof other Gods than the God and Fathez of our Lord Jesus Christ, and who deny, decry and repudiate the the truths in God’s Holy Word, as a descendant of forefathers who siep: an the heather, who were hunted like wild beasts aud mercilessly shot dewn with them wives ond little ones, be- cause they would not forego their right to worship God according to the doctrines and com nandments of men, but in| accordance with the plain trushs and commands set forth and | evjomed in the Bible,x—t say, | would be a recreant, if f cou! view with apathy aud unconcern, the disposition of the Board wf Edeeation, under this Government, to deprive my fellow | <quatrymen of what they shou!d value dearer than life itself, —the privilege of having their chiidren daily exercised and instructed in the subliwe truths only contained in what bas | been so aptly and properly termed, ** that most wond’rous Book, bright candie of the Lord, the star of Mrernity, the only etar by which man’s bark can, navigate the sea of lite wid gain the Port of Bliss securely.” ( Applause. ) jc isonly a few months ayo T passed some hours in conversation

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; religion in that country ? dunents and opmen on the subject to be brought before you! ~ y

this evening, and | trust no one mw this room will accuse me Of | terfered with. imitating those » ho, the essence of intolerance themselves, are | pore always the first to cry out for toleration from others.

hot object to put into the hands of their cluldren.

; Waut nothing but fair play, a fair field and no favor. (Ap.) ‘There | , may be some difference in the pluns of teachers 5 yetif objection |

structed in the Seriptures, the reading of them might be !eft | till the last, and they could have an oppertunity of withdrawing ifrom the school.

| for nothing. /supportof education as Protestants ; and are they to be treated

' . | Assuredly not. {If they pay as much es Protestants, they are y HL) entitled to the same righis—the same privileges. ‘Then let us

a | with snecess! (Applause) }tical ends may be assured they will not have peace here, nor | happiness hereafter. "* | ceive that the resolution asks your concurrence in saying that | Messrs. Fitzgerald and Stark have done what is right—have

| due to you in the meantime to explain why they have so acted

with one of the mest éstimable and pious of the noblemen of |

Euvland, one whose unbounded benevolence, vast puilanthropy |

aud earnest Z-ai in the good ciuse has gained | which mast be well known to you all—fallude to the Ear! of Shaftesburyv—better known to the children of England as Lord Ashley. This excelleat. man was exulung ever all the good j irl to aecrue from the fact of the pe iple of ! just sont ont two aillton copies of the holy Seriptures translated tute the Chinese language, to the people of that country, for the purpose of dissemnating in their village schools. (Applause) Now, | ask, what would this great man say if he were told thar the chilcrea of Protestant parenis.in a Protestant colony, under & Protestant Queen and Government, are pleced in a worse position than the heathen them-elves. Is this to be? Lithink J dear you ail-eay 20; (*No! No!’?) end Teall epon you my dear fellow countrymen, to prove by this eveniig 8 proceedings that, standing shoulder to shoulder, you will sot brug such a stat upon or memories as that of a people who would sacri- fice their children’s birthrietit and their religion!

The Chairman then sat dowo amid the most enthusiastic applause.

Rev. Mr. LOCKUEAD. resolatiou—

1. That this meeting desires to express their deep sense of the ser- eices of the Kev. D. Fitzzeraid and Mr. Stark. in bringing under the notice of the frotestants of this Isiand the letter of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Chirlottetown, and their opinion dhat the two gentlemen above mentioned hive acted in an honorable and conscien- tiods menneriu their places as members of the Board of kducation, and that had they net acted so, this meeting is of opinion that they would have been guilty of a betraval of Protestant interests. Further resolved, That the Roman Catholic Bishop's letter be printed forthwith

I beg to propose the following

f am sorry this meeting has occurred so soon after the pre. ceding one, as 1 have scarcely had time to recruit my mind It may not be tinproper, however, to offer a few crude and un- digested remarks. ‘Those who are acquainted with the Rev. Mr. Fitzgerald will be convinced that he has acted at this crisis as a true lover of religion; and his services, | am con- vinced, are appreciated by all of you. (Applause). There may be some who would object to printing the Bishop’s jetter—ihere may be some who say he was wrong in copying it; but Tsay he has done right. (Applouse). If he did not do as he has done, | should consider he betruyed the Protes- Aant interes!, (Applause) Hints have been thrown out by some of the Government officials that he would lose his seat #t the Board of Education, for his activity in exposing the danger with which we are menaced. Thus threatened, wil! not the meeting eudorse the course he has pursued, and throw aver him their protecting aegis. It is resolved that the Bis- Ahop’s letter be printed. ‘The letter has been read at many aneetings; but it ts fic that it should have a more extended A£'rculation, as it is desirable to knuw the Bishop’s intentions 4nore fally. Some think he did not mean to exclude the serip- ures from the public schools, nor debar the children of Pro- Aestants the free use of scriptural teachings; and indeed a ertain portion of the Press supported this opinion ; but it is evident the Bishop had other intentions, the least dangerous of which was the exclusion of the Bible. Did the Bishop mean Ao tolerate the Bible in the public schools—and did he write the apulogetic letter in good faith? If he did, it would be sufficient, and we should take him at his word. But we nave reason to know that the true cause of such a course was a fear of the consequences of Frotestant indignation. (Lear). I wonder how the Bishop could lave the assurance to write such # letter to the Board of Education. Ue must have thoucht the Protestants low indeed if they would subinit to have the Bible put out of the public schools. The Bishop seems to forget thav public sciols are supported by Protestants as well as. Catholics, and who would not subscribe to the system of dark- ness and superstition he holds to. Could he dream the Pro- testants of lrelaud or Scotland—where Knox is loved so well —would submit to his impiety or godlessness? Let him and his supporters remember we are descended from those who fought and bled for the truth ; and we will not be behind them in oar zeal for the good cause, but be ever willing to live or die in defence of the Bible, in defiance of Rome and its mas- ters, who have massacred them! ({Applanse). Sulit am willing to live on good terms with Catholics—many of whom | ente:- tain a great respect for—of whose Christianity and love for the Bible | have no doubt, and whom { expect to meet in Heaven.

im a character j

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ngland having |

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at best be of an indifferent stamp. France,

not the Bible. (Applause). rica. What is the cause of so much infidelity and disregard of It is because the Bible has. been! thrown out of their public schools, and its free circulation in- But it is said that Catholics are as much in sted in keeping the Bible in the schools as Protestants. It is also said that Catholics have their own Bible, which they do Give them their own Bible then, and let the Protestants have theirs; we

should be made by Catholic parenis to their children beimg in-

lu fine, whatever pian be adopted, if the Bible is lefi out of the public schools, all our agitation will go It is said that the Catholics give as much for the

a8 infervors—as if they had not equal rights with Protestants ? proceed in our determingtion to have the Bible in our public schools—God will assist our endeavors, and crown our labors

But those who oppose us for poli-

Ladies and gentlemen,—You will per

done what was their duty as Christians and Protestants. {t is | in this matter. ‘The Boatd of Edueation is composed of indivi dualsof various denommations. When Mr. Fitzgerald first took his seat at the Board, be was opposed to having the Bible lefi eut of the public schools, and entered his protest on the books. lt may be asked —Why did he remain? Why did he not re- siwu? Because he thoughtthat by remaining he could do good there. All was peace and harmony until the letter from the

| adopted in most Protestant countries.

I belong to no secret society, and my acts and thoughts

Ignorance of the Bible is/are displayed openiy in the face of man as inthe sight of Orlebar, RU Nj that Colone! Gray take the Chair. The Rev. followed by moral and social degradation! Look at Spain and Heaven, (Hear! hear!) At the last meeting of the Board of . W hat is the cause of the assassinations, suicides and | Education, the books intended for public schools were submil- robberies, practised in these countries ? [tis because they have | ted. Look at the United States of Ame-| and, turning over its Jeaves, | found the psalins in Latin, and

I examined one of them, to be used in a French school,

the mass book at the end! (Sensation) Now, sir, | hold that the State shouid not sanction the use of religious books or catechisms of any particular creed or religion in the public schoois ; bat the word of God, undefiled, must be in the hands of our children if we expect them to be good Christians. (Applause) ‘The Bishop recommends the adoption of the Irish national school system—a system the most corrupt on the face of the earth. And because, forsooth, | oppose such unchristian innovations, I aim reviled and beset with the evil machinations of my enemies. The public newspapers, too, teem with abuse of me—call me a betrayer of secrets —a fomenter of discord in the Jand, and say | am agitating for political ends. {tis false —all false! (Applause). We are called disturbers of harmony ; and because we wish to have the word of God in our public schools, we are told our system is godless! We want what 1s right for our children—{a voice, “It’s false! * bt’s false!’ whereupon a considerable uproar was created, and cries of **Order!’? * Put him out!’ “Sit down!’’ resounded through the Hall. The chairman at length succeeded in quieting the fears of the ladies and in restoring order. |

The resolution was then submitted, aud carried unanimously.

Rev. Mr. LLOYD. | am sorry that | have been selected to move the second resolution ; but | will not hold back when an occasion of so much importance demands my voice ond achion—

2. Whereas “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding,” and as this fear and knowledge are made known to us in the Holy Seriptures. which are given to us of God, to teach us our several duties on earth, and to secure to our sculs the blessings ofeternal life,—Itis resolved, that no education, uational or otherwise, can be good or suited to the rational and immortal nature of man, from which the Word of God is excluded.

I think the system of national education is good. It is now But in a place like this where two religions exist, great caution should be used, I re- gret that this movement was nol made when the present Schoo!

ishop was recewed—a letterse fall of dengerto Protestantism. He read it; felt impressed with a sense of impending danger ; and copied it. bbelieverhe tas dene mghts and so long as | have a voice if shal! be heard demanding that his services to Protestantism shall oceupy their proper position. (Applause) Will yon then forsake these gentlemen who have incurred the lispleasure of Government to serve you; and who are stigima- tised as betrayers of secrets? (Cries of * Not? “No!”) No, you will not; vou owe a debt of gratitude to them, and ao do all lovers of the Bible. (Applause). 1 might say something on the subject of religion, and what we owe to it as professors ; bat T have already trespassed too long on your patience. What I de says however, | say in earnest. You will hear from some of our conntry muintsters, who have come to assist us, to stand by one another as Protestants. | ask the rev. gentleman to read ihe Bishop’s letter. Its contents should be known, ou. Orlebar, R.N.. sceonded the resolution.

Rev. DAVID FITZGERALD. 1 confess I did not think. when | copied that letter, it would cause such commotion—that it would arouse, as by a common sense of danger, all who had the mterest of their eternal salvation, and that of their children at heart; but there is an overruling Provid nce above us, which reads the hearts of men, like aa open volume, and whispered to our fears that danger was abroad. But he who can rawse the whirlwind can subdue the storm Then, when God thus moves us, let us in unmistakeable language tell them we are determined to have the Bible in our public schools (Applause). In copying the Bishop’s letter, I did it because | felt tineumbent on me, anda duty [ owed the cause of Pro- testantisin, to make its contents known, that Protestants might

their religion; and that they might protest against the perpe- tustion of a system which they have reason to distrust. The Bishop’s letter to the Board, 1 am convinced, was intended to werk a change in the present school system. I will read the letter and vou can judge for yourselves —

“Rustico, 7th Nov., 1356.

“ My Dear Sir,—Asa friend of free education, 1 take the liberty of addressing, through you, a few words to the gentiemen composing the joard of Education ona subjece which has occasioned, and continues to occasion, a good deal of dissatisfaction and ill-will throughout many parts of the country —a subject which, if not speedily removed, will before long impair the efficiency of our mixed peblic schools. It appears that immediately on the Free School Act going into operation the Board of Education issued an order to al! schoo)masters under the operation of said Act, to recite before and after school, a certain ormula of prayers. With this injunction many masters. from conscien- ticus motives, have silently refused to comply, while others have enforced compliance therewith by threats to expel from their schools all who would not assist thereat, either Longre or malgre. To prayers, in some mixed schools, are now added other religious exercises, such as teaching and singing sectarian hymns, &c. In the Normal School the same prayer as above is forced on the young men frequenting that Institution, of whom many are Catholics, and are besides made to listen to lessons from & version of the Scripture, in the correctness of which they do not believe. ‘This introduction of religious matters into our public mixed sehools is the work of scandal, and the whole cause of the present prevailing discontent among Catholies. Itis a well-known fact, and a fact which cannot be concealed, that the population of this Island is made up of many denominations of Christians, all more or Jess ceponed to each other in their religious teaching, and although they all live, and wish to live, on friendly terms with their neighbors, whatever be their creed, yet they disliké as much to see their children forced to knee! in prayer with persons and under a master professing a creed differing from their own, as they would if they saw them going iato the churches of such persons and worship publicly with them. Moreover, if the Board has now authority to prescribe a formula of prayer for our mixed schools, will it not have the same authority, at any future period, to rescind the present formula, prepare and order another much more objectionable? It is obvious, then, that all pareats who have Christian faith, must reeist, by every means in their power, the authority assumed by the Board, so objectionable in principle, and so irreconcilable with freedom of con- science. 1 hope [shall not be understood to mean any disrespect to the jurtiee, wisdom and judginent, by which all the acts of the Board are governed, if l avail myseifofthis oecasion, before strife and-bad feelings are raised, in a community hitherto so happily exempt from religious disunion to respectfaily but earnestly beg of the Board to reconsider the evil tendency of introducing religion inany shape into our mixed schools. “ifit be desired they should. work well, the same system as that follotved in the Irish National School, must be adopted here, Prayers and all religious exercises, as well as the reading of Scripture from any

But in the ineantime £ will maintain—to the death maintain-—

the sacredness of the Holy Scrip'ures inviolate ; because they | are the Word of God —because they concern my eternal sal- Valion—because they aretne guide and constitution of mankind | —and because they are the best guarantee of eternal salvation.

(Applause). Then the Bible is of the first importance in a temporal: point of view—it is the only true standard of richt

and wrong. " in a temporal point of view, let us look at the countries where it is read, and the countries where it is never known,

version not approved of by all, must be discontinued. favorable or unfavorable to any religious denomination must be incul-

| cated. If the friends of education wish our mixed schools to prosper,

their wish can only be realized by allowing those schools to be gouless under the present circumstances of the ‘country. ‘The Catholics, Lam

be prepared to ward off the blow aimed at the foundation of

Nothifg |

Act was first brought into operation; if it were, the Roman (Catholhe Bishop had never wiitten that letter.” | do not agree | with all that has been said here to-night ; bet 1 do agree with the Charman when he says that no good has ever yet arisen trom persecution ; «nd when be so ably depicts the sufferings of jis Scottish ancestors, Lam reminded that |, too, am a per- seculor, and must myself be mercitul. We have «lh been per- secutors in ages past—even Calvin himself condenmed a man to death. Tt as better, think, to extend the right hand of fellowship than to coerer, or force our behef upon any man Let aa offer them the Bible, and if they refuse it, offer it aga and again. Believe me, persuasion Is tore potent than force, and im giving them the Bible we give them a gift from Ged. National education is a good thhng to great countries ; but itis not good if not founded on the word of God. What is eduen- Hon af it has not for rs base the Bible? Tris mathing ; for “what doth it profita man if he gain the whole world and jose ins own soul!” | have ceard it said that politics and religion siiould not go together—ayd why net? Is politics of such a cast as toneed noi the assistance of religion? | ean not believe it. If this letter had not been written we had remained in- active; bat now that we are fully aroused we shou'd be vigilant, and knowing where we are to look for danger— politics

(do so, still there are many children who have not

mm |

. [EDITOR ax» PUBLISHER.

dinedinnnnap ein

“MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1857. No. 33.

| intended to open Heaven to us, and to secure our eternal sal-

vation, ‘The present generation is passing off the stage of life —the present actors are going to that bourne from whenee no Who will take their places? The youth who are now springing up—-whose character are not yet formed. Is it not necessary, then, that we should eeek to make them pious, intellectual, moral and religious? Without these attri- butes they may become a scourge to society and a disgrace to humanity. It may be said~let Catholics, if they choose, gwe their children the Bible—their Bible—to read ; and they will accord a similar privilege to Protestants! Let us suppose they

or spiriital teachers ; and are they to be left im spiritual ignorance? Forbid it Heavcn! ‘There are many persons, without children, who have to pay their share towards the support of public schools, who complam that religious edu- cation is neglected ; and are told their property and lives are more secure from the factof genera! enlightenment ; bat witl - ont religious education such an assurance would be a fallacy. Secular knowledge is notenough! (Applause) But why isthe Bible rejected? If we look at it as a lierary production, we find !tis superior—the grand mysteries it elucidates exalt the lnagination, and the soul, transported with the view of ommn- potence, is lost in wonder, love and praise. Compare the Bible, as to style, with any work of human production, and you will see it possesses a sublimity far beyond the narrow ken of a Plato ora Socrates! How touching is the history of the Bible—the history of Joseph! Can we find any book equal to it? A writer, eminent for his literary knowledge and soundness of judgment, has said—‘* We can spare any other book but the Bible.’ Is there any religious liberty in Spain? No! The law of Spain js that herenes be burnt aliwe! What liberty ie there in Rome -—Naples? None! Ivis crushed under foot while yet a tender flower! But there might be, if it were not for the religion and superstition which prevail im those places ! Whereas, the fear-of the Lord is the best of understanding ; and no education can be complete without the aid of the Bible.

The chairman then put the resolution, and it was carried unanitously,

Rev. Mr. MacKINNON. The Seriptures are the only and superior ground of faith ; and as such, their importance canoot be over rated. I will read you the resolution which | am toe propose-—

3. Whereas the Protestants of this Island eonstitate the greater portion of its inbabitants, and contribute the larger amount, of taxation for the support of the state and the maintenance of its public schools,—It is resulved, that—whilst they disclaim any intention to force n otbers the reading of the Seriptures—they are entitled to, and do hertby claim from the Government who have taken into their hands the wanagement of the public schools, as well as the nature of the instruction that is therein given—that the children of such pareats as desired should be daily instructed in the Word of God.

As Protestants are more numerous than Catholics, they have a right to more privileges—as they pay more taxes, they have a right to have what instruction they please in the public schools. If there were ‘Turks among us, and wished to banish the Bible io inake way for the Koran—would we submit to in? If bafi- dels or Pagans were to make @ similar demand—would we ac- cede tot? But we place the matter on hivher grounds. The Catholics say it is not a school-book ; we think otherwise, and will hold it in contradistinction to the Cathohe Uhurch. If we wish to have the Biole in our school, tt is because we know at to be the Word of God Several objections have been made to this view. The first is, that secular education should be dis- tinci from religious education. is this'true 2? ‘Turn the eye to tue vast, and we will find wan has become a learned demon! Turo to Rowe in the days of Augustus, and to Greece in the cays of Pericles, and we shall find that whiuleamen had learned heads, they had demon hearts. [et us goto Reme in the days of the Empire—pass through its classic streets—view with wonder and admiration its princely palaces—ils. magnificent temples—its godiike statues. Letus enter its amphitheatre — gaze on the giadjatoi’s triumph ip, his death-strnggle with wild beasts--and we shall see that while men had learned heads

should be watched! I shall give iny opinion on the propriety of retaining the Scriptures in the schools. Suppose the re- velation should be excluded, and secular education made the order of the day,—it will not be denied that all knowledge is proper; butif education is not attended with the revelation it is useless. If you educate for the common gurposes of |ife— is it not necessary to mingle with it the spirit of God’s word and commandments? If you educate for the State, would you leave untaught the lessons of Scripture? Assuredly not. Wecan see the want of religious instruction in our streets every day, when the unhappy victim is made the mark of each constable’s staff, and hurried to imprisonment to atone for his ignorance. But if we obey the revelation, we shall find it for our interest to ** do unto others as we would wish others to do unto us!” Without a knowledge of the Seriptures no domestic duties can be properly performed—the Bible points the way to happiness on earth and eternal bliss in the world to come. When we reflect, we see that spiritual is as necessary as temporal education; and if we have not the Word of God in our hearts, we wil] not—can not be good parents or children. It would be madness to allow the Scriptures to be taken out of our public schools. When I was first appointed to this Island, I lived in the country, and did not know what was in the Schoo! Act. But when I came to town, | found that I could not teach the Testament in the public schools. 1 mean no disrespeet to the Governor, and feel there is a difficulty in bis position ; but a Roman Catholic bas thrown down the gauntiet, and we will accept it. Let mixed schools be done away with! (Applause). I do vot wish to cast any reproach upon our worthy Governor ; for I have always found him sincerely. willing to promote the interests of all Her Majesty’s sudjects on this Island, and to whose liberality towards objects of publie good { can bear witness. (Question)? [ do not think | depart from the question. { hear that the subject under discussion is that we may guard against the attempts made to keep the Bible out of our public schools. I do not, however, wish to criminate any mn—nor to ferce my remarks upon any one. ‘The question is: lo give Protestants the Bible—not the Catholics, over whom we have no control—and guard against the loss of the Scriptures in our public schools.

Rev. Mr. PATTERSON.—I regret that I have been called upon to second the resolution just submttted for yous approval ; but | would not be understood to say I do not approve of it. The reason is, 1 feel my incompetency to do it the justice it merits, and could wish that others, abler than I, would perform the duty. [Reads resolution]. In taking this subject into consideration and submitting it to an attentive perusal, it is necessary to. view the constituent parts of man, and learn what | mode of education he is best capable of receiving. Education| must necessarily be physical and intellectual ; but it is of the | greatest importance that it should also be moral and religious. | | The first object of man’s pursuit ig contained in that precious | /maxim, “ Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all things shall |

| be added thereto.’’ In all ages, learning has been sought for, and has brought fame ; but moral and religious education is of | ,much greater importance; and without it*we’ll perish to)

eternity. [tis a great privilege to possess the Bible. Many |

they had demon hearts! ‘Turn to Athens inthe days of De- mosthenes—behold a people wise in philosophy following the Bacchaaalian rout—sacrificing to blind gods—beheving m oracles and fables, while Paul reproves im vain. They hed learned heads, but demon hearts! Turn to the French Reves lution —to the Age of Reasou—when all semblance of religion was banished—when Voltaire was their bible— Rosseaa and Tom Paine, their testament. look wel! at this universal bro- therhuod—this fraternity whose suicidal hand slew itself—see the streets of Paris runmny red with blood, and the Seine dyed purple with the wine of existence —and you will find they ail had wise heads, but demon hearts! Look at Paris now. Tow long is it since the Archbishop was assassinated? What is the cause of it? Believe me, it is because the herd is educated and not the heart! (Applause). Another cbjection to having the Bible in our schools is, that Catholies do not wish their children to read the Scriptures, It is necessary that strong ac

tion should be taken on this question. Is danger to be appre- hended from doing right? Are our hands to be paralysed because we are surrounded by physical and moral danger? Coine what wil!, we must proceed in the course we have marked out for ourselves! (Applause). Whatis Protestant itstraction ? The Bible. ft may be said that no attempt was made to take it out of our public schools ; but there has been such an attempr, direct or indirect. Were we to burn the Bible, the Atheists, Infidels—alt bad men—and Catholics, would dance around the fire and shout forjoy. Many ere afraid of violence and fac- tion; but they should learn that the time will come when each man must make a stand against this godless Church. At is ra- pidly approaching ; but when it comes, let it find us prepared. Danger cannot be averted. Shall we cause a sea to become « stagnant pool? [Here followed a strain of imagery which, as it did not apply pointedly to the subject ander consideration, the reporter did not note it Gown]. Must we not make a move through fear of physical danger, or because it might disiurb the social harmony said to exist among us? But why should we pause for these considerations? why should we shrink from the consequences of doing right? Let them come! (Applause), As many great things will come from this meeting, t could wish to go on and say more ; but shall make room for better men.

Rev. ALEX, SUTHERLAND. In rising to address this meeting, | fee! that more has been said on the subject than | could say. But I will say, as Protestants pay jaxes,as weil as Catholics for the support of public education, trey have a right to as much liberty. This is taking 4 low ground, Just now, in Britain, they ho!d that they shall have their educational institutions supported by the public finances and by legisjation. It is the same in the United States In this Island Protestants are more numerousthan Catholics, being 39,000 to 32,000 —ecun- sequently they pay more taxes—and have. more rights than Catholics. The Bshop’s letter says we must desist in our en- deavours to have the Bible taugit in our schools, When a blind interest in warldly concers dictates, conscience is nota safe guide. ‘Ihe Hindoos can complain with the same grace against our giving their childrea the Bible to read, saying their conscience would not allow them to have their children read the Bible; but conscience is not a safe guide, it must be ruled

bound to say, will be satisfied with nothing else; and | most ardently | gre strangers to it even in this Island, —I allude to the Catholies, ; by the Bible. One stepis to say we will not have the Bible inonr

pray thatthe Board will deem it expedient to re-assume the con- sideration of the vexed question, and inspire confidence to ali in mixed

To show:thet-slie Bibles of ahe:firet importance! schools, by proclaiming that in all mixed schools, whether conducted

by Protestant or Catholic masters, no religious test shal! be required,

England and Scotland, and to what are they indebted for their | Hoping that you wil! have the goudness to lay the foregoing before the

= da Vo the Bible. Look at Spain and Italy. Con-.| iat their present condition with that of Protestant countries. | ie he the abyes of poverty, crime, degradation and superstition | he which they have been planged ; and what'is the cause ?| and ee page of Holy Writ.has never been openedto them, | y are groping in the dark, far from Christ and his Holy |

Board at your earliest conveyience, aud inform me of the result, * J have the honour to be. dear sir, “ Your very obéd’t and humble serv't, 7B. D. MACDONALD. “Joun MeNestr, Eequire, Sec’y Board of education, &e. &c.’”’

Now, I ask you, is there not danger? The letter may ap-

d parents — rkness and —

, many of whom are willing to receive the word of God, but are | schools; another will be something else. Give secular with- prevented by their priests—who are the inventors and upholders | out religious education to children, and they will grow up in of a system of oppression, fraud and eruelty—who seek to! igdorance of morality and think themselves free, and act in

(or the scholars forced to do or assist at any religious act whieh their | prevent others froim reading, and will not read. it themselves. | disregard, of all the moral usages of society. 1 know the Look at couscience (no odds whether right or wrong) may check them for.

L repeat it—If all Catholits were to receive the Bible they Bishop of Rustico hates the Bible — he has directed it to be burnt, , would be glad to read it--some of them have—but it was taken and | know where it has been barnt! (Sensation). Are we, from them by their Priests, It is the duty of every christian, then, to see our children and trath swept away, by not having minister to spread the Bible, even among Roman Catholics! the Bible read in our sehools? The Cavholes say that ‘our (Applause) Ministers are given to teach us on earth and lead behef in the Scriptures is a damnable doctrine. They look for us to [leaven. They teach us to be good—to delight in the | the time, when, like France and Spam, we shall be under the word of God, and follow Christ! (Applause). 1 need not im-) control of the priests! Pests are enemies to all Protestants press you with a sense of the lipportance of the Bible. Ttis’ Under their control, we would be kept im iguorance cf the

See pensen

on ae