New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1849-07-17
Education-Reugion-Ietter from 6 ov sIade

T. iht Earor IF Ta> Ir5aHs.
With tender Of my thanks f1r your pubiics-
tin Of my Circular Inviting applications from
ia hers. 10 behalf Of the Board Of National PoPu
lar Education. you " please allow ne word OF
explanation, rendered necessary by tee following
appended by you to the Circular
We publish the above By request and vii only sd
not by way Of fault finding t6at those directing TINS
phiianthropic movement should not and we trust 90
not ask contributions Of any others but members Oh me
sects enumerated above as deemed worthy 10 supply
Teacher
The explanation desire 70 make is in the ioI-
lowing extract from my second Annual Report as
General Agent Of the Board.
sNo system Of education being perfect without an
,coroore-ion Of the religious element. II has been
wisely provided by the Constitution Of the Board that
all TEACHERS 20 be received under It's patronage shal
be of unexceptiDnabc moral and rclg ohs character
IN selecting teachers with reference 10 the very IN
norart and Indispensable requisite Oi Chrsidn thffH
H. j, has not been deemed eNpeden; 10 cOnhne the
-,ccfon TO any religious denomination but 10 eX
ld il 20 various denominations and yet 10 limit u 10
those usually termed Evan gelcsl - Limitation dictated
bv no invdious spirit but deemed necessary Tor the
81 ke Of more harmonious cooperation IN work INTO
silch the religious element must 90 largely enter
The first Annual Report contained similar
avownl and exp anation From the beginning
entire irauhncss has been aimed NJ in this matter
and have the satisfaction OF knowing that the motives
which have dictated the restriction have been spprc
c'a,ed and respected by many friends Of Education
belonging to sects other than those donomnated Ivan
geicai.
"A 10 funds the appeal IT, Of course to ell who, rh
hA knoirledee Of our position, disposed to give
VIVA, that position is, Will more fully appear by the
following extract from Circular sent by me in Octo
l.. 81, .rI-,. u
"Whle the Board intends 10 accomplish. through n.
cachers thorough intellectual training Of the chill
1ren committed them. IL aims also at higher object
Education should be msde to reach the moral nature Of
man. The Conscience must he emil Ihtencd and made
sensitive and the Heart moulded by right influence
or education will 10 the great practical purpose Of
making good fathers and mothers, good citizens good
mHcsti aies, good legislators and uuN prosperous
ana happv commuulfv tail Of rs effect II II ~ asked
What shall be the textbook of this part Of educa
u1n the answer Of every one sensible man whether
ne be Christian or inhdel must oe-lhe bioie Inc
pure prccepts and perfect example Of the Great escn
pr commend Themselves 20 the common sense OF al
God who made the soul Of man. has as perfectly
adapted the Bible its moral training a. be has the
fruits Of the earth 10 the susenance and development
Of his physical frame.
Seciarian teaching you will, OF course avoid The
mission Of the teachers 70 the children COMMITTED 70
their charge IL not ~ COngregatlOnaists McthOdsts
Presbyerans, Bapiiss Episce palsns, or members OF
any sects but a. observation-disclosures 10 become In
s;rumental IN moldng the children into the image
of Christ rather than TO make them proseytes 10 any
particular sect The teacher should be constantly IN
tent on doing go0d-wHtchtul to seize upon every &C
cas- for extending her influence as Christan. aud
mixing II eectual to that great end not ofhcious or
pretending but quietly ana steadily, and patiently Ia
boring to do everything in her power TO advance the
gnest good OF sl within the circle Of her influence
such the practical bearing which it is my purpose
to give to the Religious part Of this movement an
anxious not to be misunderstood on th, subject and
the more so the appearance OF the note OF yours
to which have refused.
Respectfully and truly, yours.
WILLIAM SLADF