New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1859-06-17
Nempork daily Gribm,re
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
HAVE WE A STATE RELIGION
To tie Editor Of The n. Y Tribune.

SIR Some three or four years ago, young Pfes-
byteran clergyman was appointed one of the Profess
sors IN the State Normal School at Albany. Possess
ing more than ordinary talents for teaching, he was
deemed valuable acquisition to the faculty Of the
Institution On account of his eminent religious
character he was requested TO take charge of Bible
class competed Of large portion of the pupils
attending the SCHOOL This class meets on Sunday
afternoons and was, for time conducted by
the new teacher with marked success. Il has re-
Gently been avowed that the chief for selecting
this Young clergyman one Of the Professors in this
State Institution was his peculiar religious qualihca-
tions and particularly account Of the religious in
fuence he was expected to exert over the scholars.
The propriety of making theological instruction so
important part of the exercises Of State Normal
School might well be questioned
But is professedly optional on the part Of the
pupils to attend the Sabbath classor not, we leave
the question Of its proper connection with school
supported by the State to the judgment of the
reader The new Professor continued to gil his places
in the school on Sundays and other days TO the great
satisfaction Of all concerned, until about year
ago, when he was removed from his charge
of the Bible Glass. 1t had become known
that a change had taken place in his theo-
logical opnions-thst he longer believed in all the
doctrines held in the church to which he had be-
lopgcd. The Presbyterian clergy of Albany and
vicinity were aware Of this change. The Principal Of
the School apparently with much unwillingness)
began to make the heresy Of the Professor objec
ton to his continuance in the school. 1t would not
suffice that be was deprived of his office teacher Of
the Bible Class and no longer invited TO ociate at
morning prayers; but he must be removed from the
position he held in the secular department Of the
institution also.
1t never was alleged that he obtruded his new
opinions upon the scholars, or sought in any way to
make proselytes. Neither was it objected that his
characteras truly religious man. aadfaithful teacher
was in the least degree impaired. On the contrary
he WIS., if possible, more than ever beloved and con-
fided in by his pupils, and was Acknowledged by all
TO be the most popular teacher IN the school.
But an outside influence had evidently de
manded his separation from the Institution. The
Albany Presbytery had arraigned him on charge OF
heresy. The Principal Of the school continued and
increased his opportunities upon the Professor to re-
sign his place. admitting, all the while, that pubic
opinion xonld never sanction his forcibe removal
from Office on account Of his religious opinions The
result is that the Professor has been compelled by
persistent annoyances and pesuasions TO resign, ana
will, leave the school a, the end Of the present term
Thus have the great principles of Religious Liberty
been violated in one of the public institutions OF our
State Such acts Of prescription and bigotry are not
uncommon, we regret TO know in private institutions
Of learning. But when they invade those supported
by the people at large, they become ht subjects Of
public criticism and apprehension.
The Constitution of State expressly decpres that
no discrimination or preference shall ever be allowed
in the matter of religious profession Yet in this case
we see competent and faithful teacher in an nsttu-
ton directed by State officers, driven from his posi-
tion simply on account Of his religious opinions. rs
proper however, to remark here that the State su-
perntendent Of Public Instruction has had no agency
in this transaction. On the contrary, when it was
brought to his knowledge he freely Denounced 1t o.
wrong and wholly unsanctioned by him.
xhnxu Iune Z. 1850 JEftLhcON.