The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-09-28

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footing of good subjects" much less giv'
them preference to its most loyal citizens
We demard only that they shall be treated
like other citizens.
But the above cited cases are allreconcilable
to the provisions of the article in question, il
We but remember that no man can exercise
what he may be pleased to term right of
conscience, whenever such exercise shall In
fringe upon the rights of the consciences of
others, or endanger the prosperity of the
state. do not unadvisedly put this inter
probation upon what are termed the rights of
conscience. The courts have held it to be
correct. And who will deny that the pros
perity of the state depends upon the use Of
the Bible in our schools? This position is
sustained by the testimony of MIR. Webster,
Mr.. Everett, DIR. Sears, and host of other
worthless. The Board of Education soon.
Cured in the position that moral culture
resting upon Bible truth as its only safe ba.
sis, is matter of the highest moment in all
our schools" Mr.. Adams acknowledges its
importance and necessity"
The Constitution of the United States in a
clause already quoted, provides as follows
"Religion, morality and knowledge being
necessary to a good government, and the
happiness of mankind, schools and the means
of education shall forever be encouraged
What religion is meant? Christianity; for
Christianity is the law of the Lard. Says
Blackstone, "Christianity is part of the law
of England" and in a note to an American edi-
ton of his commentaries, We find that "we
have received the Christian religion as a part
of the common law" The courts of New
York have held that Christianity is part of
the common law. Says Mr.. Webster in his
argument in the Girarl will case, "Christian-
ity is the law of the land" The constitution
then requires that the Christian religion shall
be taught in our schools. But the Chris,ian II
religion is based upon the Bible. How then
shall it be taught in our schools if the Bible
be excluded?
Says Mr.. Wester, Statutes against 6las-
phemy and violation of the Sabbath and 9th
ers of the same effect, proceed on this great
broad principle. that the preservation of
Christianity is one of the great and leading
ends Of government 1t is the prevailing
opinion that the government has only to do
with secular affairs. But such doctrine is
subversive Of republicanism, which is defined
"a system Of government designed to secure
the greatest good to the greatest number a
republican government must have some reli .
glon, for its end is the conservation of free
dom to the people, which cannot be secured
without the aid of the great truths of Chris
tlanliy. 1t must use religion and appeals to
conscience and future retribution or it cannot
attain It's end in the conservation of freedom
to the people. 1t is not to do it for religions s
sake simply, but it may and must enploy re.
liSlon for freedoms sake "All regard for
honest difference of conscience should be ex-
hbited as far as may be, and yet with SIN
gle eye to public liberty" Iquote from the
highest authority in political ethics which
our country affords. individual choice in
religion may be as subyersive OF public free
dom as individual choice in anything else.
The very end of civil government is to re-
strain individual choice. If then any man S
religion leads him to outrage public scnti-
ment. it is not so be tolerated because he
pleads conscience and religion for it. The
state must take its stand upon its religion
upon its own responsibility, and then carry
out its government in subordina,ing individ
ual choices, religious or otherwise"
"lf, at any time Or any place, individua]
choice initiates against public freedom in its
progress to the highest civilization. it is a
reason for state interference. In a Protest.
ant nation, the Protestant Bible should be
used in the public schools, and thus carry GU,
the public choite, accosding to the public
conscience, in its system of popular education
for freedoms sake, and in this its autho-it,
is as legitimate as in any civil legislation. 4
thorough system of education must be Sc
cured, or the ignorance of the people vii
necessarily circumscribe their freedom. The
state must see that this is effected and if relig
lous influence is necessary in such popular
education, the state has the righteous author
! ity SO far to use it,"
But it is useless to dwell longer on thi.
point. Beyond doubt, if the Bible is exclud
ed for all other purposes, its use as an act Of
devotion does not conflict with the provisions
of the Constitution.
Now let US, in all candor, glance momen
at the action of the Board.
They deemed it inexpedient to recomment
the Bible as a text book in reading, lest co
ercive measures might be required to enforc
its use. Are they consistent then in recon-
mending Town & Holbrook's readers. whicI
contain selections more Objectionable on tn
ground of sectarianism than the Bible, il
such an objection could with any prophet
be urged against Gods word? If the Secre
tary's Interpretation be correct, would not a
enlightened Christianity have dictated the re
coamendation of the Bible as a text book fo
daily reading? While they admit that til
compulsory use Of the Bible by Roman Cath
I olicc x-,ni.,;op 80 h.. -, L., 6