Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-02-19
RELIGION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

While there is by no means harmuhy vi
opinion, even among christians, in refer
ence to the propriety or necessity of religious
instruction in the public schools OF the
country, the tendency of the times seems
to indicate Its ultimate necessity Some
deprecate Its introduction altogether, while
others would have II in limited de-
gree, at least, made part and parcel oil the
daily study of the pupils The editor OF the
New Yo k Methodist, however, is in favor
of legalizing, by the force of public opinion,
religious instruction in the schools, and ad-
yocates his position in lengthy editorial
In speaking of the fearful increase of crime
and immortality, and casting about for
remedy or check to its rapid growth IN
community, the editor says
"If we can not keep up with the increase
of crime and of the criminal classes, what
Ia TO become of our liberties and our CHRIS
tian civilization? Two remedies seem to us
TO offer, and humanity speaking, only TWO.
! The first is TO be found in the public schools
Not as these schools are now organized, loI
nj nresent the training is almost wholly III
e teliectual A Christian character IN q
I teacher may be a silent source oil renglous
influence, Just as a different character may
j., work in the opposite direction. Inc stat
ought to demand by law that all her Gnu
IS dren shall go to school, and the Christian
IF communities ought TO insist that the CHRIS
tian religion shall be taught in every school
We should meet, TO be sure, with srea
i difficulties in our sectarian differences. AnI
B. the thought is a very sorrowiul one IS
IN indeed true that the sects win not teach, no
n. let teachY Is it true that we must have on
own catechlsm taught or money we 40 nc
believe it. We believe an elementary couTs
~ of Christian instruction, both IN doctrin
and in morals, might be prepared an
N agreed upon. at least between Protestant
=, that would leave disputed points out OF sigh
y If this were DONE and Christianity in III
ne form were as thoroughly taught as arltl
ms metic now is, one great step would be take
a foundation would be laid on which Il
80 Church might build more broadly and firm
than she possibly can at present
=" In perfect agreement with the opinlc
vi expressed by the editor of the Methodist, '
-, find the language of the Roman Cathol
petition from this city, to the Legislature
the State. The identity of thought al
" language is so striking that we herewi
-, append it, as follows:-
'n' "If evidence be required TO show Il
lb- secular learning alone is not sufficient
lge make good citizens Of the rising generate
ter they believe that it will be found in abt
IA. dance every day, in the police reports OF
large cities Those vicious members, Il
are the worst scourges of society, are
ted lor the most part destitute of Comm
the School or College education. restraint
strong passions, a sense OF justice and
propfiety is greatly aided by the sancti'
nee Of religion. The religious instruction, VIII
Irds they believe necessary for their childr
cannot be acquired in the Public Schools
,een during the weekly hour of Sunday Soho
or under the domestic roof.