The New York herald., 1870-01-17
CATHOLIC VIEW or THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Lecture by Rov. Thomns r. Preston mt tho
Cooper Instirutc-Tno Public schools Sec.
tartan.
The large hall OF the Cooper Institute was crowded
10 its utmost caDacityeven the seats within the en-
closed space reserved 1or the press being Occupied
to listen to lecture from Thomas 8. Preston pas.
tor Of st AIMS church and Chancellor Of the arch
diocese OF New YORK, his subject being ''The
Catholic View Of The Pabllc School Question" Many
well known Protestant diylnes wero present, aud
among the prominent civilians occupying seats on
the platform could be noticed judges Daily and
Bedford, John NICK con and many others JUICE r. G.
Wright. chairman OF the committee introduced the
reverend gentleman with few predatory remarks,
during which he stated that though Catholics VIII
not provoke acontrOversy they Will insist that their
rights be respected; they are devoted to liberty and
patriotism and VIII maintain them under the teach
ings OF their Church. Rev. Mr. Preston on coming
70. ward, was greeted with immense cheering. When
the audience was quietcd hc remarked that he need
not say that the subject or his discourse was one Of
great Importance, engrossing the attention OF the
community; the large attendance was evidence that
the pubic appreciate the Important consequences OF
this question. II haa been discussed by the press
and the pulpit and II In the height OF the discussion
some bitterness should have arisen 1t must be
ascrtbed to the excitement OF the moment and
uOt VI lho lSciilS vi tue nS0rt. Many Things
have been said OF Catholics, which they
are not willing to believe the convictions Of the
hearts OF their opponents. We are mere band OF
brothers, whose ilrst law is that OF charity which
binds tnom together. No one should ever forget
that the love OF man is only second to the love OF
God. Who would willingly offend against this law
Of charitya The United States constitution guaran.
liberty OF conscience and religious freedom aud
u must perish before any State can Tanple upon
these rights. We are here with different religious
CONVICTIONS ana we are not to inquire why, but only
to acknowledge that IL Is So ana that before the law
all equal. Ii We do not trampie on the rights
This Is the only base OF harmony and peace
In o community ike ours. Who would tram
pie on the rights Of his neghbor canuot
demand protection or hfs Own In speaking
on tue subject, which has evoked excitement IN
times past, lie praye1 to God nc might offend none.
his arguments IN behalf OF Catholics would be aa-
dressed to the American public, willing patiently to
prejudiced as 70 oppose everything Catholic It Is
useless 10 expect candor from them; for Gods sum
light OF truth cannot Lenelrae hearts governed by
pre- udce He would state . few Catholic prilciple5.
The Catholics diiler from some IN the conception OF
faith. They believe Cod made revelation. super
natural truth Cannot be obtained except by revea-
tion and hence the homage of intellect ana heart IS
from God; there can be no addition TO Ii, dtminu-
ton from 1t. Inc first duty OF the Catholic
was therefore to extend his religion re-
cciycd he cannot improve upon 1t, for that
would be to touch the prerogaive OF God
himself The first duty il to proclaim and to extend
the revelation " God, the inenaple ana proclaimed
truth Tpls coWes not from hisoEy, Not IIom Intol'