teach them geography, history, and other useful natural knowledges.[1] There is one day, a separate day, especially given for the purpose of religious instruction,—when the children, at Sunday-Schools, or by their parents at home, or in both ways, should be regularly and carefully taught the truths and commandments of the Holy Word. The two classes of duties are distinct, and they need not, and should not, interfere with each other. And when the cause of education is allowed altogether to stand still, and the children of the land to grow up uneducated, while the contest is raging as to what creed to educate them in,—we may be sure that the Divine Being cannot be pleased with such a course: for under the appearance of seeking His glory, we are neglecting His commands.
Yes! let every child in the land be educated. Thus will means be put into their hands for working their way through the world, and keeping themselves above the distresses of poverty. And if, at the same time, careful religious instruction be provided for them on the Lord's day, they will learn to avoid those sins of intemperance and other forms of evil indulgence, which lead to poverty and to crime. Thus, little by little, will society be reformed: the poor will be elevated, the rich will let themselves down ifrom their cold heights of pride,—and men will learn to meet each other on a
- ↑ In the public schools of New England, and, we believe, of most of the United States, the Bible is used, but the law requires it to be "without note or comment." A chapter is simply read in the morning, either by the teacher alone or by the teacher and scholars together, as a part of morning worship. This course, as tending to inculcate a reverence for religious things and for the Holy Scriptures, and yet as being non-sectarian, is found to give general satisfaction.
