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questions of the social life, irrespectively of denominational differences; that is to say, it looks rather to what may be called political and social convenience than to the religious elements of the question. This is part of the inheritance of a divided people. It is true that the Civil Power insists upon the necessity of "the Christian Religion" being taught in schools; but what exactly it means by "the Christian Religion" it would not be easy to say. All that is easy to say is, that it means a comprehensive, and therefore an undogmatic, "Religion." It finds divisions than which none stir men's minds more deeply, and it proposes to heal them by an amalgamation of "the Faith" and religious opinion. Now all reasoning à priori and all experience, lead to the same conclusion—that this is impossible, and, if possible, not to be wished, as being only a false representation of "the Unity of the Faith."
That this is the object of the Civil Power is evidenced in many ways; particularly is it evidenced by the language of the Order in Council, June 3rd, 1839, in reference to the establishment of a normal Central School:—
"The Committee are of opinion that the most useful application of any sums voted by Parliament would consist in the employment of those monies in the establishment of a normal school, under the direction of the State, and not placed under the management of a voluntary society. The Committee, however, experience so much difficulty in reconciling conflicting views respecting the provisions which they are desirous of making in furtherance of Her Majesty's wish that the children and teachers instructed in the school should be duly trained in the principles of the Christian religion, while the rights of conscience should be respected, that it is not in the power of the Committee to mature a plan for the accomplishment of this design without further consideration; and they, therefore, postpone taking any steps for this purpose until greater concurrence of opinion be found to prevail."
- ↑ Vol. I. Minutes, 1839-40, p. viii.
