PREFACE. Although the court records may put the title of the family residence in the father's name, still every member of the household may truly and lovingly say, This is my home; so the Bible, let it be reverently said, is as truly the people's book, the Nation's Book, and the world's book, as it is the book of God, our Father, who, in His own way, prepared and gave it to us. The whole includes the sum of all its parts. so all the schools of the individual states of ET broad land, collectively regarded, are the Nations Schools. Their unity of purpose is indi** emphasized and promoted by the Unite. Government and by the National E Association. No single interest of the Unite and demands more intelligen: unceasing care than her scho of our country is to be maintained from century to century. The tide for the people of the present time, in this respect, is rising; as is well illustrated by the large classes for Bible study in Chicago, and elsewhere, and in the activity in the sale and distribution of Bibles and parts of Bibles everywhere. If this tide is to be taken at its flood in the interest of true patriotism, the people generally must master the Bible. Every aid, Mechanical (i. e., the Blackboard and the Stereopticon) Literary and Spiritual, should be challenged for the inculcation of Biblical thought and precept. Selections appropriate for recitation on special occasions taken from the Introduction, Tributes and Testimonies in this book will be eloquent and freighted with profound wisdom. With gratitude and pleasure the thanks of the Educational Union are returned to the many people of the many classes who in many ways have contributed to the value of this book. Also, of indebtedness to books, papers and addresses relating to the subject of Bible reading in schools, acknowledgment is hereby made. To aid in the beautiful work of guarding and extending the proper use of the Bible in our Glorious Educational System this volume is cordially presented to the people of the United States. CONTENTS. PART I. The Nation's Book in the Nation's Schools III. Specific Reports from School Officers N. Atlantic States 20-37 IV. Specific Reports from South Atlantic States V. Specific Reports from South Central States X. The Moral and Religious Value to the State of the Bible 86-95 XI. Questions Considered. 1. How should opponents of Bi- ble Reading in Schools be treated? 2. Is Bible Read- ing, without note or comment, Sectarian Instruction? 3. Is the Bible the same in all Versions? 4. Should the Sacred Books of all nations be taught in connection with our Nation's Book in the Schools? 5. Are the Decisions of State and Local Courts favorable to Bible Reading in Schools? 6. Does Reading the Bible in the Schoolroom make it a place of Religious Worship? 7. When Scriptural Explanations are sought by pupils what course should be pursued? 8. Are Roman Cath- olics seeking the Expulsion of the Bible from Schools? XII. The Chicago Woman's Educational Union-Eliza Stras- burger Miller. Mary Allen West, Frances E. Willard, XIII. Full Text and Description of Petitions. "Readings from the Bible, Selected for Schools." Memorial XIV. Address of Dr. N. H. Axtell Concerning Moral Instruc- XVI. The Bible the Book of other Nations, Honored in their Schools-M. Guizot, Prof. Stowe, Horace Mann, Lord Brougham, Hon. Thos. Wyse, Hon. J. B. Meilleur 152-158 XVII. The Nation's Book in the Nation's Schools-Summary 159-166 A Lasting Influence. Hon. Wm. P. Lord The Uplifting Power of the Sacred Scriptures. Hon. Lyman An Imperial Power for the Nation's Schools. Hon. Mason S. The True Idea of God and Duty. Hon. Edward Brooks Teachings Essential in School Instruction. Hon. A. G. Lane 177-178 Fducation of the State. Dr. Lyman Abbott 179-180 |