DISCIPLINE IN DENOMINATIONAL SCHOOLS. [To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sin,—I have read with great interest your article on the Bishop of Manchester's educational speech ; but it seems to me that Denominationalists have one most important reason on their side, on which you are either silent, or at least lay very little stress. I mean, that the teacher of poor children is necessarily entrusted with the task of enforcing discipline. Let me put this reason before your readers, as it presents itself to a Catholic.
Children in general are very far from being the voluntary or even passive recipients of instruction. On the contrary, in order that they may give requisite attention, it is necessary to ply them with motives of every kind; to visit them with exhortations, threats, promises, punishments, rewards. Precisely as this is done well or ill, their character is moulded towards good or towards evil. So long as they are under the direction of a well-principled and well-educated Catholic teacher, religion enters as an element into the whole process of their training ; it is inculcated as truly and potently in their lessons of reading and writing, as in their catechetical instruction itself. This is so unspeakable a blessing, that too high a price can hardly be paid for its attainment.-1 am,
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