Itttrrs to Of &atm . .
PROGRESS BACKWARDS.
Long Ashton, Somerset, 18th _December 1856. SIR—Taking for a text my letter entitled a " Mission to the Laity," you lately offered some suggestions for the establishment of lay schools ; and a cor- respondent followed, last week, with the hint that what you (and by inference your first correspondent also) are in search of may be found in the High School of Edinburgh, and in other Scottish schools for the middle class.
I am myself an alumnus of the High School of Edinburgh, and I must protest against this conclusion. It is true, that education without religion Is no new thing either in Scotland or England. What we want now is a secular education based upon the experience of religious men ; an education founded on natural principles, which will itself "make ready and prepare the way" for the reception in the heart of the adolescent of the higher reli- gious truths at the proper time. Whatever we do, let us not argue in a circle, or make progress backwards.
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