Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN TIlE DARK. 235
"A similar regulation may be found in the prospectus
of St. Gabriel's College, Vincennes, Indiana ..
'~here is no interference whatever, with the religious
belief of the pupils, but for the sake of order,' it is
~dded, 'they are expected to comply with the external
forms of Catholic worship, which is the religion professed
by the members of this college.'
"Romanism, is a religion of pomp and show-of
external rites and ceremonies; and hence, is well calculated
to favorably impress the young and unreflecting.
Teachers acquire an almost unlimited influence
over the minds of their pupils, and when so disposed,
may do much in forming their sentiments, and molding
their characters. Hence, the necessity of placing
children in the hands of the right kind of instructors.
The education of the young, is a matter of inestimable
importance; and to whom shall we commit this important
trust 1 Shall it be to a class of men, bound
by the decisions and interpretations of the dark ages,
who dare not freely and fully investigate the most important
branches of knowledge 1 Shall it be to men
who hold that the perfection of virtue consists, not in
discharging well the duties of life in its ordinary relations-but
in fasting, celibacy, austerity, abjuring the
world, and such like things 1
"Since the establishments of the Jesuits have been
broken up in France, they are likely to become the
principal teachers in the Roman schools of our country.
and this circumstance must render it still more
, . ili*
unsafe and unwise, for Protestants to patroDlze