a fundamental
principle, that as the common schools are not boarding but day
schools, and as the pupils are under the care of their parents or
guardians during the Sunday, and a considerable portion of each week
day, it is not intended that the functions of the common school
teacher should supersede those of the parent and pastor of the child.
Accordingly, the law contents itself with providing on this head,
'that in any model or common school established under this act, no
child shall be required to read or study in or from any religious
book, or to join in any exercise of devotion or religion, which shall
be objected to by his or her parents or guardians; provided always,
that within this limitation pupils shall be allowed to receive such
religious instruction as their parents or guardians shall desire,
according to the general regulations which shall be provided according
to law.' And it authorises under certain regulations the establishment
of a separate school for Protestants or Roman Catholics, as the case
may be, when the teacher of the common school is of the opposite
persuasion.

Clergymen recognised by law, of whatever denomination, are made _ex
officio_ visitors of the schools in townships, cities, towns, or
villages where they reside, or have pastoral charge. The chief
superintendent. Dr. Ryerson, remarks on this head:

[Sidenote: The clergy.]

'The clergy of the county have access to each of its schools; and we
know of no instance in which the school has been made the place of
religious discord, but many instances, especially on occasions of
quarterly public examinations, in which the school has witnessed the
assemblage and friendly intercourse of clergy of various religious
persuasions, and thus become the radiating centre of a spirit of
Christian charity and potent cooperation in the primary work of a
people's civilisation and happiness.'

He adds with reference to the subject generally, 'The more carefully
the question of religion in connection with a system of common schools
is examined, the more clearly, I think, it will appear, that it has
been left where it properly belongs--with the local school
municipalities, parents, and managers of schools; the Government
protecting the right of each parent and child, but beyond this, and
beyond the principles and d