THE PROBLEM OF THE HOME 



115 



fore, to be kept always to the front. The respon- 

 sibiHty of each individual should be emphasized 

 when the child is dealt with ; and yet, when 

 courses of training are being decided upon, the 

 child should be regarded not simply as an indi- 

 vidual, but as an offspring, another link in the 

 age-long chain of human life. The more the 

 underlying unity of parent and child is realized, 

 the better it will be for both. The parent should 

 remember that the vice which he reproves in his 

 child is in a sense his also ; his even though he 

 turned from it years ago. Dr. Bushnell, in his 

 "Christian Nurture," has wisely said, that it is 

 better to confer with children concerning our 

 weaknesses and wrong-doings, than to condemn 

 them for theirs ; for, in condemning them, we 

 condemn ourselves in them. For example, a child 

 is sullen " and reserved ; is it the result of wilful- 

 ness or of nature } If wilfulness, it should be 

 reproved ; but if it is a natural defect, inquire 

 where it came from. It will probably be found 

 to have come through the parents. In that case, 

 instead of reproof, let there be conference some- 

 what as follows : " My child, I can understand 

 how you feel ; I used to feel as you do, and I 

 do now at times ; but I am trying very hard to 

 put away these evils, and you must try to do 



