[Sidenote: Cosmo Hamilton.]
Another prominent author who does not agree with the current tendencies
of sex-instruction is Cosmo Hamilton in his little book entitled "A
Plea for the Younger Generation" (Doran Co.). He agrees with the
sex-education writers that children should be instructed early, and as
far as possible by their parents; but he wholly disagrees with the
method of biological introduction. He would have parents go straight to
the heart of the matter and tell the child, as simply and truly as can
be, just how he came into the world. And he would fill the teaching
with reverence by using as an illustration the birth of the babe of
Bethlehem. Referring to those who in recent years have been working for
a scientific introduction to sex-education, Mr. Hamilton says:
[Sidenote: Religious appeal.]
"I think that these professors and scientists are wasting their
time, and I have written this small volume not only in order to
make a plea for the younger generation as to the way in which they
shall be taught sex truths, but also in order, if possible, to
prove to the advanced thinkers of the day that it is not
old-fashioned to beg that God may be put back into the lives of
His children, but a thing of urgent and vital importance. Without
faith the new generation is like a city built on sand. Without the
discipline and the inspiration of God the young boys and girls who
will all too soon be standing in our shoes will go through life
with hungry souls, with nothing to live up to, and very little to
live for."
[Sidenote: Many not reached by religious appeal.]
All this is very good so far as it appeals to the religious type of
mind, but Mr. Hamilton seems to forget that vast numbers of people
cannot be approached from this point of view. How can the illustration
of the Christ-child help those who do not accept certain orthodox
religious beliefs?