The treatment of the relations of the sexes to one another, and the
enormous influence over health of both body and mind which these
exercise, cannot be attempted in a treatise such as this. Such articles
would occupy far too much space, as from the nature of the subject much
detail must be given, and explanations must be as complete as possible.
The Editor of these Papers has therefore written a book for children,
and one each for boys and girls. These will be found advertised at the
end.
Numbers of persons consult us on these matters, and much has come to
our knowledge which is astonishing and saddening as well, in regard to
the widely prevailing ignorance of both young and old regarding the sex
functions. This is largely due to culpable neglect on the part of
parents and others who have charge of the young.
Parents are often unwilling to speak of such matters, and would desire
rather to place a good book on the subject in their children's hands.
Many such books have been published, but none that we have seen have
seemed to us quite satisfactory. Due attention must be paid to both the
physical and moral sides of the matter. Hence our resolve to write as
we have indicated. The books will be found duly advertised at the end
of this volume.
It will no doubt be said that it is a pity to suggest ideas of sex to
an innocent child, but surely those who look back on their own youth
will remember that there came a time when the problem of their own
origin suggested itself.
The pretty fable that the storks or angels fetch the babies cannot long
satisfy the growing mind. Children wish to understand, yet it is easy
for them to see that parents do not wish to explain the mystery.
Curiosity is aroused, for the desire to know is natural and quite
legitimate, and the sad thing is that the explanation is generally left
to companions and servants who are devoid of delicacy or modesty.
Now there is no reason for this reticence and false shame. The whole
process of reproduction is a wonderful example of the wisdom and
goodness of the Creator, and if properly explained the child will see
that it is so.
Again, there are physical epochs through which all young people must
pass. These are quite natural, but unless explained and the children
are prepared to expect them, may cause great alarm. In their distress
they are very likely to enquire from impure companions, or get some of
the pernicious literature which is issued in quantity by the quacks who
prey upon the fears of the young, and upon their dislike to speak to
their parents on a subject which the latter have taught them by silence
is one which is unmentionable.
It may be asked when this information should be given. No rule will fit
all cases, as children vary so much in their development. We would urge
that it should be given _early_, as Miss Willard well says:--"See that
the pure thought gets in first." Besides, children grow up much faster
than their parents are apt to realize.
The evils of self-pollution are so great, and the cure so difficult,
that no risk should be run of such ever being commenced through
ignorance. In fact this is the main reason for our undertaking the
separate works on this subject. It is so saddening to reflect that a
career of vice is often entered upon through the child's ignorance of
the laws of its own body, that the natural reticence in speaking of the
subject should not be allowed to prevent the information being given.
_KIRK SEX SERIES._
"Instruct thy son and labor for him lest his lewd behaviour be an
offence unto thee."--_Ecclesiasticus 30, 13._