Foreword
It is rare, indeed, for a book devoted to the subject of education to
be read so widely or to endure so well the tests of changing times as
has the present work now appearing in this new, popular form. The
fundamental principles clearly unfolded in this volume have for many
decades made it the handbook of tens of thousands of parents and
teachers. Now, to further augment its already wide distribution and
reading, it is published as one of the Christian Home Library volumes,
but without change in wording or paging
.
Every person must face the practical realities of life—its oppor-
tunities, its responsibilities, its defeats, and its successes. How he is
to meet these experiences, whether he is to become master or victim
of circumstances, depends largely upon his preparation to cope with
them—his education
.
True education is well defined as the harmonious development of
all the faculties—a full and adequate preparation for this life and the
future eternal life. It is in the early years in the home and in the formal
schoolwork that the mind develops, a pattern of living is established,
and character is formed
.
Keenly discerning the relative and lasting values of what constitutes
true education in its broadest sense, the author of this book points the
way to their realization. An education in which the mental faculties
are properly developed is clearly outlined. An education in which
the hands are skilled in useful trades is emphasized. An education
which recognizes God as the source of all wisdom and understanding
is earnestly recommended
.
[8]
The motivating objective of the author in her extensive writings
upon the subject of education was that youth on the threshold of life
might be ready to take their place as good citizens, well prepared for
the practical experiences of living, fully developed physically, God-
fearing, with characters untarnished and hearts true to principle. This
volume is the paramount work in this group of writings in which are
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