Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-26
The Home and the Reformatory.
southern churchman)

Southern Churchman)
Our times witness the marvellous
growth Of reformatories not only On mum.
Der both Of the institutions and their 10.
mates. but also In the development and
extension of the work they undertake %
do in their struggle towards fitting boys
for the life they must live Il speaks
well for a right conscience and senumea,
that this effort on the part Of the public
is so vast and wide; but IL does not speak
so well for our homes that there should
be the ever-growing demand for this pub
lie effort to supply manifest and grow
ing failure on the part Of the parents and
guardians Of children to control and train
them for life.
Ii is not TO be wondered that In almost
all parts Of the country there should arisa
from time 10 time rumOrs and complaints
that the reformatory is failing % DO is
duty. or overstepping its rightful bounds
i'm dealing with those committed 20 re
care. Ii is perfectly natural that tbs
should be so, for the attempt 70 supply a
natural deficiency by substituting an af-
tificial force and appliance can AZ best b.
but partial success. one OF the mani
fest reasons Of this is the undeniable fact
patept 10 all, that il Is impossible 20 have
born in a reformatOry a parental love i0r
every inmate committed 10 its care. lQl
can make better houses for homes give
more food for the child's hunger. better
clothes for his body, make better rules
for his governing. but you cannot lofs
him with a fathers and mothers heart
God did and does intend that there shal.
be q very large admixture OF pdrentd.
love IN all of its delicate and compexed
life-working IN the disciplning and de-
veloping of a child. II seems absolutely
necessary for the best and finest results
i'm moulding Of character II can Apply
rules and regulatlOns-yea, even the So
Verest type OF chastisement-Wltno
leaving the bitterness Of soul that is aW
10 follow the same treatment from an
other hand back of which beats no pa
rental love.
IT Is. therefore. with a feeling Of deep.
ening sorrow that We see the decline
home life growing so rapidly, even " y
is 20 be so largely supplied by our De-
efforts al reformatOry life. Much Oh VIZ
decline is the result Of changing umes
and new conditions. that are surrey
striking hard and with telling enect az
the h0me-life Of our people. Nor 90 il5
people seem able 10 resist the trenl z.
this modern danger; nay, ~ Is seen ~.
many seem all too willing 10 IoiesV W.
benefits of a home 10 escape the lIouDs
and care OF IFS making and keeplnS
is well worth while 10 study and pray
over what is being given up, ana 20 Weisn
well the consequences upon the ''ul..s
generations. God surely makes nests m .l
for the welfare OF the young than iei .-'
comfort and pleasure Of the Oh Dhur.
Home is more needed for the good or o-.
children than for the enjoyment 0i oli.
selves. 1t should be strlven iof' an
maintained even az "a great sactiu,e. +"
we would be gloriied In the lives We s''
leaving 10 follow us I'm this Wofa ~
home should be striyen for with ah ~.
is necessary To make that "Qfd lo's-
and full In It's meaning as applleL ~ s.i
lives OF those God sends 10 be mouilel
therein. The greatest need OF me nom.
Is 20 have character stamped ana pAlu.t
into character. God holds before lne e,
the lives of the patriarchs as sanpit a..
great home powers: IL Is not me sp, ~
of the tents in which they lived nor uc
richness OF their furnishing but ln vi
great impressing OF parent-hfe upon ,D, ~,
life until Israel became a realty We ~
what God aims 10 do by home.