H IX SOCIOLOGY AVING considered many of the laws which contribute to the welfare of mankind, we must now take up the study of Sociology or social science, which treats of the constitution, phenomena and development of human society or relationships. From the earliest history of the race man has been a social animal. It was announced by the Biblical writer that "It is not good for man to be alone." Probably the greatest punishment which can be imposed upon a man is solitary confinement, often imposed upon recalcitrant criminals in penitentiaries. So the creation of man and provision for his highest enjoyments, also for his preservation, call for companionship and association. A man or woman having no companion will find large comfort in calling in the bird, cat, dog, or some other domestic animal to share his companionship or loneliness and find much joy in mingling with these creatures of God's wondrous creation. Having this trait woven within the fiber of our character, we must look for the goodness of God in the world of social relationships. Of course God's greatest gift to man is woman, from whom "Let no man put asunder." The answer is emphatic and unmistakable. Growing out of this fine association come the children of the home-then the larger association of the family life, then follows the mingling of the life-giving stream with other families of congenial type and sympathetic aspirations. And as the stream spreads out and the channels deepen the normal man with the larger and even broadening associations finds his chief delight in their companionship. Next to that of wife and mother, is the prattle of children of the home. The ever-changing phases of domestic life with children to come to parents with problems and the childish delights expressed as their seniors unravel their knots is a vision which an angel might cherish. The picture of the child with dolly's broken shoe asking the shoemaker to fix it is both beautiful and impressive. After the fine associations of home life we have the mingling of the children in school life; and later in religious, political and public life, all normally working with altruistic purpose for the mutual betterment of all. In early historic times the children were not given such a large place in society as at the present time. Among the less civilized and barbaric tribes babies were sacrificed and thrown into the Ganges, or under the Juggernaut car. But as man has become more enlightened, and as education's clarifying vision has removed the scales from the eyes of society, the joys of life have increased and life prolonged. Within the last 30 years the average life has been prolonged from 35 to 45 years. After the fine family relationships showing the benign purpose of God, we take a step further and see the beautiful associations and friendships formed in the world of school life. A beautiful picture could be painted of primary school life, depicting the feelings and passions flooding the life and character of the little boy or girl as he or she leaves home the first day for school to mingle with other children of like feelings, amid the fears and trembling of this new life. How will the teacher look? What kind of children will be in my class? Who will sit next to me? What a rush of questionings and feelings mingled with the uncertainties of this life as the little one takes courage and marches into the presence of teacher and the new child companions? One can never forget the pleasant memories of these school days with their deep joys and little fears, also the deep impressions made as the little folks mingle in class, on the playground, and in confidential secret relations stirring their little lives as they go in and out weaving the threads of life among the mothers, fathers, statesmen, preachers and teachers of the future. And, alas! also among those who will find places behind prison bars, in asylums, the dark places of night life and red-light district. No wonder the song " School Days" became so popular and took a fast hold on multitudes as it was sung behind the footlights and in community gatherings, as well as in the slums and places of lowly abode some years ago. It carried many a grown-up back in memory to the almost sacred precincts of those days and the schoolmates long loved and lost awhile. Then following these days come the grammar and high school days, when life becomes more realistic with its more serious problems both in school and social life. The boy and girl begins to realize the more serious side of life. He or she begins to make comparisons to differentiate and tighten the cords of companionship, and finally may find in these associations the one outstanding companion of life. Or he or she may go on to the weightier matters of college or university life, where relationships are marked by more serious problems. As there was a difference featuring grammar school |