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304 The Century of the Child
a few of the many proofs of the child’s sense
of reality, that leads to mistaken answers here,
as in so many other instances. If it is said
by way of protest that the childish imagina-
tion needs myths and symbolism, the answer
is an easy one. We cannot and should not
rob the child of the play of imagination, but
play should not be taken in earnest. It is not
to be wondered at that children construct
for themselves realistic ideas about spiritual
things. This practice is no more to be op-
posed, than any of the other expressions of
the life of the child’s soul. But when these
false ideas are presented as the highest truth
of life, they must disturb the sacred simplicity
of the child.
I know children in whom the origin of un-
belief is to be traced to the words of Jesus,
that everything asked for by the believing
heart will be received. A small child, locked
up in a dark room, prayed that God might
show people how badly he was being treated,
by causing a lamp of precious stones to be lit
in the dark. Another asked to have a sick
mother saved; another prayed by the side of
a dead companion that she might rise again.
For all these three, the experience of having
their most believing, most fervent prayer un-
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