It is certain that each individual must enter the kingdom of heaven through his own efforts; no one can take the responsibility for him. Jesus proved this amply, and from the age of twelve years we find him looking only to his Father for guidance and support, assuming his responsibilities before doctors of the law, yet willingly returning to his home and being subject to his home discipline until further demands were made upon him.
Mary Baker Eddy, from the earliest accounts we have of her intellectual and spiritual development, also recognized and met every responsibility as it dawned upon her awakening thought, until she was enabled to give to the world that knowledge which is still increasing in volume and power, and redeeming humanity from "the slough of despond" into which it had fallen.
One would think that the importance of individual responsibility is so obvious that it would be an important item in every school curriculum. But the fact is that generally it takes a very small place in actual school or home training, and consequently many boys and girls at the most impressionable period of their lives go out into the world with very hazy notions on this important factor, quite unprepared to deal with the cross currents of daily experience. While it is accepted that these subjects should be dealt with at home, and rightly, the school's influence is vitally important in shaping the developing recognition of individual responsibility in the daily contacts of work and play.
