The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1872-09-20

On one occasion the over anxious disciples of
Jesus put to Him the question (Which is the
greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven? He made
them this reply: "He took a little child, and
set him in the midst, and said, Except We be con-
verted and become as little children ye shall not
enter into the Kingdom ofHeaven." Atanothcr
time when the same over forward disciples would
have thrust aside those who brought their little
ones to the Saviour, that He might give them His
blessing, we are told that ale was much dis
pleased and said Suffer the little children TO come
unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the
Kingdom of Heaven. Verify / say unto you,
"Whosoeyer shall not receive the Kingdom of
Heaven as little child, he shall not enter there
in." | believe that Jesus meant to teach us that
it is the purity and innocence of children which
make them such fit recipients of the blessings of
His Heavenly Kingdom. And believe He also
meant to tell us that five wish or hope to inhabit
there, we must cultivate that purity and inno-
ccnce and try, in these respects, to be like them
| know not how old that little child was whom
the Lord Jesus took, and set in the midst of His
disciples but do know that child of 12 years
of age is often, in its innocence, a child still ;
and had the Blessed Saviour lived on earth in our
day. in our country, and in our neighborhood
and had He looked around for a little child to
place before us as an example, believe He could
not have found one more fitted for His purpose
than this little one who now lies before us here
know she had passed beyond the days of infan-
cy, but L also know that all the purity and inno-
cencc, and guilcessness of infancy still remained
Who of lis has not felt deeply interested seeing
this little girl coming here, Sunday after Sunday
to the worship of Almighty God, regular in her
attendance; her place never vacant, save when
necessity compelled, thus setting an example
to us grown persons, who with our cold hearts,
and less sensitive affections readily excuse our
selves from the duty of public worship? Who
did not feel his heart throb, when but few
months ago, she renewed her vows publicly, be-
fore this congregation, and pledged herself to
the Sayiours cause-a pledge she least of all, had
need to make, as she never had departed from
that cause! Who did not feel his heart throb,
when she came here to receive the precious
pledges of her Savour's love, in Holy Commll-
Mon with Him God has thought best to take
her from this world of suffering, to that better
land beyond, where suffering shall be no more.
Her example is before us. We, older in the
Christian life must initiate her innocence, if we
hope to dwell where she now dwclls. five live
as she lived all will be we'll
JOHNSON.-On the 18th of September,
1879, at the residence of her nephew, John
X. Calwell Esq, in the city of Baltimore,
Mrs. SOPHIA JOHNSON, reict of the late
John johnson, of Bush and eldest daughter
of the late Col Jacob Norris, of the army of
the Revolution.
This excellent lady attained the mature age of
eighty-scven years, in the full possession of her
mental faculties, which were of a superior order,
eXcmplifying from carly youth the most exalted
Christian qualities which adorned her maturcr
years and made her indeed, ga mother in Israel"
For more than 60 years an exemplary member
| of the Methodist Episcopal Church. and of later
years prime mover in the establishment of the
Sunday Schools connected with that church
within this county, thus sowing seed for good
in many youthful minds, she lived to realize the
fact that the talents entrusted to her had pro.
duccd a hundred fold in the respectful remcm-
brance of thousands during her life and the I'M
fcigned regrets of those she leaves here below,
sooner or later, it is hoped, to follow and join her
in the Kingdom of the Redeemed above. CIvIs.