The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-02-20
FOR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
A Sermon to Sunday School Children,
Teachers and Parents.

The sermon preached by Dr. Hoge to the Sun
day School Of the Second Presbyterian church in
this city, which In common with many others we
we're permitted to hear last Sunday 2. NJ, will
long remain very pleasant reminiscence in our
recoectiOns of Richmond. We are always in
deed attracted by gathering of children; and a
Sunday School gathering in particular, has charm
about it that draws as by thrill of irresistible at
traction. We wonder that Sunday Schools gene
rally have not adopted the custom of setting apart
one or more Sundays in the year for such service,
and let them be called The Chtldren's days. If
this custom we're more 10 vogue and the services
made occasions Of interest to the children, this
could hardly result otherwise than in attaching
them more strongly to their own school; and what
is more, in making them feel that the preaching is
not ell for the older persons, but at least ex
pressly for them.
Such at all events were the impressions made on
our mind as we entered the church on Fifth street
last Sunday P NJ, and saw the central pews lite
rally packed with children and their teachers The
very sight brought rush of memories, and made
Us almost wish we were young again, to enjoy, as
children only cam such an occasion set apart espe-
cialy for them. The church was crowded through
out for older children-even gray-haired men and
aomen-ove to listen to discourses adapted to,
and intended to interest the little children.
The singing by the School of several familiar
pieces only increased the zest for the discourse SO
admirably BETTING the occasion delivered by their
pastor, DR.. Hoge. His text could hardly have
been more perfectly in keeping with the spirit OF
she hour. Ii vas the first clause of Mark x l6,
And he took them up in his arms" Every little
ones eyes we're at once fixed upon the preacher as
he leaned over the pulpit Bible, and began his ad'
dress aa to them. And SO impressed vas he In
seeing those bright, upturned faces that he paused
moment, and looking all around the church, re-
marked: This is pleasant sight. Every little
boys and girls eyes are looking right into my face,
and each is waiting TO hear what am going to say
to them"
The DE-. in one of his happiest moods, then pro.
decided to illustrate in various ways and by several
incidents the love of Jesus for little children. This
must have been so, or those whom he took up IL
mis- arms would not so readily have come to him.
The speaker referred to Isaiah's description Of
|
to call himsell--the good Shepherd. He shall
feed his flock like shepherd; he shall gather the
lambs with his arm, and carry them in his BOSOM
lisa. XII H.. This Jesus did when he took little
children in his arms The Dr., to illustrate, re
ferred to fact which came under his own observa
ton few years ago and touched his heart Ht
observed, at the time referred to, a strong man
wearing an ulster for it was the early spring. every
morning walking backwards and forwards along thC
square, carrying delicate. sckly child in his arms
with the folds of his great ulster wrapped carefully
around it, while the dear babe was nesting its lit
tie head closely and trustingly on the bosom OF thu
strong man, vino was so tenderly caring for it,
Such was Jesus when on earth, such is he still
mighty to save, and ready to take the little chill
dren in his arms and carry them on his BOSOM
In abiding to the often mooed question: as to hov
young in age child may be converted, the DR.. il
Illustrated by examples. Ole was OF Dr.. Alexander
who on certain occasion some years ago, statet
to the audience before commencing bis sermon tina
when he was four years old he heard sermon iron
a certain text which ne believed was the means a
the time Of his conversion, and that his text the
was the same. He referred also to one Of the mos
venerable and beloved ministers vino had ever re
sided in Virginia, who remarked that he could no
recolect when he did not love Jesus. The Dr.
then in very impressive tones bent over and aske
the children how young they thought they ough
to be to love their mother-how young they ough
to be to love the Saviour. The closing appea
addressed directly to them was very touching, AM
all who were privileged in being present felt tina
it was good to be there" The occasion is on
which will long be remembered both by the chill
dren of the Sunday School, and their teachers an,
parents, and friends, and the strangers from afar
0. Q.