The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-11-20
LITTLE CHILDREN A REFUGE

read more than they are, books which ex
pound aud illustrate Gods Word, an English
writer takes up ths- eighth Psalm He shows
that our blessed Lord applied the second
verse of the Psalm literally to children. If
we use the words "babes and sucklings" as
only symbolic of the weaker classes, we for
get the exposition Of Him who knew the
meaning of the ancient Scripture better than
We do.
And it is striking, as the expositor shows,
how childhood has been one of the refugees
for men weary with the hardness and unbe
lief and wckedness of the more mature. The
servants of God would almost despair if this
latter was the only class with which they had
to deal. 1t would be easier to blast the
hardest rock that ever reared itself against
men than to turn those who seem joined to
their idols. Of course We speak from hu'
man standpoint, for "with God all things
are possible" But God himself cheers His
servants by sending children into the world,
and placing them in families where their in
huence tells. To these children the words
of Jesus come with sweetness and power
The blessed Saviour's mercy and goodness
are not repelled by wicked thoughts and pur-
poses which have entrenched themselves in
the heart. The children can sometimes see
more clearly than even their elders that
Christ is just what their naturally sinful
souls require. In many home the children
will sing the Hosanna while their parents are
as silent as we're the scribes and priests of
old. And the "enemy and the avenger" are
subdued by that childish praise and service.
AS the prophet said of future days, GA lit
tie child shall lead them" so has it proved.
The hearts of the fathers are turned to the
children, and from the simple faith and love
of the little ones the mstrre are led to Jesus
Christ.
And SO is it with -ssf service. A
brother minister re- u Farded done
sion from two young ladies 10 aid an impor-
tant portion of ChriOt's work. He wrote in
reference to the givers that when they we're
little children he came ss pastor into the
place where they lived. C. induced them
to plant patch in the garden for money to
give to Christ service. This was continued
from year to year, and now they have grown
up, but they have got into the way of giving
out of their own earnings, and we doubt not
but that their interest has been secured for
life." And then he added 81 am glad to
think that was enabled to start them on
such course. With the hearts of the chill
dren we secure promise for future missions. I"
We wish the wisdom of that pastor might
make part of the wisdom of all PASTORS
No toiling servant of Christ but will find a
rest and joy in working with the little ones
and for their advancement in the faith, which
will often repair the waste and sorrow which
come after laboriDg in the rougher parts Of
the vineyard. We cannot leave the sheep to
starve, but He who said Feed my sheep" :"
said also, "Feed my lambs" And in doing
this the Lord, who knew the whole service
thoroughly, had regard for His working pas
tors as we'll as for the younger portion of
His fold. When other comforts fail, this
comfort which comes from the love and SER
vice of the little ones will often bring such
cheer that the soul will be braced for renew
ed Spiritual effort. As the poet Burns sho rs
his toll worn cotter renewed and strengthen
ed for his "weekly moil" by the prattle and
love of the "expecsant wee things" who
climb upon his knee when Saturday night
has come, SO one loving hour with his Sun
day School, or in young peoples prayer
meeting may cheer pastors heart far more
than he imsgines. So God has ordained that
children should perfect praise in order to
"stil the enemy and the avenger."