The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1879-10-25
SATURDAY, OCTOBER %, 1879.
LOCAL AFFAIRS,


aN"s
Special service in the interest Of the Sun
day School, Ola rare and attractive character,
were heldin the Methodist Protestant Church,
this city, on Sunday and Monday last In
the morning Of the former day, afler the
usual exercises in the school, the officers,
teachers and children marched into the
church and were assigned front seats, where
they were addressed by DIR. Switzerland, the
pastor, on "Christ Blessing LATHE Children,
Mark TO- ID, IL, Is, lG The speaker began
by remarking, ave have here one Of the most
familiar of all the recorded incidents of the
Sayiour's life; and it is thus familiar because
Of its exquisite beauty. No scene Of all the
Bible has more frequently received the tribute
of reproduction by painter and engrayer, and
this for the reason that, in addition to its
beauty, it has the superadded double charm
of simplicity and tenderness, which appeals to
all human hearts al do not propose, q
said he, "to make another copy Of the picture
by word painting. simply wish to contem.
plate, and win all present on this occasion to
contemplate, the salient facts Of the this early
interview between Christ and the lambs Of His
fold.' These points were then successfully
made mo child too young to receive a
blessing from the Saviour OF such, in docil.
ity, humbleness and the absence Of guile, is
the kingdom Of heaven. The possibilities OF
child, either for good or evil, is illustrated
in all that such have become in adult years.
Those who brought the children exhibited
spiritual solici,nde for others, and faith in
Christ; and, as such, are representatives Of
all Christian workers. The world will surely
touch the child and leave black spot,
unless il receives the earlier touch Of Christ,
and His touch alone can erase, obliterate the
soil Of sin. The mistake of the disciples in
supposing, either that children were incapable
OF spiritual blessing, or that to confer it in
such a case, was beneath the dignity of Christ. -
1t was here argued, that there are more ways
than one to discourage the coming of children
TO Christ-a negative Of neglect, US well as q
positive Of interference. The sermon was
concluded by emphasizing the Saviour's word
'l4et them como unto me- The preacher
said, "This word is the refrain Of the Gospel.
TO old aud young alike, il is appended Ia
every other ulterance Of the Saviour. IL is
the sweet undyng echo of His voice, as dis.
tinct to-day as eighteen hundred years ago. -
At night the school itself conducted the
exercises, which consisted of an "Autumna
Praise and Offering Service" This opened
with the voluntary by the choir and school,
'Blessed is He that Cometh" Then the
following programme succeeded prayer By the
Pastor "A little boy aud two little girls sup.
porting o banner on which was inscribed the
word Welcome, appeared in the chaucel
and pronounced neat address entitled
"Welcome Greeting" Next, sour Alpha.
bet by the Infant Glass, -each child to the
number Of the alphabet, respectively bearing
a large letter, taking his and her place in d
line and recitiDg suitable sentence OF which
the letter borne was the initial. Hymn,
"Scatter Seed" Next, Vocal Duet, "Whis.
Msn... Il. 4
Crumbue. Here, Miss Jennie Smith took
her place on an elevation in the chanccl, aud
a number OF little girls in turn approached,
and with a brief speech presented tribute
Of Leaves and Ferns, which were placed amid
the festoons Of greenery already entwining the
pulpit and chancel. Recitation by Miss Jen'
ME, Beautiful Leaves Hymn Of Praise
by choir. Autumn Offerings OF Grain ant
Fruit, by the little boys, with descriptive ad
dresses. Misses Carrie Wampler and Jennie
Norment then appeared on either side OF the
chaneel and rected lines on the season.
Singing, "Beulah Land Offerings of Mosse.
and Ferns. Singing, "Sabbath Bells A
Pyramid of Praise, and the Children's 4,
Deum closed the deeply interesting scenes o
the .hoar, and the immense audience retired
giving expression to their feelings Of delight
Monday night, u Union Sunday Schoo
meeting was held, TO consider how best u
promote this important Christian work w
T.. W. Seabrook, Esq, presided, and the
music was conducted by the Buell. family
Alter an address Of welcome TO the visitors b.
DIR. Switzerland, excellent speeches wer,
made by Reys Messrs. Still, Moss, Kuhns
Gushing and the Chairman, Professor Brock
EFT, DIR. Ward, W. l.. Scabrook, Esq, and
DIR. Charles Billingslea. The meeting wa.
full Of enthusiasm, and all the laborers in Thu
grand field Of Christian activity seemed to b,
imbned with fresh baptism for their hoI,
work