The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1889-02-13
Dolly's Sermon

DO1lY'S sermon
Two things must be settled first OF
all, and Joseph Price looked up from
the piece of paper where he had been
making sundry calculations
What are those dear7
Well, wife, the fret is, can we afford
it and that being agreed, secondly,
where shall we go?
Perhaps the first difficulty took the
longer to get over times were not very
hourishing, and the little account at the
Postoffice Savings Bank had not increased
very much for many day.
But the two honest people put their
heads together they had both worked
hard, he in his Office in the city, she in
the house, for they kept no servants, and
deserved a holiday. Another strong
reason was urged by the wife.
Then you know, dear, it will quite
set up little Dolly
Quite true, my dear and so, please
God, for week holiday at the seaside,
we will GO.
Their family was not large, for Dolly
whose name had turned the scale, was
their only child, little love. winning
lass of seven or eight years, with haxen
hair falling in rippIes on her shoulders
She had indeed been the cause of some
anxiety to them lately an illness mad
pulled her down, for days there had
been real danger, and even now the lit
tie cheeks have quite lost their color and
roundness Yes, for Dolly's sake, if not
for their own, they must go to the sea
this year.
Then it took Jess time to select the
place, a quiet spot on the south coast.
where the big waves run up the beach
day after day, and thunder against the
high rocks. A few weeks of Joyous ex-
pectation and busy preparing and Mr..
and Mrs. Joseph Price, with Miss
Dorothy Price, two boxes and hamper,
had safely arrived within sight of the
beautiful sea.
Who can tell the happiness of the first
day, the hurried meal, being so anxious
to get down to the beach the new,
strange look of the streets the FIRST blow
of the salt breath OF the waves and
finally the sight, which is always fresh
and beautiful to US, of that great sea
which is enc of the most glorious works
of God?
So, as the days few by, the parents
watched with increasing pleasure the
improved condition of their little daugh-
ter, and felt that they had done right in
think or know that God, who guides us
if we will let Him, so that He may ful-
fill His blessed will, had brought them 20
that place.
When Sunday came little Dolly had
one regret which dashed the sweetness of
their being there on that day.
Shan 1 miss my Sunday School,
mother ?
She thought of her class, her kind
teacher, the little girls who were her own
particular friends, and then putting her
hand in her pocket she drew out the text
which she had written for that very day
-" God is love"
That afternoon they sat together on
the beach enjoying the sight of the gilt
tering sea as it shone in the sunshine OF
q July day.
Little Dolly, lying at full length lit.
tie way off, amused herself by tracing
with her finger in the soft sand the text
che had learnt for the day.
Presently a shadow fell across the
words, and Dolly looked up TO see boy
ragged, and without his cap, gazing
steadiastly at the letters in the sand.
Beg pardon, little miss, but what
them words say can't read.
God is love
Never heard Of that before
Haven't your Why that's our text
for the day at Sunday School
The lad looked puzzled, and oui
Dolly, plucking up courage, began to tel
him all she had learnt about God being
love, and so on while he listened will
deep interest He had indeed nevei
heard this good news before, and soon
as the tears went rolling down his cheeks
it was clear that Bob the donkey boy
bad taken the lesson home to his heart
He touched the rough, uncombed tuft o
hair which hung on his forehead, anc
saying goodbye, was soon out Of sight.