The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-12-03
GATHER TIE CHILDREN.

In the Word of God the children have a
large place. The Bib,e abounds in precepts
and promises and illustrations relating to
the Young. 1t was fitting, therefore, that
they should have place in the programme
for the Week Of PRAYER.
One of the brightest touches in the proph-
cts picture of the restored Jerusalem is that
the streets of the city would be full of boys
and girls playing in the streets thereof"
One of the most beautiful srenes in the
life of the Lord was in the temple when the
children were about him crying, Hosanna.
One of the most delightful anticipations of
the kingdom that is to come. is that the
streets Of the city that will 'come down out
of heaven from God" will be full Of children.
There may be differences Of opinion among
Christians as to the age at which the young
should be taken into the church, but there
ought to he no difference Of opinion among
them as to when their children should be
dedicated to Christ.
When young man, who has since become
famous preacher, told his mother that he
intended to study for the ministry. she said !:
81 never told you, but I meant you for that
before ever saw your face That was the
sublime faith Of good woman in the efficacy
Of the early dedication Of her boy to the ser
vice of God.
Christian parents ought not to be wholly
discouraged if the cord that binds their
children to God may at times seem to them
to be broken; God holds the other end, let
them keep on praying.
Many man has been kept from drifting
into evil by the memory of his parents pray.
erS.
A distinguished explorer says: I'm ali
the dangers and temptations to which | was
exposed in Africa, one thread kept me from
going to ruin. 1t was the knowledge that
On the other side of the globe there was all
old gray-haired woman praying for me-
The Young need to be guarded as we'll as
guided. The LIMB that God keeps, the
wolf does not eat so the PersanS say.
One Of the best earthly safeguards for the
young is home in which God is honOrcd.
There are many promises of blessing on
such home
Some wonderful revivals have had their
beginning in childrcn's meetings. The day
of prayer for colleges has often been >ignally
blessed in the dedication of many young
men to the service of Christ in the ministry.
This is day OF grand opportunity. Now,
as never before recruits are needed for ser
vice in all the mission fields.
From my window recently 7 saw young
cadet passing along the street dressed in uni
form. He belonged to military school foI
of soldier. The world needs good soldiers
of Jesus Cmi>t. and the best time to begin
training them for the ranks is when they are
young.
TO a mother, whose son had been appoint
ed 4 foreign missionary, a friend said: 81
hope you will be able to give him up for this
work. ~ gave him up in his infancy to
God, but never knew until now where the
Lord wanted him. the mother replied.
Parents who devote their children to such a
work will not fail of their reward. A mis-
sionary, dying in heather land. said to the
friends who had gathered around him: "Tell
my mother thank God that she led me to
Jesus
Oh, that all parents might have the spirit
child that had been given TO her in answer to
her prayer: Therefore, ] alo bave granted
him to the Lord; as long as he liyeth, he is
granted to the Lord