The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-03-16
GATHER THE CHILDREN.

~ viz N'au VI ODu the children
have large place. The Bible abcunds
in precepts and promises and illustra-
tions relating to the young. IL was fit
ting, therefore, that they should have
place in the programme for the Week
Of Prayer.
One Of the brightest touches in the
prophets picture Of the restored Jeru-
ealem rs that the streets of the city
would be full Of boys and glrls play
ing IN the streets thereof"
One OF the most beautiful scenes In
the life of the Lord was in the temple
when the children were about him cry
ing, Hosanna.
one of the most delightful anticipa-
tions Of the kingdom that is to come. is
that the streets of the city that will
come down out of Heaven from Cod
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 10 be no differ
ence of opinion among them as to when
their children should be dedicated to
Christ.
When a young man, who has since
become famous preacher. told his
mother that he intended TO study for
the ministry, she said: Il never told
you, but l meant you for that before /
ever eAw your face That was the
sublime faith of good woman in the
efficacy of the early dedication Of her
boy TO the service Of Christ.
Christian parents ought not to be
wholly discOuraed il 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 a man has been kept from
drifting into evil by the memory of his
parents prayers.
A distinguished explorer says: in
all the dangers and temptations 10
which | was exposed in Africa, ono
thread kept me from going to ruin. 1t
was the knowledge that on the other
side Of the globe there was an old gray
haired woman praying for me-
The young need to be guarded as well
as guided. The lamb that God keeps.
the wolf does not eat, so the Perslans
say.
One Of the best earthly safeguards for
the young is a home in which God is
bonOred. There are many promises Of
blessing on such home.
Some wonderful revivals have had
their beginning in childrep's meetings.
The day Of PRAYER for colleges has often
been signally blessed in the dedication
of many young men to the service Of
Christ in the ministry.
This is a day Of grand opportunity.
Now. as never before. recruits are
needed for service in all the mission
fields.
From my window recently ! saw a
young cadet passing along the street
dressed 10 uniform. He belonged to a
military school for boys. and already
had the step and bearing Of a soldier.
The world needs good soldiers. Of Jesus
Christ. and the best time 10 begin train
ing them for the ranks is when they
are young. To a mother, whose son
had been appointed a foreign mission
airy. a friend said: Il hope You will be
able to give him up for this work. - Il
gave him up in his infancy to God. but
never knew until now where the Lord
wanted him. the mother replied. Pa
rents who devote their children to
such work will not fail Of their re-
ward. A missionary. dying in heath
en- land, said to the friends who had
gathered around him: Tell my mother
/ thank God that she led me to Jesus. -
On. that all parents might have the
spirit of the good woman of old. who
said Of the child that had been given to
her in answer to her prayer There
fore, also have granted him to the
Lord as long as he lieeth. he is granted
TO the Lord. New York Observer.