minister who can rightly divide the word of God to this portion of his flock! Should such an one take up this little volume, he will be very ready to excuse its defects, knowing how difficult it is to bring thought down to the comprehension of children. "It is an easy thing to move the passions: a rude, blunt, illiterate attack may do this. But to form one new figure for the conveyance of the truth to the mind, is a difficult thing. The world is under no small obligation to the man who forms such a figure." The best way of preaching to children is to have them entirely alone-not. an adult in the house. You can then come down to them, and can interest them. The next best way is to have all the children in the centre of the house, and the congregation above and around them; and then let the speaker forget, if he can, that anybody is present besides the children. This has been my method, at the close of the second service on the Sabbath. The congregation have had permission to retire, but have, to an individual, preferred to remain. I have usually delivered one of my "little sermons" once in three months, supposing this to be no more, certainly, than the share of the lambs. The following Lectures are a selection from such as I have thus delivered to the children under my care. My language and illustrations may seem familiar and common-place; but I have tried to talk in such a manner, that, on pausing several times, and asking my little bright audience what point had just been stated and illustrated, the child who could only lisp should usually be able to throw his voice in with the rest in answering. I have thought that a System of Theology, embracing all that we usually mean by the term, and containing a full, clear, and condensed view of the doctrines of the Bible, might be prepared for children to great advantage. Nor am I certain that such a series of volumes might not be as useful and as interesting to common readers as to children. It ought to be a text-book of the great doctrines of the Bible, for Sabbath schools and the young generally. That I have thought of preparing such a work is saying little, since I have not done it. Possibly, should Providence spare my life, and such a work be needed, I may hereafter attempt it. I have hoped that parents and Sabbath school teachers might receive some hints from this little volume which would aid them in the very difficult work of illustrating truth to children. For no teaching will do any good, unless so plain that it cannot be misunderstood, and so interesting that it cannot be forgotten. To the blessing of the Great Redeemer I commend this little book, and the dear children who may read it. NORTHAMPTON, CONTENTS. First Series. PAGE V. WHAT FAITH IS, AND WHAT ITS USE IS. VII. JESUS CHRIST TASTING DEATH |