PREFAC E. Y DEAR CHILDREN,-This is a Book for YOU. I want in this' Preface, to ring as it were the Sunday Bell, before gathering my young worshippers to "THE LITTLE SANCTUARY." Of all the books I have written, none have I felt more difficult to write, nor more pleasing to write. But do not think I have sat down to compose a Book of Sermons that never were sermons. All of these were preached. I have the jottings of them; and have tried to recall them, as well as I can; adding very considerably, where I thought they might be added to with advantage. Some were spoken at a special monthly children's service I had in the country; others when I often was in the habit in a City congregation, after addressing grown-up people, to close with what used to be called "The Children's Sermon ; "-when I turned and said "Now, my young friends, I must speak a word to you." I believe if you were to ask faithful ministers, 'What is one of the greatest sources of happiness to you in the Church on earth?' they would answer, We have no greater joy before God than to see our children walking in the truth,' "and," like the good pious Ezra of old, “to seek of Him a right way for our little ones" (Ezra viii. 21). If you were to ask them, 'What, on the Day of Christ's appearing, will be to you one of the chiefest crowns of rejoicing?' they would answer, 'Insert whatever other gems you please :- engrave whatever other texts on our crown you please but we should like to have in front, the words, glittering with little jewels, "Behold I and the CHILDREN whom Thou hast given me." Better than all, young readers or young hearers-the Great God in Heaven loves you. The Bible verse, "The Lord preserveth the simple," has been rendered, "The Lord protecteth the little ones." What a grand thought surely that is!" Jehovah your Protector," watching you; guarding you; ever with you; never away from you ::- I will turn mine hand,” says He, “UPON THE LITTLE ONES" (Zech. xiii. 7). As a German poet sings,— "Their Angels stand close to the Father, His heaven is bright with these flowers; Hear praise from their lips than from ours." I like to recall these Sundays of which I have spoken, with their Children's services, and Children's sermons. They bring many pleasant years to mind. May God graciously accept and own my effort thus to rebuild the Little Sanctuary of the past; and help me to speak with my pen, as I once did with my voice, to "THE CHILDREN IN THE TEMPLE."1 'COME, YE CHILDREN, HEARKEN UNTO ME; I WILL TEACH YOU THE FEAR OF THE LORD" (Ps. xxxiv. 11). It will be seen, that in many, indeed in most cases, each subject is divided, so as to occupy two Sundays.-This mainly for the very sufficient reason to avoid making the sermons too long. But I may also add, in order to include fifty-two within the compass of a single Volume; one for each Sabbath of the year. CONTENTS. I. THE CHILDREN IN THE TEMPLE AND THEIR SONG II. THE CHILDREN IN THE TEMPLE AND THEIR SONG III. AM I ONE OF THE CHILDREN?. 8 17 22 28 36% 42 |