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more earnest prayer for the wisdom that is needed in dealing with
minds.
Preaching for Children
At every suitable opportunity let the story of Jesus’ love be repeated
to the children. In every sermon let a little corner be left for their
benefit. The servant of Christ may make lasting friends of these little
ones. Then let him lose no opportunity of helping them to become
more intelligent in a knowledge of the Scriptures. This will do more
than we realize to bar the way against Satan’s devices. If children
early become familiar with the truths of God’s word, a barrier against
ungodliness will be erected, and they will be able to meet the foe with
the words, “It is written.”
Those who give instruction to children and youth should avoid
tedious remarks. Short talks, right to the point, will have a happy
influence. If there is much to be said, make up for brevity by frequency.
A few interesting remarks, every now and then, will be more helpful
than to give all the instruction at once. Long speeches tire the minds
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of the young. Too much talk will lead them even to loathe spiritual
instruction, just as overeating burdens the stomach and lessens the
appetite, leading to a loathing for food. Our instruction to the church,
and especially to the youth, should be given line upon line, precept
upon precept, here a little and there a little. Children must be drawn
toward heaven, not harshly, but very gently.
Entering into the Feelings of the Youth
We should seek to enter into the feelings of the youth, sympathizing
with them in their joys and sorrows, their conflicts and victories. Jesus
did not remain in heaven, away from the sorrowing and sinful; He
came down to this world, that He might become acquainted with the
weakness, the suffering, and the temptations of the fallen race. He
reached us where we were, that He might lift us up. In our work of
the youth, we must meet them where they are, if we would help them.
When youthful disciples are overcome by temptation, let not those
older in experience deal with them harshly, or regard their efforts with
indifference. Remember that you yourselves have often shown but