THERE is a girl’s school in my neighborhood which is conducted by Christian young women, by which I mean that they are true-born children of God. (Read 1 John 12:1313Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. (John 12:13); and Galatians 3:2626For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)). They, therefore, not only give their scholars a good education as regards temporal things, but they seek to impart the knowledge of the salvation of God, which is in Christ Jesus, the Lord.
These teachers have established a practice in their school to which I desire to direct attention. They take an interest in sick children, and they permit their scholars to contribute, if they please, a halfpenny per week each, but not more, towards the support of an institution in which afflicted children are taken care of. The scholars are not urged to give, but they have the privilege, if they choose, of ministering to the poor sufferers.
Many children have pence given to them to spend as they please; and, as we are aware, such pence are often expended upon fruits, sweetmeats, and trinkets; but if a child in the school to which I refer is willing to refrain from such indulgencies, and to give a trifle to poor suffering children, they have the opportunity of doing so. The amount is limited to a small sum, in order that it should be the gift of the children themselves, and not a contribution from their parents. Sometimes a child is doubtful whether to expend the halfpenny in sweets, or to give it to the sick children; and, as we may suppose, the decision varies. At one time selfishness rules, and the sweets are purchased. At another time, kindness towards the poor children prevails, and the coin is laid aside for them.
Another way in which the girls are allowed to minister to the sufferers is by dressing dolls for the little ones. This practice imparts perhaps some instruction in dressmaking, which it is necessary that girls should learn, while it yields the pleasure of doing something for the good of others. A third method is, the gift of suitable magazines, such as the scholars may possess, or their parents supply, for the perusal of the young sufferers.
Is not this good training for the young? For it is not only right that children should be instructed in useful things, so that they may be enabled, if the Lord will, to earn their living; but that they should enter into the blessedness of some little self-denial for the good of, others. The believer in the Lord Jesus Christ is exhorted to “do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Gal. 6:1010As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10). And we are taught of God, that only those gifts which proceed from the constraint of the love of Christ are acceptable with Him. 1 Cor. 13. There are many dear children who, having received the unspeakable gift of God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are made willing by His Spirit to do a little for the benefit of others, to the praise and glory of His holy Name.