The Sunday School.
There is, perhaps, in many respects, no work for the Lord so adapted for the young Christian as putting the gospel before the children, and we feel sure these lines will be read by many who although really fitted by God for Sunday school teaching, have never yet taken it up.
While there is danger in “all work,” there is a greater danger in “no work”; that while in the former we may become absorbed in “our” doings, and become mere “Marthas,” in the latter we are apt to sink into a state of listless indifference.
There are many Christian “drones” who, not content with idleness, are apt to look upon themselves as superior beings, and to slight the poor working bees.
Are you a “working bee,” or a “drone,” dear reader? Perhaps, like Count Zinzendorf, you will be startled out of sleep if that question rings in your ears, “What hast thou done for ME?”
What are you doing for Christ, after what He has done for you?
It is clear from the Word of God that the children had and still have a large place in the heart of the Lord. He said, “Suffer, little children to come unto Me; and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” We are here in the Lord’s stead, and in this one verse we get sufficient authority for the carrying out of our work. Surely it is most desirable that they should be taught that clear and blessed gospel which God “according to His abundant mercy” has made known to us. And I sometimes ask myself the question, “How would the young be reached if it were not for the Sunday school?”
Do we believe that “broad is the way that leadeth to destruction”? (Matt. 7:1313Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (Matthew 7:13).) Do we indeed believe it? And the multitudes of young people and children around us “without Christ,” who are therefore going down to an eternal hell? O, why waste our precious time? A great harvest field lies around us, ripe for reaping, and laborers are few.
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand”; yes, “The coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” The traps of Satan, and the tempting baits which he holds out to catch the inquisitive eye, and the hungry heart that wants satisfying, and yet, as those who are the Lord’s what precious things we have to offer. O, dear young Christians, be persuaded to lose no opportunity of pointing them to Christ, telling them that there is a free, present, personal and perfect salvation, offered to all, “without money and without price.” (Isa. 55:11Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. (Isaiah 55:1).)
Look around you on every hand and see the many who do not know the way of salvation. Hand them a “Messages of Love,” and invite them to your private room, or under the trees, or to the Sunday school, or in some other way. But let us desire, while the Lord tarries, the blessed privilege of gathering the children, to tell them of Jesus, each of us looking to God for guidance and, being fully persuaded in our own minds, do the work He has set before us.
O, speak to the dear young souls gently, lovingly, and tenderly, but speak. Get them alone if you can, draw out their confidence in any way you find best. Our purpose is not to offend, but to win; our message is one of grace, of invitation, of offered blessing; yes, “God doth beseech by us,” let this give our tone in speaking, let us not be weary of speaking. If they will not heat our oft repeated entreaty, then let us continue to live for God before them; and, above all, to pray for them, and for the seed sown that it may bring forth fruit to His praise and glory.