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And what are children at the best,
But beggars charitably drest,
Poor little beggars, who receive

Nothing but what their parents give."

3. Learn to be teachable: good children are humble, modest, teachable and attentive, and so must all those children be who wish to go to Heaven. In that happy place, the angels are all lovely and amiable, and so must all good children be, if they wish to dwell with Jesus in his heavenly kingdom. How delightful it was to the Lord Jesus, to see Mary sitting at his feet, listening attentively to the words which he spoke; and she did not hear in vain. How pleasing it is, my dear children, to see you all so still and attentive; I wish you may all say by your looks and actions

"Give us, dear Jesus, ears to hear,
And hearts to understand;
In trouble may we find thee near,
A Saviour close at hand."

VI. We read that Jesus was hearing or attending to what they said. The text tells us that he was employed also in asking them questions. From this part of his employment you may learn, my dear children

1. To seek instruction. There are many children who are very curious, and discover very early an enquiring mind; some children will puzzle their parents to give them answers to some of their enquiries. A little girl once

asked me this question: If I should go to hell when I die, and pray to God when I am there, will he not take me to Heaven afterwards? no, my dear, I replied; don't you know what is said in one of your hymns?

"Then 'twill forever be in vain,

To cry for pardon or for grace; To wish I had my time again,

Or hope to see my Maker's face."

It will then be too late to pray, therefore you had better pray to God now.

2. Children should manifest an earnest desire to be instructed, by asking questions when they are reading what they do not understand. A little boy, who used to read the Bible to me on the sabbath day, whenever he came to a word or sentence which he did not understand, used to stop and ask the meaning.

3. Children should endeavour to remember what they hear, that they may profit by it: this may be the last time-you may not hear of Je sus Christ any more-you cannot tell how soon

you may die.

I will now conclude, my dear children, with a few admonitions; have a little patience, and listen to me a little longer, I will not keep you many minutes.

1. Remember that you are lost in sin that you are all sinners, and stand in need of a Saviour to pardon your sins.

To follow thee the living way,
And do thy Father's will below.
"To Sion, as thy parents led

Thine infant footsteps in the way,
So may our parents lead us on,
While we with willing feet obey."

LECT. VI. The good Child's Petition.

LUKE xi. 1.-Lord teach us to pray.

My dear young friends,

IT is a painful thought, that there are thousands in hell, who, while here on earth, never uttered one prayer to God, from the hour of their birth to the time of their death. Many have died, and with an oath or a curse upon their lips. Many have died, and many children too, praying to God; and full of holy joy, have sang his praise, while passing through the dark valley of the shadow of death. What are the prayers which you make use of? Some there are now within these walls, who never pray at all some who only say a short prayer which they were learned when quite young: some there are who say, "I believe in God:" but his is not a prayer, it is only telling God what you believe; while, at the same time, you know

nothing at all about the matter. There are some children who add to their belief or creed, "Our Father," and this indeed, is an excellent prayer: it was taught by Jesus to his disciples, when they came to him and said, Lord teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples; and he said unto them, when ye pray, say "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven: Give us this day our daily bread: And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen." How many of you, my dear children, understand the meaning of God's prayer? not one half of you. You say, our Father who art in Heaven, when at the same time, you curse, and swear, and lie, and break the sabbath; you disobey your parents, never read the Bible, only when you are obliged to read it, and yet say, Our Father, while at the same time you have a wicked heart, keep wicked company, indulge wicked thoughts, and do wicked actions. Remember, that God is the Father of good children only; but wicked children are a part of the devil's family; Satan is their father, and he was a liar from the beginning of the world; so that we are not to wonder when his children tell so many lies as they do. Are you not often cross, ill natured, cruel,

and mischievous? you call God your Father, and at the same time, you obey the devil. You say, Hallowed, or sacred be thy name; and upon the most triffling occasion you will say, O Lord! O God! O Christ! God bless us! Lord look! this is taking the Lord's name in vain. You say, Thy kingdom come; and at the same time, you are the servants of the wicked one, and slaves of sin; you belong to Satan, and to the kingdom of darkness and iniquity. Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven; and at the same time, you oppose the will of God and do all you can to hinder it from being done, either by yourselves or others. It is his will that you should come here, from time to time, to hear of God; but you do not come : it is his will that you should pray; but then you do not pray: It is his will that you should read the Bible; but you do not: It is his will that you should be good children; but you are not. Why do you say one thing and mean another Give us this day our daily bread. If you were to be asked who it was that gave you food, you would say, your parents: but who gave it to your parents? God. Forgive us our trespas ses, or sins, as we forgive those who trespas: or injure us now when any have done any thing amiss to you, forgive them; do not taki revenge by treating them ill or speaking ill o them; this is revenge of animals rather than o children. If you expect God to forgive you sins, you must forgive others, your brother:

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