Lectures to children; familiarly illustrating important truth

Front matter

TG2.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

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Preface To The Illustrated Edition

OF

THE FIRST SERIES.

This little work, after having passed through fifteen editions in this country, and we know not how many in England, after having been translated into French, German, Greek, and many more languages, printed in raised letters for the blind, and, last of all, having been adopted as a school-book for the liberated slaves at Sierra Leone, is now sent forth in a new dress, with the addition of new Lectures. A whole generation has passed from childhood into manhood since these Lectures were first printed ; and though it claims to be only a very humble instrument of usefulness, yet the author, from testimony which he has already received from many and various quarters, would rather want renown and fame among men, than to be without his hope that the mission of this little work has been one of good to the lambs of Christ's flock.

Pittsfield, October 1, 1852.

Preface

There are, perhaps, loftier walks than the paths in which the feet of childhood tread. But when we remember how earnestly Moses commanded his people to instruct their little ones; how beautifully David spake to and of them ; how wisely and fully Solomon taught them in his Proverbs ; how tenderly Christ embraced them, and charged his ministers (in charging Peter) to feed his lambs ; how great the number now under the care of the Church of Christ for instruction ; and how great a proportion of all who are, at this day, converted to God, come from these lambs, — we can hardly overestimate the importance of this department of spiritual labor.

Many years ago, I made the attempt to speak to children by the pen. The effort was far more success-

Preface.

ful than I had any right to hope. Whether the harp has since become so worn by time that its notes will be no longer recognized, will be determined by the issuing of this little volume. Should it, like some unpretending bird, light upon as many bright and sunny places, and with its notes cheer as many listening children, as the First Series has, I can hardly think of a higher earthly recompense.

We read, in our blessed Bible, of a temple in which the very snuffers were of pure gold ; but more beautiful far is the heart of the child in which the Holy Ghost dwells as his temple. To this end, — I trust with something of the child's humility, — I send forth this humble volume, and commend it to the blessing of the Great Eedeemer.

Pittsfield, August 25, 1858,