CHAPTER XXXIX.
The question is often asked: “Do you want us to go out upon the streets and bring those ragged, dirty boys with us into our churches, and have them sit in the same pew with us?”
No, indeed, no. Both you and the boys would be unhappy.
The idea is for you to take an interest in preparing them for your church. To shove them out of your way, into the gutter, and say, “they are only newsboys,” will never bring these boys to you or into your churches. They are the strayed sheep.
When upon the street you meet these “dirty brats,” instead of avoiding them, of paying no attention to them, say pleasantly, “Good morning,” and say it in a tone that means you are sincere and really wish them a very good morning. That would be easy and a thousand times better than to throw them money, as you, perhaps, have often done, to get rid of them, or thinking you have done them a great act of charity. All this costs you nothing.
Instead of having in your heart the desire to destroy; encourage the desire to rescue, to uplift. Instead of hating, cultivate love. “Go forth into the world and seek for light and light is yours.”
If you would learn the secret of real happiness, mingle with the children. They are messengers which come to bless.
But you must understand them. They will teach you things you never knew or dreamed of.