Dear young friends, there is a reality in the religion of Jesus, and we pray that, in this truth-despising day, you may feel the power of grace, and, by the work of the Spirit in your hearts, be so grounded in the truth that you may turn with contempt from all those who, while they profess to preach, have not the knowledge of God and His truth in them; and, although they are anxious to discredit the Word of God, and set aside the atonement of Christ, yet they do not know what to substitute for them. All who follow such leaders are certainly being led on "the down grade," and even the leaders themselves confess that they do not know where they shall be landed. Some have already been landed in Socinianism, and others in infidelity. Therefore, we say to all our readers, Abide by and hold fast the Word of God, Cleave to those who preach the pure and simple truths of the Gospel of Christ, as recorded in the Scriptures, and may the Lord bless you with faith to receive them in your heart. Then you shall "know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
Dear young friends, we seek your good, therefore we thus write, hoping that our word of warning may not be in vain, but that some may be put on their guard against preachers and teachers who have nothing but the shifting sands of science for a foundation, which must all be swept away, and those who build thereon must perish in the ruin.
Oh, may we be found on the Rock, Christ, living and dying, and be enabled to declare before all these deceivers, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."
Children, do not forget the Bible. Obey, honour, and love your parents. Avoid bad company, bad and foolish books, and evil habits. These things will bring shame and misery to those who follow them, therefore shun them all.
We still ask your help in spreading the Gleaner and the Sower. May the Lord make them useful, and bless you with His covenant blessing, is the desire of
The Editor.
A TOUCHING INCIDENT.
A very touching incident occurred lately at Governeur Hospital, New York City.
Little Annie Ashpurvis was sent by her parents to the cellar for some firewood. The child, who was but six years old, took a lighted lamp in her hand, and while descending the stairs, her foot slipped, and she fell, breaking the lamp, the flames of the burning fluid soon enveloping her entire body. As soon as the surgeon was called, the little sufferer was driven in an ambulance to the hospital. The child was put on a sofa cot, and the surgeon did all he could to alleviate her suffering, but it was impossible to save her life. Under the influence of a narcotic, she soon fell asleep. Thus she lay slowly breathing for some hours. Her face was so swollen that she could not open her eyes. About half-past two in the morning she showed signs of returning consciousness. The watchful nurse asked her if she would take a drink. She distinctly answered, "Yes." In a moment the house surgeon was beside her cot. He felt the pulse, but shook his head, and turned to go away. As he did so, the little creature moved her body. She turned half around. The dim light of the candle shone on the blackened face. The swollen lips pursed out, and in a clear, sweet voice, the dying child began to sing, "Nearer, my God, to Thee." The doctor and the nurse stood transfixed. The other patients in the silent, darkened ward leaned on their elbows and drank in the sweet melody. The first verse completed, she gradually sank back on her pillow. Her strength began to fail, and with it her voice, and only the humming, like distant music, of the air of the hymn could be heard. How sweet, yet weird, that humming sounded! The candle lent its meagre light, and the big clock in the corner told out its seconds, as the sweet little soul passed out to its Maker. The humming ceased. All was over. The doctor turned away with his handkerchief raised to his eyes. The nurse gazed into the flame of the candle, and heaved a sigh. She seemed to read the little one's death there.