BIBLE READING WITH CHILDREN.
By Mrs. M. E. Sangster
I OFTEN hear mothers asking how they can interest their children in Bible reading. In the first place, they must themselves have a strong and vital interest in the pages of God's word, or they cannot inspire others with the same. In the next, they must take time, stately and often, for the purpose of studying it. And, in the third, they must pray always for the divine illumination in their children's hearts and their own. Every household has its predominant sentiment or characteristic. Walk through a city street. There is little individuality about the outsides of the houses, but enter, and as soon as the home admits you to its heart you shall discover that no two are precisely similar in aims, in spirit, and in atmosphere. Here fashion reigns, and dress is exalted to a place of great importance. There, music, art, or culture are objects of supreme desire. Philanthropic efforts enlist parents and children in this circle; and the resolution to become rich taxes every energy in that. Be sure of one thing. Whatever is largest in the eyes of father or mother will be largest in the eyes of the boys and girls. It is in vain to preach one gospel to them, if they behold another practiced. At an early age every child should have his own Bible, with his name inscribed therein, given as necessary to his furnishing for life. We do not think enough about this. Each little one has its own shoes and hat, its own school-books, its own toys. But in some houses the Bibles lie about promiscuously, belonging to nobody in particular; or perhaps one worn and brown, may be seen neglected on the table of the living room. Or worse, one or two elegant Bibles, in handsome bindings and gold clasps, repose on the parlor book-rack, kept as old china and lace are kept, for purposes of ornament. Every member of every family should have his special Bible, and should have his times for reading it, as certainly provided for and taken into the family calculations as the hours for daily food. In my own experience, I have never found it difficult to induce children to read the Bible. Sometimes in the morning after breakfast, or at night beside the lamp, I have begun to read aloud for my pleasure rather than that of the listeners, some sweet passage from the Scriptures. And very soon little arms would come stealing around my neck, bright eyes would scan the verses, and perhaps some pleading voice would say, presently, "Wait a moment, please. Let me get my Bible and read with you." I am sure that if the ordinary care which is spent on a child's secular education, as a matter of course and of obligation, were spent on its religious indoctrination, the next generation would be better equipped to resist temptation, and more strongly armed to meet the trials of life. We cannot be too vigilant in the early years. We cannot begin too soon. While we are looking at the golden-haired darlings as too young to be taught of God, the enemy is sowing tares in the virgin soil. We should preempt it in the name of our Lord Jesus.—Mrs. M. E. Sangster.