rations are not sufficiently strong to hold back the most
pressing temptations. Moreover, we have often had grave doubts whether
"the bread-and-butter piety" was not too much recommended in all
religious meetings to children. The child is too continually reminded
that righteousness brings reward in this world, though the Master calls
us to "take a yoke," and "bear a cross." The essence of the religious
impulse is that it is unselfish, an inspiration from above, not below, a
quickening of the nobler emotions and higher aspirations. Wherever gain
or worldly motive comes in, there spirituality flees away. We have,
accordingly, always opposed, in our religious meetings, the employment
of prizes or rewards, as is so common in Sunday Schools, to strengthen
the religious influence. Experience, as well as reason, has shown us
that all such motives mingled with religion simply weaken its power.

Considering the peculiar position of these children, we have never set
the value on what is usually described as "Religious Instruction" which
many do. Of course, there are certain foundation truths which should be
taught to these audiences. But such subjects as the Jewish History and
God's Providence therein, and many matters contained in the Old
Testament, are not so immediately important for them as the facts and
principles of Christianity. And yet there are passages in the Old
Testament which seem peculiarly designed for the young. There are
stories--such as those of Joseph and Moses and Samuel--which, if all
others should forget, children alone would not let die. It does not seem
instruction that these children need, so much as inspiration. A
street-boy might be perfectly familiar with the history of the Fall of
Man and the flood; he might repeat the Commandments, and know by heart
the Apostles' Creed, and yet not have one spark in his breast of the
divine fire which is to save him from vice and ruin.

What the child of the streets, above all, needs to uphold him in his sea
of troubles and temptations, is the knowledge and faith in Christ as his
Friend and Saviour.

CHRIST can be presented and made real to these children as a perfect
Being, the Son of God, who feels with all their misfortunes, who has
known their temptations, who is their Friend, and only demands noble
hearts and love from them, who lived and died for them when on earth,
that they might love God and be saved from sin.

It is the old Faith, which has thrown the gl