PREFACE. stories; as I thought that children were already in possession of abundance of that species of instruction, and that I would rather trust to the ideas presented in a plain didactic form, to fix their attention. My hope is, that this book may be found an avail able addition to the Sunday reading of children, from about seven to twelve years of age, in the family, or in the Sunday School. As I have referred, in the first sermon, to a Catechism, I have appended it to the volume. It is selected from other Catechisms, not because it claims superiority, but because it has been in use in the Church to which I minister, for a term of more than fifty years. I now humbly ask the blessing of our heavenly Father on this book, and on "little children." F. W. P. GREENWOOD. DECEMBER, 1840. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wis- dom; and the grace of God was upon him. Luke ii. 40. Page 55 THE NOTICE TAKEN OF CHILDREN BY JESUS. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and |