SERMONS FOR YOUNG SINNERS

NZ Truth, Issue 1051, 14 January 1926, Page 4

SERMONS FOR YOUNG SINNERS

IT would not be overstating the case to say that .had he chosen theology instead of law, Magistrate H.A . Young, of Christchurch, would have made a, first-class parson. . He has a natural flair for preaching sermons m a manner that would soften a. heart of stone, iilthough adult offenders are- not called upon to ! listen to them -very often. • . ■ • No; it is the juvenile malcontent for whom : Mr. Young reserves that, sombre, yet entreating, voice. How pained he seems' when mere children come before him; with what compassion does he listen to the story of their misdeeds. , ■ : '• Then .he will turn to the probation officer and consult him a,s to the punishment. ' ' ■ ■ ' . ■ '::. i j : '•/ • I '. "Probation would be" very effective m this case, sir." And >|hen .M^if Young clears his throat and tegins the sermon. . ','.. ', ;;'# : T In Vivid colors he pictures to the young minds the dangers^ tx»f . the sinful path; warns them of th'B pit of crime at the brink , of ■whi(jh;-;-:they« have lost their balance. • ' ,'•"•••'.■ He impresses upon them the sorrow of theh* parents and friends at their lapse, and emphasises how happy they will" be if they' will profit by the lesson and walk m paths of virtue and rectitude jn.the futui-e. The whole Court staff, their friends and parents, all m fact, are out toguide their faltering' footsteps, and it is up to them. And so on until the end of the discourse. '. ■ . Magistrate Young is a great believer m the inherent goodness of human nature. His appeal to the young . sinner is not to the instinct of fear, but to finer feelings, and it is safe to say that his kindly words seldom fall ori deaf ears. ..'.'.--. ' / , He wins them back to self-respect and the hope for better things,. and the man who can do. t that has achieved something, that really matters. •