AUNTIE brought us home a text; it was worked with her own hands, in blue letters on a white ground, and neatly mounted in a black and gold frame. There it hangs, where all who enter the room can see it; and it is a beautiful, beautiful text!
Now, dear children, it was while I was looking at the well-known words that I felt it calling upon me to be always telling you of the love of Jesus; and it spoke afresh to my heart of many wonderful things, It pictured before my eyes a scene that occurred many years ago, one of the most touching that the world has ever known—a scene artists have loved to paint, and poets have loved to write about; but far beyond all, a scene which the Spirit of God has set before us in His word, in such simple, home-like language that the heart of a little child may be moved by the very words themselves, although they tell of One now at the right hand of God, even of His Son, Christ Jesus.
Yes, this is the text: “Suffer the little children to come unto Me.” You all know those beautiful words, and from whose gracious lips they fell, but do you know Him as your own Saviour? And who, of all those who love Jesus, could refrain from telling you of Himself, after He has said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me”?
Picture Him now, as His looks are bent upon those babies, remembering that He who shews such deep interest in the tiny ones, is the Son of God! But oh! those disciples, how much they have to learn of the One they are following! they are actually trying to prevent the little ones coming to Jesus. What a mistake! And all the world knows that Jesus thinks of it, for we are plainly told that “He was much displeased,” and that action of the stern men draws forth one of the most heart stirring and loving sentences that ever came from the lips of Him who spoke so much of love.
And look! those who would fain send them away have to stand by, while Jesus teaches them a wonderful lesson of tenderness and love, for He takes the dear babes in His arms, puts His hands upon them, and blesses them.
Now, many of you, dear children, know something of the love of Jesus for yourselves, and when little brothers and sisters ask you to tell them a story, or sing, or read aloud to them, remember that Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me,” and talk, sing, and read of His love.
May God teach and guide you in all such blessed service; and do not forget to look to Him yourself in prayer for all that you need.
Only a book for a child to read,
But what is the theme of its story?
Telleth it aught of a Saviour’s love,
Of the risen Man in the glory?
Only a song for a child to sing,
But what is the note of its sounding?
Is it of Him, whose wonderful love
Is ever and all-abounding?
Remember the charge, concerning that child,
That to you in His word is given:
“Suffer the children to come unto Me,
For of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
ML 01/26/1902