As Thoughts Turn to Children…

There is a mellowing and humbling of the heart when thoughts turn to children, and a searching of the soul when the eyes of children are upon us. Some of the tenderest scenes with our Savior are those with children. “Suffer little children to come unto men, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” “And it came to pass that he commanded that their little children should be brought… and he… blessed them, and prayed unto the father for them.” Innocent they come, and innocent they are until environment or example is otherwise. “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Thus said the Master on mankind. One can scarcely conceive of corruption or cruelty to children. “The child’s grief throbs against its little heart as heavily as the man’s sorrow,” said Edwin Chapin, “and the one finds as much delight in his kite or drum, as the other in striking the springs of enterprise, or soaring on the wings of fame.” “I love these little people,” said Charles Dickens, “and it is not a slight thing, when they, who are so fresh form God, love us.” “Be ever gentle with the children God has given you,” pleaded Elihu Burritt. “Watch over them constantly; reprove them earnestly, but not in anger.” “The first duty to children is to make them happy. ⎯If you have not made them [happy]…, you have wronged them. ⎯No other good they may get can make up for that.” May heaven help us to help all children, our own and others, worldwide, to be loved; to be fed, to be taught, to be close to our hearts; to be uncorrupted, unoffended; to have happiness and hope. With these lines form Charles M. Dickinson we are much moved:

“They are idols of hearts and of households;

They are angels of God in disguise;

The sunlight still sleeps in their tresses,

His glory still gleams in their eyes;

These truants from home and from Heaven,

They have made me more manly and mild;

And I know now how Jesus could liken

The kingdom of God to a child.”