Chapter 279—From Childhood
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of
such is the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:14
.
In the children who were brought in contact with Him, Jesus saw the men
and women who should be heirs of His grace and subjects of His kingdom....
In His teaching He came down to their level. He, the Majesty of heaven, did
not disdain to answer their questions and simplify His important lessons to
meet their childish understanding. He planted in their minds the seeds of
truth, which in after years would spring up, and bear fruit unto eternal life.
It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of
the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the
lessons received. The little children may be Christians, having an experience
in accordance with their years. They need to be educated in spiritual things,
and parents should give them every advantage, that they may form characters
after the similitude of the character of Christ....
The Christian worker may be Christ’s agent in drawing these children
to the Saviour. By wisdom and tact he may bind them to his heart, ... and
through the grace of Christ may see them transformed in character, so that of
them it may be said, “Of such is the kingdom of God.”
God wants every child of tender age to be His child, to be adopted into
His family. Young though they may be, the youth may be members of the
household of faith, and have a most precious experience.... They may have
their hearts drawn out in confidence and love for Jesus, and live for the
Saviour. Christ will make them little missionaries. The whole current of their
thought may be changed, so that sin will not appear a thing to be enjoyed,
but to be shunned and hated.
The Saviour longs to save the young. He would rejoice to see them
around His throne, clothed in the spotless robes of His righteousness. He is
waiting to place upon their heads the crown of life, and to hear their happy
voices join in ascribing honor and glory and majesty to God and the Lamb in
the song of victory that will echo and re-echo through the courts of heaven.
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