Chapter 75—Leading Little Children to Christ
How Early May Children Become Christians?—In childhood
the mind is readily impressed and molded, and it is then that boys and
girls should be taught to love and honor 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 hearts that are tender and ready to receive impressions that
will be lasting. 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
Age of No Consequence.—An eminent divine was once asked
how old a child must be before there was reasonable hope of his being
a Christian. “Age has nothing to do with it,” was the answer. “Love
to Jesus, trust, repose, confidence, are all qualities that agree with the
child’s nature. As soon as a child can love and trust his mother, then
can he love and trust Jesus as the Friend of his mother. Jesus will be
his Friend, loved and honored.”
In view of the foregoing truthful statement, can parents be too
careful in presenting precept and example before those watchful little
eyes and sharp senses? Our religion should be made practical. It is
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needed in our homes as much as in the house of worship. There should
be nothing cold, stern, and forbidding in our demeanor; but we should
show, by kindness and sympathy, that we possess warm, loving hearts.
Jesus should be the honored Guest in the family circle. We should talk
with Him, bring all our burdens to Him, and converse of His love, His
grace, and His perfection of character. What a lesson may be daily
given by godly parents in taking all their troubles to Jesus, the Burden
Bearer, instead of fretting and scolding over cares and perplexities
1
Manuscript 115, 1903
.
2
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 169
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