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Lover of Little Children, February 3
Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put
his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But
Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto
me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on
them.
Matthew 19:13-15
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Children are the Lord’s heritage. The soul of the little child that believes
in Christ is as precious in His sight as are the angels about His throne. They
are to be brought to Christ, and trained for Christ. They are to be guided in
the path of obedience, not indulged in appetite or vanity.
When the disciples sought to send away the mothers who were bringing
their little ones to Christ, He rebuked their narrow faith, saying, “Suffer
little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the
kingdom of heaven.” He was grieved that the disciples should rebuke the
mothers for bringing their children to Him; that His followers should say,
by word or action, that His grace was limited, and that children should be
kept away from Him....
A great responsibility rests upon parents, for the education and training
which shape the eternal destiny of children and youth are received in their
early childhood. The parents’ work is to sow the good seed diligently and
untiringly in the hearts of their children, occupying their hearts with seed
which will bring forth a harvest of right habits, of truthfulness and willing
obedience. Correct, virtuous habits formed in youth will generally mark
the course of the individual through life. In most cases those who reverence
God and honor the right will be found to have learned this lesson before
the world could stamp its image of sin upon the soul....
O that parents were truly the sons and daughters of God! Their lives
would then be fragrant with good works. A holy atmosphere would sur-
round their souls. Their earnest supplications for grace and for the guidance
of the Holy Spirit would ascend to heaven, and religion would be diffused
through their homes as the bright, warming rays of the sun are diffused
through the earth
[41]
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The Review and Herald, March 30, 1897
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