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Special Testimonies On Education
Jesus continued, “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall
we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek); for your Heavenly
Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Then spreading
out his hands toward the surrounding multitude, he said, “But seek ye
first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you.”
Thus did Christ impress his teachings on the heart by illustrations
from the book of nature. His lessons are for us today. Every word
is full of assurance, and tends to confirm faith and trust in God. His
plainest, simplest teachings contain rich treasures of truth, which are
unfolded to the souls that believe his word.
In his work as a public teacher, Christ never lost sight of the chil-
dren. When wearied with the bustle and confusion of the crowded city,
tired of contact with crafty and hypocritical men, his spirit found rest
and peace in the society of innocent little children. His presence never
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repelled them, His large heart of love could comprehend their trials
and necessities, and find happiness in their simple joys, and he took
them in his arms and blessed them.
In these children who were brought in contact with him, Jesus
saw the future men and women who should be heirs of his grace and
subjects of his kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs
for his name’s sake. He knew that these children would listen to him
and accept him as their Redeemer far more readily than would the
grown people, many of whom were worldly wise and hard-hearted. In
his teaching he came down to their level. Although he was the Majesty
of heaven, he did not disdain to answer their questions, and simplify
his important lessons to meet their childish understanding. He planted
in their expanding minds the seeds of truth, which in after years would
spring up, and bear fruit unto eternal life.
Parents and teachers, Jesus is still saying, “Suffer little children to
come unto me, and forbid them not.” They are the most susceptible
to the teachings of Christianity; their hearts are open to influences of
piety and virtue, and strong to retain the impressions received.
May 17, 1896.
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