August 13

We that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

ZECH. ii. 8.

Even so, it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. — MATT. xviii. 14.

THE "little ones," whether little children or disciples of childlike character, are very dear to the heavenly Father. Their humility and gentleness may not seem admirable to the world, but in God's sight these qualities are better than the strength, self-confidence, and pride of those accounted great among men.

The good Shepherd, who has reclaimed these "little ones" and brought them to a place of safety, will not cease to care for them. The heavenly Father, who holds them in such estimation that they have guardians among those who ever stand in his presence, will not lightly regard any injury done to them. They who despise or put a stumbling-block before any of these little ones will surely bring upon themselves a terrible punishment: for these are kept by God as the apple of the eye, and he thinks of them continually. Their very helplessness endears them the more to him, and while all human might shall be smitten to the earth, these weak but trustful ones shall be eternally safe in the arms of his love.

M. C. C.

Now, these little ones receiving,

Fold them in thy gracious arm;

There, we know, thy Word believing,

Only there, secure from harm.

MUHLENBERG.