July 28

And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.—Mark 10:16.

THE tender regards of Christ embraced every description of character; he came to bless all ranks and degrees of men. We do not wonder, therefore, that little children did not escape his favourable notice. God has planted in the human breast a strong attachment to offspring. Under this feeling, no doubt, a number of affectionate mothers acted, when they brought their children to Christ. It seems the disciples wished to prevent their access to Jesus, which when he perceived, he said "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." "And then he took them up in his arms, and put his hands upon them, and blessed them." Little children obviously suffer much on account of sin. Before they can possibly have been guilty of actual transgression, they are liable to the most painful diseases, and even to death itself. We cannot doubt, however, but that all little children who thus die, are introduced into everlasting glory, "for of such is the kingdom of God." No doubt the blood-shedding of the Second Adam, the Lord from heaven, has amply provided for their salvation, and through his super-abounding grace, they are all heirs of eternal life. As being thus included in the arrangements of mercy, it is the duty of Christian parents to bring them to Christ. For what purpose were children of old brought to him? To be blessed. And this they received, for he took them into his heavenly arms, and placed his gracious hands upon them, and blessed them. We cannot now bring our children to the bodily presence of Jesus, but we can bear them up before the throne of grace. We can supplicate his blessing by fervent prayer. And, in the exercise of faith, we can intercede for his spirit and blessing to rest upon our offspring.