July 29

PART II. — Mark 10:16.

THERE are many reasons which ought to induce us to feel deeply for our children's welfare, and as far as possible to bring them to Christ. We ought to do so, because of the perils which will surround them, so soon as they can distinguish between good and evil. They cannot long breathe the tainted atmosphere of this depraved world without being affected with the disease of sin. Moral evil is presented in such diversity of form, and with such powerful attractions, that nothing but the special grace of Jesus can preserve them from its deploring effects. We ought also to bring them to Christ, because of our professed love to them. To regard only their bodies and temporal comforts is all that can be expected from those who are strangers to God. But Christians must surely value most of all, and love with greatest intensity the immortal spirit, the imperishable jewel, of which the body is only the material casket. Love to their souls is the soul of love. We ought also thus to bring them to Christ, because of our solemn responsibility, and the account we shall have to surrender at the last day. They are our children, committed to our care, entrusted to our attention: we must finally give up our trust to God. But how awful will it then be for us, if they have been vile, and we have restrained them not—if they have been treated merely as animal beings, whilst their immortal concerns have been totally neglected. Finally, we ought to bring them to Jesus, because we may indeed expect his favourable regards and blessing. Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord, and he accepted him, and crowned him with his favour and blessing. The mothers in Israel brought their children to Christ, and he received them freely, and laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. We also, in like manner, may confidently expect his approbation and blessing.