CHRIST BLESSING THE CHILDREN.

(_See_ Frontispiece).


Jesus had left Galilee, and was journeying toward Jerusalem, where He
was to be put to death. He was in the country beyond Jordan, called
Peræa, and had been speaking some very wise words to the Pharisees,
and also to His disciples, when some women came to Him, bringing
infants and young children that He might put His hands upon them and
pray for them. The disciples thinking probably that Jesus, who had so
many important things to attend to, would not wish to be troubled by
women bringing their children, rebuked them for so doing. But Jesus
loved children. So, when He saw the disciples about to send them away,
He was displeased; and, calling the disciples to Him, He said, "Suffer
little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is
the kingdom of God." Then, we are told, Jesus "took them up in His
arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them." How kind was Jesus!
and how willing that the little ones should be brought to Him! And He
is the same now. May all our young readers learn to love Him, and find
for themselves how willing He is to love and bless them.


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