CARING FOR THE LITTLE ONES.
The faithful guardians of our cities have many and varied duties to perform, but perhaps in none of them does the kindness of their hearts shine forth as it does in their tenderness to little ones who have lost themselves in the winding streets of a great city. In wet or wintry weather they treat them tenderly, and take them home, or to the warm fire at the nearest station, till their parents claim them. This incident may well call to mind the kindness of Jesus to the little ones when on earth, as we read—"And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them" (Mark x. 13, 14, 16).
The mothers came, in days of old,
To Jesus, that He might enfold
Within His arms their children dear,
And then His kindness did appear.
Disciples thought it waste of time;
Rebuked, as though it was a crime;
But it was ne'er the Saviour's way
To turn poor coming ones away.
Therefore the Lord was much displeased,
And thus the happy moment seized;
Them in His arms did take and bear,
Showing His love and kindly care.
His loving voice could never say—
"Oh, take these little ones away!"
And though the parents' hearts might fear,
He loved to see them coming near.
His blessed words, "Forbid them not,"
Are with much heavenly comfort fraught;
And "Suffer them to come to Me,"
Gives forth a welcome kind and free.
In Him sweet rays of mercy shine—
So tender, harmless, yet divine;
Upon them He His hands doth place,
And blesses them in truth and grace.
Displeased with what His servants did,
And having their unkindness chid,
He makes His pleasure shine so bright,
Causing the mothers much delight.
Oh, tell it out, to heal the smart
Of many an anxious parent's heart—
He hears the sigh, He sees the tear,
And each poor pleader welcomes near.
Oh, tell it out, that children dear
May seek His face, and never fear,
That He will hear their feeble prayer,
And give them in His love to share.
He speaks of heaven and glorious things,
And is so meek, though King of kings;
Of children says, to cheer and please,
"The kingdom is of such as these."
Oh, eyes that saw with kindly look!
Oh, arms that thus the children took!
Oh, hands, parental-like, thus laid!
Oh, words to bless, what grace displayed!
Lord, fix our youthful eyes on Thee;
Grant us Thy love and grace to see;
Cause us to love Thy blessed name,
And tune our tongues to speak Thy fame.
The proud, the lofty, all defiled,
Must be made as a little child;
Must all their sins and vileness own,
And seek for mercy at Thy throne.[1]
Oh, Saviour, may Thy love so free
Encourage souls to come to Thee;
And may they, finding all they need,
Confess that they are blest indeed.
B. B.
The biggest lies are told for the least cause.