they may be made a means of their immediate piety, and eternal happiness, is the Author's desire and prayer; and he sends them forth, committing them to the providence of God, and to the blessed agency of the HOLY SPIRIT.

The unhappy and happy lot; a comparison of Heathen and Christian birth

SERMON X.

103

To unchristian children in a Christian land 116

SERMON XI.

Filial motives to piety

126

SERMON I.

PIOUS CHILDREN, MEMBERS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.

MATTHEW xix. 14.

But Jesus said, suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

MATTHEW, Mark, and Luke, inform us how the Lord Jesus called little children to himself, and took them in his arms and blessed them. If you wish to see the whole beauty of the scene, you must read the account given by each. A more lovely sight was never shown to the eyes of men.

You know how the Lord Jesus was often thronged by the people, and how kindly he taught them and healed their diseases. There was, I suppose, a crowd around him when these Ι

little children were coming forward for his prayer and blessing. The Pharisees were striving "to entangle him in his talk;" the people were wondering "at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth ;" and the lame, the blind, the dumb, the maimed, were lying at his feet to be healed. There was no room for children in the crowd; and the disciples thought there was no regard for them in the mind of their Master; and they rebuked the boldness of those parents who were bringing children without being asked, to break in upon his discourses, and to prevent the working of his miracles. They thought his glory must be shown, in silencing his learned enemies, in healing the sick, and raising the dead. They knew not yet, that he came down from heaven, as the friend, and guide, and Saviour of little children.

It was well for those little children who were now seeking the Lord Jesus under the guidance of their parents, that they had a friend, who, though pressed on every side, yet knew all that was passing in the outskirts of the crowd. Even. before they were near enough to tell their errand to his outward ear, he knew divinely, the

meaning of each motion, and read the expression of each countenance; yes, and he saw into the depth of every heart; he saw even within their hearts that no common want or sorrow urged forward the parents, or their children. He knew that they desired his holy blessing, and the benefit of a Redeemer's prayers. Well was it for them that they were approaching one, who gives to none, because they are able to repay, and who values as highly the praise perfected from the mouth of babes and sucklings, as from the kings and princes of the earth.

See them rising towards the summit of a hill, where sits the blessed Jesus, "full of grace and truth." The mingled throng of his enemies and friends; the lame, and the sick, and the blind, led along, and borne to his feet; the healed, whose diseases were cured, whose limbs were strengthened, whose eyes were opened, and whose grieved hearts were gladdened by his one word; these block up their way, and the disciples forbid their approach; but they catch the Saviour's eye, and see his hand beckoning them to come, and hear his voice kindly sounding over all that crowd, saying, "suffer