The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1910-08-03

come unto me, and forbid them not,
for such is the kingdom Of heaven"
Precious words, words which ten
thousands of mothers and fathers have 4
taught to their dear little ones, and
were rewarded by hearing them re-
peated from the beloved lips. This
alone makes them some of the best
known and cherished declarations Of
the blessed bible. Childhood was
glorified by the Master. All we're told
that they must believe in the gospel
and its teachings as the trusting little
one to be acceptib,e In Gods sight.
This is most strikingly brought out in
the opening verses Of the 18th chapter
of Matthew.
Jesus says that whatsoever shall
humble himself as q child, the same is
the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Then follows that powerful, terrible
declaration to those whom it applies,
whatsoever shall offend one of these
little ones that believeth in me, it is
better for him than mill stone were
hanged about his neck, and he be cast
into the sea-" Maybe ! do not, fully I'M
lderstand W. this means, but it has
always seemed to mean that swift
punishment would be given to an older
person who led into sin little child.
It has always seemed to me that the
man or woman who by bad example,
wrecked the life Of a child, be it their
own or some other, would be held to-
stern accountability.
This is glad lesson for the little.
ones. Jesus loved them, He was will
ing when on earth to have them near
Him, He glorif1ed their innocence and
purity, He threw about them His pro-
tecting arm, and said that whoever
hurt their souls would meet punish
ment. Glory to the blessed Jesus for
His love of the children.
The second part Of the lesson today
refers to the coming Of rich young
man to Jesus asking the question,
What good thing shall do, that il
may inherit eternal life?" Jesus re-
minded him OF the commands of the
old testament. The young man said
he had kept these from his youth up,
Jesus knowing that his enquirer was
rich. and his life bound up in his
money and lands. told him to sell
these, give to the poor and then come
follow Him. This caused the young
man to go away sorowing, and there
is no record that he did as he was
commanded. This incident led to a
talk as to the possibilities Of those
whose lives and hearts are bound IN.
in riches, to reach heaven. Christ
said this was possible, He used that
oft repeated remark that it would be-
easier for a camel to go through the
eye of needle than for rich man
to enter into the kingdom Of heaven.
The force Of this came to the people
about him, for the small gates to the
big walls of the oriental cities we're
called needles eyes," and camel
going through must oft be released
of its burden Of goods to pass the
opening.
There is nothing in truth in the
bible condemning riches as such, but
there is, when these have been gained
by robbing the poor, defrauding work
men and studied selfishness. The poor
man and Lazarus talk by Jesus threw
some light on this matter. The rich
man was not condemned for being
rich, but for showing no mercy on the
poor man laid at his gate. The people
of this country are now awakening
along this line, and are insisting that
wealth gained by paying starvation
wages to labor shall not be considered
honorably held.
In the case of everybody, there is
some special thing which seems to
hold them back from full service for
Jesus. With some it is love of mon
ey. others pride of position in bust
ness and social circles, others some
sin which is cherished in the inner
heart. and keeps the person in ques-
ton from surrendering all and fol-
lowing the bible commands. Jesus
says that anyone who sacrifices for
Him in this world will have the
greater reward in heaven. SO none
need be afraid Of doing too much
along this line. y
1t will thus be seen that we have a
great theme for the lesson Of today