This is the lesson about the work we are to do for him on earth, that Jesus taught in what he said concerning the children.

But when we think of those sweet words of Jesus—­“Of such is the kingdom of heaven,” we are taught a lesson about the company we shall meet there.  We learn from what our blessed Lord says on this subject that he saves all the little ones who die before they are accountable for their actions.  And we know that of all the persons born into our world more than half of them die before they reach this age.  And this makes it very certain that more than half the company of heaven will be made up of little children.  This is a very sweet thought to those who have lost little ones; and to those who love them.

And some people think that when young children die and go to heaven, they will not grow up to be men and women, but will always remain children.  The Rev. Mr. Bickersteth, of England, in speaking of a father meeting his little ones in heaven, who died years before he did, represents him as meeting them there, just of the same age and size as they were when they died.  And then he expresses his own thought on this subject in a single line: 

    “A babe in glory, is a babe forever.”

But God has not said anything on this subject in the Bible.  And when he himself has not spoken on such a point as this, it is impossible for us to say certainly which way it will be.  But when we get to heaven and find just how it is, we shall all agree that God’s way is the best way.

And then Jesus shows us plainly what our character must be if we hope to go to heaven and join the happy company there.

These are the words he spake on this subject; “Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”  Mark x:  15.  Jesus refers here to some of the best things that we find marking the character of a good child.  Such a child is gentle, and loving, and kind; and this must be our character, if we hope to enter heaven.  Such a child is willing to be taught:—­believes all that his parent or teacher tells him; and does everything that he is told to do; and such must our character be if we hope to enter heaven.

And so when we come to study out this part of our Saviour’s life, and think of all that he did and said to show his interest in children, we see these four great things in it:  viz., great love; great wisdom; great encouragement; and great lessons.

I know not how to express in a better way the feelings which should be in the heart of everyone, young or old, on thinking of this great subject, than in the words of one who has thus sweetly written: 

    “Lamb of God!  I look to Thee,
    Thou shalt my example be;
    Thou art gentle, meek and mild;
    Thou wast once a little child.

    “Fain I would be as Thou art,
    Give me thy obedient heart: 
    Thou art pitiful, and kind;
    Let me have thy loving mind.