Babes brought to Christ

Babes brought to Christ.

(The Gospel History, Section 118)

Then they brought unto him also their babes, that he should lay his hands upon them and pray: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and called them unto him, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a
little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them; and departed thence.

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(The Saviour of the World, Vol VII Book I Poem XVI)

Now, see these women hurrying by,

Their infants in their arms,

Each to her neighbour whispering why
She journeys: “The great Rabbi’s nigh
Haste on to meet Him.” Timid, shy,

They held not their alarms.

With mighty courage on they go,

A desperate charge to make

The toddling things run to and fro,
Impede their mothers’ steps, and so
Retard that hasty march, till slow,

Their wistful way they take.

Has some rich man a great feast made,

Spreading his tables fair,

And generous hath the mothers bade
Bring all their little ones and said,
‘A place for every child is laid;

Come then and take thy share!’

’Tis not to feast or show they crowd

Mothers with children dear.

Of better things they speak aloud
O’er sweeter thoughts each head is bowed
Half-consciously each one has vowed

To Him they would draw near.

Nay, nay, good friends, what lack ye then?

What do your children hear,

Like silly lambs escaped the pen,
They’re in the way of serious men:
You fain would see the Rabbi, when

He comes, but are in fear?

Retake your house, for see ye not

Their part in multitude

Who came with many a deep laid plot
To hear words may not be forgot
And ye bring babes who know not what

Words mean to men as food!

The Master heard and turned Him round,

Displeasure in His eyes:

“Nay, bid them welcome in My Name
These little ones for whom I came.”
No man may hinder without blame

The bairns who would draw nigh.

He took each little child and blessed,

Laid hands on each dark head

And tender, in His arms caressed
Gathered the babes to Father’s breast
Soft laid the little ones to rest,

By Love encompasséd.

Then turning to the crowd, He spake,

Let not your hearts be grieved;

Would ye in truth God’s Kingdom take
Ye shall as little children’s make
Your worldworn hearts for His dear sake

In Whom ye have believed.

St. Matthew xix. 13-15;
St. Mark x. 13-16;
St. Luke xviii. 15-17