Of offences against children (The disciple)

Of little Children. Our duties towards them.

(The Gospel History, Section 75)

But whosoever shall cause one of these little ones which believe on me to stumble, it were better for him if a great millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were sunk in the depth of the sea.

Of offences against children (The disciple)

(The Saviour of the World, Vol IV Book IV Poem LXVII)

“Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him…”

“Our thoughts are for him: his dear weal, the end
Our cares pursue; wherein shall love offend?”

“Offenceless, love, that duty doth intend.”

Recall, when soul of Law convinced did rise
For baby-trespass to thy startled sight;
How, shamed, the wee transgressor sunk his eyes
Knowing beyond thy knowledge of the right,
And meek ’neath thy chastisment. Keep him now
Under the Law as then; that, as he grows,
“Due followeth deed in course,”—the rule he knows
His times t’ interpret. And, Law-compell’d, be thou,

Nor drop some heedless trespass in his way,
That, stumbling over, his weak knees shall fail.
Offence shall come! but do not thou betray
His soul to sin. Yet, oh, without the pale
Of love’s sweet use, no banishment accord
For any sake—lest thou malign they Lord!

St. Matthew xviii, 6.
St. Mark ix, 42.