the gates of care...

Rev. Tilden speaks, this morning, on one of the most easily sentimentalized scenes in all of scripture-the blessing of the children.
For Emerson, the "fall" comes with self-consciousness. Tilden describes self-conceit as the barrier to our purer nature and prescribes the open heartedness of children.

LITTLE CHILDREN (Scripture Reading)

'THEN were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. . . .
And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. . . .
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Matt, xvlli. xlx. Mark x.

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LITTLE CHILDREN (Tilden's Meditation)

"HERE Jesus comes into the Home as the children's friend. He saw how near the throne they were. The light- hearted, happy children looked up into his sweet, calm face, knowing he loved them. How tender the invitation to come so close that he might lay his hands upon them, and tell them that, in the good time coming, the dear God had a great deal for every one of them to do. Think of the potential glory of a young life given to the highest. It is the inspiration of the Almighty that gives the understanding of childhood; an understanding which often puts to shame the doubts and misgivings of what we call our riper age. We permit the gates of care to shut off the young blood from our hearts before the time. We must receive the kingdom of God as a little child. What is it to be child-like ? It is to be open-hearted toward God. It is to be rid of self-conceit, whose presence makes the heart poor. God help us to be more child-like, and pray and work and live more nearly In His Name."

Pray, work and live with an open heart... Blessings