which is peculiarly designated by the prophet, as that of "a Shepherd, who carries the lambs in his bosom V It argued an unmindfulness of the Father s grace, who had promised, in a peculiar manner, to pour out his Spirit upon his people's seed, and his blessing upon their offspring0." It argued unkindness to the parents, whose feelings they should have more affection- ately consulted ; and indifference to the children, whose benefit they should have been studious to promote. It argued also an unbelief of its efficacy : they had often seen people obtaining health to their bodies by a mere touch of their Master's gar- ment, and yet they could not conceive that any benefit should accrue to the children's souls by an authoritative imposition of his hands, and an immediate communication of his blessing. All this was exceedingly sinful. But they erred also in the manner as well as in the matter, of their conduct; for they " rebuked" these pious women. Alas! even good men, if unreasonably interrupted, are but too apt to shew an unhal- lowed temper, instead of exercising that meekness and gentle- ness which become their profession.]
Our Lord, however, deservedly and severely re- buked them —
[In St. Matthew's account there is a little change in the collocation of the words, which makes his address to them more emphaticald; " Let the little children alone, and hinder them not from coming to me." But our Lord assigns as the reason of this reproof, (for he never would administer reproof without evincing the justice of it,) that " of such persons was the kingdom of God ;" of such in age, and of such in character. Some confine this expression to the character of the persons who compose his kingdom : but, in so doing, they destroy all the force of his reasoning. If our Lord had meant only to say, that children were fit emblems of his subjects, it would have been no reason for his reproof; since they would be neither more so by being brought to him, nor less so by being kept away. But, if we understand that children are still, as under the Jewish dispensation, to be regarded as in covenant with God, and subjects of his kingdom, then the reason is clear and strong : for to keep children from him, would be to deprive them of privileges to which they were as much entitled as adults. Our Church lays peculiar stress upon this point in her baptismal service e; and shews with great clearness, that it is a complete j ustification of those who maintain the propriety
b Isai. xl. 11. c Isai. xliv. 3, 4. compared with Acts ii. 39.
d Matt. xix. 14.
e See the Address to the parents, after the passage recording St. Mark's words in the Baptismal service.