And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them:
and _his_ disciples rebuked those that brought _them_. But when Jesus
saw _it_, he was much displeased, 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 not enter
therein. And he took them up in his arms, put _his_ hands upon them,
and blessed them.--_St. Mark x: 13-16._
* * * * *
_NOTE BY THE ARTIST_
_In the Hebrew Bible--the Talmud--it is stated that, according to
pious custom, parents brought their little children to the synagogue
that they might receive the benefit of the prayers and blessings of
the elders. Rabbis also, of recognized sanctity, were frequently
appealed to in a like manner; and his fame as a prophet and
benefactor having preceded him into Peraea, infants were now brought
to Jesus, that he might lay his hands upon them in supplication and
blessing. The architectural setting of the picture is adapted from
that of a small square near the Damascus Gate of Jerusalem. This
kindly and gentle act of our Lord has been of incalculable
consequence to the life of children in the development of Christian
civilization._