Of the recorded utterances of Christ about children the most direct
prophecy is the caption of this chapter.
It is no disrespect to the holy mission of Christ in the world to say
that He was the first Great Kindergartner.
It is in the love and solicitude for children that the view of Christ
differs greatly from all the great teachers whom the world reverence
or worship.
The utterances of Christ are few, but the Golden Rule and references
to children stand out clearly as among the important themes of His
mission.
In the light of our present interest, and in behalf of our especial
quest, the prophecy of Christ is a burning tower of hope that men and
women will some time see Christ in the light that Froebel saw Him, and
as many of the enthusiastic followers of the Froebel method of
missionary work now see Him. May they gather to the support of our
cause, to the support of a Perfect Social Quarantine that shall not
permit any child of the community, of the nation, nor of the world, as
far as possible, to escape the mandate of the Golden Rule and the
solicitude that Christ expressed for them.
* * * * *
Will any great number of those who have been blessed with children
deny that one of the most potent influences in their life, next to
that of mother, has been desire for the respect of their own children?
There are many parents who shape their lives, consciously or
unconsciously, so as not to be a bad example to their children.
Society, public opinion, self-respect and law have a due measure of
influence or restraint, but at the bottom of the best of conduct is
the influence of the little child, for the prophecy is true, "And a
little child shall lead them."
* * * * *
Not only in the family, but in the State, and in all the walks of
life, the attention given to children is productive of the most
profit.
* * * * *
"And a little child shall lead them!"