Untitled article by S. S. Bartlett

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 17, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 14

CHILDLIKE HUMILITY.

By S. S. Bartlett

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. xviii, 3, 4.

These words of our Saviour were forcibly brought to mind by a little incident which occurred recently in my own family. Several little children were playing at my house, their little hearts running over with mirth and joyousness. I was very busily engaged in domestic duties, and as one of the children inadvertently came in my way, causing me some inconvenience, I rebuked her harshly, speaking in a fretful, impatient tone. Instantly the merry voices were hushed. Sadness and depression stole over the little group. My own little girl threw herself wearily upon the lounge saying she was tired. The others sat down in mute sorrow, gazing wistfully first at me and then at each other. After a few moments they arose and silently went away.

How my heart smote me at that moment! These children were daily visitors at my house, often spending nearly the whole day there. For some months I had been endeavoring to instill into their young hearts the teachings of the meek and lowly Jesus. Especially had I endeavored to teach them the duty of love, and kindness in their daily intercourse with each other. Never had I intentionally allowed an unkind word to pass unrebuked, and whenever any act of injustice or wrong had been committed, I had required the offender to confess her wrong, and ask the forgiveness of the injured one. This they had always willingly done, and I had rejoiced in the hope that my feeble efforts were being blessed to their good. But now, alas! what had I done? By my unkindness and impatience I had clouded their innocent mirth, and sent them away in sadness; brought darkness into my own soul, and worse than all, had grieved the tender spirit of Him who said, “Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”

As I raised my heart in earnest prayer to my Heavenly Father for forgiveness, the words at the head of this article came with force into my mind. “Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.” What was now my duty? As I had required these little ones to humble themselves and ask forgiveness for wrongs committed, was it not my duty, having committed a similar wrong, to humble myself in like manner, even to these little children, if I would follow the precepts of Him “who spake as never man spoke?” Most assuredly it was. My proud heart rebelled but for a moment. My duty was plain.

Next day I awaited the coming of the children. They came at length, their cheerful faces telling plainly that the unpleasant impression of yesterday had passed away. Not so, my duty. I gathered them around me, and after expressing my regret for my impatience, I told them that as I had always required them to ask forgiveness in similar cases, I now asked their forgiveness for the wrong which I had committed. Wonderingly the little faces were raised to mine, but they saw that I was in earnest, and the boon was freely, though somewhat timidly granted. And as I bent to receive the kiss of reconciliation so lovingly bestowed, I thanked my Heavenly Father that he had enabled me to become, in spirit, more like these guileless little ones.

Very salutary was the lesson I then learned. I trust it will not soon fade from my memory. Oh! that I had more of the spirit of a little child. Loving, confiding, generous to a fault, “thinking no evil,” “believing all things, hoping all things.” Sweet blossoms of the heart! Would that the withering blight of the world might never dim their unfolding beauty! Oh! how patiently should we watch over these little ones committed to our trust; how carefully shield them from the contamination of vice and sin. How faithfully fortify them by strict religious principles against the evil influences we cannot avert. How earnestly, in the arms of our faith and love, commend them to the watchful care of Him who once “took little children in his arms and blessed them.” And oh! how prayerfully should we watch over ourselves, how circumspectly walk before them at all times, that our example may ever be such as they may safely imitate, remembering that their young and tender hearts are like the plastic wax, easily receiving impressions for good or evil which time may not efface.

May God help us all who have the care of the young to realize the great responsibility which rests upon us. God grant us heavenly wisdom to guide their young minds aright, and overcoming grace for ourselves, that when Jesus comes we may be able to say, “Here am I, and the children which thou hast given me.”

S. S. BARTLETT.