For this is one of the things which God hides from the wise
and prudent, and yet revealeth unto babes. Yes, that is the way to
understand all things, however deep--to become as little children. A
little child proves that all I say is true, and that it knows that all I
say is true. Though it cannot put its feelings into words, it acts on
them by a mere instinct, which is the gift of God. Why does a little
child pick flowers? Why does a little child dance when it hears a strain
of music? And deeper still, why does a little child know when it has
done wrong? Why does it love to hear of things beautiful and noble, and
shrink from things foul and mean, if what I say is not true? The child
does so, because it is nearer heaven, not further off, than we grown
folk.
Ah! that we would all lay to heart what one said of old, who walked with
God:--
"Dear soul, could'st thou become a child,
Once more on earth, meek, undefiled,
Then Paradise were round thee here,
And God Himself for ever near."
SERMON XXX. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Chapel Royal, St James'.
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