The Bible Echo
December 9, 1901
Christian Education
The Lord Jesus Christ has infinite tenderness for those whom He has purchased at the cost of His own sufferings in the flesh, that they should not perish with the devil and his angels, but that He may claim them as His chosen ones. They are the claim of His love, His own property; and He looks upon them with unutterable affection; the fragrance of His righteousness He gives to His loved ones who believe in Him. It requires tact and wisdom, human love, sanctified affection, for the precious lambs of the flock, to lead them to appreciate their privileges in yielding themselves up to the tender guidance of the faithful shepherds. The children of God will manifest the gentleness of Christ. BEcho December 9, 1901, par. 1
The Saviour's great heart of infinite love is drawn out, not only to the best-behaved children, those who have the most favourable surroundings, but for children who have by inheritance objectionable traits of character. Even parents have not understood how much they are responsible for the traits of character developed in their children, and have not had the tenderness and wisdom to deal with these poor children whom they have made what they are. They have failed to trace to the cause these discouraging developments which are a trial to them. But Jesus looks upon these children with love and pity; for He traces from cause to effect. BEcho December 9, 1901, par. 2
The teacher may bind these children to his heart by the love of Christ abiding in the soul-temple as a sweet fragrance, a savour of life unto life. Through the grace of Christ imparted to them, the teacher may be the living human agency,—a labourer together with God,—to enlighten, lift up, encourage, and help to purify the soul from its moral defilement; and the image of God shall be revealed in the soul of the child, and the character become transformed by the grace of Christ. BEcho December 9, 1901, par. 3
The gospel is the power and the wisdom of God if it is correctly represented by those who claim to be Christians. Christ crucified for our sins should humble every soul before God in his own estimation. Christ risen from the dead, ascended on high, our living Intercessor in the presence of God, is the science of salvation which we need to learn and teach to children and youth. BEcho December 9, 1901, par. 4
Heaven sees in the child the undeveloped man or woman, with capabilities and powers, that, if guided and developed with heavenly wisdom, will become the human agencies through whom the divine influences can co-operate to be labourers together with God. BEcho December 9, 1901, par. 5
The name of each separate believer is graven on the palms of His hands. The Chief Shepherd is looking down upon the sheep of His pasture. John 10:3; 1 John 2:1. O precious, blessed truth! He does not treat one case with indifference. BEcho December 9, 1901, par. 6
The impressive parable of the Good Shepherd represents the responsibility of every minister and every Christian who has accepted a position as teacher of children and youth, or as a teacher of old or young, in opening to them the Scriptures. If one strays from the fold, he is not followed with harsh words, but with winning invitations to return. BEcho December 9, 1901, par. 7
Those in official positions, in their association with others, should make it as easy as possible for those under their charge to take heed to the direction of God's word, to obey those that have the rule over them. It is always right to remember that all minds are not constituted alike, and it is like a death struggle for some to surrender their wills in submission to those who are placed over them. BEcho December 9, 1901, par. 8