holy forerunner of the Lord Jesus Christ has obtained the glorious crown of martyrdom. He teaches us, by his example, that we should rather die, than sacrifice the sacred interests of virtue and religion. 27. THE LORD JESUS BLESSES LITTLE THE Lord Jesus was always followed by a great crowd of people, who came to hear Him, and to be cured by Him. One day some people brought little children, that He might put His hands upon them; but His disciples would have sent them away. When Jesus heard them, He was not pleased with the disciples, for He loved little children; and He said, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not re ceive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." And He took the little children in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them. One day the disciples were quarrelling about which of them should be the chief. The Lord knew their thoughts; and, in order to teach them better, He took a little child, and set it in the midst of them, and said, "Verily I say unto you, 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. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences: for it must needs be that offences come: but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh. Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell-fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." : Oh, what great love does the Lord Jesus Christ here shew to little children! They are the special objects of His tender care. It is to rounded with heavenly glory, talking with the Lord Jesus. These men were Moses and Elias. The disciples were filled with holy fear at this wonderful sight. St. Peter said, with great delight, "Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles -one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias." While he was speaking, a bright cloud came over them; and a Voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye Him." When the disciples heard this Voice, they were afraid, and fell on their faces to the ground. But Jesus went to them, and touched them, saying, "Arise, and be not afraid." And when they looked up, they saw the Lord Jesus by Himself, looking as He always did. As they came down from the mountain, our Lord said to them, "Tell the |