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I. CHILDREN ARE A DIVINE TREASURE. God prizes children because they are —

1. His images.

2. His instruments. From a holy child the Most High can let His glory shine forth as truly as from an aged saint. In the goodness which He can form in the young, there is an attractive beauty by which all hearts are melted, and which is fitted to convince the proudest gainsayer. It is not the largest flowers which the gardener cherishes most tenderly, or to which he points his visitors as the best proof of his skill and taste.

II. CHILDREN ARE A DIVINE GIFT.

1. One of inestimable value. They are to take our places when we go away — to repair the losses caused by the removal of others — to labour in that with which we are now busy — to carry on and to carry further whatever of noble and useful effort we have begun — not merely to replace but to surpass us.

2. One of happy influence. They diffuse a Divine harmony over the hearts of those who take them as from God, and train them as for Him. They keep alive our noblest feelings. To them we owe much of that tenderness of heart, which is so imperilled by the business, and cares, and wickedness of the world. They are a witness from God which we cannot suppress.

III. CHILDREN ARE A DIVINE TRUST.

1. We must strive to show them a right example.

2. We must give them a careful training.

3. We must show a kindly interest in them.

4. We must give them our fervent prayers.

(A. MacEwen, D. D.)

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KJV: Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

WEB: Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.