‘Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones.’ Matt. xviii. 10.

I. They are important to Society.

Our future soldiers, sailors, servants, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, &c., &c.

II. Important to yourselves.

The babe—the child—the young man—the young woman.

A gift (Gen. xxxiii. 5; xlviii. 9) which must prove either your crown (Prov. xvii. 6; Ps. cxxvii. 3) or your bitterness. Prov. xvii. 25; Gen. xlii. 38.

III. Important to themselves.

That child must live for ever.

A living soul committed to your care.

That child must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. Rev. xx. 12.

IV. Important in the sight of their Father who is in heaven.

So important—that for them He gave His only Son to shed His blood.

So important—that He especially calls, ‘Suffer little children,’ &c. Mark, x. 14.

So important—that He gives His angels special charge over them. Matt. xviii. 10.

‘Take heed then that ye despise not one of these little ones.’

No jewel so precious as the soul of your child, but how far more do parents often prize the casket containing it, than the gem itself!No plant so needing watchful care and culture; Oh! neglect it not!

What have YOU done with your jewel, your plant?