Article May 20, 1911 Issue

"OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES"

STOKES ANTHONY BENNETT.

The writer is so indebted to little children for the helpful lessons they daily teach him, that he loves to tell of his experiences in which they play the leading part. Words are at best poor things to picture the spiritual good that is deeply inherent in children, and that again and again renews the strength of older people. The natural desire for righteousness and the constant effort in its behalf, the expectancy of naught but good at all times and in all places, and the exemplification of genuine freedom and dominion in their own little spheres have rendered children stimulatingly interesting in the eyes of considerate and thinking men and women everywhere, and have stood forth as beacon-lights for many a struggling and weary heart. The radiant smile of the good child, his cheer, purity, innocence, humility, loving-kindness, unselfishness, and simplicity, are the things that must have been uppermost in the mind of the Master when he said, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven."

Not long ago, when called upon to solve a seemingly hard problem and feeling the need of a clearer realization of the ever-presence and all-power of Truth, the child came again to my rescue, supplying me with sufficient strength to win a great victory. It was on Wednesday evening, and I was sitting in church listening to most impressive testimonies from those who had been redeemed through Christian Science. Each and every word that had been spoken was encouraging and uplifting, as I prayed for light to dispel the darkness within; but still something was lacking. Finally, as the hour of service came almost to its close, a woman with a happy face arose and said, "I want to express my gratitude for the understanding of Truth which little children have."

That sentence came like a benediction from heaven, promising sweet relief, for I now felt that just what I needed and had earnestly longed for was at hand. Continuing, the woman said: "I have a little daughter eight years old who goes three and a half miles to school. Like other children she sometimes gets sick and has to come to me for help. The last time she was ill the trouble seemed more severe and stubborn than ever before, and so I said to her, as she was about to leave the house, 'Wouldn't you like to stay home with mama today and have present treatment?' With a confidence and an assurance that awakened me to the oneness and entireness of God, good, she looked up into my face and replied, 'No, mama; there is just as much of Truth at school and on the way as here at home, and it will be with me and keep me safe wherever I am.'" The mother went on to say that this remark from her little one at once put away the fear that was striving to overpower her, and caused her to consign her child to the tender and loving care of omnipotent Truth. She declared that the anxiety which had possessed her during the early morning was calmed, and that she took up her work for the day with no further fear for her daughter's welfare. In the evening the little one returned, saying she had been perfectly healed shortly after starting for school, and that the subsequent hours had brought her many good things.

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