"He took them in His
arms and blessed them," and said, "Suffer little children to come unto
Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
11. He was kind to the outcast. He was a friend of publicans and
sinners. He went among the lowest, the most neglected, the most
despised, the most hated and dreaded of mankind, and labored for their
salvation. The parables of the Lost Sheep, and of the Prodigal Son,
speak volumes in His praise.
12. He was always gentle, tolerant, and forgiving. He refused to bring
down fire from heaven on the villagers that had slighted Him, saying
"The Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."
He commended the virtue of Samaritan heretics. He has nothing harsh even
for the infidel Sadducee. He complies with the unreasonable wishes of
the skeptical Thomas. He pardons Peter. He is severe with the Scribes
and Pharisees only, who made void the law of righteousness by their
traditions, and took the key of knowledge, and used it, not to open, but
to keep shut the door of the kingdom of heaven.
13. As a reformer, He went to the root of social and political evils,
and sought the reform of laws, institutions, and governments, by
laboring for the instruction and renovation of individuals.
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