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In every age the children were included in the promise and in the Church.

I. THE PERIOD.

1. It is impressible. The photographer's plate is very sensitive. When he removes the covering which keeps off the light from the sun, the image of the object directly opposite is instantaneously impressed on the plate. So is the child's mind. Whatever is the object of its observation — good or bad — the image is made. What care should be taken lest that sensitive plate should be exposed to that which is sinful!

2. It expands its impressions. When any one cuts the initials of his name on the bark of a young tree, as the tree grows so the letters will become larger. The child receives impressions to grow with its being.

3. It is a period when correction is possible. Evil impressions may cling to a child, but we can stop their influence by admonition and warning.

II. THE LEARNING. Instruction is the birthright of every child; national prosperity depends on the early training of its families. Spiritual instruction is the best gift that parents can give to their children. The prophet saw a vision in this chapter which was far removed from his own time — the Gospel period. Let us look at the adaptation.

1. It is the Gospel of childhood. Some look on the Gospel as only comprehensible by men of mature age. This is an error. The child can learn the alphabet of the language, although it cannot pronounce its long words. Timothy from a child knew the Scriptures.

2. It is the Gospel of growth. The story of Bethlehem grows into a fact. Accounts of miraculous cures, which only appear to a child wonderful, become the evidences of divinity. The great fact of the Crucifixion, which only creates pity in a child's heart, grows to the importance of life itself. The prayer repeated by infant lips becomes the "fervent prayer of the righteous man.'

3. It is the Gospel of maturity. Generally the things of childhood are unfit for youth, and those of youth are unsuitable for manhood; but the Gospel expands, and is abreast of every experience.

III. THE BLESSING. It will be a great peace. This is the fruit of Divine instruction.

1. God's Word brings peace to the heart. The child as well as the man needs that peace.

2. God's Word brings peace to the home.

3. Peace in death. The tranquil spirit which the child knew sixty years before is the sheet-anchor which stays the soul in every trying hour. We appeal to the children and say that if they are to be taught of the Lord, they must be willing to learn. Then we further urge the children to obedience and prayer in respect of their teachers.

(J. Daveis, M. A.)

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KJV: And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

WEB: All your children shall be taught of Yahweh; and great shall be the peace of your children.