"And now I shall carry the children-- Little Rachel, and Samuel, and John, I shall carry the baby, Esther, For the Lord to look upon." The father looked at her kindly, But he shook his head and smiled; "Now, who but a doting mother Would think of a thing so wild? "If the children were tortured by demons, Or dying of fever, 'twere well, Or had they the taint of the leper, Like many in Israel." "Nay, do not hinder me, Nathan-- I feel such a burden of care; If I carry it to the Master, Perhaps I shall leave it there. "If he lays His hand on the children, My heart will be lighter, I know, For a blessing for ever and ever Will follow them as they go." So over the hills to Judah, Along the vine-rows green, With Esther asleep on her bosom, And Rachel her brothers between, 'Mong the people who hung on His teaching, Or waited His touch and His word, Through the row of proud Pharisees listening, She pressed to the feet of the Lord. "Now, why shouldst thou hinder the Master," Said Peter, "with children like these? Seest not how, from morning till evening, He teacheth, and healeth disease?" Then Christ said, "Forbid not the children-- Permit them to come unto Me." And He took in His arms little Esther, And Rachel He set on His knee; And the heavy heart of the mother Was lifted all earth-care above; And He laid His hands on the brothers, And blest them with tenderest love. As He said of the babes in His bosom, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven," New strength for all duty and trial That hour to her spirit was given. [Illustration: At the Home of Mary and Martha] [Illustration] Jesus in the Home. ON earth Jesus had no home of His own. He said of Himself, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head." See Matthew 8:20. He never remained long in one place. We read of His beautiful teachings and wonderful miracles in all parts of Palestine. At one time He is on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. At another time He is in Jerusalem, cleansing the temple and healing the sick. Then He is by Jacob's well, in Samaria, teaching the people of Sychar the way to everlasting life. He had no home of His own, but many were glad to receive Him as a loved and honored guest. When in these homes He more than repaid them for their care, by the beautiful lessons He taught, and the sorrows He comforted. And we can have Jesus in our homes to-day just as truly as they had Him when He was on earth. If we invite Him, He will come into our homes and dwell with us, and teach us, and help us in all our trials, and comfort us in all our sorrows.