I can think of several encouragements to care for little children that do not require you to be smacked by the supernatural. They are tiny, and so you might despise them. But they are also tiny, so you might handle them with care. Their chubby cheeks warrant pinching. This is the testimony of more nanas than can be numbered throughout the history of our race. A decent grandfather, if not a decent father, can consider their tiny frame and remember they are dust.

But it is striking that our Lord insists on truths from above the sky when He instructs His followers about little ones. They are guarded by the highest of heights: “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). It is humorous that man believes in guardian angels as a child before he grows to forget. It is even better that when he has children of his own his faith is renewed. For he is quite certain that apart from the celestials, the parental operation would utterly fail.