A NEW SONG
‘And they sung as it were a new song before the throne.’
This verse occurs in the Epistle for Holy Innocents’ Day, and we may well ask why, when heaven is yet ringing with the bright message of peace, does the wailing of Ramah, of Bethlehem, shriek in upon it with discordant jar?
The Apostle in his vision is contemplating a great company standing with the Lamb on Mount Zion, worshipping before the throne, and from that throne proceeds a voice as of many waters, and the voice of a great thunder.
I. It may be that the teaching of Holy Innocents’ Day is part of the new song of the Church which comes forth from the throne of God. All who came near Christ more or less suffered by approaching Him. Surely this is part of the new song of Holy Innocents’ Day, the true meaning of suffering in the economy of the world.
II. The song that mounts up before the throne to-day is also a song without words.—The honour bestowed on little children—the honour which belongs to innocency—is a distinguishing mark of Christianity, the new song which the Church has tried to learn.