God Careth For The Birds


DEAR BOYS: Do you often think of this in the

light God would have you? It is quite a

a fashion in these days for boys to spend much

of their time in sporting with the lives of

birds, which to me bear the most striking marks of

Eden's beauty now existing upon this sin-cursed

earth. What do we behold in the works of nature

more beautiful than these lovely creatures? Listen

to their sweet songs as they perch from branch to

branch, from tree to tree; then see them plume

their little wings and soar aloft to the bright blue

sky, swelling their richest notes of praise to Him

who careth for them. Their songs cheer the cottage

of the desolate widow and orphans; they reach the

lonely chamber of the poor invalids, like some soothing

cordial, making them almost forget their pain.

Why are our young friends so eager to destroy

that which God in his wisdom and goodness has

made so beautiful, and useful to man? You are

doubtless ready to admit they are very pretty, and

sing sweetly; but then, say some, how can they be

so very useful when they pull up so much grain,

and carry away our delicious fruit? These things

we are obliged to have, but we can live without

songs. Very true; this point is just what I

am aiming at, for if it was not for these "mischievous

plagues," as they are often termed, we would

have to live without these necessaries, or die for the

want of them.

You wonder how this can be. Well, be patient,

and I will try and tell you. You doubtless know

there are a great many worms and insects of various

kinds which are destructive to vegetation. Now

these little workmen come as soon as spring opens,

like so many blessings from heaven, to the farmer

and gardener, to clear their ground and trees of

millions of these destructive creatures. It has been

stated as a fact that two robins have been known to

eat two thousand caterpillars in one week. Then

why not let them come in for their share of berries

and cherries, and when they reach forth their tiny

bills for a few grapes and plums, do not grudge

them, but remember that while they are reaping our

labors we are as truly reaping theirs. Remember,

too, with what tender care they arc regarded by

God; for he has declared that "not a sparrow shall

fall to the ground without him." Yes, though they

have neither storehouse nor barns, our Heavenly

Father feedeth them.

Now my young lads, if you have ever rudely caused

one of these sweet songsters to fall mangled and

bleeding to the ground, I hope it will cause you that

sorrow of heart, whose fruits will be to repentance.

Yours, in hope of a home in the New Earth, where

the sweet songs of birds will never end.




ELLEN E. CLYDE.

Trempeleau, Wis.