Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-03-03
THE SPARROW

lHE SPARROW.
1t was in the depth of winter, at the
time when want and distress among the
poor were very great in all parts Of the
country. Near a certain forest there
stood little cottage, where Joseph and
Anna, and their eight children lived ;
and love and industry and gentle, pious
minds, were TO be found there Also
The children, however, did not look mer-
ry and happy as formerly, but sorrowfuI
and pale. Their parents had been MANY
days withoutwork or wages, and all their
industry could not procure food for their
children.
One Sunday morning, Anna called her
little ones together, and said, come and
divide the last morsel of bread we have
left know not where We shall find
any more, or how we can obtain any
help
The children eagerly took the bread
and divided it, but begged that their
father and mother would take. a. snare.
'ifyou will eat some too
Many tears were shed while the last
morsels Of bread were eaten; only one
little boy still smiled and was too young
to know anything of their distress, or to
fear for the future. But should We not
all strive to trust the future, like little
children, to our Fathers care?
The morning was bright and clear !;
and little Elizabeth, as she ate her por-
lion opened the door and went out. 1t was
bitterly cold but she thought it pleasant
as she looked at the pure blue sky, and
the trees in the forest, all white and gilt
tering in their dress of snow. As she
stood, she heard faint chirping sound ;
and, looking about, she saw little bird
upon the ground 1t seemed almost dead,
as if with hunger, and could not move its
wearied wings. Itwas trying in vain to
tree itself from the cold, deep snow.
Poor little bird !! said the little girl,
are you cold and hungry, toor She
took it up and pressed it to her face ten
derly, trying to warm it. She fed it with
her last crumbs Of bread. and then care
fully carried it into the house. See
mother, said she, this poor little bird
must not die of hunger and cold. found
| II ShlVerlng IN the snow.
Then a bright thought of hope, like a
CLEAN Of light, came into her mothers
heart; and with glad and trusting look
she said, not a sparrow falls to the
ground without our Father | believe the
words of our Savior. All the hairs o.
our head are numbered. Shall | be sc
sad and anxious, since he cares for the
birds? Children, let US pray to him.
She knelt down with her children, who
all repeated her words, as she pray &c
that her heavenly Father would give
them day by day their daily bread.
Then she rose up, and said, Let u;
take comfort and wait for help. Ou
Father knoweth the things we need be
fore we ask him.
} She had scarcely said these words wher
} her husband came in; and directly fol
, lowing him, came rich gentleman, wht
lived not far distant. He was rich il
: lands and possessions, and rich, too, il
charity.
; God comfort you? he said as he cam,
= in, the help of man is not sufficient
Why, Joseph, did you not tell me o
r such need as I see is among you?
am alone and have abundance which
e God has intrusted to me. / was comm:
J from church, and still thinking Of word
] had heard there, how we oug hit to low
f and help each other as was passin
e near this cottage, 1 saw your little chile
2 half clothed and pale with hunger, ho,
she cared for little bird, and gave it he
: last crumb of bread and [ took it as
: sign to myself what | ought to do.
d hastened home, and made still create
J. haste to return, and overlook her fatht
d at the door, and could see how heavy h
= heart was with care. And, now, lit
e one, come here come, and / will reps