Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1853-05-26
THE SPARROW.


Near certain forest there stood little cot
tage where Joseph and Anna and their eight
children lived; and love and industry, and
gentle pious minds were to be found there al
SO. Their children, however, did not look mer-
ry and happy as for merly but sorrowful
and pale. Their parents had been many
days without work or wages, and all their
industry could hot procure food for their
children.
On Sunday morning, Anna called her lit
tie ones together, and said: Come and di-
vide 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 woud each take share. We shall
feel less hungry" they said, elf you will eat
some too"
Many tears were shed while the morsels
of bread were eaten; only one little boy
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 fu-
ture, like little children, to our Fathers
care?
The morning was bright and clear; and
Elizabeth, as she ate her portion, opened
the door and went out. II was bitterly
cold, but she thought it pleasant as she look
ed at the pure blue sky, and the trees in the
forests ell white and glittering 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 al
most dead as if with hunger, ahd could not
move its wearled wings. 1t was trying in
vain 10 free Itself from the cold deep snow.
"Poor little blrd!" said the little girl, "are
you cold and hungry too?" She took it up
and pressed it to her face tenderly, trying to
warm it. "See, mother" said she, "this
poor little bird must not die of httnger and
cold. I found it shivering in the snow."
Then bright thought of hope, like a
CLEAN of light, came into her mothers heart;
and with glad and trusting look, she said
mot sparrow falls to the ground without
our Father. l believe the words of our
Saviour. All the hairs of our head are
numbered. Shall be so sad and anxious.
He cares for the birds? Children, let us
pray to him."
She knslt down with her children, who all
repeated her words, as she prayed that her
Heavenly Father wonld give them day by
day their daily bread.
Then she rose up, and said, "Let us take
comfort and wait for help. Our Father
knoweth the things we need before we ask
| him."
She had scarcely said these words when
her husband came in; and directly following
him, came rich gentleman, who lived not
far distant. He was rich in lands and
possessions, and rich, too in charity.
"God comfort you." he said, as he came
in; ''the help Of man is not sufficient. Why,
Joseph, did not you tell me of such need as
I see is among you? l am alone, and have
abundance, which God has intrusted to me.
was coming from church, and still think
ing Of words had heard there, how we
ought 10 love and help each ether; as l was
near this cottage, | saw your little child
half-clothed and pale with hunger, how she
cared for little Bird and gave it her last
crurb Of bread; and | took 1t as q sign to
myself what | ought TO do. | fastened
home, and made still greater haste TO re-
turn, and overlook her father at the door
and could see how heavy his heart was with
care. And now, little one, come here; come,
and l will repay You for what you did for
the bird" And he took from the folds of
his cloak basket filled with bread, cheese
and fruit of different kinds; and giving ii
to Elizabeth, he said, "Now, divide these. u
How her bright eyes sparkled with de-
light! How the children rejoiced! and all
began to partuke of the food which the lit
tie girl rejoiced in having togive.
"Ah! see," said Anna, show God has
heard our prayers"
Tears filled the eyes of the good man.
"Listen," said he 10 Joseph; II will give
you work from this time on my lands; and
just remember, when you are in any need, |
have enough for YOU" And then he has
tened from the door, leaving behind him the
sound Of thanks and joyful weeping.
From that time the cottage beside the for
est was never empty of food, though want
still lay heavily on the conutry around. The
gentle little Elizabeth nursed her bird till
spring returned, and then set free the little
messenger which had seemed TO bring them
tidings that hel p was at hand. sT
ely away now" said Anna; ''you
brought us happy promise, and well it was
fulfilled"