WHAT an odd-looking cradle it is, in which baby is lying! It looks like a big clothes basket. But the large, soft looking pillow and the fine rug, or comfort, that is under and about the child, make it a nice resting place, and the little one sleeps peacefully without a thought of care. Master Doggy, however, who sits by the cradle, has no notion of sleep. See his eyes, how intelligent they look! And his ears are erect as if to catch the slightest sound, should any one offer to approach; and his lips slightly parted and mouth set, seem to speak warningly, should any one offer to molest his little charge.
This picture recalls a story that I could not read without weeping when I was young. A dog had been placed by the cradle of a sleeping child. While at his post a large snake came creeping towards the cradle. The faithful dog sprang upon the ugly creature and, after a fierce conflict, succeeded in killing it. Not long after he heard his master’s footsteps and with joy he bounded forward to meet him. The poor dog’s face being covered with blood, the master was horrified, thinking he had killed his child. In his anger he took a club and gave the dog such a blow upon the head that he killed him. On reaching the spot where his child lay sweetly sleeping, he saw the great snake lying dead upon the ground. He then knew that the faithful dog had saved the life of his child, instead of taking it, and he was grieved over his hasty act.
We may learn from this that the security which man gives is a very uncertain thing. Happy for you, my dear readers, if you have found the secure refuge and shelter which God alone can give.
“YE THAT FEAR THE LORD, TRUST IN THE LORD.” Ps. 115:11.
ML 07/23/1916