A GENTLEMAN, while staying in the south, witnessed a strange incident in which a tiny bird was one of the actors.
A fine large dog was lying down to enjoy a nap when a bird called a Tom-tit was flitting about in search of something with which to finish her nest. When she saw the dog she must have thought that the soft hair on his back would be just the thing for the purpose.
Taking advantage of his quiet slumber, she approached near enough to grasp a few hairs in her beak; and pulled them out.
Upon feeling this sensation, the dog sprang up quickly to see who had so rudely disturbed his slumber, but the little creature had vanished by this time, and was probably at that moment placing the soft hairs in her cozy nest.
The dog lay down again to sleep, but soon the bird returned to repeat her hair-pulling, and again the dog failed to catch a glimpse of his tormentor.
We cannot blame the little bird for wanting the soft lining for her nest, and as she did not know any better, we cannot blame her for getting the hair from the sleeping dog’s back. We can just say that she was not responsible for the discomfort she caused him.
With boys and girls it is different. They have greater knowledge of right and wrong, and should not get what they want at the expense of the feelings of others, like the little bird who thought nothing of causing others pain.
One passage of Scripture tells us,
His life was the one perfect example. It was spent in constant service to others. Not only His life, but especially His death was the one great service to humanity. It was there He made atonement for sin. As a result of this He is now a Saviour for all who believe.
Has the reader accepted Him as his Saviour? If you do this, you will receive eternal life from God, and in the power of this new life you will be able to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
ML 06/11/1933