Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 March 1886 — The Robin in an English Church. [ARTICLE]

The Robin in an English Church.

It was the night before Christmas, in England, and snow was falling. They ‘did not mind it in happy homes, whore lamps were lighted and fires burned cheerilv, and tables were spread for tea. But a little robin, cold and hungry, hopped about wearily, seeking food and shelter. Our robins fly away south before snow comes, but this was across the sea where the robin stays all the year. The little bird lighted on window-sills and tapped with nis beak, but was seldom heard. Once two little girls looked out of the window and saw him, but it was so very cold that they quickly ran to the warm fire, and birdie flew away, , I . , After awhile an old man came along in the path that led to the village church. Robin hopped behind him, and when he opened the door birdie was cl' w ') by and went in without being noticed. O how warm and comfortable the church was! The Sundayschool children hod been there with their teachers, trimming the church with holly and mistletoe and singing Christmas carols. The fire was to be kept all night, that the church might be warm for Christmas service. The old man put on fresh coal and went home. Birdie hopped about in the firelight, picking up some crumbs he found on the floor. Borno cakes had been given to the children. How welcome this little supper was to hungry robin, you can guess. Then he perched on tho railirgs of the stairs, and tucked his head under his wing—a very sleepy and happy bird. In the morning his bright eyes espied ftlst thingthe scar - let holly berries. This was indeed a royal feast in robin’s eyes, enough to last for many weeks of winter weather. The hours flew on, and the happy children came and sang their Christmas carols. Just as the first verse was finished a clear, rich, joyous song burst from birdie’s little throat, high above, among the green branches. No one had seen him, anti what a sweet surprise 1 The minister raised his hand to keep silence while birdie sang, and then opening the Bible read in reverent tones, “Yes, the sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young: Thine altars, O Lord of hosts!” “This time,” said the minister, “our favorite bird, our little Robin Redbreast, has found a lodging and breakfast in the church where we come to pray for our daily bread. Snow is all around, covering the ground and bushes; he was cold and hungry, and might have perished in the storm, but th? good All-Father, in His pitying love and tenderness, guided the tiny wings hither.”— Evangelist. U-