Now for one more true story, and then we must finish our chapter about "feathered fowl." You remember the little girl who was so nearly carried off by a great eagle; this story is about a man whose life was saved by an enormous sea-bird, whose wings when spread out measure about twelve feet across. It is called the "Wandering Albatross," and often follow ships in the southern seas a long way, looking very beautiful and majestic as it seems to float in the air. One of these huge birds had been following a ship on board of which was a regiment of soldiers, on their way home to England. Among them was one man, who, though he seemed to care for nobody, and always laughed at those who read the Bible, was very, very unhappy. God's word says that there is no peace to the wicked, and this poor man never had any rest or comfort, and was constantly disobeying the officers and getting into disgrace. He had no fear of God, and so one morning, when no one was near him, he suddenly jumped over the ship's side into the sea, thinking that he would put an end to his life and his misery.
But just as he sank beneath the waters, God put it into the heart of this poor sinner against his own soul, to cry to Him for mercy; and then in a moment, in His great kindness, He sent the answer to that despairing cry. The great albatross, always ready to pick up anything which was thrown overboard by the sailors came sweeping by. The drowning man put up his hand and caught it by the leg, and such was the strength of the bird that it was able to bear his weight until a boat from the ship came and rescued him. I do not think I should like to tell you this story, which has such a dark and sad beginning, but for its bright ending. It was a long time before this poor soldier recovered; but when he was able to walk about the deck again, all was changed for him. He knew that God had not only, in this remarkable way, saved him from drowning, but there was great peace in that heart which had been so full of trouble; for he had learned to know the Lord Jesus Christ as the blessed Saviour who had loved him and given Himself for him—so I think this is really a very beautiful story.
You will find many of the Flying Fowl of which we have been speaking mentioned in this poem, which reminds us of how God cares for the wildest as well as the weakest of them all.
"WHO PROVIDED FOR THE RAVEN HIS FOOD?
"All the world lay still and silent in the morning grey,
And at once a thousand voices hail the glorious day;
For the great Sun, glowing crimson, rises o'er the sea—
'Welcome Day!' they sing together, 'Day that is to be!'
Oh, how glad and sweet and joyous is that morning hymn!
Whilst the golden day is stealing through the valleys dim—
Thrush and blackbird, lark and linnet, doves that coo and hum
Wild delight and soft rejoicing, for the day is come.
Not a thought, of care or wonder what the day will bring,
For the Father careth for them in the smallest thing.
There upon the pathless mountains is their table spread,
All by God are known and numbered, by His hands are fed.
Some in deep and tangled forests where the berries glow,
Some, where children's crumbs are scattered on the garden snow,
Some where, through the river sedges, Mayflies glance and play,
Some where mountain tarns lie gleaming in the hollows grey.
For the wild and hungry eagle, for the wren so small,
All is ready—food and gladness, free to each and all."
FRANCES BEVAN.
Taken by permission, from Hymns by Ter Steegen and others. Second Series.
THE FIFTH DAY.
CREEPING THINGS.
"His hand hath formed the crooked serpent."—JOB xxvi. 13.