The Chickens run to the Hen when they are in danger or distress. My dear children, do you desire to go to the Saviour and to love him. You are in a world where danger threatens both your bodies and your souls, but he has said he will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he also will hear their cry, and will save them. (Ps. cxlv. 19.) Do not refuse to listen to him, for “How shall you escape if you neglect so great salvation?”
The Raven was the first bird sent out of the ark by Noah, and though the waters still covered the earth, it did not return again, but continued to fly about, while the Dove returned to the ark, because she found no rest for the sole of her foot. When children are grown up, and are tempted by the pleasures of the world, some, like the Raven, continue to go from one vanity to another, though they cannot find real happiness in any; while others fly to the Saviour as the only rest and comfort. My dear child, are you like the Raven or like the Dove?
The Swan appears very beautiful when in the water, but is very awkward when on the land. The Swan is said to sing when it is dying, perhaps this is not true, but many dear little children, whom Christ has taken to himself when young, have been singing his praises when they died. You may read about some of them in that pretty book “Janeway’s Token for Children.”
