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I. Learn first THE GOODNESS OF GOD. Do you realize the mercy of the Lord in the dominant colour of the spring-time — the green in which is so kindly and lovingly mingled the mercy and the goodness of God? Is our voice silent?

II. This season suggests THE WISDOM OF GOD. Oh, the wisdom of God in the structure of a bird's wing and voice l Where is the harp that gave the warble to the lark, the sweet call to the robin, the carol to the canary, the chirp to the grasshopper? He who pairs the birds in the spring-time gave us our companions. He who shows the chaffinch how to take care of her brood will protect our children. He who gathers the down for the pheasant's breast will give us apparel.

III. The season of the year suggests THE WISDOM OF RIGHT BUILDING OF THE HOME NESTS. Birds build always in reference to safety. Sometimes the nest is built in rocks, eaves, trees, but always in reference to safety. The only safe place for man to build a nest is the tree of the cross, and the only safe rock is the Rock of Ages.

IV. This season of the year suggests THE INFINITE GLORIES OF HEAVEN. If this world, blasted with sin and swept with storms, is still so beautiful, what must be the attraction of the sinless world toward which we travel!

V. This season of the bird-anthem suggests to me THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING HOW TO SING. In a little while there will be no pause in the melody of the song. Whether it be a warble, or a chant, or a carol, or a chirp, or a croak, God will be praised by it. Shall not we, more intelligent appreciators, sing? Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart unto the Lord.

(T. De Witt Talmage.)

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KJV: My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

WEB: My beloved spoke, and said to me, "Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.