It was, indeed, accepted. I felt Jesus must look upon those children as He did on the poor woman who cast into the treasury "two mites, which make a farthing." We want much besides money for The Birds' Nest-a great deal of clothing, and quilts to cover the little beds. Many children help us in these things. As I was writing this very chapter, I received a neat little garment, made for some child in The Birds' Nest by a "motherless little girl." I don't know anything more about her than that, but if she belongs to Jesus, He will not leave her comfortless. Many of our little patchwork quilts have been made by very little children. Some in infant schools, where the infant monitress placed the work, and the infant pupils put in the stitches, until the work was done. Amongst these, six were sent by some poor orphan children. With the parcel they sent the following letter to the children of the Nest: "Will you accept these quilts for your little beds as a Christmas present. We are very sorry they are not better, but they are our first quilts. 'Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' "No more from your affectionate Sisters." These quilts were put upon the beds of the six smallest children, and they sent the following reply: "DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS, "We thank you very much for the nice little quilts which you so kindly made and sent to us. We wish you could come and see how nice and comfortable our little beds look, and we would sing some hymns, and repeat a great many texts which we are learning here. We send you a few of our text-cards, that you may learn them, and we will pray that the Holy Spirit may write them on your hearts. "We remain, "Your affectionate Brothers and Sisters." And then follow six names. These were very little girls in an institution, but you see they found something to do for Jesus. Oh! there are none too young, none too poor to work for Him. When He talked about it Himself, He never spoke of the great things of this world, but of the loving heart, the kind word, the cup of cold water, given in His name and for His sake. Of the many children who have joined our Children's Association, some are not with us now. In the midst of their young labours they have heard the secret message, "The master is come and calleth for thee." And they have gone up higher. Short was their working day, but long will be their joyful rest, for of each of these dear ones we have full confidence that they belonged to the fold of the Good Shepherd. Could these glorified little ones look down upon us from their happy home, I think they would say, "We did not work hard enough for Jesus; do you who are left work harder." I think they would say, "Oh, heaven is such a glorious place; do what you can to bring the poor children here." I think they would say, "There is nothing on earth worth doing, compared with serving our dear Redeemer." Are there any reading this little book who will take their place amongst the workers? Jesus is looking down upon you now, and longing to have you for His own. you, "My son, give me thine heart." He says to He says to you too, "Son, go work to-day in my vineyard." There is a multitude to be fed-only Jesus knows how it is to be done; but are there not many of you who are like the "lad who had five barley loves and two small fishes?" Well, bring them to Jesus; He will accept and make them sufficient. We must never leave our rescued children unfed, unclothed, and uncomforted. Our " Holly and Ivy" must be true evergreen, only looking fresher, and sparkling brighter, for the depth of the winter time, and the desolation around. But it does not grow of itself, therefore we want many hands to gather and bring it. If you want useful work-if you want pleasant work-come and help us to brighten up the lives of desolate little children; come and help to supply The Holly and Jby. BIRDS' NEST: A HOME FOR DESTITUTE CHILDREN, KINGSTOWN, NEAR DUBLIN. TRUSTEES : REV. ALEX. R. C. DALLAS, A.M., Rector of Wonston. REV. C. F. MACCARTHY, Missionary to Roman-catholics, Dublin. JOHN MURPHY, ESQ., Dundalk. REV. W. C. PLUNKET, A.B., 80, Stephen's-Green, Dublin. TREASURER: A.M., MISS ELIZABETH MURPHY, TREASURER OF BUILDING FUND: 8, Merrion-square, North, Dublin. SECRETARY OF CHILDREN'S ASSOCIATION: MISS SARAH DAVIES, 8, Merrion-square, North, Dublin. The annual expenses of the Institution are about £1,200. The average cost of feeding and clothing each child is £7. The The present building was completed on borrowed money. Committee are very anxious to pay this off, in order to be free from the payment of interest. They owe at present, 1,900. MAY, 1864. |