THE SPARROW. 73 



on the chaff, they are shot by dozens at a time ; or they 

 will rush one after another by numbers into the trap. 

 Various means of destruction are so brought to diminish 

 them during the winter seasons, that their flocks are 

 not remarkable on the return of spring. 



It was held, among the many great and awful errors 

 of antiquity, that the Divine Being having created the 

 universe, left it entirely to itself, and retired as if it 

 were utterly unworthy of his superintendence. And 

 there are many still to be found, who, in like manner, 

 deny the gracious providence of God. But let it be 

 remembered, that what it was becoming in the Most 

 High to create, it must be also becoming in him to sus- 

 tain. Of this we have the most distinct and impressive 

 intimations. Low on the scale of being as the sparrow 

 has been placed, it is, according to the declaration of 

 our Lord himself, the object of Divine regard : " Are 

 not two sparrows sold for a farthing ? and one of them 

 shall not fall on the ground without your Father." 

 Though this bird does not attract our notice by the 

 beauty of its plumage, nor awaken our regard by the 

 amiableness of its disposition, nor command our esteem 

 and gratitude by the benefits it dispenses, yet it is not 

 forgotten before God. " The eyes of all wait upon 

 thee ; thou givest them their meat in due season." 



