24 OUR IRISH SONG BIRDS. 



note the arrival of these aerial voyagers, and find fresh 

 pleasure and delight, as we listen to those sweet and 

 innocent voices praising God. They/w^, for so Job 

 hath it (xxxviii. 41) : " The young ravens cry unto God." 

 And they also praise Him : " O ye birds that sing among 

 the branches, beasts, and all cattle, creeping things and 

 flying fowl, praise ye the Lord, and magnify Him for 

 ever." 



Happy are they to whom the bird-songs of spring 

 bring pleasant thoughts and tender memories of boyish 

 days and country rambles with old friends and comrades 

 now far away, or, it may be, at rest a while in the green 

 churchyard, where the innocent minstrels often breathe 

 their sweetest strains, and seem to sing of hope, and 

 joy, and life beyond the grave. 



How truly it has been said, that as in the woods at 

 night-time all is silent, though on every side the 

 songsters lie close, till the sun arise, and with his advent 

 their bright and charming songs are poured forth from 

 joyful hearts ; so, too, is it in the soul of man. All is 

 dark and silent until the Sun of Righteousness arise 

 with healing in His wings, bringing freedom, and love, 

 and joy, and sweet songs of praise from hearts at peace 

 with God. 



Often and often have I said to myself, " Will there be 

 birds in heaven ? " And although I may not answer 

 this, yet I know that there will be hearts as blithe and 

 guileless, and sweeter tongues by far amongst the great 

 multitude that yet shall sing " the song of Moses and 

 the Lamb." 



