64 THE IMMORTALITY OF ANIMALS 



hearers that the birds of the air are fed by the 

 Divine Parent, without any provision of labor on 

 their part, and declares that the most insignificant 

 of them does not perish unnoticed by the Creator. 



His mission on earth was designedly inaugurated 

 by the heavens opening and the Spirit like a dove de- 

 scending upon Him. 



How fitting Christ's mission was to the fallen 

 world is represented by the likeness of one of 

 the innocent and helpless fallen. Christ went 

 about continually doing good in His labor of love 

 and mercy. He had no rest and knew no pleasure 

 but in doing His Father's business, working the 

 work of Him who sent Him, which may all be com- 

 prehended in one text, " to seek and to save that 

 which was lost." 



His influence should implant a principle in the 

 hearts of His followers, causing them to imitate His 

 oxample. There are plenty of opportunities. We 

 cannot walk abroad without being assailed by the 

 cry of helplessness or without coming into contact 

 with scenes of pain. These send forth an appeal 

 which cannot be misunderstood and ought not 

 to be disregarded. Christ's ready and tender na- 

 ture pitied and relieved the distressed. He taught 



