WHAT do you think Mary has in her apron? I think it is a young bird, not able to fly. She is a kind little girl, and has brought it to Mother to see what can be done for it. Little birds sometimes venture out of the nest too soon, and fall into distress and danger. So do young people. Be not too anxious to get out into the great, big world, young friends! Stay at home, under the protection and guidance of your parents as long as you can. “Forsake not the law of your mother.” You may not always meet a kind friend. Young birds are more often seized by hungry cats than cared for by gentle maidens. And young people, boys or girls, more often fall into the snares of evil companions when they leave home, than into the care of Christian friends. The kindest thing little Mary can do with her foundling is to put it where the parent birds can feed it. I am sure her mother will advise her for the best.
ML 06/21/1903