HAVE you ever thought of the wonders and vastness of God’s creation? And how each creature through His manifold wisdom, has been exactly fitted for the locality in which divine wisdom saw proper to place kit.
When we look at the strange figure of the picture before us we may not be able to understand why a kangaroo was created with such abnormal proportions, but we do know that the all-wise Creator knew just what means of locomotion would he most suitable, as well as the locality best adapted to its nature.
This singular looking animal—which is known as in zoological literature as the Macropus-giganteus seems to have. been confined to a, somewhat narrow sphere. The Australian province—which includes a few other islands of less extent—being the only portion of the world where these animals either alive or in fossil state, have ever been found.
They were first discovered by Captain Cook while detained for the purpose of refitting, his ship at Endeavor River, on the northeast coast of Australia. They were then an important source of food supply to the natives of the islands, where deer and antelope, which are found in so many portions of the world, are entirely unknown.
These animals are very prolific and increase in vast numbers though many have been destroyed by the dingo, or native dogs which numerously infest the native wilds, and the only means of sustenance for these canines being through preying upon other animals.
The kangaroo feeds only upon grass and other herbage, and is a most harmless creature, unless compelled to fight for self-preservation. When thus driven to protect itself, it can make a most vigorous defense with its hind feet, often destroying its enemy with a single blow.
There is a noticeable affinity between this Australian production and the well-known American opossum. The maternal parent of each has a marsupium, or pouch, formed by the folds of the abdomen, in which their young are transported from place to place or concealed in times of danger.
In this provision you can see that even in the lower orders of creation God does not forget the little ones. How much more then must He care for dear children possessed of immortal souls, who trust in the Son of His love!
May we ever increasingly trust Him.
ML 12/25/1904