MAY Hail, bounteous May! that dost inspire Mirth, and youth, and warm desire; Woods and groves are of thy dressing, Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing. Thus we salute thee with our early song. And welcome thee and wish thee long. -JOHN MILTON. WHAT IS IN THINE HAND? "Whatsoever thine hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” -Solomon. S TUDENTS in physiology tell us that the hand, in its perfection, belongs only to man. Its elegance of outline, delicacy of mold and beauty of color have made it the study of artists, while its adaptation as a perfect instrument have led many philosophers to atrribute man's superiority even more to the hand than to the mind. The hand is the symbol of human action. He who lives a pure life is said to have pure or clean hands; unjust hands are guilty of injustice, etc. When Jacob secured the blessing which rightfully belonged to Esau we are told that his hands were clothed in fur, that through deception he might secure the blessing promised to his brother. These were rightfully hands of deception. It was the hand of a murderer, which, though covered, was extended in the attitude of friendliness, but held a weapon which shot down our third martyred President, William McKinley. His were indeed "hands of blood". And does not the Bible speak of the "slack hand", the "diligent hand", the "smiting hand”, the “hand of blessing", and many others? The hand is the symbol of opportunity. When Jarius' daughter was healed, Jesus took her by the hand and the maid arose. It was the opportunity to pass from death to life, as indicated by the outstretched hand of the Master. Peter was bold enough to step out of the water at the command of Jesus, but when he found him self sinking, Jesus stretched forth his hand. This was Peter's opportunity and had he refused the "hand" of the Lord, he might never have lived to tell the story. The hand is the symbol of friendliness. The scene of David and Jonathan in the wilderness of Ziph, strengthening their hands in God, will forever illustrate this symbolism. Perhaps we do not know the origin of the "hand-shake", but it is now, and always has been, an important factor in the spreading of sociability. There are no empty hands in the race of mankind. All men have their sphere of activity; their opportunity for development; may exercise the grace of friendliness. God said to Moses: "What is in thine hand?". It may be only a rod, but when used for the glory of God, may become a mighty agency for doing good in the world. David, what is in thine hand? A sling, with only five smooth stones. Go out in the name of God and smite the mighty giant. And he did so. Widow at the treasury, what is in thine hand? Only a mite, Lord. Cast it in, my daughter, and thou shalt give more than all, and "thy name shall be held in everlasting remembrance." "Beautiful hands are those that do Work that is earnest, and brave, and true, BIRDS OF THE AIR "The birds of the air have nests."-Jesus. 'T was a charming morning in the month of May. The sun smiled upon the world from his hiding place in the far East. The grasses and blossoms glistened with dew drops; the air was balmy and the birds were fairly splitting their throats with the that could be heard from the tree tops far and near. They were keeping tune to the march of Springtime in the country. Joy and beauty were found everywhere and the world was glad, for "the time of the singing of birds had come". song Poets have sung; artists have sketched; orators have spoken; but all these are dumb in the presence of Nature clad in Springtide. The Bible is in no small sense a text-book on "bird study”, for there are no less than sixty-five varieties of birds mentioned and many special references in which birds figure prominently, make it valuable as such. We We may observe, then, some of the habits and characteristics of the birds, with lessons suggested: The birds of the air are home-builders. They have nests. And what a variety. It is believed that there is scarcely any end to the variety of bird architecture. But let it be said of the birds that all their home building is preceded by a season of genuine courtship. In the selecting and finding of mates there is often seen rivalry and gallantry scarcely equalled by human kind. Birds are examples of industry. If Solomon said "Go to the ant, thou sluggard", so we say: "Watch the birds, thou indifierent, indolent member of society". They are never late in reaching their home in the north, though sometimes early. They build their nests in Springtime, not Autumn. Birds are examples of cheerfulness. Most birds are singers. Each bird sings his own song. Shankland, in kind words relates the following legend of the Rose, the Bird and the Brook: "I will not give away my perfume," said a rosebud, holding its pink petals tightly wrapped in their tiny green case. The other roses bloomed in splendor, and those who enjoyed their fragrance exclaimed at their beauty and sweetness; but the selfish bud shriveled and withered away unnoticed. "No, no," said a little bird; "I do not want to sing." But when his brothers soared aloft on joyous wings, pouring a flood of melody, making weary hearers forget sorrow and bless the singers, then the forlorn little bird was lonesome and ashamed. He tried to sing, but the power was gone; he could make only a harsh, shrill chirp. "If I give away my wavelets, I shall not have enough myself," said the brook. And it hoarded all its water in a hollow place, where it formed a stagnant, slimy pool. A boy who loved a fresh, wide-awake rose, a buoyant, singing bird, and a leaping, refreshing brooklet thought on these things, and said, "If I would have and would be, I must share all my goods with others, for 'To give is to live; |