LONDON:

PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS,

STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.

THE

TRACT MAGAZINE.

The Frozen Robin.

A NEW YEAR'S CAROL.

EE a robin lying on the cold white snow;
Snow-flakes still are flying, chill the north winds blow-
Blow around the robin, stiff and cold he lies;
Ruffled are his feathers, dimmed his sparkling eyes.

From his crimson bosom is the life quite fled?
Will he no more warble? Is he really dead?
No! for Tom the woodman, crossing o'er the wold,
Sees poor robin-redbreast lying stiff and cold.

Now he stoops, and gently takes him in his hands;
Rover, gravely watching, by his master stands.

Tenderly he folds him 'neath his waistcoat warm,

Quickly passing onward through the wind and storm;

Through the wild and woodland, o'er the cold, bleak moor,
Till at length he pauses by his cottage door.
Soon the door he opens-what a pleasant sight
Is that cozy kitchen, full of cheerful light!

Now his little grandchild leads him to his chair,
While his good wife, Susan, does the tea prepare.
"See! my little Jenny," hear the old man say,
"Can you find the basket that is filled with hay?

"I have found a robin lying nearly dead,
And I want to put him in a nice warm bed."
Jenny very quickly does a basket find,

First with hay and shavings, then with flannel lined.

"Come, you little robin, pretty crimson-breast,
Come, and let me lay you in this cosy nest."
So says little Jenny, as she lays him snug
Close beside the fender, on the kitchen rug.

Soon the warmth revives him, and, to Jane's delight,
All around he's staring with his eyes so bright.
Now her little saucer, filled with milk and bread,
Is before the robin in the basket spread.

Robin soon grew tamer, and, until the spring,
In the cottage lived he, and would blithely sing.
And in brighter weather, he, with cheery voice,
Would from the cottage garden make their hearts rejoice.

Can we learn a lesson from the good old man
And the frozen robin? Yes! I think we can.
Should you see a brother frozen in his sin,
Fan the spark that's hidden his cold heart within.

Raise him up, and help him in the heavenward way;
Guide his doubting footsteps onward day by day.
Tell him of his Saviour, who for him has died;
Try to thaw and soften the hard frost of pride.

Try to ease the suffering in their pain or grief;
And to all the weary strive to give relief.
If the Lord has blessed you with an earthly store,
Help to feed the hungry, warm and clothe the poor.

Every day that passeth in the coming year,

Do at least one action that some heart will cheer.
Then, when life is ended, great your joy will be,
As your Saviour whispers, "This was done for Me."