Sometime ago he was ill, and we were sadly afraid he would die; he used
to sit from day to day, with ruffled feathers and drooping wings; his
food was left untasted, and his pleasant voice was seldom heard; but
in two or three weeks he began to grow better, and to eat his food
as usual, and to pick amongst the green grass of the little sod we
had placed in his cage. Oh, how happy we all were then, especially
Frederick, who took care of him, and watched over him with the greatest
love and tenderness. Indeed, he was well repaid for his care and
anxiety, when his little pet once more began to jump about as blithely
as ever.

And now, you see, he is quite well, and we treasure his little songs
more than ever we did before, for we never knew how sweet they were
until we were deprived of them.

And thus it is, dear children, with many blessings we possess; they
become so common to us, that we cease to be thankful for them, and know
not their value until they are taken away. We forget who is the Author
and Giver of all good; we forget that it is through the mercy and loving
kindness of GOD, that we receive food and clothing, and every blessing
we possess.