Editorial July 8, 1905 ISSUE

A Garden Gleaning

John B. Willis

THOSE who are cultivating their acquaintance with the flowers these sunny days, will not doubt the statement that Paradise was a garden, nor question that the roses and lilies are its most fitting symbols. These sweet friends win us through such simple ways, and yet how irresistible is their appeal! Who has ever buried his face in their beauty, or quaffed deeply of their proffered fragrance without wishing he were as pure and sweet as they! Facilities for acquiring the physical development, the mental alertness, and the technical skill which give promise of a coveted success, are offered us everywhere in the schools, but life's finer and worthier achievements call for the mastery of an art which we learn more surely at our mother's knee, or in the companionship of these "the children of purity and of peace."

How prodigal they are in their generosity! How indifferent to our unworthiness in the bestowal of their delights! They seem to have learned, as may we, that of the best things there is inexhaustible store; that they are brought us from gardens which never fail, in the Paradise of God. The flowers exact no pledge and impose no creed, but with delicate persuasiveness they appeal to the purer sentiments, the more refined tastes, the more spiritual aspirations. They tell us of the one Divine source of all sweetness and beauty, they tell of the infinite Artist who, in their beauteous unfoldment, is ever addressing our nobler sense, and thus they are indeed the true friends and benefactors of all who love their appearing and yield to their ministry. To listen to their teaching is to grow into their likeness.

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