THE LINDEN-TREE 81 



^^ * Child, when we call the Bible the Book 

 of Life, we mean by that, not the life we see 

 before us, but the spiritual growth of our 

 souls, for every thought we think is a flower 

 culled in the garden of our soul. There, as on 

 earth, grow many various plants, some of 

 wondrous beauty, and others stained with sin. 

 But every time we humbly read in the Sacred 

 Writ, a seed is sown in our heart, which some 

 day will bloom, and bear holy fruit.' 



*' 'How beautifully you talk. Mother!' 



*' 'Well, you must diligently read your 

 Bible, and in your heart will grow the seed 

 of goodness and humility; but I fear ' 



" 'What do you fear, Mother?' 



*' 'I fear you love the fair flowers of the 

 earth too much to care for the seeds that were 

 watered with tears in the Garden of Gethse- 

 mane.' 



** '0 Mother, no, I won't forget my Bible. 

 But when I see a flower I think this way. 

 Why does God make the cold, damp earth 

 grow such lovely creatures with such beauti- 

 ful colors? Why, if not to make us happy 



