44 



^^ FLOWERS. 



Flowers are inappropriate nowhere. And represen- 

 tations of them are found everywhere. They are 

 inwrought into all the arts and embellishments of life. 

 Many persons who have neither the taste nor inclina- 

 tion to cultivate flowers, and who proclaim even against 

 their being placed upon the table in church, regarding 

 it as inappropriate and almost sacrilegious, surround 

 themselves with representations of them upon their 

 carpets, both at home and in church, upon their tapes- 

 try, their clothing, and their ornaments. 



The story of flowers and their effect upon the heart 

 and the well being of man, has not yet been half told. 

 The kind Creator made them not in vain. He com- 

 mitted no mistake when he made flowers. They were 

 not designed to be a waste. The commonest and most 

 insignificant flower that blooms is both perfect in itself 

 and is exquisitely beautiful, and was made for some 

 purpose. It is a profound study. There is much to 

 learn as well as admire in the contemplation of the 

 minutest floweret. Every flower that decks the earth, 

 every leaf of the forest, and every blade of grass on 

 which we tread, convey lessons, which, if rightly read, 



" Will lead us from earth's fragrant sod, 

 To hope, and holiness, and God." 



These elegant floral treasures scattered profusely 

 over the earth have aptly been styled the Scriptures of 

 the earth. 



"Your voiceless lips, flowers, are living preachers ; 

 Each cup a pulpit, and each leaf a book." 



Respectfully submitted, 



C. W. CARTER, Chairman. 



