sts ere they
have been contaminated by the rude touches of the world.

The dew-drop which, at morning's dawn, rests upon the half-oped bud, is
like the tear which dims the infant's speaking eye when his childish
glee has been reproved by the voice of affection.

A flower represents mankind in the changes of infancy, youth, manhood,
and old age. The young bud is infancy; the bursting flower is youth; the
flower full blown is manhood, and the withered and tailing leaf is the
type of old age.

Its uses are various and manifold. Sometimes the promptings of affection
lead us to place it, in its purity and beauty, over the tomb of some
beloved friend, where, shedding around its fragrance, it steals upon our
senses like the memory of the departed being beneath. Sometimes the hand
of pride will pluck it from its stem, to deck the hair of the blooming
bride, or add by its odor to the festive scene. And not unfrequently it
is the mute bearer of some fond tale of love to the ecstatic sense of
her whose heart and feelings are at length justified, by its sweet
language, in the thoughts they so long have harbored. It soothes the
cares of the troubled soul, and alleviates the pangs of sorrow. It wins
upon us by its modest though blooming appearance, and its gentle
influence steals into our bosoms and softens our natures.

Study the flowers, and behold the wisdom, the goodness, and mercy of the
Almighty. Anatomize them, and behold the innumerable parts which form
and make up the whole, and the system and order with which they are
joined together.

Refinement dwelleth among the flowers. There the affections of our
hearts are given license to rove, and there the enthusiasm of our nature
overcomes the diffidence of our feelings. Voluntary homage arises to the
Maker of objects so fair and beautiful, and the soul in the
contemplation sighs itself away in a delicious reverie. Not less
beautifully than truly has it been said:--

"There is religion in a flower;
Its still small voice is as the voice of conscience.
Mountains, and oceans, planets, suns, and systems,
Bear not the impress of Almighty power
In characters more legible than those
Which He has traced upon the tiniest flower
Whose light bell bends beneath the dew-drop's weight."

_Wheeling, Va._

GOOD FOR EVIL

BY ANGELE DE V. HULL.

(Concluded from page 256.)

THEIR new home was