t shine in ev'ry room_.

_As a spring within a desert,
Thou mayst water each plant small;
But the plant itself must blossom--
Thou canst tend it, that is all.
Tiny human plants will flourish
In an atmosphere like this,
And will yield good, fruitful blossoms
That will bring true happiness_.

_Children always thirst for knowledge,
And ere long 'tis surely gained;
If not from a faithful mother,
'Tis from evil source obtained.
Blameless never is the mother
Who will not the trouble take
To instruct her precious children,
Close companions of them make_.

_Like a florist wise and zealous,
Guard thou well each blossom fair,
Lest the perfume and the sweetness
Vanish for the lack of care.
Choose thou then some place at even
When the daily toils are done,
Where life's many cares and blessings
May be numbered one by one.

God will give thee wisdom, mother,
To supply thine ev'ry need,
As thou givest wholesome knowledge,
When the childish voices plead.
Their young minds, so pure, unfolding,
Will reveal the secret fair
That will prove how great the value
Of a mother's love and pray'r._

CHAPTER XIII.

BLESSING AND TRIAL.

Now that Bessie had learned the secret of a Christian life, she longed
to see others enjoying the love of God. She felt the greatest burden for
her father. Oh, if she could see him enjoying salvation! She often
poured out her desire in prayer, with childlike trust and confidence.
God heard her prayers.

One morning as she was passing the barn on her way to school, she heard
some strange sounds. Peering through a window, she beheld a sight that
made her wonder if she saw aright. There stood her beloved father, great
tears streaming from his eyes, his countenance beaming with heavenly
peace and joy, and praises to God pouring from his lips. What did it
mean? In a weak voice she said, "Papa dear, what is the matter!"

Turning he exclaimed: "Oh, Bessie, God has saved me! I am so happy! Run
quick and tell your mother!" Bessie ran to the house to tell the glad
news, but her father was there nearly as soon, saying, "Oh, I'm saved!
You're right, wife. I know now that you're right, and I see things just
as you do! I'm so happy and feel so different. Oh, help me to praise the
dear Lord."

Let us leave them in their happiness and follow B