shed about the
whole temple a light like a halo of glory.

In another were the soft, loving words which many children had given
others, poorer and lowlier than themselves, to encourage their weak
hearts; words which they had given and forgotten, but which had yet been
carefully gathered up, and put in this temple. From this temple a low
sound of sweet music rose, which filled Ruth's heart with a perfect
peace, as if she had found everything she could ever desire.

In another temple yet were all the words of love, which children express
and feel in their hearts to each other. From this temple proceeded
louder tones, but yet those of sweetest harmony.

In another, all the gentle, loving words ever whispered to the animals.

"I prize these highly," said the old woman.

"It is very strange," said she, looking upon the temples, "that I find
these precious treasures thrown about very carelessly upon the earth.
The children never dream of their worth, and were I not always ready
there, some would be lost. But remember, Ruth, none are suffered to be
lost; and so, when the children to whom these belong are going into
heaven, they shall find there many a treasure they did not dream of
possessing. Thus shall the treasures they had forgotten grow brighter
and brighter, while others they had perhaps remembered have grown
corrupted and vain!"

At these words, Ruth longed to lay many treasures in the temples, and
she heard a song, which the different tones of the temple formed in the
air. It melted her heart with its divine harmony.

"O," cried Ruth "could I but sing such a song to my father! he who loves
songs so well. What joy it would be to him!"

"And would you patiently sing the song though he thanked you not?" asked
the old woman.

"I desire him only to hear it," replied Ruth; and at that moment the
power came to her, and such a song poured from her throat!

She was so enchanted! But, when glancing in the brook, she saw her own
figure so lit up with beauty as scarcely to be able to recognize it. The
old woman saw her amazement, and replied to it:

"I will send you back to your home that you may sing this song to your
father; and remember, little Ruth, that beauty only is worthy to have
which proceeds from the sweetness of thy words and the loveliness of thy
smile. In heaven thou mayst be as lovely as thou wilt. Send up, then,
fit treasures for the temple, and they will be kept safely until thou
needest them."

Th