The Washington herald., 1909-04-11
A PICTURE OF BEAUTY.

Written fr The Washington Herald.
The magnolia tree in Franklin Park has
put forth It's bloom once more. For nearly
forty years Il has stood there. and even
before j the robin bursts into song that
tree brings forth its blossoms 90 gladden.
the hearts OF all Washington. Il veriies
its name. Magnolia conspicua" - most
conspicuous. most beautiful feature Of the
awakening year. Il has never failed N
all the years Il has stood there to bloom.
II has never oversiept. Il is a banner Of
hope. The Chinese call Il "Yulan." the
lily tree" and the lily has become our
emblem OF hope. No one can pass that
tree and drink IN its beauty without feel
ing a "QUickening' in ones soul. one
seems 10 be breathing in the very atmOs-
phere OF love. sweet thoughts. and good
w..l, away from the sham and ugliness OF
doubt and sin. We walk around il reyer-
emily. and feel that those blossoms are
a message sent from God full OF the rich
abundance OF His generous will. The very
glory Of God seems resting there. and the
dignity and divinity Of life The trees
strong and robust, is like the heart OF
man. and the blossoms the heart niche
In which everything splendid and true
finds its way and sends out into the world
something Of it's purity and grace. Beau
tiful. strong magnolia tree. all winter
long YOU stand closed and sealed. keeping
patient guard: then. Ike a beautiful soul
you burst forth into bloom. your ala
baster cups OF beauty filled with the In
cense born Of God. God called. and the
magnolia bloomed. and II just stands there
and looks beautiful. like a sweet girl in
her brlual robes waiting for the benedic-
ton To-day, as I sat under its branches
..stened and heard voices coming from
the waxen petals. and this is what they
said: we are the expression ard the
sign Of the Fathers love We wish for YOU
and all the world. life's greatest blessings
its greatest happiness. We are here "a
give YOU evidence that you are under
His tender care and keeping. We were
sent 10 bloom for yOu and all Washing
ton 50 that every doubt viii be lost. every
questioning fear. all weakness and sin
God sent Us 10 he helpful and upbuilding
and as we glorify this tree may your soul
be glorified within you, and may you fee
that the Divine Father, II you trust t.
His undying care. IS ever leading YOU as
He led us out Of the black branches OF
this tree into the sunshine OF His love
Cur hour Of glory is short. but into US is
concentrated q magnificence that God and
His angels created. We have covered this
old tree with beauty and fragrance, just
as you must cover everything IN life, with
the mantel Of love"
As 7 bowed my head ! though Of tbs
man who planted taht tree. whose life
has been filled with the love OF God, ful
and abOunding as the blossoms with love
OF humanity. Through all his long sum
mer days, lie the flowers he so tenderiy
cares for. his soul has been warmed anG
summed with Gods beautiful light. and as
we look at him to-day he is like his owr
magnolia tree-body rugged and his head
crowned with its wealth OF snowy hair
his soul white with Gods beauty. His
days have passed into the afternoon OF
life; he has made the outgoing Of the
morning and evening to rejoice" The
| strength and peace OF the flowers and
/ trees have entered into HIS whole life
They taught him 10 know God: theii
| voices are always near and he know,
7 their speech. The roar and surge" OF
the troubled sea OF life has been far ava,
/ from him in the Guiet harbor among tn.
/ plants, trees. and flowers he so tenderly
/ loves. he has lived watching for God.
sun and rain. and we feel sure that hc
sees In the beautiful magnolia blossoms
the light Of heaven and immortality"
ALICE SHARPE BADCH.