Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 222, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 October 1917 — Flowers. [ARTICLE]

Flowers.

Food and raiment are for the body, but flowers, flowers are for both body and soul. When my lips are palsied by great emotions—love, gladness, sorrow, death —and the words I would write come not, then I send soul-messengers—-flowers. When I look upon a rose, all nightmares of atheism vanish; when I inhale the rare perfume of violets, I bow to the Master Chemist; when my pencil tries to trace the graceful flutings of the morning-glory, or my brush thatch the exquisite color blendings of the humble pansy, I reverently acknowledge the high hand of art Some day, when I am In perfect attune with the Creator-God, I know I hear melodies, strangely sweet, amodgst my flowers, and songs—songs like the morning stars must have sung together at the birth of him—the Rose of Sharon. Without flowers my body could live, but I know my soul would starve. — Will P. Snyder In Book News Monthly.