“She brought him the first spring violet and he said to her, ‘Let this flower, my dear Mary, be the emblem of humility and of that quiet benevolence which does good in secret. In its quiet dress of deep blue, decked by no gaudy colours, it modestly hides under the green leaves and is scarcely seen, while shedding around it the richest perfume. Try to resemble it, dear Mary, care not for gay ornaments and vain display, but strive to obtain that ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God a great price.’ In the season of lilies and roses James brought his daughter a lily and said, ‘This lily, my dear child, is the emblem of purity. How easily its bright leaves are stained! Scarcely can they be touched when they are injured. Thus the very least approach of vice pollutes and corrupts the soul. Pray, dear Mary, for purity of heart. Remember that though polluted by nature, we may nevertheless be washed free from stain in the Fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, and that God has promised that though our sins are red as crimson, they shall be white as snow. None but the pure in heart shall see God; none but those washed and clothed in the spotless white robe of Christ’s righteousness shall ever sit down at the marriage-supper of the Lamb. Let the rose, he said, be the emblem of modesty, as it resembles the blush which rises to the cheek of a modest girl. But there is another lesson to be learned from the rose: after its beautiful colours have faded, it still retains its fragrance; when its leaves are brown and withered, they are even sweeter than in their fresh and lovely youth. Thus it is, dear Mary, with a true Christian. Thus let it be with you. The cheek of youth will fade, outward beauty will decay, but strive to acquire those graces of the mind which are unfading and imperishable.”

Isn’t that precious? I think so. We really are so tainted and unclean from the world and all its filth. We have to remember to keep our hearts pure and strive for beauty within and not without. Way easier said than done, but it can be done. With Jesus’ help we can have pure hearts and live godly lives in this wicked world. I hope this little story touched you like it did me. It’s simply a good reminder and a precious little piece.

~Emily