W. J. STONE by W. J. Stone

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 8, 1916

W. J. STONE

By W. J. Stone

Springtime

W. J. STONE

“FOR, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell.”

Song of Solomon 2:11-13.

Autumn has its glories, its riot of color in wood and field; but spring is to many the most joyful and mysterious time of year. It brings again to our attention the mystery of life. One week all is brown and dead; then, after a very warm shower and a few days of sunshine, a marvelous transformation takes place. The trees are clothed in green, and the perfume of countless flowers fills the air.

Spring is especially the time of the singing of birds. What joy fills the heart as we listen to their melody—redbird and robin, mocking bird and meadow lark, bobolink and bobwhite! Even the caw of the crow and the thrum of the woodpecker are welcome.

The sweetest of the joys of spring are missed by the dweller in the crowded city. The Lord knew best what would contribute to man's happiness; and for this reason he did not build a city, and place man in it, but he planted a garden in Eden, and gave it to be man's home. Here, surrounded by the beauties of nature, he was to live in peace and happiness.

The more nearly we can approach God's ideal for us, the happier we shall be. Truly, “Out of the city, into the country,” should be a welcome message to us all.