MISSION OF FLOWERS by C. P. B.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 12, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 31.

MISSION OF FLOWERS.

By C. P. B.

THE following extract from the Christian at Work of July 25, concerning the Avery Flower Mission, is most pathetic:—

"A charity which is prolific in dispensing happiness is that of distributing flowers among the sick and poor. Poor children enjoy flowers when they can get them. Rev. J. F. Avery, pastor of the Mariners' Temple, 1 Henry Street, which is in the midst of a large tenement-house district, speaks of one little boy who asked him, 'Please give me a flower, I never had a flower of my own, sir.' A good many children could truthfully say the same; they have never had a flower of their own. Mr. Avery continues: 'I said, Come along, and it was a study to note the patter of the bare, grimy feet. He grasped his flowers and made a rush for the door, followed by some thirty or more other little ones, to whom we gave the ferns, ox-eyed daisies, and other flowers. It is hard to say they are all gone, and to see them grab up the remaining stalks and refuse. Some may say, but to what practical benefit, if they do not come to your school, etc.? Where's the gain? As Carey, the wonderful missionary, said, 'It is as sure as the promises of God can make it.'"

It is difficult for those who live in the country, and indeed, for those who live in the cities in California, to realize that some children never have a flower of their own, but it is undoubtedly true not only of New York but of other Eastern cities; and while the idea of supporting a mission for the purpose of distributing flowers may appear trivial, it is certainly a worthy object. We can only wish that every child in New York who would appreciate such a gift, might have flowers of his own not simply once a year, but many times each year.