Mamma.
My dear, as the food you take nourishes you, so the plant draws the moisture out of the earth, and that moisture runs through all the parts of it, and supports it; and according to the different channels it runs through, takes all kinds of beautiful colours, or sometimes only a fine green; and in some flowers takes no colour at all, but leaves the plant a pure white. The earth is called the parent of plants and vegetables; and it supports them as a mother does her child: if the flower be taken out of the ground, it withers as these have done; and what would little Joseph or even you do, Lydia, if you were taken from me?
Lydia.
You told me once that God took care of me.
Mamma.
Certainly; and without the help of God neither could the earth nourish its plants, nor the mother protect her child; but in general, he is pleased to convey support and blessings to the child, through the means of the parents; and as they delight in being made the instruments of his goodness to their child, it ought to inspire the child with tender affection and gratitude towards them, and incline it to obey the commands of God:
“Honour thy father and thy mother.”
Lydia.
I am sure, Mamma, I love you; and you are very good to me.