Garden Suggestions

These suggestions for the garden of the heart and life were given to brother Henry Fletcher by an aged sister in New York. The humour and the arrangement of the p’s, let-us, squash, and turn-up, may enforce these practical features of true piety upon our minds.

First: Plant Five Rows of P’s

Patience: “Be patient unto the coming of the Lord” (Jas. 5:6). Politeness: “Be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Pet. 3:8).

Peaceable: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3).

Perseverance: “Continued steadfastly in the Apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42).

Prayer: “By prayer and supplication … let your requests be made known unto God” (Phil. 4:6).

Plant Close Beside These Three Rows of Squash

Squash gossip. Squash criticism. Squash dissension.

Then Plant Five Rows of Let-Us

Let us be faithful (Gal. 6:9), let us have grace (Heb. 12:28), let us hold fast (Heb. 10:23), let us consider one another (Heb. 10:24), and let us love one another (1 John 4:7).

Next to These Plant Three Good Rows of Turn-Up

Turn up at all meetings of the assembly, including the prayer meeting. Turn up with a word to praise the Lord. Turn up with a word of encouragement and blessing to others.

Start planting at once, and watch your garden grow.