Asking Blessing (poem) 101 Visit the Sick 102 Do a Kindness (poem) 104 The Blind Girl 106 The Little Cripple (poem) 108 Country Children 110 The Country Boy (poem) 113 God Sees All Things 114 Be Kind to the Aged 117 God's Garden (poem) 120 A Baby for a Nickel 121 We All Must Die 122 The Path of God (poem) 125 [Illustration: COUNTING THE STARS] [Illustration: MORNING CHEER] Our Best Friend In a log cabin in the mountains lived a little boy. He often played near the house, but did not go far away. Near the house were many trees and rocks and among these wild animals stayed. [Illustration: DOWN BY THE SPRING] One day the boy missed his mama and thought he would try to find her. He went down the path toward the spring, where he had often gone after water. He went on and on. Finally he wished to return, but did not know the way. Poor boy, he was lost. [Illustration: THE BEST FRIEND WE HAVE IS MOTHER] He started toward what he thought was home, and walked and walked. Becoming very tired, he sat down to rest and soon fell asleep. His mama missed her boy and hunted everywhere for him. Night came on, but she did not give up her search. She hunted and called, but no answer came. She feared the wild beasts would get him, but prayed to God to protect her child. She hunted all night and in the morning found him safe and still asleep. The best friend we have on earth is a good mother. She thinks of her children at all times. She loves them and lives for them. She seems to know all about our little cares and trials. When we are willing to help her, it shows that we think of her and love her, too. Have you ever thought how she toils and cares for you? She works for you every day--gets your meals, breakfast, dinner, and supper; washes and mends your clothes and stockings; and at night makes your pillow nice and soft for you so you can sleep well. She seems to know just what to do if we happen to get hurt. [Illustration: A MOTHER LIVES FOR HER CHILDREN] Mother is watching after her little ones all the day long, and when she puts her hand upon our heads at night as we bow at her knee in prayer, she seems to say, "God bless and keep my darling child." When she tucks the covers tight about us and sits by our bedside, we think that Mama is the best friend we have. Don't we?