8 I touched the waters at my feet, and they were changed to trees, and flowers, and singing birds, and every thing was praising God. 9 And some one spoke, I did not see the one who spoke, I heard the voice, which said, There is no death. 10 Grandmother Anna loved the child; she laid her hand on Jesus’ head and said, I saw you stand beside the sea; I saw you touch the sand and waves; I saw them turn to living things and then I knew the meaning of the dream. 11 The sea of life rolls high; the storms are great. The multitude of men are idle, listless, waiting, like dead sand upon the beach. 12 Your wand is truth. With this you touch the multitudes, and every man becomes a messenger of holy light and life. 13 You touch the waves upon the sea of life; their turmoils cease; the very winds become a song of praise. 14 There is no death, because the wand of truth can change the dryest bones to living things, and bring the lovliest flowers from stagnant ponds, and turn the most discordant notes to harmony and praise. 15 Joachim said, My son, today you pass the seventh milestone of your way of life, for you are seven years of age, and we will give to you, as a remembrance of this day, whatever you desire; choose that which will afford you most delight. 16 And Jesus said, I do not want a gift, for I am satisfied. If I could make a multitude of children glad upon this day I would be greatly pleased. 17 Now, there are many hungry boys and girls in Nazareth who would be pleased to eat with us this feast and share with us the pleasures of this day. 18 The richest gift that you can give to me is your permission to go out and find these needy ones and bring them here that they may feast with us. 19 Joachim said, ’Tis well; go out and find the needy boys and girls and bring them here; we will prepare enough for all. 20 And Jesus did not wait; he ran; he entered every dingy hut and cabin of the town; he did not waste his words; he told his mission everywhere. 21 And in a little time one hundred and three-score of happy, ragged boys and girls were following him up Marmion Way. 22 The guests made way; the banquet hall was filled with Jesus’ guests, and Jesus and his mother helped to serve. 23 And there was food enough for all, and all were glad; and so the birthday gift of Jesus was a crown of righteousness. CHAPTER 17. _Jesus talks with the rabbi of the synagogue of Nazareth. He criticises the narrowness of Jewish thought._ Now, Rabbi Barachia of the synagogue of Nazareth, was aid to Mary in the teaching of her son. 2 One morning after service in the synagogue the rabbi said to Jesus as he sat in silent thought, Which is the greatest of the Ten Commands? 3 And Jesus said, I do not see a greatest of the Ten Commands. I see a golden cord that runs through all the Ten Commands that binds them fast and makes them one. 4 This cord is love, and it belongs to every word of all the Ten Commands.