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[fol. ii.]

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newly-created Lord of the earth, kind-hearted man approached. He
saw a feeble plant, a play-thing to the winds, sunk low as if
imploring his aid. In pity he raised it and wound the tender
tree round his arbour. Joyfully the air saluted the glowing
vine, the heat of the sun penetrated its hard grains, and
prepared that sweet moisture, the most precious beverage of
man. Decked out in the fulness of its rich grapes, the vine
bent down to its preserver; he tasted its refreshing juice
and called the vine his friend. The proud trees envied the
feeble plant, for its fruit was more valued than theirs;
but it rejoiced in its slender stem and the accomplishment
of its hope. Therein in the words that breathe the very
freshness & poetry of God's creation lies the inspiring lesson
of hope and patience. As often as Israel has been compared
to a bride, so often has our nation been likened to the
tender vine. How often has Israel been rendered the
central figure of the world, round whom all the nations
have exulted and in whose Sorrow they have maliciously
rejoiced. History records the time when in the dark
ages of ignorance & fanaticism, Israel was denied