When lo! through some defect, ’twas marred and broken lay,
    Its fair proportions spoiled, and it but crumbling clay;
    Oh, wondrous patience, care and love, what did he do? 
    He stooped and gathered up the parts and formed anew.

    He might have chosen then a lump of other clay
    On which to show his skill and care another day,
    But no; he formed it o’er again, as seemed him good;
    And who has yet his purpose scanned, his will withstood?

    Learn thou from this a parable of God’s great grace
    Toward the house of Israel, His chosen race;
    He formed them for His praise; they fell and grieved Him sore,
    But He will yet restore and bless them evermore.

    And what He’ll do for Israel, He’ll do for thee;
    Oh soul, so marred and spoiled by sin, thou yet shall see
    That He has power to restore, He will receive,
    And thou shall know His saving grace, only believe.

    Despair not, He will form anew thy scattered life,
    And gather up the broken parts, make peace from strife;
    Only submit thou to His will of perfect love,
    And thou shall see His fair design in Heaven above.

CHAPTER XXI.

THE VALUE OF WHOLESOME, NUTRITIOUS FOOD.

“Yes, my dear,” said Frau Schmidt (continuing a conversation which had occurred several days previously between herself and Mary), “we will have more healthful living when the young housewife of the present day possesses a knowledge of different food values (those food products from which a well-balanced meal may be prepared) for the different members of her household.  She should endeavor to buy foods which are most nourishing and wholesome; these need not necessarily consist of the more expensive food products.  Cheaper food, if properly cooked, may have as fine a flavor and be equally as nutritious as that of higher price.

“And, Mary, when you marry and have a house to manage, if possible, do your own marketing, and do not make the mistake common to so many young, inexperienced housewives, of buying more expensive food than, your income will allow.  Some think economy in purchasing food detrimental to their dignity and to the well-being of their families; often the ones most extravagant in this respect are those least able to afford it.  Frequently the cause of this is a lack of knowledge of the value of different foods.  The housewife with a large family and limited means should purchase cheaper cuts of meat, which become tender and palatable by long simmering.  Combine them with different vegetables, cooked in the broth, and serve as the principal dish at a meal, or occasionally serve dumplings composed of a mixture of flour and milk, cooked in the broth, to extend the meat flavor.  Frequently serve a dish of rice, hominy, cornmeal and oatmeal, dried beans and peas.  These are all nutritious, nourishing