The Judas-tree, so-called, is a remarkable plant. Its blossoms
appear before its leaves, and are a most brilliant crimson. The
flowers flaming forth, attract innumerable insects. The bee,
for instance, in quest of honey, is drawn to it. But searching
the petals for nectar, it imbibes a fatal opiate. Beneath this
Judas-tree the ground is strewn with the victims of its deadly
fascination.
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* * * * *
Flicker-flick,
Above the wick,
Burned the candle flame.
Through the open window-shutter
Young Moth Miller came.
Straight he fluttered toward the yellow,
Bright, alluring thing.
And, alas, poor foolish fellow
Scorched his downy wing!
Little ones, take lesson from him,
Be not overbold;
Stop and think that glittering things
Are not always gold. (Text.)
--ELIZABETH HILL.
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* * * * *
The Venus fly trap is small and shaped as if you placed your two
open palms side by side. Its surface is plastered with honey and
the other palm has sharp needles pointing outward. The “silly
fly” yields to the attraction of the sweets and is immediately
shut in as the two palms close upon him. He is instantly stung
to death by the needles.
How alluring evil can appear at times. Satan himself can pose as an
angel of light. Evil often presents its most subtle attraction to the
young. But sin in any guise is the soul’s deathtrap. (Text.)
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=Allurement to Evil=--See SIN, FASCINATION OF.
=Allurement to Good=--See FISHERS OF MEN.