Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-07-23

much for others as themselves.
Arthur's Home Gazette.
THE FAMILY ALTAR AND ITS Influences
At no time does the family below present to my
mind so faithful and stricking type of family
above, as when with one accord they have met
in one place, to offer united praise to the father
Of mercies True it is with this, as every illus
tration of life in that better country, much inn
perfection is mingled. A large share of devo-
tional exercises consist of confession Of sin, and
supplication for strength against the time of
temptations; besides which wandering thoughts
and the fatigue of jaded spirits, too often mar
our worship and render our solemn service vain.
Yet nevertheless the family has been repeated
ly used by God himself as an emblem of his tri-
umphant church; and scarcely could one have
been selected which would appeal so forcibly,
because so sweety to the hearts Of all men, in
all ages
have been led to these remarks by review
ing some of the occurrences of varied life, and
contemplating the vast power the domestic al
tar retained over me in my youth, even when far
removed from the place of its erection.
The residence of my father was inland and
remote from facilities for acquiring education.
After mature reflection my parents consented
that should follow the bent Of my own in
clination, and seek such advantages in distant
city.
The history Of my first years was similar to
that of many ambitious youths. was acquir-
ing knowledge Of men and manners, but the
narration hOU is not material.
About this time fit Of sickness rendered il
necessary for me to seek maternal care, under
whose blessed influence health soon returned.
The day before again left home, to plunge more
extensively than had hitherto done, into the
whirl of business, was sitting by my mother,
and pouring into her willing ear some accout OF
my cares and annoyances. She heard me pa
tently, and when / had concluded my story put
her arm aronnd my neck, and kissed my forehead
and said, "My SONNY dear son, never think
yourself forgotten by us. Your father mentions
your name night and morning"
| understood this perfectly. From my earli-
est infancy had heard the fervent petitions Of
fered at such times for the temporary absent
one, and now as | was going out into the world
perhaps never to return-the remembrances
of this circumstance were comfort to me. j
knew the paths of youth were slippery, for had
seen sufficient of the world, even in year to be
well aware of the fact, and in some degree real
lied the privilege of being so remembered
Years rolled On-business nearly engrossed
the whole of my secular time, but never forgot
my mothers impressive speech. Occasionally,
anxiously would think of my fathers earnest
petition, offered for me that morning, and its
strength granted, in answer to it, rise beside the
trial. if not Immediately victorious over it,
Sometimes pleasure would lure by her syren
voice to participation in unholy omusements,
but the charm was powerless when thought OF
my fathers prayer.
I have hoon ,,o,,p,r ood ,,o,, ~, o1J ~ fboco
words still ring in my ears and influence my
conduct. The lips which then supplicated for
me have exchanged supplications for everlasting
praises; yet, in times of sorrow and perplexity,
| feel my mothers lips on my fevered brow, and
her words are cordial to my heart. In times
of JOY and prosperity remember them and they
act as moderating agency to the sanguine rest
lessness of ambition.
Parents throw around the hearts Of your
children a similar indestructible chain. At the
family alter teach them by suitable petitions that
you sympathize with them in their feeble at
tempt to do right; there, let confession be made
for family sins, and grateful praise returned for
family mercies; then may you hope for re-un-
ion with your dispersed families in better
country, even heavenly. Family Journal.
! ENEMIEs.-Have you any enemies 90 straight
on, and mind them not. If they block up your
path, walk around them, and do your duty re-
gardless of their spite. A man who has no en-.
emies is seldom good for anything he is made
of that kind of material which is so easily work.
ed, that every one has hand in it. A sterling
character-one who thinks for himself and
speaks what he thinks-is always sure to have
enemies. They are as necessary as fresh air
they keep him alive. A celebrated character,
who was surrounded with enemies, used to re-
mark" They are sparks which, if you do not
, blow, will go out of themselves. Let this be
you feeling while endeavoring to live down the
: scandal of those who are bitter against you.
al tell you Susan that will commit suicide
if you won't have me-"
swell, John, as soon as you have given me
that proof of your affection, Twill believe that
you love me-"
Redeem time for study, the busiest man can
: spare some moments.