The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-07-09

gown and slippers by the parlor fire, and
the evening of contentment and rest which
he knows is awaiting him there. What
matters it how loudly the storm beats, or
the gusty winds raves; is he not at home,
and with the objects of bis love? Isn't he
hapPys Ask him, and he will tell you
yes" with an earnestness that defics dis
belief
Maybe, in all these happy homes there
are vacant places; empty seats at the fire.
sides; unused books little shoes, and faded
knots of ribbon laid away in some hallowed
drawer; little playtbings that once brought
JOY to the little hearts which lie cold and
still beneath mounds carpeted with the soft
snow of winter! Very likely; every family
has its precious dead children; but even the
remembrance Of this is no cause of unhap-
piness, when we remember that around orr
Fathers Throne above there can come no
dsatfection, no trial, no shadow Of wo -
Grieving for this besecms us i'll, for the Sa-
viour Of the world stretched forth his hands.
and declared, "of such is the kingdom OF
heaven"
Friend, So long as home is granted you,
lowly and humble though it may be-, ii
Love and Peace are its watchfires, and Con-
tentment its bright and abiding star, never
call yourseIfpoor! You are rich far rich
or than the haplcss millionaire, who, with
pockets lined will, the glit,cring orc Of Cali
fornia, goes nightly to his splendid lodgings
in a hotel, and finds his home circle in the
fast men that share the place OF his abode
You have treasure which moth will not
corrupt, or rust corrode; for all perfect af-
fections is heaven-born, and therefore imper-
ishablc.
We have much qualification in believing
that the love which has cemented hearts in
holy union here, shall continue its sacred
office in the hereafter; for "God is Love-
and his kingdom is one of good will toward
men.
1t is not gold and silver, neither heaps Of
precious jewels, that bless ireffably the lives
which are given US; neither honor nor the
worlds praise, for death will sweep all away ;
but it is that pure, earnest, sincere love OF
God and our fellow men, which never fails,
even in this world, of bringing sure and
glorious reward.
Cherish home! Never let dscord and
ill-nature enter there! Never allow the
dark face Of distrust to cross its hallowed
threshold! Guard your home as you would
your life; nay, more, for happiness is more
precious than life, and upon that home you,
happiness depends.
Perfect confidence should abide there for
ever! Let no dim secret intrude, to build
up, as it were, wall of granite between its
inhabitants. The great corner stone of Love
is Confidence, and the one cannot exist
without the other. Between the hearts o
the dwellcrs in one family there should be
no veil Of darkness, no shadow of mystery
for, out of doubt, love and contentment ney
er spring ; and only in the broad sunshine O
Truth can the royal plant Of Respect flourish
and grow strong.
Politeness and courtesy towards the mem
bers Of your family, will tend to establish
kindly feelings; and let the same Difference
which you would show a stranger be shown
towards those who love you best, and wbt
have legitimate right to the best phrase o
your character.
ltis singular, considering the many amia
bic men and women ono meets in society
that there should be so few happy homes
80 few specimens Of conjugal and fraterna
happiness. All, it is sad to speak it; but i
results from the fact that too many people
save their smiles from their own families
to bestow them up the eager crowd of fash.
ion and folly. 1T is true that we want mol
at home the formal poltencss which societ,
abroad requires of us, that the genuine up
spriDging Of kindness which comes direc
from the heart, and always gladdeus the re
cipient, and makee the givcr better and hap
pier. Let us then display .the.best part o
our lives at home. We have those there
whose claims are paramount to all others
lot us look to It that we respect those claims
and yield freely the right.
We love well the voice Of the great can
tatries who stands in the wide:roofed hall
and polfssorih her song for the gratifca
tion Of ihe multitude; ;sbutwe love bette,
the sweet, soft voice which singsfto cheer
weary father, q sick brothers, Of care.worr si-
busband.s There is soul in that voice; there
is beauty aud pathos there and with tba,
voice it seems the very angles of heaven
nigh love % mingle tie ssssphie chorus h,.s
May .he ga q; our aihsrss, guard snd
protect our homes May tesprassrYe ,thss
l.G Z