East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1859-10-06
HOME.

What a subtle and exquisite power
has Home, in contrast with all other
places on earth! 1t may not be grand
in the buildings and grounds, rich in its
furnishings, or gay and rare in the orna-
ments that adorn it; but what luxury it
has, of security, comfort, affection, reposc!
There may be sickness within it, even
perilous and protractcd, and the visits
of the physician be as regular as the day
dawn, and the voices of the household
be hushed and grave, and the frolic-some
mirth of children be limited; and, yet,
what sweetness and balm the Home has
for the wearied and the strong, for the
anxious and the glad! The rooms we
are used to-of course others are richer,
larger, more splendid, but surely no 9th
ers are SO fitted to us; of such comforta-
bic size, of such excellent outlooks.-
The chairs are as native to us as if we
had grown up side by side. The prints
on the walls are just what we wish-as
why should they not be, since we have
selected them? The books on the shelves
ray out a certain mysterious instruc-
tion from their very bindings and titles,
as they stand in ordered familiar filc.-
The fre-blaze sparkles and leaps more
cheerily, as in knowledge of the pres
ence of its master; and each figure upon
the carpet seems to rest and smile, with
an inward and placid enjoyment, in the
light of the sca-coal, and under the tiny
steps Of children. Certainly, there is a
something of tranquility in the air, of
embosoming warmth, that cannot be
found elsewhere on earth.
1t is not merely the glance Of affection;
one may meet that elsewhere, or may
carry with him. 1t is not the glceful
voice of childhood; one may hear that,
as freely and joyfully, away. 1t is not
any one of the visible elements of the
scenery of Home. But it is the sense of
wontcdness over all; the feeling that
here we have lived and enjoyed; the pres
ence of the Past, which associations re-
call; the presence of Duty accepted and
done, and found not burdenseme; the
presence of barriers, unseen but real,
shutting out the intrusion Of strangers or
the hostile, walling around and defending
the inmates whom we cherish. No won
der that affections unfold within Home;
that intelligence is nurtured and knowl-
edge accumulated, and that all social
happiness finds here its spring. The dis
putcs of the world are hushed on its TIRES.
hold. The stern and tenacious cndeav.
ors-give place by the fircside to the
Offices of kindness; and tranquil Peace is
the law Of Home. Men cease to discuss
about "Inland" and "Seashore;" they are
both as one in the knowledge that home
is better than either. The very arm
chairs around the table at evening, would
reproach them for their folly if they scru-
pie to admit it.
From such homes what influence shall
circulate over life; shall pass out from
their subject to affect whole communi.
ties! A word dropped in season, with
affectionate earnestness, into heart SC
open and receptive as home tends to make
it, it shall blossom and grew in after
years, and the fruit Of that word shall
shake like Lebanon.
The germ must be nurtured, not tho
tree manufactured. IL the home be sc
needfull to men, to their social and NOR
al prosperity and progress, it is crimina
for husbands and fathers to neglect it, t.
tarry at their merchandise, or to labol
in their Offices, till the actual necessities
of life drive them home; to use this as I
mere restaurant and dormitory, and Il
bring to it nothing Of personal acquisi
tion-no resources Of knowledge, not NJ
office, of affection, no influence of relig
ion, no power Of Christian and HUMANE
example. 1t is not for their interest t
, neglect their home, for vice and extrav
agancc will scatter remorselessly wha
industrious thrift has patiently gathered
unless the children are trained to relig
{ ion. 1t is for their positive, personal in
jury to neglect it, for their own mind
and hearts need its beautiful culture
Rec. X. s. Storrs, Jr.