Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1860-10-05
Gflctteo MlistrIIanp.
MAKE HOMIE uAppY.

Let us suggest, then, some things
which may tend to promote the happiness
Of home.
/. Each in the home circle must have
benevolent spirit, OF have disposition
to make the rest happy. Ifone be heed
less of the wishes of the others, but te-
nacious of his own qualification, he acts
on a selfish principle, which can sunder
all human ties. A benevolent spirit will
lead to frequent self-denial for others,
good, and it is the cornerstone on which
the happiness of home must rest.
2. Avoid the positive causes which
tend to mar the peace of home. Every
thing which will be likely to displease, il
unnecessary, should be avoided The
happiness of day may be destroyed by
single word or action, and its repeti-
ton may keep family in constant tur-
MOL. Small things may embitter life.
He who would knowingly give unneces-
sary pain is wanting in human feelings.
3. Each must have forbearing spirit.
No one that knows himself imagines
that he is perfect, even as a social being
He needs the forbearance Of others, and
he must be willing to extend it to them.
To ask perfection in others, when one has
only imperfections to give in return, is
not fair exchange. There will often be
differences of opinion, but there need he
no alienation of feeling Let the judg-
ment lean to the side of charity, and what
charity cannot cover, let forbeareance ex-
cuse.
4. BE ready to ask forgiveness.
Many are too little to do this. But
nothing can SO stamp ones character with
the seal Of true greatness, as a free, open,
penitent acknowledgment of a wrong,
whenever it has been done. And when
ever such spirits are together, harmony
cannot be broken, though the house is
small.
5. Cultivate an open, communicative
spirit.
An open expression of thought and
feeling leads to a wider comparison Of
views, to more intelligent, and to a
knowledge of one another, which removes
distrust. aud forms the only true basis Of
mutual confidence and sympathy. Minds
cannot flow into one another unless they
know each othcr-unlcss they are open
and communicative. Most subjects may
be familiarity conversed upon. At least,
spirit of reserve should be avoided. If
characteristic of family in their rela-
tons to each other, it stops the spontane-
Gus outfowing of feeling and thought !;
it deadens sympathy, chills affection, and
thus breaks the sweetest charm of home.
6. Another requisite is the faithful
performance Of relative duties.
Every social relation involves cores
ponding social duties. Husband and
wife, parent and child, brother and sis
ter, owe to each other respectively the
duties Of these relations. II is funda-
mental law, in all the relationships of So
ciety, that they involve reciprocal duties
which balanc one another. And if
person sur relation and neglect its
duties, he v. V the very principle of
harmony in the Ncial system. He dis
owns his own nature. lilo is worse than
IN in6del.
z. Cultivate relish for useful knowl-
EDGE.
Some Of the family, at least, have lei
lure. Let them so use it as 10 increase
he common stock Of knowledge. If
amily dwell only on the routine Of daily
fairs, or on events Of mere local impor-
ance, thoir minds will want vigor and
cope. The hour Of leisure will drag
leavily. Life will pass in a dull monoto-
". Home will be wanting in attractive
less. But enlarge and elevate the