Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1860-08-10
General iAtsrrllanu.
MAKE HOME HAPPY.


Let US suggest, then, some things which
may tend to promote the happiness of home.
!. Each in the home circle must have a be-
novolent spirit, or have a disposition to make
the rest happy. If one DO needless of the
wishes of the others, but tenacious of his own
qualification, he acts on selfish principle.
which can sunder all human ties. 4 benevo-
lent spirit will lead to frequent selfdenial for
others good, and it is the cornerstone.
2. Avoid the positive causes which tend to
mar the peace Of home. Everything which
will be likely to displease, if unnecessary,
should be avoided The happiness of day
may be destroyed by single word or action,
and its repetition may keep a family in con
slant turmoil. Small things may embitter
life. He who would knowingly give unneces-
sary pain is wanting in human feelings
g. Each must have forbearing spirit.
No one that knows himself imagines that
he is perfect, even as a social being He
needs the forberance of others, and be must be
willing TO extend it to them. To ask porfcc-
ton in others, when one has only imperfec-
tons to give in return. is not fair exchange.
There will often be difference Of opinion, but
there need be no alienation Of feeling. Let
judgment lean TO the side Of charity, and what
charity cannot cover, let forbearance excuse.
A. 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 free, open, penitent ac-
acknowledgement of a wrong, whenever it has
been done. And whenever such spirits arc
together, harmony cannot be broken, though
the house is small.
.. Cultivate an open, communicative spirit.
An open expression of thought and feeling
leads to wider comparison of views, to more
intelligent judgments, and to a knowledge of
one another, which removes distrust, and
forms the only true basis OF mutual confidence
and sympathy. Minds cannot flow into one
another unless they know each other-unless
they are open and communicative. Most sub
jects may be Familiarity conversed upon. At
least, spirit of reserve should be avoided -
If characteristic of family in their relations
to each other, 1t stops the spontaneous out
flowing of feeling and thought it deadens
sympathy, chills affection, and thus breaks
the sweetest charm of home.
6. Another requisite is the faithful perform
ance of relative duties.
Every social relation involves correspond
ing social duties. Husband and wife, parent
and child, brother and sister, owe to each
other respectively the duties of these relations
1t is fundamental law, in all the relation
ships of society, that they involve reciprocal
duties which balance one another And if a
person sustain a relation and neglect its du-
ties. he violates the very principle Of harmony
IN the social system. He disowns his own
nature lie is worse than an inGdel.
Some of the family, at least, have leisure.
Let them SO use it as to increase the common
stock Of knowledge. If family dwell only
on the routine of daily affairs, or on events Of
mere local importance, their minds will want
vigor and scope The hour of leisure will
drag heavily. Life will pass in dull monot-
ony, Home will be wanting in attractiveness.
But enlarge and elevate the thoughts OF the
home circle, and it will give vigor to the in
tellect and freshness 10 the feelings it will
awaken the spirit Of inquiry, prompt to dill
gent reading and study, and pour into the
aaily conversation yiyacity. variety, aud ele-
waited sentiment Let young minds grow up
surrounded by spirit Of intelligence which
reads, which investigates not mere news of
the day, but that which is Of substantial i'm
portance--the very kernel of truth. 1t is
dangerous to the happiness Of family, if its
leading members sink into mental sluggish
ness. Many a young mind has sought low
and vicious excitement abroad for want of
proper mental employment at home.
&. Cherish the social affections.
Nothing can supply the want OF these 49,
They give to domestic life its bloom and fra
GRANGE. Under their influence every burden
seems light, every employment cheerful, every
care sweet. Without them all mutual service
is kind Of task-work, and life itself cold and
cheerless. A sense of duty, however strong,
is not sufficient. A determination to do lust
what one is obliged to do in the thousand
little cares Of domestic life overtasks the con-
science, and leaves little room for the play Of
INC affections. These are not altogether spon-
famous. They may be herished-drectly
Dy little attentions and kindnesses which feed
them; indirectly, by avoiding whatever drinks
up their lie-seeking pleasure abroad. apart
from the family-self-indulg too absorb
ing pursuit of wealth or honor-anything
which does not give room for the growth and
play of the social affections. Mont. Witness.