American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1861-09-28
Make Home Happy.

OcucNolcua sptitty OF nave At> sso>AAo1
to make the rest happy. II one be
needless of the wishes of others. but
tenacious of his own qualification, be
acts on selfish principle. which can
sunder all human ties A besevolent
spirit will lead to frequent self-denial for
others good. and it = the cornerstone on
which the happiness of home must rest
g. Avoid the positive causes which
tend to mar the peace of home. Every
thing 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 constant turmoil
Small things may embitter life. He who
would knowingly give unnecessary pain
is wanting in human feelings.
8. Each must have forbearing spirit.
No one that knows himself imsgines
that he is perfect, even as social being.
He needs the forbearance of others. aud
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
difference of opinion. but there need be
no alienation of feeling. Let the judg
ment lean to the side of charity. and
what charity cannot cover, let forbear-
ance excuse.
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 free.
open, penitent acknowledgement of a
wrong. whenever it has been done. And
whenever such spirits are together. har-
mony cannot be broken. though the house
is small.
5. Cultivate an open, communicative
spirit.
An open expression of thought and
feeling leads to wider comparison Of
views. to more intelligent judgements.
and to a knowledge of one another.
which removes distrust. and forms the
only true basis of mutual confidence aud
sympathy. Minds cannot flow into one
another unless they know each other
unless they are open and communicative
Most subjects may be Familiarity con-
versed upon. At least spirit of reserve
should be avoided. If characteristic OF
a family in their relations to each other.
it stops the spontaneous outfOwing Of
feeling and thought /; it deadens sympathy.
,hills 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 sister.
owe to each other respectively the duties
Of these relations. 1t is a fundamental
law, in all the relationships of society.
that they involve reciprocal duties which
balance one another. And II a person
sustain relation and neglect its duties.
be violates the very principle of harmony
in the social system. He disowns his
own nature. He is worse than an ip6del
7. Cultivate relish for useful kuOwl-
edge.
Some of the family, at least, have
leisure. Let them so use it as to increase
the common stock of knowledge If a
family dwell only on the routine of daily
affairs, or on events of mere local imPor-
lance. their minds want vigor and scope.
The hour of leisure gill drag heavily.
Life will pass in dull monotony- But
enlarge and elevate the thoughts Of the
home circle. and it will give vigor to the
intellect and freshness to the feelings 1t
will awaken the spirit of inquiry. prompt
to diligent reading and study. and pour
into the daily conversation, vivacity. va
riety and elevated sentiment. Let young
minds grow up surrounded by spirit
Ol lutciilECHCC fSo0ss
tigates not mere news OF the day. bat
that which is of substantial importance
the very kernel of truth II is danger
Gus to the happiness of a family. if Its
leading members sink into mental slug
gishness. Many a young mind has
sought low and vicious excitement abroad
for want Of proper mental employment
at home.
8. Cherish the social affections.
Nothing can supply the want of these.
They give to domestic life It's bloom and
fragrance. Under their influence every
burden is light. every employment cheer
full. every care sweet Without them
all mutual service is kind of task-work.
and life itself cold and cherries. A
sense of duty. however strong. is not
sufficient. A determination to do Just
what one is obliged to do in the thous-
and little cares of domestic life. overtasks
the conscience and leaves little room for