Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1864-11-11
FAMILY INTERCOURSE.

This is sore subject 10 touch. One ieels
like treadipg sll at once on bundled cOrns.
Nearly every family has its sore ppot-i's
dark closet-its private closet, carefully locke
up and the interior hidden from the light If
day. II seems strange 10 say that the mos
family difficulties arise from the ignorance Ci
;hs different members of each other, and yej
il is sadly true. Many families live together
for years, and separate, knowing less OF each
Others secret feelings, motives, and the spring
which guides action, than of others who have
lived together outside the family circle
small jealousies, petty selfsbnees, creep it
and produce estrAngement, which frequently
mer the happiness oI lifetime.
There is little appreciation OF the divine
beauty and loving graceful possibilities OF the
family relation. II is so common fact that
we lose sight OF its wisdom, just as We forget
10 be thankful that the sun shines, or that the
dew and rain fall. The sweet name OF moth
er, brother, sister, falls upon the ear withou
meaning, while we are constantly associated
with them and in The habitual enjoyment ot
their kind sfficeS it is only long ater, when,
perhaps, some bright eyes have become dim
med, and the merry laugh OF Others hushed,
and the weary, tired heart seeks its resi-
among slTangers, that the magic of house
hold names, aud the deep, tender meaning OF
The household relationship is really felt.
The great want in families is justice and
reciprocity and that forbesrance which it is
necessary for mortals always 10 exercise TO-
waId each other. We willingly accept il
from others, but We are not willing to give
it in return We establish claim on some
incidental circumstance, or the bare fact OF
relationship, aud impose burthenS and ac-
cepi kiBduesses without thought Of obliga-
ton on our own part. Children make the
lie of their parents one of never ending toll
and anxiety, and often refuse even the poor
reward Of their love and confidence. Sisters
demaud aid, protection and favors of all sorts
from their brothers, and if askrd TO make
their shirts, aud mend their sbOe, or even hem
handkerchief in return, would have thou
sand excuses, or, perhaps, fatty refuse the
ueeded service.
| Habi'ual politeness is a valuable element o.
family intercourse. A coarse. rude speech i:
less excus4 ole. addressed TO father, mother
| brother sister, than if used to a stranger o.
simple acquaintance ; and yet how common
| il is.
OF course, the fault of this lies with ih'
parents. Precept is of little use without ex
ample Some parents think it beneath lheil
dignity to prefix TT quest with If you please,
or Have he kindness" i" and than wonder why
their children rannot be "mannerly" like olh
er people. We have known the sons OF poe
widow, who, on no account. would have per
mt,ed themselves TO sit down to table Will
! their mother, without first arranging tbeI
| toilet in the best manner their circumstances
would permit, never suffered her, no matte
What the temptation, to attend church or be
weekly prayer meeting alone. This consider
alton extended TO the minutest acts Of THE
daily life, and was most charming TO see
The mother, it is hardly necessary to say, wa
a lady by birth ard education, aud had care
fully practiced toward her children that re
ppect for their feelings, and thonghtfulness fo
their comfort. which she afterwArd receive
from them.