The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1883-02-15
THE FAMILY CIRCLE.

and tone Of conversation might be in
many families far more intelligently
guided. Parents ought to study the nrt
OF interesting their children in noble
and inspiring themes. II the ordinary
and. daily talk at the table and in the
drawing-room be sordid and selfish, or
snarling. or only gossipy, or about po-
tatoes, and cabbagcs, what can one ex
pect Of the childrcn's minds or hopes?
When will parents learn that their
words are seed-corn. and will bear
future harvest, each after its own kind.
Heroes and saints are made by talking
of hcroism and sainthood, just as mcr-
chants and farmers are made by talking
Of commerce and agriculture.
CHissREN.- Some children arc more
prone 10 show temper than others. aud
sometimes on account OF qualities which
are valuable IN themselves. For in
stance, child Of active temperament,
sensitive feeling and eager purpose is
more likely to meet with constant jars
and rubs than dull, passive child; and.
If he is of an open nature, his inward
irritation is Immediately shown in
bursts Of passion. If yon rcpress these
ebullitions by scolding and punishment,
You only increase the evil by changing
passion into sulkiness. 4 cheerful,
good-tempered tone OF your own, n SYM
pathy with his trouble, whenever the
trouble has arisen from no ill-conduct,
are the best antidotes: but it would be
better still to prevent beforehand, as
much as possible. all sources Of annoy
ance. Never fear spelling children by
making them happy.
HOLD On, BoYs.--Hold on to Your
tongue when You are just ready to
swear, lie, or speak harshly, or use an
improper word.
Hold on to your hand when You are
about to punch, strike, scratch, steal or
do any improper act.
Hold on to your foot when you are on
the point of kicking, running off from
study, or pursuing the path of error,
shame or crime.
Hold on to your temper when You arc
angry, excited, or imposed upon, or
others arc angry with you.
Hold on to your heart when evil asso-
ciates seek your company and invite
you to join in their mirth, games and
rcvelrv.
Hold on to your good name, for it is
Of more value than gold, high places or
fashionable attire.
Hold on to tho truth. for it will serve
You we'll and do You good throughout
eternity.
Hold on to virtue-it Is above all
price to you in all times and places.
Hold on to your good character, for
! it is and ever will be your best wealth.
illustrated Christian lfeekly.
WE CAN MAKE HOME HAPPY.
Though we may not change the cottage
For mansion tall aud grand,
Or exchange a little grass plat
For u houndless stretch uf land
Yet there's something brighter, nearer,
Than the wealth we'd thus command.
Though We have no means to purchase
/ Costly pictures. rich and rare
1 Though we have no silken hangings
For the walls 80 cold and bare
We can hang them o'er with garlands,
For flowers bloom everywhere.
We can ALWAYS make home cheerful.
4 Ii the right course we begin:
\ We can make its inmates happy,
And their truest blessings win:
II will make the small room brighter
II we let the sunshine In.
When we gather round the fircside
When the evening hours are long,
We can blend our hearts and voices
In happy, social sony;
We can guide some crring brother,
Lead him from the path Of wrong.
We may fill our home with music,
And with sunshine brimming DER,
II against all dark intruders
We will firmly shut the door
Yet. should evils shadows enter,
We must love each other more.
There are treasures for tho lowlv
Which the sEandcst fail to find:
There Ia 4 chain OF sweet affection
Binding friends OF kindred mind
We may reap the choicest blessings
From the poorest lot assigned.