The Democratic advocate., 1883-10-06
Home Attractions.

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There is nothing 50 pleasing and enjoy
able to the inmates Of dwelling, either in
city or country, as its interior arrange
ments. Much, very much of the education
and training of those brought up amid the
surroundings of the home will manifest in
their future life for better or for worse to
the society where they may cast their lots.
To the children reared in a pleasant
home of harmony and concord, come those
influences which mold and adapt them the
better to impress upon their associates the
benedictions of the purer life in contrast
with the misery and wretchedness of vic
ious one.
Whatever the character of the home may
be, whether hut or palace, it may be made
so bright and cheerful by the wise and
judicious management of its presiding ge-
MUS, that The outside world may tempt in
vain to draw from its precincts those who
are in the constant enjoyment of its de
lights.
The cheerful, sunny smiles of the moth
er, the words of welcome and wisdom from
the father, the playful sports and pastimes
of the children and their friends, under the
judicious supervision of the master and
mistress of the home circle for the long
winter evenings, make the time pass profit
ably and agreeably to each and all.
The discussions and conversations at such
times upon important subjects may lay the
foundation for the development of some
idea or principle that may become lead
ing one in the social, mechanical or politi-
cal movements of the time In such homes
visitors may be attracted to them, where
rest, comfort and peace may be found such
as cannot be secured elsewhere and thus
temptations avoided that are constantly in
the path of the human race everywhere.
Hospitality in the home is one of the
leading traits on the part of those who
control and govern that makes It's impress
sion for good to all who may be made par
takers of this beautiful feature of house
hold attraction.
Where everything is bright and inviting,
there will be found pleasure and enjoy
ment. 1t is not alone the furniture of the
house that gives to it the home look, and
the secret of pleasant living To this must
be added the cheerful voice, the unrufied
temper, a sweet disposition, the encourag-
ing words of sympathy, the instructive
counsel, the mutual confidence of the mas
ter and mistress, and the home becomes
place of bliss, with all attendant blessings.
In such household life is honest and
wholesome, and in spite of the worries and
cares that are inevitable, it becomes endu-
rable by the judicious thoughtfulness and
quiet determination of the acceptance of
the annoyances, and how best to dispose of
them without prejudice to the comfort and
harmony of the family.
In all the affairs of the family there
should be concert of action and unity of
purpose, as from that cause there comes
success and prosperity to all its members,
instances of which are seen in everyday
life
In every country home the habits and
character Of its inmates are formed by OBJ
seryation and association, and these to be
right must be the care of those who are the
heads of such homes.
Literature, music and art all have
place in these homes, to add to other at
fractions that tend to bring pleasure and
happiness to all who may belong to, or have
occasion to visit them as friends or neigh
bors. In each of these parts, or taken as
whole, careful and judicious selection Of
such works and objects as will tend to the
cultivation of good taste, order and refine
ment, and promote virtue, should be exer
cised by those who are blessed with home
where there are children to be reared and
educated.
AS are the homes so will be the people
and the nation in regard to virtue and
morals, and the proper attractions to pro
duce such results cannot be too carefully
provided by those who have the means and
the opportunity to secure them.
IF parents would also endeavor to pro-
vide amusements for their children at
home there would be but little inclination
to seek them outside, and thus much of the
evil and temptation, trouble and sorrow
which many home has suffered from
such sources would have been avoided.