The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1888-08-29
Home-FOr Particulars sec Below.

SatlOn ana SuDJecC upon WHICH, lHe
best pens are employed. And nowon-
der. The word recalls the days OF
childhood with all their delightful as
sociations the days of youth and the
pleasures of that auspicious season ;
the days of maturer life with the more
sober joys and the profounder cares
which had their source or their relief
within it's sacred precincts.
The word brings to mind father
going forth in the morning to labor,
and returning as the night drew on to
bless and brighten the family circle
a mother whose busy hands, tireless
feet, and gentle words were constant
benediction brothers and sisters
some of whom perhaps are not-who
where the partners of our sports, went
with us to school, and who divided and
so multiplied all ourjoys.
From the home issues the streams
which are to bless or to blight socie-
tv, the state, the world. All confess
that it is vain to look for the regen-
Grafton of society and true progress
unless the home be purified and from
it as from living fountain be poured
the life-giving streams. Can nothing
be done to make this centre of influ-
ence holier and so richer blessing to
all? Can not few simple rules be
given which, duly observed, will pro-
mote these worthiest ends? Will not
these following rules, few and simple,
do SO?
| RULEI.
The home must be the gathering
place for all members of the family.
The fathers labors will keep him
away during most of the day; and
the children's school or other duties
will take them from home. But when
evening comes the fathers work is
done, and the schools are closed, and
the mothers more pressing domestic
duties are ended for time. Then all
must gather and abide under the roof
tree. The father must not eat his sup
per in haste and in silence, and then
rush abroad to find his pleasures. He
has engaged to cherish his wife. Let
him abide at home: let him cheer her
who has been the light and guardian
of his house in his absence, aud pat
iently filled her round of service,
though not always light, not always
pleasant, not always free from petty
yexations. Let him tell her what he
has seen and heard, and what has
chanced in the business of the day.
Let the sons too remain at home, where
the safest and purest pleasures are to be
found-or, if pleasures are to be taken
abroad, let them be enjoyed together.
An entertainment which would be
beautiful to a husband and father will
be doubly so to a wife and children,
and especially so if it can be enjoyed
in the company of husband and ia
ther.
| RULE II.
It is not enough to be together: the
intercourse must be such as will pro-
fit, increase enjoyment, and make
home attractive. There must be no
inconsiderate or harsh word. Reproof
must not be given without urgent oc-
casion. Many trifing irregularities
may be best corrected by quietly call
ing attention to them. They do not
demand severe rebuke; indeed, this
may aggravate what it seeks to cure.
The tones of the voice must be sub
dued often indeed the most effect
i've correction of what is wrong is to
be found in silence. There is health
full moral influence in gentle tones;
and these should characterize all
speech. A little time given in help to
children with their lessons, or some
participation in their innocent pas
times will make home attractive and
the evenings at home delightful.
RULE III.
The most unreserved freedom and
candor should mark the intercourse.
All unnecessary restraints are to be re-
moved, and one part of the family
must have no secrets in which the
other may not share. Beyond doubt
there are matters of which the father
and mother only should speak but
these matters must be as few as posi-
BILE. Secretiveness and want of can
dor are cultivated in children by the
example of parents. Evidently they
have many things which they do not
wish their children to know so it fol-
lows that soon the children have many
things which are carefully kept from
the knowledge of their parents. Con-
versation with children about busi-
ness and other affairs increases self-re-
spect and manliness of spirit.
RULE
The utmost politeness must grace all
intercourse. Not that there is to be
ceremonious stiffness but there must
always be politeness. 'I'll thank you
to do os and So" said to child, is not
| , 1yaste Of rood manners When anv|