t'ARMERs' INSTITUTES. ^2? 



AN IDEAL IIOMK. 



BY NELLIE SHUGART DAVIS, MARION. 



[Read before the Grant County Farmers' Institute.] 



"Home," says the Rev. Rnfus W. Clark, "is oik- of tlic blessings that 

 has escaped the ruins of the fall. It is the oasis of the moral desert 

 that surrounds us. It is tlie niorninc: star of our existence, and the even- 

 ing star of our declining yt>ars. It is the rainbow upon the stormcloud 

 that tells us of a quiet retreat from the tempests of misfortune and calam- 

 ity. Its pleasures remain when all other sources of Avorldlj' happiness are 

 dried up. Its love and sympathy continue when all Ix'side is neglect or 

 cold intlifference." 



Such may be said of an ideal home. 



The underlying principles of such a home rest primarily upon love 

 and congenial relations. The harmony and happiness of a home results 

 Irum harmonj- between husl)und and wife. 



If loving and beloved <lestiny united with worthy companion rejoicing 

 will residt and life's journey will be accompanied with a glow of satis- 

 faction and deliglit unfelt before which will often" be renewed and daily 

 prove as the living waters from some perennial .spring. 



Courteous demeanor and Ivindly words belong to a well ordered home. 

 A smile costs nothin"; and exerts a wholesome influence. Study how to 

 please, and avoid that which gives needless pain to others. Always grant 

 a favor when asked, unless you have a reasonbale excuse for refusing, 

 in which case refuse kindly. "One should be polite at home, not merely 

 for the sake of appearing to advantage abroad but that you might render 

 yourself and your home hap])y and agreeable." 



In the well organized ideal there must be mutual forbearance. 



"Tlie kindest and the happiest pair 

 Will And occasion to forbear. 

 Something every day they live 

 To pity and perhaps forgive." 



As some one has said. "If there be proper forbearance and mutual 

 condescension these points of individuality will break the monotony of 

 .sameness and form a wholesome and pleasing variety and will by no 

 means impair the essence of true union." 



Be conliding one toward the other. There should be no uneommuni- 

 cated secrets. The third party is disturbing. "Confidence when once 

 broken, like broken chinaware, is rarely ever completely repaired. Everj'- 

 thing that would intend to impair it should be studiously avoided." 



Self-control is tlie secret to all true greatness. 



