No. 6. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 323 



hx'L', easv exorcise of all our faculties, in which obedience is o j)]eas- 

 ure, discipline a joy, iinpiovement a seli"-\vrought delight. All duties 

 of the home when lighdy understood are only means of improvement 



As we see the pictures developed in the story of. The Great Stone 

 Face, have we not an illustration of what (juiet home influences 

 wrought. Just as Earnest grew, like the feature of that face in the 

 White Mountains, so we are growing like the character which sur- 

 round us. Let us pattern after that most noble face, the face of 

 CMuist Jesus, and grow more and more like him, day by day and we 

 will liave a brigliter, a purer and a model home. Let us see what 

 some of the essentials are which tend toward a right or wrong in- 

 fluence: 



Fh'sf. That of cheerfulness. It is not only a blessing to ourselves 

 but one of the gems of the home. It argues no talent and beauty, 

 but is a gem that will enrich talent and beautj^ supply the loss of 

 eitlier, by no other charm and it is the chief beauty of hospitality. 



Second. Patience is another jewel which should deck the home. 

 Look into the home where all are impatient and you see a continual 

 turmoil. Look into the home where patience is a virtue and see the 

 marked change, a blessing to parents and children, a conqueror of all 

 difficulties, a support in afflictions, teaching us resignation and re- 

 (luires the exercise of Christian principle. 



Third. Fault finding. This is a habit easily acquired and hard to 

 shake ofl'. The faultfinder is dreaded, feared, and is a disagreeable 

 companion. Better correct our own faults before we constitute our- 

 selves judges of the defects of others. Avoid, therefore, the begin- 

 ning of a habit that becomes, only too soon completely our master, 

 and try to be blind to evils that cannot be remedied. 



Fourth. Co-operation is essential in all departments of the home. 

 If co-operation doe® not exist between husband and wife they fail to 

 refiect an influence either morally or financially for, do not actions 

 speak louder than words? 



Fifth. Negligence may be a barrier in the home. For as soon as 

 one begins to neglect his duty then he has started on a downward 

 course. 



Sixth. Courtesy. The foundation of courtesy is unselfishness and 

 a desire to please. What charms would be diffused in our homes, 

 if every member made it a rule to observe all the kindly courtesies of 

 lite, making the same effort to be agreeable to each other, as they 

 would feel bound to make in a social circle of friends or acquaint- 

 ances. Man}^ persons who are the very pink of politeness in com- 

 pany, at home are petulant, rude and tyrannical, keeping the atmos 

 phere that should be most serene, clouded and dull; carrying the face 

 that beams with smiles outside, gloomy or indifferent inside, giving 



