MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS. 199 



THE TliUE AND THE BEAUTIFUL. 



It has been said that America is peculiarly a nation of homes. In 

 this beautiful testimony is written the history of its greatness. For in 

 the home all the qualities of the moral and social nature must receive 

 their impetus. Its wholesome atmosphere must develop the sterling 

 elements of character of those who are to mould the nation. The 

 character of a nation depends upon the character of its homes. The 

 virtues which are nourished there, the lovely traits cherished, become 

 the strength of the nation ; the selfish disposition, the rebellious spirit 

 make the sins and weaknesses of Che nation. The manners and cus- 

 toms of the household are perfected into the State. The further we 

 advance in civilization and culture, the greater the importance attached 

 to the home. 



It is also true that much of a man's energy and success, as well as 

 happiness, depends upon its character. Place does not constitute it> 

 nor do outward things in themselves. That place is the truest home 

 which is to those who dwell there the center of all that is pleasant and 

 lovely, of those influences which are calculated to bring out the best 

 that is in them, the spot around which shall cluster delightful recollec- 

 tions in after years. 



But this is a busy age. Every energy is bent toward the acquiring 

 of something just beyond. This energetic, ambitious spirit is necessary 

 and right to a certain extent, when it helps to make the home the 

 embodiment of comfort. The work then becomes ennobled by a great 

 purpose, an object in life which must hold in it something of the divine. 

 But do we not in our eager, anxious care act as if we thought the meat 

 more than life, and the raiment than the body, and forget that thought 

 and sight and admiration are useful, because they enable us to perform 

 the part appointed us by our Creator. Man's function is to be the 

 witness of the glory of God, and to advance that glory by his reason- 

 able obedience and resultant happiness, says Buskin. Whatever helps 

 us to perform this function is useful to us. Things which only help us 

 to exist are useful only in a lower sense, and when they become the 

 sole object, disappoint the purposes of our existence and our lives are 

 wasted. Side by side then, with the practical, busy side of life in the 

 home must be the refining, elevating influences which will fit those who 

 dwell there to fulfill the high mission for which they were created. To 

 everyone is appointed a separate mission. Each on eh as a gift peculiar 

 to him, which, if nourished instead of quenched, will be a gift also to 

 his fellow-men. 



"For all may have if they dare choose 

 A glorious life and grave." 



