OUR HOMES. 377 



OTJR HOMES: THEIE POWER AND INFLUENCE. 



By J. W. Stockwell. 



On June ninth of the year 1791, was born, in the city of 

 New York, a poet known to fame by only one little poem; 

 but that gem is known and loved in every country and every 

 home. 



In palace and cottage it is alike dear ; in the abode of the 

 rich or the humble dwelling of the poor it is alike cherished. 

 Written in the loneliness of the hunger of the heart for the 

 reality of the song he sings ; written from remembrance of 

 the past never to be regained, — a cherished memory, — he 

 sings the song of " Home, Sweet Home." 



Every one knows how swiftly it was wafted over the world. 

 Prima donnas have sung it, to the delight of thousands and 

 thousands ; homesick wanderers have poured out their souls 

 in its plaintive strains ; mothers have crooned it over the 

 cradle, until now it is the home melody of all nations. 



Says one, " It is a jewel cut and set with perfect art, and 

 on the forefinger of Time it sparkles forever." 



Others strive and toil a lifetime for fame and an immortal 

 name ; he sings his little song, and the name of J. Howard 

 Payne is green with everlasting fame. 



A sentiment so dear in every country, — a sentiment 

 touching so tenderly every heart, under any and every cir- 

 cumstance, — must have a potent influence, must exert a 

 controlling power on the life and character of the individual, 

 and on the moral, intellectual and Christian character of the 

 world. Therefore, the question " What shall constitute 

 the home, and what shall be its teaching?" is a deep, under- 

 lying question, on which the foundation of our institutions 



