Never permit the flimsy creations of a distorted
imagination to gain an ascendancy over your reason and faith. Live above
all sentimentalism and day-dreaming; and in all the feelings and conduct of
your household, submit to the guidance of a superintending Providence,
walking by faith and not by sight, assured that your present home is but
probationary and preparatory to a better home in heaven.
CHAPTER XVIII.
HOME-GOVERNMENT.
"Alas! for a thousand fathers, whose indulgent sloth
Hath emptied the vial of confusion over a thousand homes.
Alas! for the palaces and hovels, that might have been nurseries for
heaven,
By hot intestine broils blighted into schools for hell;
None knoweth his place, yet all refuse to serve,
None weareth the crown, yet all usurp the scepter;
The mother, heart-stricken years agone, hath dropped into an early grave;
The silent sisters long to leave a home they cannot love;
The brothers, casting off restraint, follow their wayward wills."
Home is a little commonwealth jointly governed by the parents. It involves
law. The mutual relation of parent and child implies authority on the one
hand, and obedience on the other. This is the principle of all government.
Home is the first form of society. As such it must have a government. Its
institution implies the prerogatives of the parent and the subordination
of the child.
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