HOUSEWIFERY

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1901

Let us speak with scorning never Of the housewife's patient round, While our dearest memories ever In the scenes of home are found; And to-day, where'er we stray, Peace no otherwhere abides Than about our own firesides.

Word of sweetest derivation From its normal meaning wrenched; Yet, in foreign installation, Holding of its warmth unquenched— Bearing trace, amid disgrace, Of a something not uncomely, Since it still is only homely.

Homely though each home-ly duty, From no others spring so free, Peace, content, and ease, and beauty, And such true felicity; Sleeping, waking, or fast breaking, Or the noontide board beside, Nearing home when shadows glide;

Of all social joys partaking, Resting in affection sure, Festal feasts for friendship making, Or in household ease secure. And whence'er we sadly fare, Whither is it that we flee To renew our bravery?

If the world no homes were holding, Kept by women's loving hands, Unto joy and rest enfolding, What were life but barren sands? So we frown the scorner down, Who defames the housewife's art, Bringing joy to every heart.

But if more of skill and beauty Be the plea for art so high, And that e'en the simplest duty May be done most gracefully, Welcome to the message new, Long-time errors boldly sweeping, That demean this sweet housekeeping.

Bring ye here your skill artistic, Bring ye here invention's stride; Weave with beauty rare and mystic, Many a homely task beside. But beware, no scorning dare, While, albeit ye rest or roam— Home is heaven, and heaven is home! — Good Housekeeping.