p. 150 | SOME THINGS RELATED TO DOMESTIC HAPPINESS

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, March 4, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 10

SOME THINGS RELATED TO DOMESTIC HAPPINESS.

By D. D. Tappan

“THERE is no place like home.” True if it is a real home; but otherwise, it may be a place to be shunned. But what will make home home?

Pure religion; which, thoroughly understood and practiced, includes love, courtesy, attention to minute things, meeting just expectations, government of the passions, carefulness in speech, kind looks, tones, etc. But this is general; let us specify.

Hints to husbands and wives.

1. Never be so busy, nor work so hard, that getting crusty you must needs speak ungently to each other. “It costs more than it comes to.” But if you should so speak, don’t throw all the blame upon your nervousness or fatigue. If you do, you will not be likely to reform.

2. Try, both of you, to be in the days of courtship, not always dressed for the parlor indeed, but keep wholesome.

3. Treat each other with unvarying respect at all times. In company, without appearing over-fond, do not wholly ignore one another, and be as polite to your best friend as you are to a stranger.

4. Be considerate of each other’s feelings, and carefully avoid the things which you perceive give pain.

5. Do not make too much of little peculiarities—little faults—for you may both have them. In the very best alliances, it is needful to bear and forbear. Love eschews sharp criticism of this sort.

6. Take heed as to the little contests of opinions. They may lead to endless alienation. Never care to have the last word, even when you are in the right. “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines.”

7. If you should at any time “fall out,” be sure to make all up before you sleep.—D. D. Tappan.