MAKING HOME HAPPY by Mrs. J. B. Cotten

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 17, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 29.

MAKING HOME HAPPY.

By Mrs. J. B. Cotten

Christianity, Love, Virtue, and Honor.

TO THE Household: There must be unity in the home. A house divided against itself can not stand. First we lay the corner-stones. First shall be Christianity; second, love; third, virtue; fourth, honor. If the foundation of a home be laid of such material, and then really and truly practised, it is bound to be a happy home. Christianity will make us stand where we would fall without the help of God. It will make us strive to make home happy; for when we have undergone the change of heart that is necessary to become a Christian, it elevates the mind, enriches the thought, and we have the good of the whole world at heart. The real Christian’s highest aim in life is to make people happy—happier in this life and the life to come. What prompts men and women to do this? Love is the next corner-stone. With love of God in our hearts, we will be more thoughtful of the happiness of others; and when we have taken the responsibility of making a home, if we are armed with these Christian graces—Christianity, love, virtue, and honor—it will be as a coat of mail to the soldier. We will be equipped for the pleasures and trials of life as they come.

First, I consider the greatest responsibility, our children; for in almost all homes there are found bright, beautiful, innocent children to be taught right or wrong; and, dear sisters, I think the responsibility far greater on us than on the men. We have the little ones with us all the time, to instruct and form their habits for this life and the life to come.

What a grand work to be engaged in! Battling with the evils of this life, striving to elevate our homes and make them happy! I think the grandest and most noble thoughts that ever surged in the human breast should be aroused when woman becomes a wife and mother. She should realize her life-work begun, not only for this life, but for vast eternity. Who could not work with all patience, and thru gathering clouds, tho you work thru many prayers and tears? The clouds will all be silver-lined when you see the fruits of your labor begin to expand; the buds God has given us for cultivation come forth noble men and women. What is grander and nobler than father and mother going hand in hand along the journey of life, united in bonds of Christianity, love, virtue, and honor?—Mrs. J. B. Cotten.