p. 310 | The Home Circle

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 8, 1880

The Home Circle.

AUNT HANNAH'S ADVICE.

AND so you have quarreled with David? And hide it as well as you can, I know at this moment you're thinking That he is a horrible man. He has no regard for your feelings, He loosens his hold on your heart, And each has confessed to the other That both were much better apart.

You think of the days of your courtship, When David was thoughtful and kind. In all your vexations so helpful, To all your follies so blind; And now, o'er the gateway of Eden, The sword of the angel is crossed, And you miss all the sweetness and sunshine, The joy of a Paradise lost.

You think you have done all your duty, Have prayed and have labored in vain, And feel, as a husband, that David Has really no right to complain. But let us sit down in the twilight, And talk o'er the subject awhile, Before you take leave of the meadow, 'Tis well that you pause on the stile.

'Tis likely that David is fretful, And careless at times, it is true; His business absorbs him too closely, But is he not working for you? So when he comes home in the evening, Quite silent, and thoughtful, and queer, Just let your heart keep up its singing, And pretend you don't notice, my dear.

For just as a scratch on the finger Will heal if you let it alone, So many a trouble or grievance That David or you may have known Would soon have been gone and forgotten, And left not a scar on the heart, Had either been fond and forgiving, Had you never supposed you could part.

'Tis your duty to yield, and you know it; You will, if you're true to your trust; Your God and your honor demand it, And David is gentle and just. Don't keep any bones of contention; Don't hold to this terrible strife, But make him a much better husband By being a much better wife.