At the Table

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 19, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 45.

The temper of the family is often indicated by the atmosphere of the table. Three times a day all gather there to have the body fed. If there is at the same time an animated conversation, pure and dignified, it will prove stimulating to all, and an educator to the younger members. Thus three times a day something is added to the stock of information. If, on the other hand, the family drop in one at a time, as the manner of some is, and each one hurriedly disposes of what is set before him, as if eating were a burden, then hurries away, there is an unsatisfied feeling, an uneasiness which will develop nervousness and irritability, aside from the irreparable loss of regular, healthful conversation. Whitelaw Reid, in referring to the wonderful conversational powers of Reverdy Johnson, said it was his habit to rise early, read two hours before breakfast, and rehearse at the table what he had read. The act of repeating impressed on his memory what he had to read, so that he could go over a chapter of history, giving the most minute details and almost the style of the author. Pleasant repartee in moderation is stimulating. It promotes good feeling. But sensational or gossipy small talk narrows the mind, and tends to friction and ill-humor; and that family who are led in the social table-talk by wise and cultivated parents will have little time to give to the failings of neighbors or weak-minded members of the community. It will prove very profitable to give some attention to this important question.—Herald and Presbyter.