THE HOME by George C. Tenney

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 24, 1900

THE HOME.

By George C. Tenney

THE institution, preservation, and development of their homes form a correct standard by which to judge of the intelligence, enlightenment, and happiness of animate creatures, whether considered as species, races, or individuals. The home is the resting-place of the soul. To the extent that men or other animals are endowed with soul qualities, they find delight in the associations of home. It is a statement that will pass unchallenged, as a general truth, at least, that all truly great and good men and women, from the beneficent branches of whose influence the world has eaten good fruit and found rest and shelter, have gone forth to their labors from the sacred precincts of a dear, sweet home.

We are wont to scan with eagerness every glimpse we obtain of the home life of those whom we desire to know better; not from mere curiosity, but because we know that the home life is the truest exponent of the inner nature. What a man is to those nearest him and most dependent upon him, is the best indication of what he really is at heart. It is a manifold truth that the foundation of the character is laid in the home. In our domestic relations are the springs of moral strength and purity. Here spiritual life is nourished; here all those graces that beautify life and reflect honor upon our Creator originate and receive culture.

The dove differs from the hawk in our estimation because of its tendency to love and cherish domestic life. It exhibits love for its mate and offspring. It hovers affectionately about the home-nest. Its cooing has the quality of fondness and gentleness. The dove is the recognized emblem of peace and blessing. The dove returned on weary wing to the window of home; but the raven "went forth to and fro." The domestic qualities of ants and bees distinguish them as belonging to a higher and more intelligent grade,—a place nearer mankind,—than the homeless nomads of even far greater physical proportions, who, wandering aimlessly about, seem to belong to nobody.

The same distinctions are carried into the realm of humanity. Those wandering Ishmaelites we call "tramps" or "sundowners," are almost excluded from the pale of humankind, because they ignore and repudiate the blessings of home life. It is probable that the most of this uncouth fraternity have never known those blessings.

The blessedness of the heavenly state springs largely from the assurances of a peaceful and permanent home. There "they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat."

In his earthly life Jesus went forth to battle with error, to rebuke sin, to heal the sick, and help the helpless. In the temple He met the lawyers, scribes, and priests. At the feast He found spies, critics, and hypocrites: He preached by the sea, taught on the mountain, walked from province to province, encountering in His constant toil everything except the love and sympathy for which He yearned. But in the peaceful home at Bethany His heart found solace and His weary frame was refreshed. It was a refuge of delight. Even here the enemy of peace sought to insinuate his presence. Martha was inclined to permit anxiety and serving to crowd out loving attention, the soul of hospitality, and drive away the spirit of rest. The Master pointed out her grave mistake. How many to-day are following her example in making the home a house of servitude! The one thing needful in the home is for each inmate to welcome the Master and listen to His voice. Jesus is now as fond of mingling in the home circle as ever He was. He visits, yea, abides in, the cottage or mansion where a place is made for Him and a welcome awaits Him. He presides over every home whose atmosphere is peace, because He is Prince of Peace. As men go forth from such homes to toil or battle, they go in peace, without fear or trembling. The city of refuge is near, where Jesus abides; its gates are always open. O, who can estimate the value of a home blest with the presence of Jesus? And it is the unspeakable privilege of every person to live in such a home if each one will do his part in making it. If our home is not such a home it is because the door is shut to the heavenly Prince of Peace; and some one is harboring the enemy of peace. Lord, is it I?

G. C. TENNEY.