Of all the forms of worship, none, it seems to us, is more beautiful than that which we see around the family altar. As a means of grace it occupies a distinct place of its own. The all-important "quiet hour," when the soul alone, in the presence of its God, seeks the divine blessing and communes as friend with friend, can not take its place. The hour of public worship, when we meet at the house of God for prayer and praise, can not take its place, for it stands alone.
It matters not so much at what hour we meet for family prayer, but the morning hours are best. Surely the ideal hour is immediately after the morning meal, when the whole family, including the servants, if there are any, retire to the library, parlor, or living-room, and, after reading a morning lesson from the Lord, kneel in prayer, asking the Father's blessing on the new day. The benediction which will rest on each member of that household as he goes out into the world to fight the battles of life can not be overestimated.
We wish we might say to every young husband and wife who are beginning life in a new home of their own, "Do not fail to erect the family altar." We had the pleasure recently of being in a home as a guest where, morning and evening, the young husband and wife knelt at an altar of prayer. It was truly beautiful, and in speaking to them of the wisdom of their course, the husband said: "It seems a little time to give to God in return for what He has given us." Of course there are times in our lives when it is impossible to observe this daily practise; but let each family do the very best it can, and often difficulties disappear faster than we imagine they could. We may not be able to choose the morning hour, and each family should observe the hour in whatever manner it chooses—there are no set forms—but family worship must be a scene which angels delight to see.
—American Friend.