Further, I remark that home is a political safeguard. The safety of
the State must be built on the safety of the home. Why cannot France
come to a placid republic? Ever and anon there is a threat of national
capsize. France as a nation has not the right kind of a Christian
home. The Christian hearthstone is the only corner-stone for a
republic. The virtues cultured in the family circle are an absolute
necessity for the State. If there be not enough moral principle to
make the family adhere, there will not be enough political principle
to make the State adhere. "No home" means the Goths and Vandals, means
the Nomads of Asia, means the Numideans of Africa, changing from place
to place, according as the pasture happens to change. Confounded be
all those Babels of iniquity which would overtower and destroy the
home. The same storm that upsets the ship in which the family sails
will sink the frigate of the constitution. Jails and penitentiaries
and armies and navies are not our best defence. The door of the home
is the best fortress. Household utensils are the best artillery, and
the chimneys of our dwelling houses are the grandest monuments of
safety and triumph. No home; no republic.