And now, after these remarks upon the formation of the domestic
character, need I tell you how it is that the domestic altar has so
much to do with the character of the man? Need I tell you that it
is a thing to be deplored that the youth of Greece and Rome had not
more of the benefits of this altar? And need I point you to the
high privileges and holy influences of that altar, to show you how
much the advantage you have over those noble youths of other days
whose character has so much in it for you to admire? And you who
have fathers, and mothers, and brothers, and sisters, and friends,
well should you know how to appreciate what I say in relation to the
difference between them and yourselves, and ardently should you desire
to reap advantage from the knowledge you possess of your position.
Treasure, then, as a sacred gift from Heaven, the blessings which this
domestic altar affords you. And let your characters be formed in the
cultivation and manly exercise of the principles it imparts. Remember
that the principles you cultivate, and the character you form in youth,
will be likely to be your principles and character for life. And as you
would be respected and valued as members of society hereafter; as you
would be useful and honored among men, use all your powers to obtain
right principles, and to develope those principles into such character,
as Americans, you may be proud of.
INFLUENCE OF THE DOMESTIC ALTAR IN THE DEVELOPEMENT OF THE PATRIOTIC
CHARACTER.
And not only to the developement of the social qualities, is the young
American indebted to the domestic altar, but he is also indebted to
that altar, in a considerable degree, for the developement of his
character as a patriot and a Christian. He learns patriotism and
religion at the hearthstone. The fire of a country’s love is enkindled
in the young heart, and the lisping infant pronounces the name of God
with awe. The story of the statesman’s progress to renown falls upon
the ears of the child, and in his youth he feels the first impulse
of the desire to play the orator before the multitude, and by his
eloquence the “listening senate to command.” The deeds of glory that
pave the conqueror’s path, are told him, and the pulse of ambition
begins to beat while yet the tales of the nursery are ringing in his
ears. He hears of battles, and he longs to follow to the field some
warlike leader. It is direction rather than encouragement that is
needed in the developement of this patriotic character. If there is
any thing innate in the human bosom, it would seem to be this feeling
of patriotism. And it is fanned into a flame, it is excited and
fevered by the unnumbered incidents of patriotic history that crowd
upon the expanding and improving mind, and by the appeals of daily
occurrences which tend to warm and animate the heart. It is but proper
direction that is needed in the cultivation of this feeling. Every
child is a patriot. Every boy is both a statesman and a soldier. And
what is required in his teaching, in such matters, is the right sort
of training. And badly will his patriotic character be brought forth
if he be left to himself in its developement; to make the boy a pure
and exalted patriot, true patriotism must be presented to him from
the model. And it is to be shown him in its principle, and in its
operation. And this, if properly done, will show him what patriotism
is in its embrace of his country’s territory and population, and of
all that may be included in his country’s honor and prosperity. Less
than this will cause him to degenerate into the partizan and develope
prejudice for sectional interests and sectional advantage rather than
the principle which, in its extended grasp, includes all that can
elevate and prosper, and honor the nation. Nothing short of this should
be dignified with the name of patriotism. And the youth should keep
his eye and his heart firmly and devotedly fixed upon it. He should
know that the partizan is not the patriot, and he should be capable
of making the distinction. And in the acquirement of the patriotic
character he may feel that he is an American, and he may receive
enjoyment, in a high degree, from the pleasure such feelings must ever
produce. And such an American is the champion of his country, and of
his country’s rights and honor. And he is this champion, not only in
regard to foreign aggression, but in defiance of sectional prejudice
and party feud.
INFLUENCE OF THE DOMESTIC ALTAR IN THE DEVELOPEMENT OF THE RELIGIOUS
CHARACTER.
And as with the patriotism of the youth, so with his religion. Its
first appearance is generally at the home fire-side. And it is there
that the first impression of his religious character is made. The
Christian mother teaches her child that there is a God for him to
worship. And his first and earliest prayers to Him, as the only object
of his adoration, are taught from her lips. And religion comes not to
the boy, as does his patriotism, seemingly by innate impulse. It has
to be taught him, or he never learns it. It is something that comes
not by nature, but by the Revelation of God. And coming thus, it has
to be communicated to the individual. And the American boy should
study, as a most important part of his education, the broad principles
of the Christian faith, and the creed of the Christian church. And he
should learn to hold his religious views in respect to God and to his
church, and not in any wise in respect to the opinions of men. And how
important is the place of the parent and the teacher in its view of
this duty? The infidel is utterly unqualified for the employment. An
infidel mother is unfit for the training of an American boy. If she
neglect to teach him love to his God, she will hardly be able to teach
him how to exhibit his love to his country. And, as I have before
remarked, the character of the American is incomplete, it is unfinished
without religion. And the religion which perfects the American
character, is love to the Almighty Object of its worship, which is
recognised in all the American institutions; and love to mankind,
which is so necessary for the well being of the state. Alas! that the
training of an American child should ever be placed in the hands of an
unbeliever! It is his principle, as a Christian, that renders the man a
truly social being, and a pure patriot, and the true American must of
necessity be a Christian.