Christian Home
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they do not see that there is a blessing in it for themselves and their
families.
Parents are under obligation to God to make their surroundings
such as will correspond to the truth they profess. They can then give
correct lessons to their children, and the children will learn to associate
the home below with the home above. The family here must, as far as
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possible, be a model of the one in heaven. Then temptations to indulge
in what is low and groveling will lose much of their force. Children
should be taught that they are only probationers here, and educated
to become inhabitants of the mansions which Christ is preparing for
those who love Him and keep His commandments. This is the highest
duty which parents have to perform.
So far as possible, all buildings intended for human habitation
should be placed on high, well-drained ground. This will ensure a
dry site. This matter is often too lightly regarded. Continuous ill
health, serious diseases, and many deaths result from the dampness
and malaria of low-lying, ill-drained situations.
In the building of houses it is especially important to secure thor-
ough ventilation and plenty of sunlight. Let there be a current of air
and an abundance of light in every room in the house. Sleeping rooms
should be so arranged as to have a free circulation of air day and night.
No room is fit to be occupied as a sleeping room unless it can be
thrown open daily to the air and sunshine.
A yard beautified with scattering trees and some shrubbery, at a
proper distance from the house, has a happy influence upon the family,
and, if well taken care of, will prove no injury to the health. But
shade trees and shrubbery close and dense around a house make it
unhealthful, for they prevent the free circulation of air and shut out
the rays of the sun. In consequence, a dampness gathers in the house,
especially in wet seasons.
Furniture Should Be Simple and Inexpensive
Furnish your home with things plain and simple, things that will
bear handling, that can be easily kept clean, and that can be replaced
without great expense. By exercising taste, you can make a very simple
home attractive and inviting, if love and contentment are there.