the silent, early hour, a small cloud is seen
in the distance; it comes nearer; the wind begins to blow, the thunders
peal, the lightnings flash, the old home, for so long an ark of safety,
is being tossed on the billowy waves. A testing time is at hand.
Mother is gone, or father has ventured too far and lost all; or son has
disgraced the family name; or daughter is in shame; or the darling of
the home is no more! It makes a vast difference who is at the helm when
the storms of home life rage. It is a mark of highest wisdom to place
the family ship under the world's best Captain, Jesus Christ. He never
lost a life. He alone can arrest the lightning, quiet the waves, inspire
confidence, and restore peace and good will in any storm. But
religion is not only useful in trouble, it is an ornament in peace and
prosperity, in the making and building of the home. Tempers must be
controlled, dispositions cultivated, conduct improved, hearts softened,
and minds purified and disciplined. To accomplish all of this, no
substitute can be made for the spirit and faith of Jesus Christ.

"'Dear Moss,' said the thatch on an old ruin, 'I am so worn, so patched,
so ragged, really I am quite unsightly. I wish you would come and cheer
me up a little. You will hide all my infirmities and defects; and,
through your loving sympathy no finger of contempt or dislike will be
pointed at me.' 'I come,' said the moss; and it crept up and around,
and in and out, till every flaw was hidden, and all was smooth and fair.
Presently the sun shone out, and the old thatch looked bright and fair,
a picture of rare beauty, in the golden rays. 'How beautiful the thatch
looks!' cried one who saw it. 'How beautiful the thatch looks!' said
another. 'Ah!' said the old thatch, 'rather let them say, 'How beautiful
is the loving moss!'" So it is with the religion of Christ, it adorns
and beautifies the life who really wears it; so that the plainness of
that life is covered, its ruggedness softened, and its "pain transformed
into profit and its loss into gain."

Charles M. Sheldon gives as an essential for a permanent republic,
"A true home life where father, mother, and children spend much time
together; where family worship is preserved; where honesty, purity, and
mutual affection are developed."

J.R. Miller beautifully sums up the secret of happy home-making in
one word--"'Christ.' Christ at the marriage altar; Christ on the bridal
journey; Christ when the new h