The Cultured Society of Home

Library of Congress:  Currier and Ives four seasons of life- old age, 1868

In a biography about Abigail Adams, we are told that her father had a vast library, which she used as the main source of her education at home.  A home ought to be a place where solid, appropriate learning takes place.

 If a family has money, they might spend it on quality literature - classic titles by Dickens or Austen.  They might consider it wise to have a selection of titles from earlier days, such as those published by "The American Tract Society."  These were Christian stories of faith and family that were often read by the fireside. 

We have been told that Abraham Lincoln came from a very poor family.  The only book available to him was the Bible - but what a book! 

The key in a godly, cultured home, is not just what we "have" but what is not there.   If time and money are spent on meaningless trivia or meaningless amusements, one loses the time to invest in a sweet, wholesome society at home.    Money is often wasted on consumer goods, including processed foods, excessive toys and technology.  This is an investment into the type of society you are creating in your home.  We must be selective and careful to choose what we want in our homes.  When one selects the furnishings or the drapery or the decorations for a home, one is setting the mood for the type of home they will have.  Is this not also true for the types of things or activities that go on there?

Mothers can gently lead the family into a sweet and cultured home by her own cheerful interests in that which is good and noble.  I understand that the world has seeped into our homes, in this modern day; but Mother's interests can be carefully introduced.   Some mothers may listen to a muted version of Italian Opera while she bakes in the kitchen.  Others may have a sermon about the family playing in the background while she does the ironing.  Some may be reading the Bible, at the kitchen table and sipping on tea, while the children play.  Her actions and her interests will seep into the hearts of her family. 

The Amish have a way of making homemade furniture and foods that modern families think take too long.  The wisdom in the making is that it breeds peace in the heart and provides a gentler way of passing on skills to the younger generation.  Time spent doing this type of work at home with our family is precious and will reap goodness.

While we mothers clean and decorate our homes, may we think of ways to create a beautiful society at home.

blessings
Mrs. White


From the Archives:

Some Ideas - Getting Along in Marriage

Always striving to be this - The Old Time Housewife

Happy Days as Grandmother - Walking the Gardens with Baby

 


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Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs.White's book - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  Paperback, 274 pages.