udge character by the external
habiliments in which its reality is concealed. They estimate worth by the
beauty of the face and form, by the cost of dress and the genuflections of
the body. They form their notions of happiness from fashion, fortune and
position. They become enslaved to love-sick novels and fashionable
amusements. There, too, they make choice of companions; there they form
matrimonial alliances; there their hearts are developed, their minds
trained for social life, their affections directed, and influence brought
to bear upon them, which will determine their weal or their woe.

If such be the influence of the home-parlor, should it not be held sacred,
and made to correspond, in all the uses for which it is set apart, with the
spirit and character of a Christian family; and should not its doors be
effectually guarded against the intrusion of spurious and demoralizing
elements of society?

Parents should teach their children all about the character, interests and
deceptions of parlor-life. They should undeceive them in their natural
proneness to judge people from the standpoint of character assumed in the
parlor. They see the lamb there, but not the lion; the smile but not the
frown; the affability of manner, but not the tyranny of spirit. They hear
the language of flattery, but not the tongue of slander. They see no weak
points, detect no evil temper and bad habits. There is an artificial screen
behind which all that is revolting and dangerous is concealed. Who would
venture to judge a person by his mechanical movements in the parlor? Many
are there the very opposite to what they are elsewhere:--

"Abroad too kind, at home 'tis steadfast hate,
And one eternal tempest of debate.
What foul eruptions from a look most meek!
What thunders bursting from a dimpled cheek!
Such dead devotion, such zeal for crimes,
Such licensed ill, such masquerading times,
Such venal faiths, such misapplied applause,
Such flattered guilt, and such inverted laws!"

One of the most dangerous periods of life is, when we leave the nursery and
school, and enter the parlor. With what solicitude, therefore, should
Christian parents guard their parlors from social corruption. They should
prepare their children for society, not only by teaching them its manners
and customs, how to act in company, how to grace a party, and move with
refined ease among companions there, but also by teaching them the dangers
and corrupti