m in the sacred
light of all these flames!

We have the best country in the world, and Illinois is the best state
in that country. Is there any reason that our farmers should not be
prosperous and happy men? They have every advantage, and within their
reach are all the comforts and conveniences of life.

Do not get the land fever and think you must buy all that joins you. Get
out of debt as soon as you possibly can. A mortgage casts a shadow on
the sunniest field. There is no business under the sun that can pay ten
per cent.

Ainsworth R. Spofford gives the following facts about interest: "One
dollar loaned for one hundred years at six per cent., with the interest
collected annually and added to the principal, will amount to three
hundred and forty dollars. At eight per cent, it amounts to two thousand
two hundred and three dollars. At three per cent, it amounts only to
nineteen dollars and twenty-five cents. At ten per cent, it is thirteen
thousand eight hundred and nine dollars, or about seven hundred times
as much. At twelve per cent, it amounts to eighty-four thousand and
seventy-five dollars, or more than four thousand times as much. At
eighteen per cent, it amounts to fifteen million one hundred and
forty-five thousand and seven dollars. At twenty-four per cent, (which
we sometimes hear talked of) it reaches the enormous sum of two billion
five hundred and fifty-one million seven hundred and ninety-nine
thousand four hundred and four dollars."

One dollar at compound interest, at twenty-four per cent., for one
hundred years, would produce a sum equal to our national debt.

Interest eats night and day, and the more it eats the hungrier it grows.
The farmer in debt, lying awake at night, can, if he listens, hear it
gnaw. If he owes nothing, he can hear his corn grow. Get out of debt
as soon as you possibly can. You have supported idle avarice and lazy
economy long enough.

Above all let every farmer treat his wife and children with infinite
kindness. Give your sons and daughters every advantage within your
power. In the air of kindness they will grow about you like flowers.
They will fill your homes with sunshine and all your years with joy.
Do not try to rule by force. A blow from a parent leaves a scar on the
soul. I should feel ashamed to die surrounded by children I had whipped.
Think of feeling upon your dying lips the kiss of a child you had
struck.

See to it that your wife has every convenience. Mak