ject to protect and to improve it. It is the grand test and proof of the right or wrong of most public measures, and all measures which are inimical or unfriendly to it should be rejected as unworthy of countenance and support. By keeping this truth in view, very much that would otherwise be dark or obscure in public polity, will be made light and clear.

20. Because of its paramount importance, the duty of men, in respect to it, is plain. No proper means or efforts should be spared to cherish and improve it, and those who have the power, who possess the wealth, and control the labor of a country, should endeavor so to shape the industrial pursuits of the people, as that it will not be injuriously interfered with.

21. Those who have undertaken the responsibilities which devolve upon the heads of families, should receive especial encouragement and aid, to enable them

properly to fulfill the duties of the relation they have assumed. This is a first and most important step to lift men and women. from the mire and degradation of ignorance and vice. The philanthropists and public benefactors of our land should understand clearly this truth. It will enlighten and guide them in their labors, and in their charities.

22. The number and character of the homes of a people, is the true, and the only true, measure of their civilization,and they should not be homes of comfort merely, where the bodily wants are alone satisfied, but homes, where the nobler qualities of man's nature are cultivated, strengthened, and cherished,— homes which blossom and are fragrant with the refinements of life, and the heart's best affections.

23. Will it be asked, after what has been said, what it is that most concerns What it is that most

man in this life?

demands his attention, his fostering care, his support? What, when he joins with his fellows, to establish rules for mutual protection and benefit, he is most anxious to secure and to protect?

24. But one intelligent and true answer can be given to these inquiries, and that answer is,―That the family institution is the great center about which every true system of civil polity should be made to revolve; and any system not thus centered and founded must be unsound,must contain elements of weakness and decay.

25. The number of well ordered and happy homes being the true measure of the civilization of a people, the conclusion is unavoidable, that the multiplication of their number and improvement of their character is the grand end and aim of civil government.

26. It is indeed the especial duty of all, however situated, to co-operate each to the extent of his means and ability in the

great work of securing to every family a suitable home of its own, where the marital relations may be duly cherished, where children can be properly nurtured, and trained, and educated, and qualified, as far as is possible, under the family roof, for the proper performance of their duties. in life.

27. The family institution is the great institution of humanity. As this is perfect or imperfect, so is the social and pos litical fabric of a community or country, and hence regard for its well being is among the first and highest duties of man.

28. This great truth the Almighty has not been content to leave to the slow perception of man's reason.

Three of the commandments of the Decalogue announce it in the most emphatic manner, and the inspired record from the beginning of the Old to the end of the New Testament is full of instruction and of advice in regard to it, and of

warning and threatenings against those who do violence to it.

29. Neglect of its peculiar claims and disregard of its sacred character has been the sin and the opprobrium of every people and of every organized community, from the earliest period to the present time, a neglect to which may be clearly traceable as a principal cause, the downfall of every nation that has risen, flourished for a season, and declined.

30. In our own country, more perhaps than in any other known to history, its importance and sacredness is conceded. The more equal distribution of property and a higher standard of intelligence under our free institutions, and the more just reward ensured to industry, has multiplied among us to a greater degree than has been known in any other nation, the number of well ordered and comfortable and happy homes; but notwithstanding all this, we are as a people still sadly deficient in the requisite knowledge and in the