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LESSED is the home that holds in its midst one central magnet, about which thronging hearts, reddened by the same blood, move with never-failing attraction! When golden links of kindred, circling that human load-stone, are strong, and bright, and many, who can measure the wealth of love that lies within their holy compass? With every shining fetter added to the precious round, new joys spring into existence; new interests bind us to sacred memories of the past, or sweet associations of the present; new affections bend us earthward, towards those who come to make earth dearer, or lift us heavenward, with those who ascend to the skies.

The commonest events of life, events of every day occurrence to all humanity, send an electric thrill of pain or pleasure through that far-reaching chain of kinship, and, stirring sympathetic pulses, draw the bond of union closer.

A little child opens its sinless eyes upon the day, behold, another link put forth for tender lips to kiss into brightness, for loving arms to (383)