The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-05-14
From the Christian Watchman.

Fran the Christian Watchman.
lNTEMPERANCE IN HUSBAND AND A
FATHER. The Providence American and
Gazette ofthe 11th ult. gives melancholy
instance of the dangerous tendency of in
dulging at all in the use of ardent spirits.
In recent trial before the Supreme Court,
a Mr.. Samuel Francis, an Irishman, employ
ed in a mandatory in Rhode Island, on
his return from resort of the Incorporate,
where with companions of his character he
had been drinking too freely, was induced
from his state of excited feeling, to render
insult and abuse to an unoffending man, of
the denomination of Friends, whose name
was Stephen Farnum, living in Cumberland.
He inflicted several severe stabs on Mr..
Farnum with knife !; and on his trial, he
was convicted by jury of the intent to
murder. The character of Francis had
been generally good, with the exception of
occasional intoxcation. His sentence was
six months Imprisonment and fine of $500.
The following are some Of the remarks of
the Judge to the prisoner, when his SEN
tence was pronounced =
From the facts disclosed in your trial,
ton is the result Of improper use OF splritu-
Gus liquors; perhaps aided by natural IT.
ritability of temper.
1t is remarkable truth, that of all animat-
ed nature, as far as | know, man Is the only
animal that willingly and deliberately seeks
his own destruction, either Immediately, or
by a course of conduct which he knows will
result in that destruction, accompanied too
with disgraceful disease, with the loss of re-
putation and usefulness to himself and
others. He is the only animal that volun-
tarlly and deliberately, and in contempt OF
his Maker, deprives himselfof that capacity
given to him for his defence, protection and
preservation.
When he takes the intoxicating draught,
he reduces himself not to the state of the
brute, but below it. He casts away intel
lect and moral feeling, the restraints which
the God of nature has placed IN his breast,
as well for his own guide as the security of
others, and becomes, in every thing but
form, and this voluntary degradation below
! his natural state, q brute. And the law has
wisely and righteously ordained that this
voluntary brutality shall not shield him from
the consequences of his brutal acts.
You are a young man, hardly in the
prime of life. 1t is hoped and believed that
habit Contemporaries is not fixed fit is,
I there is but one mode of successful conflict.
There must be no compromise with this
enemy no temporizing; no half way mea-
sures. "Touch not, taste not, handle no"
must he your determination. If you 40
death to your future reputation, and to all
the hopes of your parents, your wife, and
your little ones, will be the inevitable con-
| sequence. Can you ask for, can there be a
stronger motive for, determination for
resolution to adhere to that determination,
than the events of the three last weeks will
constantly present to your mind 1t is not
possible that you can take the intoxicating
cup in your hand, or indeed, that you can
see an intoxicated man, especially under
the influence of anger and intoxication
without calling to your mind the events OF
the seventeenth of March, ofthe day of your
trial, and of this day.
ISABELLA. Contemporary writers have beer
enthusiastic in their descriptions of Isabella but
time has sanctioned their eulogies; she is one
of the purest and most beautiful characters OF
the page of history. She was we'll formed, oi
the middle size with great dignity and graceful
ness of department and mingled gravity anC
sweetness of demeanour. Her complexion wal
fair her hair auburn, inclining to red he
eyes were of a clear blue, with benign expires
sion and there was singular modesty in he
countenance, grazing as it did, wonderful
irmness of purpose, and earnestness of spirit
Though strongly attached to her husband, ant
studious of his fame, yet she always maintained
her distinct rights, as an allied prince. Sh
exceeded him IN beauty, in personal dignity, il
acnteness of genius, and grandeur of soul-com
binng the active and resolute qualities of man
with the softer charities of woman She min
gled in the warlike councils of her husband
engaged personally in his enterprises, and il
some instances surpassed him in the firmnes
and intrepidity of her measures while being
inspired with truer idea of glory, she infused
a more lofty and generous temper into his sub
tile and calculating policy.
Iroing's Life Of Columbus.
A gentleman who assisted the Count de Ca
. bra in putting on his armor before battle, per
ceivlng him tremble, asked what could caus
, this emotion in man of such known bravery
The Count answered . Nv flesh trembles nj IN