The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1830-07-03
CANDOUR.

complain OItne dSingenuousness anu uis
stimulation Of our fellow beings, in our in
tercourse with society (; but we are not
sensible that our own hearts deceive us !:
II is our own hearts that require the most
strict attention, study, and cultivation
the heart, the place of the affections and
passions--the heart, the source that tints
the currant Of Our lives, either with happi-
ness or misery. And we are often as
much deceived in regard to the powers Of
mind--the strength ofthe understanding,
as we are with the dispositions Of tn.
heart: Selfknowledge is most important
study The more closely and deeply we
study human characters the more fully are
we convinced ofthe assertion, that The
heart is deceitldl," and that its affections,
together with the powers ofthe mind, are
alike degenerate from that integrity Of
principle, necessary to the highest happi-
ness Of man II only requires circum-
stances to bring all his perverted, discor-
dant passions into action. Although, the
surface Of his character, At times, may be
compared to the ocean in caim,--re-
lecting the surrounding scenery, and ev-
en- assuming the beautiful tints Of the
Heavens yet, these passing reflections
are entirely deceiving, in regard to the
nature and depth of the element For, at
other times, its bosom is tost with bolster
GUS rage,-heedless Of consequences,
spreading destruction far and near And
thus, human nature, like the ocean, is Oft
en- dcceitful and treacherous now, smil-
ing, calm, and placid as I" a summers
sea-" anon, its passions knows no bounds
-scorning the control Of reason, and de-
flying the Heavens The recesses of the
human heart are often dark, and deep.
and unknown, as the labyrinths Of the
ocean. 1t is not easy, even in the most
discerning, to fathom the mind-to detect
the natural dispositions ofthe heart the
manifestation ofwhich, are so frequently
controlled by circumstances, entirely
sarouding its natural feeling in dissimula-
ton. II Is true, there is on the surface
Of some characters, childish confidence;
or, a levity Of speech and carelessncss Of
lnanners--partaking Of ignorance and i'm
pudcnce which by some, is termed Can
dour. Again there is nafrowminded
candour, eyer-praising self; while it care
lessly censures others-espying faults
with every glance, wounding with every
breath which we geo so quick, and bold,
and loud, to condemn-a)ike the vicious
or unfortunate It's motive, indeed, arc
easily discerncd, and as thoroughly dis
pissed {; for they proceed from weak mind
and depraved heart: This kind of can
dor is as contemplate as the bascst dissim
: ulation. True candor is deep, actual
ing principle of honesty, at all times, and
: in all cases,-existing in its perfection,
only in hn enlightened mind and benevo-
lent heart. But, seldom do we find this
consistant character, willing to have it,
motives and actions scanned by HEAVIER
, and Earth : Yet, there are those who
e are thus candid--in heart, word, and act
7 ion deserving our admiration. True
: candor gains favor both with God s. man
Itis a noble virtue, ard where it shine
J. without doubtful cloud, it opens a wa,
r directly to the heart Bit where We d.
not perceive this virtue, the tongue of Al
gels will never gain confidence; the mu
sic ofwords may please the ear, but new
er pervades or reaches the heart. Their
+ is charm in candor that confers dignit
that inspires conference.-the spread
a smile of peace and scnerity over tn
!, mind, as the sun does over the face of Ma
n ture which no artificial heat or light ca
supply. Christian Candor, though tn
% offspring ofTruth and Wisdom, is dre'
; in humility difiidest-fearfdl of offene
ling-cautious IN opinion, but firm =