The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1833-03-02
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There is not a more common saying
than that 'habits are second nature, nor
one more consistent with truth to which
it may be added, that they become incor-
rigible in proportion to the extent Of their
indulgence for to break off suddenly
from long established habit, when rea-
son, or our best interests demand the sac
rifce, requires more resolution and firm
ness than all flesh is heir to. Hence the
saying that an ounce of pre- ention is
worth pound Of cure, appears particu-
larly applicable to such habits as are usu-
ally attended with pernicious consequen-
oes. In confirmation of this, Sir Richard
Steele has somewhere related story SO
exactly appropos, that we cannot forbear
giving it to our readers. The story is
substantially this.-A gentleman, in one
Of the counties Of England, had daugh-
ters, three of whom were happily married
in early life; the fourth, though every way
equal to the others both in person and
accomplishments, had, from her earliest
infancy, exhibited so unmanageable and
perverse temper, usually called a high
spirit, that it continually made great un-
easiness in the family, became her known
character in the neighbourhood, and de-
tered the gentlemen other acquaintance,
from making any advances by way Of mat
rimony.
In process oftme, however, a gentle
man of character and fortune, having OBJ
served that this was her greatest-and al
most only fault, paid his addresses, and
after the usual prelminaries, obtained her
consent in the usual manner. The law
yers drew up the marriage contract, which,
by the way, did not contain the customary
allowance of pin-money, ,&they were accor
dingy married. During the whole period
ofhis courtship, however, though the gen.
teman was of the most amiable & pacific
temper, he yet had frequently lamented
in her presence, that he was the most
turbulent and passionate man in exist
ence. BY this he gave her to understand
that his own warmth of temper would
doubtless be sufficient inducement for
him to extenuate or excuse the same i'm
perfection in herself whilst he, at the
same time, alarmed her fears for
the consequences Of his own impetuous
disposition.
In one particular, however, she esteem
ed herself peculiarly fortunate that in
her presence, the gentleman invariably
prolessed the most obliging and composed
de meanour. He had thus far success
fully soothed and prevented her from ev-
cry exhibition Of petulance or i'll humor ;
and resolved to improve the first favora-
BILE opportunity to give her such dread
fu proffs Of his own fiery spirit,
as effectually to warn her of the conse-
quences of provoking his ire According
ly, on the day appointed for carrying her
to his own private residence, he returned,
mot with coach and six, together with
such equippage usual in such circum-
stances, on such occasions, and which he
knew were expected in this; but he came
without even a single servant, mounted on
an ugly old horse, with pillion fixed be-
hind, and case Of pistols before him, at
tended only by his lavorite hound. Thus
equipped he very courteously, though
somewhat positively, requested his loving
spouse to be seated on the cushion this
being done, they set of but soon came
TO a gate which Distracted the road the
dog was sternly commanded to open il
the poor cur looked wistfully up, and
wagged his tail. This was an afiront moi
to be pardoned he therefore drew,a pis-
tol and shot his iavorite hoInd dead on
the spot. This was no sooner done, than
as if recollectiug himself, he mildly apollo
gized for such unhappy rashness, an'
bccped pardon for beinp guilty of sucl