Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1844-11-08
A Good Temper in a Heusekeeper.

There is nothing which has more abiding
influence on the happiness of family, than
the preservation of equable and cheerful tenn
per and tones in the housekeeper. A woman
who is gentle, sympathising, forbearing and
cheerful, carries an atmosphere about her,
which imparts soothing and sustaining in
fuence, and renders it easier for all to do right
under her administration, than in any other
situation.
There is secret social sympath, which
every mind TO a greater or less degree, expert
ences with the feelings of those around, as
they are manifested by the countenaHce and
voice. A sorrowGu, disconnected, or an an
CRY countenance,- produces silent sympa-
thetic influence, imparting sombre shade to
the mind, while tones of anger or complaint
still more effectually jar the spirits.
1t is probable that there is no class of peo-
pie in the world, who have such incessant
trials of temper and temptations to be fretfnl,
as American hoasekeepers. For housekee-
per's business is not like that of the other sex.
limited to a particular department, for which
previous preparations are made. It consists
Of ten thousand little disconnected items,
which can never be so Systematically arran-
ged, that there is no daily joIsting somewhere.
And the more strongly woman realizes the
value Of time, and the importance Of system
and order, the more will she be tempted to ir.
ritabiity and complaint.
In many cases, when a woman's domestic
arrangements are suddenly and seriously eros
sed, it is impossible not to feel some irritation
But it is always possible to refrain from an
cry tones. A woman can resolve that what
ever happens, she will not speak till she can
do it in a calm and gentle mannsr. Perfect
silence is safe resort, when such control
cannot be attained, as enables a person tc
speak calmly; and this determination perse.
vered in, will eventually be crowned with sue
cess. ... ....s-.
Many persons seem to imagine, that tones
of anger are needful in order TO secure prompt
obedience; but observation has convinced the
writer that they are never necessary that in
ali cases, reproof administered in calm tones,
would be better. ...... ~..:.:... ESQ.
1t is very certain that some ladies do carry
forward most efficient government, both Of
children and domestics, without employing
tones Of anger; and therefore they are not in
dispensable, nor on any account desirable
Though some ladies ofintelligence and refine
ment do fall unc0nsciously into such a prac
| tice, it is certainly unlady-like, and in very
bad taste, to scold; and the farther woman
departs from all approach to it, the more per
fectly she sustains her character as lady.
| Every parent and every employer, needs
daily to cultivate the spirit expressed IN the dI
vine prayer. ''torglve US our trespasses as WI
forgive those who trespass against u.s." Th
same allowances and forbearances which w
suppicate from our Heavenly Father, AM
desire from our fellow men, in reference It
deficiencies. we should constantly aim to ex
tend to all who cross our feelings, and inter
fere with our pfans:-lMiss Beecher on Domes
tic Economy. ....