The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1854-09-29
GOVERNMENT OF TEMPER.
[For the Post.1


The constitution of the mind in regard tC
the passions is what we denominate the TEN
per Of person. Men are found to be oil
very different temperatures. Some OF cain,
and serene disposition, while Others are hasi =
and irritable. We also observe the temrcra.
ment has very grea; influence over The lie
and conduct OF mankind. The individual
who can govern and control his te,nner sell
dom falls into those contentious and difficult
ties which destroy his own peace, and do
great injury TO society. But he who has no
rule over himscl-whose temper knows 40
restraints often led to sneak and act IN y
manner which he regrets in his rejecting mo-
ments, and which sinks him in The estimation
of those who know him. Then il is ma ter
Of no trivial Importance thai every one
should have complete control over his tenn
per. BM can his be done? Are we not told
by many that certain ones have such ungov.
ernable tempers hy nature, that they are al.
most eScusable for The mos outrageous acts.
Nothing can be further from the truth. The
MAN W ip, iH Viz htuh vi tNSSio' Sii'S NE
neghbor or burns his house, is rs culpa5le As
he who would con,mi; The same acts unLe no
excitement whatever. We admit that men
by nature are Of very different tcmperamenis
that some even in childhood manifest peiu-
liant and irritable dispositions, while others
are mild and incxciiablc. But ibis proves
nothing, because our passions, habits, and
peculiar dispositions, depend not upon our
birth, but upon our training and education.
We often see instances where men by nature
are very irritable and pcevisIi, yet by the
proper culture they have completely sublnel
and governed iheir tcmpcrs, while others
the proper training, become the most violcn,
and ungovernablc. If bein, born with high
and exciting tcmperi is any excuse for such
disposition in mature life, we also might casi.
duties Of life. Ii is the duty Of every one 10
be virtuous, but by nature we are all dcpraved
and sinful We never think of rendering this
rs an excuse for our impicty. All men are
bOIH iSIioTHHt, Nct 10 IS tlc uui OF HlaHN 40
understand The languages and The useful sci
enccs, and teach The same TO their frllow-men.
In short, all the qualifications and vir,uous
dispositions of the christian and philosopher
are attained by their own exertions and CT,
forts. Inasmucli, thcn as We have 40 excuse
for the Indulgence of naughty and over
bearing temper, which is morally wrong and
productive Of great evil 10 lis pos-cssor, i,
remains The duty OF every one 10 govern ana
subdue his temper. In youth is The most IA
vOrablc time 10 do this. The human temper
is like an unruly animal-if not tanned when
young i; is almos; impossible afterwards, Il
costs a grca; deal OF patience and care, espe-
cially il the individual is naturally higi, fem.
pereI. But perseverance, and determination
will accomplish it. After the work is once
done il is an easy matter TO keep it sn,dned.
The force OF habit comes in as n second ne
ture, and enables us 10 gam complete victo'
~ over ourselves. From our own experience
we are convinced of the great Importance of
controlling our tenpers on all occasions; and
Solomon tells us che Md; rnicH Ills ON, spirit
is greater Man he MGt toketh cHy." Not
wi;hstandins This is an important attainment
mel generally neglect it. We daily see ncn
in our streets becoming angry and excited,
raging and foaming like the agiiated sea, and
under the influence OF their passions saying
and doing things they would not when proper
" al themselves. Would not the young do
well 10 learn q lesson from The examples OF
others, and early in life subduc their prevail
ing passions and thus avoid The wreck Of
themselves in the whirlpool OF an unsovern-
ed temper, and secure the rich blessings OF all
those who 'mortify the deeds Of the flesll."
JUVENTUS.
Sweetwater, Sept. %, 1854.