The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1862-10-16
q Good Temper in a Housekeeper.

There is nothing which has more abiding
influence On the happiness of family, than
the preservation of an equable aud cheer
full temper, and tones in the hOusekeeper.
A woman who is habitually gentle, sympa-
thizing, fOrbearing, and cheerful, carries an
atmosphere about her, which jmparts a
sdOthing and sustaining influence and rem
ders it easier FOR all to do right, under her
administration, than in any other situation.
There is a secret, social sympathy, which
every mind to a greater or less degree ex-
periences with the feelings of those around,
as they are manifested by the countenance
and voice. A sorrowful, discortented,
or an angry countenance, produces a silent,
sympathetic influence, imparting a sombre
shade to the mind, whiles tones of anger or
complaint still more eAectually jar the
spirits.
1t is probable that there is no class of
people in the world, who have such inces-
SAINT trials of temper and temptations to be
fretful, as American hOusekeepers. For a
housekeeper's business is not, like that of
the other sex, limited to a particular de-
partment, for which previous preparation is
made. 1t consists of ten thousand little
disconnected items, which can never be so
systematically arranged, that there is no
daily .jOstling some where. And the more
strongly woman realizes the value Of time,
and the Importance of system and order,
the more will she be tempted to irritability
and complaint.
In many cases, when woman's domestic
arrangements are suddenly and seriously
crossed, it is impossible not to feel some
irritation. But it is always possible to re-
frain from angry tones. A woman can re-
solve that whatever happens, she will not
speak, till she can do it in calm and gen
tie manner. Perfect siLea,e is a safe resort,
when such control cannot be attained. as
enables person to speak calmly; and this
determination persevered in, will eventual
ly be crowned with success.
Many persons seem to imagine, that
tones of anger are needlul in order to Sc
cure prompt obedience; but observation has
convinced the writer that they are nerer
necessary; that On all cases, reproof admin
istered in calm tones, would be better.
1t is very certain that some ladies do car
ry forward a most efficient government,
both of children and domestics, without
employing tones of anger; and therefore
they are not indispensable, nor on any ac-
count desirable. Though some ladies of
intelligence and refinement do fall uncon-
sciously into such practice, it is certainly
very unlady-like, and in very bad taste, to
scOld; and the further woman departs
from all approach to it, the more perfectly
she sustains her character as a lady.
Every parent and every employer, needs
daily 10 cultivate the spirit expressed in the
divine prayer, forgive us our trespasses as
we forgive those who trespass against u.s."
The same allowance and forbearance which
we supplicate from our Heavenly Father,
and desire from our fellow men, in reference
to our DEFICIENCIES, we should constantly aim
to extend to all who cross our feelings, and
interfere with orr plans.
NAPoLEoN's VALUE OF TIME.-Napoleon
Bonaparte having one day visited school,
said to the scholars, on his leaving them,
my lads, every hour of lost time is chance
Of future misfortune" One of his biograph-
ers, Bourienue, adds that these remarkable
words afford the maxim which fol med, in a
great degree, the rule of his conduct. Well |
did he understand the value of time; even
bis leisur5 vas attended with some exer-
ton of mind.
If this soldier of tie poorld found, as he
did, numerous advantages resulting from a
careful use of tine, shouldn't the Christian
laiar Obev The ioiunc len OF lis Master