Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1876-04-06
IrreSOIutiOn.

painful to endure, and more fatal to
Most of US can recall occasions when we
have been thus afflicted, hesitating anx-
iously between two opposite courses, pre-
terring first one and then the other, as
their several advantages present them
selves, becoming each moment more con-
fused and uncertain, and, though vexed
and ashamed of the delay, yet utterly I'M
able to end it by decision. We may be
happy if such a condition is rare and ex-
ceptiOnal with US; If our usual habit is to
think deliberately, decide resolutely, and
act firmly.
The irresOlute man is continually vast
ing energy. The power that should be
economical for action he consumes in
anxious alterations of opinion. Does he
propose a journey, a business enterprise,
or some change in his mode of life, he is
torn with contiictir g thoughts as to its de-
STABILITY. The inducements to carry it
out appear in glowing colors, and he
thinks his purpose is settled; then posi-
bilities of failures and fears ofdisappoint-
ment bear on him so strongly that he al
most renounces it. Again convictions of
its benefit press with renewed force, and
he Oscillates most painfully between the
two courses, not having sufficient firmness
either to undertake or to relinquish the
enterprise. Meanwhile the delay itself
frequently settles the matter; the time
in which he might have chosen for
himself passes away and he is forced to
accept what fate has left him without any
reference to his judgment Or preference
Directly the power of choice is removed,
all the advantages Of the opposite plan
rush upon him with ten-fold force; he is
sure that that would have been his selec-
ton had the opportunity been prolonged;
and, consequently, acting upon compul-
sion, without heart or faith and, indeed
against what he now thinks his better
judgment, his failure and his discomfort
are both insured. In the smaller details
Of life, this irresolution, if less DISASTROUS,
is even more vcXati0us and annoying. To
waiver about trifes, to hesitate and doubt
and balance probabilities upon every little
matter that presents itself for immediate
decision, is a lamentable waste of power,
distressing to ones self, and irritating to
every loCkCr-on. 1t is better to make
some mistakes, we should all declare, than
to thus constantly lose time and force in
debating the pro and con of each petty ac-
ton.
A habit Of self-dependence is one most
important ingredient in a resolute charac-
ter. He who, either from inclination or
the force Of circumstances, has always
leaned upon others, can hardly be expect
ed to show much energy in decisions, or
much infexibility of purpose. It is just
here that freedom becomes so palpable a
blessing, giving to every man and woman
the opportunity for acquiring a self-re-
lance that nothing else can supply.
tits, perhaps, hardly possible for one
who has attained maturity with vacillat-
ing, irresolute nature ever to become de-
cided and resolute character Still there
are various degrees of this valuable
quality, and it is within the power of each
individual so to discipline himself as to
strengthen and increase it. A thoughtful
survey of every important subject on
which we are called to decide is necessary
to this end. There is time for delibera-
ton as well as for action, and when the
former is crowded into the latter wise
decision is impossible. All aids to this
end should be warmly welcomed, not as
props to support our weakness, but as
means to correct our judgment. The in
t1exibility that refuses to receive such aid,
and only seeks to enforce its own will, is
obstinacy, not decision. When, however,
we have brought all foreign helps into
connection with our own judgment, and
have thus formed the best conclusion we
can in the time allowed, we must, as far
as possible, dismiss further consideration
and proceed to Immediate action. In the
less important details of daily life, we
shall not greatly err in forcing ourselves
to an Immediate choice, though we may
still question its wisdom This self-com-
pulsion will be most salutary, especially
if we cultivate the habit of revising our
actions with view to avoid in the future
the mistakes into which we may have
fallen. -Phayadelpt50 Led9er.