Original. ECONOMY OF CHARACTER. ECONOMY OF CHARACTER. THERE seems to be amongst mankind a diversity of opinion, about equally balanced, whether the preponderance of character, as it exists, is referable mostly to original turn and temperament, or whether it should rather be considered as the result of education and discipline. We know that the force of blood is strong; and the likeness and similarity of races is acknowledged by all. Yet in this observation, as a question, it will be allowed that our view is in some sort a partial and prejudging one-confining our attention mostly to the points of likeness in our subjects, and not extending them to matters in which the individuals differ from each other. Let the general likeness of tribes and of families then be allowed, still, with sufficient observation, it may be seen that this allowance supplies no very great argument against the other side of the question; for the same original principle, under the diverse modifications to which it may be subjected in the training and circumstances of different individuals, will so sway and control it, that often no more of the original principle appears (perhaps not so much) as of the coloring, and lights or shades, which have pervaded and modified it. In a rude state of society, doubtless, the original traits of character predominate, from an obvious cause; namely, the absence of moral culture and discipline; whilst in the opposite extremes of excessive refinement, false sentiments not only pre- || sent a deceptious surface, but do, indeed, by their constant and sinister action, obliterate, along with the bad, also the ennobling tendencies of nature. 275 probably, in a like measure, aware of this. And the few instances of positive variation, should be allowed as exceptions to prove the rule, and not to contradict it. Where there is strength in the character, by culture, this force becomes auxiliary to the bias imposed. The parent, then, possessing the confidence of his child, so far as he can constrain obedience, may, by the blessing of Heaven, guide him almost at will. At the same time, it must be acknowledged that the discipline thus established, to be effectual, must be constant and untiring-it must be commenced early, whilst the subject is yet plastic and tender, before the mind has become biased, or the obduracy of habit shall have usurped the ground of action. May-be the reason why this power of forming the character at will (to the measure of its own capabilities) is not universally believed in, is, that the very fact upon which it is grounded is not often acted upon-at least, not acted upon consistently and completely. Sometimes, indeed, we see one or two members out of a numerous family, who, from particular circumstances, perhaps, rather than by consistency of intention, have, during all the years of their minority, been subjected to the surveillance and continued guardianship of monitorial advisers. But these examples are not frequent; and still less often can be seen whole families who have been thus trained. In recalling to mind all the families with whom I have been sufficiently acquainted whereby to form a judgment, none seems more convincingly prominent than that of Judge C. This gentleman was a native of Connecticut, in which state he continued to reside during his whole life. He re It is, therefore, amidst the medium ranks of civilization, or society, that one should look for the|ceived a good education at Yale College, and after test and evidence of this position. It is my idea, then, that culture, the early nurture of imposed influences, and habit, have an incomparably larger share in forming character, than the natural tendencies of that character, however vehement, can have upon it. It is often asserted that a character has a strong tendency so, or so. We may notice these traits, as items of character; but for the strength by which they are sustained, we must refer to the general power and calibre of the characters owning them. Particular traits, as leading individual, are insisted upon; but the great differences per ceived, are referable to either the strength or the imbecility of the natural subjects. The original differences of character, it may be supposed, are generic and not specific; and that it is in the power, of education to guide, repress, and moderate the one, as also to awaken, stimulate, and elevate the other. The parents of every family, with their own proportionate degree of attention to their children, are graduating applied himself to the study of the law, in which he succeeded well. Eventually he became judge of the county (?) He did not, as I suppose, inherit any property. I am led to suppose, from occasional remarks by the family, that the style of moderate expense in which they lived when I first became acquainted with them, was rather an advance upon their earlier housekeeping. This gentleman had married a lady of exemplary character, of good intelligence, and possessing an uncommon share of literary taste and acquirement. She, like her husband, also inherited no property. I once heard her jeeringly tell him that if she had not brought him a fortune, she had at least refused one on his account. To which he replied, in the same humor, "Very few circumstances, wife, warrant such a sacrifice; but if you are satisfied with your bargain I am." This lady was extremely fond of reading. She could not only quote readily from her treasures of knowledge, but she could select and apply the ideas suggested in 276 ECONOMY OF CHARACTER. books to their proper use-the improvement of life. I recollect once hearing the husband say in her presence, that he had never scen a person who could get through a book sooner than she, scanning and gleaning, meanwhile, whatever was new or valuable in it. The wife looked much pleased at this sort of side compliment, and gave a smile of candor, but did not otherwise reply. This method, by the way, was very useful to the gentleman himself; for having little leisure from professional reading, he in this way became informed of what books were worth his while. The reader, may-be, thinks it would be more in point if I had first told whether the wife were a notable and competent housekeeper—to which inquiry I can answer emphatically that she was; and reminiscences of spruce beer, of nice brown bread, and home-made cheese, &c., &c., sent me almost every week, attest to the fact. She was, in all respects, an excellent wife to the husband, who valued and appreciated her. Without seeking to be superior to him, she was exactly the sort of monitorial friend that he required. He was a man of much blandishment of manner, and of charming conversation, and a general favorite in society. The ladies in particular admired him. A wife of less good sense would possibly have betrayed some jealousy, where no real cause existed. The husband, with his suavity, his bonhomie, and his obligingness, was constantly called upon for neighborly services. No sooner was it known that Judge C. would depart on the morrow for his circuit, than from one to half a dozen ladies, wives, widows, and maidens, would prefer their requests for protection on the way, to be taken along to some visit nearer or more distant on the route. No press of business, no inconvenience ever suggested a negative; but kissing his hand, he would say, "Certainly, ladies, I am always your humble servant-only one condition-there must be no band-box-a trunk, if you choose, but no band-box;" adding, with his peculiar humor, "for, you know, if the bonnet were spoiled, I should be almost as unhappy as you would." The wife would laugh at the multiplicity of these requests, and calling him "that squire of dames," add, "It is good enough for you." He used to say, "The women ought to have all these little matters their own way; for, after all, the poor creatures have not a fair chance." Yet he never boasted his " 'chivalry." fatigued, he retired early, when Mrs. C. called to one of her sons, saying, "Show your father to his chamber." Upon this he turned his head in leaving the room, saying, "Madam says I have been gone a long time; and I suppose so, if I don't know the way to my own chamber." He had kept the secret, which the boy who took his horse had communicated to him on his first arrival, but goodnaturedly gave into the thing. He expressed no surprise to his little son; but, as he passed into the said to himself, in a low tone, "I used to think the door was there." room, I have said how great a favorite he was in society; and, notwithstanding his superiority, he would sometimes, perhaps, have fallen into a certain degree of levity, had it not been for the good-natured raillery of the wife, who, jealous of his dignity, would, upon these occasions, convey an inuendo to the very point of the folly, never losing temper, and never pursuing the subject beyond the instant. At home, I think, she never spoke of or remembered these things. They were a mutually confiding and very happy couple. The management of their family, of which I intend to speak, was uncommon and exemplary. They had a distinct plan of government, and they were well situated to carry it out. Their large house was delightfully situated-removed a small distance from the town. They were surrounded by neighbors, yet not incommoded by them. The rooms were airy, and conveniently furnished. Though plain, every thing was good enough, and nothing was too good. There was not an article that gave the idea either of parsimony or of extravagance. They had a choice garden and extensive grounds. In mentioning these things, I must not forget to add, that they were sensible of and thankful for their possessions, saying, "We have every thing that is comfortable, and nothing to brag of." They lived in unostentatious plenty, and were nobly generous in hospitality. They were the patrons of merit, and the helpers of the unfortunate wherever found. In their attention to friends and acquaintances, the poor were not forgotten. I used very often to see an old gentleman Visiting them, who, they told me, was an inhabitant of the alms-house; and thither, the lady told me, they sometimes went, to drink tea with him. She said the attention in that way was gratifying to him, and that he had seen better days. This person, who was called Captain N., subsequently had a pension granted him, as having been in the United States' service. But he died, being old, on the very day he should have entered upon it. I rememember once, during his absence of a few weeks, Mrs. C. found it convenient to make some change in the sleeping apartments, which removed the door of one of them to another angle of the chamber. On his return in the afternoon, she was seen to smile once in awhile at the idea of the surprise he would feel when shown the improvement. | recollections; yet I do not mean to say that either He smiled a little, too-reciprocally, perhaps. Being In making a sketch of this couple, I am conscious that I write from the warmth of my own of them was exempted from the faults and foibles ECONOMY OF CHARACTER. incidental to humanity. But, as they made it a practice to be as well conformed to propriety as might be, so they were not in the way of betray. ing all the weaknesses to which they might naturally plead guilty. In this way they not only concealed, but they repressed them. They were much alike in the point of both possessing a genuine independence of action and feeling. But this carried no assumption with it, and never sought to aggress. All who were worthy were treated by them with fairness, and consideration, and complaisance. Urbanity was no doubt the distinguishing trait in the disposition of the husband. And the wife, whilst she possessed a spicery of keenness and discrimination, was yet nobly just. This entire freedom from either jealousy or fear of the opinions of others, was also not interfered with by any relative form of dependence, either direct or contingent, upon them. They considered their ideas of duty as drawn from higher authority than that of society or of neighborhood-though » owning obligation to both-yet paramount to their dictation. They made no false pretenses, affected no undue elevation, nor owed any pecuniary obligation-they lived upon certain means-they lived within their means, and were fully above-board. In the course of my narrative I may, perhaps, recollect some trait of reprehension in their conduct. But at present I aver that not one presents itself. This will not seem surprising to the reader, when it is recollected that, in their economy of character, it was the principle of both to guard the "heart," whence are "the issues of life." This method they had probably assumed by compact, after they became parents, as presenting some example in themselves of the conduct which they exacted of their children. The lady, I think, possessed the greater share of moral prudence; and with her, probably, this discipline, as an established method, originated. And she, of the two, having the children always about her, would reap more comfort from this culture at a second growth. It was not here, as in many families, that the children, from their greater familiarity with their mother, respected her less than their other parent. Whilst their confidence in her was complete, she yet ever retained that salutary command that insured the well-being of both parties if parties they may be called, where, in love, all were willing to lay down their lives for each other. This lady did not think herself very wise--she only essayed to pay a living homage to such as were so. She used to say that her authority was the best on record, adding, "In the book that I consult, I find whatever I look for; and none so bold to gainsay it." She was substantially relig. ious. Judge C., also, was of the faithful. Upon 277 first establishing himself in a home, he said, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." As an industrious man of business, he was much absent from home; so that the charge of the family fell more upon the wife. I remember once seeing her under some anxiety to clear the house of some guests, who were with her by invitation. She at first essayed some little address in doing this, but finally came out with characteristic candor, saying, "My husband has just got the information that he has lost his office. This is not only a disappointment to him in the way of business, but, also, his feelings are rather mortified. He has been so great a favorite with the public," added she, "that perhaps he will not bear it very well at first; and so, dear ladies," continued she, "if you should visit Miss D. for the next week, and return to me after that time, I shall be entirely at leisure to enjoy your company. You do not misunderstand me; and do return, I pray you, when I shall send for you, and let me claim the whole of your promised visit." She was not misunderstood; for they should be captious persons, indeed, who could have taken offense at this high-minded appeal. Judge C., after all, had no cause of personal chagrin. His removal from office had been effected by the usual play of party intrigue, in a time of strong political excitement. He had still his profession as a resource whereby to live. And he had ever at hand this kind friend to soothe and shield him, as it were, from himself. They had six children to train up. They thought it not enough to feed, and clothe, and educate them at school, or at college; but they were vigilant over them, that corrupt ideas should never gain a footing within their hearts or their practices. They were "instant in season and out of season," to direct them to that propriety and those well-grounded principles of action, that should render them competent to whatever station of life they might eventually fill. They took care early enough to train them to the use and exercise of their faculties; so that they should never be averse or discouraged by employment. They insisted on their being fond of reading; and this they rendered interesting to each, by conforming, as much as was proper, to their particular tastes in the choice of books. Books they were supplied with in plenty. With toys only sparingly; for which, by the way, they were much better relished by them, than if they had been indulged in more. They inculcated self-dependence and independence upon them in the best sense of the words. With some of their children they found it matter of vigilant attention to repress that sort of selfimportance, which the very young, if possessed of a good deal of character, are apt to carry along 278 ECONOMY OF CHARACTER. with them. It may be seen that the children of this household never received an example of false pride, or of self-consequence, at home. The son of whom I just now spoke, with a strong spirit, was yet docile to his parents' commands; and evincing much ability, his father changed his destination, and educated him at college, and eventually to the bar, of which he is at present a distinguished member. The eldest son, at this time about sixteen years of age, was of a mild and affectionate disposition, with great refinement of feeling, and much literary taste. He was quite his mother's darling. Of this, however, she was conscious; and a year or two after, when he had graduated at college, (being destined for a lawyer in one of the western the delights of his home, the mother said, "We could keep L. here for ever, if we only consulted our own pleasure; but he has his way to make in the world, and the sooner he begins the better. He is not very resolute; so, 'darling' as he is," said she, with a smile and a tear, "we must give him a push!" This gentleman, who, as a youth, did not scem to possess much enterprise, has, (aided, no doubt, by this judicious management,) succeeded admirably in his profession, and in life. I recollect having heard a laughable conversation which took place betwixt the father and a son of about fourteen years. His father finding him exceedingly active, had decided, after consulting the boy, to train him a merchant. And he had now been some few months apprenticed accordingly, when one evening he came home in quite a black humor. "My son," said the father, "what's the matter? You seem out of sorts. Come, eat your supper, and then tell me all about it." The boy cleared up at this, giving his father the confi-states,) and made pretty long holydays, enjoying dential smile that was expected and required in this family; and, having eaten his supper, went on to say that Mr. T., to whom he was apprenticed, required services of him that he did not like-so many petty errands all over the town, he said; "and I have to do such things as you and ma' never required of me at home." "I suppose so, son; but then we were never training you up for a merchant," said the father; "and," chimed in the mother, "my child, you are on the lowest step of the ladder just now; but go on regularly and you will arrive at the top. You will never get to be an admiral if you insist upon getting in at the cabin windows!" His elder brother tried to comfort him by saying that for his part he had to study so hard at college, that he almost wished he were at liberty to take nice walks along with him. And his sisters, ten and twelve years of age, laughed at his distress, not knowing how to understand it. But when the tears came into his eyes, his father insisted upon knowing what was the particular affliction of this day. "I will tell you, sir," said he; "Mr. T. ordered me to carry home a demijohn through the street, and I did not think that suitable, though I did it." "Well, son, I don't think it need hurt you, after all," said the father, soothingly. "O, no, father," said he, "it did not hurt me to carry it; but I did not think it looked well for Judge C.'s son to be carrying a demijohn!" "O! if that's all," replied the father, "Judge C. will excuse you, and inform you, at the same time, that he himself performed much more menial offices at your age." The temperance idea had no bearing upon this anecdote. The children of this family were always allowed a fair discussion; for it might emphatically be said they were ruled by love. In this way they were not unfrequently induced to perceive the better sense of their parents' opinions over their own. Also, in matters which mostly concerned themselves, they were generally left, as it were, to their own casting vote of decision. And thus they felt the dignity of being persuaded rather than commanded into a measure. The third and fourth children were daughters. The elder was naturally very indolent; for which cause her mother insisted upon her daily exercise in house matters; and I am told she has made a most notable housewife. The parents said, "We will marry this daughter young. She is not of an apprehensive mind, and so much a creature of habit, that it is best she be conformed to the character of her husband, before she is established in tastes of her own. Accordingly, when a suitor appeared that pleased her, she was married at the age of seventeen, and has ever been an amiable and happy wife. "But I don't know what we shall do with 'Chop Logic,'" said the fond father, referring to his youngest daughter. I once heard the mother say that she thanked Heaven that their children were all endued with common sense, having neither a prodigy or an idiot amongst them; "for," added she, "it is as difficult to reduce the one to the level of common sense as it is to elevate the other. And we are more ambitious for the practical good sense of our children, than for any degree of genius without it." And to this point tended all their discipline. I believe they had more difficulty with this younger daughter than with either of their other children. She was neither froward nor self-conceited, but a genuine oddity. She was a sharp, lively, pert little creature, fair, and lean, and alert-a complete contrast in character and person, to the slow, dreamy look, the full figure, and deliberate movements of her sister. She was still in school at sixteen years. She mastered all her studies ECONOMY OF CHARACTER. 279 with quickness and ease, cared very little for gen- || associated with a tender heart, had ever rendered eral society, and for the young gentlemen not at her mother so charming. all. · There was some little secret one day in the family. After awhile, the mother said to me, looking rather disturbed, "Clara and I are not upon terms to-day;" (the reader understands that I was intimate and confidential in the family;) "but having, until now, had visitors about her all day, I have not yet spoken to her on the subject; but she knows well that something is wrong between us. You must know that it has come to me through one of her younger brothers, that she has been writing an epigram upon a certain young gentleman, who has affected to be more about her than she likes. But it is a mean thought to get rid of him in this way. The paper was handed me for inspection, and was headed thus: Verses upon a young gentleman who desired that his character might be tested by any equal rule.'" "And so," said Clara, now appearing, "I being then engaged in working sums, concluded to test him by the Rule of Three,' multiplying his vanity by his self-love, I was working by aliquots." "Hush, daughter!" said the mother, "you may think this very clever; but take my word for it, that cleverness will never excuse impertinence. You have made some children at school laugh, and they have applauded you. But I, your mother, tell you to have done with this vein of satire. It is a thing in bad odor with all; and if persisted in will injure you more than you are aware of. None but your own family will believe that any merit or goodness is associated in the character that harbors it. It looks bold, too, though I know that you have not apprehended it so. I would have my daughter modest; and she is so, when her better sense prevails." Clara looked surprised and self-convicted, making no defense. Her mother went on to say, "I wish you, daughter, to frequent society more; and you will perceive that you must abandon this vein of smartness, or you will, have no friends-there would be a prejudice created against you; and you, on your part, would resent the injustice of those persons who allow you no merit, forgetting that you have never permitted them to know that you possess any. Thus you will get at odds with the world in the outset. I wish you, too, to get rid of this shyness, in which it has been our mistake to indulge you so long. But you look fatigued, my child! We shall forget this, for I know the like will not occur again." Clara suppressed her wit from that day. By mingling in general society, a more liberal and salutary play of the spirits was induced; and by the vigilance of her parents, and her own good sense, she improved year by year, and finally attained to that economy of the intellectual acumen which, as The two youngest children were sons, differing in age about two years. Always play fellows, the elder had great control over the younger, from a certain timidity of character which he possessed, and particularly from a trait of credulousness, which the sprightly and free-minded brother had sometimes a disposition to amuse himself with. But this was ever frowned upon by the parents, and finally set to rest, as a point to be insisted upon, by a severe reprimand. The elder, in the buoyancy of his spirits, one day incontinently began, in the presence of company, "Pa', brother G. believes "Ah! " when he was cut short with, "Well, son, I am glad he does believe; for on the confiding temper of such a child I can better impress the lessons of obedience and respect which I would fain inculcate on all my children, than I can on one who, whether wantonly or deliberately, is over quick in his judgments of others, and, may-be," said he, softening his voice to a tone of expostulation, "over slow in self-knowledge. Your brother," continued he, "is at present very young, and comparatively ignorant both of life and the philosophy of things; but he is biddable and industrious. As he looks on and studies he will become informed, and his trueness of temper will keep him right in all that is essential. Besides," concluded he, "it is not every one that would contradict him that is capable to set him right. For instance, what does he believe, as you commenced telling me?" pa', please excuse me, nothing of any consequence." "You don't like to tell me, ha! Well, suppose, then, that he believes the moon is made of green cheese, now do you, H., tell me what the moon is made of!" H. hesitated, stammered, and coloring very much, said something about "opaque" and "reflected light," but made out nothing clearly. The laugh was turned upon him, and from that day he was more sedulous to inform himself than to detect the ignorance of others. The boys were at this time very young, perhaps eight and ten years of age. They have ever continued affectionate brothers. The elder is, I have been informed, a highly respectable citizen, and very eligibly connected in life. What his occupation is I do not know; but, as a resident in the land of "steady habits," I feel assured that he has an occupation; for this is a point upon which a gentleman, of whatever amount of fortune, is never excused by this people. The youngest son conformed to the advice of his parents, and became a farmer. I recollect hearing his mother say that he was too good for any other occupation. "In fact, wife," added the father with humor, yet affectionately, "he is good for nothing else. The world, should he try it, would soon use |