Fayetteville Observer

SELF-CONTROL.

A merchant had a dispute with a Quaker respecting the settlement of an account. The merchant was determined to bring the account into court—a proceeding which the Quaker earnestly deprecated, using every argument in his power to convince the merchant of his error; but the latter was inflexible. Desirous to make a last effort, the Quaker called at his house one morning, and inquired of the servant if his master was at home. The merchant hearing the inquiry and knowing his voice, called out at the top of the stairs— "Tell the rascal that I am not at home." The Quaker looking up to him calmly said, "Well, friend, God put thee in a better mind." The merchant, struck afterwards with the meekness of reply, and having more deliberately investigated the matter, became convinced that the Quaker was right and that he was wrong. He requested to see him, and after acknowledging his error, he said: I have one question to ask you. How were you able, with such patience on various occasions to bear my abuse? "Friend," replied the Quaker, "I will tell thee. I was naturally as hot and violent as thou art. I knew that to indulge this temper was sinful, and I found that it was imprudent. I observed that men in a passion always spoke loud, and I thought that if I could control my voice I should repress my passion. I have therefore made it a rule never to let my voice raise above a certain key; and by a careful observance of this rule, I have, by the blessing of God, entirely mastered my natural temper." The Quaker reasoned philosophically, and the merchant, as every one else can be, benefitted by his example.