Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1836-12-08

'are. in fact, absolutely necessary. There
are no better judges of department than la
dies, and it is in their society alone that ouf
sex can acquire that ease and polish which
they so much admire. For this reason,
Young men should by all means seek the So
cicty Of the most refined intelligent females
those in whose presence they feel the re-
straint of respect. Ladies have delicate
and inuiiive sense of proprlcty, which IN vir-
tuous females land young men should asso-
ciatc with no other) marks with disaPproba-
ton the least alteration from correct deport-
| menf; and they have also natural grace
! which communicates itself, in some degree,
10 those IN whose good fortune 1t may be ia
enjoy their society, and especially to those
who entertain for them feelings Of more
delicate and ardent nature than mere friend
ship; for love is not more potent in. refining
the feelings, than he is in asofteniu8 and pol.
ishing the manners of those whoare forced
to acknowledge his power; and yield to his
bewitching influence. Nor is it less impor-
tant for young ladies to enjoy the society Of
intelligent, well bred men-men whom they
respect; for it is their presence which restraints
that hoydenish disposition which almost all
young ladies possess, giving them, in lieu OF
it. that modest confidence which is so fascln-
atng in our eyes; while their conversation, 1t
it be not OF that trifling, frivolous character,
properly called nonsense, improves their
minds and colloquial powers. The inter
course of brothers and sisters has its advan.
tagcs to both but there is wanting in this
that respectful Difference, and that natural re-
straint and circumspection which are the
great source Of the improvement which ar's-
es from the intercourse of the sexes.
With regard to the acquisition Of agrcea.
BILE manners and an easy, courteous deport-
ment, we hold them to be within the reach
only Of the young, and if not acquired in ear
lily life, they can never be afterwards attained;
hence the importance of this subject to pa
rents. Nor can these be taught by precept
alone; children are initiative creatures, and
readily catch the manners Of their elders,
whose example is constantly before their
eyes; it would therefore be an idle task for
parents who are in the daily habit ofspeakng
harshly and pettshly to each other, and to
their children, to attempt to give the latter
mild and winning department, and soft and
pleasant manner Of speaking; and equally
vain is it for those to attempt to teach their
children propriety Of behaviour at table, at
whose own, order, propriety and ceremony
are ever strangers. In short, if parents wish
to enjoy the satisfaction Of hearing their cbil-
dren commended for their refined manners
if they would see them successful and re-
spected in life, they must themselves be their
instructors, both by precept and example,
1t is in vain for parents to expect their chill
dren to be distinguished for grace and pro-
priety, if they are careless and Indifferent
about their department to themselves; for we
hold that the very ground work of engaging
manners is an habtual respect for their pa
rents, supcriors and seniors, and the puncti-
ious and cheerful observance Of oil those at
tentions and formalities which indicate defer
ence and respect, and desire to please.