The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-06-28
Outh's Departing mt.
From the Youths Medallion.
Pr LITE YES 8.

Mrs. Child says, sThe idea that constant poli,e.
ness would render social life too still and restrain,
ed, springs from false estimate of poteness 1t
simply consists in treating others just MS you love
to be treated yourself. Persons who act from this
principle will always be said to have s,oeet pretty
,oays ,oih them 1t is of some Importance, that
young persons should know how to enter and
leave room in n graceful and becoming manner;
but il is of vastly more importance that they should
be in tho habit ofavoiding whatever is offensive
or disgusting 10 others, and of always prelerring
the pleasure of others TO your own and therefore
lot me entreat you here as you value your charac~
ter usefulness, or happiness, never fail of being
courteous and condescendiDg TO all persons both
old and young. 'Undevla ting civilify 10 those Of
less fortunate circu in life than yourself,
or of inferior stations, and becoming courtesy to
all, are the emanations OF we'll educated mind
and finely balanced feelings and il is the mark Of
truly noble dspo stion, TO DO able TO trea; the
mental and dependent with kindness and good
will
DR.. Darwin says, 'Soitness OF manner and com
pacency of countenance gentle, unhurr,cd mo.
on and voice clear and tender, are charms tn at
enchant all hearts Yes and they form the
groundwork OF all true potcness, and need not
the distinction OF dress or beauty, 10 make them
prominent and attractive. 1t must ever be borne
IN mind, that the former while it attracts class
Of admirers, will be rePuisvo to another: and that
in the latter there is no perma nence and therefore
it is of real value. True Foliteness is ntelligi-
bic 10 all mankind, is true passport in every
country, and is often seen rendering poverty and
the plainest exterior, agreeable and attractive,
while its absence makes ledge repulsive and
| robs beauty of all power to please.
What delightful, pleasing and graceful habit ii
is for children 10 say to each other, Eyes! and
grown persons too) will you have the goodness
TO do this or that, Il thank you 10 hand me- this
or that. No one will say that TO he in tho habit
Of always speaking in this way, when want
a favor granted, will not be the most way 10
secure to those who grant it, pleasure in crafty
our want. do not like to prim, artiic iaI
child; there are few things dsliked than such
children;-but the habit Of good manners by no
means implies necessarily, affeciation restraint.
1t is certainly gmuch more pleasant TO hear, and
also vastly more becoming and quite as easy to say
'Please TO give me piece OF pudding as 10 say
Il want piece ofpudding,' or, Il will thank you
TO fill my glass with water, 10 say, 'Give me
some water in my glass; or, Il should rather not
lend my keepsake, ms TO say, u will not lend my
keepsake, or, rs is quite as common, Il went,
&c. Such and similar modes Of expression, need,
trust, only to be thought OF candldly and serious
y, for moment,to exhibit their coarseness and
vugarty, and to lead all to shun them absolutely
and entirely. They are no part OF true po!itencss,
ond they are utterly at variance with good man
ncrs. Ever bear it in remembrance that true po-
hteness may be cherished in the humble cottage as
well in the lofty palace; and that the most plain
and tattered drapery, cannot conceal its winning
charms
You all know what kind Of treatment makes you
feel happy, and makes you feel attached to those
with whom you associate; let me enjoin on you,
then, treat others you like to-be treated your
self, and try In every instance to cultivate good
manners, which is Of the browning graces OF
Life.