Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-04-03
Simplicity of True Politeness.

How beautiful ia an exhibition Of simple,
unaffected politeness Not that soft, soul
sickening affectation which modern refinement
would have us believe gives the only true pol
ish TO human character, but that which adds
an enduring lustre TO the character of him who
displays it, and makes a favorable impression
upon the minds of all who may come in con-
tact with him. In all the little transactions of
life, as well as those of more importance,
which men are daily necessitated to have with
their fellow-Inen, what abundant opportunity
is afforded for the exercise of this most pleas
ing trait; more pleasing and happy from the
reciprocal influence it exerts upon the person
exercising it, by causing him to feel satisfied
with himself, for having excited pleasurable
emotions in the heart of his fellows. And
then it costs one almost nothing but an effort,
and hardly that, when the habit is once form
ed, to politely confer favor when needed,
give information when desired, advice when
asked ior, or word Of soul-reviving comfort
and consolation, whenever affection may re-
quire it,
How easily dispute might be settled in
family, neighborhood, a town, state, ma
tlon, if the example of the faithful Abram were
only followed. "And there was strife be-
tween the herdsmen of Abrams cattle, and the
herdsmen Of Lots cattle. And Abram said
unto Lot, let there be no strife | pray thee,
between me and thee, and between my herds
men and thy herdsmen for we are brethren
Is not the whole land before thee Separate
thyself, pray thee, frum me if thou wilt
take the left hand, then will 90 to the right
or If thou depart to the right hand, then l will
60 to the left" How polite, and yet how
simple was this conduct of the aged Abram
towards his brothers son How beautifully,
too, is this trait in the character of the old man
exhibited in his hospitabe entertainment Of
the three strangers, as recorded in the seven
teenth chapter of Genesis. at is sad sight,"
says popular writer ste look upon an old
man and feel that he has lived in vain" But
The man, who in long life time, has perform
ed one such act Of kindness to a stranger, way
worn and weary, has not lived in vain, aad
will not surely lose his reward.
Learn also lesson from the children Of
Heth, when Abraham requested Of them
place to bury his dead out of his sight SIN
the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead"
And when he had selected the cave of Mach
pelah, which belonged to Ephron, the Hittite,
and offered TO pay him for it much money
as it was worth, Ephron answered, May, my
lord, hear me; the field give | thee, and the
cave that is therein, give il thee, in the pres
ence of the sons of my people give it thee !;
bury thy dead But Abraham still persist
ing in paying for it, Ephron said, MY lord,
hearken unto me, the land is worth fonr hun
dred shekels of silver; what is that between
me and thee, bury therefore thy dead
Many more examples might be quoted from
the sacred scriptures, showing the beauty of
this most desirable trait of character, and the
value, in the minds of the good, with which it
invests its possessor will only refer to that
of Rebekah and her brolher Laban, in their
reception of the servant of the aged Abraham,
as recorded in the twenty-fourth chapter Of
Genesis and that of the little captive maid
that waited upon Naaman's wife, in her deli
cate expression of kind wish that her master
was with the prophet of her people, that he
might be cured of his leprosy. Such exam
pies are doubtless recorded for our imitation,
| and ,hev shnnld have the effect IN nroduce in
us kind feelings of heart. and corresponding
expression, in word and action, toward all
with whom we may daily, or occasionally have
intercourse. As 'like begets like" spirit
of kindness, and amiable polteness of bearing
towards our fellows, will conciliate their love
and friendship, warm and enduring, cement
ing heart to heart in one fraternal bond of IN
ion-Boston Rambler.