Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-06-16
THE LITTLE COuRTEs1Es OF LIFE.
"a kindly word, n pleasant smile,
Are hetter far than gold ;;

THE LITTLE COURTES1ES OF LIFE.
"a kindly word, pleasant smile,
Are better far than gold"
A friend, some time since, came to us and
expressed great annoyance at what he regard
ed as an act of marked discourtesy on the part
of gifted and accomplished gentleman, to
whom he had rendered valuable service. He
was quite excited at the time, not that he cared
so much for the circumstance, but because it
was calculated to dim the high picture which
he had formed in his mind of the nature of the
man. He had set him up as the model of
Christian gentleman, the very embodiment of
finished, polished, graceful and dignifed
character. And yet, to Lis surprise, he found
that he lacked one Of tho great essentials,
namely. common courtesy or ordinary polite
ness. In other words, he had either refused
or declined to answer a note that had been
sent to him on his own business, and this refu-
sal was kept up for days, until it became ne
cessary to refresh his memory and offer one or
two sharp admonitory remarks. 1t is but one
of thousands. The little courtesies of daily
life, the kindly and graceful amenities which
are so admirably calculated to sweeten the re-
lations between man and man, and to impart
genial spirit to our social everyday inter-
course, are too frequently neglected. Weei-
ther forget, or We overlook them. We do not
sufficiently appreciate our own self-respect, or
the feelings and good wishes Of others. This
is the more culpable, for courtesy and kind
ness are at the command of all classes-the
poor as well as the rich, the humble as we'll as
4ha 81 Nol -I<~
never think it worth while to reply to a note
or an invitation unless some especial business
matter be involved. There are others again,
who never omit such an act of courtesy and
duty. In the first case, misunderstanding,
irritations and unkindnesses will inevitably
occur, and in the last, all these will be avoid
ed. Some one has observed, truly and forci-
bly,, that the little cOurtesies of life should be
regarded as among the minor virtues, and their
practice should be encouraged ahd cultivated
from early youth. What, indeed, could be
more delightful than the interchange of civili-
ty, kindness and good will on all proper occa-
sions between friends and neighbors What
is so we'll calculated to soften the rugged path
of existence, and TO give to the human heart
agreeable feelings? Some years since, gen.
tleman and lady were bctrothed, and the pro-
posed union was looked upon in the most ap
proving manner by the parents of both parties.
1t SO happened that the former had occasion
to visit Europe, and to remain abroad some
thing like six months. He wrote home clabo-
rately, or a few words by every packet; bu.
during the whole of this period he received but
three letters in reply, and Of a character so
brief as to show that the fair correspondent
took very little interest either in the subject
or the object to whom the epistles were ad-
dressed. The effect was to annoy, irritate,
create a GOODNESS, and finally to break off the
match. The truth is, no one likes to be treat
ed either with Indifference or contempt. A
sense of self-pride revolts against such con-
duct. The courtesy We extend to others, we
naturally and properly desire to see extended
to ourselves in return. Reciprocity is the
very soul of harmony, friendship, and good
feeling. A sensitive individual may be ag-
grieved and wounded, just as readily by indif-
ference and neglect, as by an open and studied
insult. By courtesy, We do not mean affec-
tion, hollow pretence, shallow hypocrisy, and
artificial manners. On the contrary, these are
all miserable counterfeits. But we refer to a
genial, generous and kindly spirit, q sense of
appreciation, recognition of equality, a
truthful air, and frank and manly bearing.
Not day goes by, in which all these qCali-
ties cannot be exhibited more or less, especi-
ally In the sphere, and among the friends with
whom We move and mingle. There is, on the
other hand, nothing more unworthy, unmanly,
pitiable and mean, than disposition to tyran-
ize over and insult, not directly perhaps, but
indirectly, those who in some sense may seem
to be dependent upon US, or whom, in the ex-
ercise of a false pride, We may imagine We can
outrage with impunity. The little courtesies
of life never shine so sweetly or brightly, as
when they are manifested by the rich towards
the poor, or by the powerful toward the weak
They then become grace and establishment
of the character, and while they adorn the one
party with a moral lustre, they kindlc in the
hearts Of the other feelings of kindness, affec-
tion and goodwill. But courtesy is never out
of place. 1t is never thrown away 1t always
has its effect, and sometimes it tells far more
efficiently than formal services, or even heavy
obligations.
CULTIVATE WELL, AND NOT TOO WIDELY
The great evil in our agriculture is that we at
tempt too much with too little means. We
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