Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1869-09-07
CONSCIOUSNESS

A "a II
There are some virtues, the outward
expression Of which can, with tolerable
correctness, be counterfeited by those
who do not possess them ; and Affecting
Of suspicion and distrust is often natur-
ally awakened as to the genuineness of
the principle, even when there is an ex-
ternal manifestation of it. Kindness
aud %benevolence find their natural u.
preston not only in generous deeds and
self-sacri6cing efforts, but 10 lesser acts
Of kindness; iu looks, tones, and
gestures ~ofcivility, Difference and court
eousness, which are 30 winning and
pleasing that it is no wonder they are
frequently counterfsited. There's are not
wanting those who, actuated by selfish
motives, and seeing the admiration and
affection yielded to o kindly and court
eous bearing, endsavor to produce the
fruit, without cultivating the root.
Such efforts are often attended with a
certain degree of success, until some
real sacrifice is required, when the self
ish nature that has been hidden under
a false exterior is brought to light, and
the politeness is found to be artificial
and soulless. Such discoveries lead
many excellent persons 70 uudervalue
and deprseiate courteousness. We often
hear the remark, it is no matter about
the nne so long as the heart is all
right !" and we not unfrequently see
the truly generous man REFRESHING the
natural outflow of his emotions, and
performing benevolent actions in the
most ungracious manner. Such per-
sons make a serious and fatal mistake ;
one which, if persisted in, will immeas-
urably lessen the good they a impart,
and the happiness they can receive.
The pleasure conferred on others by
kind and courteous manner is not
measured by the value Of the benefit it.
self, but by the grateful sensation Of
being the object of kindness and cor
diality. The cIility in itself may bring
no palpable advantage, may require no
material sacrifice, may involve neither
loss nor trouble, and may be only re-
spectful attention or a kindly inquiry,
or an effort to relieve embarrassment,
yet it may conduce more to the happi-
ness Of him who receives it, than the
most expensive charity. The money OF
the generous will relieve distress and
incite gratitude, but he who brings the
grasp of cordiality, the smile Of sympa-
thy, the delicate aud kindly attention,
throws a sunshine into the heart that
no material benefit can convey. Though
few have itin their power to give money
largely, all can bsstow courtesy without
reserve, and it will increase by its lib.
ersl diffusion.
Courteous manners not only convey
happiness in large measure to the recip.
tents, but also to their possessor. Every
one who does a gracious action feels its
reward Immediately in a conscious sat.
isfaction that can never follow o gruf,
naughty or repsllant mood. Children
trained to be polite and gentle are al
ways happier than if suffered to disre.
gard the feelings of their companions.
The pleasure that follows the exercise
of power is always heightened whom di-
rected into bene6cent channels, and
+ this power, so often thought to be
confined to the rich, is in truth pos
sessed by every n of us. Il is also
e~minently expansive in its nature.
: Justice and generosity can at most
be exercised only on q limited scale;
even patriotism concerns a single nation,
but the virtue of eivility knows no
exceptions. Every one we meet, from
the dearest friend to the utter stranger,
may claim some tribute at our hands.
Goodwill may be shown in countless
ways, and carries with it q chserfulness
and animation that more than compen-
safes for the effort it may cost.
Nothing is more efficient in securing
the esteem and affection that all desire
than kind, courteous and conciliatory
manners. To these all are ready to do
homage, while many will shrink from
an obligation and only feel drawn
away from those who prefer material
aid. 1t is the respect and consideration
conveyed in these little attentions, tri-
fling as they may in themselves appear,
that win the hearts and secure the good
will Of those to whom we show them.
Let no one, then, despise a courteous
bearing, or neglect tho lesser amenities
of life. They will render the disposition
itself more lovely; for every emotion is
strengthened by natural expression, and
weakened by repression. They will
confer untold happiness on all upon
whom they are showered, and return a
rich blessing on him who scatters them.
While ever stunning the false coin Of a
cold etiquette, that springs from no
gentle emotion, let US cherish the
natural expression of a kind spirit, and
thus tighten the burdens Of the sorrow
full, and add to the cup Of joy that all
may taste.
A YOUNG lady, name not given, issup.
posed to have committed suicide in San
Francisco, about q week ago. A note