Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1871-10-06
L Ill L Sc Nj / N Il l.
For The Montgomery County Sentinel.
Candor,

Candor.
This brilliant quality of the human mind is
regarded by the universal world as the most
winning trait of character that can adorn any
| person; it is attractive to both old and young,
and alike attractive in both the aged and
youthful. How readily any one may establish
this fact in their mind by simply reverting
| the Imagination TO some acquaintance who is
really candid and above assimilation. We
all have some acquaintance Of this character,
whom we revere and trust. believe there are
many persons who are honest and yet not can
did, because they do not understand exactly
how to quiet and calm the sensibilitcs. Ner-
vousness is often great cause Of an apparent
want of openness when it is really owing TO a
sensitive consideration for another's feelings.
Thus, in serious conversation between two
persons upon subject Of gseat interest to
one or both Of them, and when candor and
frankness are really necessary, the truth may
be upon the lips of one os the persons and yet
it may be smothered ere it is articulated for
fear that it my not be exactly pleasant TO the
others feelings hence an impression is left of
! a want of openness when that openness has
been constrained by what is ever considered
commendable motive, delicate regard for
another's feelings. Now, this, though very
common is wrong in principle and invariably
ultimately unhappy in its effects, for truth
will come to the surface and all discrimination
be exposed and then we regret when it is too
late that candor did not mark our intercourse
There are many persons who are truthful and
yet their manners are not attractive in this re-
spect, because they are constrained by ner-
vousness from straitforward fearless ut
terance aud of their sentiments, ard then
again there are persons who speak with perfect
fearlessness, so much SO that they make us a
little uneasy but still we do not dislike them
for it; on the contrary, we are disposed to at
tribute their manner to an honest breast and
therefore, We admire them ami are naturally
inclined to depend on what they say. can
not imagine n cause for this defect Of charac-
ter unless it is n determination 10 quietly
watch oneself When we express our opinions
with view TO strictly avoid the natural ten
~ pTefHIituiG uutll We lOIUl inc maui
Of expressing the exact truth with our lips
which will, ! think, cultivate the truth in our
hearts and then fearless and open style of
expression will follow, and delicate regard
for anothers feelings when the truth should
be uttered is most decidedly counterfeit SEN
timent. No creature made after the likeness
of God must vacllate between the truth and
preyaricalion, for truth Is the fortress of the
soul anfwe are bound to speak it or speak
not at all. Fear is the only real obsticle TO
candor and they who are perfectly truthful
have but little TO fear in their intercourse with
the world BY candor do not intimate the
righteousness Of youth, for this often vanishes
with the ringing voice and bright complication,
but the candor of an experienced mind and a
heart pure and unsullied is what admire.
II. w.