Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-09-04
Written for the Herald,
Courteous Christians

wonderful power to win the respect and
will of others. They are cheap com.
modify, but OF great profit, within the
reach of the poor as well as the rich,
Kind words and gentle manners do
much to mitigate the misery and sor-
rows of earth; they tighten burdens,
dry tears, bring happiness to heavy
hearts and heaven to earthly homes.
OF all men, the world has right to
expect the Christian to be courteous,
Peters precept to Christians, Be cour-
fe0ats, are words of more than worldly
wisdom. AS an example of courtesy
the Founder of Christianity is perfect
pattern for His people to follow. The
religion He recommends is both elevat-
ing anu ,at1ning in its enlightening and
reforming power. Rightly ,"Nr'Sheo
within and practioed without, it tends
to purify the heart, to elevate, enohie
and refine the whole man, making him
q better citizen, q more agreeable COM
panion and faithful friend.
Genuine courteousness is great grace
that every Christian should carefully
cultivate and practice, not alone toward
his religious sect or particular sect in
church, but in his common intercourse
among men.
The Christian is estimated more by
his conduct as a citizen and companion
in the cottage of the poor, by the couch
of pain, in the private parlor, behind
the counter and in the market place,
than by his pious look in the n,eeting
! house or professions and prayers in the
conference rooh. The temper he man
ifests in the trials of trade, his patience
under provocation, his spirit and words
in the workshop and on the street, his
manners in the markets and meetings of
business, all combine to recommend his
religion to his fellows, and make friends
for his Master or else to repel men
from his company and from his Masters
cause. His personal attractions or re-
pulsions tend to draw men to his relig-
ion, or drive then: % reject and despise
his professions of piety, because he is
so discourteo1s end disagreeable. He
may be honest at heart and jealous in
spirit, but bis zeal is not according to
knowledge, 1t is not enough that the
Christian has the confidence Of others,
he must have their sympathies and good
will if he would win their hearts to his
Master,
Many good men largely destroy their
religious influence by their repelling
manners. Not few confessed
Christians seemingly fail to fully
realize their personal responsibility
of recommending their religion and win
ming hearts by gaining the good will of
their acquaintance 10y courteous ways,
and showing their sympathics by social
fricndiness and frankness, as well as
commanding the oontjdepoc at others by
integrity of character.
Too often the religion of gentle Jesus
is rejected, and even despised, by rea-
son of Sthe incivilities or repulsive-
ness of those regarded as its most zeal
Gus representatives. Neither coalseness
nor clownishness is an essential adjunct
of the christian creed. Sanctimonious
coarseness is no sure sign of saintlinesS,
nor is moody moroseness a true work OF
moral manliuess. Yet, some person.
pride themselves In putting their wors
side out, dceming studied politeness, de
ception and amiable Civilities in common
intercourse, as evidence of effcminate-
ness and decent manners as degrading
subserviency to the demands of social ct
iquette.
They seem to think that rudeness is q
sure sign of smartness, and roughness
strength In their self Conceitedness
they glory in their shame, and cast re
proach on that religion which is, first
pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy tt
be entrusted.
How refreshing to turn from the con
temptation of this unsocial, incongenia
and ENJOYABLE class, who drive more
from christianity than they draw to it
that class of courteous christians, founC
in every community, and courted il
counsel and companionship, by child
hood and youth, as well as advanced
years.
Their presence is as sunshine, and thei
spirit as genial and refreshing as spring
showers. Their words are like apples O
gold in pictures of silver. Their win
some ways draw you uncOnsCiOusly to
ward their religion.
Though wearing the white crown o.
age their beauty does not wither; thu
fountain of friendship and feeling il
ever full and flush; it's springs of love
are ever sending forth sweet streams t.
beautify and bless all around them
Their own hearts happy with love ant
hope, the light of life beams forth il
their looks and shines in their deeds
Their customs do one good as doth {
medicine.
With the milk of human kindness il
their breasts they are too kind to delib
erately neglect others interests or want
only wound their feelings, but aim to give
pleasure and not pain.
They look not on the things of thei
own, but consider the wishes and wants
of others, and find their highest happi
ness in helping to make those most hap
pay and hopeful around them.
Careful of others feelings, they faster
their friendship by approaching all thei
good and covering their failings will
consistent charity or seeking to correc
them with christian counsel.
Too truthful to deceive and too franz
to fiatter, if they feel constrained to tel
others their faults they do it in meek
ness and love, and seek to gain thei
friendship by the fidelity of true kind
ness.
There is deal of difference between
friendly courtesy and frowning syco
phancy. The one is cringing, craven
servile, selfish.
The other is the frank and faithful
expression of the finer feelings of larg
hearted sympathy and love. The one
despisable deceitfulness, easily detecte
by discerning persons and especially dis
gushing to decent people. The othe