Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1874-07-09
Ghildrem's department.
4 LESSON FOR BOYS.
"BE COURTEOUS"

our everyday life, this injunction of St. Paul
is perhaps the one most habitually disregard
ed by children, both boys and girls, but espe-
cially boys.
"Courtesy politeness--pooh ~ | have heard
even bright-looking, well-dressed boys say,
"they are we'll enough for girls but boy
that isn't a Miss Nancy, has got to be rough" "
That's just where you're mistaken, boys.
Your great ambition, from the time you put
on your first jacket and trowsers, and take 4
walk with papa instead Of mamma or nurse,
is to be "big man." But men, at least we'll
bred men, are not rough and rude in their
manners. They behave politely to each
other and to everybody; and the sooner you
begin to do so, the sooner you will take one
long stride toward being manly.
You would be very angry, even now, at
ten or twelve years of age if any one told you
you were "no gentleman" But did you ever
observe the literal meaning of that word-a
gentleman? Then why do you think it is
only intended for girls to be gentle" ?"
As for "Miss Nancy-ism, 1 suppose that
is boys word for cowardice. But do you
remember the account St. Paul gives Of all he
suffered in defense of the truth? You would
think boy perfect hero if he took one
severe whipping without finchng, in defense
of what he believed to be right; but that noble
martyr endured every kind Of terrible suffer
ing, submitted to be scourged, stoned, impris-
oned, and finally put to a violent death, rather
than yield the truth he had pledged himself to
uphold. You would scarcely think him lack
ing in courage and manliness, and yet, boys,
it was he who said, "Be Courteous"
"Thank you," and "If you please" are
much easier words to say than "Shall," and
SHAN "I don't care and "You're an
other," if boys would only believe it.
But | started to tell you a story of how a
little boy knew once missed something which
he wanted very much just by his lack polite
ness.
1t was little Jack Farley, the son ofa friend
ofmine, and 1 was at her house one day when
Jack was begging for the promise Of a ne,o
sled at Christmas. But his mother was firm
in her refusal. "You remember we'll, Jack, "
said she, "what told you last winter, when
you were so careless about leaving your sled
out of doors in all sorts of weather, that it
would be worthless this winter, and that |
should not get you another But you gave
no attention, and now you must take the conse-
quences. You must get along with the old
Que, unless you earn new one for yourselfin
some way"
"And so I would if only knew any way"
said Jack, "but what can a fellow do? 1t
would take all winter to get enough by
shovelling snow, and then fellow wouldn't
want sled"
Don't say "a tellow" so much, said his
mother; but she had nothing to suggest, and |
heard no more about Jacks sled at that time
A few weeks after, happened to be look
ing out some Christmas gifts for little bright
eyed nieces and nephews of mine, in Mr.
Handy's great toy store, when Jack Farley
came skipping by. He had bright blue
ribband round his neck, with large silver
medal hanging from it, and his face was
flushed and his eyes shining with great de-
light The charm Of the broad windows,
stocked with all manner of beautiful and
wonderful toys, caught his attention, and
he stopped moment to take hasty glance.
Mr. Handy, who stood near the door, no.
ticed the bright, joyous faces, and the medal
with its gay ribband. "Halloo, my fine tel-
low," he said merrily, "what sort ola grand
decoration have you got on? What's that a
reward for?"
"For being head of my class, Of course"
said Jack, without even looking at the gentle.
man who took such good-humored notice of
him.
"Well, that's good hearing" said Mr..
Handy, even more kindly than before. 81
like to see boys with medals to show that
they are at the head of their class. 1t proves
there's good stuff in them. Here, I'd like to
give some thing to the boy that gets the med
al when he's no bigger than you. Take this,
my fine fellow" holding out new twenty
five cent stamp as he spoke; but though
Jacks eyes sparkled at the sight, he did not
touch it.
Il don't want any of your money" he said
rudely, and turning off, with never thought
of "thank you," ran home.
"Well, sir, whatever you got the medal for,
it was not for good manners" said Mr.. Han
dy, quite mortified, as he put the money
back into his pocket. Then turning to me,
he said,
"Dd you ever see such a young cub,
ma am? If he was too proud to take a bit
of change from man old enough to be his
grandfather, at least he might have refused it
politely. Boys didn't behave so in my young
DAYS"
IL know his mother" I said, "and I know
she is very particular about their not asking
for money. I suppose Jack thought she would
not like to have him accept any from
stranger; but as you say, he ought to have
been respectful"
"Well, he's cut himself out of my good
graces," said the old gentleman. 81 had ta-
ken great fancy to that boy he goes past
here twice day to and from school, and al
ways looks 50 bright and smart thought
there was good stuff in him. We're always
so busy before Christmas, have to employ
good deal O extra help. I meant to ask
him to come in and give US a little of his
smartness on Chistmas eve; i thought he'd
like the fun Of selling toys for while, and
then meant to give him the choice of all
the sleds in the shop. But he's a little too
smart for me, l find. shouldn't dare trust
such rude chap to wait on my lady custo-
mers."
Poor Jack A new sled-the very thing
his heart craved. But he lost it just for want
Of little common politeness.
Bows, boliovo mol While it l. q poor mo-
tive to do what Is right only because it pays,
vet for that reason, among many higher and
nobler ones, it will be we'll for you to re-
member St. Paul's charge, "Be courteous"
ri CAN NEVER Be a DRUNKARD." In our
youth we had very dear friend who often
used this expression. He was proud boy, and
a prouder man. He was fond Of what the
world calls pleasure, and finally ran into the
vortex that leads to ruin Social in his ma
tnre. he MAS often tempted at parties to take