The Indianapolis leader. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1879-1890, 1880-09-11
WHAT Is A GENTLEMAN
How Cardinal Newman Answers the
Ouestion

NJ" cardinal Newman Answers the
Question.
1t is almost definition of gentleman to
say he Is one who never inhicts pain. This
description Is both refined as far as it goes,
and accurate. He is mainly occupied in
merely removing the obstacles which hinder
the free and unembarrassed action of those
about him; and he ccncurs with their move
ments rather than takes the initiative him.
SELF His benefits may be considered as
parallel to what are called comforts or con-
veniences In arrangements of a personal
nature; like an easy chair or good FIRE,
which do their part in dispelling cold and
fatigue, though nature provides means OF
rest and animal heat without them. The
true gentleman in like manner carefully
avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt
In the minds of those with whom he is cast;
all clashing of opinion, or collision of feel
ing, all restraint or suspicion. or gloom, or
resentment; his great concern being 10 make
every one at their ease and Ut
home. He has his eyes on all his
company. he is tender toward the bashful,
gentle toward the distant. and mercitul to-
wards the absurd; he guards against unsea-
sonable illusions or topics which may irri
tate; he is seldom prominent in conversation.
favors while he does them, and seems to be
receiving when he is comforting He never
speaks of himself except when compelled,
never defends himself by mere retort; he
has no ears for SANDER or gossip, is scrupu-
lous in imputing motives to those who inter
fere with him, and interprets everything
for the best. He is never mean or little in
his disputes, never takes unfair advantage,
never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings
for arguments, or insinuates evil which he
dare not say out. From a long-sighted pru-
dence he observes the maxim of the ancient
sage, that we should conduct ourselves to-
ward our enemy as if he were one day to be
our friend. He has too much good sense to
be- affronted at insults, and is too we'll en-
ployed to remember injuries. He is patient,
forbearing, and resigned. on philosophical
| principles He submits to pain
because it is inevitable; to bereave-
ment, because it is irreparable; t.
DEATH because it is his destiny If he en-
cages in controversy Of any kind, his disci'
plined intellect preserves him from the
laundering discourtesy of better, perhaps, but
less educated minds, who, like blunt weapon;
tear and hack instead of cutting clean
who mistake the point in argument, waste
their strength on trifes, msconceive theiI
adversary, and leave the question more in
volved than they find it. He may be right
or wrong in his opinion, but he is too clear.
headed to be unjust; he is as simple as heis for
chile, and rs brief as he is decisive. Nowhere
shall we find greater candor, consideration
indulgence. He throws himself into the
minds of his opponents, he accounts fol
their mistakes; he knows the weakness OF
human reason as we'll Us its strength, iti
province and its limits. If he be an unbe-
lever, he will be too profound and large.
minded to ridicule religion or to act against
it; he is too wise to be dogmastist or fanatic
in his inadelty. He respects piety and de
votion; he even supports institutions as ven
cradle, beautiful, or useful, to which he does
not assent. he honors the ministers of reli
gion, and it contents him to decline its mys
teries without assailing or denouncing them
He is friend of religious liberation, and
that, not only because his philosophy has
taught him to look on all forms of faith will
an impartial eye, but also from the gentle
ness of feeling, which is the attendant OF
civilization.