The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-01-31
COARSENESS.

Any lack of refinement in one 5 man
ner, or any incivilty in ones ordinary
personal address, ought certainly to be
matter of regret to the person whose
daily life displays such defect. But it
is by no means uncommon for men and
women to think, or to pretend they think
that rudeneSs of manner and neglect of
the courteSieS of life are evidence of a
strong character: and that a coarse and
uncivil habit of speech is an admirable
proof that the speaker is a plain, blunt
man" who is above ShamS and pretenceS.
Now, while coarsenesS may exist along
with strength Of character and righteous
ness of life, it is always Il blemish to
them, and never help. 1t is, of course,
true that refinement is not righteousness
and that a rude and ignorant saint is al
ways better in Gods sight. ifnot in mans
than refined and intellectual sinner.
But that is not the question at issue.
The only point concerning which one
ought to think is the question whether Il
lack of graciousness in character and
courtesy in manner is in itself good
thing or a bad thing. Unfortunately,
there is too common tendency to con-
fuse this question by considering it aloug
with totally irrelevant matters. Badness
is sometimes polished goodness is some
times rough; therefore, illogically con-
cludeS the haSty reaSOner. anxious to eX-
cusc his own coarsenesS, rude strength is
better than courteous strength. This
shallow argument finds plenty Of accept
ance. because it is great deal easier for
most people to be thoroughly coarse than
to be Studiously gentle: and so they con-
clude that it is a matter of little moment
whether their manners are attractive or
not.
Every one who is trying to lead Il good
life, should also try to lead Il winsome and
courteous life. BY abandoning gentleness
of disposition and graciousncSS of word
and deed, he throws away mean growth
and an effective weapon. Coarse Chris
tians little know how often they play
into the enemy's hands. 1t is almost
grave mistake, in a matter of manners,
or IN any other matter, to try to put your
self on other peoples level. If you are
trying to do right. the chances are that
by adopting a coarse manner ofSpeech or
action, you will degrade yourself, both in
your own eyes and in those Of him whom
you are trying to reach, and yet will fail
in the good you seek. Rude and rough
people are ready to excuse themselves
for their own coarseness: but, after all
they despise it in those who are striving
to instruct and help them.
Cleanness and brightness and winsomc-
ness in thought and word and deed and
manner and material surroundings are
always ready to help what is good.
Coarsencss and din9ineSS and ugliness
are evils that must sometimes he endur-
ed, but ought never to be defended as
virtues III themselves. If bad man
lacks refinement, his manners are of
piece with his morals. But for good
man to be common in tastes, ungrammat-
zeal in speech, repulsive in personal APP
pearancc, and rude in conduct, is proof
that he is willing to put his goodness to
a very severe test in the eyes of the
world; and that he does not find, from
his reading of the Old Testament and the
New. that God desires that all things he
done decently and in order.