The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1882-04-01
WHAT Is A GENTLEMAN

IL Is ALMOST ueInttlOu Vi BGntiG-
man to say that he is one who never in
flicts pain. This description is both
refined, and, as far as it goes, accurate.
He is mainly occupied in merely re-
moving the obstacles which hinder the
free and unembarrassed action of those
about him; and he concurs with their
movements rather than take the initia-
tive himself. His benefits may be con-
sidered as parallel to what are called
comforts or conveniences in arrange
ments 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 ant
NAL heat without them.
The true gentleman in like manner
carefully avoids whatever may cause
jar or jolt in the minds Of those with
whom he is cast all clashing Of opin.
ion, or confusion Of feeling, all restraint,
or suspicion. or gloom, or resentment
his great concern being to make every
one at their ease and at home. He has
his eyes on all his company he is ten
der toward the bashful, gentle toward
the distant, and merciful to the absurd
he guards against the unreasonable al
lusions or topics which may irritate he
is seldom prominent in conversation,
and never wearisome. He makes light
of 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 a
mere retort he has no ears for SANDER
or gossip, is scrupulous in imputing mo-
tives of those who interfere with him,
and intcrprets everything for the best.
He is never mean or little in his dis
putes, never takes unfair advantage,
never mistakes personalities or sharp
sayings, or arguments, or inSinuate evil
which he dare not say out. From
long sighted prudence, he observes the
maxim ofthe ancient sage, that we should
conduct ourselves toward our enemy as
if he were one day to be our friend
He has too much good sense TO be af-
fronted at insults, and is too well en-
ployed TO remember injuries. He is
patient, forbearing and resigned on
philosophical principles. He submits
TO pain because il is inevitable to be-
reavement, because it is irreparable to
death, because i, is his destiny. II he
engages in controversy Of any kind his
disciplined intellect preserves him from
the laundering discourtesy Of better,
perhaps, but less educated minds, who,
like blunt weapons, tear and hack in
stead OF cutting clean, who mistake the
point in argument, waste their strength
on triiies, misconceive their adversary
and leave the question more involved
than they find it. He may be right or
wrong in his opinion, but he istoo clear
headed TO be unjust he is rs simple as
he is forcible, and rs brief As he is de-
oisive. Nowhere shall we find greater
candor, consideration, indulgence. He
throws himself into the mind OF his OPP
ponents, he accounts for their mistakes,
he knows the weakness Of human reason
As well rs its strength, its province and
its limits. II he can be an unbeliever,
he will be too profound and large-mind-
cd TO ridicule religion or TO act against
it; he is too wise TO be dogmatist or
a fanatic in his infidelity. He respects
pieiy and devotion he even supports
institutions as venerable, beautiful and
useful, TO which he docs not assent he
honors the minister of religion, and il
contents him to decline his mysteries
without assailing or denouncing them.
He is a friend OF religious federation,
and that, not only because his philoso-
ply has taught him to look on all forms
Of faith with an impartial eye, but also
from the gen,leness Of feeling which is
the attendant on civilization.