The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1882-01-28
WHAT is A GENTLEMAN?
HOW CARDINAL NEWMAN ANSWERS THE
QUESTION.

1t Is almost definition of gentleman
t" say he is one who never inflicts pain.
| This description is both refined and. as
| far as it goes, accurate. He is mainly
occupied in merely removing the obSta-
cles which hinder the free and nnembar-
| ras>ed action Of those about him; and he
concurs with their movements rather than
take the initiative himself His benefits
may be considered parallel to what are
called comforts or convenience in arrange
ments of 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 ami
! NAL heat without them.
The true gentleman in like manner care
luiiv avoids whatever may cause jar or
jolt in the minds of those with whom
lie is cast; all clashing Of opinion, or col
'i>'"n of feeling. all restraint or suspicion,
N gloom or resentment: his great con
"ern being t" make every one at ease and
at home. He has his eyes on all his com
pany: he is tender toward the bashful
Gentle toward the distant. and mercful
coward the absurd; guards against I'M
>easpnable illusions or topics which may
lrrit.te: he is seldom prominent in con
vcrsation, and never wearisome He |
makes light of favors while he does them. |
and seems to be receiving when he is con-
ferrng.
He never speaks of himself except when
compelled. never defends himself bv a |
mere retort; he has no ears for Islander
or gossip: is scrupulous in imputing mo.
tives t. those who interfere with him and |
mterprcts every thing for the best. He
is never mean or little in his disputes,
never takes unfair advantages. never mis-
takes personalities OF sharp sayings for
arguments, or insinuates evil which lie
dare not say out. From long -sighted
prudence he observes the maxim of the
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 affronted at in
suits, and is too well employed to remem-
Der injuries. He is patient, forbearng.
and resigned. on philosophical principles.
He submits to pain. because it is ire
parable; to death, because it is his des
tiny. If he engages in controversy a.
any kind. his disciplined intellect pre-
serves him from laundering discourtes,
of better. perhaps, but less educated
minds who. like blunt weapons. tear and
hack instead of cutting clean, who mis-.
take the point in argument, waste their
strength on trifles. miSconceive their adj
verSary. and leave the question more in
volved than they find it. He NAV he
right or wrong in his opinion, but he i
too clear headed to he unjust; he is a.
simple as he is forcible. and as brief as
he is decisive. No where shall we fnG
greater candor. consideration. and in
diligence. He throws himself into tn.
minds Of his opponents. he accounts for
of human reason as well as it's province
and its limits. If he he an unbelicver.
he will be to" profound and large mindrd
to ridcule or to act against it; he is too
wise to be d"gmatist OF fanatic in his
He respects pietv and devo,
ton; he even supports institutions as ven
cradle, beautiful. or useful. to which he
does not assent; he honors the ministers
cline it's mysteries without assailng or
them. He is friend Of re-
ligiou> liberation. and that. not only be
cause his philosophy has taught him t.
look on all forms of faith with an impair
tial eye, but also form the gentlspess OF
feeling, which is the attendant on civil
cation.