The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1883-11-15
Appearances and Impressions.

Things are not always what they
seem, and yet most men and woIqen
form impressions at first sight. The
impression may be of pleasant and
ecstatic nature or of an opposite char
acter. In the natural world one is
awed into reverence aud fear at the
warning of the elements, melted into
pity at the calamities which overwhclm
and crush the hearts and homes of the
more unfortunate among humanity,
inspired by admiration when contem-
plating the wonders of the visible heav-
ems or the picturesque landscape.
Flowers and music tend to smooth
down and soften the asperities of ma
lures which the world would call
rough, and kind words and gentle
smiles excite the more genial and love-
able moods into activity. One of the
strangest things for reflection is that
hardly any two persons form the same
impressions of men and things. The
eye may be deceived by what is known
ns optical Illusion and the ear deficient
in its sense of hearing. As people diff
fer in their mental constitution, so they
differ in the estimates which they
make of surrounding objects. Though
a rose by any other name would smell
as sweet" yet the sense of smell is far
more sensitive and appreciative in one
individual than in another. Expe-
rience proves that first sight I'M
pressions are not always accurate
and infallible; since objects viewed
from different standpoints and
through different optics often pre-
sent very different aspects. One
is often repealed upon first introduce
ton, but a more intimate acquaintance
entirely changes his views as to the
character of some particular person,
and vice versa, the first good impress
sion may be vitiated by the light of
subsequent experience. Therefore, we
should learn that it is not safe to base
too much on first impressions, or to
take appearances as infallible. Time
| and place, and and mood
may have much to do in shaping APP
pearances. John Smith, drunk, may
| present an odious and disgusting as
| pect, but John Smith, sober, in his
| right mind, may appear as a most
amiable character. The only safe plan
| by which we may form correct and
just views of men and things is Through
the medium of study and observations.
Time tries all, and the lessons learned
by experience are the most valuable.
Though the study of man is very mys-
ferrous, and to know ones self the most
difficult of all knowledge; yet the world
| generally gives man credit for all he is
worth-s sometimes much more. There
are those who get credited with being
better and wiser than they really are
others who are put lower down the
scale of character than they should be.
People should neither be hasty nor
harsh in their judgments.
1t behoves those who would act as
censors to be cautious and considerable,
lest by unmerciful and unjust censure
they make the offender ''ten fold more
the child of hell than he was before.
judging by appearances will not do to
trust any more in the matter of dress
than in point of character. The deep
dyed villain may shine forth in purple
and fine linen while the man of in
corruptible integrity and honor may be
doomed to rags. Time, the avenger Of
all, will in the end set things right
Columbus (Ga.J Enquirer San.