The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1884-02-14
DIFFERENCE.

That we have progressed rapidly in
many things during the past century
is undeniable. That we lack many of
the old-time virtues and traits is also
true.
As we view one and another of the
mass of humanity which throng in
our large cities, or cluster in our own
social circle, we find that, with all our
advance, we have yet one striking
defect, as people, Of which one may
well complain, and that is our lack Of
reverence and Difference.
The possession of these two great
traits of character made men and
women of the past perfect gentlemen
and ladies.
"a gentleman of the olden school"
is an expression now seldom used, and
one may rightly esteem it compli-
ment to be likened, in any degree, to
the courtly worthless Of the past.
Reverence for the good, the true,
and the beautiful, when seen in young
or old, is always mark of good
heart and well-bred person. In the
hustle and confusion Of modern days,
with some few exceptions, how few,
young or old, we meet that are rev.
erent and courteous to the aged, who
have like feeling for the Bible, re-
ligion, and other sacred things.
There is perhaps no intent of being
irreverent; with some it is careless
ness or thoughtlessness: some have
never been taught better. Reverence
is trait of character which, if we
foster, will bring us more pleasure
and satisfaction in life than anything
else.
Old people do not like to be pushed
aside as being too old to share in the
pleasures and joys of the young.
They were brought up differently;
they feel it more acutely than we can
imagine; they are shocked at this
want of respect.
It is not an uncommon thing to
meet several individuals during the
course of year who complain of the
degeneracy of the age: customs, hab-
its, everything, in fact, comes under
their censure; and although com
parisons are odious," they have good
reason for complaint.
This lack of reverence and defer
ence has led to many changes in Gus
toms and manners during the past
fifty years. No wonder when old
people were accustomed to haveing
the younger wait or defer everything
to them, that they can not understand
why parents now defer to their chill
dren.
In the residence of "a gentleman Of
the olden school, " who lived in Ver-
mont twenty-five years ago, at the
different meals during the day the
younger people never sat down until
he had seated himself, and always
greeted him with a courteous Good
morning, father" In the evening,
when be arose from his chair to re-
tire for the night, all those present
rose also and wished him goodnight,
ramaining standing until he left the =
room. All this was in accordance
with the old-time rule, 'Never sit
while others stand" He and his
wife always led the conversation; in
consequence the children were enter
tanned with many instructive and en-
tertaining stories about what father
and mother had seen or heard. Many
tale or anecdote heard at those times
was treasured, told to others, and
handed down. This was sample OF
every gentleman's family at that
time.
All this might be kept up without
making the children feel that they
are performing an irksome task.
It should be pleasure to hear and
not be heard; to listen to the CONVEX
sation Of those older and better able
to impart ideas.
In some families Of the present
day, where the old-time customs of
good sense and breeding prevail, the
custom is to some extent still observ-
ed of having the children taught, by
example and instruction, how to be
courteous and deferential to those
older than themselves, and to listen
while others are talking.
lie Difference and courtesy come not
from the heart the polish is merely
superficial. CECIL HAMPDEN HOWARD
chronological Journal.