The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-10-26
THINK TO BE COURTEOUS.

The proprietor of market often
stood near the door of his establishment.
For the daily passers by he had. invari-
ably, CHEEKY good morning or good
evening" His motive was not to gain
customers, for those that never traded
with him were just as heartily greeted
as his regular patrons.
There was frequently in the town a
lady of large city acquaintance. One
morning, al the railroad station, she
met Mr. H., the marketman, who lifted
his hat with the same cordial good
morning" She had never spoken to him.
save in acknowledgement OF his recog
milton. What was now his surprise to
have her stop and say, Mr.. H., want
to thank you for the heartiness with
which you raise your hat and say good
M orning' You don't act as if you be-
grudged the time or the effort to speak"
A few moments conversation followed,
for Mr. H, was unconscious that his sal
utation differed from the ordinary form;
therefore the lady added the following
in explanations II meet so many per-
sons, even those with whom | am ac
quainted, or who may have been under
obligations in the past, who bow as
though it we're really an effort, and
misuse of valuable time and strength. |
have noticed it most often in young
people. esq ecially girls that are, perhaps,
in the high school, or are recently grad
uated. A slight elevation of the eye
brow and contraction of the forehead
seems to be all they consider necessary
or in good FORM"
We read great deal of the value of
the small courtesies OF life; here was a
fresh illustration.
The lady added: "'Good morning.
when heartily uttered, helps to bring a
good morning to the weary or discour-
aged person, and we all meet many such
every day. More than this. it helps to
keep the giver and receiver young. and
often suggests to the prosperous person
thought of helping the next one he
meets. But the careless recognition, or
half recognition, only adds to discour-
agement if it exists, and certainly adds
no pleasure to life, if it takes away none.
1t is one of the acts of kindness that
cost nothing, and may become habit
of value to the possessor and all that
meet him"
The young persons excuse is so oft n,
Il didn't think" But Ruekin says: "In
general / have no patience with people
who talk about the thoughtlessness of
youth indulgently. / had infinitely
rather hear of thoughtessness of old
age. and indulgence due to that. When
man has done his work, and nothing
can anyway be materially altered in his
fate. let him forget his toll; but what
excuse can you find for willfulness of
thought at the very time when every
crisis of the future hangs on your de
cisiops? A youth thoughtlese, when all
the happiness Of his home forever de
peuhS vi Vi pdcclOHo vi dD
hour! A youth thoughtless. when the
career of all bis days depends on the
opportunity Of moment! when his
every act is foundation stone Of future
conduct, and every imagination foun-
tain of life or death! Be thoughtless in
any after years, rather than now; though.
indeed. there is only one place where a
man may be nobly thoughtless his
death bed. No thinking should ever be
left to be done there"
II the young person believes that the
gentleman or gentlewoman is lone in
whom are richly blended generosity,
courtesy, truthfulness, and Christian
tenderness and helpfulnese," the hearty
good wish will never be withheld
Jennie r. Ware. in Outlook.