The herald., 1897-07-11
them for STheir manners, their socis

them for Their manners, their social
bearing, their refinement. All these are
excellent qualities. worthy of being cul-
tivated, but, after all, they are but super
fetal. They are no index of the real
nature. Refinement CT manner is often
the gilded shell that covers hollow or
corrupt character. 1t is the qualities
of heart that mark the true man and
true woman. Even powers of mind.
wit, learning, scholarship and artistic
accomplishments, which are certainly
laudable and deserving of recognition,
are not the hic/lest titles to esteem.
Character and disposition are worth
more than they. Mental brilliance and
aesthetic accomplishments are like the
moonbeam, beautiful and admirable.
but cold and of little value. Powers of
heart are like the sunrays that give not
only light, but life-giving warmth. Poets
have sung the praises of the moon, the
queen of night, in her silvery robe, and
have given but scant mention to the
fiery orb of day. Yet it is the latter tina,
fosters growth and brings forth sus-
tenance for all animal creation. So it is
the heart the seat of character, that pro-
duces what is needful and what is val
liable to human welfare.
Most reproachable is that cynical view
of goodness which makes this a sort OF
redeeming quality for lack of mental
brilliance or social refinement. We hear
it said that to be good. is. about the least
a person can do. In reality, my friends,
it is the most In every community there
are some individuals who are obscure
and unnoticed, who have no social sta
ton, perhaps no great intellect, yet they
go quietly on their way, doing whatever
good they can, always found and ready
when needed, always at hand in sick
ness and sorrow, and tireles.s' in their
efforts for others welfare. Though they
may not be among the most popular
members of the community, yet in the
eyes Of those who know how to estimate
true worth, and in the sight of that Su-
preme Judge who looks in the heart,
these are the uncrowned kinge and
queens of humanity We see the heart
shining through conduct and all that
is real or valuable in our career is de-
termined by it. Even gentility and po-
likeness are at bottom, not the superficial
manners that receive those names, but
genuineness of heart. The true lady and
gentleman are characterized not by af-
fectations or assumption of superiority
over all others, but by cordiality and
good nature. 1t was said of an English
nobleman who was looked up to as the
type of gentleman, that he had the
way of making every one feel comfort
able in his presence, whether it was a
footman or a lord. So was the poet
Burns, who was born amid humble sur
roundings and reared in ruetic simplic-
ity, instinctively recognized as gentle
man because he showed himself at ease
before kings and mobiles, as we'll as with
his simple countrytmen. Benevolence is
the foundation of courtesy, kindlinese of
heart the essence of politeness.
Friendship is measured by feeling
There is much pretended friendship
Selfishness often uses itas mask. Many
whom we consider our staunchest
friends are really counting us for their
own purposes. Often and often are we
disappointed in revelations of such hol-
lowness where We bNeved there was
sincerity The test of true friendship
is named in the old adage, friend in
need Is friend indeed. Only those who
stand by US in the hour of adversely
when they have no longer anything to
gain by our association, prove them
selves worthy of the name of friend