LXXVIII. Politeness
"The attire of the body, and the laughter of the mouth, and the gait of the man, show what he is" (Ecclus. xix 27).
THERE is a certain sort of harsh, repellent virtue, and it may be that some souls are billed to it.
There is also a pleasant sort of virtue to whose influence it must be credited, if the kingdom of good is extended here below.
How beautifully politeness becomes a well-educated young man! How it increases His amiability, and elevates his morally good qualities, making them worthy of imitation!
If virtue is the precious pearl, politeness of manners is the artistic setting which delights the eye and enhances the value of the jewel.
Politeness and virtue are most intimately connected. Both spring from a common root, self-denial; both have a common enemy, selfishness.
The worldling, in order to please the world, does many things that are not easy, nor to his taste. He molds himself into certain forms, abandons views and inclinations that are near and dear to him, puts restraints upon himself, bears insults, overlooks slights, keeps back what he would like to say, and speaks when he would rather remain silent. He is determined to please every one, no matter at what cost; he must maintain his position, he must rise. Hence, for a miserable pittance or reward he becomes the inglorious victim of vanity, selfishness, and human respect.
