GOOD MANNERS.

GOOD manners, ought to be assiduously cultivated by the young. They are indispensable to a correct education, and prove that its benefits have not been conferred in vain. They procure regard, and respect from others, and show a well-balanced character.

A rude, churlish deportment, marks a low, unfeeling mind. No wealth, or learning, or rank, will make amends for it. It is an offence to the Almighty, who in forming a wonderful body, and uniting it with a rational soul, demands some degree of respect for the work of his creation.

The young should never indulge themselves in careless manners, or coarse language to playmates, or domestics. Good-breeding extends

equally to the most familiar associate, and to the poorest person. The feelings of those in inferior stations, should be regarded, as well as of those in the highest.

Good manners win, and preserve attachment. They should be observed in the family circle. They must be worn as daily apparel, not as a

suit for company. A truly polite boy, will rise and give a seat to his mother, or bring the hat and cane for his father, or pick up the handkerchief, and working materials of his sister, as readily and gracefully, as for a visitor or stranger.

"I do not like to walk arm in arm with my sister," said a child to his mother, "because the boys laugh at me.". "If you allow yourself to be laughed out of what is proper, she replied, when you are a boy, you will be ridiculed out of your · duties, and your principles, and your conscience, when you become a man."

It is a pity to make such a mistake, as to be ashamed of what is honourable. Boys may be assured that by affectionate attentions, and ready aid to their mother, their sisters, and other members of the household, and marked civility to all the female sex, they imitate the example of some of the wisest and best of men.

The smile, the pleasant tone,-the kind expression, the courteous bow, are among the lesser means of communicating happiness, which should not be neglected. It is not enough to mean well,—we should let the beauty of good feelings, and right affections, be visible to all.

Good manners require a person not to talk much of himself, except with relatives and particular friends, who desire him to do so, or unless business requires it. When inclined to obtrude

our own feelings or affairs upon others, we should recollect that their minds may be supposed to be equally occupied with their own.

The kindness of heart, on which good manners depend, will prevent making the faults of others, the chosen theme of conversation. It will be more pleasant to bring forward their merits, or cover their errors with tenderness, than in the words of a forcible writer, to "rake among the dead bones of the world, regardless of its living beauty."

Good-breeding is a happy medium, between diffidence and boldness. The diffidence which a boy often feels in the company of strangers, may be excused by the kind-hearted. Still, he should study remedies for it, as for an infirmity, until he is able to enter any room, without either forwardness, or embarrassment, and reply readily and respectfully, to any question that may be addressed to him.

Diffidence is considered a proof of a susceptible heart, and if thrown too hastily aside, may create danger of rushing into the other extreme, of bold or careless manners. Yet if too long indulged, it becomes painful to the possessor, and prevents him from doing justice to himself.

A diffident person, should turn his thoughts towards those, in whose company he is, with respect, and a desire to make them happy. Let him try to forget self, for selfishness has much to

do with diffidence, though we usually give it a more amiable name.

He who in the presence of others, is indifferent to them, and remembers only himself, will become vain; and vanity and diffidence combined, make an obstinate disease. A just estimate of ourselves, and of our duties, will lead to propriety of deportment, to all with whom we associate.

Though perfect decorum, and the ease of finished manners, cannot always be expected from the young, because they rest both upon selfknowledge, and knowledge of mankind; yet it should be the business of education, throughout the whole of its progress, to teach and to enforce them..

A well-bred boy, is immediately singled out, by an observing eye, from the group of his companions. His frank, and modest deportment gains confidence and regard. He looks up with a clear eye, when he speaks, or is spoken to, feeling that there is nothing to be ashamed of, but ignorance and vice.

This is so

Good manners give influence. generally confessed, that bad men, study the arts of insinuation, to advance their own evil designs. History will show, how often usurpers and tyrants, have assumed fascinating manners, until their purposes were accomplished.

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Sylla and Cataline, who deluged Rome with blood, knew how to deceive the people, with specious appearances. Absalom "stole the hearts of the men of Israel," when he sought to hurl his father from the throne.

Since Hypocrisy is so eager to obtain the beautiful garments of Virtue,-Virtue must be more careful to wear her own wardrobe, and not suffer the "children of this world to be wiser in their generation, than the children of light." The truly good, ought not to be neglectful of the influence that politeness will give them.

Courtesy of manners, was more regarded in former days, than in our own. They were conspicuous in the "gentlemen of the old school," or those who lived before our revolution. A few of these venerable men still remain, as our models. But how rapidly are they passing away. Let the rising generation, while they imitate their goodness, catch the mantle, in which it was arrayed.

Washington, and his compeers, were remarkable for a dignified politeness. Delicate attention and respect to the weaker sex, and chivalrous protection of the helpless, formed a part of their character, and added lustre to their greatness.

A gentleman, who was distinguished for true politeness, once had charge of an Institution for the Insane. It was observed that he easily ruled