COURTESY.

White Ribbon, Volume 15, Issue 171, 16 September 1909, Page 11

COURTESY.

Bv Mrs. F. T. Brentnall.) Courtesy implies politeness of manTiois, especially politeness connected with kindness, civility, respect, attention, affability, and graciousness, kindly words, against wounding others. These cost very little, but they are priceless in their value. “ An hiki of aid to th*' weak, A friendly hainl to the friendless, Kind words so short to speak. But whose *‘clio is endless." “ The world is wide, these things are small; They mav he nothing hut they in ay la* all.’* Small kind nesses, small courtesies, small considerations, habitually practised in our social intercourse, give a greater charm to the character, than the display of great talents and accomplishments. “ Two women were conversing and one said, “Do you know, I have learned to say ‘ Thank you,’ to so many people since I kuew you ? 1 noticed you thank persons I never used to think of, and my tirst lesson was when I heard you say, ‘ Good morning,’ ami “Thank you,' to the lift man. If a porter opened a door, I noticed you always said, 4 Thank you,’ and to the conductor who stopped the car, or the policeman who helped you across the street. At first it seemed queer to me, but I got to like it because I saw how pleased you made those people, and now I find myself doing it and I have taught my daughter to do it.”

How much sweeter life would be if this woman’s example were heeded and followed. The courtesies of the road! 1 Low rare they are!

44 1 expect to pass through this world but once. If therefore there is any kindness 1 can show, or any good l can do, to any fellow beings, let me do it now, let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again.” “ If you have kiml word* to say, Siy them now ; To-iuorrow may not com** your way : Do a kindness while you may, Loved ones will not always stay ; Say them now !” Little courtesies play a large part iu our lives—lioth at home and abroad. As the harsh running wheel runs more smoothly when oiled, so is the wheel of life aided by the judicious us** of little courtesies. Why is this so / Chiefly because courtesy is one of the many ways of applying the Golden Uule- •“ Do unto others as ye would that men should do unto you.” Who amongst us likes to receive peremptory orders, or harshly spoken requests*/ Who likes to be commanded to “do this or that,” without the little words, which are like the oil, “If you please,” and “Thank you.” It i> so easy to tell the little ones “ to be polite,” but do we all carry the lessons into our own lives/ Do we remember to be courteous with our fellow-workers, our dependents, and even those in less favourable circumstances than ourselves/

‘More harm is wrought by want of thought by far, than want of heart,” aud I fear we white-ribboners are sometimes in the category of those who act discourteously for “ want of thought.” I have known officers and secretaries put to much inconvenience by unanswered letters. It is very discouraging when letters of importance are left unanswered, lieturns of various kinds and reports for

convention cannot be prepared in consequence. To have them sent late is, too, very annoying. The Union is like a complicated machine —all tie* different parts must be in good order and work regularly to ensure success. L*t me urge you to be promptly courteous. Then there are little courtesies due to the Dress. A small table, a chair, pen and ink. and all placed in a good position for hearing. A few pretty flowers will he appreciated. If a reporter cannot be spared, appoint one of your clever girls to report the proceedings in a clear concise manner —see that reports are seat daily to the press—not a day behind, for stale news is not acceptable. Speakers too, need consideration. Meet and welcome at the station, and after the meeting escort them back—instead of leaving them on a dark night to find their way along a road they do not know'—with the result that they miss the traiu. A case like this occurred lately. Just for want of a little thought. Never forget that speakers need rest. Courtesy is the manifestation of true refinement of heart and mind. This is the true courtesy Jesus Christ inculcates —“ In honour preferring one another.” “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” “ Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned w’ith salt, that ye may knowhow to answer every man.” “ Be ye of one mind, be pitiful, be courteous.” Again, “ The wisdom that is from above, is tirst pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”