Another mode of displaying true politeness is consideration for the
opinions of others. It has been said of dogmatism, that it is only
puppyism come to its full growth; and certainly the worst form this
quality can assume, is that of opinionativeness and arrogance. Let
men agree to differ, and, when they do differ, bear and forbear.
Principles and opinions may be maintained with perfect suavity,
without coming to blows or uttering hard words; and there are
circumstances in which words are blows, and inflict wounds far less
easy to heal. As bearing upon this point, we quote an instructive
little parable spoken some time since by an itinerant preacher of
the Evangelical Alliance on the borders of Wales:- "As I was going
to the hills," said he, "early one misty morning, I saw something
moving on a mountain side, so strange looking that I took it for a
monster. When I came nearer to it I found it was a man. When I
came up to him I found he was my brother."
The inbred politeness which springs from right-heartedness and
kindly feelings, is of no exclusive rank or station. The mechanic
who works at the bench may possess it, as well as the clergyman or
the peer. It is by no means a necessary condition of labour that
it should, in any respect, be either rough or coarse.
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