e dumb can speak and the deaf can understand.We can convey the plainest of truths in a civil speech; and the most malignant of lies can be also wrapped in specious words. But we cannot consider a love of truth any apology for rude and uncouth manners; truth need not be made harsh, unlovely and morose; but should appear kind and gentle, attractive and pleasing. Roughness and honesty are, however, often met with in the same person; but we are not competent judges of human nature; if we take ill-manners to be a guarantee of probity of heart, or think a stranger must be a knave because he possesses the outward seeming of a gentleman. Doubtless there are many wolves in sheep's clothing in our land, but that does not decrease the value of gentleness and courtesy in the least.Good manners and a good conscience are very often twin-sisters, and are always more attractive for the companionship.Bad manners are frequently a species of bad morals; and Goethe tells us, "there is no outward sign of courtesy that does not rest on a deep, moral foundation."Good manners are a very essential characteristic of religion also, as well as a fundamental part of civilization; and we are all in duty bound to treat those with whom we come in contact, with consideration, respect and deference.In the Epistle of St. James, we read the first "Code of Etiquette and Good manners" which was ever given to man from high authority.The Greeks and Romans, to be sure, were strictly devoted to etiquette -- but it was not the kind which springs from "a conscience void of offence against God and man."The Chinese are the most minute of all nations in their forms of etiquette, etc.; and they have hundreds of books which treat upon politeness and good-breeding. One of their treatises upon these subjects is said to contain over three thousand articles.The custom of salutations, of visiting, of eating, of making presents, of introductions, writing letters, and the like, are all stric...
