CHAPTER XXV.

POLITENESS.

Tuts is doing to others as we would have
others do to us, in the familiar intercourse
of life. Politeness is, therefore, not only a
mark of refinement, of good breeding, but it
isa duty. It consists in paying a deference
to the feelings of others, in trifles; whether
we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we
should avoid coarseness, vulgarity, and every-
thing in looks, movements, words and
actions, that may offend those around us.
We should.adopt the best manners ‘of the so-
ciety in which we live; if certain rules, even
supposing them to be arbitrary or artificial,
are in force there, we are bound, as far as
we understand them, to follow them when-
ever they are not wrong.

There is no surer mark of a coarse and
ill-regulated mind, than a refusal to observe