BE CIVIL. 49

will be scrambled up by her offended standing near a well, "will you do me
neighbor, the favor to draw a pail of water for my
 Now, young friends, civility is just as horse, as I find it rather difficult to get
important among children, as among off?"
dogs and monkeys. You should remem- Instead of giving a gruff reply, as
ber that the friendship of the poorest and many boys would do, the boy drew the
the humblest is better than their hatred. water and gave it to the horse. His
The proverb says "The good-will of a manner was so pleasant and cheerful,
dog is better than his ill-will." We that the stranger, delighted with his
should treat even a dog or a cat kindly spirit, asked his name and residence, and
if we would not make them our enemies then, after thanking him, rode on.
and expose ourselves to their attacks. The good-natured lad thought no more
 Why should a child ever be rude to of his act of civility until, some months
another, especially because the other later, he received a letter from the gen-
may be dressed in poorer clothes ? If tleman, offering him a clerkship in his
any one asks a civil question, or wishes us store. The offer was accepted. The lad
a friendly Good morning," why should prospered, and finally became chief mag-
we not give a civil and friendly reply ? istrate of a large city.
 The Bible says Be ye courteous." Thus, you see, that little act of civility
 How often has the heart of an orphan to a stranger was the first round in the
child been pierced with grief by the rude ladder by which that boy climbed to hon-
and uncivil remarks of some thoughtless or and wealth. Now, we do not say that
schoolmate. How often has some poor civility will always lead to such honor,
child in the street, who has been driven but we do say that it always raises its
from her miserable home by drunken par- possessor in the opinions of others, and
ents, been rudely thrust from the door in his own self-respect. Be civil, there-
where she has gone in her hunger to ask fore, boys and girls. Civility is an orna-
for a piece of bread. Who can tell the ment you should all wear.
sorrow and despair of such a heart ? Mrs. Belle found by sad experience
 0, then, speak kindly to all. Let not that incivility and getting into a passion
an uncivil look or word or action add to was a very bad business for her and her
the grief of any stricken heart. family, just as a great many boys and
 We would especially entreat all our girls have found it.
young friends to learn from this story of "Will putting one's self in a passion
the effects of incivility, never to be un- mend the matter?" said an old man to a
civil or disrespectful towards their par- boy, who had picked up a stone to throw
ents or to strangers. at a dog. The dog only barked at him
 My young friend," said a gentleman in play.
 on horseback one day to a lad who was Yes, it will mend the matter," said