"BE COURTEOUS,"

"BE COURTEOUS," it is an apostolical injunction which we should ever bear in mind.

Let us train up our children to behave at home as we would have them act abroad; for we may be certain that, while they are children, they will conduct themselves abroad as they have been in the habit of doing, under similar circumstances at home.

The new version of Solomon's proverb is said to run thus: --

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will go on training." But it is open to several definitions.

Enter a home where the parents are civil and courteous towards all within the family circle -- whether guests or constant inmates -- and you will see that their children are the same; that good manners are learned quite as much by imitation as by fixed rules or principles.

Go into a family where the parents are rude, ill-bred and indulge in disputations and unkind remarks, and you will find the children are rough, uncouth and bearish.

Good manners are not merely conventional rules, but are founded upon reason and good sense and are, therefore, most worthy of the consideration of all; and there are many points of good-breeding which neither time nor place will ever change, because they are founded upon a just regard of man for man.

We frequently hear these questions asked: "Who is a lady? and who is a gentleman?"

The answers may be difficult to supply on account of the great difference of opinion in various classes of society, upon this subject.

Some would declare that position, advantageous surroundings, great riches, high birth, or superior intelligence and education, gave the requisites; but all of our readers know of persons who possess some one or more of these advantages, and yet they cannot lay true claims to this desirable and distinctive appellation.

Hence we frequently hear these words --

"Ah! she is no lady!" or, "Indeed, he is no gentleman!" applied to those whose standing is high; who possess much wealth; or are endowed with genius; but have neglected to add to their other advantages the touchstone of politeness and good-breeding.

Our reply to the question is that a well-bred lady is one who to true modesty and refinement, adds a scrupulous attention to the rights and feelings of those with whom she associates, whether they are rich or poor, and who is the same both in the kitchen or parlor. We recall the praise given by an Irishman to a friend of ours, when he said: --

"Troth an' indade ma'am, just as ye see her in the parlor, we sees her in the kitchen. Never a cross word passes her lips, be it to rich or poor, servant or friend." This is a high meed of praise -- and when a courtly address and ease of manner are added to it, we behold a true lady.

Can we answer the other question? We will try.

Whoever is true, loyal and sincere; whoever is of a humane and affable demeanor, and courteous to all; whoever is honorable in himself, and in his judgment of others, and requires no law but his word to hold him to his engagements; -- such a man is a gentleman, -- whether he be dressed in broadcloth and in fine linen or be clad in a blue homespun frock; -- whether his hands are white and soft, or hardened and stained with drudgery and toil.

This is a piece to all Nigeria parents and to the youths who are the potential parent of a future Nigeria. Do have a fulfilling week ahead