Courtesy to Children

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Apr 28, 1904

Courtesy to Children

A WRITER in the Hearthstone has this to say: “One afternoon recently I stepped into a store to purchase some needed articles; there were customers already in the store, and immediately after my entrance the door opened to admit two tiny mites of humanity, who came in timidly, holding each other’s hand. The clerk in charge had just finished with the first customers, and, turning to me, courteously inquired if I would excuse him if he waited on the children first; “for,” said he, “I always feel anxious to send children home as soon as possible, so their mothers won’t get worried about them.” I gladly excused him, and I thought, How much better it would be if every clerk and store-keeper were as thoughtful as the one referred to; they would not think of keeping the fathers and mothers waiting; then why should they not show care and consideration when serving the little folk who represent them?

Older people can look out for themselves, and make themselves heard, but every one should seek to help the children. They should be treated with extra care and consideration, waited upon as soon as possible, their bundles done up safely, and their pleased and smiling little faces and grateful looks will warm your hearts more than you may realize.

There is another class that should be considered—the old people. They are generally low of voice, timid and shrinking, and the clerks often overlook them and disregard their wants, treating them with cool—oftentimes offensive—indifference, and impatiently turning away from their shrinking hesitancy, until, with a look of patient pain on the faded old faces, they go out without purchasing anything, grieved and disappointed by the treatment they have received. Sometimes their clothing is as faded and old-fashioned as their faces, and this only adds to the discourtesy with which they are treated. I wish I could prevail upon you to remember that they are God’s “little ones,” and to treat them as they deserve.