p. 12 | True Courtesy

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 26, 1912

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 46.

True Courtesy

GENUINE politeness is not any too common, for this quality is not a matter of mere form or ceremony, but comes from that sincere kindness of heart that tenderly regards the rights and the comfort of others. There is a class of people who are very scrupulous as to certain forms, and would rather violate one of the Ten Commandments than disregard a rule or practise of table etiquette. Such persons regard it as a grave impropriety to raise the knife to the lips in eating, instead of the fork. A beautiful fact on this subject is related of Prince Albert, the excellent husband of Queen Victoria. On one occasion a humble, worthy man, who had befriended the prince in early life, called to see him, and was invited to come to the family table. He began to eat with his knife, as he had been accustomed, and the young people smiled. Prince Albert looked around upon them as if to say, “Stop that,” and at once he himself began to eat with his knife, and did so to the end of the meal. After dinner one of the children asked him why he did so.

Prince Albert replied: “It is well enough for us to observe the etiquette of the day, but it is far more important to avoid insulting people. I wanted my old friend to enjoy his dinner, which he could not if he had seen you laughing at him. He is accustomed to use his knife, and it would be quite difficult for him to use the fork instead.”

This was genuine politeness. The world would be happier and better if there were more of it. There may be the most scrupulous following out of forms where the very essence of politeness is lacking. And parents make a great mistake who insist upon their children’s observing the forms of etiquette, while they neglect to inculcate

that kindness of heart, that unselfish regard for the welfare of others, which is the only source from which genuine courtesy can come.—Christian at Work.