Moderation, decorum, and neatness, distinguish the gentleman; he is at all times affable, diffident, and studious to please. Intelligent and polite, his behaviour is pleasant and graceful. When he enters the dwelling of an inferior, he endeavours to hide, if possible, the difference between their ranks in life; ever willing to assist those around him, he is neither unkind, haughty, nor overbearing. In the mansions of the rich, the correctness of his mind induces him to bend to etiquette, but not to stoop to adulation; correct principle cautions him to avoid the gaming-table, inebriety, or any other foible that could occasion him self-reproach. Pleased with the leasures of reflection, he rejoices to see the gaieties of society, and is fastidious upon no point of little import- Appear only to be a gentleman, and its shadow will bring upon you contempt: bo a gentleman, and its honors will remain ever: after you are dead.

1793. The True Gentleman

"Tis he whose every thought and deed

By rule of virtue moves; Whose generous tongue disdains to speak

The thing his heart disproves. Who never did a slander forge,

His neighbour's fame to wound; Nor hearken to a false report,

By malice whispered round. Who vice, in all its pomp and power,

Can treat with just neglect; And piety, though clothed in rags,

Religiously respect. Who to his plighted word and trust

Has ever firmly stood; And, though he promise to his loss,

He makes his promise good. Whose soul in usury disdains

His treasure to employ; Whom no reward can ever bribe

The guiltless to destroy

1794. Be Honest. Not only because "honesty is the best policy," but because it is a duty to God and to man. The heart that can be gratified by dishonest gains; the ambition that can be satisfied by dishonest means; the mind that can be devoted to dishonest purposes, must be of the worst order. (Set 28.)

1795. Having laid down these general principles for the government of personal conduct, we will epitomise what we would still enforce; -

1796. Avoid Idleness - it is the parent of many evils. Can you pray, "Give us this day our daily bread," and not hear the reply, "Do thou this day thy daily duty!"

1797. Avoid telling idle tales, which is like firing arrows in the dark; yon know not into whose heart they may fall.

1798. Avoid talking about yourself; praising your own works; and proclaiming your own deeds. If they are good, they will proclaim themselves; it bad, the less you say of them the better.

1799. Avoid Envy, for it cannot benefit you, nor can it injure those against whom it is cherished.

1800. Avoid Disputation, for the mere sake of argument. The man who disputes obstinately and in a bigoted spirit, is like the man who would stop the fountain from which he should drink. Earnest discussion is commend able; but factious argument never yet produced a good result.

1801. Be kind in little things. The true generosity of the heart is more displayed by deeds of minor kindness, than by acts which may partake of ostentation.

1802. Be polite. Politeness is the poetry of conduct - and like poetry it as many qualities. Let not your politeness be too florid, but of that gentle kind which indicates refined nature.

1803. Be sociable - avoid reserve in society. Remember that the social elements, like the air we breathe, are purified by motion. Thought illumines thought, and smiles win smiles.

1804. Be punctual. One minute too late has lost many a golden opportunity. Besides which, the want of punctuality is an affront offered to the person to whom your presence is due.

1805. The foregoing remarks may be said to apply to the moral conduct, rather than to the details of personal manners. Great principles, however, suggest minor ones; and hence from the principles laid down many hints upon personal behaviour may be gathered.

1806. Be hearty in your salutations. 1807. Discreet and sincere in your friendships.

1808. Like to listen rather than to talk.

1809. Behave, even in the presence of your relations, as though you felt respect to be due to them.

1810. In society never forget that you are but one of many.

1811 When you visit a friend, confirm to the rules of his home.

1812. Lean not upon his tables, nor rub your feet against his chairs.

1813. Pry not into letters that are not your own.

1814. pay unmistakable respect to ladies everywhere.

1815. Beware of foppery and of siily flirtation.

1816. In public places be not too pertinacious of your own rights.

1817. Find pleasure in making con cessions.

1818. Speak distinctly.

1819. Look at the person to whon you speak.

1820. When you have spoken, give him an opportunity to reply.

1821. Avoid drunkenness as you would a curse; and modify all appe tites, especially those that are acquired

1822. Dress well, but not superflu ously.

1823. Be neither like a sloven, not like a stuffed model.

1824. Keep away all uncleanly appearances from the person. Let the nails, the teeth, and, in fact, the whole system receive salutary rather than studied care. But let these things receive attention at the toilet - not elsewhere.

1825. Avoid displaying excess of jewellery. Nothing looks more effeminate upon a man.

1826. Every one of these suggestions may be regarded as the centre of many others, which the earnest mind cannot fail to discover. (See Enquiries upon Etiquette.)