Gentleness, which belongs to virtue, is to be carefully distinguished
from the mean spirit of cowards, and the fawning assent of
sycophants.--It renounces no just right from fear:---it gives up no
important truth from flattery:--it is indeed not only consistent with a
firm mind, but it necessarily requires a manly spirit and a fixed
principle in order to give it any real value.
It stands opposed to harshness and severity--to pride and arrogance--to
violence and oppression:--it is, properly, that part of the real virtue
charity, which makes us unwilling to give pain to any of our
brethren.----It corrects whatever is offensive in our manners, and, by a
constant train of humane attentions, studies to alleviate the burden of
common misery;--Its office is therefore extensive; it is continually in
action, when we are engaged in intercourse with men.--It ought to form
our address, to regulate our speech, and to diffuse itself over our
whole behaviour.
That gentleness which is a characteristic of a good man, has, like every
other virtue, its seat in the heart.----In that unaffected civility
which springs from a gentle mind, there is a charm infinitely more
powerful than in all the studied manners of the most finished courtier.
It is founded on a sense of what we owe to him who made us, and to the
common nature of which we all share.--It arises from reflection on our
own failings and wants, and from just views of the condition and duty of
man.---It is native feeling heightened and improved by principle. It is
the heart which easily resents; which feels for every thing that is
human; and is backward and slow to inflict the least wound. It is
affable in its address, and mild in its demeanour; ever ready to oblige,
and be obliged by others; breathing habitual kindness towards friends,
courtesy to strangers, long suffering to enemies.
It exercises authority with moderation;---administers reproof with
tenderness; confers favours with care and modesty.---It is unassuming in
opinion, and temperate in zeal.---It contends not eagerly about trifles;
slow to contradict, and still slower to blame; but prompt to allay
dissention and restore peace.---It neither intermeddles unnecessarily
with the affairs, nor pries inquisitively into the secrets of
others.---It delights above all things to alleviate distress; and, if it
cannot dry up the falling tear, to soothe at least the grieving heart.
Where it has not the power of being useful, it is never burdensome.---It
seeks to please rather than shine and dazzle, and conceals with care
that superiority, either of talents or of rank, which are oppressive to
those who are beneath it.---It is a great avenue to mutual enjoyment:
amidst the strife of interfering interests, it tempers the violence of
contention, and keeps alive the seeds of harmony.---It softens
animosities, renews endearments, and renders the countenance of a man a
refreshment to man.---It prepossesses and wins every heart.---It
persuades when every other argument fails; often disarms the fierce, and
melts the stubborn.
To the man of humanity the world is generally disposed to ascribe every
other good quality; of its influence all in some degree partake,
therefore all love it.
The man of this character rises in the world without struggle, and
flourishes without envy; his misfortunes are universally lamented, and
his failings are easily forgiven. The inward tranquility which it
promotes is the first requisite of every pleasurable feeling. It is the
calm and clear atmosphere, the serenity and sunshine of the mind.
Attacked by great injuries, the man of mild and gentle spirit will feel
what human nature feels; and will defend and resent as his duty allows
him: but to slight provocations he is happily superior. Inspired with
noble sentiments, taught to regard, with an indulgent eye, the frailties
of men, the omissions of the careless, the follies of the imprudent, and
the levity of the fickle; he retreats into the calmness of his spirit,
as into an undisturbed sanctuary, and quietly allows the usual current
of life to hold its course.
* * * * *