OF tNGLISII SOOYETY. 89 less'regret the want ofits embelliShrnent and while reserve is protection, and deli- cacy security, we will console ourselves under these minor evils, which are consi- dered as so cruelly detracting from the fascinations of poliShed society. Lord Chesterfield, who adorned con- versation by his wit as much as he im- paired it by his principles, has defined " politeness to be the art of pleasing." Saint Paul, one of the feW writers with whom this accomplished peer was not ac-; quainted, recommends, with as much' warmth as his lordship, the duty ofpleas- ing our neighbour. But here the two moralists part. The, noble writer would have us, please others tobenefit ourselves. All his precepts originate; .proceed, and' terminate in that one-object - self. The Christian writer directs us to " please others for their good," their highest good, their moral " edification." The essence' of theworldly code ofethics'is selfishness;; That of the Christian is disinterestedness.. There is a generosity in Christian inter-
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