Have You Read This?

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 636, 12 April 1929, Page 14

Have You Read This?

Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, Professor of English Literature at Cambridge, recently chose for “The Daily Mail” a senes of short passages, the “purple patches” of English prose. It is hoped that the series, reprinted here, will pleasantly refresh the memories of some and stir the fresh interest of others. THE TRUE GENTLEMAN. JOHN HENRY NEWMAN. —“The Idea of a University.** Cardinal John Ilcnry Newman (180190), after a brilliant record at Trinity College, Oxford , took oraers. ana i.< 1533 began the publication of the “Tracts for the Times ” which were the beginning of the Tractarian or Oxford Movement. As a result of a sermon on the 39 Articles he resigned in 1542 from the Church of England and in 1845 lie was received into the Roman Church, in 1879 he was made cardinal. As a writer Newman is distinguished for the beauty and clarity of his severely plain style , of which the following, from his series of lectures “On the Idea of the University,” is typi - HENCE it is, that it is almost a definition of a gentleman, to say he is one who never inflicts pain. This description is both refined and, as far as it goes, accurate. He i 3 mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of those about him; and he concurs with theif movements rather than takes the initiative himself. His benefits may bo cues? Cars cl us parallel to wnat are called comforts or conveniences in arrangements of a personal nature: like an easy chair or a good fire, which do their part in dispelling cold and fatigue, though nature provides both means of rest and animal heat without them. No Ears for Slander. The true gentleman in like manner carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt in the minds of those •with whom he is cast; —all clashing of opinion, or collusion of feeling, all restraint, or suspicion, or gloom, or resentment; his great concern being to make every one at their ease and Qt home. He has his eyes on all his company; he is tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant, and merciful towards the absurd; he can recollect to whom he is speaking; he guards against unseasonable allusions, or topics which may irritate; he is seldom prominent in conversation, and never wearisome. He makes light of favours while he does them, and seems to be receiving when he is conferring. Pie never speaks of himself except when compelled, never defends himself by a mere retort, he has no ears for slander or gossip, is scrupulous in imputing motives to those who interfere with him, and interprets everything for the best. He is never mean op little in his disputes, never takes unfair advantage, never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments, or insinuates evil which he dare not say out. From a long-sighted prudence, he observes the maxim of the ancient sage, that we should ever conduct ourselves towards our enemy as if he were one day to be our friend. He has too much good sense to be affronter at insults, he is too well employed to remember injuries, and too indolent to bear malice. He is patient, forbearing, and resigned, on philosophical principles; he submits to pain, because it is inevitable, to bereavement, because it is irreparable, and to death because it is his destiny. Discipline of Mind. If he engages iu controversy of any kind, his disciplined intellect preserves him from the blundering discourtesy of better, though less educated minds; who like blunt weapons, tear and hack instead of cutting clean, who mistake the point in argument, waste their strength on trifles, misconceive their adversary, and leave the question more involved than they find it. He may be right or wrong in his opinion, but he is too clear-headed to be unjust; he is as simple as he is forcible, and as brief as he is decisive.