is seldom respected by
those who invite him, but made use of only to entertain--"Let's have
such a one, for he sings a good song, for he is always joking or
laughing;" or, "let's send for such a one, for he is a good bottle
companion;" these are degrading distinctions, that preclude all respect
and esteem. Whoever is _had_ (as the phrase is) for the sake of any
qualification, singly, is merely that thing he is _had_ for, is never
considered in any other light, and, of course, never properly respected,
let his intrinsic merits be what they will.

4. You may possibly suppose this dignity of manners to border upon
pride; but it differs as much from pride, as true courage from
blustering.

To flatter a person right or wrong, is abject flattery, and to consent
readily to every thing proposed by a company, be it silly or criminal,
is full as degrading, as to dispute warmly upon every subject, and to
contradict, upon all occasions. To preserve dignity, we should modestly
assert our own sentiments, though we politely acquiesce in those of
others.

So again, to support dignity of character, we should neither be
frivolously curious about trifles, nor be laboriously intent on little
objects that deserve not a moment's attention; for this implies an
incapacity in matters of greater importance.

A great deal likewise depends upon our air, address, and expressions; an
aukward address and vulgar expressions, infer either a low turn of mind,
or a low education.

5. Insolent contempt, or low envy, is incompatible also with dignity of
manners. Low-bred persons, fortunately lifted in the world, in fine
clothes and fine equipages, will insolently look down on all those who
cannot afford to make as good an appearance; and they openly envy those
who perhaps make a better. They also dread the being slighted; of course
are suspicious and captious; are uneasy themselves, and make every body
else so about them.

6. A certain degree of outward seriousness in looks and actions, gives
dignity, while a constant smirk upon the face (with that insipid silly
smile fools have when they would be civil) and whiffling motions, are
strong marks of futility.

But above all, a dignity of character is to be acquired best by a
certain firmness in all our actions. A mean, timid, and passive
complaisance, lets a man down more than he is aware of: but still his
firmness or resolution should not extend to brutality, but be
accompanied with a peculiar and