Then you said to the
waiter, "Bring me the strawberries." They were brought and set
before you. And now, were you simply just in securing your share, if
the number fell below a dozen berries? You were taking care of
yourself; but in doing so, were not others' rights invaded. We shall
see. There were eight persons at the table, two of them children.
The dish held but little over a quart; of these nearly one-third
were taken by you! Would a true gentleman have done that? You
haven't thought of it since! We are sorry for you then. One of the
children, who only got six berries, cried through half the evening
from disappointment. And an invalid, whose blood would have gained
life from the rich juice of the fruit, got none.
"It was a little selfish, I admit. But I am so fond of strawberries;
and at hotels, you know, every one must take care of himself."
A true gentleman maintains his character under all circumstances,
and a Christian, as a matter of course. A true gentleman defers to
others. He takes so much pleasure in the enjoyment of others, that
he denies himself in order to secure their gratification. Can a
Christian do less and honor the name he bears?
"It wasn't right, I see."
Was it gentlemanly?
"No."
Christian?
"Perhaps not, strictly speaking."
In the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity still, we fear,
for all your profession.
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