lesson ~ respect

SOME young girls on their way to Sunday school cast many humorous glances and subdued tittering toward one of their age who was walking a venerable man, one who had helped “build up the country.”

The pair observed it, but they cared little for it; only the thoughtless girls did themselves an injustice.

It was inappropriate conduct on any day, but upon the Lord’s day, it seemed even more unbecoming.

In former times church-going persons went to their worship reverently and, reaching the house of God, entered with the utmost respect.

When seated, they did not twist around in their seats to gaze at some newcomer; perfect attention was given to the sermon, and it was the theme at home in the evening.

Clothing, however rich or poor, need not be scanned or criticized; when you and I came upon this earth, we were treated equally.

But to return to the subject.

The gray-haired man was a Sunday- school teacher and had taken the pains to invite some new residents to attend meetings and Sunday school and, seeing the timidity of the young lady, invited her to walk with him.

This was true kindness and courtesy on his part.

I know he was taken a little by surprise when a young person meeting him bowed and quietly said, “Good afternoon.” Said he, in relating the incident, ” I thought a good deal of that bit of politeness, for young folks, don’t notice me on the street, they pass right along.”

If in meeting a person on the street, you slightly bow or lift the hat, it does not mean an invitation to form an acquaintance.

It always looks well for one who is well dressed to render a slight inclination of the head if meeting another less favored fortune.

The poor and the laboring classes feel the comparison between their and your circumstances keenly enough without any display of conscious superiority or ill-bred pride.

I know of a tired little boy who, coming from his long day’s work, was mortified to meet a nicely-dressed young lady but said that night at home, “She spoke just as politely to me as if I had been Brother Brigham, and she’s the nicest and best woman in the world, and I’m going to be as near like her as I can.”

Some years later, he was her escort through a wild portion of the country, and he seemed to take delight in bestowing every attention on her and her little children.

If she had turned her nose or giggled at him, would he have felt as well toward her?

The lounger, the vagabond, and the wicked are easily recognized and have no claim to our notice, but among strangers, many we meet are our equals and some our superiors.

Let me relate an incident that occurred perhaps twelve years since in Salt Lake City, as told to me by the young man who is now a very prominent and beloved gentleman you all know.

” I was up on the sidewalk and approaching the crossing. I was in great haste, and as I neared the plank, an aged man was in advance of me. I hastily took a few long steps, intending to get ahead of him. Another step arid, I would have accomplished it, but as I brushed close to him, he turned, saw my eagerness, and politely lifted his hat, stepping aside for me to pass.

My momentum was such that I could not stop before I had one foot on the plank, but there I paused, transfixed with shame, a tableau of precipitate haste and rudeness!

We gazed into each other’s eyes until he kindly extended his hand to acknowledge my distressed apologies, which I knew by his gracious smile and adieu he understood.

I could not speak his language, but I learned then and there a lesson from him that I have never forgotten.”

RESPECT FOR OTHERS. There is another thing I would like to mention, which is, speaking of others with too great familiarity. Shall we not talk Of our friend as Brother Joseph Hall instead of Jo Hall, especially as the gentleman is one of your Ward Teachers?

Remember him as an officer in the church of which you are a member.

Strive to emulate the calling and mission of the Teachers, guardians of peace, and guides to the truth. If you think “that’s as good as a motto,” write it on your bookmark, for it is true.

The Teachers have your welfare more closely in view than even your Bishop.

Their frequent visits have given them an insight into your heart; they know your life and circumstances.

In sickness, they are to be depended upon for consolation and spiritual aid; you can go to them for counsel, for advice in worldly matters, and if you are in sorrow, you can confide in them.

You may think their office is small, but I can tell you the Teachers of the Ward are like the index to the book; go to them for what you want to find.

Boys, you can never become a Bishop, President of a Stake, or attain any other high calling until you have qualified yourselves as Teachers.

Therefore, honor them and strive to win and keep their confidence.