It is true that in relation to the laws of etiquette many books have been written, which are in fact more read than observed, and which are more perplexing than practical. No lady or gentleman was ever made truly polite, truly agreeable, truly amiable, by a strict observance of artificial rules. Something more is needed; something must be done. It is in the heart, in the exercise of all the moral and Christian virtues, that true politeness has its foundation. True politeness is never selfish, never ostentatious, but always overflowing with kindness, always angelic in its attributes. In word and deed, it is always considerate, delicate, and graceful; yet in its ministrations it always preserves its own self-respect, while it manifests its sincere respect for all that is good and for all that is meritorious. Heaven has imposed on us the duty of acquiring all the knowledge we can. In discharge of this heaven-born duty, we should begin at once the great work of self-culture,--a work never to be discontinued. He who would build a spacious and a lofty temple, a fit dwelling-place for divinity, must first lay the foundations broad and deep,--not in sand, but on a rock; and then, though storm and tempest beat against it, it cannot fall, because it is founded on a rock. But in adopting a system of self-culture, too much care cannot be bestowed on the cultivation of your manners, your attitudes, your style of conversation, and your expression of sentiment. In regard to manners, it is impossible to prescribe exact rules. The best models for you to copy are to be found in the manners of the model men and women of our country who give tone to society. At any rate, be governed by good sense and by the dictates of nature, so modified by art as to conceal art. To disguise art is the perfection of art. In this lies the secret power of angelic charms,--the charm of polished womanhood and manhood. In your social intercourse employ a pure and unambitious style of diction, and be careful to maintain a quiet and unobtrusive deportment; and above all things avoid singularities and eccentricities, nor attempt to attract attention for the sake of gratifying an overweening vanity. And while you manifest a due respect for others, be careful to maintain your own self-respect. Never indulge in exhibiting violence of temper; but on all occasions control your feelings and expressions, though provocations arise which justly excite your indignation. If you would attain to the highest possible standard of social refinement and moral virtue, you must rely on yourselves, must look into the mirror of your own hearts and behold your own defects, and then proceed at once to apply the appropriate remedies. To do this effectively may cost you much labor, yet the task will be found comparatively easy when you have resolved to execute it.