I have not the least doubt, that if
I had been educated in such a school, and lived in such a society, I
would have proved a very good member of it. But I much doubt, if a
seminary of learning was established, where this Christian forbearance
was inculcated and enforced, whether there would be many scholars.
I would not wish to be understood to say, that I do not desire to see
duelling to cease to exist entirely, in society. But my plan for doing
it away, is essentially different from the one which teaches a passive
forbearance to insult and indignity. I would inculcate in the rising
generation a spirit of lofty independence; I would have them taught
that nothing was more derogatory to the honor of a gentleman, than to
wound the feelings of any one, however humble. That if wrong be done
to another, it was more an act of heroism and bravery to repair the
injury, than to persist in error, and enter into mortal combat with
the injured party. This would be an aggravation of that which was
already odious, and would put him without the pale of all decent
society and honorable men. I would strongly inculcate the propriety of
being tender of the feelings, as well as the failings, of those around
him. I would teach immutable integrity, and uniform urbanity of
manners. Scrupulously to guard individual honor, by a high personal
self respect, and the practice of every commendable virtue. Once let
such a system of education be universal, and we should seldom hear, if
ever, of any more duelling.
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