However, these Modes of _good Breeding_ were not to be abolished,
as it was impossible to dispense with the _Respect_ annex'd to them,
without some further Pretence than of their _Inconvenience_ only;
which no Person could decently urge, or admit in his own behalf,
when it was his Province to pay any Ceremonies to another; In this
Difficulty it was at last happily observ'd, for the Advantage of
genteel Commerce and Society, that _whatever gives Trouble, is
inconsistent with Respect_; Upon which Foundation, all Ceremonies
which create Embarrassments or Trouble to either Side, are now justly
exploded; And the _Ease_ of each other is the Point most peculiarly
consulted by _well-bred_ Persons.
If this Attention to _Ease_ was properly conducted, so that it might
always appear to have _Respect_ for its Motive; And only to act in
Obedience to _that_, as the ruling Principle, it would then comprehend
the just Plan of _good Breeding_; But as _this_ was formerly
encumber'd with Ceremonies and Embarrassments, so the modern _good
Breeding_ perhaps deviates too far into Negligence and Disregard;
--A Fault more unpardonable than the former; As an Inconvenience,
evidently proceeding from the _Respect_ which is paid to us, may be
easily excus'd; But a Freedom, which carries the Air of _Neglect_ with
it, gives a lasting Offence.
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