Teaching Manners by F. G.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1907

Teaching Manners

By F. G.

“EVEN a child is known by his doings.” True manners find their source in a true heart. They are not simply a matter of formal etiquette of conventional conduct, but they are the results of a generous and kindly heart.

There is danger of devoting too much time to education upon manners and forms and of attaching too much importance to the matter of etiquette, but on the other hand there is great danger of not attaching enough importance to these subjects. Our students should be so educated that they can enter the most refined homes and deport themselves in a becoming manner. They should know the usual forms of good manners, not only in theory, but as habits in their lives.

Instruction in social forms, table etiquette, proper dress, should from time to time be given to the students in our schools that they may become thoroughly conversant with what is expected in good society. In our school Homes there should be a constant effort to teach the pupils the art of good conversation, that they may talk with one another in a sensible and pleasing manner. The undignified, ungentlemanly or unladylike ways of the gospel worker may, to an unconverted person, speak more loudly than the words of truth which are uttered.

We are not to teach our children to be seekers of and followers after the fashions and foibles of society, but there are good forms which will have to be held before them as desirable habits of life. These good, sensible forms have their origin in kindliness of heart, and with this in view we may ever hold them before our pupils.

F. G.