GENERAL RULES FOR V. M. LETTERS.
By S. N. Haskell
1. Address your correspondent cordially. “Dear Friend” is better than “Dear Madam.” If writing to a gentleman, “Dear Sir” or “Dear Friend” would be better than simply “Sir,” the latter being too cold and distant. 2. Poor writing cannot always be avoided. Bad spelling and a wrong use of capital letters are worse than poor writing. I once saw a letter, every line of which began with a capital, and no other capitals were used. The first word of every sentence, the pronoun I, the interjection O, all names and titles of God, and all proper names should begin with capitals. 3. Do not write denominational or doctrinal letters. It is not best to say, “We rejoice in the new light taught in the paper we send.” Conservative people always prefer “old paths.” When inquiries are made on some doctrinal point, a tract on that subject is better than an argumentative letter. 4. We do not think it advisable to follow any exact form, but we do recommend that communion be held with God in the closet before the letters are written. The heart should be warm with the love of souls for whom Christ died; letters can then be written with a warmth that will inspire a form. One of the rules of the oldest V. M. societies in the country, to which the members rigidly adhere, is to pray before writing. 5. Read your letters over after you have written them. I once saw a missionary letter which commenced, “Dear Mad,” the am being left off. If this letter had been read over before it was sent, this mistake would have been corrected, as it was simply a blunder. Many who have good success, although they correspond extensively, and are good penmen, usually re-write all their letters. 6. Do not make your first letter too lengthy, especially if you are not acquainted with the person you are addressing, but write a good Christian letter, and to the point. The first letter is more important than subsequent ones, as it will make a deeper impression on the mind. Some think it a matter of but little importance what they write, if they only write something. Careless letter writing and careless preaching are in the same category. The opinions which persons form of us as a people are apt to be according to the impression we make upon their minds. We would not discourage any, but would say, Be particular about your spelling, etc. Remember that a letter plainly written is much more acceptable than one which is read with difficulty. Above all things have a heart that feels the importance of the work.