GOOD MANNERS by J. Clarke

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 30, 1858

GOOD MANNERS.

By J. Clarke

Many suppose that it is of no consequence whether one is agreeable or not.

Now this is in fact a great mistake, for ill manners are a disadvantage to any cause, or to any individual, while good manners are a help, an auxiliary; and men of the world understand this, and employ every art to win and please, in order to carry out their designs.

Should not those whom God employs, act as consistently in this as men of the world? Should not they be wise to win souls? How very refined and polished was Paul, Isaiah, David, and John; in fact the Bible is a book of refinement, and good manners.

Do you think that Jesus Christ ever gaped or yawned while brethren were praying or exhorting?

Do you suppose that Paul was turning over the leaves of some book listlessly, while Barnabas was preaching?

Do you think that John the beloved, was tainted in his clothes, and body, and breath, with tobacco, as he rested upon Jesus' bosom?

Do you think that the prophet Isaiah, or Daniel, or Moses, neglected to wash their bodies for months, until their person smelt as strong as a Russian soldier, or a cossack?

My opinion is, that these good men were true gentlemen at heart, and sought to be acceptable to all. I do not think that any of these good men filled their stomachs with grease, and then smoked to keep it down. No! they were gentlemen as well as saints. J. CLARKE.