MANNER OR MODE OF ACTION.
By J. C.
“If the act is right, the manner is of little consequence,” says Bro. Self-will. Condescend to listen a moment, my brother, and let me illustrate. Suppose a child is learning to read, and he should tell his teacher, “It’s no matter how I read, if I only read.” Or suppose the mechanic should direct his apprentice how to hold and move the plane, and the apprentice should retort, “If I only make good work, it is no matter how I hold the plane;” or the merchant should give his clerk instructions as to his deportment in the store, and the clerk should undervalue those little civilities enjoined upon him, and should persist in his boorish manners, contenting himself with his honesty and sincerity. Such a course on the part of the child, the apprentice, or the clerk, would completely ruin their prospects; every one can see this. How wise the children of this world are in their sphere; and should the children of God be less wise? Is it less important to cultivate an agreeable way of speaking, of praying, of singing, of conversation? Is there a person who would not be agreeable to his customers? Is there one who would not consider it a duty to please his patrons, as far as consistent with the truths of God? Even Daniel strove to please his captors, and Christ pleased his parents and associates, as far as duty permitted. Duty to God was first, and next, love to man. Doubtless his general deportment was unexceptionable, and his manners agreeable. Christ pleased not himself; that is, he yielded in all affairs of no moral consequence, in order to please his associates. J. C.