Good Rules by E. G. R.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 11, 1865

Good Rules.

By E. G. R.

A few rules, laid down by Leigh Richmond for his daughter Mary, engage my attention as being worthy of being followed by all young Christians. If kept constantly in the thoughts on proper occasions, they will go far in aiding us to evade the enemy's snares.

E. G. R.

1. Adhere most scrupulously to truth; and labor to preserve the strictest integrity, simplicity, and sincerity.

2. Engage in no pursuit in which you cannot look up unto God and say, Bless me in this, O my Father.

3. Strive to be as kind, forbearing, and forgiving as you can, both to friends and foes.

4. Never speak evil of any one on any pretense whatever.

5. Strive to recommend religion by the courtesy, civility, and condescending character, of your conduct.

6. Mortify lusts, sensuality, and sloth.

7. Watch against irritation, positiveness, unkind speaking, and anger; study and promote love.

8. Never allow others to speak well of you; nor, especially, yourself to say or think anything of yourself but as poorly done. Keep down pride; let it not be indulged for a moment, and watch against it.

9. Shut out evil imaginations and angry thoughts.

10. Let it be your sole business here to prepare for eternity. Consider every moment of time in that view.

11. Remember that you have to contend with a legion of devils, a heart full of deceit and iniquity, and a world at enmity with God.

12. Pray that you may ever rejoice in the advancement of Christ's kingdom, and the salvation of sinners; and labor in every way to promote these objects. Prayer is the only weapon which can subdue your corruptions, and keep your evidences bright. Cultivate prayer.

13. Show a marked preference to such conversation, remarks, persons, discussions, and occupations, as may tend to essential good.

14. Always think before you speak; say and do, neither hastily nor unadvisedly.

15. Be constant in private prayer.

16. In music, prefer serious to light compositions; and in vocal, keep close to sacred words.

17. Be wise in the choice of books; shun everything of the romance and novel kind; and even in poetry, keep to what is useful and instructive, as well as pleasant.

18. In company, show that the principles of your religion are your rule of conduct and your real delight. Be consistent; cheerful, but not light; conversable, but not trifling.