Monday, August 23, 2010

Hints to Boys and Girls on Good Manners

Hints to Boys and Girls on Good Manners
(From Mother's Magazine, September 1876)
(With pictures by Audrey)


1. Never look over another person when he is writing a letter, or reading that which does not concern you.




2. Never enter another 's room abruptly. Have you special business? Knock gently at the door, or ask permission to enter.




3. Never select the best articles of food at the table. Wait till you are helped. Be modest, polite, temperate.

4. Never ask trifling or foolish questions, or inquire about things with which you are already familiar. "A fool's voice is known by a multitude of words.


5. Never speak unless you have something to say- think twice before you think once. "In the multitude of words there wanteth no sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise." ~ Proverbs 5

6.Never dissemble, feign yourself sick or asleep or unwell, to avoid correction of some unpleasant thing. This is a species of lying, for which the Lord will not hold you guiltless. "Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from from speaking guile." "Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee. " "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord."



7. Never be glad or rejoice at another's calamity or misfortune, even though he be your enemy. "He that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished." "Does thine enemy hunger, feed him. Does he thirst, give him drink ; by so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." "Overcome evil with good."



8. Never mock or ridicule the poor, the infirm, or the aged.~ "He that mocketh the poor, reproacheth his Maker." "Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool." (Prov. xix 1). Read the fearful doom of those wicked children who mocked Elisha, the holy prophet of God (See 2d Kings, ii. 23, 24.)



9. Never set up your own will in opposition to your parents or teachers: submit calmly, sweetly, cheerfully. "Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."



10. When addressed by your parents or superiors, give immediate attention.

11. Be kind and gentle to your brothers and sisters invariably.




12. When a favor is conferred, always express your gratitude politely to the person who bestows it.



13. Little folks, whenever you enter a room, always be careful to notice, respectfully, your superiors, or those older than yourself.


14. Never interrupt persons engaged in conversation, reading, or writing, but wait till a suitable opportunity is given you to speak.


15. Never ask when you know.



16. Never whisper in company, or make remarks on the dress of those about you, or on the things that are in the room where you are.


17. Never flatly contradict any person, and especially your superiors. Rather say, "Are you not mistaken, sir? I had supposed differently." Meekness and modesty are more precious than rubies.

18. Be polite and courteous to everybody: true politeness is giving attention to little things, little acts of self-denial, kindness, and love, striving to make everybody happy. It is benevolence flowing from a noble, generous, pious heart. It is, in a word, doing to others as we would that others should do to us.


Love,

Marqueta

p.s. The girls thought that a little theatrical makeup would enhance the story ;) !

9 comments:

  1. oh so very cute ~and wonderfully told through pictures ~:D I will have to have Anna read through this I am sure she would enjoy it ~Love Heather

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  2. What a fun (and informative/challenging) post! Your children did such a great job acting our each *hint*. These should be required reading for all boys and girls!
    Blessings!

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  3. Good hints for all of us. Standing ovation for the theatrics!

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  4. Your little ones are quite the little actors..so cute...wouldn't it be such a better place if all youth were to follow the example of your post...blessings to your sweet family.....

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  5. I love this.
    Too often nowadays when I am out and about I see children that don't seem to have been taught any basic manners. Sad, really.
    Hope you are having a sweet day!
    Hugs))

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  6. I loved it! your girls did a wonderful job displaying the do's and don't's of good manners :o)
    must have been lots of fun!

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  7. Your points of etiquette are very well made, and plainly said. I think your children are blessed to have a Mama who cares enough to teach them common courtesy.

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  8. Dear Marqueta and family of performers,

    How much we all, at least in my home, need to be reminded of these things! I think a superior job was done in the picture taking and theatrics.

    I am hoping to get a package ready for your soon. Seems things are finally settling down here. One can hope!

    Love,
    Lynn

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  9. I appreciate those rules - I just find them a little convicting!

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