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 ;) !
Dear Friends,
