CONTENTS. Introductory Remarks—Importance of the sub- ject-Prejudices against every attempt to discuss it-These prejudices considered-Good manners defined-How to be studied and attained-How knowledge of the world is to be gained-Value of good manners-Peculiarly valuable to clergy- page. The question discussed, whether clerical man- ners ought to bear a peculiar character-The as- sertion made that they ought—Points of this peculiarity- FIRST point-Dignity,-SECOND point-Gentleness,-THIRD point-Condescen- sion,-FOURTH point-Affability,-FIFTH point -Reserve,-SIXTH point-Uniformity.—These principles not calculated to form artificial, stiff manners-No perfect models of manners in this Offensive personal habits--Spitting on floors and carpets-Excessive use of Tobacco-Use of ar- dent spirits-Fondness for luxurious eating- Boisterous laughter-Paring the nails-Combing the hair-Yawning--Picking the teeth-Lean- ing on the table-Mode of sitting in company--- Importance of sitting erectly-Pulling at arti- On conversation-Importance of the subject— ing another in conversation--Contradicting-Indulgence of personal vanity--Egotism-Affectation of wit-Pedantry-Flattery-Inviting flattery to ourselves-Speaking of our own performances-Rude familiarity-Strict regard to truth -Proprieties of time and place-Faithfulness to confidence reposed--Loud and boisterous manner in conversation--Frequent use of SuperlativesConversing with the wise and good-Observing the conversation of the best models LETTER V. Religious conversation-Importance of the subject -Some popular errors on this. subject pointed out---Counsels-The duty of embracing every good opportunity for religious conversation-Introducing it in an easy. happy manner---Adapting conversation to the company-Dictation and authority in conversing--Avoid theological controversy---Conversing with infidels--Conversing with persons of different religious denominations -Conversing with strangers-Conversing with persons in high station-Violating good manners -Conversing with persons under religious impressions Giving sound do trinal instruction-Being too ready to administer comfort to the anxious and inquiring-Excessive haste to publish the exercises of the anxious--Conversing too much at a time-Urging to a hasty profession of religion-The use of technical language in religious conversation- Preparing for religious page 88-130 conversation-Frequent examination as to the manner in which this duty has been perform On Visiting-Importance of the subject-I. Pastoral visits By no means to be neglected-To be attended to systematically-Preceded by prayer -Performed with faithfulness--Not in a formal, task-like mode-Extended to the poor as well as the rich-Made as instructive and interesting as possible-- Particular attention to children and young people-Record of visits to be carefully kept-Assembling several families togetherTo be accompanied by an elder-Visiting the sick-Counsels-Visiting reduced families-II. Social visits--not to be neglected-Preceded by Prayer--Not so numerous as to interfere with pastoral visits-Not too frequent in particular families-Poor as well as rich-Length of visitsVisits at unseason a ble hours--Dining parties— Suitable conversation at them--Avoid giving trouble--Receiving as well as paying visits[Leaving every where a testimony for God 168--208 LETTER VII. Habits in the Seminary generally-Regulations, even for a Theological Seminary, indispensably necessary--The advantages of such an Institution -Attention to the laws of the Seminary--Avoiding noise in the publick edifice---Spirit of order |