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- 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 -No perfect models of manners in this page. 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--In- dulgence of personal vanity-Egotism-Affecta- tion of wit-Pedantry-Flattery-Inviting flat- tery to ourselves-Speaking of our own perform- ances-Rude familiarity-Strict regard to truth -Proprieties of time and place-Faithfulness to confidence reposed--Loud and boisterous manner in conversation--Frequent use of Superlatives- Religious conversation-Importance of the subject -ome popular errors on this subject pointed out---Counsels-The duty of embracing every good opportunity for religious conversation-In- troducing it in an -y. happy manner--Adapt- ing conversation to the company-Dictation and authority in conversing-Avoid theological con- troversy---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 im- pression Giving sound do trinal instruction-- Being too ready to administer comfort to the anxious and inquiring-Excessive haste to pub- lish the exercises of the anxious--Conversing too much at a time-Urging to a hasty profession page conversation-Frequent examination as to the 131-168 On Visiting-Importance of the subject-I. Pastoral LETTER VII. Habits in the Seminary generally-Regulations, 168--208 |