Chap. II.]

CHRISTIAN CHARITY.

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notice by Holy Writ, and has been thought worthy of specialprecepts to secure its observance, we cannot refuse to acknowl-edge, that it is entitled to our regard. No one will say, that suchobservances are not a part of Christian duty, when they haveclaimed the attention of inspired men. The illustration of anold writer is pertinent and well worth transcribing. “ By goodmanners,” says he, “ I do not mean an insignificant punctuality,and a frivolous exactness in the observation of little ceremonies; Imean something of a higher nature; I mean an assemblage ofmoral virtues expressed in an outward demeanor ; a combinationof discretion, circumspection, and civility, submission to our su-periors, condescension to our inferiors, and affability to all;more especially a strict regard to decency (decorum) in all ouractions. For the rules of decency (decorum) are the very out-works of respect, and, when they are once broken through, therest will soon be delivered up as an easy prey ; and affection isoftener lost by little violations of the rules of decorum , than byany scandalous and enormous faults.” *

The truth is, that all human intercourse, of whatever kind,must be made to conform to conventional rules ; and these rulesconstitute the civilities, proprieties, courtesies, and other observ-ances not strictly of a moral kind, the disregard of which, how-ever, St. Paul says, is unseemly in a Christian. No one needsto be informed how much the asperities of life are softened, andits happiness promoted, by a due regard to these observances ;or how much unhappiness and how many serious evils springfrom the neglect and disregard of them, among those who arerequired by situation, by duty, and by circumstances to maintainfrequent or habitual intercourse with one another. How manyheart-burnings, how much coldness and jealousy, ripening toooften into open enmities and strife, are prevented by their ob-servance ? In the intercourse of husband and wife, parent andchild, friend with friend, and even master and servant, small com-pliances, cheerful accommodation to particular wishes, prepos-sessions, and even prejudices in minor concerns ; small sacrificesof personal inclination, practices and attentions costing very little

Rev. Jeremiah Seed’s Sermons, Vol. I. p. 59. London. 1742.