Sunday Morning in Sleepy Hollow Jennie A. Brownscombe You Can You Can Order This Art Print from AllPosters.com

Manners at Church Part of developing refinement of character and good manners is the faithful attendance of church. We know of course that even though the Bible does not use the words "go to church", it does say, "Do not neglect the assembling of yourselves together, as is the habit of some" (Hebrews 10:25) and also "Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples met to break bread, Paul preached unto them.." How many times during the year does the first day of the week come? That is how many times you should assemble for worship. It is amazing how liberal our Lord is with us, since He created 7 whole days, and only requires one of those days to be set aside just for special worship of Him. In a sermon by Gardiner Spring, (1785-1873) regarding the Sabbath (meaning "day of worship"), he said the following: "One of the principle occupations of the Sabbath is to illustrate and enforce the great principles of sound morality. Where this sacred trust is inviolate, you behold a nation convened one day in seven for the purpose of acquainting themselves with the best moral principles and precepts...no villain regards the Sabbath. No vicious family regards the Sabbath. No immoral community regards the Sabbath. Observation of the Sabbath...promotes the spirit of good order and harmony...it imparts self-respect and elevation of character; it promotes softness and civility of manners..."

Make sure that you worship each Lord's Day in an assembly that uses the Bible as its authority in worship and the teaching of conduct. Here are some good rules to follow when attending church: * Try to speak to everyone before or after the service. * Take notes during the sermon. *Participate by singing when songs are being led, and by bowing when prayers are led. *Dress appropriately so as not to detract from the worship service and the One who is being worshipped. Do not dress in a dull or depressing fashion, but at the same time, crazy clothing, or careless dressing is not appropriate here. Keep your flesh covered in such a way as to keep everyone's mind on holy things. *Do not chew gum during services. *Do not whisper or talk during the communion or the sermon. *Do not get up during the service. Use the times allotted before and after services to visit the restroom or go out. *Take crying babies out and do not allow a toddler to disrupt other people's worship by its loud fussing. *Show respect for other worshippers by not talking out loud during the service, unless it is called for. *When socializing at church, do not invite someone over to dinner in front of people you are not inviting. This could cause hurt feelings. *In general, think about what you say and how you conduct yourself.

Sunday Morning Edward Lamson Henry You Can Order This Art Print from AllPosters.com

Manners are a direct result of a Christlike spirit, for the Bible says, "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil, and do good. Let him seek peace, and ensue it." I Peter 3:10-11. Manners make life more pleasant for the one who practices them. We need to restore good manners in our society, so that we can live in peace and perform the duties of our roles.

Bedtime Story Mary G. Smith You Can Order This Art Print from AllPosters.com

As you look at this painting, think about the influence of manners just from a bedtime ritual and story. At this time, a mother has her child's full attention. He is thrilled to hear a bedtime story and will probably ask for another one just to keep from having to sleep. Include in the bedtime ritual something each night about courtesy and manners. "The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world" is a true maxim, and let us never forget it. The manners taught children at home will stay with them throughout their lives, creating a good, safe society for everyone.

Occasionally, men will read these pages, and to the unmarried I must caution you to choose carefully a mate who will be a good mother to your children. Choose someone who, when you are away, or working, you can rely on to practice this important ritual. You will have great peace knowing that your children are getting their Bible story, their goodnight prayer, and their manners lesson!