At the age of
sixteen, George Washington, copied into his personal note book 110 rules that
were referred to as the “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior”. It is assumed that this was a school exercise
for Washington. The rules had their origins with French Jesuits in 1595. Washington seemed to have taken these rules
to heart and tried to live by the principles stated in them and required those
around him, that were under his oversight, to also practice them. In reading through them many are antiquated
due to the passing of time. Rule 9: Spit not in the fire, nor stoop low before
it neither put your hands into the flames to warm them, nor set your feet upon
the fire especially if there be meat before it. Rule 53: Run
not in the streets, neither go too slowly nor with mouth open go not shaking
your arms kick not the earth with your feet, go not upon the toes, nor in a
dancing fashion. Yet in reading them, for the most part, they are as
relevant today was they were in the 1500’s.
We might update the language and customs to fit our current culture. Rule 13: Kill
no vermin as fleas, lice, ticks etc. in the sight of others, if you see any
filth or thick spittle put your foot dexterously upon it if it be upon the
cloths of your companions, put it off privately, and if it be upon your own
cloths return thanks to him who puts it off. Today’s translation should read: If you see a
problem with those around you take care to help them in a private nature and
not post it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and if someone tries to help you,
don’t tell them to mind their own business, thank them. Rule 18: Read
no letters, books, or papers in company but when there is a necessity for the
doing of it you must ask leave.
Today: While in the company of others leave your phone alone. Rule 50: Be
not hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of any. Translation: Just because you saw it on
the internet doesn’t make it so. I
believe we would do well to reassociate ourselves with some Rules of Civility. If you look at the Ten Commandments that God
gave to Moses on Mt. Sinai the first five deal with man’s relationship with God
and the last five deal with man’s relationship with his fellow man. God not only wants us to have the proper
relationship with him but he also wants us to deal with each other in a proper
fashion. In today’s society, it seems we
feel like we can say or do whatever we please because it is our right or our
entitlement to do so. Just because we
are able to do, say, or act in a certain way does not mean that it is
beneficial. It takes no strength nor
intelligence to do as one pleases.
Strength and intelligence comes when one knows they can, yet constrain
themselves for their betterment and the betterment of those around them. The writer of Romans reminds us: Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit;
serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant
in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless
them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do
rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same
mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low
estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil.
Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be
possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (12:
11-18). How would your life and the
lives of those around you change if we practiced these rules of conduct? Let me leave you with the last three rules of
civility from Washington’s note book.
108: When you speak of
God or his attributes, let it be seriously and with reverence. Honor and obey
your natural parents although they be poor.
109: Let your
recreations be manful not sinful.
110: Labor to keep
alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.
I believe these need no update nor translation.
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