Editorial December 6, 1913 Issue

Christian Courtesy

John B. Willis

A prominent writer has recently made the rather startling declaration that "we live in a mannerless age," that the thought and bearing of the people at large is characterized by a pitifully discreditable degree of irreverence, incivility, and immodesty. One might hope that this is simply an impulsive extravagance of speech, since, no doubt, the spirit and purpose of not a few is illy represented by their bearing; but as a whole, men appear to be very much what in fact they are, whether vulgar or refined, and every careful observer of current customs and tendencies, the habits and pose of the average man, will concede that there are at least many surface facts in support of the statement, and that the subject merits thoughtful consideration.

Unmannerliness always betrays either ignorance of the ideal or indifference to it, and in either case the fault is grievous and for the most part utterly inexcusable. In thinking of the matter, it is well for us to remember that everything worth while must have an ethical basis, it must find its beginning and its completion in right thought of God and His manifestation. All conduct, whether personal, communal, or international, and all relations, whether social, political, or economic, must express the law of eternal right, else they are neither sane nor safe. In its motive and intent every truly intelligent act or attitude must therefore commend itself to universality, and the realization of this fact lends dignity to every aspect of life and points to the effective way of remedying our faults. There can be no trivialities to the right-minded, since orderliness expresses an all-inclusive law, and this law is divine. This truth supplies the philosophy of every needful observance, including that of good manners.

What St. Paul has said of the less comely parts of the body as receiving the "more abundant" consideration, since the "comely parts have no need," is no less pertinent to conduct, since it is in the little things which make up so large a part of the average life, that character, the presence or absence of nobility, is most frequently disclosed, and the Science of Christian living gives both the perspective and purpose which will render one's bearing chaste and winsome in every relation and event. To this, very special emphasis has been given by our Leader, in the oft-reiterated "Rule for Motives and Acts," which declares that "a Christian Scientist reflects the sweet amenities of Love" (Manual, p. 40). To those who would "see good days," St. Peter commends the spirit of compassion and courtesy; that in all their human relations they "be followers of that which is good," and Mrs. Eddy has rephrased this thought for us in her persuasive reminder that if selfishness gives place to kindness, we shall bless even them that curse us. (See Science and Health, p. 9.)

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