91

PART II.

JUVENILE MONITOR.

SECTION I.

Rules for behavior, in places consecrated for divine worship, and in meetings.

1. When entering a house, or any apartment devoted as a place of divine worship, always take off the hat or bonnet, immediately on entering the door, and conduct in the fear of God, sensing that you are in his holy presence. Laugh not, jeer not, neither be light minded or vain; but labor to feel a sacred reverence to that God whom you have assembled to worship, and serve.

2. It is disrespectful and irreverential to walk heavily, or flat footed; but all should walk carefully upon their toes, to avoid noise.

3. If the assembly unitedly sit, or stand, unite with the rest, if able in body; and either while sitting or standing, keep the body erect, and the limbs in a suitable and becoming posture: the hands decently folded, with the fore arm hanging about level with the elbows. it does not look well to see the hands folded upon the breast, or hanging much below a level with the elbows; It is also clownish to hang up the hands by the thumb in your bosom when folded; it discovers laziness.

4. The feet should never be spread widely apart, either in sitting, or standing.

5. If assembled in meeting for worship with those of the same faith, and at home, always unite in the worship, and not act the part of a spectator, either in singing, or worshiping.

6. Always devote the whole soul and every faculty of body to God, when assembled to worship Him, for this alone is fully acceptable in his sight.

7. Speak not, in time of sacred worship, of things common, or domestic, or any thing foreign from the duty for which you are assembled, unless necessity require it.

8. Let your countenance be moderately solemn, but cheerful, showing that you are delighted with your privilege.

9. It is ungodly and presumptuous, to feel, or speak slightly of divine songs, or any gift of God, however singular or strange it may appear.

10. In time of speaking, fix your eye on the speaker, but not gazingly; and let it not wander to gaze on

any other person or thing; attend diligently to the words spoken, and strive to remember them.

11. It is ungodly to treat slightly or disrespectfully, the sincere devotions, in worship, praise, or prayer, of any denomination of professed christians, or any soul whatever, either professor or non-professor, although they may appear never so inconsistent, or improper to your understanding.

12. Always give attention, when you are in company with those engaged in prayer, either in meeting, or elsewhere.

13. It is very rude to play, while others are worshiping God.

14. It is ill behavior to talk, while others are singing. 15. Never presume to unite in the worship of God, while under the condemnation of sin unconfessed.

16. Strive to avoid noise when others are speaking, and be silent and attentive.

17. Seek to avoid coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose in time of worship; but if need require, carefully go out of meeting.

18. Yawning, looks sluggish in meetings for divine service.

19. It is indecent to scratch the head, or other parts of the body in meeting.

20. It is improper to wear dirty or ragged clothes to meeting; thick, coarse and heavy boots or shoes are also improper to wear into meeting.

21. The person should be decently and neatly clad,

and the hair suitably trimmed and combed, before entering meeting.

22. All superfluous stroking or fixing, either of the hair or dress, for the sake of gayety, is hateful and improper; for whoever attends meeting for divine service, should be devoted to serve God, and not to the decoration of the person, which is ever wrong for the people of God.

23. Never go scuffing along, when exercising or walking; but lift your feet, and step squarely and properly.

SECTION II.

Behavior towards Superiors.

1. Remember that the way for you to learn good behavior is, to learn of those that are older, and wiser and better than you are. Copy their good examples, and yield strict obedience to their wise counsels.

2. Always mind at the first bidding, and not wait to be spoken to a second time.

3. Always pay due respect to your superiors; and when in company with them, be still and attentive.

4. When they are talking, do not be fond of asking questions, nor of putting in your judgment.

5. It is ill manners and very saucy to contradict them, or to argue or dispute with them.

6. When your superiors are giving you counsel, or

reproof, never try to excuse yourself by the faults of others; but show respect and give attention.

7. Take off your hat or bonnet, (if you have one on,) and stand up handsomely and still, with your hands folded for if you hear and obey, it will be for your good. Always thank them when they have done speaking.

8. Never keep your seat when your superiors stand for the want of one.

9. Never walk at the right hand of your superiors, nor before them when they are walking with you.

10. Never ask impertinent questions of your superiors, nor try to obtain secrets from them.

11. And when your superiors speak to you, and you do not understand, do not hollow out, What? or What did you say? But rather say, I was careless and did not understand; or, I did not hear.

12. Never speak against your superiors, nor allow yourself to act against them.

13. Always respect and reverence the aged. Never laugh at them, nor mock them because they cannot walk sprightly, it is wicked. Always be kind and obliging to them; for as you treat them, so you may expect to be treated when you come to be old. We will tell you a little story.

14. There was once a good little boy, who came where his father was at work making a trough. The little boy asked his father, who he was making that