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The Adventist Home
their necessities; which does not make him considerate and tender,
generous and helpful toward the young, the old, and the unfortunate,
and courteous toward all is a failure
Christian courtesy is the golden clasp which unites the members of
the family in bonds of love, becoming closer and stronger every day
Make the Golden Rule the Law for the Family—The most valu-
able rules for social and family intercourse are to be found in the Bible.
There is not only the best and purest standard of morality but the most
valuable code of politeness. Our Saviour’s Sermon on the Mount
contains instruction of priceless worth to old and young. It should be
often read in the family circle and its precious teachings exemplified
in the daily life. The golden rule, “Whatsoever ye would that men
should do to you, do ye even so to them,” as well as the apostolic
injunction, “In honour preferring one another,” should be made the
law of the family. Those who cherish the spirit of Christ will manifest
politeness at home, a spirit of benevolence even in little things. They
will be constantly seeking to make all around them happy, forgetting
self in their kind attentions to others. This is the fruit which grows
[424]
upon the Christian tree
The golden rule is the principle of true courtesy, and its truest
illustration is seen in the life and character of Jesus. Oh, what rays
of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of our Saviour!
What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit will
be revealed in His children. Those with whom Christ dwells will be
surrounded with a divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity will
be fragrant with perfume from the garden of the Lord. Their faces will
reflect light from His, brightening the path for stumbling and weary
feet
The Best Treatise on Etiquette—The most valuable treatise on
etiquette ever penned is the precious instruction given by the Saviour,
with the utterance of the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul—words
that should be ineffaceably written in the memory of every human
being, young or old:
“As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
11
Education, 241
.
12
The Signs of the Times, November 29, 1877
.
13
The Signs of the Times, July 1, 1886
.
14
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 100, 101
.