I am currently reading a book entitled, George Washington’s Sacred Fire by Jerry Newcombe and Peter Liliback, Ph.D., published in 2006. It is a close examination of the religious comments and actions of George Washington as a child and as an adult.

The authors discuss Washington’s education in detail. Schools, in Mr. Washington’s time used to include Biblical lessons to live by in their daily studies of reading, writing, and arithmetic. However, they also used to teach social skills too. From the Bible were derived the following “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation”. They were attributed to a man named Francis Hawkins (who was at least the translator) and George Washington’s father Augustine Washington was taught them at Appleby Grammar School and he drilled them into George.

There are 110 of them in all. This week, I am going to share 22 (possibly abbreviated and spelled/worded in modern format) in hopes we may learn some of Mr. Washington’s ability to lead, desire for his nation, and personal piety. Some of them may apply today still, some may not. However, all of them we can learn something from.

1: Every action done in company, ought to be with some sign of respect, to those who are present.
2: When in company, put not your hands to any part of the body not usually discovered.
3: Show nothing to your friend that may cause fright.
4: In the presence of others, sing not to yourself with a humming noise, nor drum with your fingers or feet.
5. If you cough, sneeze, sigh, or yawn, do it privately and not loudly, Do not speak and yawn. To sneeze or yawn, use a handkerchief.
6. Don’t sleep when others are speaking, don’t sit when everyone else is standing, don’t open your mouth when you should hold your peace, stop walking when others stop.
7. Don’t take your clothes off when others are around, don’t go out of your bedroom half-dressed.
8. Its good manners to make a place for someone who shows up late. Don’t speak louder than necessary.
9. Don’t spit in a fire. Don’t hog the fire or warn your feet on a fire that is cooking food.
10. When you sit down, keep your feet firm and even, don’t cross your legs or one on top of the other.
11. Don’t bite your nails. Don’t be shifty.
12. Don’t shake your head, feet, legs or roll your eyes or your eyebrows and do not don’t accidently spit on someone when talking to someone.
13. Don’t kill bugs around other people. If you have to do so, do it privately for yourself and others.
14. Don’t turn your back on people when speaking to them. Don’t lean on other’s desks.
15. Keep your nails clean and short. Brush your teeth.
16. Don’t puff up your cheeks, roll your tongue, rub your hands or beard, thrust out your lips, or bite them. Close your mouth!
17. Don’t be an excessive flatterer.
18. Don’t be reading (books, whatever) when you have company. If someone else is writing, ask permission to read what they are writing, if you are curious.
19. Let your countenance be pleasant but in serious matters somewhat grave.
20. The gestures of the body must be suited to what you are saying.
21. Don’t take your frustration on the weather out on those around you.
22. Don’t be glad that someone who hates you has misfortune.

Now some of these things may seem kind of silly. But George Washington memorized and lived by them and the other 88 rules. I think we can learn from them too.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.

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