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 more (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.

Please Note: some of them I just could not translate. But I did my best!

23. When you see someone punished for a crime, you may be pleased, inside. However, show pity to the offender.
24. Do not laugh out loud too much at a public spectacle.
25. Excessive compliments and affection at a ceremony should be avoided. But still give compliments and affection when it is due.
26. When you are in the company of people of note be humble and show due deference.
27. When you are in the company of people of note, do not be hasty to leave.
28. If someone comes to you to speak, stand up.
29. If someone approaches you in front of door, let them pass.
30. If you meet someone of note, sit on their left as the right is usually reserved.
31. If someone of note offers a place in their house or table to someone lower than themselves, you should not expect him to do it again.
32. When someone who is your equal offers you a place of respect in his house or table, refuse it. If he offers it again, accept it and be gracious by thanking him.
33. Those that are in an office of honor should in all things, have respect for those who are equals and show respect to others in similar offices or positions or those who are older.
34. Respect whoever you are talking to.
35. When you are talking to businessmen (or women) let your speech be short and comprehensive.
36. People of low position and people of high position should mutually respect each other.
37. When speaking to men of quality, do not look them full in the face or approach them to casually.
38. When visiting the sick, do not pretend to be a doctor or speak as one.
39. When writing to someone, give each person their due title.
40. Do not argue with your superiors, but submit your argument to them with humility.
41. When you know something about something that someone who is a professional does not (regarding their “area of expertise”) do not be arrogant. Be humble.
42. Do not act the same with a clown as you do with a prince.
43. Do not be happy about something in front of someone who is in pain or misery.
44. When someone tries his best and fails, do not blame him.
45. Know whether or not to praise or reprimand someone in public or private before doing it.
46. Take all reprimands and admonitions non-defensively. However, if you are innocent, choose a time and place and show why you are innocent.
47. If you make a joke at yourself, do not laugh at yourself.
48. Don’t reprimand another if you are guilty of the same thing. Examples are better than sermons.
49. Do not curse another person.
50. Do not be quick to believe gossip.
51. Don’t dress in dirty clothes
52. When you dress, dress like everyone else and do not worry about dressing to impress.
53. Do not run in the streets or walk too slowly.
54. Do not be a peacock.
55. Do not eat in the streets or in the house, out of season.
56. Associate with men of good quality if you are concerned about your own reputation, for its better to be alone than in bad company.
57. When walking with a man of high quality, walk slightly behind him.
58. Do not let your conversation contain malice or envy.
59. When with men of low quality, do not express anything unbecoming or immoral.
60. It is immodest to urge your friends to discover a secret.
61. Among men who are grave or learned, do not joke or say base things.
62. When it is time to express happy and joyful things, do not speak of melancholy things.
63. Do not be proud and conceited regarding your personal achievements or virtues.
64. Do not be a killjoy.
65. Do not make a joke of a person’s injuries even if there is a reason to do so.
66. Do not be pensive when it comes time to converse and be friendly.
67. Do not be detracting or be overly commanding.
68. Don’t be quick to go to new places if you do not know if you will be welcome. Don’t give advice if you are not asked to.
69. We you meet two people arguing, do not be quick to take a side.
70. Do not reproach others for their faults, that is mainly a parent’s job!
71. Do not gaze at the permanent blemishes or injuries of others. When your friend shares a secret, keep it.
72. Do not speak in a foreign language in company.
73. Think before you speak. Make sure you articulate.
74. When someone is speaking, listen and be politely attentive. Wait until he or she is finished to reply.
75. If you approach people in conversation, they may stop. Ask them to continue. If you are in conversation with someone and someone of note approaches, repeat what you were discussing so they can be included.
76. When you are talking about someone, do not point at him or her or approach them.

Again, most of these are purely rules for polite conduct. However, many of them are inspired by the attempt to treat others we would like to be treated!

Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

———————————————————-W.