Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1877-04-04
Church E~tlauette.

Attending divine worship is not ike
attending a public show, though in this
last age there are some whose conduct
makes the difference appear but small.
First, then, there is no etiquette for
any place like the etiquette of common
sense it avails when the rules of the
Chesterhelds and the Hickmans often
make one ridiculous.
In entering church With a lady. pre-
cede her when ascending and descending
stairs, as also in seeking a seat. In The
latter case it is especially polite-you
act as a sort of shield to her modesty.
and then yeu save her the confusion OF
selecting a pew.
1t is proper, if you are a believer, to
kneel or stand in prayer, according to
custom Of the church. TO disregard
these is vulgar, or at least it shows too
much false pride, or too little reverence
for the requirements Of christianity.
Excessive whispering during service
is decidedly vulgar. 1t is sometimes
necessary to address an undertone re-
mark to your companion or companions,
but seldom.
Listen to the service, especially the
sermon. In this age of church opera,
called music, you cannot help hearing
that part Of the ceremony. 1t would
wake up a Van Wrinkle. But the sermon
you may sleep over or disregard. 1t is
wrong. Appear to hear if you do not.
A good way is when the minister is dull,
and you can't listen-which happens
often enough to make a rule = to study
~phrenology - examine the bumps OF
heads before you. An hour may be
passed thus politely and pleasantly.
If you chew tobacco, do not use it in
church. 1t is annoying to those around
Fyou, and then the sexton gives you Jesse.
Never leave church during service, I'M
less it is absolutely necessary-aS in
sickness, a house a6re, or a professional
call.
II is vulgar to come late. Sometimes
it is Unavoidable person wishes to
display a new dress, a watch chain, or
perhaps a beau. 1t will occur sometimes
that a poor goose wants to be driven
from his seat--then it is proper enough
also. These causes, and the like, excuse
late coming, and the congregation en-
dure them. Any other delay is unen
durable.
Dress as plainly as possible. We
don't mean that a lady should appear in
her morning wrapper, nor a gentleman
in his shirt sleeves. A nice medium is
the thing in all matters-ladies should
not be taken for milliner's showcase.
nor gentlemen for bejewelled and neck,
tied monkeys. A plebian goes to church
to show fine clothes an aristoerat to
show respect to God.
In entering and in leaving the housA.
don't walk too slow like the shoddies,
nor too fast like the bashfuls. In the
one case. people ridicule you for ~affecta-
tioni IN the other there is danger of
knocking down the pevs or running over
somebody. Hasten slowly"
When yon look around too much In
church, people think you want to show
your profile, or hat you want to attract
attention to your style, or that you want
to marry, or that, like poor wheat, there
IS rot weight enough about your head to
keep it still.
Don't look too pious in church either
it is as suspicious as too much leyity.
Religious wotship is neither a Joke nor
an emetic. If you feel extraordinarily
devotional, begin to think about putting
something into the treasury, and it will
shorten your face quickly, and spread
over it the pleasant look of duty.