George Washington's Advice to Preachers

George Washington's Advice to Preachers

Well, it wasn't exactly spoken to preachers. These are some guideline for successful human relationships that Washington learn early in life and by which he ordered his conduct. He called them his "Rules of Civility." He often offered some of these precepts to young men he hoped to see succeed. Although he had 110 of these rules, we offer a small sampling that would be helpful for the man who would serve the church as a gospel preacher.

Every action in company ought to be with sign of respect to those present.

Speak not when others speak

Be no flatterer, neither play with anyone that delights not to be played with.

Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serious matters somewhat grave.

Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of another, though he were your enemy.

In visiting the sick do not play the physician if you be not knowing therein

When a man does all he can, though it succeeds not well, blame not him that did it.

If you must advise or reprimand anyone, consider whether it ought to be in public or in private, presently or at some other time, also in what terms to do it; and in reproving, show no signs of choler, but do it with sweetness and mildness.

Mock not nor jest at anything of importance.

Use no reproachful language against anyone.

Be no hasty to believe flying reports to the disparagement of anyone.

In your apparel be modest. Play not the peacock.

Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation.

Let your conversation be without malice or envy.

Be not forward, but friendly and courteous, the first to salute, hear and answer.

Detract not from others.

Give not advice without being asked and when desired, do it briefly.

Be not curious to know the affairs of others.

Undertake not what you cannot perform: but be careful to keep your promise.

When you deliver a matter, do it without passion and indiscretion however mean the person may be you do it to.

Be not tediously in discourse. Make not many digressions, nor repeat often the same matter of discourse.

When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be seriously in reverence and honor.

Any man who presumes to stand before God's flock to teach and lead them would do well to study these rules and make them a part of his daily conduct. They will reward him richly and earn for him the respect of those he aspires to lead.

Sincerely,

Back -- or go -- Home