| The Ministry of Comfort |
Chapter 14 |
Page 4 |
The thought of culture always implies also refinement, grace of spirit, beauty of soul. That is, it is gentle as well as strong. It is more than knowledge, for one may know all the worlds’ literature and yet lack this culture. In the ordinary sense, it is the final result of true education and study. One may be very learned, and yet lack the refinement of spirit which the thought of culture suggests. Self culture is defined as what a man does upon himself; mending his defects, correcting his mistakes, chastening is faults, tempering his passions.
Always, love must be the ruling element in Christian culture. Fine manners may be the result of the study of the rules of etiquette, but no manners are really beautiful which are not the fruit of love in the heart. Gentleness belongs to culture, and gentleness is love in exercise. The word “gentleman” as a designation of one who has reached the finest things in manliness is very suggestive. No man, however masterly his strength, however wide his knowledge, however high his rank, however splendid his achievements, is manly in the fullest sense if he be not gentle – a gentleman.
In a summary of the things which make up a worthy Christian character, St. Paul puts first whatsoever things are true, honourable, just and pure, and then, whatsoever things are lovely and of good report. The sterner qualities alone do not make the character complete while loveliness is lacking. The word “grace” which is used to describe the divine favour and is applied to all spiritual work wrought in a life, means primarily that which is pleasing and agreeable, beauty of form, manner, or movement. As applied to the disposition, it means sweetness, amiability, courtesy. To grow in grace is not only to become more devout, obedient, and holy, but also to grow more loving – more gentle, kindly, thoughtful, patient, unselfish.
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