V. Again, Charity doth not behave itself unseemly.  It does not disregard the courtesies of life, nor break over the bounds of decency and decorum; but pays a strict regard to propriety of conduct under all circumstances.  But, it may not be amiss to enumerate some of those things which, by their unseemliness, render the conduct of any person repulsive and disgusting.

1.  Forwardness, or a disposition to be conspicuous, is unseemly, especially in a young person.  It is indeed the duty of every one to be always ready to engage in every good work; and it is wrong to be backward, and refuse to cooperate with others, in carrying on any useful enterprise.  But the heart is deceitful:  and, while we satisfy our consciences with the idea that we are going forward in the discharge of duty, we may be but feeding our own vain-glorious spirits, by bringing ourselves into notice.  An humble Christian has a low estimate of his ability to do good; and is generally disposed to prefer others, as better qualified than himself, to occupy any conspicuous post.  “In honor preferring one another.”  He will, therefore, be modest and retiring; though, when the course of duty is plain, he will by no means shrink from it.  “The righteous are hold as a lion.”  There are several characteristics, however, which distinguish the forward, unseemly spirit.  He is jealous and testy.  You will hear him complaining of the aristocratic spirit of others; and if he is not noticed as much as he thinks he deserves, he will take offence.  He will rarely he found cordially cooeperating with others, in any good work, unless he is foremost in it himself.  If you wish to secure his aid, or forestall his opposition, you must he careful to consult him before you undertake any enterprise.  Should you neglect to do so, however good your object, or well chosen your measures, you may expect him to find fault, and throw obstacles in the way, at every step of your progress.  Such persons often exhibit a fiery zeal and restless activity, which seem for a time to eclipse all their contemporaries.  But it is a zeal and activity for self:  for it is never roused except for the promotion of an object with which self is in some manner identified.

2.  To assume, in a dictatorial manner, to catechise others as to their views on any subject, especially if they are older than yourself, is unseemly.  You will meet with some persons who seem to take it for granted that they have a right to call you to account for your opinions, and to determine authoritatively your claim to the character which you profess.  I do not question the propriety of kind and modest inquiries as to the opinions and views of others; nor of endeavoring, by fair and candid arguments, to convince them of what we suppose to be their errors.  But then we must never forget that they are our equals, possessing the same right to judge of the truth with ourselves, and accountable for their errors to the same tribunal.  This will leave no ground for the exercise of a dogmatical or a dictatorial spirit.