Staunton Spectator

There are some points in reference to behavior at Church to which I wish, respectfully, to call attention. The first relates to the ladies. Why is it that many ladies have such a fondness for sitting at the end of pews next the aisle?. They take their seats just by the door, and compel everybody else who comes in to climb over them. If the first one who enters a pew would sit at the further end of it, and the others range themselves in order close together, the convenience of all would be promoted.

The next two points relate to the gentlemen. Why is it that young men and boys have such a fondness for standing about Church doors before and after service? Some of the seniors too, who ought to set a better example, occasionally do the same thing. The practice is irreverent, unsuited to the character of the place, exceedingly unpleasant to the ladies of refinement, and, therefore, a breach of good manners. Lastly, why will tobacco chewers defile the floors of churches and soil the skirts of ladies' dresses in the manner they do? If gentlemen cannot dispense with the use of tobacco for an hour or two while in Church, they certainly ought to provide themselves with spittoons.--They should have some regard for the sexton, who has to clean up after them, and for the comfort of other persons. No one could behave so in a private house without being asked out, and why should greater liberties be taken at Church, where more people are annoyed and more trouble given?