Manner of Attendance

In times past, a gentleman was recognized, among other ways, by the manner in which he was attended. Our modern gentleman, in contrast, should be recognized, first and foremost, by the manner in which he attends to those around him.

If indeed, believers are to be known by the love we show, and if indeed, the second of the greatest commandments is to love our neighbours, then it should be of the utmost importance to our gentleman that he be constantly aware of the needs and desires of those around him. In a future discussion, I will further describe my idea of the manner of servitude that the gentleman should possess, but for the moment, I shall merely say that he should, in all things, be prepared to offer his time and his strength [a young man's cherished commodity and his greatest glory (Prov. 20:29)] to those in greater need of it than himself, and perhaps even less; always considering the needs and tasks of others as greater than his own. This is a matter of love and of honour.

See the Gospel of Matthew 22:37-40; the Gospel of John 13:34-35; the First Epistle of John 3:11-24

Assessment of "Code..."

Note: It is not my intent to spend a significant quantity of time or energy on topics of this nature, however some discussion has arisen concerning chivalry; specifically in relation to the ideas presented in a certain website. I have, therefore, felt that at least one post on the subject would be prudent.

I am indebted to my dear friend for directing my attention to this most interesting presentation of chivalry. (I highly recommend reading both The Code of Chivalry and the Rules of Courtly Love found in that link before venturing into the thoughts I pose here.)

At a glance, the ideas may seem quite noble, or they may seem rather revolting. I expect that, for most of my readership, the Code of Chivalry will prove the former, and the Rules of Courtly Love will tend toward the latter. While I may go into some depth on all of the lists and points included, I desire first to consider "The Twelve Chief Rules in Love"; the first list of the Rules of Courtly Love and the third list in all.

Probably the most distressing of these are Rules 3, 4, 6, & 10, which possess the indeed distressing implication that the Love discussed is not one of Godly relations between Husband and Wife, but rather an extra-marital affair. There is a distinct and disturbing fixation on secrecy pervading the rules which can lead the reader to no other conclusion than that the relationship is clandestine, rank with adulterous implications.

As our moral Sensibilities are offended, however, let us not abandon our sensibilities as students of Culture and, in essence, History. "The Twleve Chief Rules in Love" were written (or compiled, as the case may be) by Andreas Capellanus between 1174 and 1186. At this time, extra-marital affairs were not uncommon; one might even call them a social norm. Of course, by no means do I wish to condone an action simply by it's status as a cultural norm. Adultery and fornication are, in all cases, deplorable acts; however, such knowledge does afford us greater perspective when considering these Rules. Having addressed this, I would venture to propose that this list is not one to be disregarded as a vicious code for a perverse society, but rather a list of noble aspirations which have been compromised by the perverse premises that are wont to feed on virtue in any society. The first Rule discourages avarice; the fifth promotes Integrity. Many of the following Rules require Humility and Honour. I would futher contend that the Rules neither recommend, nor condone immorality. That which we have come to know to be immoral was merely an assumed practice, and the rules naturally fall within the cultural boundaries. Again, I do not condone such actions, I only contend that these Rules deserve to be viewed with due respect and consideration.

Your servant,
Aurenande

Prologue

The primary purpose of this weblog is to record and refine the authors' thoughts on the pursuit of honour, virtue, and gentility in the cultural context of the modern (so-called) "Western Civilization." To begin, I wish to pre-suppose that the Source and Foremost Possessor of these Noble attributes is the One Almighty God; Creator of all things; Giver of all Good Gifts. These attributes are shared by His glorious and praise-worthy Son, Jesus Christ, who deigned to take upon Himself our mortal crust and walk amongst us as a perfect human example; accepting our physical weakness, but firmly resisting the temptations to which we succomb so easily and so often. It is by His Grace that we may pursue the virtue which He embodies, and likewise by the same Grace that we may participate in the Noblest of all strivings: the Glorification and Gratification of our Heavenly Father.*

In my subsequent posts, I will provide my considerations on the subjects of nobility and gentility, in hopes of enlightening those that desire to increase knowledge in this area, as well as defining my own opinions and increasing my own knowledge. My desire is not so much that this be a venue for a monologue, but rather the avenue to dialogue and discussion, that both the readers and the participants may have a greater scope of each topic and opinion. Please do not hesitate to respond to my ideas, whether through the "comments" option, your own form of journal, or by contacting me personally. As you live this blessed life and act in it, I humbly request that you consider these ideas and the effect they may have.

*If objection is made to any of these Assertions, please inform me, that I may be able to thoroughly address any more fundamental issues.