Be Courteous, or, Religion, the True Refiner: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Be Courteous, or, Religion, the True Refiner: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Be Courteous, or, Religion, the True Refiner is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Maxwell, M. H. (Mary H.) (1815–1891).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Be Courteous, or, Religion, the True Refiner" by M. H. Maxwell is a moral and spiritual narrative written during the mid-19th century. The story revolves around Emma Lindsay, a kind-hearted young woman who interacts with various characters from the community, including the impoverished family of Graffam, as they navigate themes of courtesy, compassion, and the complexities of social interactions. The book begins to establish a commentary on human behavior through its depiction of Emma's thoughtful gestures and sincere conversations, particularly her encounters with the less fortunate. The opening of the narrative introduces a vivid setting of a plain near a village, where the Graffam family lives in isolation. It contrasts the simplicity of the Graffam's life with the more socially engaged characters, including Emma and her acquaintances. Their blueberry-picking party serves as a backdrop for emerging social dynamics, highlighting the attitudes of various young people towards the new residents at Appledale. The passage captures Emma's genuine kindness as she expresses concern for the sick child of Graffam and engages meaningfully with those around her. Through her polite demeanor, Emma seeks to bridge the gap between the social classes and foster understanding, even as she grapples with her own health and the challenges of fitting into refined society. The narrative hints at her desire to uphold Christian values, specifically the call to "be courteous" amidst the trials of human relationships.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Be Courteous, or, Religion, the True Refiner
- Author credits: Maxwell, M. H. (Mary H.) (1815–1891)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Charity
- Conduct of life -- Religious aspects
- Methodist Church -- Juvenile literature
- Sunday school literature
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Novels
- Category: Religion/Spirituality
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


