Mrs. Joe was a very clean housekeeper, but had an exquisite art of making her cleanliness more uncomfortable and unacceptable than the dirt itself. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, and some people do the same by religion.

Summary

This quote highlights the idea that while cleanliness and religiosity are generally seen as positive traits, they can be taken to an extreme that actually becomes detrimental. Mrs. Joe is described as overly clean and creates an uncomfortable environment with her relentless cleanliness. Similarly, some individuals can become overly zealous in their religious beliefs, imposing their views on others in a way that is alienating or unpleasant. The quote suggests that there is a balance to be struck in how we approach cleanliness and religion, so that they remain positive and enriching aspects of life.

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