Part 3

Be careful not to turn your back to any, but place yourself so that none will be behind you.

Lean not on the chair of a superior, standing behind him.

Touch not, nor look upon the books or writing of another, unless the owner invite or desire it.

Come not near when another reads a letter, or other paper.

Let your countenance be moderately cheerful, neither laughing nor frowning.

To look upon one in company, and immediately after whisper to another, is unmannerly.

Whisper not in company. Be not froward and fretful among your equals, but gentle and affable.

If you cannot avoid gaping, shut your mouth, with your hand or handkerchief before it, turning the face aside.

AMONG OTHER CHILDREN.

As near as may be, converse not with any but those that are good, sober, and virtuous: “Evil communications corrupt good manners.”

Reprove your companions as often as there shall be occasion, for wicked actions or indecent expressions.

Be willing to take those words or actions as jesting, which you have reason to believe were designed as such.

If your companion be a little too sarcastic in speaking, strive not to take notice of it, or be moved at all by it.

Abuse him not, either by word or deed.

Deal justly among those who are your equals, as solicitously as if you were a man with men, and about business of higher importance.

Be not selfish altogether, but kind, free, and generous to others.

Avoid sinful and unlawful recreations, and all such as prejudice the welfare of body or mind.

Scorn not, nor laugh at any because of their infirmities; nor affix to any one a vexing title of contempt and reproach; but pity such as are so visited, and be glad that you are otherwise distinguished and favored.

IN SCHOOL.

Bow at entering, especially if the teacher be present.

Walk quietly to your own seat, and move not from one place to another till school time be over.

If your teacher be conversing with a stranger, stare not at them, nor listen to their talk.

Interrupt not your teacher while a stranger or visitor is with him, but defer any question or request till he be at leisure.

If your teacher speak to you, rise up and bow, making your answer standing.

If a stranger speak to you in school, stand up and answer, with the same respect and ceremony, both of word and gesture, as if you were speaking to your teacher.

Make not haste out of school, but soberly retire when your turn comes, without hurry or noise.

Go not rudely home through the streets. Stand not talking with boys who delay you; but go quietly home, and with all convenient speed.

AT CHURCH.