"That great Prince the Czar took with him not only the models of English ships, but also the scheme that was then newly projected for establishing Charity schools, which upon return to his own country, he ordered to be erected in all parts of his vast Empire, which he inforced by an edict, that none should be married that could not read the Bible: so differently did this wonderful genius think from some politicians amongst us, who have laid it down for a maxim in government, that the servile part of mankind are to be kept as ignorant as possible; whereas he endeavoured to promote knowledge and religion, even in the lowest conditions of life, as a means of making his Nation a flourishing and powerful people, and himself a great and glorious Monarch.
"Rules for the good Order and Government of Charity Schools; drawn up by the Trustees of those Schools within the Bills of Mortality.
"I. That the directions given by the present Lord Bishop of London to the masters and mistresses of the Charity schools within the bills of mortality and diocese of London, in the year 1724 (a copy of which hath been formerly sent to the several Charity schools), be duly observed. Particularly,
"1. The cautions there given against teaching the children any thing that may set them above the condition of servants, or the more laborious employments.
"2. The directions laid down concerning the Psalms to be sung by the children on the days of collection, that they be taken out of the book of Psalms only, and sung in the most common and usual tunes.
"3. The method there prescribed to the masters and mistresses in several rules, for possessing the minds of the children with the just sense of the duty and affection they owe to the present Government, and the succession in the Protestant line, and with a just dread of the persecutions and cruelties to be expected from a Popish Government.
"II. That the trustees of every school, according to the custom of the place, or the
appointment of the founder, do frequently meet, and examine into the management of the school, and report the state and condition of the same at every general meeting of the subscribers.
"III. That they be very careful in the choice of a treasurer, who is to keep a fair account of all receipts and disbursements, for the view of all subscribers and contributors, who may desire to know how the money is disposed of.
"IV. That the person who shall be chosen for master or mistress of any school, be a member of the Church of England, of known affection to His Majesty King George, and to the Protestant succession as by law established; of a religious life, and sober conversation, a constant communicant, understanding the grounds and principles of the Christian religion, and having a capacity for educating children, according to the rules herein recommended.