8. They shall come to school on 5th day prepared to go to the regular meeting.[839]
The rules above, which, if all followed, one must admit would have made an almost model school so far as behavior was concerned, were shortly thereafter expanded a little to meet the needs of the Latin and English schools. Those rules, however, were more concerned with the curriculum and part of method, and were doubtless a guide for the instructors more than to be followed by the pupils. They will receive attention in the next few pages in the discussion of the curriculum. We shall however be interested at this juncture to read the rules adopted by Robert Proud, schoolmaster and historian, for the government of the Latin School, in which he was the head master for many years. They are very similar to those already noted, though drawn up by Proud for his school alone.
Rules adopted by Robert Proud while master of the Latin School
Orders and Directions
In the School
Reverentia Jehovae Caput Scientiae
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
1. Duty in attending.
Fail not to be present in school precisely at or before the time appointed for learning, being clean and decent; except sufficient reason require thy absense; in which case, on thy first returning ... before the master, immediately inform him thereof to his satisfaction.
2. On entering, remaining in and departing from school, having taken thy appointed seat, with as little noise and disturbance as may be, move not therefrom, to that of another during the time of learning without absolute necessity and then, very seldom; nor go out of the school without the master’s leave or knowledge. And observe the same silently and orderly behavior, in thy departing from the school, as in thy entering it.
3. How to behave and study in the School.
Be always silent, in School or during the time of thy studies, so as to be heard, neither in voice, nor otherwise, as little as possible; except in writing or speaking to the Master or Teacher; and discourse not with thy Schoolfellows during the hours of study, without the Master’s permission; unless in asking, or giving information relating to thine or their learning; and even then observe to whisper, or speak as low as possible to be heard by him, who is next thee.