A LITTLE PRETTY POCKET-BOOK, INTENDED FOR THE INSTRUCTION and AMUSEMENT OF LITTLE MASTER TOMMY, AND PRETTY MISS POLLY. With Two LETTERS from JACK the GIANT-KILLER; AS ALSO A BALL and PINCUSHION; The Use of which will infallibly make TOMMY a good Boy, and POLLY a good Girl. To which is added, A LITTLE SONG-BOOK, BEING A NEW ATTEMPT to teach CHILDREN the Use of the English Alphabet, by Way of Diversion.
THE FIRST WORCESTER EDITION.
PRINTED at WORCESTER, Massachusetts.
By ISAIAH THOMAS, And SOLD, Wholesale and Retail, at his Book-Store. MDCCLXXXVII.
TO THE PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AND NURSES, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THIS LITTLE POCKET-BOOK, IS HUMBLY INSCRIBED BY THEIR MOST OBEDIENT SERVANT, THE EDITOR.
A LITTLE PRETTY POCKET-BOOK, &c.
THE grand Design in the Nurture of Children, is to make them Strong, Hardy, Healthy, Virtuous, Wise, and Happy; and these good Purposes are not to be obtained without some Care and Management in their Infancy.
Would you have your Child Strong, take Care of your Nurse, let her be a prudent Woman, one that will give him what Meat and Drink is necessary, and such only as affords a good Nutriment, not salt Meat, rich tarts, Sauces, [Page 8] Wine, &c. a Practice too common amongst some indulgent People. She must also let the Child have due Exercise; for it is this that gives Life and Spirits, circulates the Blood, strengthens the Sinews, and keeps the whole Machinery in Order.
Would you have a Hardy Child, give him common Diet only, clothe him thin, let him have good Exercise, and be as much exposed to Hardships as his natural Constitution will admit. The Face of a Child, when it comes into the world (says the great Mr. Locke) is as tender and susceptible of Injuries as any other part of the Body; yet, by being always exposed, it becomes Proof against the severest Season and the most inclement Weather; even at a Time when the Body (though wrapped in Flannels) is pierced with Cold. It is beside my Purpose to give a physical Reason for [Page 9] this; nor indeed will the Brevity of my Design admit of it. It is a Fact sufficiently known, what every Man must be sensible of, and therefore can need no Demonstration.
Would you have a Healthy Son, observe the Directions already laid down with regard to Diet and Exercise, and keep him, as much as possible, from Physick; for Physick is to the Body, as Arms to the State; both are necessary, but neither to be used but in Cases of Emergency and Danger.
Would you have a Virtuous Son, instill into him the Principles of Morality early, and encourage him in the Practice of those excellent Rules, by which whole Societies, States, Kingdoms, and Empires are knit together. Take heed what Company you intrust him with, and be always sure you set him a good Example yourself.
[Page 10]Would you have a Wise Son, teach him to reason early. Let him read, and make him understand what he reads. No Sentence should be passed over without a strict Examination of the Truth of it; and though this may be thought hard at first, and seem to retard the Boy in his Progress, yet, a little Practice will make it familiar, and a Method of Reasoning will be acquired, which will be of Use to him all his Life after. Let him study Mankind; shew him the Springs and Hinges on which they move; teach him to draw Consequences from the Actions of others; and if he should hesitate or mistake, you are to set him right: But then take Care to do it in such a Manner, as to forward his Enquiries, and pave this his grand Pursuit with Pleasure. Was this Method of Reasoning put more in Practice by Tutors, Parents, &c. we should not see [Page 11] so many dismal Objects in the World, for People would learn by the Misfortunes of others to avert their own.
I doubt not but every Parent, every Father and Mother, would gladly contribute what they could towards the Happiness of their Children; and yet it is surprising to see how blind they are, and how wide they mistake the Mark. What the indulgent Parent generally proposes for the Happiness of his Child, is a good Fortune to bear him up under the Calamities of Life▪ but daily Experience tells us, this is insufficient. Happiness and Misery have their Source from the Passions: If in the Midst of the greatest Affluence, we are always repining, and think ourselves poor and miserable, we are so; and the Beggar in the Straw, who is content, and thinks he has sufficient, is rich and happy. The whole Matter subsists in the Mind, and the [Page 12] Constitution: Subdue therefore your Children's Passions; curb their Tempers, and make them subservient to the Rules of Reason. And this is not to be done by chiding, whipping, or severe Treatment, but by Reasoning and mild Discipline. Were I to see my Son too much ruffled and discomposed, I should take him aside, and point out to him the Evils that attend passionate Men; tell him, that my Love for him would make me overlook many Faults, but that this was of so heinous a Nature, that I could not bear the Sight of him while he continued so wicked; that he should not see his Mother, nor any of his Playmates, until he had sufficiently repented of that Crime: Upon which, I would immediately order him (in a very calm Manner) to be shut up from any Company for five or six Hours, and then, upon his Confession of the [Page 13] Fault, asking Pardon for his Offence, and promising Amendment for the future I would forgive him. This Method, regularly pursued, would soon break his Passion of Resentment, and subdue it to Reason. The next prudent Step to be taken, is to check his inordinate craving and desiring almost every Thing he sees; and this, I think, might be as easily effected as the other; for, in the first Place, I would lay down this as a Maxim with him, that he should never have any Thing he cried for; and therefore, if he was willing to obtain any Favour, he must come with some reasonable Request, and withdraw without the Appearance of any Uneasiness in Case of a Disappointment.
Some over-fond People will think these are harsh Precepts. What, say they, are Children never to be obliged? answer, Yes, I would have them [Page 14] obliged and pleased, but not humoured and spoiled. They should have what they asked for in a proper Manner; but then they should wait my Time, without seeming over solicitous, or crying after it. I would make them exercise their Patience, that they might know the Use of it, when the Cares of the World came on. And therefore, I say again, Children should never have any Thing they cried for; no, not on any Consideration whatsoever.
A LETTER FROM JACK THE GIANT-KILLER, TO LITTLE MASTER TOMMY.
YOUR Nurse called upon me Today, and told me that you was a good Boy; that you was dutiful to your Father and Mother, and that, when you have said your Prayers in the Morning and the Evening, you asked their Blessing, and in the Day-time [Page 16] did every Thing they bid you. She says, you are obedient to your Master, loving and kind to your Play-fellows, obliging to every Body; that you rise early in the Morning, keep yourself clean, and learn your Book; that when you have done a Fault you confess it, and are sorry for it. And though you are sometimes naughty, she says you are very honest and good-humoured; that you do not swear, tell Lies; nor say indecent Words, and are always thankful when any Body gives you good Advice: that you never quarrel, nor do wicked Things, as some other Boys do.
This Character, my Dear, has made every Body love you; and, while you continue so good, you may depend on my obliging you with every Thing I can. I have here sent you a Little Pretty Pocket-Book, which will teach you to play at all those innocent Games [Page 17] that good Boys and Girls divert themselves with: And, while you behave so well, you shall never want Play, I assure you. But my dear Tommy, in order that you may be as good as possible, I have also sent you a Ball, the one Side of which is Red, the other Black, and with it ten Pins; and I must insist upon making this Bargain, that your Nurse may hang up the Ball by the String to it, and for every good Action you do, a Pin shall be stuck on the Red Side, and for every bad Action a Pin shall be stuck on the Black Side. And when by doing good and pretty Things you have got all the ten Pins on the Red Side, then I will send you a Penny, and so I will as often as all the Pins shall be fairly got on that Side. But if ever the Pins be all found on the Black Side of the Ball ▪ then I will send a Rod, and you shall [Page 18] be whipt, as often as they are found there. But this my Dear, I hope you will prevent by continuing a good Boy, that every Body may still love you, as well as
P. S. When you are tired with playing, I have added, for your further Amusement, a Collection of pretty Songs, which your Nurse will take Care to teach you; and I must insist on your getting them perfectly, because the Knowledge of these Songs will recommend you to the Favour of all the Gentlemen and Ladies of America who sing in that Manner.
A LETTER FROM JACK THE GIANT-KILLER, TO PRETTY MISS POLLY.
YOUR Nurse called upon me Today, and told me that you was a good Girl; that you was dutiful to your Father and Mother, and that, when you have said your Prayers in the Morning and the Evening, you [Page 20] asked their Blessing, and in the Day-time did every Thing they bid you. She says, you are obedient to your Mistress, loving and kind to your Play-fellows, and obliging to every Body; that you rise early in the Morning, keep yourself clean, and learn your Book; that when you have done a Fault you confess it, and are sorry for it. And though you are sometimes naughty, she says you are very honest and good-humoured; that you do not tell Lies, nor say indecent Words and are always thankful when any Body gives you good Advice; that you never quarrel, nor do wicked Things, as some other Girls do.
This Character, my Dear, has made every Body love you; and while you continue so good, you may depend on my obliging you with every Thing I can. I have here sent you a Little Pretty [Page 21] Pocket-Book, which will teach you to play at all those innocent Games that good Boys and Girls divert themselves with: And, while you behave so well, you shall never want Play, I assure you. But then my dear Polly, in order that you may be as good as possible, I have also sent you a Pincushion, the one Side of which is Red and the other Black ▪ and with it ten Pins; and I must insist upon making this Bargain, that your Nurse may hang up the Pincushion by the String to it, and for every good Action you do, a Pin shall be stuck on the Red Side, and for every bad Action a Pin shall be stuck on the Black Side. And when by doing good and pretty Things you have got all the ten Pins on the Red Side, then I will send you a Penny, and so I will as often as all the Pins shall be fairly got on that Side. But [Page 22] if ever the Pins be all found on the Black Side of the Pincushion, then I will send a Rod, and you shall be whipt as often as they are found there. But this, my Dear I hope you will prevent by continuing a good Girl, that every Body may still love you, as well as
P. S. When you are tired with playing, I have added, for your further Amusement, a Collection of pretty Songs, which your Nurse will take Care to teach you; and I must insist on your getting them perfectly, because the Knowledge of these Songs will recommend you to the Favour of all the Gentlemen and Ladies of America who sing in this Manner.
ADVERTISEMENT.
A worthy and learned Gentleman, whose Presence I am at this Time honoured with, intimates, that it would not be amiss for some Gentlemen to keep a Ball contrived in this Manner, and some Ladies a Pincushion, by Way of Diary▪ especially if they are often apt to forget themselves.
The great A Play.
The little a Play.
The great B Play.
The little b Play.
The great C Play.
The little c Play.
The great D Play.
The little d Play.
The great E Play.
The little e Play.
The great F Play.
The little f Play.
The great G Play.
The little g Play.
The great H Play.
The little h Play.
The great I Play.
The little i Play.
The great K Play.
The little k Play.
The great L Play.
The little l Play.
The great M Play.
The little m Play.
The great N Play.
The little n Play.
The great O Play.
The little o Play.
The great P Play.
The little p Play.
The great Q Play.
The little q Play.
The great R.
The little r.
The great S.
The little s.
The great T.
The little t.
The great U.
The little u.
The great W.
The little w.
The great X.
FABLE I. The WOLF and the KID.
The little x.
YOU see, my Dear, the little Kid, by taking her Parent's Advice, preserved her own Life; for had she been so wicked as to have neglected what the Goat (her Mother) said to her, and had opened the Door, the Wolf would certainly have torn her to Pieces. Take Care therefore to do always as your Papa and Mamma, or your Master and Mistress shall direct you, and you will oblige,
The great Y.
FABLE II. The HUSBANDMAN and the STORK.
The little y.
YOU see, my Dear, the sad Effects of keeping bad Company; if the poor harmless Strork had not been in Company with the wicked Crane, he might probably have lived until this Day; therefore of all Things take Care what Sort of Children you play with, for those that are wicked will make you so too; and nothing will more displease
The great Z.
FABLE III. The SHEPHERD'S BOY.
The little z.
THIS Boy's Fate, my Dear, is a remarkable Instance of the Folly and Wickedness of telling Lies; if he had not deceived the People before, they would have believed him, and ran to his Assistance, by which Means both him and his Sheep might have been saved, which are now torn to Pieces: I hope you will remember this, my Dear, and resolve in yourself never to tell a Lie; for if you do, I shall be very angry.
FABLE IV. MERCURY and the WOODMAN.
BY this you may see, my Dear, that Honesty is the best Policy; had Mercury found the Woodman a Rogue, he would not have given him any Thing; but as he was an honest Man, he not only gave him his own Ax, but a golden one also. Consider, my Dear, it is a fine Thing, to have a Golden Ax, and at the same Time the Love and Esteem of all the World besides, and that you will certainly have if you are strictly honest.
SIR,
THERE was in my Country a little Boy who learned his Book to that surprising Degree, that his Master could scarce teach him fast enough, for he had his Lesson almost as soon as it was pointed out to him; which raised the Attention of every Body: And as he was also very dutiful to his Parents and obliging to his Playmates, every Body loved him. His Learning and Behaviour purchased him the Esteem of the greatest People, and raised him from a mean State of Life to a Coach and Six, in which he rides to this Day. Learning is a most excellent Thing, and easy to be acquired too, when little Boys set themselves earnestly about it. I know several Masters at this Time, who all bid fair for the same Honour the above Gentleman enjoys.
MADAM,
I KNOW of a little Lady, no bigger than your pretty Miss, who has behaved so that every Body is in love with her. She is extremely dutiful to her Parents and Governess, kind to her School-fellows, and obliging to every Body. Then she learns her Book to Admiration, works well with her Needle, and is so modest, so willing to do as she is bid, and so engaging in Company, that my Lady Meanwell has made her a Present of a fine Gold Watch, and declares that she shall ride in her own Coach. It is this Learning, Madam, and good Behaviour, that brings us the Esteem of the whole World.
A little Boy and Girl at Prayers.
ALL good Boys and Girls say their Prayers at Night and in the Morning, which makes God Almighty love and bless them.
A little Boy and Girl asking a Blessing of their Parents.
ALL good Boys and Girls kneel down every Morning and Evening and ask their Parents Blessing in these Words. ‘Pray Papa and Mamma, pray to God to bless me, and make me his true and faithful Servant.’ Which makes their Friends love them.
A little Boy and Girl reading.
ALL good Boys and Girls take Care to learn their Lessons, and read in a pretty Manner; which makes every Body admire them.
A little Boy and Girl bestowing their Charity.
ALL good Boys and Girls, when they see a poor Man, or Woman, or a Child in Want, will give them eiher Money or such Meat and Drink as they have to spare; which makes the whole World love them.
A POETICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FOUR SEASONS.
I. SPRING.
II. SUMMER.
III. AUTUMN.
IV. WINTER.
TIME's ADDRESS TO PLUTUS and CUPID. By Way of APPLICATION.
SELECT PROVERBS For the USE of CHILDREN.
A FOOL's Bolt is soon shot.
A good Beginning, a good Ending.
A Fool and his Money are soon parted.
After Dinner sit a while,
After Supper walk a Mile.
After a Storm cometh a Calm.
As good sit still, as rise up and fall.
A hasty Man never wants Woe.
[Page 91]Birds of a Feather will flock together.
The burnt Child dreads the Fire.
Better the End of a Feast than the Beginning of a Fray.
Enough's as good as a Feast.
Fine Feathers make fine Birds.
First come, first serv'd.
Faint Heart never won fair Lady.
Fair and softly goes far.
Fast bind, fast find.
Good Wine needs no Bush.
Hunger is the best Sauce.
If a Man deceive me once, 'tis his Fault;
If twice, it is my own.
It's a good Horse that never stumbles,
It's a good Wife that never grumbles.
Make Hay while the Sun shines.
Nothing's so certain as Death.
[Page 92]Necessity has no Law.
New Lords, new Law.
None so proud as an enriched Beggar.
Pride will have a Fall.
Proffered Service stinks.
Set a Knave to catch a Knave.
Two Heads are better than one.
Too much Familiarity breeds Contempt.
They who are bound must obey.
Time and Tide stay for no Man.
Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil.
The best may mend.
Truth may be blam'd, but can't be sham'd.
The new Broom sweeps clean.
The Eye is bigger than the Belly.
The weakest goes to the Wall.
[Page 93]When the Fox preaches beware of the Geese.
Wisdom is better than Riches.
Try your Friend before you trust him.
Look not a gift Horse in the Mouth.
A Bird in the Hand is worth two in the Bush.
RULES FOR BEHAVIOUR IN CHILDREN.
CHAP. I. MIXT PRECEPTS.
- 1 FEAR GOD and believe in CHRIST.
- 2 Honour the Magistrates.
- 3 Reverence thy Parents.
- 4 Submit to thy Superiours.
- 5 Despise not thy Inferiours.
- 6 Be courteous with thy Equals.
- 7 Pray daily and devoutly.
- 8 Converse with the Good.
- 9 Imitate not the Wicked.
- [Page 95]10 Hearken diligently to Instruction.
- 11 Be very desirous of Learning.
- 12 Love the School.
- 13 Be always neat and cleanly.
- 14 Study Virtue and embrace it.
- 15 Provoke no Body.
- 16 Love thy School Fellows.
- 17 Please thy Master.
- 18 Let not Play entice thee.
- 19 Restrain thy Tongue.
- 20 Covet future Honour, which only Virtue and Wisdom can procure.
CHAP. II. Containing One Hundred and Sixty three Rules for Children's Behaviour, viz.
- At the MEETING HOUSE.
- At HOME.
- At the TABLE.
- In COMPANY.
- In DISCOURSE.
- At the SCHOOL.
- When ABROAD; and
- When among OTHER CHILDREN.
CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOUR at the MEETING HOUSE.
1 DECENTLY walk to thy Seat or Pew; run not, nor go wantonly.
2 Sit where thou art ordered by thy Superiours, Parents or Masters.
3 Shift not Seats, but continue in the Place where your Superiours order you.
4 Lend thy Place for the easing of any one that stands near thee.
[Page 97]5 Keep not a Seat too long that is lent thee by another, but being eased thyself, restore it to him that lent it to thee.
6 Talk not in the Meeting House, especially in the Time of Prayer or Preaching.
7 Fix thine Eye on the Minister, let it not wildly wander to gaze on any Person or Thing.
8 Attend diligently to the Words of the Minister: Pray with him when he prayeth, at least in thy Heart; and while he preacheth, listen, that thou mayest remember.
9 Be not hasty to run out of the Meeting House when the Worship is ended, as if thou wert weary of being there.
10 Walk decently and soberly Home, without Haste or Wantonness; thinking upon what you have been hearing.
BEHAVIOUR when at HOME.
1 MAKE a Bow always when you come Home, and be instantly uncovered.
2 Be never covered at Home, especially before thy Parents or Strangers.
3 Never set in the Presence of thy Parents without bidding, though no Stranger be present.
[Page 99]4 If thou passest by thy Parents at any Place where thou seest them, either by themselves or with Company, bow towards them.
5 If thou art going to speak to thy Parents, and see them engaged in Discourse with Company, draw back and leave thy Business until afterwards; but if thou must speak, be sure to whisper.
6 Never speak to thy Parents without some Title of Respect, viz. Sir, Madam, &c. according to their Quality.
7 Approach near thy Parents at no Time without a Bow.
8 Dispute not, nor delay to obey the Commands of thy Parents.
9 Go not out of Doors without thy Parents leave, and return within the Time by them limited.
10 Come not into the Room where thy Parents are with Strangers, unless thou art called, and then decently; and at bidding go out; or if Strangers come in while thou art with them, it is Manners with a Bow to withdraw.
[Page 100]11 Use respectful and courteous, but not insulting or domineering Carriage or Language towards the Servants.
12 Quarrel not nor contend with thy Brethren or Sisters, but live in Love, Peace and Unity.
13 Grumble not, nor be discontented at any Thing thy Parents appoint, speak or do.
14 Bear with Meekness and Patience, and without Murmuring or Sullenness, thy Parents Reproofs or Corrections: Nay, though it should happen that they be causless, or undeserved.
BEHAVIOUR at the TABLE.
1 COME not to the Table without having your Hands and Face washed, and your Head combed.
2 Sit not down until thou art bidden by thy Parents or other Superiours.
3 Be sure thou never sittest down until a Blessing be desired, and then in thy due Place.
[Page 102]4 Offer not to carve for thyself, or to take any Thing, though it be that which thou dost greatly desire.
5 Ask not for any Thing, but tarry until it be offered thee.
6 Find no Fault with any Thing that is given thee.
7 When thou hast Meat given thee, be not the first that begins to eat.
8 Speak not at the Table; if thy Superiours be discoursing, meddle not with the Matter; but be silent, except thou art spoken unto.
9 If thou wantest any Thing from the Servants, call to them softly.
10 Eat not too fast, or with greedy Behaviour.
11 Eat not too much, but moderately.
12 Eat not so slow as to make others wait for thee.
13 Make not a Noise with thy Tongue, Mouth, Lips or Breath, in eating or drinking.
14 Stare not in the Face of any one, especially thy Superiours, at the Table.
[Page 103]15 Grease not thy Fingers or Napkin more than Necessity requires.
16 Bite not thy Bread, but break it; but not with slovingly Fingers, nor with the same wherewith thou takest up thy Meat.
17 Dip not thy Meat in the Sauce.
18 Take not Salt with a greasy Knife.
19 Spit not, cough not, nor blow thy Nose at the Table, if it may be avoided; but if there be necessity, do it aside, and without much Noise.
20 Lean not thy Elbow on the Table, or on the Back of thy Chair.
21 Stuff not thy Mouth so as to fill thy Cheeks, be content with smaller Mouthfuls.
22 Blow not thy Meat, but with Patience wait until it be cool.
23 Sup not Broth at the Table; but eat it with a Spoon.
24 Smell not of thy Meat, nor put it to thy Nose; turn it not the other Side upward to view it upon thy Plate.
25 Throw not any Thing under the Table.
[Page 104]26 Hold not thy Knife upright in thy Hand, but sloping; and lay it down at thy right Hand with the Blade upon thy Plate.
27 Spit not forth any Thing that is not convenient to be swallowed, as the Stones of Plumbs, Cherries, or such like; but with thy left Hand, neatly move them to the Side of thy Plate.
28 Fix not thine Eyes upon the Plate of another, or upon the Meat on the Table.
29 Lift not up thine Eyes, nor roll them about while thou art drinking.
30 Foul not the Napkin all over, but at one Corner only.
31 Bend thy Body a little downwards to thy Plate, when thou movest any Thing that is sauced to thy Mouth.
32 Look not earnestly on any one that is eating.
33 Foul not the Tablecloth.
34 Gnaw not Bones at the Table, but clean them with thy Knife▪ unless they be very small ones, and hold them not with a whole Hand, but with two Fingers.
35 Drink not nor speak with any Thing in thy Mouth.
[Page 105]36 Put not a Bit into thy Mouth until the former be swallowed.
37 Before and after thou drinkest, wipe thy Lips with thy Napkin.
38 Pick not thy Teeth at the Table, unless holding up thy Napkin before thy Mouth with thine other Hand.
39 Drink not until thou hast quite emptied thy Mouth, nor drink often.
40 Frown not nor murmur if there be any Thing at the Table which thy Parents, or Strangers with them, eat of, while thou thyself hast none given thee.
41 As soon as thou shalt be moderately satisfied; or whensoever thy Parents think meet to bid thee, rise up from the Table, though others thy Superiours sit still.
42 When thou risest from the Table, having made a Bow at the Side of the Table where thou sattest, withdraw.
43 When Thanks are to be returned after eating, return to thy Place, and stand reverendly until it be done; then with a Bow withdraw out of the Room, leaving thy Superiours to themselves, unless thou art bidden to stay.
BEHAVIOUR when in COMPANY.
1 ENTER not into the Company of thy Superiours without command or calling, nor without a Bow.
2 Sit not down in Presence of Superiours without bidding.
3 Put not thy Hand in the Presence of others to any Part of thy Body, not ordinarily discovered.
[Page 107]4 Sing not nor hum in thy Mouth, while thou art in Company.
5 Stand not wriggling with thy Body hither and thither, but steady, and upright.
6 Play not wantonly like a Mimick, with thy Fingers or Feet.
7 In coughing or sneezing, make as little Noise as possible.
8 If thou canst not avoid Yawning, shut thy Mouth with thine Hand or Handkerchief before it, turning thy Face aside.
9 When thou blowest thy Nose, let thy Handkerchief be used, and make not a Noise in so doing.
10 Gnaw not thy Nails, pick them not, nor bite them with thy Teeth.
11 Spit not in the Room, but in the Corner, and rub it with thy Foot, or rather go out and do it abroad.
12 Lean not on the Chair of a Superiour standing behind him.
13 Spit not upon the Fire, nor sit too wide with thy Knees at it.
14 Sit not with thy Legs crossed, but keep them firm and settled and thy Feet even.
[Page 108]15 Turn not thy Back to any, but place thyself so that none may be behind thee.
16 Read not Books, Letters nor other Writings in Company, unless there be necessity, and thou askest leave.
17 Touch not, nor look upon the Books or Writings of any one, unless the Owner invite or desire thee.
18 Come not near when another reads a Letter or any other Paper.
19 Let thy Countenance be moderately cheerful, neither laughing nor frowning.
20 Laugh not loud, but silently smile upon any Occasion.
21 Stand not before Superiours with thine Hands in thy Pockets; scratch not thy Head, wink not with thine Eyes, but modestly be looking strait before thee.
22 Walking with thy Superiour in the House or Garden, give him the right, or Upper Hand, and Walk not even with him, Cheek by Jole; but a little behind him, yet not so distant as that it shall be troublesome to him to speak to thee, or hard for thee to hear.
[Page 109]23 Look not boldly or wishfully in the Face of thy Superiour.
24 To look upon one in Company and immediately whisper to another, is unmannerly.
25 Whisper not in Company.
26 Be not among Equals forward and fretful, but gentle and affable.
BEHAVIOUR in their DISCOURSE.
1 AMONG Superiours speak not until thou art spoken to, and bidden to speak.
2 Hold not thine Hand, nor any Thing else before thy Mouth when thou speakest.
3 Come not over near to the Person thou speakest to.
4 If thy Superiour speak to thee while thou sittest, stand up before thou givest any answer.
[Page 111]5 Sit not down until thy Superiour bid thee.
6 Speak neither very loud: Nor too low.
7 Speak clear, not stammering, stumbbling nor drawling.
8 Answer not one that is speaking to thee until he hath done.
9 Loll not when thou art speaking to a Superiour, or spoken to by him.
10 Speak not without Sir, or some other Title of Respect, which is due to him to whom thou speakest.
11 Strive not with Superiours in Argument or Discourse; but easily submit thine Opinion to their Assertions.
12 If thy Superiour speak any Thing wherein thou knowest he is mistaken, correct not nor contradict him, nor grin at the hearing of it; but pass over the Errour without Notice or Interruption.
13 Mention not frivolous or little Things among grave Persons or Superiours.
14 If thy Superiour drawl or hesitate in his Words, pretend not to help him out, or to prompt him.
[Page 112]15 Come not too near two that are whispering or speaking in secret, much less mayest thou ask about what they confer.
16 When thy Parent or Master speaks to any Person, speak not thou, nor hearken to them.
17 If thy Superiours be relating a Story, say not, I have heard it before, but attend to it as if it were to thee altogether new: Seem not to question the Truth of it: If he tell it not right, snigger not, nor endeavour to help him out, or add to his Relation.
18 If any immodest or obscene Thing be spoken in thy hearing, smile not, but settle thy Countenance as though thou didst not hear it.
19 Boast not in Discourse of thine own Wit or Doings.
20 Beware thou utter not any Thing hard to be believed.
21 Interrupt not any one that speaks though thou be his Familiar.
22 Coming into Company, whilst any Topick is discoursed on, ask not what was [Page 113] the preceding Talk, but hearken to the remainder.
23 Speaking of any distant Person, it is rude and unmannerly to point at him.
24 Laugh not in, or at thy own Story, Wit or Jest.
25 Use not any contemptuous or reproachful Language to any Person, though very mean or inferiour.
26 Be not over earnest in talking to justify thine own Sayings.
27 Let thy Words be modest about those Things which only concern thee.
28 Repeat not over again the Words of a Superiour that asketh thee a Question, or talketh with thee.
BEHAVIOUR at the SCHOOL.
1 BOW at coming in pulling off thy Hat; especially if thy Master or Usher be in the School.
2 Loiter not, but immediately take thine own Seat; and move not from one Place to another, until School Time be over.
3 If any Stranger come into the School rise up and bow, and sit down in thy Place again, keeping a profound Silence.
[Page 115]4 If thy Master be discoursing in the School with a Stranger, stare not confidently on them, nor hearken to their Talk.
5 Interrupt not thy Master▪ while a Stranger or Visitant is with him, with any Question, Request or Complaint; but defer any such Matter until he be at leisure.
6 At no Time quarrel or talk in the School, but be quiet, peaceable and silent. Much less mayest thou deceive thyself, in trifling away thy precious Time in Play.
7 If thy Master speak to thee, rise up and bow; making thine Answer standing▪
8 Bawl not aloud in making Complaints. A Boy's Tongue should never be heard in the School but in answering a Question, or saying his Lesson.
9 If a Stranger speak to thee in School, stand up and answer with Respect and Ceremony▪ both of Word and Gesture, as if thou speakest to thy Master.
10 Make not haste out of School, but soberly go when thy Turn comes, without Noise or Hurry.
[Page 116]11 Go not rudely Home through the Streets, stand not talking with Boys to delay thee, but go quietly Home, and with all convenient Haste.
12 When it is Time to return to School again, be sure to be there in Season, and not loiter at Home whilst thy Master is at School.
13 Divulge not to any Person whatsoever, elsewhere, any Thing that hath passed in the School either spoken or done.
BEHAVIOUR when ABROAD.
GO not Singing, Whistling nor Hollowing along the Steet.
2 Quarrel not with any Body thou meetest or dost overtake.
3 Affront none, especially thy Elders, by Word or Deed.
4 Jeer not at any Person whatsoever.
5 Always give the Right Hand to your Superiours, when either you meet or walk [Page 118] with them; and mind also to give them the Wall, in meeting or walking with them; for that is the Upper Hand, though in walking your Superiour should then be at your Left Hand. But when three Persons walk together, the middle Place is the most honourable: And a Son may walk at his Father's Right Hand, when his younger Brother walks at his Left.
6 Give thy Superiours leave to pass before thee in any narrow Place, where two Persons cannot pass at once.
7 If thou go with thy Parents, Master or any Superiour, go not wantonly nor even with them; but a little behind them.
8 Pay thy Respects to all thou meetest of thine Acquaintance or Friends.
9 Pull off thine Hat to Persons of Desert, Quality or Office; shew thy Reverence to them by bowing thy Body when thou seest them; and if it be a Person of high Station, Governour, Magistate, Justice of the Peace, Minister or Deacon, &c. stay thyself until they be passed by thee.
[Page 119]10 If a Superiour speak to thee in the Street, answer him with thy Head uncovered; and put not on thy Hat until he either go from thee, or bid thee once and again be covered; take not Leave at the first bidding, but with a Bow [and saying, by no means, Sir] modestly refuse it.
11 Run not hastily in the Street, nor go too slowly; wag not to and fro, nor use any antick or wanton Postures, either of thy Head, Hands, Feet or Body.
12 Stare not at every unusual Person or Thing which thou seest.
13 Throw not any Thing in the Street, as Dirt, Stones, &c.
14 If thou meetest the Scholars of any other School, jeer not nor affront them, but shew them love and respect, and quietly let them pass along.
15 Especially affront not the Master of another School, but rather, if thou knowest him, or if he live near either thine House or School, uncover thy Head to him, and bowing pass by him.
BEHAVIOUR among other CHILDREN.
1 AS near as may be converse not with any but those that are good, sober and virtuous. Evil Communications corrupt good Manners.
2 Be not quarrelsome, but rather patiently take, than mischievously occasion any Wrong.
3 Reprove thy Companions as oft as there shall be occasion, for any evil, wicked, [Page 121] unlawful or indecent Action or Expression.
4 Give always Place to him that excelleth thee in Quality, Age or Learning.
5 Be willing to take those Words or Actions as Jesting, which thou hast reason to believe were designed as such; and fret not at thy Companions innocent Mirth.
6 If thy Companion be a little too gross or sarcastical in speaking, yet strive not to take notice of it, or be moved at all therewith.
7 Abuse not thy Companion either by Word or Deed.
8 Deal justly among Boys thy Equals, as solicitously as if thou went a Man with Men, and about Business of higher Importance.
9 Be not selfish altogether, but kind, free and generous to others.
10 Jog not the Table or Desk on which another writes.
11 At play make not thy Clothes, Hands or Face dirty or nasty, nor sit upon the Ground.
[Page 122]12 Avoid sinful and unlawful Recreations, and all such as prejudice the Welfare of Body or Mind.
13 Scorn not, laugh not at any for their natural Infirmities of Body or Mind; nor because of them, affix to any a vexing Title of Contempt and Reproach, but pity such as are so visited, and be thankful that you are otherwise distinguished and favoured.
14 Adventure not to talk with thy Companion about thy Superiours, to raise Discourse reflecting upon, or touching another's Parents or Masters; nor publish any Thing of thine own Family or Houshold Affairs. Children must meddle only with the Affairs of Children.
BOOKS for the Instruction and Amusement of Children, which will make them wise and happy, printed and sold by I. THOMAS, in Worcester, Massachusetts, near the Court-House.
THE BROTHER's GIFT; or the naughty Girl reformed. Published for the Advantage of the rising Generation.
The SISTER's GIFT; or the naughty Boy reformed.
The FATHER's GIFT; or the Way to be wise and happy.
The MOTHER's GIFT; or a Present for all little Children who wish to be good.
The FAIRING: Or, a golden Toy for Children of all Sizes and Denominations.
In which they may see all the Fun of the Fair, And at Home be as happy as if they were there.
The SUGAR-PLUMB; or Sweet Amusement for Leisure Hours: Being an Entertaining and instructive Collection of Stories. Embellished with curious Cuts.
BOOKS Sold by I. THOMAS.
The HOLY BIBLE abridged; or, the History of the Old and New Testament. Illustrated with Notes and adorned with Cuts. For the use of Children.
The History of little King PIPPIN; with an Account of the melancholy Death of four naughty Boys, who were devoured by wild Beasts. And the wonderful Delivery of Master Harry Harmless, by a little white Horse.
A BAG of NUTS, ready cracked; or instructive Fables, ingenious Riddles, and merry Conundrums. By the celebrated and facetious Thomas Thumb, Esq. Published for the Benefit of all little Masters and misses who love reading as well as playing.
Nurse TRUE LOVE's new Year's Gift; or the Book of Books for Children. Adorned with Cuts: And designed for a Present to every little Boy who would become a great Mam, and ride upon a fine Horse; and to every little Girl▪ who would become a great Woman, and ride in a Governour's gilt Coach.