This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
EDUCATIONAL REMEMBRANCES.
205

study, but to cover the minutiæ of deportment. They required punctual attendance, marked courtesy at entering and leaving the room, affectionate treatment of fellow-pupils, and respect to guests who occasionally visited us: they forbade disorder of books or desks, leaving seats without liberty, all whispering, all conversation save with the teacher, except by express permission, or whatever else might disturb those high purposes for which we came together. This code, the fruit of experience and observation, was solidified in twelve brief rules, each fenced by a hope or penalty, and read every morning after our devotional exercises, that none might plead forgetfulness. No slight praise was it to that blessed assemblage of young creatures, that they never objected to this minute supervision, but strove to sustain it. Cheerfully admitting that order, industry, and propriety of conduct, were essential to the object for which as a body politic they held existence, each lent their aid to that discipline which was its health and hope. They counted it their glory never to have broken a rule; and a few there were who stood by my side on the first and last day of my office, a period of five years, who wore this laurel freshly bound upon their fair brows.

Shall I give you a simple delineation of our daily routine? I almost fear to weary you with prolixity, so agreeable to me is the theme.

The morning clock strikes nine. With light steps