Page:The Life and Works of Christopher Dock.djvu/214

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202
THE WORKS OF CHRISTOPHER DOCK


SPIRITUAL MAGAZINE


Number 40



A Hundred Necessary Rules of Conduct for Children


I. Rules for the Conduct of a Child in the House of its Parents

a. In the morning, during and after rising

1. — Dear child, as soon as you are called in the morning, arise; indeed, accustom yourself to “awaken” at the proper time without being called, and to rise without loitering.

2. — When you have left your bed, turn back the covers.

3. — Let your first thoughts be turned toward God, after the example of David, who (Psalm cxxxix, 18) saith: “When I awake, I am still with Thee,” and (Psalm lxiii, 6) “I remember Thee upon my bed and meditate on Thee in the night watches.”

4. — Bid a good morning to those whom you meet first and to your parents, sisters and brothers; not from mere habit, but do it out of true love.

5. — Accustom yourself to dress quickly, but at the same time neatly.

6. — Instead of idle talk with your sisters and brothers, seek while dressing to have good thoughts. Remember the garb of righteousness in Jesus that has come to you through Jesus, and resolve this day not to sully it by deliberate sinning.