A Lesson for Children

Pray to God.
Love God.
Fear God.
Serve God.
Take not God's name in vain.
Do not swear.
Do not steal.
Cheat not in your play.
Play not with bad boys.
Call no ill names.
Use no ill words.
Tell no lies.
Hate lies.
Speak the truth.
Spend your time well.
Love your school.
Mind your book.
Strive to learn.
Be not a dunce.

-- The New England Primer, the first textbook printed in America
First printed in 1690, it was the beginning textbook for students for 100 years and continued to be a principal text until 1900.