Article — Gury-Ballerini, Compendium of Moral Theology (8th ed., 1884)
Article II. On the Obligations of Teachers and Disciples
- I. Teachers and preceptors owe disciples: 1. love; 2. example; 3. correction; 4. doctrine. The reason is both because in a certain way they conduct themselves after the manner of parents, and because they are instituted to teach disciples in sound doctrine of morals and letters.
Therefore they must: 1. perfect themselves in the science which they teach, for duly instructing others; 2. promote the progress of the disciples in letters as much as lies in them; 3. turn them away, as much as they can, from others who are disgraced by depraved morals, and whom they ought in no way to admit in their schools.
Hence preceptors can offend even gravely when they neglect the instruction of disciples, or punish them unjustly or indiscreetly; but especially if they seduce the same, by impelling them to sins, for example carnal sins; if they do not teach good morals; if on purpose they teach false things as true, or things harmful to salvation; if they admit or retain pupils imbued with evil morals, who may be pernicious to others, etc.
- II. Disciples are bound to show teachers:
- Love and reverence, on account of the superiority and care of the same.
- Obedience, while they are taught by them in good morals and arts. The reason is clear: for this is implied by the reciprocal obligation of disciples toward teachers, who would plainly be bound in vain to instruct them or imbue them with good morals unless the disciples were likewise bound to follow the admonitions and precepts of the teachers.
Hence disciples sin if, far from studying diligently, they wear away time in idleness, play, or other foolishness against the will of their teachers; but much more gravely if they detract from the teachers, deride them, mock them, or affect them with curses, calumnies, annoyances, etc.