Advice from a Nineteenth-Century White Knight
August 2, 2011
BUCK O. writes:
Your recent entries on books and one on advice to a husband, reminded me of several very old books that I bought years ago at a yard sale, just because they were old. I wrapped them in plastic, put them away on a shelf and forgot about them. I just retrieved and unwrapped them. They, for whatever reason, feel special.
One is Revival Hymns by Henry Ward Beecher, 1858. It’s only 3 x 4 x 1 inch. Inside the cover is a tiny masterpiece. It’s a simple inscription, perfectly placed, and in the most beautiful cursive, surely quil and ink. Today, I guess, it would be considered calligraphy (Greek: beauty + writing). I imagine the inscriber sitting at her writing desk without the pretense of a professional, but perhaps the attention to detail of a natural artist.
My favorite of these books is Advice To Young Men On Their Duties And Conduct In Life by T.S.Arthur, 1851. The Preface alone was worth the price:
This book is the result of an application to the writer to prepare a volume addressed to young men. In reflection upon the subject, after having agreed to write the book, it was assumed that there are two classes of young men — one made up of those who feel the force of good principles, and are in some willingness to act from them, and the other composed of such as are led mainly by their impulses, feelings, passions, and selfish interests. And it was also assumed that, as society looks to the former as her regenerators, and not to the latter, it would be most useful to present such views of life as would help the former to see and feel the importance of their position, and the necessity there was for them to act from the highest principles. This volume is therefore addressed to the thinking faculty, and seeks to lead young men to just conclusions, from reflections upon what they are, and what are their duties in society, as integral parts of the common body. It is therefore a serious book, –or, it might be called a thoughtful book, –and should be read in a thoughtful spirit. To those who will thus read it, it is believed that it will prove deeply interesting; and all whom it interests it must benefit.
Satisfied that those who read it as it should be read, cannot fail to have their good purposes strengthened, and their minds elevated onto sounder views of life than usually prevail in common society, the writer, having completed his task, dismissed it from his hands, and turns to the consideration of other matters that require his attention.
— Comments —
A reader writes:
Scroll down this page to see a link to an online copy of Advice to Young Men by T. S. Arthur.
Laura writes:
Thank you.
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