How to Be a Man; A Book for Boys, Containing Useful Hints on the Formation of Character

by Harvey Newcomb

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXX. UNION OF SERIOUS PIETY WITH HABITUAL CHEERFULNESS. It is a mistake often made by young people, to associate religion with a downcast look, a sad countenance, and an aching heart. Perhaps the mistakes of some good people, in putting on a grave and severe aspect, approaching even to moroseness, may have given some occasion for this sentiment. I do not know, indeed, how prevalent the sentiment is among the young. I can hardly think it is common with those who are religiously educated. As for myself, I well remember that, in my childhood, I thought true Christians must be the happiest people in the world. There is no doubt, however, that many pleasure-loving young people do look upon religion with that peculiar kind of dread which they feel of the presence of a grave, severe maiden aunt, which would spoil all their pleasure. And, I do not deny, that there are certain kinds of pleasure which religion spoils; but then it first removes the taste and desire for them, after which the spoliation is nothing to be lamented. It is true, also, that there are some things in religion which are painful. Repentance for sin is a painful exercise; self-denial is painful; the resistance of temptation is sometimes trying; and the subduing of evil dispositions is a difficult work. But, to endure whatever of suffering there is in these things, is a saving in the end. It is less painful than the tortures of a guilty conscience, the gnawings of remorse, and the fear of hell. It is easier to be endured than the consequences of neglecting religion. If you get a sliver in your finger, it is easier to bear the pain of having it removed, than it is to carry it about with you. If you have a decayed tooth, it is easier to have it extracted than to bear the...

58 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1847

About the author

From wikipedia:

Harvey Newcomb (September 2, 1803 – August 30, 1863) was an American clergyman and writer.

He was born in Thetford, Vermont. He removed to western New York in 1818, engaged in teaching for eight years, and from 1826 till 1831 edited several journals, of which the last was the Christian Herald.

For the ten following years he was engaged in writing and preparing books for the American Sunday School Union. He was licensed to preach in 1840, took charge of a Congregational church in West Roxbury, Massachusetts, and subsequently held other pastorates.

He was an editor of the Boston Traveller in 1849, and in 1850-1 assistant editor of the New York Observer, also preaching in the Park Street mission church of Brooklyn, New York, and in 1859 he became pastor of a church in Hancock, Pennsylvania. He contributed regularly to the Boston Recorder and to the Youth's Companion, and also to religious journals. He wrote 178 volumes, of which fourteen are on church history, the others being chiefly books for children, including Young Lady's Guide (New York, 1839); How to be a Man (Boston, 1846); How to be a Lady (1846); and Cyclopedia of Missions (1854; 4th ed., 1856). He also was the author of Manners and Customs of the North American Indians (2 vols., Pittsburgh, 1835).

He died in Brooklyn.

Reviews

[Dan Zhukovin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat obsolete, but eye-opening

This book saved my sanity and gave me good direction in life. Definitely an essential book for someone who wants to learn the real deal of how to answer life, and the future. Excellent self-improvement material and honestly it’s not overly in poor taste or overly demanding.

[Rex Libris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in 1857, this book was a guide on how young men should behave in order to grow up to be proper adults. The core traits to a good life for the author are piety, reverence, and prayer. From there flow the rest of the virtues.

[Rusten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book from an older time. Many young men would benefit from gleaning Christian wisdom here.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one with Will. It’s definitely old school, but still a lot of good to glean.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, really insightful book on how to build character in young men.
Felt like the Boy Scout manual with a Christian twist.
He doesn't say "do this because it's good for you" or "because we said so" or "because you should."
He teaches you why each little good habit you should form is critical to your development as a functioning, honorable, whole person, as a servant and leader of your community.
For those who would judge, it is also not sexist.