The Young Man's Guide by William A. Alcott

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THE YOUNG MAN'S GUIDE.

WM. A. ALCOTT.

Twelfth Edition.

Boston: Perkins and Marvin. 1838.

Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1835, By Perkins & Marvin, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts.

TO THE READER.

When I commenced this work, my object was a mere compilation. There were many excellent books for young men, already in circulation, but none which I thought unexceptionable; and some of them contained sentiments which I could not approve. I sat down, therefore, intending to make selections from the choicest parts of them all, and prepare an unexceptionable and practical manual; such an one as I should be willing to see in the hands of any youth in the community.

In the progress of my task, however, I found much less that was wholly in accordance with my own sentiments, than I had expected. The result was that the project of _compiling_, was given up; and a work prepared, which is chiefly _original_. There are, it is true, some quotations from 'Burgh's Dignity of Human Nature,' 'Cobbett's Advice to Young Men,' 'Chesterfield's Advice,' and Hawes' Lectures; but in general what I have derived from other works is re-written, and much modified. On this account it was thought unnecessary to refer to authorities in the body of the work.

The object of this book is to _elevate_ and _reform_. That it may prove useful and acceptable, as a means to these ends, is the hearty wish of

THE AUTHOR

Boston, Dec. 9, 1833.

ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FIRST EDITION.

The great purpose of the Young Man's Guide, is the formation of such character in our young men as shall render them the worthy and useful and happy members of a great republic. To this end, the author enters largely into the means of improving the _mind_, the _manners_ and the _morals_;--as well as the proper management of _business_. Something is also said on _amusements_, and _bad habits_. On the subject of _marriage_ he has, however, been rather more full than elsewhere. The importance of this institution to every young man, the means of rendering it what the Creator intended, together with those incidental evils which either accompany or follow--some of them in terrible retribution--the vices which tend to oppose His benevolent purposes, are faithfully presented, and claim the special attention of every youthful reader.

* * * * *

ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The rapid sale of a large edition of this work, and the general tribute of public praise which has been awarded to its merits, instead of closing the eyes of the Publishers or the Author against existing defects, have, on the contrary, only deepened their sense of obligation to render the present edition as perfect as possible; and no pains have been spared to accomplish this end. Several new sections have been added to the work, and some of the former have been abridged or extended.

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