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Renowned anthropologist Lewis H. Morgan examines the origins and history of humanity, sharing abundant insights on the conditions of primitive society.Of particular interest to Morgan is the gradual process by which humans organized into civil societies. Examining a range of contrasting civilizations, from the Mayans to the Iroquois to the Romans, the author attempts to arrive at commonalities in how these peoples went from a primitive and barbaric early existence to a relatively civilized height, whereupon their greatest achievements left their mark.For the author, human civilization progressed in three broad stages - savagery, wherein hunter-gatherer behaviors, crude language and inbreeding is prevalent; barbarism, wherein the first centralized settlements and signs of organizational military and political hierarchy appear; and civilization, where humans are at their most organized and capable of great advances in science, wealth, culture and the general well-being of the population.Although many of Morgan's points are speculative and based purely off of sources as diverse and disparate as Christian missionary accounts of tribes and histories dating to antiquity, his is the among the first works of anthropology which seek to boldly tackle the questions of human history. Though many ideas herein have been disproven or discredited, they served as the foundation upon which modern-day anthropology as a formal discipline supported by sound evidence was built.

Early devotee to the Mormon church David Whitmer issues here his famous missive addressed to all the Christians on Earth.Testifying to the existence of the golden plates discovered by Joseph Smith in New York state, David Whitmer expounds upon the principles of Mormonism and encourages readers to heed his declaration. More controversially, we hear Whitmer's account of how the church gravitated to unusual beliefs and practices such as polygamy. Writing late in his life during the 1880s, the elderly Whitmer decries this practice and other events as examples of Latter Day Saints church leadership going astray.Thus, while the author praises Joseph Smith for using his gifts of prophecy and charisma to found the Mormon movement, he is not commending of the founder's later actions. The abiding message is that God is the ultimate judge of our behaviors, and that it is God who will decide upon the fates of all individuals when they perish and their souls traverse the afterlife.Though upset by what Joseph Smith became, Whitmer offers here a sincere and frank reflection upon the LDS movement. Through life, he would become the most sought-after figure for comment on Mormon matters. As Mormons grew in number and influence, Whitmer's fame was maintained by his status as one of the 'Three Witnesses' to the emergence of the Book of Mormon's golden plates.

This sci-fi classic depicts a London destroyed by a cataclysmic event, with the remnants of England's population beginning a primitive society in the countryside.With a background in studying the rural regions of England, professional naturalist turned novelist Richard Jefferies took to authoring a story that imagined a world in which nature emerges victorious over the encroaching industrialized world. London - the epicentre of urban activity and industrial progress - undergoes a disaster which wipes its human population, and much of England's, from existence.Jefferies investigates the aftermath of the disaster, as communities of people begin to form anew. The traces of London are gradually subsumed by nature, its ruined buildings worn away by water, plants and trees rising to reclaim the land upon which the metropolis sat. By contrast nature and man flourish anew in a mostly harmonious partnership.Today, After London is considered an early example of apocalyptic science fiction, a novelization of the author's own distrust and distaste for the cramped, polluted conditions that rapid industrialization brought upon England. It is his want of a world reborn that produces the most evocative passages, with many such descriptions serving as a philosophic forerunner to modern, environmentalist and conservationist movements.

Nephi Anderson's classic novel concerns man inhabiting heaven prior to arriving on the Earth, and humanity's spiritual destiny.A treasured and historic storytelling from a Mormon perspective on life, Added Upon offers a spiritual journey which reflects upon the very nature of our reality and existence. Conversations between the spiritual forces that underpin the fate and being of humankind preface the loosely connected reflections of several ordinary families living on Earth.All of these families, in one way or another, ponder the great questions of life; why are we here? What is our purpose? Where will we go after we perish?Such profound queries form the backbone of this novel, and it is through the pursuit of answers that our characters create a unique narration. Incidental appearances of forces beyond, and the author's predictions of the future of humanity, confer a wondrous element to the tale. In all, Added Upon is an encouragement to contemplation; readers are urged to consider the greatness of the divine, and the destiny of human beings.Between the narrative are poignant quotes from the Bible, which ground the book in scriptural wisdom. As Nephi Anderson's most successful novel, Added Upon remains celebrated in the Church of Latter-Day Saints to this day, and is a popular title in LDS reading groups.

This riveting historical fiction depicts a soldier in Alexander the Great's army, and was written using the authentic Macedonian letters discussing Alexander's conquests across Asia.We join the young Charidemus as he competes in a race around Olympia. Athletic and determined by nature, we find the young man ostracized by the Greek establishment owing to his origins in Macedonia - a territory which, in centuries past, was considered an uncivilized and barbaric province north of the Hellenic League.Such stigma, though troublesome, does not dent the courage of our hero, who grows ever-stronger and is recruited into the army of a young general named Alexander. After completing an initial tour, Charidemus is chosen as one of the 40,000 men to embark with Alexander on his epic conquest of Asia's uncharted lands.With vivid battle scenes, exotic descriptions of far-flung ancient cities and landscapes, flowing dialogue between the warriors, and an attentiveness to historic accuracy, A Young Macedonian is an underrated classic of ancient historical fiction.Alfred John Church was a renowned scholar of classics who studied and taught in universities in London and wider England. An able translator of Greek and Latin, he produced several new editions of ancient works, particularly letters and biographic material.

This fine edition brings together two of Parley P. Pratt's finest works: A Voice of Warning and Key to the Science of Theology.Key to the Science of Theology is Parley P. Pratt's all-embracing account of religion's impact on everything in day to day life. The author discusses religion, science, and the meaning of life in a passionate and concise way.A Voice of Warning is an instructing guide to the prophesies and the religious system of Mormonism which, at the time of publication, was rapidly gaining followers throughout North America. Yet foremost, it is a warning to honest Christians; by failing to heed the Biblical prophesies, believers will be unprepared to face the truths explained within the Bible, contained within the authoritative messages of the Holy Ghost.Pratt's insights into the importance of religion and the presence of the Holy Ghost in our lives has lost none of its poignant luster with the passage of time. We discover here answers to all manner of questions concerning the dizzying pace of scientific advancement, and the core spiritual principles which all good Christians - be they Mormon or otherwise - must cleave to in pursuit of a sublime life well-lived. All kinds of philosophical and religious concepts are brought to the fore by Pratt, whose learning and researches are of stunning profundity. Topics include the spiritual progress of mankind over the ages, the various attributes of the heavenly afterlife, and the origin and destiny of the universe around us. Although he wrote an ambitious work, Pratt never struggles to explain his wide-ranging points, which are delivered with genuine warmth and passion.Parley P. Pratt was an early figure in the Church of the Latter Day Saints, whose Mormon doctrines became guiding principles for many members of the church. Public spirited, he oversaw the construction of one of Utah's first roads, while also tending to spiritual matters through preaching locally and throughout a mission to Great Britain from 1839 to 1841.

This thorough, well-sourced history of the early Christian church follows its origins in the Apostolic Age, through its growth during and after the collapse of the Roman Empire.The author treats the death of Christ as the starting point for his examination of Christianity's initial rise to prominence via the work of the apostles. Originally commanding only a small following in what is today Israel and its immediate surroundings, the movement grew rapidly despite being banned as heresy by the Roman authorities. Through disparate and spread over a wide area, early Christians were organized; the teachings of Jesus were spread by devoted, literate believers who commonly held copies of the New Testament and other lore.Great milestones in the history of Christianity, such as the Emperor Constantine's adoption of the faith, as well as the conflicts between different groups of believers, are examined. The emergence of the Catholic church, and the formal papal office of the Bishop of Rome, is detailed. How Christians lived in the centuries after the collapse of Roman rule, and the ensuent disorder, is hereafter told. Finally, we hear about how the now-organized and hierarchical church changed with the approach of the Middle Ages and the rise of a new religion: Islam.Joseph Cullen Ayer was a Biblical scholar and minister in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His extensive life experience in teaching Christianity, and his formal study of the ancient histories and texts, lent much authority to the few, high quality works he published in his lifetime.

Renowned abolitionist William Wilberforce turns his gifts of wit and analysis to the Christian faith, revealing and discussing differences between cultural and practical Christians.Wilberforce is eager to draw a distinction between those who merely follow the traditions and motions of Christianity as a matter of formality - so-called 'cultural Christians' - and those who actively seek to behave and lead life in a Christian manner. For the author, this means strict adherence to a moral code, and backing one's faith up with consistent action that is righteous and clearly inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ.Real Christianity, claims Wilberforce, is altogether less common than the inauthentic and hollow 'cultural Christianity' that pervades society. Optimistically however, Wilberforce believes that anyone born in a Christian society can with effort and will become practical Christians; to this end, he suggests numerous scriptural passages and demonstrates how people can properly respect and incorporate doctrines into their everyday lives.Though most famous for his efforts to abolish slavery in the United Kingdom and wider world, William Wilberforce was also a conscientious man of faith who felt moved to express his beliefs in writing. Known for being both eloquent and frankly spoken, it was the plainness of Wilberforce's speech that accounted at least partly for his fame and recognition in early 19th century affairs.

A Miracle in Stone comprises three lectures on the nature of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.Notable for serving as an overview of archeological and spiritual investigation of the Great Pyramid as it stood in the 1870s, this book discusses the Egyptian pyramids in a manner which considers their origins and construction methods. After describing both the interior and exterior of the structures, Joseph Augustus Seiss embarks on a series of speculations consistent with his lifelong interest in pyramidology.The one, large diagram which follows the preface of the work serves as a useful reference point for readers. This in itself is an accurate rendition of the great pyramid's structure and interior, including the passageway and tomb at its center. Each aspect of the drawing has a corresponding letter, with the smaller pyramids of Giza also appearing.The mystery behind how Giza's pyramids were built invited much speculation, with the pyramidology movement rapidly growing in the late 19th century. The idea that God or a divine spiritual force had either singlehandedly made, or contributed to, the construction of the great pyramids was popular. For his part, Seiss considers the pyramid to be a great altar to the divine.

Matthew Henry's classic, describing how Christians can rightly conduct prayers for public occasions, has for centuries been a valuable source for believers.Writing in the 1710s, the author reflected on his lifetime as a man of God who had conducted many official ceremonies and events in his church. The concerns of his congregation, many of whom experienced the heights of joy and depths of despair that life offers, led Matthew Henry to devise a methodology for praying to the Lord rich in example.This method is intended to both respect and properly consult the divine, and also give comfort to believers who are in a state of distress or anxiety. Requests to God to fulfil a desire, to forgive a sin, as well as communications of life. Simple prayers of praise, wherein the Lord is given thanks for good fortune or daily small blessings, are also detailed.Most of Henry's recommendations reference Biblical scripture as a source: with the Holy Bible as his backing, the advices and methods of the author are beyond question. The language he uses is reminiscent of the King James Version of the text, which was the dominant Bible in the 17th and 18th centuries. Despite the passage of centuries, the authority and authenticity of Henry's prayer method is undiminished.

Bible scholar Marvin R. Vincent evocatively explores how Bible study, reading and interpretation changed across the ages, from early church antiquity to the end of the 19th century.A richly informed and well-written overview of Biblical criticism's history, arranged chronologically from the early church era. Although the author dedicates but short chapters to each specific development, his breezy, straightforward narrative and lucid interpretation of the historical facts render this guide a valuable source of knowledge in the field.Most of Vincent's commentary takes place after the invention of the printing press; it was this device that saw the Bible copied and distributed to a wider audience on ever-greater scale. The growth in literacy in Europe from the 16th to the 19th century greatly accelerated and refined the practice of Biblical study and criticism. The gradual emergence - and to some extent, rediscovery - of ancient New Testament translations in Greek, Hebrew and other ancient tongues intensified these studies.Marvin Richardson Vincent was a Presbyterian minister who gained national appreciation for his Bible teachings. Originally working in academia as a professor, he would go on to spend decades in the church, authoring several guides and studies which proved of great use to students and educators of Christianity.

The eloquent short stories and parables of Safed the sage - a character created by author William Barton - offer moral teachings and thought-provoking vignettes of humanity.Dozens of short yet memorable stories comprise this volume, which seeks to promote the virtues and good deeds that make a life worth living. Sometimes the tales are simple observations of life, of chance encounters and choices made that goes on to make a positive difference. Other times the stories highlight the worthiness of qualities such as kindness, reassurance, listening, and rendering assistance to those in crisis or need.Many of the parables in this text, while inspired by examples found in the Bible, are unique - not least for their setting in a time where railways and electricity were already a fact of life. In all, Safed the sage is a wise and eloquent guide, using his parabolic skills to demonstrate what constitutes the eternal attributes of human decency.Sadly, in the years following the death of the author, the Safed the Sage series of books went out-of-print and became rare. Today, a modest readership is claimed thanks to both chance discovery and the memories of the elder generation who, as youngsters, recall reading and benefitting from the values placed into these little stories. It is thus with a measure of pride that the publisher commissioned these tales for reprinting anew.

Willis P. King was a doctor working for an American railroad company in the late 1800s - he examined patients who had sued for compensation due to injury, finding many fabricated claims in order to gain money.Dr. King first confronts the charge of longtime bias towards his employer, or that his employer might have paid him to author this book. Prior to assuming the position of examining physician at the railroad firm, King was a trusted family doctor with a strong reputation for ethical practice and rigor. He contrasts his record to that of litigants, many of whom coached their friends or relatives to lie in court in pursuit of financial gain.Several cases reported on by King were notorious at the time; examples including apparently crippled defendants who, upon gaining a large cash settlement, discard their crutches and limb braces within weeks of receiving the money. Dr. King himself reports resisting anger and confrontation when seeing such individuals walking in public, sometimes mere streets away from the courthouse that delivered their favorable verdicts.Though this work is defined by the strong moral convictions of the author, certain cases carry cause for humor. The testimony of certain witnesses, and the ridiculousness of certain claims, plus the successes of the author in mitigating the damage done to the railway company, give cause for cheer in what is overall a catalogue of human greed, dishonesty and deceit.

Henry Ferdinand Suksdorf presents a history of humankind framed in the context of various races to have emerged throughout history.Writing in 1911, it was the author's belief that each race of humankind undergoes a period of ascendance, followed by a peak wherein intellectual and civilizational achievements are made, and finally a ruinous decline into decadence. In support of his hypothesis, Suksdorf discusses the various civilizations and empires of the past, noting how each has followed this pattern. For the author, each race of humankind has undergone the process of a societal zenith, followed by a fall.After listing the various successes and demises of twenty-two different races, the author concludes with the Human Race - a prediction that eventually, all of the various races will largely unite. This unity will produce a final peak for human society; a global brotherhood of man. Suksdorf's prognosis is that national identity will diminish in importance, and that a golden age will emerge in which new heights of societal and moral standards will be met owing to a burgeoning of activity and cooperation. In particular, the author highlights the United States - a nation comprised of peoples with diverse heritages - as a forerunner to this future.

Our Family Doctor is a medical primer dating to the late 19th century, designed for use in the home - it is reprinted here for its historical value.Since this short book dates to the 1880s, the medical procedures and treatments described are starkly different from the modern day. The remedies for various serious ailments such as pneumonia, diphtheria and smallpox have long been superseded by improvements in medical science. As such, the value of this book is its demonstration of historic medicine - a time when the use of substances such as Sulphur, flax seeds, quinine and morphine to alleviate symptoms of life-threatening diseases was normal.Originally, this book was attached to a medicine case which households could buy and keep in case of a sudden outbreak of illness. At the time, although such medicines were implied as a substitute for a doctor, the author is clear that if a disease progresses further that an actual physician must be summoned to the house to administer treatment.An advertisement, listing the chemical tablets and droppers included in the company's medical kit, is appended at the conclusion of this book.

Biblical scholar Frank Knight Sanders provides a timeline and examination of the Hebrew prophets who appeared in the Old Testament.Spanning hundreds of years of Bible history, this book distinguishes and clarifies the messages of individual prophets. Beginning with Amos the Herdsman, the first prophet to appear following the reign of King David and King Solomon, Sanders examines a variety of prophetic messengers. The catalyst for their emergence, what they foretell precisely, and how they influenced their society, are recurring topics treated in each chapter.Intended as a foundational text upon which students of the Bible can base their later teachings, this manual provides an organized approach to prophecy. The generations of Israelite prophets, and the various substance of their words to the Hebrew community, are explained with clarity. The narrative constantly refers to the Bible books, citing chapter and verse, that the reader may gain insight.The concluding appendices recommend a variety of literature for students to build upon the knowledge gained in this text. The author also suggests questions and discussions for the classroom setting, that teachers may assist students of the Old Testament in their search for knowledge.

Alhambra G. Deming's entertaining stories fuse fiction with figures, teaching young readers arithmetic while entertaining them with the adventures of Ralph, an entrepreneurial boy who undertakes odd jobs to support his family.Number Stories was conceived by Deming as a novel way of engaging children with numeracy and basic mathematics. Through the narrative stories in this book, we learn how to add, subtract, multiply and divide, while concepts such as percentages and fractions are also explained. Techniques of mental arithmetic are also explained, with equations demonstrated in clear and understandable ways.The narration focuses first on Ralph, a boy whose father is injured at work. Lacking a source of income to cover his Dad's health expenses, Ralph sells newspapers and groceries, makes lemonade, and hands in old clothes as a means of generating money. Later he journeys with his uncle to the family farm, where he learns how the farm business is a matter of calculating the size of fields and harvests. All of these adventures are accompanied by sums.The later portion of Number Stories takes place in Ralph's school, wherein his classmates are asked to raise money as part of a school project. As with the earlier chapters, the various ideas and novelties of the schoolchildren lead to their learning plenty of arithmetic.

Benjamin Tallmadge narrates his time spent as a military officer during the American Revolutionary War, detailing his roles as both commander and intelligence gatherer.Renowned for his successes during the American Revolution, Benjamin Tallmadge commences these memoirs with a brief family history. After this short introduction, he immediately describes his military training and deployment, and the witnessing of his first battle close to New York City. Stricken and steeled by the carnage of war, the young Tallmadge expresses his wish to see the Revolution to its very end.Upon demonstrating a keen sense of tactics, and mounting a successful raid wherein the supplies and premises of an enemy force were burned by Tallmadge and his fellow operatives, George Washington praised the officer's abilities. Throughout the conflict, Tallmadge proved an able spymaster; heading up the Culper Ring, a network of agents whose information in and around the New York area would prove extremely valuable to the war effort.As the conflict wore on, so did Tallmadge's skills and daring; he participated in captures of useful war supplies, and the surrender of a large British army. Eventually, the spent British resolved to declare peace. Tallmadge poignantly concludes his story by telling of his happy return to his hometown of Brookhaven on Long Island, and his subsequent joyous marriage.

Reverend Adam Crooks was an activist and minister whose tireless campaigns against slavery in the 19th century led to his being one of Methodist church's most famous abolitionists.Born at a time when slavery in America was scarcely questioned by the religious establishment, Reverend Crooks' felt a personal revulsion toward enslavement, and especially its continuation by individuals purporting to be true Christians. Despite the dangers of preaching the abolitionist cause in the southern states where slavery was legal, he did so tirelessly and for many years - encouraging congregations and other Christian ministers to join his cause. After facing off against trumped up charges in court, Rev. Crooks' devotion to abolitionism became famous.Living to see the harrowing destruction of the U.S. Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation which followed, Adam Crooks diverted his spirit to a new cause: that of temperance. Until his death in 1874, Crooks was one of the fiercest proponents against alcohol, decrying what he viewed as its destructive and socially undermining attributes. His efforts, strident as they were, would encourage the growing influence of the temperance movement through the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Samuel Ward was the distinguished Governor of the Colony of Rhode Island in the period leading up to the Revolutionary War, a cause he famously supported.An able and efficient administrator, Ward would oversee Rhode Island during a period of both economic and social development. The overarching matter however would not be simple growth of the province: public opposition to the stamp taxation of the ruling British administration placed Ward in a difficult position - whether to enforce the measures enacted by the British rulers, or oppose them.In choosing the latter, Ward set an example of civil disobedience and emboldened the Revolutionary movement. Retiring from his position in 1767, Ward nevertheless stayed informed of political goings on. Summoned as a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1774, Ward died of smallpox mere months before hostilities commenced with the Declaration of Independence in 1776 - posthumously, his foreshadowing role and patriotism received praise among Americans.Though relatively brief, this biography summarizes the main achievements of Governor Ward, being well-researched with sources including George Washington's writings.

Traveler and writer Henry Bruce details the culture and qualities of the Malabar coast of India, as it was during the rule of the British Raj.Bruce begins by reflecting upon the beauty of Malabar's land, the serenity and unspoiled nature of the countryside, which is scarcely mentioned in the travel guidebooks of his era. Having spent a time touring and appreciating the region, he expresses his wish to bring its charms to a greater audience. Throughout the text, the author praises the hospitality rendered him: though old-fashioned, he finds the manner and customs of the locals charming.Describing the various locales, the reader discovers how Thrissur (rendered by Bruce in its Anglicized form as 'Trichur') appeared at the start of the 20th century. Though prosperous, the region was not ostentatious, with Bruce reporting a conviviality between the classes. The efficiency of the local administration, and the beauty of its temples and architecture, are amply noted.We also find descriptions of the Kingdom of Travancore; Bruce particularly notes the local maritime culture and abundant agricultural produce. Additionally, we receive perceptions of the ruling class and royalty of the region. In all, we find in this book poignant reflections upon a part of India whose historic qualities are partly eclipsed by modernizing developments.

Author and theologian Orson Spencer was a prominent early intellectual of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints: in this book, he explains the spiritual tenets of Mormonism in a series of fifteen letters.We find here a spirited effort by Orson Spencer to detail the theology of Mormonism for the reader, with reference to the most prominent figures within the denomination. He felt moved to author letters concerning such tenets as water baptism, the true and ineffable nature of God, and the latter-day judgements in order for the general public to understand Mormon beliefs.Spencer originally sought to enter the Christian ministry as a Baptist, but was taken by the faith of the fledgling Mormon movement. With the encouragement of his brother, he was baptized into the denomination in 1841, and in short order became distinguished for his theological knowledge.He led one of the pioneer companies who made the journey from the Eastern seaboard to Salt Lake City, Utah. Later he undertook missionary work in Europe and the Cherokee nation - it was during his journey to Cherokee lands that he contracted malaria which tragically would prove deadly; Spencer succumbed to the illness at the age of fifty-three.

La Sorcière, Jules Michelet's celebrated history of witches and witchcraft from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, is presented here in English.Originally published by Jules Michelet under the title 'Satanism and Witchcraft', this text seeks to explain the origins and practices of witchcraft, and how the intermittent crises regarding witches would emerge in Europe over the centuries. Demonstrating how witchcraft grew from a mixture of pagan beliefs and strands of Biblical lore, Michelet creates a compelling narration, casting the practices as a response to Christianity which was near-ubiquitous in pre- and post-Renaissance Europe.Although Michelet's reputation as a historian of the French nation and the Revolutionary period renders this one of his lesser-known books, his study remains valuable for its thorough, readable nature. Well-sourced owing to the author's voracity and resources, La Sorcière does not flinch from accounting the unusual traditions and ceremonies of witchery. He also examines and discusses earlier texts, such as the 'Hammer for Witches', in a cogent and compelling manner.In all, we find in this work a comprehensive look at the witchcraft tradition, through the eyes of a historian whose fascination for Europe's social development is clear. Lionel J. Trotter, a well-regarded translator in the 19th century, does the original text the fullest justice.

The Syrian philosopher Iamblichus is famous for his accounts of ancient religious traditions: this book contains Thomas Taylor's translations of his commentaries regarding Egypt, Assyria and Chaldea.Containing many references to the mystical philosophies of the ancients, Iamblichus' writings are considered early accounts of theurgic traditions for their description of magical rituals and ceremonies. His descriptions hold clues to the origins and development of religious thought - particularly pagan ideas regarding burial, the afterlife, and the transition of the soul from matter to spirit.Taylor is keen to replicate the veneration and respect which Iamblichus had for earlier traditions: both author and translator share a devotion to Neoplatonist thought, and it is in the spirit of these philosophical ideas that these insights upon antiquity are presented in English.This edition of Iamblichus's works includes Taylor's numerous annotations. These explain more obscure meanings and references and mention related works that are also of value - in all, they assist readers in investigating the extant texts. Unlike other editions, which through error do not include the full text, care has been taken herein to reproduce the full translation.

Jonathan Edwards was a leading Christian revivalist of the 18th century: in this book, he explains how God repairs and redeems the flaws of humankind by being an extension of the human being's free will.A superb and evocative treatise, Edwards draws on his knowledge of both theology and philosophy to deliver a convincing examination of the human soul. Many poignant questions about the nature of the human being, the definition of sin, and the relationship of liberty with morality. Overarching his discourse is God, whose ever-watching and all-knowing essence permeates the behavior of humankind, placing just constraints upon behavior.Edwards argues that God's divine will is a necessary and inseparable part of what it is to be human, it shapes and guides the very destiny of individuals. The reasoning of man pales in comparison to the essential truths of God's will in relation to morality and will. The convincing demonstrations of the author, supported by references to scripture, served to cement this book's place as a classic of early Christian literature in North America.Today, Jonathan Edwards is renowned as one of the most prominent churchmen of his time, his tireless writing and preaching strengthening the Christianity of the colonies that would become the United States.

Father Francis Duffy, U. S. Army chaplain during World War One, recalls his time fighting alongside the famous 69th Infantry Regiment on the western front.Comprised mostly of Irish Catholic volunteers who enlisted in and around New York City, the 'Fighting Sixty-Ninth' already had a long history and a reputation for bravery and grit. Father Duffy is frank and upfront, recalling the conversations and mood of his fellow troops during their training and deployment to Europe. The bloodiness and terror of battles in World War I is related, as are the many injuries and horrors of that war.Despite the grim situation, Father Duffy never loses his spirit. Indeed, the adversity faced by the young men in the 69th gave opportunity for them to show their courage and great capacity for morale. The witty humor and can-do attitude of the Irish is also amply displayed, this liveliness countering the darker aspects of war. Each of the major battles and offensives undertaken by the 69th is told from a first-hand perspective, with participating troops named and credited for their valor.This reprint of Duffy's memoirs includes the twelve photographs and map illustrations appended to the first edition. Depicting the battles, troops and their commanding officers, these pictures constitute a helpful supplement to the text.

This guide to falconry dates to mid-19th century Britain, and explains both the history and practical elements of using birds of prey to hunt wild animals.The practice of raising and training intelligent birds of prey to hunt animals was popular in Europe from the Middle Ages onward. Over the centuries, techniques and practices were refined, with the peculiarities of the various birds used - be they peregrine falcons, goshawks, sparrow-hawks or otherwise - investigated by generations of enthusiasts. This history is detailed and supplemented with the author's own practical experience and advice.Gage Earle Freeman was a clergyman who spent some years assigned to India. As a lifelong enthusiast of falconry, Freeman was impressed to behold the practice in India; a culture where hunting with birds of prey had been a tradition for millennia. As an experienced falconer, Freeman was able to put the skills he'd honed on Buxton Moor in England to use in India -his talents met appreciation, and he received birds as a gift from the local population.The final supplement to this book is entitled 'Fishing with Cormorants', and comprises a short but insightful guide to training the cormorant bird to dive for fish.

Theologian and Biblical scholar Charles Bridges explains the nature of psalm 119, popularly renowned as one of the lengthiest and most spiritually rich of the psalms.In this superb narrative, Bridges undertakes an intensive narration of each verse. He discusses at length the meanings and constructions behind each - on average, the author devotes over 750 words of exposition and discussion to each verse. The length of Bridges' work alone makes it noteworthy; that the style of the author's writing sometimes ranges to a stream of consciousness renders it both interesting and worthy of examination.With his scholarship and gifts for evocation at the ready, Charles Bridges delivers clarity and depth to the ancient verses, allowing Christians to appreciate the value of the famous psalm. He manages to be lively and entertaining, yet supremely respectful of the spiritual advice and faceted meanings in each of the verses, revealing what the Bible teaches about the character of God and our earthly existence.Published in many editions during and following his life, Bridges' exposition of psalm 119 attained great respect. While the author published other expositions, his work upon psalm 119 gained the greatest and most enduring acclaim.