Buy this book on-line

Easton, Robert Andrews : Ideals

Coquille Valley Sentinel, Coos County, OR, 1921

Original publisher's brown paper wrappers. 4 1/2" x 7." Unpaginated, thirty-six pages, complete. Pages are clean and intact except for a few pencil inscriptions in front. Covers are clean and intact except for a few small ink stains and dampstains on front, slight splitting at tail of spine, and a green George Washington stamp and small paper clipping tipped in on back. A Very Good copy. This is an essay by Robert Andrews Easton in which he discusses the concept of ideals. He addresses various topics but returns to the theme of ideals (particularly those exemplifying Christian principles) and having Christian faith. He introduces his discussion by using the definition for "ideal" as it appears in Webster's Dictionary, "a mental conception regarded as a standard of perfection, a model of excellence, beauty, etc." (for "etc.," Easton states his intention of replacing it with "life"). He proceeds to use examples from Scripture to show Christian ideals rooted in faith and service (such as those expressed by Abel) and corrupt ideals that are selfish (such as those shown by Cain). He also refers to Biblical descriptions of God that liken Him to a secure tower or fortress. He says that men in the Biblical period respected God in contrast to the decline in Christian faith Easton sees in his time. He transitions this part of the discussion to his message that one should have principles and ideals founded upon Christian faith and service and that people should receive the "light and life" of Christ. Easton shifts the discussion to current sociopolitics and warns against "bolshevists" and "labor unioners" whom he deems as "irresponsible." However, Easton is critical of those who center their life upon money. He says that throughout history, there have been men who are highly looked upon because they eschewed the "$ mark" and had Christian ideals. It appears that Easton is sympathetic toward union laborers in certain situations and refers to early British unionists who were wrongfully imprisoned for requesting a raise. He also praises passed Progressive legislation such as "child labor laws, primary laws, initiative and referendum laws, inheritance tax laws, minimum wage laws, all compensation laws, [and] prohibition laws." Easton then describes the Biblical story of the woman about to be stoned and says it conveys the virtuous messages of men being held accountable in the same way that women are and the importance of forgiveness and repentance. Easton also notes how King David was a controversial figure who expressed, like every human being, the worst and best sides of themselves. Easton argues that the best of oneself is "human nature touched by divine nature" while the worse of oneself is simply "human nature." Other subjects include Vashti, who refused to dance for the king and who Easton likens to women of the suffrage movement (Vashti did what was right even though men there howled in distaste at her virtue; Easton compares those men to men of his time who howl in opposition to women who want to vote). Easton also decries the current conflation of the word, "success," with monetary gain and selfishness that causes one to win at the expense of others (he criticizes "Success" magazine which he sees as being another purveyor of the "$ mark"). Easton supports not the growth of the "$ mark" but "man growth," growth in ideals and character. He refers to a saying, "the truly fortunate people are not the ones who succeed in life, but those who succeed in living." He also emphasizes the importance (as shown in the Two Great Commandments) of loving God and to love one's neighbor as oneself. He shares anecdotes of people he met with little wealth and even disabilities but whose lives were full of virtue and happiness. He finishes by saying that following Christ will lead one to the "lights of home.". Book. Book Condition: Very Good. Binding: Soft cover

Bibliophile Bookbase for antiquarian books, maps and prints.