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Advice to young men and boys / A series of addresses delivered by B. B. Comegys to the pupils of Girard College cover

Advice to young men and boys / A series of addresses delivered by B. B. Comegys to the pupils of Girard College

Chapter 2: PREFACE.
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About This Book

A series of moral and practical addresses delivered to the pupils of a Philadelphia college offering guidance on personal conduct, character, and civic responsibility. The collection opens with a sketch of the institution’s benefactor, founding, and architecture to situate its educational purpose. Subsequent talks counsel on winning success, resisting temptation, selecting companions wisely, valuing education and honest work, and developing a truthful character. Occasional commemorative pieces reflect on the deaths of public figures and the meaning of gratitude and public service, while recurring themes emphasize industry, frugality, self-discipline, and duties to family and community.

Copyright by
Gebbie & Co.,
1889.

PREFACE.

In January, 1882, I was appointed by the Judges of the Courts of Common Pleas of Philadelphia to the Board of Directors of City Trusts, which has charge of Girard College, having for some years previously, by the kind partiality of President Allen, been on the staff of speakers in the Chapel on Sundays. My interest in the Pupils was of course at once increased, and ever since I have given much time and thought to the moral instruction of the boys.

From the many Addresses made to them I have selected the following as fair specimens of the instruction I have sought to impart. Some repetitions of thought and language may be accounted for by the lapse of time between the giving of the Addresses, not forgetting the well-known Hebrew proverb, “Line upon line—precept upon precept—here a little—there a little.”

The word “Orphans” as used in the will of Mr. Girard has been defined by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to mean boys who are fatherless.

The book is published in the hope that it may be the means of helping some boys and young men other than those to whom the Addresses were made.

4205 Walnut St.,
November, 1889.