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Gaining Favor with God and Man by William M. Thayer (1989) Hardcover
By William M. Thayer Gaining Favor with God and Man (Reprint) [Hardcover] [Hardcover] [Jan 16, 1989] William M. Thayer
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 24, 2009
Various topics concerning becoming a success in life and in every area of life. This book shared examples of famous people and how they made it in life. I found this book very beneficial, in that it has opened my eyes on some mistakes I have made in life and how to better correct them.
August 13, 2008
This book has so much insight - it's one of those where you pick it up and read some and then just reflect on a chapter and how it will make your life better.
April 9, 2008
This book is one of the best books for teaching character lessons through real life stories and biographies of great men in history.
January 15, 2026
The book was very eloquent and intellectually stimulating. It basically enumerates timeless virtues that generally spring from the bible, which is great. At times, it got a little dry or repetitive with the predictable anecdotes so for a while I read just 1 or 2 chapters at a time. But towards the end, I locked in and really appreciated the value in what was being talked about and even HOW it was being talked about.
I also think the value of this book is increased by the fact that the author, William Thayer, was a preacher who actually lived through some notable events in American history such as the Civil War or witnessing Thomas Edison and his inventions. You can feel Thayer's enthusiasm at this time, and perhaps for good reason. This was before the Federal Reserve, AIPAC ruling our government, and social media slop. And so, the strongminded Christian American could thrive in peace with only the occasional godless nuisance that'd frequent immoral places.
The only part that I didn't care for much were the chapters that dealt with loyalty, and in particular loyalty in the government(its interesting to note that this particular chapter was NOT in the same category as the timeless truths mentioned throughout the book. So the moment he deviated from that, he stumbled upon error). I suppose corruption wasn't as widespread as it is today, because Thayer ensures the government has our best interests at heart, which couldn't be further from the truth today. He cites 2 examples: the first example being the price of stamps, and how the government had endeavored to make them affordable for all, dropping from 35 cents to 5 cents. Thayer even predicted stamps would be 1 cent soon enough. Fast forward to today with the help of the poisonous federal reserve, the cheapest of many stamps are at least 60 times that prediction now. If he would most certainly either delete that chapter, or maybe just give other examples if he were to see how things are now, surely. The second example: The Homestead Act. While this was perhaps beneficial, strangely Thayer mentions how this Act benefited FOREIGNERS, which seems like a really bad thing to capitalize on, especially in today's political climate.
Aside from that though, the book was very good and had lovely usage of the English language on full display, alongside the bible's timeless truths that will persist until the end of humanity.
I also think the value of this book is increased by the fact that the author, William Thayer, was a preacher who actually lived through some notable events in American history such as the Civil War or witnessing Thomas Edison and his inventions. You can feel Thayer's enthusiasm at this time, and perhaps for good reason. This was before the Federal Reserve, AIPAC ruling our government, and social media slop. And so, the strongminded Christian American could thrive in peace with only the occasional godless nuisance that'd frequent immoral places.
The only part that I didn't care for much were the chapters that dealt with loyalty, and in particular loyalty in the government(its interesting to note that this particular chapter was NOT in the same category as the timeless truths mentioned throughout the book. So the moment he deviated from that, he stumbled upon error). I suppose corruption wasn't as widespread as it is today, because Thayer ensures the government has our best interests at heart, which couldn't be further from the truth today. He cites 2 examples: the first example being the price of stamps, and how the government had endeavored to make them affordable for all, dropping from 35 cents to 5 cents. Thayer even predicted stamps would be 1 cent soon enough. Fast forward to today with the help of the poisonous federal reserve, the cheapest of many stamps are at least 60 times that prediction now. If he would most certainly either delete that chapter, or maybe just give other examples if he were to see how things are now, surely. The second example: The Homestead Act. While this was perhaps beneficial, strangely Thayer mentions how this Act benefited FOREIGNERS, which seems like a really bad thing to capitalize on, especially in today's political climate.
Aside from that though, the book was very good and had lovely usage of the English language on full display, alongside the bible's timeless truths that will persist until the end of humanity.
May 23, 2021
From the Foreword
Uncovering this vintage, lost and forgotten manuscript in an old, crusty, dusty, off-the-beaten-path, used bookstore was somewhat like stumbling across a time capsule compiled for the benefit of generations yet to make an appearance on the scene of time and space. This book represents, in retrospect, the acknowledged purity in Biblical standards, Christian character, and noble achievement believed to be attainable, with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ, only a few generations ago. Upon reading the original manuscript, I sensed a tragedy in the loss of precious time for impacting our youth with the legacy of the godly virtues and marked excellence in character so vividly chronicled in Gaining Favor with God and Man, compared to the ego-centric mediocrity and shifting standards which have replaced the God-breathed, Judeo-Christian heritage. Is is any wonder that multitudes of our present day youth have not the foggiest notion of the precepts involved in being of service to God, their nation, their neighbor, or their family, but only unto themselves? However, with God's grace and assistance, as parents we can intercept this decline and return to Christian values for our children's sake and for Christ's glory.
Read 2 Peter 1:5-7
Read Proverbs 22:6a
It is our commitment at Mantle Ministries to assist in supply the tools required for the task at hand. We believe Gaining Favor with God and Man, along wit the other republished Christian heritage classics, to be an essential addition to your household library that will enrich our family legacy for the preservation of our republic and for the Glory of God for generations to come.
Rev, Richard Wheeler, President
Mantle Ministries, Reprinted 1989
Do I believe this book will be an asset to you and your home and nation, yes.
Share the reading with your family. The very first chapter is 'What is success? - Enjoy
Uncovering this vintage, lost and forgotten manuscript in an old, crusty, dusty, off-the-beaten-path, used bookstore was somewhat like stumbling across a time capsule compiled for the benefit of generations yet to make an appearance on the scene of time and space. This book represents, in retrospect, the acknowledged purity in Biblical standards, Christian character, and noble achievement believed to be attainable, with the help of the Lord Jesus Christ, only a few generations ago. Upon reading the original manuscript, I sensed a tragedy in the loss of precious time for impacting our youth with the legacy of the godly virtues and marked excellence in character so vividly chronicled in Gaining Favor with God and Man, compared to the ego-centric mediocrity and shifting standards which have replaced the God-breathed, Judeo-Christian heritage. Is is any wonder that multitudes of our present day youth have not the foggiest notion of the precepts involved in being of service to God, their nation, their neighbor, or their family, but only unto themselves? However, with God's grace and assistance, as parents we can intercept this decline and return to Christian values for our children's sake and for Christ's glory.
Read 2 Peter 1:5-7
Read Proverbs 22:6a
It is our commitment at Mantle Ministries to assist in supply the tools required for the task at hand. We believe Gaining Favor with God and Man, along wit the other republished Christian heritage classics, to be an essential addition to your household library that will enrich our family legacy for the preservation of our republic and for the Glory of God for generations to come.
Rev, Richard Wheeler, President
Mantle Ministries, Reprinted 1989
Do I believe this book will be an asset to you and your home and nation, yes.
Share the reading with your family. The very first chapter is 'What is success? - Enjoy
September 22, 2017
One of my favorite books! Life-changing.
November 14, 2017
Blew my mind!
June 7, 2021
Fantastic read. Practical advice and life-improving wisdom.
June 8, 2025
A good, old-fashioned philosophical book on what made America who she is and why she is great. A lot of anecdotes. Recommended for all junior high and high schoolers.
April 4, 2012
I still have to complete reading this book but not currently reading it.
May 12, 2013
Great old book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews