Noah Webster's Advice to the Young and Moral Catechism

by Noah Webster

This book contains two historical reprints which Founder Noah Webster wrote to enlighten the minds of youth in religious and moral principles and restrain some of the common vices of our country. The moral catechism uses a series of questions to teach children qualities such as honesty, generosity, gratitude, and more. Written originally for youth, these works are invaluable today for all ages.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

53 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

About the author

Noah Webster, Jr. (October 16, 1758 – May 28, 1843), was a lexicographer, textbook pioneer, English-language spelling reformer, political writer, editor, and prolific author. He has been called the "Father of American Scholarship and Education". His blue-backed speller books taught five generations of American children how to spell and read, secularizing their education. According to Ellis (1979) he gave Americans "a secular catechism to the nation-state".

Webster's name has become synonymous with "dictionary" in the United States, especially the modern Merriam-Webster dictionary that was first published in 1828 as An American Dictionary of the English Language. He is considered one of the Founding Fathers of the nation.

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read, with timeless, godly advice for both children and adults. I enjoyed reading it with my kids.

[Melinda Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains eternal principles for children to learn and practice. I don't know how many youth would read Webster's "Advice to the Young", perhaps young adults would, however, then might be too late. I suppose it would best be taught to children by their parents. Some of the principles taught:
"Honor thy father and mother." and "Children, obey your parents in all things."
"The first and great command is, to love the Lord your God with all the heart and soul and mind and strength." "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
"Sin is the source of all evil." ". . .but God has provided a Redeemer [Jesus Christ] . . . and God accepts the penitent sinner's . . . faith in Christ, accompanied with sincere repentance, and humble
submission and obedience to His commands . . . ."
"In your mode of living, be not ambitious of adopting every extravagant fashion."
"In all sensual indulgences be temperate."
"To young men I would recommend that their treatment of females should always be characterized by kindness, delicacy and respect."
He goes on to talk about humility, mercy, gratitude, truth, and so on. I feel many truths of the Bible and quotes of religious men who were involved in drawing up the Constitution are being forgotten today, and need to be resurrected!

[Daniel Frederickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this densely-packed booklet, Noah Webster's nutritious wisdom for a young nation expresses his deep wish for all children to be raised in accordance with teachings of the Holy Bible.

Such words are blasphemous in the current government school system, but Webster saw things correctly: "If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the divine commands..." (Page 37)

This Founding Father's booklet is a reminder-nay, a warning-that our prosperity originates from an all-mighty Father, and the proper education of citizens must be rooted in the Scriptures.

[Marley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I was ever surprised by this booklet. It begins with a short history of the man himself then moves on to excerpts from two of his works. These were absolutely amazing. It made me realize how virtuous were the founding fathers and how bright their minds were.