Some Good Quotes to Consider
September 29, 2008

Here is a very interesting quote I found in the book By Pike and Dyke, by G.A. Henty. The main character's father, Captain Martin, is explaining to his son that war is not glorious and that he should not be spurred by motives of vain-glory, but rather by motives of the glorious defense of the faith and the glories of protecting the innocent.

"I do not say that there is no glory to be gained [in war]; but it is not personal glory. In itself, no cause was ever more glorious than that of men who struggle, not to conquer territory, not to gather spoil, not to gratify ambition, but for freedom, for religion, for hearth and home, and to revenge the countless atrocities inflicted upon them by their oppressors." - Captain Martin in G.A. Henty's in By Pike and Dyke

Another good quote is this one, also stated by Captain Martin to his son.

"Even at a loss to yourself you should show them always that this confidence is not misplaced. Do your duty and a little more, lad. Most men do their duty. It is the little more that makes the difference between one man and the other." - Captain Martin in G.A. Henty's By Pike and Dyke.

This point is important because almost every aspect of character falls under the main category of duty. Our duty is to God first, family second, and country third. So, the character quality of "obedience to parents" is our duty, "kindness to siblings," our duty, and all the other important character qualities we wish to have fall into this category of duty. We must always try to fulfill our duty "and a little more", just as the Captain said. If we do this we will be fulfilling our duty to God.

-Joshua Titus

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 07:30 PM |

Question About the Book Mee-a-ow, by Ballantyne
September 28, 2008

Hello, My dad has acquired a book written by RM Ballantyne called Mee-A-Ow! Its about cats. The book has pages full of piano notes. We have tried finding information about it but have had no success, if you have any information about this book we would appreciate it. Thank you very much, H.

<em>Mee-a-ow ! Or Good Advice to Cats and Kittens</em> Mee-a-ow ! Or Good Advice to Cats and Kittens


Dear H, Mee-a-ow ! Or Good Advice to Cats and Kittens was first published in 1859 by T. Nelson and Sons. This was one of the books that Ballantyne wrote for smaller children. Ballantyne also wrote the short stories The Three Little Kittens, My Mother, and The Robber Kitten all books about cats. For some editions of Mee-a-ow! Ballantyne did the illustrations himself. The song in the beginning of the book was a duet for children that Ballantyne wrote. -Alba Gu Bra, Joshua Titus

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 09:26 PM |

G.A. Henty Radio Show: By Pike and Dyke
September 24, 2008

This afternoon I will have the privilege of going on the radio with Mr. Bill Potter and Mr. Adam McManus to talk about the book By Pike and Dyke, by G.A. Henty. This is part of a series of "G. A. Henty" interviews that I have been doing over the course of last six months with my friends Samuel Turley and Lucas and Noah Botkin.

<em>By Pike and Dyke</em> By Pike and Dyke

By Pike and Dyke takes place in the early 1580's, following closely upon the tail of Saint Bartholomew's Eve. This book covers the beginning of the wars for Dutch independence from the tyrannical Spaniards, and the rise of the Dutch Republic. Henty would go on to cover some of the later battles that took place after the death of William of Orange in his book By England's Aid.

This is a tremendous book that does a great job of explaining the story of the Dutch people's battle for freedom under William "The Silent." This is also a great book for anyone who is interested in the 16th century.

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 09:41 AM |

Reporting in on Our Mission to Houston and Galveston Island
September 19, 2008

This last Wednesday, Peter Bradrick, my brother Justice, and I were commissioned by my dad to take some supplies to Houston for the families struggling after Hurricane Ike.


After our 6:30 am fencing class, we loaded a trailer with twenty eight 75 and 100 qt iceboxes, planning to pick up ice, generators, and gasoline closer to Houston. There were very few gas cans in San Antonio, so Peter had Justice and me make some calls to different hardware stores on the outskirts of town. On our way out of town, we saw a John Deere hardware store, so Justice and I ran in, and providentially, they had the last seven five-gallon gas cans we had seen anywhere. We loaded them up, and headed off again.


Ice was another tricky thing to find, and after calling around, we finally found a party ice supplier which wasn't too far from where we were. We bought enough to fill all 28 ice boxes. We started out again for Houston. Halfway there, we stopped at a generator supply distribution center which had previously told us they could sell us ten generators. When we arrived, though, they had changed their minds, and didn't want to sell us more than two or three. Peter talked to the manager, and about forty five minutes later, had convinced them to sell us five heavy duty generators. We already had one, so that totalled six.


Tying down the ice boxes.

We felt like we were finally on our way now. Next stop was at a gas station closer to Houston, so safer to transport 45 gallons of gasoline in the back of a trailer. Finally, we stopped at a local HEB and bought 20 half gallons of milk.


We arrived at Dr. Voddie Baucham's house at about 6:30 and began unloading the supplies which would be distributed by Grace Family Baptist Church. After unloading for about an hour, we headed towards Galveston to survey the damage and take some photos for potential future missions. We hadn't seen a great deal of damage when we first arrived on the north side of Houston. We saw some trees down, some billboards that had the signs torn off, but other than that, it didn't look very bad.

It was getting dark as we drove through Houston, and then we noticed the problem. It wasn't that houses had been smashed, but the real problem was the lack of electricity. One block would be lit up, probably by generators, but the next would be completely dark. We stopped at a gas station for some gatorade and snacks and were amazed at how crowded it was. It was packed. We realized then that stoplights weren't working, bathrooms weren't working- everyone who didn't have a generator was in trouble. The contrast between the light of day and the predicament of being without electricity (particularly stoplights) as dark fell was accentuated by the nervousness of the people at the gas station.


As we neared Galveston Island, the visible damage increased. Crossing the bridge, we really could see the wreckage: boats lying on their side on the road, debris everywhere. It was a mess. About halfway across the bridge, we saw glaring lights and what looked like a construction zone, but it was actually police. I thought they might ask us to stop, but one officer wearing a big cowboy hat motioned us on.


Boats were leaning against telephone poles on the road.


Once we were on the island, it was really strange. It was like being in an episode of The Twilight Zone. We were in a deserted town, void of light and life. I think we only saw two people the whole time we were there. Boats were wrecked in front yards. Front porches were on the beach. Buildings were missing walls. Roofs were on the streets. We could see where the water had been, and, though it had receded, the damage was clear.


Junk was everywhere.

After an hour and a half, a police officer alerted us of the curfew from 6 pm to 6 am, and asked us to find a spot to camp for the night or leave the island. We decided to leave. Crossing the bridge again, we saw the lights and cops from another vantage point and realized we had probably been mistaken for an official vehicle and let on the island after curfew hours. We were so thankful for the opportunity to see the damage and take a few pictures.

We finally got home at 2:30 am, and after a 21 hour day, were more than happy to get some sleep.

-Joshua Titus

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 11:48 AM |

Robert the Bruce
September 15, 2008

This is a bust of Robert the Bruce from the inside the Wallace Monument which is right outside of Sterling. Bruce was King of Scotland from 1306 to his death in 1329. He is among my top favorite men in history.

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 07:28 PM |

Toy Soldiers
September 13, 2008

A couple of people have asked for more Toy Soldier images. Here are a couple of shots.


English Soldiers: The 1st foot Guards


These are the 1st foot Guards before their paint job.


French Soldiers: The Imperial Guards.

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 07:35 PM |

One Hundred and Twelve Years Ago...
September 11, 2008

A couple of days ago, I received these two images. This old copy of Memorials of Frances Ridley Havergal contains an interesting inscription reading:

To Mrs. Gray from her friend Carrie A. Henderson as a little memento of days gone by. September 11th, 1896. Toronto, 45 Rose Avenue.

I think it is amazing that we are looking at this inscription one hundred and twelve years after it was written - to the day!


Memorials of Frances Ridley Havergal


"To Mrs. Gray from her friend Carrie A. Henderson as a little memento of days gone by. September 11th, 1896. Toronto, 45 Rose Avenue."


Mrs. Haverly was a Christian hymn-writer of the nineteenth century. A few of the hymns she wrote include Who is on the Lord's Side?, Take My life and Let It Be, and Like a River Glorious. The above book (her biography) was published in memory of her life, by her sister, M. V. G. Havergal, 1880.


Posted by Joshua Phillips at 03:18 PM |

September 11, 2008

The title of this book is Thomas Jefferson: Father of Democracy, by Vincent Sheean. It was published in a series of books known as the Landmark books. This is a great history series for young people that covers many of the prominent figures and important time periods in history. This one has an interesting inscription from an older brother to his younger brother on his birthday. The inscription reads:

1-19-60
To Ricky on his eleventh birthday. I hope it is swell. I'm sorry I can't be with you to help you celebrate it.
Your buddy & brother, Ken


Thomas Jefferson: Father of Democracy


How great that an older brother would take the time to write a note to his little brother on his birthday. This reminds me how important it is to invest in our younger siblings' lives.

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 07:40 AM |

The Decline of Christianity in Europe as Seen in The Book Shops of England and Scotland
September 09, 2008

I was very pleased with all the old shops in Scotland that had Henty and Ballantyne in their shelves. I think I picked up three new Ballantynes I had not read before in addition to a number of old Ballantyne and Hentys that I had already read. After the Scotland Faith and Freedom Tour was over, however, I went in to a number of older book shops in London and Eton. Sadly, when I asked about my top two authors, I was continually met with " Who is 'ee? Some yank author?" This was even true in one or two places in Scotland. I found it interesting how both men, Ballantyne and Henty, were just slightly remembered in Scotland, while in England they were almost completely forgotten.

To me this appears to be a reflection of the decline of Christianity in their cultures. Just as we forget our need for Christ, founding fathers, and great authors, we will see our culture's bookshelves dumped out, and then refilled by books teaching all sorts of foreign and anti-Christian philosophies. In turn this will effect the way we train our children who will grow up to lose even more of their Christian heritage. And soon we see our culture completely changed into a Marxist, pluralistic society where God is no longer considered relevant.

This is what we see in countries like England and Scotland. Where they have forgotten their history, they have forgotten the Lord. And this is why I encourage young men and ladies to read the great Christian authors of the past!

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 01:08 PM |

A Recommendation for Upcoming Ballantyne Series.
September 08, 2008

Dear Joshua,

Thank you so much for this website and for sparking our interest in Ballantyne. We have read several of his books so far (including a few that we purchased in Scotland) and have been thoroughly delighted! We heartily agree that R.M. Ballantyne's works are the kind of books that the boys, and girls, of our day need to be reading. Now that we are happy owners of Vision Forum's 20 Vol. Collection, we plan on keeping up a steady pace until we have read them all!

An example of one edition of The Red Man's Revenge An example of one edition of The Red Man's Revenge

One of the old copies that we bought in Edinburgh is The Red Man's Revenge, and we, having read it together, would like to recommend it for republication for several reasons: 1. Ballantyne presents a good picture of brotherly loyalty throughout the story; 2. The Gospel is very clear, as we have come to expect of Ballantyne; 3. Elsie Ravenshaw is an example of a loving daughter who could have been bitter toward her father but chooses to be sympathetic and supportive instead (This is not a major part of the plot but is clear enough, we think.); 4. The characters in general are especially engaging (Many are Scots, so perhaps we are slightly biased) and we often laughed aloud at the humorous events and conversations Ballantyne describes while, on the other hand, we were also inspired to strive to be ladies of feminine strength and to encourage our brothers in Christ to be godly, bold men like the hero of this story. Just a thought!

For Christ's Crown & Covenant, Kristen & Susan H.

Thank you, ladies, for your comment.

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 07:01 AM |

The Battle of Arsuf
September 07, 2008

Eight hundred and seventy years ago today the Muslim army of Saladin attacked the Crusaders and Richard the Lion Hearted at the Battle of Arsuf. Though Richard successfully counterattacked the Muslims that evening, his march to Jerusalem was delayed because of the battle. You can read more about the battle here. Below is a picture of the statue of King Richard that I took while in London.

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 08:06 PM |

Comment on 'The Notes in the Margin'
September 06, 2008

This suggestion is a follow up to the post Hidden secrets of old books: the notes in the margin. If you have interesting notes, sketches, or dedications in your old books, would you consider sending an image of them to me? I would really like to see what you have. I hope to post a few of the interesting ones. I am always on the lookout for unique notes that people have left in their books. You never know what you will find, so keep an eye out.

-Joshua Titus

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 09:45 PM |

Hidden Secrets of Old Books: The Notes in the Margin
September 06, 2008

Half the fun of reading an old book is when you have just come to an exciting portion of the story, you turn the page. . . and discover some past reader's notes and comments. That is something I always look forward to. On a couple of rare occasions, I have even found sketches by the readers from the 19th and early 20th century. Whenever I buy an old book, the first thing I do is turn to the title page and see who the past owner was and in what year they read it. When you see a signature or a date in a book, take note: this is a piece of history. The signatures in books are important because they allow future generations (like us) to know who was reading what in the past.

Some people think it is unwise to write in or take notes in the margin of your books. But my father has always told me that your children will look at the books you own and will want to know what you thought of The Deerslayer when you read it for the first time... This is why I take notes in my books. Now, if you have a first edition of Blackstone's Commentaries, I probably would not argue for you to write all over it, but, for the most part, I believe in "multi-generational note-taking." Just remember, you would not be reading that note about how funny Peterkin was if someone hadn't left it in the margin of that book for you.


Here is a book that I found after a friend had given me its twin. I found this edition on eBay. I have other editions of this story by Cooper, and so I had read the story many times, just in different volumes. What was my surprise when I opened it last week and discovered two neat little portraits from the 1920's! The young lady who, I presume, drew the two pictures was named Dorothy Peterman.


Here are the sketches that I found in the book. This is a little window into the early 20th century.


"Dorothy Peterman, Junior, 1929-'36."


Here are a couple of other books with interesting notes or dates. This one is The Eagle Cliff by Ballantyne.


"Presented to Ada Maw by the East Stockwith Wesleyan Sunday School, 1898."


My Doggie and I.


"To Archer, Xmas 1909, from Mrs. Farish."


One of the 28th by G.A. Henty.


"James. O. Hobarck, August 10th 1896, from Father."

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 08:08 AM |

My Notes
September 06, 2008

I thought that, while I was on the subject of old books and taking notes, I would put up an image of the way I take notes in my modern reprints. As a normal principle, I think that bending the pages in books is not a good idea. I do think that it is a slightly different matter when noting in paper backs and new "plastic prints." In particular, when I am studying for a book report or am trying to put portions of the book to memory, my books commonly end up like this.


Note: please do not try this with any book more than 40 years old.

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 08:07 AM |

Follow up Thoughts on Ballantyne as an Illustrator.
September 05, 2008

"Terrible encounter with a Shark" from <em>The Coral Islands</em> "Terrible encounter with a Shark" from The Coral Islands

Ballantyne was not an extraordinary artist, but what makes his illustrations so very impressive is this: Ballantyne disciplined himself to master the skill of drawing, even though it was not his greatest natural strength. His skill was greater than his talent. This should be a lesson to all of us, particularly those who have been given natural artistic talent.

There have been plenty of artists who had little natural ability, but were able to master the tools and skills well enough to communicate the ideas they needed to, and give glory to the Master Artist. This is something to remember whenever we set our hand to the plow, whether an easy plow or a plow which leaves bruises on our hands.

Ballantyne is just one example of this sort of godly character. The nineteenth century was filled with average men who tended to be more disciplined, and took more pride in things like their drawing and even their penmanship. And so, when there are more men fulfilling their roles without whimpering or pushing it off, so there are more things accomplished for the glory of God.

The other day a friend sent me a quote by R.J. Rushdoony on this subject. In this quote Rushdoony is speaking of modern artists, clamoring for more subsidies so they'll have more free time to "create":

The simple fact is that this dream of subsidies and leisure to be "creative" is an illusion. It is not leisure which is productive, but work and rest. The best inventions are produced in the context of work and need, and the good writers and artists are those who are productive no matter what the circumstances...

Where subsidies and leisure operate, [Instead of steady work] the results are commonly mediocre and meager. One of the reasons why the world of literature and art today is so unrelated to reality is the fact of foundation subsidies for leisure to "create." The result is a divorce from faith and life. Inventiveness still flourishes simply because it is related to industrial research and development. In the arts and media, subsidies and leisure have replaced work and the Sabbath rest. The result is elitist art. There are no hierarchs in much of the world of art, i.e., men dedicated to sacred rule." (Systematic Theology, Vol. II, p. 1065)

I think it is very important for us as young men to remember that God said we are to "work by the sweat of our brow" (Gen. 3:19). And for us to be trying to do only the simple things and the easy things is to shirk the role of real men. We cannot be men "clamoring for more subsidies" or more leisure. We must be men who are willing to overcome any obstacle in the path of obeying the Lord's commands. We must do things for the glory of God and, even if we are not perfect or gifted in an area we have been assigned to work, we must not try to get out of it, but should be thankful for the opportunity to put our backs into it and accomplish the goal before us.

-Joshua Titus

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 08:30 AM |

Question About Coming Ballantyne Volumes
September 04, 2008

Joshua, With all of the new titles that you mention and the blog [posts] about of R.M. Ballantyne, are there going to be any new publications through Vision Forum of Ballantyne? (Or a new set of books)?

Yes, Vision Forum absolutely intends to publish more Ballantyne books. Lord willing, in mid 2009, we will be releasing another ten volumes. I hope that we will continue to publish more of his books in the future. If you (or anyone else) have any comments as to which titles you would like to see in print, please email me with your comments and ideas.

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 01:01 PM |

First Hand Experience Under The Waves
September 02, 2008

Under the Waves is an example of Ballantyne's willingness to do field research before penning his novels. The subject of this book involves under-water diving at a time when diving technology was in its infancy. Nonetheless Ballantyne suited up in an early model of a scuba suit. He describes these types of adventure in his book Under the Waves. I have not read it yet, but I look forward to reading a book which deals with nineteenth century undersea exploration.

These illustrations were done by Francis B. Pearson. He also illustrated the two books Black Ivory and The Tyrant Queen of Madagascar; both written by R.M. Ballantyne.


Under The Waves.


"At the Bottom of the Sea".


Clearing the screw.

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 11:54 PM |

Recent Question: What Is a Good Age to Start Reading Henty or Ballantyne?
September 01, 2008

Dear Joshua,

I have a brother who will be 10 in December. I was wondering if Henty or Ballantyne books would be appropriate for him, and thought you'd probably be the perfect one to ask, as you know so much about these books. Would these make a good gift for his birthday or Christmas this year, or are they more appropriate for older boys? What is the age range that these were written primarily for? Also, once my brother reaches the age that is appropriate for these books(if he's not already there), which Henty book and which Ballantyne book would you recommend that he start with? -R. S.

I started reading Henty when I was 9 and Ballantyne about a year later. I think that age 9 is probably the best age to start reading both Ballantyne and Henty. I know a number of young men who started reading Henty when they were 7 or 8 and others when they were 11 or 12. Of course it is important to remember that every young man is different, and some have a harder time with older styles of writing then others. Usually I recommend Ballantyne as the first series to start. Henty tends to have an older style of writing which some people have a hard time reading. On the other hand, I find it very enjoyable to read his classic style. I think Ballantyne aimed his books at a slightly younger audience, and so is slightly easier to read.

As to your second question, the book which gives the best overview of Ballantyne's different styles is, I think, The Coral Islands. It is always a fabulous introduction to Ballantyne. Henty has so many amazing stories it is hard to chose. In Freedoms Cause is my personal favorite. Reading the stories of Wallace and Bruce has always inspired me.

Thank you for your question. -Joshua Titus

Posted by Joshua Phillips at 11:19 AM |