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THIRD PLACE WINNER — 17-18 CATEGORY

Kristin Caroline Balance

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED from MR. HENTY

God has given me a vision, to be a woman of influence, and to raise my future sons and daughters to be men and women of influence. So what does my vision have to do with Mr. Henty? Henty’s mixture of real life, action packed history with interesting, imaginative fiction is very worthwhile and enjoyable. The facts presented are helpful and dependable, but it is the character of each main character in his books which is best! To return to the old paths, wherein is the good way, is a great desire for myself now, and for my future family. I intend to inspire my children with the good, old-fashioned character of the “Henty man.” In each book, the main character is a different person, but each has high-quality character which we will observe more closely. These are some of the qualities I have seen in the life of the Henty man: he is patriotic in heart, passionate in loyalty, precise in obedience, profitable in diligence, prepared for danger, pure in morality, prominent among peers, and prime in manliness. Let us examine these qualities in detail:

He is patriotic in heart. Undeniably, it is the zealous love of his country that causes him to fight for her so willingly, coupled with his manly desire for involvement in the fray. Because patriotism often requires sacrifice, he risks much for the freedom of the country for which he fights. With the richness of love for his homeland, his leaders, his people and cause, his duty is transformed into pleasure and the service he renders is invaluable. Throwing himself wholeheartedly into his endeavors, he is filled with zeal for the cause for which he fights. Sometimes he is called to fight for a country in which he was not born, but true patriotism urges one to do his duty no matter the country he is in at the time. Where are true patriots today, their rare zeal kindling in them the fire to stand for the right no matter the odds or opposition? We need young people who are patriotic in heart!

Throughout his military service, the Henty man displays unwavering passion in loyalty for his leaders. Serving unselfishly, he is filled with respect and love for those he follows. Whether it be King Richard the Lion-Hearted, or Robert E. Lee, Henty’s man recognizes their authority, and seeks to prosper their endeavors. Courageously, he risks his own life, esteeming the lives of his leaders of more value that his own. Because of his loyalty, his leaders can count on him and trust him, no matter the difficulty of the endeavor he is assigned. The priceless value of loyalty is to have pristine clearness of purpose in following one’s leaders, and to stick to it with unfailing determination. Passionate loyalty equals invaluable service.

If one could imagine being a commander of one of Henty’s characters, one could definitely count on his precision in obedience. Quickly, cheerfully, and precisely he performs his duties, but that is not all! Going above and beyond duty’s call, he throws himself into extra endeavors to aid and protect. During the very life-and-death thick of the fight, he does not lose his cool head or firm purpose, but remains obedient and faithful. His obedience assists his cause. He who obeys precisely is able to show his love for those whom he follows, as well as his devotion to the purpose for which he stands.

From home to palace, in the battlefield or at sea, the Henty man is profitable in diligence. This is most necessary and appreciated of qualities manifests itself clearly in the very course of his everyday life, in which he doesn’t seek the brief pleasures of an easy life, but rather the benefits of hard work. Obeying whatever he is asked or commanded to do with a superior attitude, he executes his tasks willingly. While one performs the sometimes mundane duties of home-life, it is inspiring to have a model of diligence to strive toward. Proverbs 22:29 states: “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Truly this describes the Henty man to perfection, for no matter the size of the task, he conducts himself with such industry that he never fails to attract the attention of great men. Laziness is never his problem. Because Henty’s man is profitable in diligence, rulers notice him, we are inspired and he never remains obscure long!

Peril, which fills the pages of the Henty books, often meets the main character face to face, making it crucial that he be prepared for danger. Caution, preparedness, a desire to protect others, and boldness-all qualities of his which deserve commendation. Without his preparedness, destruction would certainly occur often in the stories, for others often scoff at his cautiousness, thinking him fearful for no cause. Nevertheless, the Henty man carefully plans, prepares, and contemplates the wisest proposition for escape, capture, attack, and defense. Rarely caught off his guard, Henty’s man is a valuable example for us today, as we need to look sharp, that our vision does not become stolen. Preparedness protects from peril.

Purity in morality is a trait so extinct today that when we see it, it is a rare delight. Because the test of purity shows the true colors of a man, our estimation of the Henty character would plummet many degrees if he failed this test, though he possess all of the above qualities. Having purity enables him to be a true gentleman with sincere concern for ladies. Regarding his dealing with young ladies, the Henty man, who is not forceful, flirty, or forward, chivalrous remains, often aiding the weaker ones by giving his protection. Frequently proving his manliness, he has a strong desire to do the man’s duty, to protect and aid the defenseless. Priceless-purity in morality.

From his youth up, Henty’s man quickly becomes prominent among his peers. His numerous qualities earn him the privilege of prominence. Undeniably mature beyond his years, Henty’s man, who is strong and capable, quick-witted and brave, is often lifted up in rank as a reward, and given more responsibility because of his faithfulness. Receiving deserved praise from his authorities and those around him, he doesn’t let it get to his head, but remains humbly available, proceeding beyond the call of duty often. When greater duties and responsibilities are assigned him because of his diligence, he sees it as an honor, not a drudgery. How noble it is to have an example of prominence among peers given as a reward for true, wholesome character.

He is prime in manliness. And so, you see, the best is saved for last! Henty’s man is eager for a man’s work, a man’s share, and consequently, receives a man’s reward. He rejoices in his manhood, becoming skilled in the use of arms, as well as other self-improving activities. Accepting responsibility with courage, he bravely faces danger with courage and zeal. He puts into action his God-given role as protector. If men and boys would stand in the ranks of the army against the false philosophies hurled at true men today, fighting by their own powerful example and influence, our society would be changed for the better. It takes one individual at a time, prime in his manhood, to influence our country for the better.

These qualities of the Henty man issue forth a challenge and an example for those who are willing to be patriotic in heart, passionate in loyalty, precise in obedience, profitable in diligence, prepared for danger, pure in morality, prominent among peers, and prime in manliness. I want to give this challenge and example to my future children. “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your soul...”(Jeremiah 6:16) True Character only comes through Jesus Christ, and with this character one can influence home, church, country, and world. Therefore, I end with William P. Merrill’s hymn, “Rise Up, O Men of God!” It is time for men to rise up, and Henty’s man is an excellent example of the character needed in men of God today. From Mr. Henty I have learned about an example worth following.

Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things; Give heart and soul and mind and strength To serve the King of kings.
Rise up, O men of God! His Kingdom tarries long; Bring in the day of brotherhood And end the night of wrong
Rise up, O men of God! The church for you doth wait, Her strength unequal to her task; Rise up, and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ! Tread where his feet have trod; As brothers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O men of God!

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