Letter #49

Letter #49

Boulder, Colorado

July 4, 1918

This is a list of a few things which strike me very forcibly. I wish such things would not be tolerated here at camp.

“Advantages of the Smutty Story.”

It shows a man’s ignorance.

It shows a lack of a sense of propriety.

It shows an undesirable character.

It shows the man’s better self is not in control.

It shows poor resources of entertainment.

It displays a coarse sense of humor.

It is the poorest sort of excuse for fun.

It suggests the possibility of greater defilement.

It proves a disappointment to every right thinking friend.

It spoils the inner life of every hearer.

It hangs defiling picture in one’s memory forever.

It robs you of your self respect.

It provokes men who mean to be decent.

It sickens men who are fighting for right and hate dirt.

It makes no friends but loses many.

It is sure to cause one’s own undoing.

It convinces no one that you are a good man to do business with.

It dishonors parents and wife and children and friends and land and country and business and God.

“Cut it out.”

This all boys should read and take to heart. I don’t think girls need any such advice, but if they do, it will not hurt them, for it is good, sound doctrine.

Henry