I’ve ventured into the antique book I was gifted at Christmas called, “The Royal Path of Life.” Each chapter is a theme or subject the authors discuss as they lay out what they consider to be the reasonable path for one seeking success in life. The first theme is aptly called Life which I assume lays the groundwork for the rest of the book.
“We point to two ways in life, and if the young man and maiden1, whose feet are lingering in soft green meadows and flowery paths, will consider these two ways soberly and earnestly, before moving onward, and choose the one that truth and reason tell them leads to honor, success, and happiness, they have wisely chosen the “Royal Path of Life.” The other way is too well known to need description.”2
Such “two ways” language of the authors is nothing new in the realm of philosophy, wisdom literature and religion. You can find such language in the words of Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14) and the Didache (1:1). Though these admonitions from Jesus and his disciples are for all people, these words of the author of the “Royal Path” are to young people whose “feet are lingering in soft green meadows and flowery paths,” meaning, these admonitions are for those who have had a good upbringing and are able to act to continue their fortune and even profit in life.
One could interpret the authors as referring to those who are just in the springtime of life. However, not everyone has the ability or chance to pursue a successful path. This book largely is written to Western Christians in North America in the late 19th century who were far from poverty or oppressive governments.
Nonetheless, these admonitions would still be beneficial for most people, to seek paths that would lead to success in their context, and perhaps, stir their hearts towards bringing honor and happiness to their situation, and even move their companions towards change as well.
The authors continue to press the urgency for young people to take the right path now before it is too late. They illustrate this in a poem:
“The busy world shoves angrily aside
The man who stands with arms akimbo set
Until occasion tells him what to do;
And he who waits to have his task marked out
Shall die and leave his errand unfulfilled.”3
The world will push aside the one who stands and waits for life to happen. If they wait too long, they’ll never find the life they are seeking.
“Decide at once” and do not wait. But how fast should one decide? Given they also exhort the readers to “consider these two ways soberly and earnestly.” Such soberness can take time – but do not take too much time – as time will pass you by. Nonetheless, consider your path.
The authors urge taking the “Royal Path” intentionally. “In our voyage of life we must not drift but steer.”4 Take every opportunity, say the authors, to do all the good for yourselves as possible. “Take life like a man,”5 and not like a child who has no control over their life and is carried by the will and plan of others. Do not wait for life to happen, but make life happen for you.
What about failure, it is sure to happen, is it not?
“We counsel the young man never to despair. If he can make nothing by any work that presents itself now, he can at least make himself; or what is equivalent, he can save himself from the sure death of pusillanimous, halting, irresolute spirit. Never be cast down by misfortunes.”6
Spiders are used to illustrate this point. As a spider weaves its web, it will break repeatedly, yet the spider keeps going, mending the breaks, until the whole web is complete. Failures do not stop the spider, and is resolute unto the end – for it must if it wants to eat.
In the final stretch, the authors say, “Rely not upon others; but let there be in your own bosom a calm, deep, decided, and all-pervading principle.”7 In context, it seems the authors are referring to not relying upon other’s view of life, to hold to your own principles not tainted by the wiles of others. To “Let others live as they please...” not being influenced by the wrong path they have chosen for their lives.
In choosing the right path, above all else, “Look first, midst, and last to God, to aid you in the great task before you; and then plant your foot to the right.”
How would you exhort young people in selecting a path for life?
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This is the only mention of young women in this chapter. I will assume the authors are using masculine pronouns as universal as many did in the 19th century. So please take the quotes from the book with a grain of salt.
The Royal Path of Life, pg. 7
Pg. 8
Pg. 9, emphasis in original
Pg. 11
Pg. 12
Pg. 13
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