All Items 8 Collection 1 Archives & Special Collections 8 Contributor 4 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 8 Brooks, Obed, Jr., 1809-1882 2 Amherst College 1 Brooks, Henry Cobb, 1824-1886 1 Location 2 Amherst 2 Massachusetts 2 Topic 6 Religion 8 Christianity 7 Correspondence 6 College students' writings, American 2 Knowledge and learning 2 Students 1 show more 1 show fewer Part Of 1 Sidney Brooks (AC 1841) Papers 8 Genre 4 Correspondence 6 Essays 1 Fragments 1 Notes 1 Subject 9 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 – Religion 8 Christianity 7 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 – Correspondence 6 Brooks, Obed, Jr., 1809-1882 – Correspondence 2 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 – Knowledge and learning 2 College students' writings, American – Massachusetts – Amherst 2 Religion 2 Amherst College – Students 1 Brooks, Henry Cobb, 1824-1886 – Correspondence 1 show more 4 show fewer Sidney Brooks essay on man's religious nature Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks essay in which he argues that "man is naturally a religious being." Brooks claims that all people and cultures have some notions of accountability and immortality from systems of religious belief. Though Brooks calls Christianity the only true religion, he argues that this human tendency to have systems of religion, even if they are "false" and regardless of whether or not the people are "enlightened," is helpful for those interested in spreading the Gospel. This essay fragment is presumed to be related to Brooks' studies at Phillips Academy or Amherst College. Sidney Brooks essay on man's religious nature Sidney Brooks letter to his brother, 1835 September 2 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his brother in which he writes regarding his thoughts on Christianity. He describes how he previously felt that religion was something irksome and prayer was a task, but he now feels differently and thinks that "the yoke is easy and the burden is light" as he states Christ said. He elaborates on this feeling and writes that he never enjoys himself more than when he can draw near to God in prayer. Brooks begins the letter "Dear Brother." It has not been determined to which of his two brothers he is referring: Henry Cobb Brooks or Obed Brooks, Jr. This letter appears to be a draft. Sidney Brooks letter to his brother, 1835 September 2 Sidney Brooks letter to his sister, 1836 June Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his sister in which he apologizes for taking so long to write to her on the subject of the letter, especially since she requested it. He goes on to say that it gives him great satisfaction to think that she is now interested in spiritual things and has an appetite for religious conversation. Brooks writes regarding Christian religion, his hesitations and desires to write to his sister on the topic, the failings and sins of Christians, his personal experiences with Christianity, the Bible, and Christian religious beliefs such as God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Judgement Day, and Salvation. Brooks begins the letter "Dear Sister." It has not been determined to which of his three sisters he is referring: Sarah Godfrey Brooks, Harriett Newell, or Tamesin Brooks. This letter appears to be a draft. Sidney Brooks letter to his sister, 1836 June Sidney Brooks letter to Henry Cobb Brooks, 1835 October 30 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Henry Cobb Brooks with two sections. In the first section, dated October 30, Sidney writes that after having done all his chores and stowed away his books, he doesn't know a better way to spend his time than to write to his brother Henry. Sidney imagines Henry sitting at the corn heap, carrying corn into the corn house, or helping their father. In the second section, dated December 21, Sidney writes regarding religion. He says that he was glad to see what Henry had written on the subject and he is glad that Henry is beginning to take an interest in it. He writes further on the topic and offers advice to Henry regarding his efforts to pursue Christianity. Sidney discusses beliefs regarding sin and salvation. This letter appears to be a draft. Sidney Brooks letter to Henry Cobb Brooks, 1835 October 30 Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, 1840 November 7 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which he writes that he feels he was getting a little unsocial as he has not written often and because he lives alone and does not talk much anywhere. He explains that he feels it is a bad habit he should break and also discusses his plans to write more. He writes that he has made religious duty consist too much in anxious musings and solitary meditation rather than in active duties. Sidney discusses his views on whether or not Saturday night should belong to the Sabbath. He also describes a spot that he likes to visit and the view from that spot, mentioning the Connecticut River, Mount Toby, Mount Sugarloaf, the College, and the village of Amherst, among other highlights. Sidney discusses his thoughts on the passing of their childhoods and of the need to spend their days in the service of God so that they may all meet together in that brighter world where God himself is. In a postscript, he asks Obed to check in with their father regarding schools. Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, 1840 November 7 Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1838 February 3 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his brother Obed Brooks, Jr. in which Sidney states that they have just entered a new term (at Amherst College) which they say will be the most laborious of the whole course. He responds to a previous letter from Obed, including remarking on the recent deaths in Harwich. Sidney reflects on a prior conversation in which Obed proposed Sidney take his place and they discussed the nature of happiness. Sidney also writes regarding pranks and incidents at the College including one where a straw man made to look like a professor was hung from a pole. In the following section of the letter, Sidney reflects on the words Obed shared about his present state of mind and contemplates what they should be and do, referencing Christianity and religious beliefs several times in his contemplations. Sidney Brooks letter to Obed Brooks, Jr., 1838 February 3 Sidney Brooks coursework on rhetoric Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks coursework and notes pertaining to a book on rhetoric. On the back page of one set of notes is a list of three people under a heading of "Tardy" and the back page of another set of notes is addressed to Miss Sarah G. Brooks (Sarah Godfrey Brooks) in Cambridgeport. These documents are presumed to be related to Brooks' studies in rhetoric at Phillips Academy or Amherst College. Sidney Brooks coursework on rhetoric Sidney Brooks letter to unidentified recipient, 1864 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 A fragment of an unaddressed letter from Sidney Brooks in which he discusses his recently changed views on the influences of an investigation of the sciences on a person's fidelity to the sacred scriptures. Brooks notes that he has just retired from a hearing of scientific disclosures and closes with questions that have arisen for him such as "what is this world?" Sidney Brooks letter to unidentified recipient, 1864
