Acknowledgments

My thanks are due to Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin and Co. for their kind permission to use excerpts and poems from the following authors, whose works they publish: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, John Greenleaf Whittier, James Russell Lowell, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The compiler wishes also to make personal acknowledgment to all those who, by their cordial consent, have helped to make this compilation possible; especially to Orison Swett Marden, for selections from his editorials in Success magazine; Stephen J. Herben, editor of Epworth Herald; David C. Cook, for selections from the Young People's Weekly; Luella Clark, for poems "Success" and "Washington"; Rev. J. R. Miller, D.D.; Rev. George Henry Hubbard; and to many others extends her thanks and hearty appreciation.

3 TENTH AVENUE, HAVERHILL, MASS.

M. A. A.

Introduction

THIS book needs no introduction. The compiler has proved her taste and skill in the bright and attractive volumes she has already prepared.

This one fully maintains the reputation she has made for herself, and those who turn to its pages in quest of readable and suggestive quotations will not be disappointed.

The compiler has gathered her selections from a wide field and from many writers. These are all in harmony with the title of the volume. Many readers will find the brief selections full of quickening and inspiring thought. Busy people in these days have not time to read many books, but often a well-chosen sentence or brief saying will prove as effective as a whole volume in giving cheer or kindling earnestness. A great many people are not by any means making the best of themselves or doing what they might do with their lives.

They are indolent, or they are easily discour

aged.

They forget that obstacles are not meant

to be hindrances but inspirers of energy.

The

books the world needs to-day are not those which dwell upon the hardness of life and its hindrances, but those which, recognizing the obstacles that are in the way, yet teach that no true man need ever fail. The man of faith and courage can do impossible things. It is the mission of this book to emphasize and enforce the duty of persistence and unconquerableness. The lesson is taught on every page, and those who read it should be braver and stronger therefor.

PHILADELPHIA,

J. R. MILLER.