The Royal Path of Life/Preface

The subject-matter of this book, Success and Happiness, has been the consideration of every eminent pen, from the days of Solomon to the present. To say any thing strictly new would be impossible; nor would we presume that our knowledge and experience would be as valuable as the maxims of the wise and the sublime truths which have become a part of the standard literature. The best, therefore, that any one can expect to do is to recombine the experience of the past, and compile such thoughts and extracts as have chimed in with the testimony of earnest and aspiring minds, and offer them in a novel and fascinating form. In the words of the poet: “We have gathered posies from other men’s flowers, Nothing but the thread that binds them is ours.”

In life there is a Royal Path. Alas! that so many not being urged to seek life’s prizes, fail to find them. It is hoped that this book shall be a counselor to those who have become indifferent to life’s purposes; a comfort to those who have long traveled on this Royal Path; and if it shall serve to awaken the slumbering genius within the youth, stimulate and impel them to noble thoughts and actions, and lead them on to honor, success and happiness, the authors will consider themselves amply repaid for their labor.