The Book: Historical statements awaken in the average mind an interest which proves the existence of a hidden element in them, which does not pertain to a mere record of facts. The marvels of history, not only attest the oneness of human nature and the unity of human experience, but they also forecast a shadowy premonition of coming events. While historial statements address our curiosity for knowledge, they also stimulate the imagination to give realistic colouring to the picture presented to the mind. This volume is the outgrowth of certain lines of historical readings, originally designed for the author’s personal benefit; and to aid in the preparation of sermons and addresses. After nearly twenty-five years of reading and brief indexing of interesting facts and incidents, a mass of quotations has accumulated, and under the natural law of selection this volume represents the “survival of the fittest.†It has been the aim of the compiler to present each quotation complete in itself, so that it may lot be necessary to examine the authority quoted; yet each may be verified by the reader and the connections studied by following the reference which concludes each article. The articles quote the exact words of the various authors, except where otherwise expressed by brackets. The title, catchword and compiler’s addendum, in brackets, will usually to complete the meaning of the quotation that it will not be necessary to make further examination of the historical connections. When more information is desired, it may frequently be found in the large cyclopaedias by those who have not at hand the authorities to which reference is made.
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