Everywhere there are people who feel that the odds are against them, that difficulties in the way are unsurmountable, that it is useless to make further effort to conquer. The author of "The Book of Courage" knows by experience how they feel, and he longs to send to them a message of cheer and death-to-the-blues, a call to go on to the better things that wait for those who face life in the spirit of the gallant General Petain, whose watchword, "They shall not pass!" put courage into his men and hope into the hearts of millions all over the world. "Courage!" is the call to these. "Courage" is likewise the word to those who are already struggling in the conquering spirit of Sir Walter Scott who, when both domestic calamity and financial misfortune came, said to a comforter, "The blowing off of my hat on a stormy day has given me more weariness," who called adversity "a tonic and a bracer." The world needs courage--the high courage that shows itself in a life of daily struggle and conquest, that smiles at obstacles and laughs at difficulties. How is the needed courage to be secured? What are the springs of courage? What are some of the results of courage? These are questions "The Book of Courage" seeks to answer by telling of men and women who have become courageous. Glorious provision has been made by the Inspirer of men for giving courage to all, no matter what their difficulties or their hardships. Among His provisions are home and friends, work and service, will and conscience, the world with all its beauty, and Himself as Companion and Friend. Thus we are left absolutely without excuse when we are tempted to let down the bars to worry and gloom and discouragement. Keep up the bars! Don't let the enemies of peace and progress pass! And always, "Like the star, That shines afar, Without haste, And without rest, Let each man wheel, with steady sway Round the tasks that rule the day, And do his best." J. T. F. PHILADELPHIA, 1920 _CONTENTS_ CHAPTER PAGE 1. THE COURAGE OF SELF-CONQUEST 13 I. RESTRAINING SELF 15 II. EFFACING SELF 18 III. FORGIVING INJURIES 22 IV. FORGETTING WRONGS 25 V. GETTING RID OF EVIL 29 VI. LOOKING BEYOND MONEY 32 2. THE COURAGE THAT FACES OBSTACLES 41 I. LEARNING 42 II. DEPENDING ON SELF 47 III. UNCOMPLAINING 51 IV. PERSISTING 56 V. TOILING 63 VI. CONQUERING INFIRMITY 67