Man's Highest Duty; A Story and a Message (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI ALLEN SWETLAND was in the -midst of a very troubled dream. He found himself groping along a strange country road. He put his hand up to his eyes, and cried, "Oh, where am I?" And an answer came back to him, "You are in the land called SELF. Every one here lives for himself andhis own selfish interests, and you are our king." When the voice had ceased, and Mr. Swetland had removed his hand from his eyes, he found himself surrounded by men and women of all classes, rich and poor, capitalist and laborer. He pushed on--and on. Suddenly everything changed. He was now in the midst of a gorgeous setting--on all sides were beautiful flower gardens, fountains, and carefully laid out walks. A little ahead of him he saw a marble stairway. He mounted this, and at the top he beheld a magnificent throne, above which appeared the words, "Allen Swetland, The Great I, Ruler of the Kingdom of Self." Very listlessly, he seated himself, and, as he did so, he saw that he was now attired in the elaborate habiliments of a king. Before him were his "adoring and worshipful subjects," one of whom carried a banner inscribed, "We serve none but ourselves and Allen Swetland, our king. His word is law, and that law is supreme." Plainly, the king was very unhappy and troubled and weary. He waved his people away, and immediately they dispersed. "Oh, I am so tired of everything," the king cried. "To think of it--I have wealth, position, and power, yet I am miserable and discontented. And these insincere and selfish people--they pay me homage, yes, but in their secret hearts they hate and revile and envy me " He jumped up, threw off his ermine robe, seized his crown of jewels, and then cast both emblems of his power far from him. "Oh God, I am so helpless," he moaned, as ...