by the world.

No thinking man can fail to see that there is something fearfully and
radically wrong in this world of ours. The few are getting too much, and
the millions are getting far too little. The cry of the poor fills the
earth, and many are the plans that have been devised for the relief of
the innumerable sufferers; but there is an essential defect in each of
them, nor is there relief to be obtained short of the power of Almighty
God. This is fully comprehended in what we have been pleased to call
Golden Ruleism, in the 2nd and 3d volumes.

Many students and writers upon the signs of the times take an extremely
pessimistic view of the situation, and believe that we shall witness
"blood to the horses' bridles." No one can deny that things are
desperately bad, and that something must be done soon to relieve the
strain or the very worst may be apprehended; yet the author prefers to
see things through optimistic eyes, and believes that God will raise up
a Moses, (or Doctor Jones, if you please,) who will lead us to a higher
and better state than this world has yet ever known. The old adage 'It
is always darkest just before dawn,' is beautifully applicable to the
present state of the world. So I take courage and launch my book out
upon the tempestuous sea of humanity, trusting that it may be welcomed
as the harbinger of a better and happier era. I am sure that it bears to
the world the olive branch of peace.

As is usual with prefaces, this one is anticipatory and can only be
appreciated after one has perused the book. So I make the request of the
reader that he re-read it after having become acquainted with the scheme
and scope of the work.

This volume is to be immediately followed by volumes two and three,
which complete the set.

S.E. CHAPMAN, M.D.

Napa, Cal., Dec. 13th, 1897.

INDEX.

PAGE.

Chapter I. "Figures don't lie." 1

" II. Two men resolve to go picnicking. 7

" III. Mrs. Jones offers some objections. 10

" IV. Mrs. Jones dictates terms. 14

" V. The Government joins the picnickers. 18

" VI. Off on a shoreless sea. 22

" VII. A Gunpowder tea party. 25

" VIII. Relating how the beautiful picnic progressed. 32

" IX.