Compilation of lovely lines, verses, maxims, proverbs, and essays from the "best minds among men". The three editors apparently worked sequentially. The last is a Christian poet, who gracefully includes one of his own, in this selection of chosen words, for this troubled world "in which the Word becomes flesh to dwell among us". The Foreword explains that the object is consolation, the design is inspiration. Indeed, the selection provides keys to both. However, the scope is limited to the Western and largely Christian canon.

The Table of Contents lists 32 Subjects alphabetically: "Action", "Adversity", "Age", etc. The preface had me with the first line: "Civilization had its beginning around an open fire." Picture a family group gathered for safety, comfort, and companionship. With a General Index of Authors and Subjects.