Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1916 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II PHYSICAL EXERCISES FOR DEVELOPING STRENGTH OF CHARACTER If the postulant follows conscientiously the counsels that we have given in the preceding chapter he will find himself disposed to wage war to some advantage upon his own weaknesses, but this will not suffice to preserve him from relapses and confirm him in sane and reasonable volition. In order that these last conditions may be fulfilled the forces of his moral nature must be based upon the power that may be obtained from physical exercises. The first thing to do is to get rid definitely of all impulsiveness; for this defect always degenerates into nervousness and then everything must be begun over again. In the battle that the weak must fight with themselves, nervousness is the most redoubtable foe, since it is an element of disorganization. A moment's nervousness may destroy the fruits of the application of days. It fetters all reflection comprising a judgment and does not even leave willpower for discussion. It bears about with it its pitiable excuse, the excuse of a man of brittle character put forth as an extenuating circumstance: "What can you expect, I was nervous at the time." Or the still more current one, "I had to relieve my nerves." It would be impossible to enumerate all the foolish actions to which these two terms have given illusory protection. It is always best to proclaim aloud that this excuse is nothing but an aggravation of the fault it seeks to palliate. Commission of it is reprehensible, but to seek to explain it by nervousness is to have it thrown out of court. If the fault is a defect the sentiment that gave rise to its commission is another, and a more important one. He who invokes this pitiful defense is like one who would say: "I have done...
