James Stokes, pioneer of Young men's Christian associations

This is the story of a young man's life nobly lived, worthily devoted, persistently held to one dominating plan and purpose, ripened to the full. It is told by those who had been colaborers with him in enterprises which engaged all his wealth of resources, of friendship, social position, and finance. They shared with him the privilege of working during his long life covering a period of more than half a wonderful century which saw the Young Men's Christian Association determine its course, expand and extend its field of influence throughout the world. His life is interwoven with the lives and labors of good and great men of faith and Christian leadership of two generations in many lands. He worked in association with other men. His constant purpose was to discover in close and constant consultation what he could do and where he could serve. He was ready for anything and to cooperate to the limit. His life is woven into the fabric of Christian faith. This is the story of a pioneer -- of a simple and devoted servant of his Lord who caught a vision of the unconquerable power in the organized forces of young Christian laymen and of the use by them of influence and of money. - Foreword.