PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION. This volume is designed to supply a desideratum. We have several works admirably fitted to stimulate the young to self-culture, but guidance is needed as well as stimulus. How desirable that the aspirant should have access to the experience of one who has trodden the path on which he is entering, and is able to pronounce on the respective value of various mental and moral processes and habits! Here we have a record of the processes by which Mr. Hessel attained excellence. His experiences can scarcely fail to instruct, and his example is well fitted to stimulate. have received numerous gratifying testimonies of the great service the work has already rendered. Though the greater part of the volume was written before he was twenty-two, persons of maturer years may deem it not unworthy their attention. The present edition has not only been thoroughly revised but re-written ; and it is hoped the value of the work is considerably increased. The size and style of the book have been chosen with a view to make it a companion volume to the "Memorials of Eliza Hessel." The renewal of intimate communion with my friend has repeatedly prompted me to appropriate the language of our laureate : "I would the great world grew like thee, Who grewest not alone in power And knowledge, but by year and hour DONCASTER, MARCH 26TH, 1861. J. P. CONTENTS. The mental and moral features of Mr. Hessel, and the classes of persons for whom this memoir is deemed particularly suitable, At YORK. Parentage-Apprenticed to be a draper-Attends a theatre-Abandons it, and becomes a member of the Rev. James Parsons' church-Is recommended as a candidate for the Christian At AIREDALE COLLEGE. The spirit in which he enters College-Driffield-Ravenstonedale-Watson's Life of Wesley- At HOWDEN. Failure of health-On the method of preparation for the pulpit—Letter to Miss *-Cause of excessive admira- tion of the Classics-Baxter-Jonathan Edwards-Distinction between the productions of men of genius and others-Letter to Miss * *-Ruptures a blood vessel-Letter to Miss Impressive observations on the responsibility of the preacher. At HOWDEN. Character of his reading-The joy derivable from the Divine Omnipresence-Remarks on affliction-Death prefer- able to uselessness-A Presence which pervades creation-No disgrace in industry-Comparison of Howe and Owen-The design At HOWDEN. One characteristic of genius-The influence of a good thought incalculable-The Elizabethan writers-His distri- bution of time-Action an important means of moral improve- |