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. I 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
In reverence and in charity.”

J. P.

DONCASTER, MARCH 26TH, 1861.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

The mental and moral features of Mr. Hessel, and the classes of

persons for whom this memoir is deemed particularly suitable,

specified.

CHAPTER II.

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

Ministry.

CHAPTER III.

At AIREDALE COLLEGE. The spirit in which he enters

College-Driffield-Ravenstonedale-Watson's Life of Wesley—

Rev. Richard Knill-Life of Rev. David Stoner-Edmund Burke

-Northallerton-Letter to Miss * -Method of studying

the Scriptures—Comparison of Howe and Edwards.

*

CHAPTER IV.

At AIREDALE COLLEGE. Sedbergh Kirkby-Lonsdale-Pro-

jects-Letter to Miss * *-Humiliating discovery-Benefit of a

Journal-Means by which his enjoyment of prayer was increased

-Amplitude of means of self-improvement-Practices found to

be injurious—Solicitude for usefulness--Concentration of energy-

Important inquiry-Aphorisms on reading,

CHAPTER V.

*

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.

*

CHAPTER VI.

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

and proper mode of education-Aphorisms on the communication

of thought as a means of improvement.

CHAPTER VII.

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-

ment— Early rising—The sure and only means of avoiding rash

judgments—Aphorisms relative to mental and moral habits.

CHAPTER VIII.

*

At HOWDEN. Termination of his correspondence with Miss *

-Consults a London Physician respecting his health-On the

range of pulpit-topics—His resignation to the Divine will —

Southey's Life of Cowper-Foster's Essays—Bloomfield's Greek

Testament–Difficulty of accurately judging the motives of others

-Prayer an aid to study-Didactic and devotional aphorisms.