Prefatory Note

In view of the issue of this book, I wrote to Mr. GEorGE WILLIAMS, so well known and so much beloved by young men, and he, with characteristic sympathy, greatly encouraged me by the following

reply : — “Sept. 20, 1890.

“Dear Dr. ParRKER, — I am gratified to hear of your proposed book for the help and guidance of young men.

“With your insight into human character, your appreciation and recognition of their special needs, and your wide and manifold experience of life, we may, I am persuaded, confidently anticipate a book which will encourage and stimulate young men in their aspirations after true nobility.

“It is upon the threshold of manhood that the faithful warning, the wise counsel, and the sympathetic admonition is especially valuable. Many a young man fails in life from the want of a kindly guiding word at the outset; and many a man now occupying a good and honourable position owes and attributes his success to the timely counsel, at the start, of some friend practically interested in his welfare.

“Thus it is a privilege to help deserving young men. Such actions yield a splendid interest, and effect results, the issue ‘of which it is impossible to over-estimate. I trust that your book may be the means of much practical usefulness to thousands, and wish for it a wide and growing circulation.

“Believe me,
“Dear Dr. PARKER,
“Yours sincerely,
“GEORGE WILLIAMS.”