Introductory remarks-Importance of a right course in the

first stage of study-Importance of a high standard of

attainment-Decision of character-Self-control-

Fixed principles of action-Influence of habit in the

formation of character-Self-knowledge,

LETTER II.

HEALTH.

Unhappy consequences of neglecting a due care of health-

Practicability of preserving good health during a

course of hard study-Food-Exercise-Mental relax-

ation-Sleep-Early rising-Eye-sight-Use of tobac-

co-Care of health a Christian duty,

13-34

35-50

LETTER III.

INTELLECTUAL HABITS.

Diligence and perseverance essential to high mental cul-

ture-Mental symmetry-The habit of accurate and

profound investigation-Due self-confidence-Attend-

ing to every thing in its proper season-Order in

study-Neatness and regularity in the studying apart-

ment-Success in study dependent more on the prepa-

ration of the mind for it, and the mode of study,

than on the amount of time devoted to it-Fixed and

intense thought-Caution against being in a hurry,

LETTER IV.

INTELLECTUAL HABITS.

51-69

Study of Latin and Greek-Habits in the recitation room—

Reading Composition-Extemporaneous speaking, . 70-108

LETTER V.

MORAL HABITS.

Caution against deferring high Christian attainments to a

more convenient season-Daily duties of the closet-

Stated and occasional seasons of fasting and prayer-

Observance of the Sabbath-Cultivation of expansive

Christian benevolence-Making study a religious duty

-Efforts to promote a revival of religion,. . . . 109-136

LETTER VI.

MORAL HABITS.

Levity of deportment-Value of time-Absence during term-

time-Neglect of prescribed exercises-Punctuality

-Economy-Religious reading-Caution against be-

ing proud of intellectual attainments-Courtesy-Cau-
tions against losing the respect of associates-Visit-
ing-Deportment at boarding-houses-Room-mate-
Bosom friends-Obedience to laws-Deportment to-
wards instructers-Doing good to younger students
-Attending religious meetings, and making other
efforts to do good abroad,

LETTER VII.

COLLEGE LIFE.

Caution against too great haste to enter college-Day of
fasting and prayer before entering college-Ambition
-Seeking popularity-Discountenancing insubordina-
tion and immorality-College dissensions-Prejudice
against hard students-Teaching school during the
college course-Vacations,

137-163

164-174

ADVERTISEMENT.

THE history of this volume may be briefly told. Considerable acquaintance with young students led the author to believe, that such a book was greatly needed. As he knew of no person who had a work of this kind in view, he resolved to undertake one himself. He would barely remark, in regard to the letters which make up this volume, that although they are addressed to a pious student who has just commenced an academical course, with the Christian ministry in view, they contain many suggestions which, he hopes, will not be found unprofitable to young students of any description.