TO HANDELL COSHAM, ESQ., F.G.S.,
SHORTWOOD LODGE, BRISTOL.
May I beg you to accept the inscription of this little volume to you as a small token of real affection and most hearty admiration. The present edition of it was prepared for the press in my inactive days at Nibley.
You have not only, through many difficulties, become a remarkable illustration of Self-Formation, but are also constantly engaged in aiding those who, in the most adverse circumstances, are forming their characters in the mould of mental and moral excellence.
May your life long be spared to unite together the life of Conscience, and Commerce, the teaching of Religion and Science. It seems sometimes sad to our human eye to behold, as in the case of our mutually beloved and honoured BENJAMIN PARSONS, the worker removed prematurely from the field of his labour: but it is blessed to feel that the Chief Husbandman knows his servants, and whom to remove, and whom to appoint to their separate tasks. May it be your privilege not only to have those grand characteristics of a perfect manhood-EYESIGHT, HOPE, and ENERGY-but may you be permitted, to a very late day in life, to see your work growing around you into beauty and consistency.