It has been written by ecclesiasts that "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever". When we search the sacred script for the realm and residence of the Infinite, we find "The Kingdom of God is within you", and an injunction comes rolling down to us through the ages from the pen of an old Greek philosopher, "Son, know thyself".
Therefore, the man who has learned the constituent parts of himself and the secret art of self-culture, has found untold joy in the development of his body, his mind and his spirit, and new opportunities are revealed to him as he prepares himself to receive them. Character of the highest order is the result, for in knowing himself, he finds the spirit of the Infinite dwelling within him, and he naturally glorifies his God through higher thoughts, nobler deeds and purer actions in all his relationships with his fellowmen.
I contend, therefore, that the one who can point the way for the boy or girl, man or woman, whereby he or she may better know him or herself, is not only performing a service inestimable, but is a benefactor to the day and generation in which that one lives. Such is the authoress of this book. "Who can estimate the value of a Jefferson, a Lincoln, a Fulton, a Frances Willard, an Edison or any of scores of others one could name whose measure of life has been service? Likewise, who can measure the value of the teacher, the minister, the physician who, regarding his profession in its rightful sphere of service, loses himself in his sacred calling?
In the pages that follow, you will find the concentrated and consecrated efforts of a lifetime of rich experience on the subjects treated by one whose noble life of self sacrificing service and untiring efforts have awakened dormant abilities, started the process of character building and directed the way to health to thousands of young men and women throughout this land. She has caught up the clarion call of the old philosopher, "Son, know thyself", and has directed the processes of unfoldment and development of all the constituent parts of their lives. I ·have met, in different sections of the United States, those who pay her tribute for the awakening of their ambitions and give her credit for much of their success in life. Many of these today are among the leaders in different walks of life.
One man gives this record: "I was born in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. My parents pioneered to Oregon, taking part in the struggles of building home and state. The circumference of my world, until I met Mrs. Ellis, now over thirty years ago, were the hills surrounding our little town and valley. She told me of my abilities lying dormant, and gave me directions for their development. She told me what character meant and how to keep right with God. She directed me in hygiene. She told me where I was needed in this world and how to get there. My natural desires and intuitions told me she was right. She reasoned. She taught. She led. She inspired: She was as a messenger-from whom shall I say? Only this, may God bless her and her work, for she is being mightily used in directing life."
This book should yield to those who read it a rich reward in this life and a dividend payable in eternity. It speaks for itself. Behind each word is the authoress, Mrs. Jean Morris Ellis, and to make you acquainted with her is a pleasure, a duty and a partial return for a service long ago rendered to the writer.
C. N. WONACOTT.