AUTHOR'S PREFACE
Salutem, Esteemed Friend:
With present writing will say that I was to-day, for a definite purpose, called upon to visit Friend Dielman Kolb, who told me that he is in receipt of a letter from Friend Christopher Saur, in which he inquires, in general, as to my school management, concerning which he would like to know, not only the art and method by which I receive the children, but also how I keep order among them. Then Friend Dielman explained to me thus: He would like to undertake such a labor of love for his Friend Saur, but as he is not thoroughly acquainted with my methods he is, therefore, not able to comply with Friend Saur's request in a satisfactory manner. Therefore he has begged me to take the burden upon my shoulders and make a report, to gratify Saur's wishes. This I am not able to refuse altogether on account of my love for Friend Saur and Friend Dielman, but I find many difficulties in a matter of this kind which I should like, first of all, to explain.
As regards reporting upon the questions that Friend Saur has put to Friend Dielman and the latter to me, I could easily answer them, seeing that my daily dealings with youth are known to me better than to another. But the difficulty is this: that it would appear as though I were trying to build up for myself a reputation, testimonial or unsavory
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