out that the method of process for making a Will is so closely allied
to that laid down for Attention that it will seem like a deduction
from it, both being allied to what may claim to be an original Art of
Memory, to which I shall devote a chapter in its due place.

For as I hope clearly to prove it is an easy matter to create a strong
will, or strengthen that which we have, to a marvelous extent, yet he
who would do this must first give his _Attention_ firmly and fixedly
to his intent or want, for which purpose it is absolutely necessary
that he shall first _know his own mind regarding what he means to do_,
and therefore meditate upon it, not dreamily, or vaguely, but
earnestly. And this done he must assure himself that he takes a real
interest in the subject, since if such be the case I may declare that
his success is well nigh certain.

And here it may be observed that if beginners, _before_ taking up
any pursuit, would calmly and deliberately consider the virtues of
Attention and Interest, and how to acquire them, or bring them to bear
on the proposed study or work, we should hear much less of those who
had "begun German" without learning it, or who failed in any other
attempt. For there would in very truth be few failures in life if
those who undertake anything first gave to it long and careful
consideration by leading observation into every detail, and, in fact,
becoming familiar with the idea, and not trusting to acquire interest
and perseverance in the future. Nine-tenths of the difficulty and
doubt or ill-at-easeness which beginners experience, giving them the
frightened feeling of "a cat in a strange garret," and which often
inspires them to retreat, is due entirely to not having begun by
training the Attention or awakened an Interest in the subject.