He spent his spare hours in learning navigation, that he might be a good seaman.

But when he was ready to set out for Hull, the entreaties and tears of his mother prevailed on him to give up the project; and then he had to consider what he should do to maintain himself at home.
"He proceeded with his self-education, and with such small aids as he could procure, he gathered together a good deal of knowledge.

He thought that he might be able to teach others.

Everybody liked him, for his diligence, his application, and his good sense.

At the age of seventeen he was employed to teach the sons of the neighbouring farmers.