“The great ends of Christian biography are instruction and example. By faithfully describing the lives of men eminent for godliness, we not only embalm their memory, but furnish ourselves with fresh materials and motives for a holy life. It is abundantly more impressive to view the religion of Jesus as operating in a living character than to contemplate it abstractedly. For this reason we may suppose the Lord the Spirit has condescended to exhibit, first and principally, the life of Christ; and, after his, that of many of his eminent followers. And for this reason he by his holy influences still furnishes the church with now and then a singular example of godliness, which it is our duty to notice and record. There can be no reasonable doubt that the life of Mr. Pearce ought to be considered as one of these examples. May that same Divine Spirit who had manifestly so great a hand in forming his character teach us to derive from it both instruction and edification.”
Andrew Fuller (1754-1815) from Memoirs of the Rev. Samuel Pearce, M.A. (Complete Works of Andrew Fuller, III, 444)
Working out Salvation with Fear and Trembling 
Amen, brother. I changed the assignment in the PL course at DBTS to include reading a biography and doing a 10 minute oral summary of some aspect of the pastor or missionary that challenged their leadership as a pastor. I hope it is a fruitful exercise for the men this semester.
Glad to hear that Pearson! I am sure it is helpful to them!