Kentucky conference pulpit : being sermons by ministers of the Kentucky Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. On doctrinal, practical, and scientific subjects

Introduction

THE " Kentucky Conference Pulpit " will be read with, interest, not only by the Methodists of Kentucky, but by Christians who worship at other altars, and by those whose fortunes are not identified with any branch of the Church of Christ who properly appreciate religious truth. K"ot only within the bounds of the Kentucky Conference, the thoughts of whose preachers enrich these pages, but throughout the State, and far beyond its limits, the "Pulpit" will wend its way, offering instruction to many an anxious inquirer after the truth, and consolation to many an oppressed and aching heart. These sermons, emanating from the Kentucky Conference, whether we refer to their elegance of diction, their beauty of style, their profundity of thought, or to their soundness of doctrine — presented as they are in " thoughts that breathe and words that burn" — are well worthy the men by whom they were written.

4 Introduction.

Methodism to-day in Kentucky occupies a commanding eminence. In every part of the Commonwealth the spires of its temples point toward the house not made with hands, while its altars are crowded with listening thousands, and from its pulpits the tidings of a Redeemer's love are proclaimed by a faithful ministry whom God has called to preach the gospel.

Entering upon its career in Kentucky toward the close of the past century, it has gradually increased in strength, in power, and in influence, until more than ninety thousand are called by its name. Those who adhere to its fortunes, whether in the ministry or the laity, are not unmindful of the trials through which it has passed, nor of the difficulties with which it has been confronted. For every advance it has made, and every victory it has achieved, the struggle has been severe. On no occasion has it thought proper to rest upon the laurels it has gathered, or to repose amid the trophies it has won. The soil upon which its standard has been planted, and over which its banner spreads its folds to-day, has been prepared for its reception by labor and toil. "Wherever Methodism has gone, on its errand of good, the doctrines of immersion and Calvinism preoccupied the minds and hearts of the people. To remove the wall of prejudice erected by these systems was no easy task, yet this had to be done

Introduction. 5

before the good seed could germinate and bring forth fruit. Wishing to live in peace with all who love the Lord Jesus, it has not, however, refused to enter the field of controversy where error was to be overthrown, or where truth required a champion. All along its history controversies have agitated the Church on these questions, contributing to its influence and adding to its triumphs, until now, whether we think of its struggling past, look upon its commanding present, or contemplate its glorious future, we rejoice that we have a name among its people.

A. II. Bedford.

Nashville, Texn., Nov. 10, 1874. 1*

Methodism. By the Rev. W. F. Poynter 265