Centenary thoughts for the pew and pulpit of Methodism in eighteen hundred and eighty-four

Preface

In 1866 I was invited to preach a Centennial Sermon before the New York Conference. After its delivery the Conference, by a unanimous vote, solicited its publication. But, being asked to repeat it several times, I withheld its publication until the time passed. The first part of this little volume is the substance of that sermon, with some additions. The second and third parts are the substance of addresses delivered to the several Conferences I held in September and October of 1883, and to the Lay Electoral Conferences meeting at the same time. These were also solicited for publication by the several bodies to whom they were addressed. I have thought that perhaps I ought not to disregard the request, and, on re-examination, have come to feel that possibly at this particular time the words, while not in any respect remarkable, might do some good beyond the circle of those who heard them. This, if any is necessary, is my apology for sending forth this little hrochure. My brethren of the ministry, who well know the heart from which it emanates, will not find fault with the liberty taken in addressing them thus more publicly, or with the great plainness of speech used, as the publication is made in response to the request of several hundreds of themselves. I indulge the hope that the reading will be profitable, possibly, long

PREFACE.

after the tongue which first uttered the words has been silenced by death, and far beyond the circle of those who heard them.

My lay brethren, also, I believe, will not think me immodest in addressing them in this manner, nor will they be offended with the suggestions and advices offered. Many, I am quite sure, will be pleased to have in a permanent form the words which met with their approval at the time of their delivery. I send forth this triple message with unaffected humility, and with the earnest prayer that the good God will make it a blessing to our dear Methodism.

R. S. Fostek.