Four pastorates, glimpses of the life and thoughts of Eden B. Foster, D.D.

Front matter

ffl^OTusuUL

FOUR PASTORATES.

GLIMPSES OF THE

Preface

This book originated in a widespread desire among Dr. Foster's friends and former parishioners, to have a mental photograph of one loved and revered. The controlling aim on its every page has therefore been to make a fitting memorial. The John-street Church, of Lowell, with which more than half of Dr. Foster's forty years in the ministry were spent, wishing for some memento of their beloved pastor, concluded to assist in the publication of this book, rather than to place a marble tablet on the walls of their house of worship. They regarded that which should reproduce the inner life of their departed teacher, as the most becoming tribute to his memory, and one which would bring the most comfort to themselves. It was with this feeling that they appointed a Committee of Publication to assume financial charge of the work. A desire to represent Dr. Foster's methods and mental peculiarities, in their large variety, has governed the selection of addresses and sermons found in this volume. These are inserted primarily from their biographical interest.

At the same time it has been felt that this book might be made, and should be made, of practical value to pastors and churches who had no personal acquaintance with him it commemorates. Dr. Foster's thought took a wide range, and he was wont to express himself clearly and forcibly on a great number of topics. His experiences, as a clergyman, pertained to city and country, to times of peace and times of war, to periods of political strife and national discussion. He was an eminently cautious, wise, and far-seeing man. He was one whose sympathies were keenly enlisted in many directions. In consequence, his utterances, as recorded here, on ministerial responsibilities and methods, on the Christian life, on character, on national affairs, on literature, biography, history, education, theological thought, and many other themes, will, it is believed, prove suggestive and stimulating to those to whom this volume can have no value as a memorial.

The editor of this work desires to express his grateful acknowledgments to the Publishing Committee appointed by the John-street Church, Rev. H. T. Rose and Messrs. S. G. Bailey, J. S. Colby, G. M. Elliott, G. C. Osgood, R. L. Read, J. L. Sargent, G. H. Stevens, A. K. Whitcomb, and A. B. Woodworth; aud especially to Messrs. George M. Elliott, treasurer, and John S. Colby, secretary, on whom the chief burdens of conducting the business have fallen; to the ten gentlemen who became financially responsible for the book; to the friends who contributed appreciative letters of reminiscence ; to the two clergymen whose eulogies form a marked feature of the volume ; to his mother and sister, whose assistance in editing the volume has been invaluable ; and to the many whose interest and substantial aid have made this volume possible.

It may be added, that should sufficient encouragement be received, it is in contemplation to issue in one or more volumes, some of those sermons which Dr. Foster preached in connected courses, on which he put his best work, and which excited special interest among his hearers.

ADDISON P. FOSTER.

Jeksey City, N. J.