Centenary thoughts for the pew and pulpit of Methodism ...

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 1SS3, 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 brochure. 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.

E. S. Fostee.

INTRODUCTION,

The title of this book, while in itself somewhat blind, sufficiently indicates to the Methodist fraternity its general character and intent. We have come to the closing hours of the first hundred years of our denominational history. Naturally enough the occasion becomes one of special interest to Methodist peoples throughout the world. Crises points, epochal periods, inevitably start emotion and reflection. In the brief life of a man a year is significant, and the anniversary becomes a pivotal point. Great organic movements of society, civic or religious, which carry over ages, and along the lines of generations, fix their commemorative periods by centuries. Nature counts her epochal points by millenniads.

This year is our centennial. Episcopal Methodism, the largest division of the Methodist family, closes its first hundred years. Other American branches have a certain relation of kinship to it. The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which dates its origin as such from 1845, when it became a separate branch with co-ordinate claims to be of the same root with ourselves, will observe this year in common with us, as its proper centennial epoch. We cordially welcome them to the fellowship of our rejoicing as brothers beloved, and joint heirs with us to all the hereditaments of our common honorable origin. Other branches, originating at different periods and from divers causes, will also join with us; and, for the time being, overlooking grounds of separation and points of difference, while recounting the