of Gospel preaching. With
the preacher, more than with the ecclesiastic or the musician or the
theologian, not to mention the Biblical critic and the religio-social
worker, rests the task of solving the great problem of twentieth
century Christianity. This problem is neither a critical nor a
theological one, but simply that of the age-long campaign:--How shall
we so commend the Christ as to draw the world to His feet?

To this avowal, the writer would venture to add a brief personal
explanation. Strongly convinced, though he is, of the soundness of the
view expressed above, he did not enter willingly upon the task of this
book. His brother preachers will know what it is to be captured by a
text which comes uninvited and persistently demands to be preached
upon. How often such an arrest finds its subject unwilling, doubtful
of his powers, afraid to be obedient to the unsought command! So came
the subject of this essay to the writer thereof. For long he tried
strenuously, though vainly, to make his escape to the refuge of some
other topic wherein he might, less daringly, discharge the
responsibilities of this lectureship. He disclaims, therefore, any
presumption of which he may be accused in attempting an enterprise
which some may think is outside his province or beyond his powers.
This book embodies not a challenge, but a surrender!

One word more may be allowed. Surely, no one will need to be told that
the "Hartley Lecture" is delivered under the auspices of the Primitive
Methodist Church, or that its delivery is included in the programme of
its Annual Conference. This will explain why the reader will find,
here and there, in the chapters here assembled, certain denominational
allusions of a historic and biographical character. Primitive
Methodists will readily understand them and, we hope, discover that
they add force to argument--strength to appeal. Readers of other
denominations will not find that the meaning of the writer is obscured
by any one of these references. As for the principles sought to be
commended and emphasised, any application they may have is not limited
by denominational boundaries.

LONDON,
_June 1st_, 1912.

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION

BOOK I.

THE MAN.

Chapter I. The Designation of the Preacher
" II. Things to be Realised
" III. The Need for Certainty
" IV. Individuality
" V. Concerning "Understanding"
" VI. Passion