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 BOOK II. THE MESSAGE:--ITS ESSENTIAL NOTES. Chapter I. The Note of Accusation " II. The Note of Pity " III. The Note of Idealism " IV. The Note of Edification " V. The Note of Cheer BOOK III. THE MESSAGE:--ITS FORM AND DELIVERANCE. Chapter I. On Attractiveness " II. On Transparency " III. On Appeal CONCLUSION INTRODUCTION "There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High."--_Psalms_. "Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country and go down into the desert."