“The substance of what follows in this book was delivered as the Fernley-Hartley Lecture at the Methodist Conference of 1975. A mere scanning of the names of those who have, from year to year, delivered these lectures is enough to daunt any newcomer to their ranks; sufficient is it also to quell and selfish pride—except, of course, the rightful pride and honor that one must feel, as I do, in being invited to deliver this lecture, especially as I do it in the city where I was ordained in 1939, and at the completion of my fortieth year in the ministry.” — From the Preface