pardPREFACE

It is rather more than twenty-eight years since I confessed Jesus as the Son of God and became a member of the Church at Armadale. During that period I have known the author of this book as the evangelist of the churches in the Slamannan district. The first few years of our acquaintance recall very pleasant intercourse, and as the years passed by the ties of friendship grew stronger. I presume it is because of that long association with him that I have been asked to write a prefatory note to his work.

Our author's life and work have been so varied, abounding with interesting incidents, that it must be gratifying to many of his friends that he has been persuaded to make some selections and record them as he has done. When, as we walked together or sat by the fireside, he related some of his experiences, we have been delighted and helped in many ways. Because such incidents as were related in these talks were beneficial to us, we knew they would also be of use to others if written in a book. When Mr. Anderson had nearly completed his task I happened to be in a company of brethren outside the Slamannan district to which he was telling some things that had happened in his life, and one of the number said, "Why do you not put in writing some of these things?" It was a pleasing surprise to know that he had already done so. That is by no means a solitary instance shewing that such a book, as has been produced, would be much appreciated. Those who have known the author personally will expect that cold type cannot express the vivid, stirring incidents as impressively as the charming human voice, and a remarkably lucid tongue. Yet facts and truths are stated with that originality characteristic of the preacher. In few words he conveys his thoughts with precision and force.

Many of the lessons we learn are derived from the experiences of others, and a perusal of his book contains valuable lessons, especially for young Christians. The need for having a clear and firm hold of the fundamental truths of Christianity is apparent when error assails the citadel of truth; and nothing but unwavering confidence in the Oracles of the Living God can give the courage to defend the truth. In addition to a sound faith and knowledge of truth, an acquaintance with the various kinds of religious errors is absolutely necessary for those who would preach the gospel successfully. The example of Mr. Anderson meeting different religious people so frequently is calculated to fix that upon the reader's mind. It has been said, "To know the disease is half the cure;" and to know well the position of those who are in error, gives one a great advantage in successfully meeting an opponent. Much of this work has reference to public debates, and few men have been called upon to defend what the Scriptures teach as often as he has had to do. Indeed, some may think the references to these are numerous enough, but in relating incidents in a life such as his it could hardly be otherwise. If results justify the means, then these discussions have been salutary to the churches of Christ. Sometimes a religious body would propound its tenets with such zeal with some members of the churches would be wavering, but when the unscripturalness of their teaching was exposed without any ambiguity, the result was that the churches had rest from their opponents.

As a defender of the faith we have one side of his life. There are a few references to his conversations with persons as he happened to meet with them. This part of his life - and a very useful part too - has been sparingly given. When facing an opponent on the public platform he appears as a strong, courageous, unrelenting defender of truth, and some might think there was an absence of gentleness and kindness in his nature. Had more of his personal talks with individuals enquiring for the right way of the Lord been given, these traits of character would have become more apparent to the reader; but to have elaborated his conversations with such, would have required another book or made the present one too large. The reader will learn even from the few personal conversations with individuals that are recorded, that the author was both cautious and kind to the utmost with honest, anxious inquirers after truth.

The testimony given at the close of such an active public life is encouraging to those who stand with "sword and trowel" in hand, as in the days of Nehemiah. Aggressive and defensive work have to be done, and our author's example will stimulate to do both. There is a clear ring of confidence as to the sufficiency and certainty of the Scriptures that corresponds with Paul's words - "I am not ashamed of the gospel" - "I know whom I have believed." Love to the Lord Jesus and a deep, sincere reverence for His will as supreme are the great guiding principles of his life. These shine out in the experiences recorded, and if, in a measure, these elevating and purifying motives are strengthened in those who read this book, then the author's desire will be obtained - the good of believers in Jesus and the glory of God.

JAS. WARDROP.

Whitburn, Oct. 1912.

As a committee appointed by Churches of Christ in Great Britain and Ireland co-operating for evangelistic purposes, with instructions to publish tracts, pamphlets or books likely to be useful in our work, we have been pleased to publish this volume, produced in the way and manner which the esteemed author explains in his preface. The suggestion to publish it came to us after it was written, so that the writing of it was not in any way influenced by us; or by any aim on Mr. Anderson's part at rendering it suitable for us to publish. We are aware that several things are discussed in it which are left open questions in our churches. As Mr. Anderson himself indicates about one of them, our objection is to making (as some do) any view on such matters, essential to church fellowship. But the prominence of discussions about some of these questions did not seem to preclude our publishing the book; even here there is so much well said of essential matters, and so much good sense exhibited in dealing with the questions themselves, that we deem the narrative in such parts also well calculated to serve a useful end. Then the general position we take in regard to the Gospel and its conditions, the influence and help of the Holy Spirit, Christian Union, the Bible, and other subjects, and his exposure of errors, are all alike stated with the author's incisive clearness. It is hoped, also, that the form of the book - the autobiography of an evangelist of striking personality, exceptional ability, and genuine piety, - its crisp, easy, conversational style, and occasional touches of quaint humour, will lead to its important Scriptural truth being read and considered with pleasure and profit.

THE PUBLISHING COMMITTEE.

Frequently of late I have been asked by friends to commit some things to writing. Those who have spoken to me have given in substance the same reason, this being to the effect that they had often been helped by me as to the meaning of a portion of Scripture, or how to support and defend a truth, or how to oppose an error which was being pressed upon them. As a rule they have added something like this: "You are getting old now, you will not be able to help us in this respect much longer, you should commit some things to writing - they might be useful to us when you are gone from us."

It is very hard for me to decide whether I should take no notice of this suggestion or whether I should try to some extent to comply with it. The book which my friends seem to desire would be largely an account of my experience - what I have required to say and do in connection with preaching the Gospel of Christ, helping its friends and opposing its foes. This would be a big and strange book. I could not write all, and I may not be able to make the best selections. Still, in deference to the wishes of my friends, I feel inclined to jot down some things and see what shape they take.

Should those who do not know me read what I write, they may consider it presumption in a man like me writing anything in book form. I have a good deal of sympathy with this opinion, and if blame there be in this respect my friends must at least share it. I have never posed as a scholar; I have ever spoken as a common man to common men. But if in that sphere my tongue has been in some degree useful, it is not impossible that my pen may be of some use to the same class.

I do not profess to have a profound knowledge of anything. My aim has always been to be plain and practical. Hence, I have a deep conviction that any ordinary man who adopts the principles which have governed my life may, even with very little help, equal or surpass anything which has been accomplished my me.

Some friends have urged that, if I write, the book should take the shape of the story of my life. I have much the same trouble with that suggestion; I have had a long and varied life. I could not write all the particulars of it if I would, and I have no wish to write a big book. Still, I may try to blend this suggestion with the foregoing, that is, give an outline of my life and try to work some useful information into it.

JAS. ANDERSON