The Author's Notice.

ECAUSE God has done such wonderful things

BECAUSE

for me during all my youthful life, and given me the holy influence of dear, godly parents, and has called me to his great work, the ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and has kept me in the hollow of his hand to this gracious hour of advanced life, secure amid all danger and from death, I have by his grace alone written this book to his glory. I desire, also, to exhibit to this generation, and to generations yet unborn, my subordination to the divine will, as well as to express my gratitude for God's unbounded goodness and matchless mercies through all my days, and for the gift he has given me to write this history. I may, by some sentiments herein expressed, accomplish much good, both to elevate the minds of the young, in all time, to great usefulness, and to console the aged, by past and pleasing reminiscences herein; hence I send out this volume of incidents in the life-boat of time, that its good thoughts may reach all shores and bless all hearts.

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My warmest thanks are perpetually expressed to Bishop JOHN F. HURST, D. D., LL. D., for his kind words in inspiring me to write this volume. I also owe great thanks to my friend WILLIAM BLOM, Esq., of Keokuk, Iowa, for pecuniary aid in publishing this book. Amen.

JOHN BURGESS.

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Introduction.

O the glory and honor of the Invisible, yet All Present and Eternal one, I present this book of "Pleasant Recollections" to the world, hoping and praying that its contents may be acceptable to thousands. The beautiful commendations I now offer, from noble and distinguished friends, are quite sufficient to render it attracting and give it prestige; hence I offer their laudations as my introduction; namely:

Rev. William G. Thorn, of Keokuk, Iowa, says: "I have heard Rev. Dr. J. Burgess read a number of the chapters of his manuscript, for a work entitled, 'Pleasant Recollections,' etc. These chapters were to me very thrilling and entertaining. Brother Burgess's style of writing is very impressive and beautiful. His descriptive powers are excellent, and he weaves into the story of his life touching anecdotes and instructive historic facts, in a lucid and interesting manner. This book, if published, and placed in the hands of the people, must certainly be the means of good. It elevates before the mind of the reader the noble traits of great and good men, that must have an upward tendency upon the mind. It records items of history relative to earlier times of our Church on the frontiers, that should not be forgotten. It is full of wholesome lessons and injunctions toward a higher and better life. Frontier life, with its sacrifices and toils, under a divine impulse of duty, is made heroic."

Rev. R. L. Rose, of Keokuk, Iowa, says: "I most

heartily indorse the above statements of Rev. William G. Thorn, and believe that Dr. J. Burgess's book will be a blessing, both to the Church and posterity."

Rev. George N. Power, D. D., presiding elder of Keokuk District, says: "Having listened to chapters of Rev. Dr. John Burgess's Autobiography, I have no doubt that it will be read with interest by those who were co-laborers with him, and their friends. The book is in the author's best style, and indicates wonderful tenacity of memory. He introduces many incidents that are both amusing and profitable, and will serve to perpetuate some things in his own life and labors, as well as the noble company of men with whom he was associated in the beginning of his ministry, that will aid some future historian in presenting, in a clear and pleasing light, the period embraced by the author in his volume."

Rev. J. W. McDonald, D. D., of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, says: "In her early years, Methodism was unique and heroic. Her men, her workings, her experiences, her successes, were all of marked character. A complete photograph of that heroic age would not only be of intense interest, but a genuine inspiration to all coming ages. Those who can give life-pictures to that period of Methodism are rapidly disappearing. Dr. Burgess, in his timely book entitled, 'Pleasant Recollections and Thrilling Scenes,' goes back into that heroic age, and gives an insight into its daily life. With great felicity and vivacity he gives a picture of men and things, that not only interests the reader, but also enables him to catch the spirit of those early years; the remarkable memory that enables him to bring up so definitely and minutely the events of past years, specially qualify him for the work he has undertaken. Judging from the