Francis Asbury

By George W. Griffith

Introduction

 

      Among the immortals of all ages shines the name of Francis Asbury. The statue to "The Prophet of the Long Road" erected by Act of Congress in the National Capitol is the first purely religious memorial of its kind. The life of this man of the burning heart is inextricably bound up with all that is best in the life of our Republic. As a boy he learned the secret of living in the Book, of living upon his knees, of keeping "within whispering distance of Jesus", and his God-directed life is perhaps the most constructive spiritual contribution that England made to the greatness of these United States of America.

      Most men whose lives count in the Kingdom have somewhere stated that next to reading God's Word the lives of God's chosen ones has been their greatest source of strength. No romance excels the drama of such a life as Bishop Asbury's, and few other names hold greater inspiration for the Christian youth of the world. The man who has interpreted this life for us, the late beloved Bishop George W. Griffith, was one who knew the secret of Bishop Asbury's power and in these pages shares it with us.

      To read the suggestions and questions at the close of each chapter is to feel impelled to find the answers. With an insight born of long experience, Mrs. Lillian Bushnell Griffith, the editor and compiler, directs attention to what is vital. She has done worth-while service for the reader who wishes to secure maximum values from this inspiring biography and especially for study groups who will use this volume with profit to themselves and to the cause of God.

-B. H. Pearson.