The Message and the Man:

Delivered as the fourteenth Hartley Lecture in 1912, this thoughtful address explores the dwindling influence of Protestant preaching at a time when church memberships and reverence for the sacred were in decline. Written in memory of a devoted Primitive Methodist minister, the author confesses his own reluctance before embracing a call to revitalize the pulpit. He frames preaching as the most critical work for renewing faith amid growing materialism and social change, urging a fresh renaissance of Gospel proclamation.

The lecture offers practical counsel on aligning the preacher’s character with the message, emphasizing honesty, humility, and the craftsman's pride in dividing the Word of Truth. Though rooted in early‑twentieth‑century Methodist concerns, its principles extend beyond any single denomination, speaking to anyone drawn to the power of spoken belief. Listeners will discover a passionate plea for a pulpit revival that still resonates with today’s quest for authentic, compelling communication.