INTRODUCTION
Any one who had read "The Greatest Thing in the
World" could not help but desire to see and hear its author; and, when
Professor Drummond visited Boston in the spring of 1893, the capacity of
lecture halls was taxed to the utmost. To accommodate thousands turned away, he
repeated some of his lectures in the Lowell Institute Course, Boston. It was a
crowded Boylston Hall or Appleton Chapel that invariably faced him when he
addressed the students of Harvard University. He drew young men as few men can.
He loved life and nature. He studied and knew men. He had read much. He had
travelled in Europe, America, Africa, Australia and the New Hebrides, with eyes
and ears wide open. With a charming personality and a rare grace of manner, he
was a most attractive speaker and character, whether on the platform or in the
quiet hour.
* * * * * *
The student, the evangelist and pastor, the
professor and lecturer, the traveller and writer, has passed away; but his
words, his writing and his influence cannot. He willingly gave his life to help
others. Many a soul was brought into a higher life. Many a life was led into
the top flat. Many a one was shown his part in the Kingdom of God. Many a man
who was down was set upon his feet. Many a stone of difficulty was rolled
away.
The addresses here given to the public in
permanent form for the first time, as they have already helped some, may yet
help many more.
The first four were delivered to students of
Harvard University, in April, 1893. The remaining three addresses were
delivered at the World's Bible Students' Conference, Northfield, Mass., in
July, 1893.
LUTHER HESS WARING.
Scranton, Penna.