1914. It
carries an introduction by Dr. Reverdy C. Ransom, the editor of the
_African Methodist Episcopal Church Review_. Inasmuch as it is the
record of a distinguished minister in one of the leading Negro
denominations, it throws much light on this period, not only in
ecclesiastical affairs but in matters touching the life and
development of this race during that period. This is apparent to one
observing that the book covers the author's twenty-seven years in the
pastorate, sixteen years as a chaplain in the United States army,
seven years as a professor in Wilberforce University, two of his trips
to Europe and one to Mexico. The book is illustrated, but it has no
index.

Taking up the work of the General Conference of 1864, the author says
much to give the reader an insight into the characters and efforts of
the leading churchmen of his denomination at that time. Among those
passing in review are Bishops Quinn, Payne, and Nazrey, and others
like H. M. Turner and Alexander W. Wayman who later became bishops of
that denomination. Then follows his trip South, when the author had
the opportunity to participate in the early efforts for the uplift of
the freedmen, serving in Georgia and in South Carolina. He then tells
how he arose to a position of usefulness and later served larger
groups of communicants in Philadelphia and the District of Columbia.
Referring to his record as a chaplain in the United States army, the
author shows a larger acquaintance with the leading Negro statesmen
through whom he obtained the position. The account of his services in
this capacity, both in this country and abroad, and especially in the
Philippine Islands, sets forth information, not only as to what that
portion of the world was doing, but the reaction of this educated
Negro to this panorama. Other interesting experiences appear in the
account of his extensive travels.

The value of the book is incalculable when one takes into
consideration the dearth of such literature bearing on Negroes. This
work takes rank with the recent volume of Bishop Coppin entitled
_Unwritten History_, for certainly there are to be found therein
interesting romances taken from the life of the Negro and recorded by
one of the race in the manner in which these things were impressed
upon him and found expression in his mind. This is the sort of
literature for which the public has patiently waited and it is
devoutly to be desired that other churchmen may find ti