The following is an excerpt from the book, Sketches of Our Mountain Pioneers, edited by J. W. West, containing some comments from B. A. Abbott (1866-1936) on the topic of preaching and preachers.
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He was a great believer in preaching and in preachers. This quotation from an editorial on “Big Preachers” well expresses his feelings: “To us all preachers are big preachers. Some have more talents; some occupy places where they can be seen and estimated and appreciated more than others. The greatest preacher is the one who renders the sincerest and most unselfish service.”
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On Wednesday night, February 23, 1933, a dinner was tended him at the Union Avenue Christian Church, in honor of the fiftieth year of his ministry. There were many messages from all over the brotherhood, felicitating him on the happy occasion. Over four hundred of his friends were present. Following the many speeches of appreciation and congratulation, he gave what was to be his last public address. His mind was still clear, but the old time vigor was lacking. The address was important, in that it set forth the four guiding principles that had characterized his ministry:
- I have chosen great texts.
- I have preached the universal gospel and not a gospel of my own.
- I have ever aimed to put good men forward.
- I have never lusted for crowds, but have tried to do my best no matter how many were present.