This little volume does not profess to be a complete history of the Free Methodist church. Nor does it undertake a systematic discussion of the doctrines or polity of the church. It is simply what the title page indicates, “a brief outline” covering some of the principal events leading to the organization of the church and a hasty survey of its progress and development until the present time.

The work is prepared at the request of the Sunday School Teacher Training Board of the church. It has been written amid the busy cares of the pastorate. The collection of data, verification of dates and incidents have entailed much labor and care. Doubtless some mistakes will be found, but due care has been given to have all statements correct. Many days have been employed in the study of conference records and other avail. able sources of information.

It is the hope of the writer that those who read the book may learn to love the church and her institutions and to revere more tenderly the memory of the men who suffered to give us our denominational existence.

Grateful acknowledgement is made to the brethren who furnished data. The author also acknowledges his obligation for information gathered from “Why Another Sect,” “Life of B. T. Roberts,” “Life of T. S. LaDue,” Damon’s “Sketches and Incidents,” and other sources.