HIS book by the Rev. Carl L. Howland, whose literary ability is attested by his office as editor of the Free Methodist, is timely in its appearance and exceedingly just in its treatment. Nothing fanciful is found in its pages, but the events are recorded with eminent fairness and historical accuracy. One of the good features of the book is that it deals not only with facts but reasons.

      It begins with the earliest ages of Christianity, gives a graphic account of the church’s apostasy, and in an enlightening tracery delineates the golden trend of righteousness and true holiness notwithstanding.

     Wycliffe, Huss, Luther and the Wesleys, in particular, mark the ages and stages of a peculiar divine light and scriptural life. Barbara Heck, Coke and Asbury are a continuation of the spiritual worthies in relation to American Methodism.

      The major part of the book begins with an account of the decline in American Methodism; carries one through the unjust expulsion of Rev. B. T. Roberts and the Layman’s Convention of 1858; and deals at length with the declaration of principles, enactments of General Conferences, the church’s progress through the years, notwithstanding the scripturally strict terms of membership, and its various interests, all bearing the brand of prosperity.

     Yet, conscious of its shortcomings, the church’s cry is, “Oh, let me gain perfection’s height,” etc.

     The book is up-to-date, very readable, and not only the young people but many others will prize its valuable pages.