PREFACE.



   "WIAT ! another autobiography of an itinerant "
Yes, my friend, another autobiography. And why should
there not be another, and even still another  Biograph-
ical sketches have been written of very many of our Rev-
olutionary patriots; and yet, who feels that they are too
many    Who would not greet with a glad smile the
Nvell-authenticated autobiography of an old soldier of the
Revolution-describing the thrilling seccs of the great
struggle for freedom through which our fathers passed 
So with regard to those old veterans of the cross, who,
by their sacrifice, toil, and fidelity to God, laid the foun-
dations and reared the noble fabric of Methodism. Let
them enter into history. Let their heroism, their devo-
tion, toils, and triumphs be placed upon record. No
class of men have been more overlooked in American
history; and yet none have higher claims to a noble and
generous recognition in that history, than the pioneer
Methodist preachers.  It is but just now that the sub-
stantial service done by such men to their country, as wvell
as to their God. is beginning to be understood.
  The name of "Father Young" is identified with both
the earlier and later history of Methodism in the great
west. His personal narrative is, therefore, a matter of
interest to the whole Church.
  The following, found in the "Excerpta from Corre-
spondence," in the Ladies' Repository, is a beautiful pic-
ture of an old man retiring from the effective ranks, after
                                              3