Book Description

"One great purpose and benefit of biography is lost if it does not clearly reveal the growth of character, and, in the case of a beautiful and successful life, a personality worthy of being held up as an example. It ought to show also self-conquest, ripening in wisdom, the philosophic mind that comes with years, and the maturing and sweetening influences of honored old age. It would be of little help to young men, struggling against their own besetting weaknesses to gain self-mastery and attainment to true Christian manhood, to picture only the John Chambers, as we knew him,--in the serene evening of life, when passions had cooled and reason reigned, and the gray light of Heaven's morning had settled on his head. I have tried to show in the typical Irishman, the creature of heredity and the passionate patriot, the aspiring Christian and the child of God, educated by unseen but potent influences, winning steadfast victory over sin and self, becoming king of men and master of hearts, leading a host to triumph along the pathway to Heaven, able to do all things through Christ his helper." -William Elliot Griffis "A work of truly filial piety has been undertaken by the well-known author, Dr. William Elliot Griffis...in writing a biographical sketch of that saintliest of men and most inspiring of preachers, the Rev. John Chambers, D. D., of Philadelphia, who had the remarkable record of serving one congregation for fifty-three consecutive years....The biography covers the entire period of Dr. Chambers' ministry in Philadelphia and is a vivid picture of a powerful personality and a valuable chapter of American church history. The biography is the work not only of a loving and sympathetic hand, but of a writer who has given to the world abundant evidence of rare literary gifts, of ability to impart grace, interest and charm to whatever he may undertake to do as a man of letters." -Christian Work and the Evangelist "A biographical volume presenting the life and work of one of the most notable preachers and pastors of Philadelphia during nearly two generations....The story of his life, early struggles and contemporary religious and ecclesiastical events are graphically told by the writer and will be read with intense interest by those who came in contact with that powerful and noble man." -The Standard "Sunny memories of three pastorates, with a selection of sermons and essays." -Laconia Public Library Bulletin "For half a century John Chambers was not only a faithful pastor and fiery preacher of the Gospel in Philadelphia, but was one of the great public 'characters' of the city, commonly spoken of as 'the War Horse.' He was an ideal subject for a biographer....Dr. Griffis has written with love and with enthusiastic appreciation of his subject." -Journal of Presbyterian History TABLE OF CONTENTS I. Philadelphia. The Historic Site II. Ireland. A Bonnie Bairn III. Ohio. Life in a Log Cabin IV. Maryland. Student Days in Baltimore V. Newtown. Rejected of Men VI. New England. Ordination at New Haven VII. Home and Church. Love and Work VIII. The War Horse of the Temperance Cause IX. The Master of Hearts X. Boyhood's Memories of the Old Church XI. The Master of Assemblies XII. True Yoke-fellows XIII. Church Life. Minor Personalities XIV. The Civil War XV. Light at Evening Time XVI. Transfer of the Church to the Presbytery XVII. The Semi-Centennial and Farewell XVIII. The Children of the Mother