The pleasing task of writing an introduction to the life of my noble
friend, Rev. A. J. Newgent, has fallen upon me. The intimate association
which I have had with him for many years gives me a peculiar pleasure in
seeing the record of his splendid life placed before the Church.
Biography is one of the most important departments of literature, and Mr.
Newgent is eminently worthy of the permanent place in history which this
volume accords him. I feel that fitting tributes in historic sketches
should not only be paid the men of God who have planted the Church in
this nation, but posterity should come and say over their graves, as
Pericles did over the bodies of his fallen fellow soldiers: “You are
like the divinities above us: you are known only by the benefits you
have conferred.” It is of such a man, though still living among us,
that Dr. W. E. Snyder gives the accurately drawn portraiture in the
chapters of this well-written biography. The work has been prepared
with good judgment and much skill. The incidents of his life are given
in sufficient detail, and make the volume exceedingly interesting and
instructive. Such a publication is of great value, not only to those
who enter the ministry, but to the whole Church, and especially to the
young. To study the career of one, who, by fortitude and zeal, has
carved his way from humble surroundings to a high place of honor among
his fellow-men—passing through varied and striking vicissitudes in the
struggle—can but inspire and ennoble other lives.
Entering the ministry before our pioneer style of life had passed away
in the west, Mr. Newgent adapted himself to the humblest conditions of
society. The fields of labor which he occupied in those early years
of his pastorate were sufficient to remind him of the privation and
hardships of those who had preceded him; but no condition was humble
enough or severe enough to deter him from the work to which his young
life had been consecrated. He could lodge in the loft of the lowliest
cabin and subsist upon the cheapest fare. In quest of souls he thought
little of anything else. Living among the people, a very small salary
would suffice for him. He knew what it was to live on a moiety of one
hundred dollars and less. There have been no dangers or hardships, no
toils or privations, no suffering or sorrow sufficient to daunt his
heroic spirit. Fortunately, Mr. Newgent is so constructed as to see the
bright side of every difficulty, and his inimitable humor has made his
family and friends laugh in the darkest hours of his ministerial life.
Unflinching loyalty to the Church has ever marked the career of Mr.
Newgent. Though he has been peculiarly free from sectarian prejudices or
bitterness, his attachment to his own people has been conscientious and
unwavering. All his energies have been devoted to the advancement of the
Church of his choice. He has stood for the defense of its doctrines and
polity, and those who have drawn him into debate over any feature of our
system have not challenged him a second time. In the earlier days of his
ministry he was many times called in debate with the strongest men of
other denominations, and has proved himself equal to any antagonist who
has met him in discussion. Many have gone down before his unanswerable
arguments, and not a few have been driven from the contest because they
could not stand before the torrent of his eloquence and the indescribable
power of his wit. In all his ministerial work these qualities have
often been of great advantage to him. Few men could possess such wit
and eccentricities as Mr. Newgent commands, and use them to advantage
without some objection by the people. But like all his other gifts, these
peculiar qualities have been consecrated to the service of doing good,
and in their use he has maintained his ministerial consecration and
influence with never a breath of suspicion cast upon his good name.
It is gratifying to his many friends that Mr. Newgent, though retired
from the active work of the ministry, is still in possession of all
his mental powers, and no doubt will live to read his own biography.
Few men have been so fortunate. To have spent his long and useful life
in the most interesting period of the history of the Church, and then
remain to read the part he has played in the making of that history,
is a privilege that most of Christ’s embassadors have never enjoyed.
Back when the Publishing House was struggling for existence, he loyally
supported the little plant, and never failed to circulate our books and
push our periodicals in every charge he has filled. When our institutions
of learning were in their infancy, and much opposition was brought
against education, he was a friend of the schools, and again and again
has gone into the field to raise money for their support. He has seen the
great benevolent boards of the Church and nearly all our connectional
institutions come up from the smallest beginnings, and has never failed
to espouse the cause of these important agencies for the promotion of
Christ’s kingdom. Even the conference in which he began his ministry has
grown in his day from a handful to a host, and no man has watched its
growth with deeper pride or more anxious concern than himself.
I could write much more in the line of these thoughts, but the chapters
of this volume will give in clear light the characteristics which can
only be hinted at in the limits of an introduction. The skilled pen of
the biographer will bring out in forceful and charming manner the noble
traits of the gifted brother whose career he has studied with great care
and painstaking interest. Let the book have a wide circulation, let the
youth read its inspiring sentiments, and the horizon of their thoughts
will be enlarged and the desire to be loyal to God and to every good work
will be stimulated and strengthened.