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PREFACE.

This collection of the sermons and prayers of Mr. McCulloch has been undertaken that those who found in his life and words an evidence of the continuous revelation of the love of God, a living source of impulse toward the highest, a practical direction of thought in lines of helpfulness, and a path to spiritual freedom, might have a lasting memorial of him.

During 1890 and 1891 a faithful stenographic report was kept of the morning services. From these sermons those have been selected which seemed most fairly representative of the gospel he preached. The book contains also a few addresses which had been reported, upon special occasions, in other years.

It was not Mr. McCulloch's habit to write his sermons; only the briefest outline was put upon paper. No attempt was ever made toward finished literary style. He was concerned with the matter not the manner of the sermon. To present clearly an earnest conviction and high aspiration, to hold out a hand of sympathy and helpfulness was his one aim.

The only changes that have been made in the sermons and prayers, as originally delivered, are the

omission of illustrations and phrases often repeated, and slight corrections of such errors of expression as are incidental to extemporaneous speaking.

The sermon on Abundant Life was preached at the opening of the new church, January 27, 1884. Rejected of Men was given September 27, 1891, the day of his last public ministry.

At the urgent request of those who have known the comfort of his ministry in the hour of their deepest sorrow, the Burial Service is added.

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"His was a life inspired by noble thought
And dauntless courage. Firm, with purpose high,
For Freedom, Justice, Truth, Humanity,
Throughout his life he strenuously fought.

He practiced what with fervid power he taught,
And love, believe, act, fear not, was his cry,-
God to the brave and just is ever nigh,

And heaven must by the high strait way be sought.
Conquered by fell disease, Life's battle done

With all its pains, strife, cares-Death's victory won,-
All that was mortal here is lain to rest.

But his undying thoughts, words, acts, live on

To lift the fallen, cheer and aid the oppressed."

OSCAR C. McCULLOCH was born July 2, 1843, at Fremont, Ohio. His childhood and youth were passed in the average, uneventful way and there was little to indicate or foretell the trend his later life would take. He seems to have been impressed, however, from the first, with the seriousness of life and with an earnest desire to make the most of it. The time not spent in useful employment was given to the reading of the best books and even while about his work, or upon the street, he was memorizing and repeating choice bits of poetry —a habit which clung to him throughout life. This was a very valuable aid to him in later life, inasmuch as it became necessary to abandon school at fifteen and depend thereafter upon self-development. At that age he entered his father's drug store as a clerk and helped to share his business and family cares. Occupied thus, in attendance upon customers during the day, he spent his evenings reading Carlyle, history, poetry and the best of fiction. From his own experience at this time he reached the conclusion that a knowledge of, and taste for, the best literature are possible to any one who has a strong desire in that direction.

In early manhood he went to Chicago and entered the service of a wholesale drug-house as traveling salesman. He made long distances, and many times visited the Pacific Coast, the Rocky Mountain regions, and the southern States, in the discharge of his duties. He was remarkably successful in these relations and always

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