If I were to say that in looking over my life as a pastor, it seemed to me that I had but one charge, and that was in Schenectady, I might be doing injustice to my fellow-Christians in Boston and Ithaca, who were co-workers with me; and yet I should not be far from the truth in uttering my feelings thus; for, apart from the freshness of first love, there was, between the edifice itself and my boyhood dreams, a providential link of endearment of which I shall tell.
-from "In the Home Land Again-Schenectady"

Cosy and intimate, these recollections of a life in the service of God make up a warm and heartfelt professional autobiography of a man who dedicated his life to faith and education. William Elliot Griffis served as a pastor and teacher in Schenectady (from 1877-1886), Boston (1886-1893), and Ithaca (1893-1903), where he drew around him a wide circle of dedicated students and devoted friends, and his cheerful stories of them and his work are a joy to read.

First published in 1903, this lovely book also includes an inspiring collection of Griffis's sermons and essays on such topics as camaraderie, community, and Christ.

Also available from Cosimo Classics: Griffis's The Religions of Japan.

American author, educator, and theologian WILLIAM ELLIOT GRIFFIS (1843-1912) was born in Philadelphia. He is also the author of Welsh Fairy Tales, The Firefly's Lovers, The Unmannerly Tiger, Brave Little Holland, and Bonnie Scotland.