The Bold Frontier Preacher: A Portraiture Of William Cravens, Of Virginia

Many years ago, I heard of the fame of Virginia's distinguished hero, Rev. William Cravens. Tales of his courage, of his valor, of his chivalric acts, of his deeds of daring worthy of the days of martyrs, and it awoke within me an ardent desire to know more concerning him. For more than twelve years I have been trying to learn his history, and rescue from oblivion facts that would soon be lost forever. The history of many of the noble pioneers of Methodism is unwritten, except in the records of eternity. Many of them died
"Unwept, unhonored, and unsung;"
and were buried, and no monument or tombstone to tell where their dust is sleeping. There is an unwritten history, which, if it could be recovered, would be invaluable to the Church. But it is now too late.
In regard to Mr. Cravens. In 1856 I received from his son-in-law, Rev. Shanks, of Indiana, many facts concerning him. Since then, Mr. Shanks has gone on to meet the Judge. From a number of aged preachers, who were personally acquainted with Mr. Cravens, and heard him preach, I have obtained facts of priceless value. From the late Dr. Thomas E. Bond, I learned much of his history and character. The Doctor was a traveling encyclopedia -- history embodied. He delighted to relate anecdotes of olden times, and none could do it with a better zest. Cravens he knew and admired, and I have listened to him with great pleasure as he drew his portrait, and related characteristic anecdotes concerning him. As I stood by his coffin, and read those noble words of our own sweet poet, Charles Wesley,
"Servant of God, well done!
Thy glorious warfare's past;
The battle's fought, the race is won, And thou art crowned at last,"