William Munsey was one of the early American Methodists who were part of the great revivals and transformation that took place in those days. Munsey grew up on a farm in Virginia where life was tough to make ends meet. His father died when he was 12 years old and he took up the responsibility at that young age to help provide for his mother and 5 younger brothers. Although he had had only one year of formal teaching in his life, he studied and mastered books by his own efforts. Whatever he was doing, whether plowing or walking there was always a book propped up or at hand. He had read through Josephus’ historical account several times! He was soundly converted at a Methodist camp at the age of 17 and thereafter felt called to become a Methodist preacher. As such he was well-known in both Virginia and Tennessee. His messages were so powerful and intellectual of nature that he was called the best orator in the South by the Knoxville Tribune. Churches in Virginia, Knoxville and Alexandria would gather in the churches two hours before his sermon to be sure to hear him preach. Word pictures made his preaching very eloquent, and it is considered that of his messages are among the best of their kind. He died in Tennessee in 1877, only 44 years old, having poured his health and life out in the service of the Master. We can only be blessed and challenged as we read his written works today.