A just view of the character of one who shone quite as much in the privacy of the domestic circle, as in his more public sphere of ministerial labour and usefulness, could not be given, without many details which do not usually find their way into the memoirs of public men; but probably these may not be deemed the least useful parts of the work. The sum of human life is made up chiefly of such little incidents; and the exhibition of Christian principle in connection with these, may be instructive to the mass of readers.
To the candour of the Christian public, and to the blessing of God, the writer now commits these pages, though by no means insensible to their defects. If, however, through the Divine blessing, they may be the means of promoting among the ministers and people of the Wesleyan Connexion, (for whose use they are especially intended,) the spirit and practice by which our fathers were distinguished, the object of the biographer will be secured; and the great purpose will be furthered, to which his venerated parent devoted a long, laborious, consistent, and exemplary life.