Preface
The following chapters have been mainly compiled from materials supplied to the Author from various sources. His task has, therefore, to a great extent, resembled that of one who binds together into a bouquet, a number of flowers, chosen and culled by others.
His special acknowledgments are due to Mr. J. E. Hazelton, without whose laborious and indefatigable help, this Memoir of his beloved father could not have been prepared.
To the Rev. C. T. Bust, LL.B., of Westerfield, Ipswich, and the Rev. E. Spurrier, of Colchester, he is under great obligations. His respected ministerial brethren, W. Barnes, of Walshamle-Willows; S. K. Bland, of Ipswich; W. Brown, of Colchester; G. Burrell, of Watford; J. H. Dearsly, of Clapton; W. J. Denmee , of Boro’ Green; J. Griffiths, of Plaistow; W. Hazelton, of Lewisham; C. Hill, of Stoke Ash; and J. Thornsett, of Reading, have afforded him very valuable assistance. He would also specially record his indebtedness to Mr. Henry Dadswell, who has not only revised the work in manuscript and in proof, but made several important suggestions for its improvement; and to Mr. W. P. Granville, who has kindly given permission to use the photograph, taken by himself, which so greatly adds to the interest and value of the volume. Miss Stubbins, of Brockley; Mr. C. Wright, of St. Neots; and his dear friend, Mr. Joseph Favell, of Cambridge, have also largely contributed to the accuracy of the following pages.
The many friends who have placed letters and other papers at his disposal, are cordially thanked for their kindness.
For the plan and arrangement of the book, the Author is solely responsible. He has done his best to blend the often fragmentary information, with which he was furnished, into a connected and consistent narrative, though he regrets the many deficiencies of his attempt to portray the character of one he so highly esteemed.
In submitting his labours to the Christian public, he craves permission to state that he has pursued them amid many engagements, and much weakness and pain. If, therefore, the conception of his work should appear better than its execution, he pleads that these facts may be generously taken into account.
W. J. Styles
Islington, August, 1888.
William Styles (1842-1914) was a Strict and Particular Baptist preacher. He is the author of several works, including “A Guide To Church Fellowship As Maintained By Primitive Or Strict And Particular Baptists” and “A Manual Of Faith And Practice”.