"In it I have striven to show not only the historical outlines of the Free Methodists, but something also of their ethos. Many of the principles for which they stood are under a cloud in these days; but some of us believe they are of eternal validity. Indeed there are some strange parallels with, and therefore pertinent commentaries on, events in very recent Methodist history, and the discerning eye will not fail to notice them!" -- From the Preface