THE preparation of my Father’s biography has been undertaken as a sacred trust. Early in the spring of 1894 he was asked by an old friend for permission to issue a biography with his approval. This my Father declined to do, and, on that occasion, expressed the wish that I should assume the task when his life-work was ended. In reply to my objection that such an undertaking demanded a literary experience that I did not possess, he said: “I don’t care anything about that. What I want is that you should correct inaccuracies and misstatements that it would be difficult to straighten out during my life. You are the one to do this. All my friends will unite on you and give you their assistance. There are many who think they know me better than any one else, and would feel themselves best able to interpret my life. If you do not do this work there will be many inaccurate and conflicting ‘Lives.’ ”
Whatever diffidence I have felt in executing this trust, it has been undertaken as a filial duty and esteemed to be a great privilege. It would have been my choice to have had more leisure for accomplishing the work, but the announcement of unauthorized biographies has necessitated the immediate publication of the present volume. Otherwise the desire of my Father would have been thwarted. At a later date it is intended that a more studied interpretation of his life should be prepared to meet the expressed desire for a fuller account of his career.
I would gratefully acknowledge the kindness of many friends who have contributed important data and incidents. Special acknowledgment is also due to Rev. John Bancroft Devins, of “The New York Observer,” whose valuable assistance has greatly facilitated the early completion of the work.
Father lived solely for the glory of God and for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the earnest prayer of his family that in this record of his career his life’s purpose may be conserved.
WILLIAM R. MOODY.
EAST NORTHFIELD, MASS., April 10, 1900.
CrossReach Publications