Evangelical clergyman, the son of a Bristol bellman, he was educated at Kingswood School. In 1768 he was appointed the first 'head master' of Lady Huntingdon's Trevecka College, but stayed only a short while. He was ordained in 1779 and presented to the living of the Temple Church, Bristol. John Wesley spoke of his 'incessant labours' in the parish and he was remembered for the frugal life-style which enabled him to set an example of relieving the poor. He sent his converts to the Methodist societies, which he regarded as the Church's spiritual and pastoral agents. Henry Moore preached his memorial sermon from the New Room pulpit.