An Abolitionist in principle, he was removed from important appointments to the poorest, and in 1843 with others he seceded from the Methodist Episcopal church and founded the Wesleyan church. When the movement had accomplished its purpose, with about 100 others of his ministerial associates, he returned to the Methodist church.
A strong advocate for abolition in action, he was removed from influential positions among the most vulnerable, and in 1843 with others he broke away from the Methodist Episcopal church to establish the Wesleyan church. Upon the movement's success, he reunited with approximately 100 of his former ministerial colleagues within the Methodist church.