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parallel, is easily seen through. Doubtless, to expose the present Methodists to the jealousy of the civil government. For, he says, p. 142, We see methodism at present under a well-established government, where it is obliged to wear a less audacious look. To know its true character, we should see it in all its fortunes.' And doth this writer then, in order to gratify a sinful curiosity of seeing methodism in all its fortunes, desire to have the pleasure of seeing the weak and distracted times of Charles I. brought back again? Or dares he insinuate, that because, as he immediately adds, our country hath been productive of every strange thing, that we are in the least danger now of any such distracting turn, since we have a king upon the throne who, in his first, most gracious speech to both houses of Parliament, declared he would preserve the Act of Toleration inviolable? And that being the case, blessed be God, we are in no danger of any return of such weak and distracted times, either from the apostolic independents, Mahometan Methodists, or any religious sect or party whatsoever.' My dear friend, if this is not gibbeting up names with unregenerate malice, to everlasting infamy,' I know not what is. But it happens in this, as in similar cases, whilst men are thus busy in gibbeting up the names of others, they unwittingly, like Haman, when preparing a gallows for that apostolic independent, that Mahometan Methodist, Mordecai, all the while are only erecting a gibbet for their own.

"But, methinks, I see you now begin to be impatient to know (and indeed I have neither inclination nor leisure at present to pursue our author any further) who this can be, that takes such gigantic strides? I assure you he is a perfect Goliath in the retinue of human learning.-Will you guess?— Perhaps Dr. Taylor of Norwich.-No-he is dead. Certainly not a churchman? Yes; a member, a minister, a dignitary, a bishop of the church of England; and, to keep you no longer in suspense, it is no less a man than Dr. Warburton, the author of "The Divine Legation of Moses," and now William Lord Bishop of Gloucester. I know you are ready to say, 'Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon.' But, my dear friend, what can be done? His lordship hath published it himself: nay, his book hath just gone through a second impression; and that you may see and judge for yourself, whether I have wronged his lordship or not, (as it is not very weighty,) I have sent you the book itself. Upon the perusal, I am persuaded you will at least be

thus far of my opinion, that, however, decus et tutamen is always the motto engraven upon a bishop's mitre, it is not always most certain, though his lordship says it is, p. 202, that they are written on every prelate's breast? And how can this prelate, in particular, be said to be the ornament and safeguard of the church of England, when his principles are as directly contrary to the offices of that church, over which he is by divine permission made overseer, as light is contrary to darkness? You know, my dear friend, what our ministers are taught to say, when they baptize: I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous goodness he will grant to this child that thing which by nature he cannot have.' But what says his lordship? All influence exceeding the power of humanity, is miraculous, and therefore to abate or be totally withdrawn, now the church is perfectly established.' What say they when they catechize? My good child, know this, that thou art not able to do these things of thyself, nor to walk in the commands of God, and to serve him, without his special grace.' But what says his lordship? A rule of faith being now established, the conviction which the weight of human testimony, and the conclusions of human reason, afford, are abundantly sufficient to support us in our religious perseverance.' What says his lordship himself, when he confirms children thus catechized? Strengthen them, we beseech thee, O Lord, with the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, and daily increase in them thy manifold gifts and grace, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength.' But what says his lordship, when he speaks his own sentiments? 'All aids in spiritual distresses, as well as those which administered help in corporeal diseases, are now abated or totally withdrawn.' What says his lordship when he ordains? Doest thou trust that thou art inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost? then, receive thou the Holy Ghost.'

"What says his lordship, when pronouncing the blessing? The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God.' But what says his lordship when retired to his study? All supernatural influence, manifesting itself in grace and knowledge, is miraculous, and therefore to cease under a perfect establishment.' What says- -But I check myself; for the time would fail me, were I to urge all those quotations that might be produced out of the articles, homilies, and public

offices, to confront and invalidate the whole tenor and foundation of his lordship's performance. But how it is consistent with that wisdom which is from above, (and by which his lordship attempts to arraign, try, and condemn, the Reverend Mr. John Wesley,) to subscribe to, and make use of, public offices in the church, and then as publicly deny and contradict them in the press, I leave to his lordship's more calm and deliberate consideration. Sure I am, if weighed in the same balance, his lordship would be found equally wanting, at least. Indeed, during the whole trial, I could scarcely refrain breaking out into the language of the eunuch of Queen Candace to Philip the evangelist, Speaketh the prophet this of himself, or of some other man?' I hope, my dear friend, you know me better than to suspect I thus retort upon his lordship, in order to throw dust in your eyes, to prevent your seeing what his lordship may justly except against in the conduct of the Methodists in general, or in the journals of the Reverend Mr. John Wesley in particular. Whatever that indefatigable labourer may think of his, you know I have long since publicly acknowledged, that there were, and doubtless, though now sent forth in a more correct attire, there are yet, many exceptionable passages in my journals. And I hope it will be one of the constant employments of my declining years, to humble myself daily before the most high God, for the innumerable mixtures of corruption which have blended themselves with my feeble, but, I trust, sincere endeavours, whether from the press or pulpit, to promote the Redeemer's glory, and the eternal welfare of precious and immortal souls. And I assure you, that if his lordship had contented himself with pointing out, or even ridiculing, any such blemishes or imprudences, or yet still more important mistakes, in my own, or any of the Methodist's conduct or performances, I should have stood entirely silent. But when I observed his lordship through almost his whole book, not only wantonly throwing about the arrows and firebrands of scurrility, buffoonery, and personal abuse, but, at the same time, on account of some unguarded expressions and indiscretions of a particular set of honest, though fallible, men, taking occasion to wound, vilify, and totally deny the all-powerful, standing operations of the blessed Spirit, by which alone his lordship or any other man living can be sanctified and sealed to the day of eternal redemption, I must own that I was constrained to vent myself to you, as a dear and intimate friend, in the manner I have done. Make

what use of it you please; perhaps hereafter I may trouble you with some further remarks." Letter.

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It was a significant "sign of the times," that Payne, the accomptant-general of the Bank of England, wrote an answer to Warburton. I ought also to add, that the bishop could secute as well as rail. This ought to be known; because he appears somewhat amiable in his correspondence with Doddridge, and not a little faithful in exposing "the unclean beasts" in his own ark. Adams of Stinchcombe, near GlouWhitefield and Venn. He was an

cester, was the friend of infirm man, but zealous. Warburton had been his patron ; but when he began to itinerate, and to preach for Lady Huntingdon at Bath, the bishop insisted, in his own style, upon strict residence at home. "I shall insist," he says, 66 upon your constant residence in your parish,—not so much for the good you are likely to do there, as to prevent the mischief you may do by rambling about to other places. Your bishop and (though your fanatic conduct has almost made me ashamed to own it) your patron, W. GLOUCESTER."

Adams remonstrated, and proved that during three years he had only been three months non-resident. He argued also that he had accepted Stinchcombe, a living of 367. per annum, in preference to one of 801., because he was unable to give full service. All this was in vain. He was a Methodist. Warburton, therefore, (without a divine legation,) replied, "If I indulged you in giving your parish only one service on Sunday, I hereby revoke that indulgence, and insist upon your giving them full service." Nichols.

It might have been unsafe then to defy such legates, when they interdicted itineracy; and even now an infirm man could do no good by rambling; but let some men of renown take the field, and their gowns are as safe as any mitre on the bench. Mitres must now lead on the evangelization of the country, or follow cardinal's hats to Rome.

CHAPTER XXVI.

WHITEFIELD'S LAST LABOURS AT HOME.

ALTHOUGH Whitefield's last days were not "his best days," either at home or abroad, they were both happy and useful days. The very evening of his life includes more labour and After opening success than the whole day of ordinary men. the countess chapel at Bath, the care of his own chapels in London quite absorbed him for some months. He could neither range nor revisit, because of the difficulty of supplying his pulpits. Besides, he was too weak "to do now as he had done." He thought himself fit only to "stand by an old gun or two in a garrison," instead of leading the battle. But such thoughts did not last long in bis mind. His "old ambition ” soon returned, whenever his strength or spirits rallied for a day. A very slight improvement in his health would make him exclaim, "Who knows but this feeble arm may yet be strengthened to annoy the enemy?"

In the spring of 1766, he was assisted by Occum, the Indian preacher, who came over with Whitaker, to collect for Dr. Wheelock's college. He was much pleased with Occum's spirit, and with his preaching; for both the noble and the poor heard him gladly, and contributed liberally. Whitefield threw all his soul into this enterprise, and nearly a thousand pounds were soon raised for it. Even the king, through the influence of Lord Dartmouth, contributed to the fund. Occum, as well as his object, deserved this welcome. was a superior man and a popular preacher in his own country, both in the woods and in the cities. He died in 1792, at New Stockbridge, and was followed to the grave by three hundred weeping Indians.

He

In the spring and summer of 1766, Whitefield paid some visits to Bath and Bristol, for the benefit of the waters, and in the hope of making excursions. his health were bad, and he could cities, except at six in the morning. he had large audiences.

But both the weather and seldom preach in these But even at that hour

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