_G. W._

¹ The very same censures are too justly applicable to the volume of sermons, now published by Mr. _Gurney_, as Mr. _Whitefield_’s.――――Relying on the accuracy of the shorthand-writer, and on the fidelity of the reverend gentleman who was to revise the sermons, and on their joint regard for the memory of Mr. _Whitefield_, his executors did agree to recommend the intended publication, and promote its sale; for which, a consideration was to be paid by Mr. _Gurney_, to be applied by them, according to the tenor of Mr. _Whitefield_’s Will. But on their receiving nine of the sermons, (worked off) to their great surprise, they found themselves, after perusal, unable to authenticate them, either as to language or sentiments; therefore judged them utterly unfit for publication, and told Mr. _Gurney_, that on no consideration whatever, could they recommend them to the public. The executors are extremely concerned on Mr. _Gurney_’s account, as well as for the character of their late worthy friend; and now wish that they had not rested with the hearing only _one half-sheet_ read to them, but had insisted on seeing the whole Manuscript, and every sheet from the press. However, though Mr. _Gurney_ ought to have stopped the press when first applied to, and although the agreement was never signed by either of the parties, the executors have repeatedly offered, that, besides chearfully renouncing all advantages, they will pay whatever expences Mr. _Gurney_ hath been at in the affair, and so take and burn the whole impression; as otherwise the purchasers must be deceived, and the name of the deceased sorely wounded.