The RIGHT REVEREND the BISHOP of LONDON, and the other RIGHT REVEREND the BISHOPS concerned in the Publication thereof.
_False Witnesses did rise up: they laid to my Charge Things that I knew not_, Psalms xxxv. 11.
A LETTER To the Right Reverend The Bishop of LONDON, &c.
_London, March 1744._
_My Lords_,
THE Apostle _Peter_ exhorts us, “to be ready to give an answer to every one that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear.” And if this is to be our conduct towards every one, much more are we bound to behave thus to those who are overseers of the church of GOD, and consequently are invested with an authority to require an answer at our hands.
A desire of complying with this apostolical injunction, induced me, my Lords, about five weeks ago, to publish an Advertisement¹, wherein I desired an open publication of several anonymous papers, entitled, _Observations upon the conduct and behaviour of a certain sect, usually distinguished by the name of Methodists_. Papers, which, upon enquiry, I found had been printed some considerable time, had been read in the societies of _London_ and _Westminster_, and handed about in a private manner to particular friends, with strict orders to part with them to no one. What could be the meaning of such a procedure, I know not. But this I know, however such a clandestine way of acting, may savour of the wisdom of the serpent, it does not bespeak that ♦harmlessness of the dove, which our Saviour in an especial manner recommends to his ministers.
¹ Whereas some anonymous papers against the people called _Methodists_ in general, and myself and friends in particular, have been for some weeks printed in a large edition, and handed about and read in the religious societies of the cities of _London_ and _Westminster_, and given into the hands of many private persons, with strict injunctions to lend them to no one, nor let them go out of their hands to any; and whereas, after having accidentally had the hasty perusal of them, I find many queries of great importance concerning me, and my conduct, contained therein; and as it appears that one paper has little or no connexion with another, and a copy, when applied for, was refused me, and I know not how soon I may embark for _Georgia_; I am therefore obliged hereby to desire a speedy open publication of the aforesaid papers, in order that a candid, impartial answer may be made thereto by me, _George Whitefield_. _London, January 26, 1744._
♦ “harmlesness” replaced with “harmlessness”
Who the real author of these papers may be, I am not yet able for a certainty to find out. But I had reason to believe, that my Lord of _London_ was concerned in composing or revising them. That I might not be mistaken, after the publication of the advertisement, I wrote his Lordship a letter¹, wherein I desired to know, whether his Lordship was the author of this paper or not, and also desired a copy. His Lordship was pleased to send word by my friend, who carried the letter, that “I should hear from him.” Hitherto his Lordship has not favoured me with an answer. Only some time ago, one Mr. _Owen_, a printer, in _Amen-Corner, Pater-noster Row_, who is printer to my Lord of _London_, left a letter² for me, wherein he informed me, that he had orders from SEVERAL OF THE BISHOPS to print the _Observations on the conduct and behaviour of the Methodists_ (WITH SOME FEW ADDITIONS) for their use; and when the impression was finished, I should have a copy. Why my Lord of _London_, or the several other Bishops concerned, should conceal their names, or why a copy should be denied me, so long after the papers had been printed, I leave the world to judge. I cannot think such a way of proceeding can gain your Lordships any credit from the public, or any thanks from the other Bishops who have not interested themselves in this affair, and who, I believe, are more NOBLE, than to countenance the publication of any such performance.
¹ _My Lord_, _London, February 1, 1744._
Simplicity becomes the followers of _Jesus Christ_, and therefore I think it my duty to trouble your Lordship with these few lines. I suppose your Lordship has seen the advertisement published by me, about four days ago, concerning some anonymous papers, which have been handed about in the societies for some considerable time. As I think it my duty to answer them, I should be glad to be informed whether the report be true, that your Lordship composed them, that I may the better know to whom I may direct my answer. A sight also of one of the copies, if in your Lordship’s keeping, would much oblige, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obliged, dutiful son and servant,
_George Whitefield_.
_P. S._ The bearer will bring your Lordship’s answer; or if your Lordship please to favour me with a line, be pleased to direct for me, to be left with Mr. _J. Syms_, &c.
² _Sir_, _February 3. 1744._