Here he charges these itinerants (though without proof, as he had done in the preceding one) with “_setting up their own schemes, as the great standard of christianity_,” and with telling people that “they neither are, nor can be true christians, but by adhering to their doctrines and discipline, and embracing christianity upon their schemes.” Is not this calumny all over? For where has this author made it appear, that the Methodists preach contrary to the articles of the established church? Or how does he or can he prove, that they affirm, “People neither are, nor can be true christians, without adhering to their discipline?” Where are any quotations to this purpose in his observations? Is not this, my Lords, all _gratis dictum_? And therefore, to use some of his own words, “Does it not savour of self-sufficiency and presumption, and can it be reconciled to christian humility, prudence, or charity,” to indulge his prejudice against any persons living to such a degree, as to lay things to their charge which they never thought of or said? For do not these itinerants freely converse with persons of all communions? Have I not in particular communicated with the church of _Scotland_, and preached among the churches in _New-England_? Do not the generality of the clergy cry out against me as a latitudinarian, and look upon me for so doing, as the bigotted _Jews_ did on _Peter_, for going unto the uncircumcised _Gentiles_; though I say as he did, “Can any man forbid me to converse with and communicate with those who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” Are not these notorious matters of fact? And how then can this author insinuate, that these itinerants tell people, that they neither are, nor can be christians without adhering to their discipline?
But further, how scornfully does he speak of these itinerants? He stiles them _a few young heads_. And how unwarily has he thereby shewed his ignorance of the lively oracles of GOD? For has he never read what _David_ saith, _Psalms_ viii. 2. “Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength, because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and avenger?” Or that of the Apostle, _1 Corinthians_ i. 27, 28. “But GOD hath chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise; and GOD hath chosen the weak things of this world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath GOD chosen, yea and things that are not, to bring to nought things which are?” How presumptuously does he also tax these few young heads in this same query, with acting “_without any colour of a divine commission_?” For have not several of these young heads received a commission from your Lordships? And does not the success they have met with, as also their being strengthened to stem and surmount such a torrent of opposition, afford some colour at least, that they have acted by a divine commission indeed? For how could a few young heads, my Lords, or any men whatsoever, do such things, unless GOD was with them?