And though it must be owned with sorrow, that some few who see these wondrous works continue unconvinced, yet this is no more strange than that some of the most learned and religious men, as were the Scribes and Pharisees, who saw the wondrous works of Christ on earth, yet continued unconvinced that they were the works of God, yea pursued him with unrelenting enmity and violence. However, it is a reviving consolation to us, that as this work surprizingly goes on from town to town, it goes on more and more to silence the most fierce opposers: though mighty oppositions rise at first, it bears them down before it, and our more mighty Saviour seems resolved to go on still from conquering to conquer.
In vain do its remaining enemies attempt to brand it with the name enthusiasm. For this is like the gentile Romans branding the Jewish religion with the hated name of superstition; and if this work is truly enthusiasm, then we have been wholly mistaken in the meaning of the word: and what they call enthusiasm, is a glorious and blessed work of God, most powerfully and suddenly changing the very hearts and lives of men; making them in a great degree like to Christ in love, and righteousness, and holiness, and meekness, and humility; filling their hearts with holy joy, and their mouths with praises.
But we must remit the remaining opposers to the law and testimony of God himself in the inspired oracles; as doth our reverend and dear brother the author of the following valuable sermon. And we are glad on this occasion to join our testimony with him, both to the same doctrines of grace, and to the wondrous work of God agreeable to them; as also to declare our great satisfaction to see him and others of our said presbyterian brethren concurring with us in them; with our apprehension that our uniting in these important points, is such a powerful band of union in christian love and fellowship, as should overcome the remains of every kind of prejudice that may yet subsist among our people: and our earnest wishes, that with a tender and meek forbearance of each other in different sentiments about church order and government, we may all unite in maintaining and promoting these more excellent and momentous points of grace, and vital piety.
Thomas Prince,
John Webb,
William Cooper.
Boston, January 12, 1742.
A BRIEF
ACCOUNT
OF THE
Occasion, Process, and Issue,
Of a Late
TRIAL
AT THE
Assize held at Gloucester, March 3, 1743
BETWEEN
Some of the People called Methodists, Plaintiffs,
AND
Certain Persons of the Town of Minchin-Hampton, in the said County, Defendants.
IN A
LETTER to a FRIEND.
And when the town-clerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter. Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies; let them implead one another. But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.
Acts xix. 35–40.