[²] This Mr. Grace told me himself in public company; he and Mr. Freeman do live in Throgmorton-street.
[³] The case of this Mr. Rhodes is very singular. He was of mean birth and occupation, but upon the unexpected falling of many lives, became suddenly possessed of an estate of above four hundred pounds a year; and to serve the brethren, after many importunities, he was induced to dispose of it. Mr. Lee the banker purchased it, and Messrs. Freeman and Grace received six thousand pounds of the money towards what was due to them: besides this, Mr. Rhodes was bound for many thousands more. This made him very uneasy, and fearing the consequence, he one afternoon, about ten weeks ago, stole an interview with two single brethren, and beseeched them, for Christ’s sake, to let him have twenty-five pounds, for the payment of which he left them his watch, bureau, horse and saddle. He then took his leave, saying, in all probability he should never see them any more, and having nothing to spare to leave behind for his poor mother, (who I hear is since dead) was content to send her a few parting lines: since he has been gone, the horse, watch, bureau and saddle were sold for twenty-seven pounds three shillings; so that the young man has the balance in bank. God grant, that this may prove the last person that may be imposed on in this way!
These are but a few instances, my Lord, amongst many; indeed too too many, that might be given. The brethren’s agents, and those concerned with them, can best tell what horrid equivocations, untruths and low artifices have been used, to procure money, at high interest, wherever it was to be had, in order to keep up the brethren’s credit; and in that poor lame manner, it hath been kept up for a considerable time. Was the whole scene to be opened, I believe every one would be of opinion, that such an ecclesiastical project, never was heard of before, in any part of his Majesty’s dominions.
Of this, my Lord, the Royal-Exchange hath long since rung; and if the same part hath been acted abroad,[¹] how many families must have been ruined there, and how many more may be yet ruined, in order to fill up the present English chasm; and consequently, what loads of guilt must needs lie at the door of somebody? Surely, the Lord of all Lords, whose eyes are like a flame of fire, and who requires truth in the inward parts, will one day or other visit for these things, by bringing to light the hidden things of darkness, and thereby making manifest the counsels of the heart.
[¹] It appears too plain from Mr. Rimius that this hath been the case. And no wonder, since he quotes this assertion of the Count’s from his own writings, “The œconomists of the society may say to a young rich man, either give us all thou hast, or get thee gone.”
I need not inform your Lordship, that Babels are generally suffered to be built pretty high, before God comes down to confound the language of the builders. If knaves are employed (as commonly they are) God’s honour is concerned to discover them. And if any of his own children are undesignedly drawn in, (which is frequently the case) he, who hath promised not to suffer them to be tempted above what they are able to bear, will in mercy, some way or other, rebuke the tempter, and make a way for them to escape. It is true, this, in public concerns, may sometimes expose them to a little worldly contempt, and for a while they may seemingly be crushed under the rubbish of the fallen fabric, but even this shall work together for their good; and happy will it be for them, if after all, they at length learn this important lesson, “That it is dangerous, upon any pretence whatsoever, to go from the written word, or give up their consciences to the guidance of any man, or body of men under heaven.” This, your Lordship well knows, is what weak and unstable souls are too apt to do; and artful and designing men, who are fond of power, especially if naturally they are of an ambitious turn of mind, easily catch at the pleasing bait. But honesty, my Lord, will be found to be the best policy after all; and therefore, God forbid that any who call themselves the followers of the Lamb, should glory in any thing save the cross of Christ.
At present, I shall add no more, but earnestly say amen, to that part of the brethren’s litany, however exceptionable in other respects, “From untimely projects, and from unhappily becoming great, keep us our good Lord and God!” And I as heartily pray, that the glorious Jesus may prosper all that is right, and give grace to correct and amend all that is wrong, among all his people of all denominations. I subscribe myself, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant,
George Whitefield.