[376] The Rev. Mather Byles, D. D., was the first pastor of the church in Hollis Street, Boston. From 1733 to the revolution in 1776, he continued to discharge his ministerial functions with great acceptance; but, because he then sympathised with the royalists rather than with the revolutionists, he was brought to a public trial, and was denounced as a person inimical to America. After this, he was not connected with any church. His literary merits introduced him to some of the most distinguished men in England, including Pope and Watts. He died in 1788, aged 82.
[377] Charles Wesley was seized with fever while conducting a religious service in Bristol, on August 6. His illness was extremely violent, and, during its continuance, some of the newspapers announced that he was dead.
[378] C. Wesley's Journal, vol. ii., p. 170.
[379] Logic was never Whitefield's forte. Adam was perfect, and yet Adam failed in final perseverance.
[380] This is a wanton perversion of Wesley's doctrine; but let it pass. I purposely abstain from discussing controverted doctrines. Others have done that. Here I have no space for it. My object is honestly to exhibit Whitefield's principles, doctrines, and life, and to leave it to others to censure or commend.
[381] Whitefield, in another place, asserts that Wesley received a letter charging him with not preaching the gospel, because he did not preach election. Upon this, Wesley drew a lot to determine whether he should publish his Anti-Calvinistic views. The answer was "preach and print;" and, accordingly, he preached and printed his sermon on "Free Grace."
[382] Probably letters had arrived during the three days' interval.
[383] "Memoirs of James Hutton," pp. 94, 229.
[384] Dr. Colman, in a letter written at the time, says: "The college is entirely changed. The students are full of God. Many of them appear truly born again. The voice of prayer and of praise fills their chambers; and joy, with seriousness of heart, sits visibly on their faces. I was told yesterday that not seven, out of the one hundred in attendance, remain unaffected." ("Wesley and his Coadjutors," by Larrabee, vol. ii., p. 140.)
[385] Whitefield's Works, vol. i., p. 217.