Wesley Corpus

II., c. 1) is that which forbids field-preaching by name; and was evidently intended, not only to suppress, but also to prevent, sedition: As the title of the Act declares, and as the preamble expresses it, “to provide farther and more speedy remedies against it.” Was this then, in your own judgment, the evident intention of that Act, viz., to provide remedies against sedition? Does the very title of the Act declare this, and the preamble also express it? With what justice then, with what ingenuity or candour, with what shadow of truth or reason, can any man cite this Act against us; whom you yourself no more suspect of a design to raise sedition, (I appeal to your own conscience in the sight of God,) than of a design to blow up the city of London? 6. Hitherto, therefore, it hath not been made to appear that field-preaching is contrary to any law in being. However, “it is dangerous.” This you strongly insist on. “It may be attended with mischievous consequences. It may give advan tages to the enemies of the established government. It is big with mischief.” (Observations, Sect. i. & ii.) With what mischief? Why, “evil-minded men, by meeting together in the fields, under pretence of religion, may raise riots and tumults; or, by meeting secretly, may carry on private cabals against the state.” (Case of the Methodists, p. 2.) “And if the Methodists themselves are a harmless and loyal people, it is nothing to the point in hand. For disloyal and seditious persons may use such an opportunity of getting toge ther, in order to execute any private design. Mr. Whitefield says, thirty, fifty, or eighty thousand have attended his preach ing at once. Now, (1.) He cannot know one tenth part of such a congregation: (2.) All people may come and carry on what designs they will: Therefore, (3.) This is a great opportunity put into the hands of seditious persons to raise disturbances. “With what safety to the public these field-preachings may be continued, let the world judge.” (Ibid. pp. 2-4.) May I speak without offence? I cannot think you are in earnest. You do not mean what you say. Do you believe Mr. Whitefield had eighty thousand hearers at once? No more than you believe he had eighty millions.