TO "THE MEMBERS" OF THE SOCIETY

OF FRIENDS, IN LIVERPOOL.

I COME now, my Friends, more immediately to consider a subject or two which gave rise to my addressing this work to you under the title of two Letters: and though they have caused me to alter the original plan of my writing, the subjects are nearly the same, by which I intended to "call the attention of the public" to you "as a people," whether your ministers, or teaching elders, think proper to do so or not. At page 13, letter 1, I alluded to two discourses delivered at your meeting-house; one on the third day, 11th month, 1st, and the other on the following first day, 6th, by the forementioned esteemed itinerant minister,* or visiting friend;" which not only furnish me with sufficient matter, but also stimulate me to action.

*

As it is principles and errors, not names or persons, that I desire immediately to censure and condemn, I shall conceal this your esteemed minister's name under that of his true character; at least as in the above instance, an Itinerant," or visiting preacher." I wave the modern custom of Personification :---I know nothing of Horace's fine rule,

"Reddere persona scit convenienta cuique !”

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This I must leave for the learned; (the latin scholar,) but such as adopt this style, if not cowards, I feel pursuaded they make it

These discourses being of a public nature, designed" for strangers," and "other denominations of professing christians," as well as to "the members" of your society; I not being of your society, as a member, am at liberty to make such remarks as I feel myself led, in the spirit of love, thereunto; and to offer them for the consideration of "strangers," and all "denominations of professing christians," of whatever sects and parties.

If, in the event, it may be objected by you, (on the apostolic rule of shewing causes, Matt. xviii. 15

a convenient stepping-stone, to foster their own opinions, &c. at least, if not to fasten on others their own errors, may serve to shelter, while they condemn, and stab in the dark! In no instance is personification more abused and dangerous than in the dialogue style of writing: to make one person sometimes an enemy and a friend; a devil and a christian, &c. However such authors may be willing and determined to "take upon themselves, and be responsible for all obnoxious sentiments;" such procedure is "a violation of decorum and truth." These writings, like men of talents, and great public characters, are, I will admit, more or less estimable in proportion as they tend to promote the happiness or welfare of mankind. But, as one well observed, "to judge them with justice and impartiality, we must not, however, take their words but their actions as the criterion of their merit!"****" the dramatic persona" may come in for its share. "Conformable to this standard, (continues the biogra pher of C. J. Fox, I think it was,) it is impossible to consider any one an estimable public character, whose conduct in private life daily belies the professions which he is giving to the world. He should hold forth in his own person an example of those virtues which are the themes of his panegyric:" “ this consistency of principle not only entitles a man to public faith, but also to public esteem."

Your society, friends, are wisely of opinion, that "they cannot, as men professing christian tenets, or christian love, encou

-17, and 1 Tim. v. 19,) not only because not being a member, but for want of " two or three witnesses," you will not, I presume, reject the evidences of your worthy predecessors, and the testimony of Jesus Christ in the heart or conscience of any one. Whether any one may see "eye to eye" with me or not, with all due submission to the worthy elders and ministers of your society I desire not to rob them of their honour. But that your ministry—“ men ministry," is at a very low ebb, is lamentable in all your churches! I shall not enter into particulars here; this I must leave for an Appendix :† but certain it is, your women excel in your ministry!! But with respect to your silent meetings, (or rather, waiting on God in silence, as preparative to public worship,) so much talked about, and so little understood, has not

rage others to assume false characters, or to personate those which are not their own." This personification you hold to be "injurious to the man who is compelled to practice it."- a mere actor, whose looks, words, and actions must be all sophisticated." Rousseau, though an infidel philosopher,) condemus the stage upon the same principles. "It is (says he) the art of dissimulation; of assuming a foreign character, and of appearing different from what a man really is; of flying into a passion without a cause, and of saying what he does not think, as naturally as if he really did: in a word, of forgetting himself to personate others" Vide T. Clarkson's Portraiture, &c. chap. 4, p. 76, 77, vol. 1.

I am happy, however, to hear, that among all the schemes on foot for doing good, one is in contemplation (if not now on foot) for the aiding and assisting all (those imaginary beings and dangerous instructors of the people) those who wish to emancipate themselves from the shackles of theatrical pursuits, and wish to follow a more virtuous, honourable, and useful occupation in life.

† Vide Appendix, No. 2.

only the sanction, at least, the admission, of many learned and pious men, as may be gathered from their writings, but also the authority of the holy scriptures, as I could easily prove, exclusive of your testimonies and doctrines: but this I must leave also for an Appendix. (v. ibid.)

I shall only observe here, touching the former, (men-ministry,) in the words of a certain Doctor of Divinity, so called, that "the generality of those called christians, are only so by name, and that, entirely absorbed in the things of this life, their affections are confined solely to them:"-" they mind earthly things, their God is the present world; their predominant passions are a love of vain glory, and a thirst after riches and pleasures: their inclination for spiritual blessings is entirely counteracted by an habitual and immoderate rage for temporal ones."

"Eternity! this great and glorious object loses with them almost all its force, and affects them only in a transient or superficial manner!" Vide Sermons on various subjects," by J. Gardiner, p. 101.

I have many documents of singular occurences by me, which might also stimulate me to this work. Many are the times in which I have been queried concerning you as a people: and although it is but a few years since, that the late Henry Tuke's valu ble little volume, of the principles and doctrines of your society was published, for the information of strangers; there is still room for more (I won't say for better) labourers in Christ's vineyard: need there is for more preaching and praying, printing and publishing, the glad tidings of salvation.