| Citation |
PG-P.753.101
2 Aug 1753:11,12 (1284)
From the London Publick Advertiser, May 9. 1753. Mr.
Whitefield, in his expostilatory letter to Count
Zinzendorff, the head of the Moravians, asked him, Pray, my
Lord, what instances have we of the first Christians walking
round graves of their deceased friends on Easter-Day,
attended with hautboys, trumpets, French-horns, violins, and
other kinds of musical instruments? Or where have we the
least mention made of pictures of particular persons being
brought into the first Christian Assemblies, and of candles
being placed behind them, in order to give a transparent
view of the figures? . . . [12 lines] And yet your Lordship
must be sensible this was done in Fetter-lane Chapel, to
celebrate the birth-day, of Mrs. Hannah Nitschman, the
present general Eldress of your congregation; with this
addition, that all the sisters were seated in German caps,
and clothed in white; and the organ also illuminated with
three pyramids of wax tapers, each of which was tied with a
red ribbon . . . [19 lines, a like scene exhibited by the
single brethren in their house, with] musicians placed in an
adjacent apartment, while the company performed their
devotions, and regaled themselves with sweet meats, coffee,
tea, and wine. . . [1/2 column complaint by Whitefield
concerning financial irregularities.]
The following very singular expedient was made use of by
one of the brethrens Bishops, in order to strengthen the
faith, and to raise the drooping spirits of Mr. William
Bell, who had been unhappily drawn in, with several others,
to be one of their agents. On Mr. Bell's birth-day he was
sent for from his house in Nebil's Alley, Fetter-lane, and
introduced into a hall, in the same alley, where was placed
an artificial mountain, which, upon singing a particular
verse, was made to fall down, and then behind it was
discovered an illumination, representing Jesus Christ and
Mr. Bell, sitting very near, or embracing each other; and
out of the clouds was also represented plenty of money
falling round Mr. Bell and the Saviour.
. . . [10 more lines, Whitefield's conclusion.]
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