History Of Methodist Reform, Volume I - Media Sabda Org

METHODIST REFORM
Edward J. Drinkhouse, M.D., D.D.
APPENDICES
Volume I
APPENDIX A
An Introduction to Whitehead's "Life of the Wesleys," genuine edition published by W. S
Stockton of Philadelphia in 1845 by his famous son, Rev. Thomas H. Stockton, furnishes the
materials for a vindication of the reputation of Rev. John Whitehead, M.D., and which is freely
borrowed in this synopsis of the facts and arguments, pro and con, in the case of Coke, Moore, and
the Conference vs. Dr. Whitehead.
He entered the Methodist itinerancy in 1764 and retired in 1769. He then married and settled in
Bristol, and from thence he removed to Wandsworth, in the vicarage of London, and opened a
school. He studied physic under Dr. Lettson, and on the recommendation of Mr. Barclay, an
emollient member of the Society of Friends, pursued his studies at Leyden, Holland, and was the
guardian of his son. He completed his studies and returned to England with his diploma of Doctor
of Medicine. He had joined the Friends, and by their influence mainly secured the reputable position
of physician to the London Dispensary. After a few years he again joined the Methodists and was
received kindly by Wesley. Moore, his unrelenting opponent, living and dead, mentions that Dr.
Whitehead applied through him to Wesley to be ordained and made a superintendent, but that
Wesley, though "he loved the man, knew his versatility, and would not trust him again with so
important an office." A Methodist Episcopal journal, on the authority of the Wesleyan Methodist
Magazine, stated that he was expelled the Connection for alleged unfaithfulness in the trusteeship
of Wesley's manuscripts. The charges of Moore are not to Whitehead's discredit and are unsupported
by other evidence. As to the expulsion, if true, and it is probable at the time of the bitter controversy
over his "Life of the Wesleys," he was soon after received again and remained a member to his
decease in 1804.
His literary character received the endorsement of the British Critic of 1793, when his first volume
appeared, saying that he was sensible and his talents deserved great respect. His moral character was
never impeached except in the matter of the controversy with Coke, Moore, and the Conference, to
be considered on its merits later. Wesley loved him; and Myles, speaking of the committee
appointing him biographer, says, "They had a high opinion of his integrity."
As a physician the positions he held are in proof of his ability, and Wesley said, "I am persuaded
there is not such another physician in England."
As a preacher he must have been forceful and learned and eloquent, else he would not have been
selected a local preacher — to deliver the funeral sermon of Wesley. His popularity in London and
elsewhere was great.