Note 223 — COMMENCEMENT OF OUTDOOR PREACHING. (continued 3)

The Rev. Henry Piers was a warm-hearted friend of Whitefield and the Wesleys; and a more detailed account of him may be given hereafter. At present, suffice it to say, that, nine days after this service at Bexley Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury expressly forbad Mr. Piers to allow either Whitefield or the Wesleys to preach in his church again. Mr. Piers obeyed the letter of this injunction—that is, his pulpit was closed against them; but not his reading desk, nor his communion place.