Poetical Works of J.& C.Wesley, ed. G.Osborn: Vol.III, 1869: transcription from a copy in St Deiniol's Library, Hawarden.
Editorial Preface to Hymns on the Lord's Supper, 1745
The author of this excellent Treatise was born in Jersey, graduated at the French Protestant University of Saumur, was incorporated from thence at Oxford in 1638, and in the same year elected Fellow of Jesus College. Leaving England, to avoid persecution for refusing the Covenant, he became pastor of a French Protestant congregation in Normandy, and afterwards chaplain to the famous Marshal Turenne. Returning to England in 1661, he was appointed Dean of Lincoln in 1681, and died there in 1695.
During his residence in Paris the Princesses of Turenne and Bouillon expressed a desire to see the great subject of the Holy Communion treated in a practical and devotional manner, rather than with a view to those doctrinal questions to which it has given rise. "Jerusalem," they said, in language most natural to persons in their position, "is so flanked about with bastions that the temple can hardly be seen." In compliance with their wish this work was written, by way of discourse, meditation, and prayer; but "taking no notice" of contending parties "any more than if they had never appeared." This mode of treating the subject was more easy as the author had already published an admirable argumentative treatise entitled "The Depth and Mystery of the Roman Mass," and within two years after sent forth another volume devoted to the reproof of Romish superstitions, and entitled "Saul and Samuel at Endor; or, the New Ways of Salvation and Service which usually tempt men to Rome and detain them there, truly represented and refuted."
Dr Brevint's publication furnishes an instructive lesson on indirect and cumulative usefulness. Sometimes, as the Editor has listened to large congregations joining with heart and voice in strains expressing the noblest sentiments of which the human mind is capable, he has turned back in thought to the "two or three gathered together" in their Master's "name" in Paris more than two centuries ago. The instructions given in a despised Protestant conventicle in that splendid court are echoed today from the ends of the earth. The genius of the Wesleys has given wings to the thought and feeling of Dr Brevint; the handful of corn shakes like Lebanon. And while "the Great Monarch" and the splendours of his court are forgotten, or only remembered to be execrated, the Protestant worshippers will minister, by the agency of the Wesleys, to the devotion of multitudes; and this small volume, read with care, will prove a most valuable "Preparation" for the Lord's table.
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