^H O^ ' i Srom f^e feiBmrg of (profcBBot ^mam (gtiffer (paxion, ®.®., fefe.®. ^reeenfeb 6p (glrc. qparton to f^e &i6rarg of (Princeton C^eofogicaf ^emtndrg BX 9225 .W4 B59 1878 Billingsley, A. S. 1818- 1897. The life of the great preacher. Reverend George Ux^^^rry^ /^^VU^^ MAR 11191: THE LIFE V2 Great Preacher, REVEREND EORGE WHITEFIELD, "PRINCE OF PULPIT ORATORS," WITH THE SECRET OF HIS SUCCESS, AND SPECIMENS OF HIS SERMONS. y BY Rev. a. S. BILLINGSLEY, LATB CHAPLAIN U. S. A., AND AUTHOR OF "FROM THE FLAG TO THB CROSS." P. W. ZIEGLER & CO., Publishers, Philadelphia, Pa. ; Chicago 111. Copyright, 1878, By a. S. BILLINGSLEY. PREFACE. ♦ VVhitefield was a flame of fire. And as that "flame has shone so bright, enlightened the minds and warmed the hearts of so many, it is very important to keep it burning. But as it has long since ceased to burn in the original socket, and now shines only as re- flected through the historic page, Whitefield's life, words and deeds should be in every household. "Though dead, he yet speaketh." Enshrined in the hearts of God's people, like his great Master, he still lives by the fervent prayers he prayed, the eloquent sermons he preached, and the holy doctrine he taught. Dead to self and conse- crated to God, with his towering faith, humble walk and holy life, he still lives by the godly example he set us. Bold, earnest, elo- quent and powerful, as a preacher, he still lives as " the unequaled prince of pulpit orators." Having lived and died for Christ he still lives as a martyr for Jesus. But Whitefield was not only a flame of fire, he was also a flame of love. And it was the union of the flame of fire with the flame of love that made him so powerful. Who struck fresh life into a dead church? George Whitefield. How? By the power of his fervent prayers, eloquent sermons and abundant labors. "He smote the rock" of the churcli's resources, and stream.s of life and salvation gushed out. He touched the dead corpse "of a lifeless, palsied church, and it rose and stood upon its feet." Then let the church garner his remains, hold forth his brilliant, Christ-like example, print and circulate his life, until it shall abound as the leaves of autumn. (ui) IV PREFACE. The following pages contain much about Whitciield found in no other biography. Written from a religious stand-point, we hoi)e it will do much to strengthen Christians and to convert sinners. We found it refreshing to write it, and hope it will prove refreshing tc read it. To save room and avoid copious foot-notes, we generally omitted the author and page referred to. If anything should be called in question, we have the authors on hand. LIST OF AUTHORS CONSULTED IN THE FOLLOWING WORK. Whitefield's Journal, London. , Whitefield's Journal, revised and corrected by himself, London, '756. Whitefield's Autobiography, 1756, London. Rev. Dr. John Gillies' Life of Whitefield, London, 1772. Two other Editions of the same, enlarged and improved. Life and Times of Whitefield, by Rev. Dr. Robert Philip, 1838. J. R. Andrews' Life of Whitefield, London, 1829. Rev. Dr. Joseph Belcher's Life of Whitefield, New York, 1857. Rev. D. Newell's Life of Whitefield, 1855, New York. Harsha's Life of Whitefield. Whitefield's Works, 7 vols., 1771, London. Rev. John Wesley's Works, 7 vols., octavo. Tyerman's Life and Times of John Wesley, 3 vols., 1872. Whitehead's Life of John and Charles Wesley. Coke's Life of Wesley — Edinburgh Encyclopedia. Richard Watson's Life of Wesley. Dr. Gillies' Historical Collections. Prince's Christian History, 2 vols. History of Methodism, by Dr. A. Stevens. Mosheim's Church History, 4 vols. Life of Lady Huntingdon, London, 2 vols., 8vo. ! Sidney's Life of Rowland Hill. "1 Jay's Life of Cornelius Winter. Dwight's Life of Jonathan Edwards. The Great Awakening. Biblical Repertory. Edwards's Works, 4 vols. John Newton's Works, 6 vols. History Presbyterian Church, Dr. C. Hodge, 2 vols. (V) VI LIST OF AUTHORS. The Log College, Rev. Dr. A. Alexander. Lossing's Field Book of tlie Revolution, 2 vols. Boswell's Life of Dr. Samuel Jolinson, 2 vols. History of Georgia, by Rev. Dr. Stevens, 2 vols. Life of General Oglethorpe. Life and Essays of Dr. Franklin. Appleton's American Encyclopedia, 16 vols., 8vo. AUibone's Dictionary of Authors, 3 vols., 8vo. Life of C. H. Spurgeon. The Prince of Pulpit Orators, by Rev. Dr. Wakely. Religious Encyclopedia. Blake's Biographical Dictionary. John Wesley, by Julia Wedgwood, London. Cambuslang Revival. Revivals of Religion in Scotland and Wales, Pres. Board. James' Earnest Ministry. Works of Dougald Stuart. Hetherington's History of Church of Scotland. Bancroft's History United States, 10 vols. Great Preachers. History United States, Quackenbos. History United States, A. H. Stephens. Lady Huntingdon and Her Friends. Biographical Dictionary, 32 vols., by Alexander Chalmers, F. S. A. John Foster's Essays. Universal Dictionary, by Dr. J. Thomas, London. The Imperial Dictionary of Universal Biography. New Testament Illustrations. Youth's Gleaner. New Encyclopedia of Prose Illustrations, Foster. The Modern British Essayists. A Volume of Funeral Sermons on Whitefield, 8vo., 1770. Hawkins' Missions of Church of England. Bishop Butler's Works. Porter on Revivals. Buck's Religious Anecdotes. Sketches of Eloquent Preachers. Sketches of Presbyterian Church. LIST OF AUTHORS. VII e Dr. Gill^tt's History Presbyterian Chmch, 2 vols. History of Presbyterian Church Throughout the World. Arvine's Cyclopedia of Moral and Religious Anecdotes. Dr. Sprague's Annals American Pulpit. Cowper's Poems. Walpole's Letters. The Priest, The Puritan, and The Preacher. Religious Ceremonies and Customs. Revival Sketches and Maiuial. Foote's Sketches of North Carolina. Allison's Modern Europe, 5 vols. The Christian Preacher, 2 vols. Evangelists of the Church, Headley. Sketches of the Life and Times of Whitefield. Hand Book of Revivals. The Great Revival of 1800, Rev. Dr. Spear. The London Spectator. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine. Edinburgh PvCview. Princeton Review. The New Englander. The Christian Examiner. The Literary and Theological Review. The North American Review. The Christian Spectator. The Christian Review. c- Eraser's Magazine. Centennial Commemoration of Whitefield's Death, Newbury- port, Mass. Zell's Encyclopedia. ^ London Encyclopedia. Encyclopedia Britannica. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY. PAca. A flaming fire. A big light. Many lighted. Many warmed. Keep it burning. Whitefield in every house. His character as a preacher and orator. A martyr for Jesus. A flame of love. Source of his povi^er, love and fire. Struck fresh life into a dead church. A dead corpse stands on its feet. Garner his life and remains. Let it fly. Condition of tlie Church when he began to preach. Piety very lovv^. A converted minister a rare tiling. Christianity considered "fictitious." Praying to man instead of God. Testimony of Toplady, Bishop Butler, Wesley and Dr. Watson. 3 CHAPTER I. whitefield's birth and boyhood. pA-ery nation has its great men. Demosthenes, Cicero, Edwards, Whitefield. His Birtli and Parentage. Robert Raikes. Hooper, the martyr. One bright light dies, another rises. Distinguished men of humble birth. Little George orphaned at two. "Always a good boy." Object of much ]iarental affection. Much expected of him. Hated instruction. His " roguish tricks." Tender heart. Goes to school. (Three years at Grammar School.) " Born an orator." His eloquence begins to develop. Fond of the stage. Praised and paid for his performances. Saves money and buys a good book. (The stage debauches.) Quits school and comes home. Enters hotel as a"PoT BoY and Common Dravvyer." CleaMS rooms. Unconscious of his great power. Always wanted to be a preacher. Took charge of a hotel. Washing mops and composing ser- mons. Encouraging example for boys 19 CHAPTER II. HIS EDUCATION AND CONVERSION. He longs to go to college. His " extraordinary talents." His academic ed- ucation. Great progress in the classics. " One penny left." " Will you go to Oxford, George?" "With ALL MY heart." "The Rubicon is pa.st." Tender disposition. Early religious impressions. Exchanged Novels for Thomas a Kempis. Set out to be religious at sixteen. An Episcopalian. Enters college as a "servitor" at eighteen. Paid his own way. Got into bad company. Went to churcJi for sport. Low morals at (i) ii CONTENTS. FACKi Oxford. Out in the cold. Persecuted. Lilies among thorns. The "Holy Club." The Wesleys. Origin of Methodism. Read Law's Serious Call. Compassion for the poor. Befriended by Charles Wesley. Joined the " Holy Club." " Lived by rule." Redeems the time. Read "The Life of God in the Soul." Discovered "the true religion." "Saw a great light." Feels he "t?iust be born again." His severe pangs of regeneration. Turning point in his salvation. Fasted and prayed him- self almost to death. Spent whole days and weeks in prayer. Wore patched clothes and dirty shoes. Sick seven weeks. His " glorious visi- tation." Deeper convictions. Prays over his Greek Testament. Studies - ^ Bible closer. Earnest searching for Jesus. Sees justification by faith. The struggle increases. His conversion. Unspeakable joy. Thank God. His friends make light of it. His joy in self-denial 24 CHAPTER III. HIS ORDINATION. Prostrated by his severe pangs of regeneration, needs rest. At the head of the " Holy Club." Gets ;,f 20 a year. Begins to live and work for Christ. Wants religious friends. His first convert. Formed a society. Reads Bible on his knees. Prays over every word. Studies Burkitt and Henry. His sweet communion and blessed assurance. His work enlarges. Kind- ness to the poor. Visited prisoners in jail 36 CHAPTER IV. HIS FIRST SERMON. His unbosoming himself reveals the secret of his strength. His big tears and pent-up desires raise high expectations. Feels his own weakness. His first sermon a complete success. " The effect was wonderful." It set fifteen mad. It was on "The Benefit of Religious Society." En- joyed God's presence. Awed at first, "The fire kindled as he advanced." A few mocked. " Most seemed struck." Began preaching with one ser- mon. It established his character at once. His glorious letter. He preached the following Sabbath with gi-eat power. Returned to Oxford. Received with great joy. Received the degree of "A. B." Took charge of charity schools. Called away to preach 44 CHAPTER V. HIS FIRST LABORS IN LONDON AND ENGLAND. His vast field. Pants to thrust in the sickle. Called to London. Sneered at. Everybody carried away with his sermon. " The boy PARSON." Visited the soldiers. Preached to the prisoners. Longs to go to America. Returns to Oxford, Bought Henry's Commentary with a present. Goes to Dummer as curate. Dislikes the society there. Likes it and profits by it. Redeems the time. Declines a call to London. The Wesleys urge CONTENTS. Ill PAGB. him to goto America. "The die is cast." "I will go." His heart leaped with joy 48 CHAPTER VI. HIS WEEVlNc; KAREWKLL TO LONDON. The young Boanerges gets ready. Sorrowful parting. His friends wept sore. Had large offers to not go. His aged mother wept. Offered a fine, rich church to stay. Nothing moved him. Bids farewell to Oxford. Consults Bp. Benson. Revival at Bristol. Whole city movetl. Preached before the corporation. Feels his pride and ambition rising. Prays for humility. The word cuts like lightning. Similar impressions at Bath and Gloucester. Big collections. Returned to London. Consults General Oglethorpe and Georgia Trustees. Interviews the Bishop and Archbishop, London. Very enthusiastic. Longs to set sail. Sailing delayed. Labors in London. Goes to the country. Precious refreshings. Exults in God, in a storm. Returns to Bristol. Received with great honor. City elec- trified with his preaching. Floods of tears. Similar results at Bath. Powerful effects of his .sermon on Regeneration. "All London alarmed." Increased zeal. .Six o'clock morning sermons. Preached to London charity schools. A great rush. Streets crowded long before day, going to church. Prayed all night. Farewell to London. "All drowned in tears." Opposition quails. " God conquers all." '^A spiritical pickpocket^ Dry bones shake. Sinners flock to Jesus. The doctrines he preached. Thou- sands pray for him and hugged him in their arms. Farewell 5a CHAPTER VII. HIS FIRST VOYAGE TO AMERICA. Successful in England, he embarks for America, 1737. Ship full of soldiers. His "New Charge" Cards, cursing, swearing. His cold reception on board. Treated as an impostor. Ship a gambling house. Fled to the hills for prayer. Conquers the opposition. Visits the sick soldiers. Re- proves swearing othcers. The Captain gave him his cabin. Organized a Soldiers' Bible Class. Preached twice the second Sabbath on board. Catechised soldiers. Preached twice every day. "The Whitaker" de- tained. Fast Day. A sweet Sabbath at Deal. Whitefield sailed out by same wind Wesley sailed in. Narrow escape. Catechised children. Preached daily to the soldiers. Preached Hell and Justification by Faith. Crawled on his knees to visit the sick. Cheerful in a storm. Reaches Gibraltar. Kindly received by the Governor. The Gibraltar Methodists. A glorious light. His soul knit to them. Prayed in caves and rocks. Farewell to Gibraltar. Many wept. Canvasses hearts " o«^ by o«^." A school on board. Fast Day. Preached on swearing. Soldiers wept. Sin much abated. Preaches on accompanying ships. Cards and bad books thrown overboard. Swearing soldiers converted. Whitefield and iv CONTENTS. PAGB. the shark. " IVajy of duty, the way of safety. ^^ "Breaking children's wills." Preaches on three ships .same day. He gets sick. Three ships join in the service. Ship cook dies. The cabin becomes a Bethel, the deck a Church, the stern a School. A great Reformation. "What a change!" Walks by faith. Reaches Savannah 6i CHAPTER VIII. WHITEFIELD'S first visit to AMERICA, Landed at Savannah, May 7, 1738. Thanks God for his safe arrival. Very kindly received. Preached the next day. Visits an old sick Indian. Sur- veys the little colony. Determines to erect an Orphan House. Visits the Saltzburgers. Shares with their orphans. Sung and prayed with them. Gels sick — gets well. Wesley's success. America not such a hard place. " Painted lions." Visits from house to house. Wins people's hearts. Preaches daily at five in morning. Travels twelve or fifteen miles to visit families. Visits Frederica. Heartily received. Stirred up the people to build a church. A lost man. " Looked for persecution, but received like an angel of God." Loaded with presents. Returns to Sa- annah. Whitefield and the dying infidel. Farewell to Savannah. Amer- ica a good school to learn Christ in. Many warm friends. His success in America. Slept on the ground 75 CHAPTER IX. HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND. Sailed September 9, 1738. Evil forebodings. Slorm at sea. "All was terror." Deep distress. His soul wrapt in peace. Sublime victory of faith. Put on short rations. Rejoices in trials. His great heroism. Pre- fers scanty supplies. Better for the soul. D.irk clouds thicken. Spiritual desertions. Glories in tribulations. Filled with joy unspeakable. De- fies the devil. Rises above fear. A Jonah on board. Half starved. Brought very low. Thanks God for it. Prays to be scourged. Very happy. Long, stormy, distressing voyage. Good for the soul. Sung and prayed at sight of land. Resignation best preparation for blessings. But one-half pint of water left. "Great straits." Learned to endure hardness. Convicted Captain's prayer. W. fears treachery of his own heart. Reaches Ireland. Preaches in Limerick. Kissed by the Bishop. An Irish cabin, with pigs, dogs, geese, men, women and children in it. Preaches at Dublin. Highly honored. Refreshed. Prays for humility. Reached England November 12, much encouraged 8a CHAPTER X. NEW MEASURES IN LONDON — BREAKING ICE IN BRISTOL. Fears "The fiery trial of Popularity." " Whetup" with trials, reaches Lon- don December 8, 1738. Finds his churches prospering. Favorably re- CONTENTS, V ceived by the Bishop and Archbishop, Pulpits shut against him. Coun- sels with Wesley. Prays all night. Filled with the Spirit. Overwhelmed with God's presence, cries, " Glory be to God !" Happy Love Feast. Many fell to the ground. His " Happiest New Year's." " The Epoch of Methodism." "Full of God." Holds a conference with Methodists. Big expectations. "Always on the stretch for God." Loves his enemies. Meets with little Praying Bands. Goes to Oxford. His ordination. "A day of fat things." Presented five hundred acres land for Orphan House. London churches shut against him. Opposition helps on. Preaches ex- tempore. God gave a heaven on earth. Action the best remedy for de- pression. Preached in a hotel. "Just beginning to be a Christian." Many converts in London. Itinerates. Opposers struck dumb. Triumphs everywhere. Threatened with excommunication. Awed by no threats, preaches on. Field preaching. The ice broken. First field sermon. ' The Rubicon is passed. A glorious victory. New era dawns on the Church. Clergy frowned, but God smiled. Gagged in the city, fled to the country. His boldness. Preaches to acres of poor colliers, out doors. Wesley's views. The fire kindled. "All devils in hell can't put it out." Breaking the ice, broke Satan's kingdom. The poor colliers — their tears made " white gutters." Overcome with the glory. Sent for Wesley. He came and took the field. Eventful crisis. Whitefield broke the way, Wesley followed. Twenty thousand weeping over their sins. Whitefield a man of prayer. Prayer Meetings a source of his strength — his finishing school. His mighty impulse. Overwhelmed with joy. God hangs greatest weights on smallest wires. His New Meas- ures — New Doctrines. "Alarmed all London." Shook the devil's throne. Revived the churches of two continents 90 CHAPTER XI. FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND — GREAT FIELD VICTORIES, flushed with victory. New measures and new doctrines established. Goes on conquering. Wonderful success with the poor colliers. Fourteen thou- sand at Rose Green. His soul expands. Thronged with inquirers. Goes to Wales. Scoffers trail a dead fox. Howell Harris. Baptized with Welsh fire, returned to England. Says "The devil is blind." Fears noth- ing but a calm. Preaches to twenty thousand at Rose Green. Scoffers prayed to silence. People weep over him. Breaking heads and hearts. Welcomed back to Bristol. Loaded with mites. Many converts at Kings- wood. Returns to Wales. Big dinner at Kingswood. Prayer for a school. Glories in field-preaching. Stilled a tempest. Many starved out. Preached to thirty thousand in the rain undisturbed. Baptized an old Quaker. " Dead as a stone." Hurries to Oxford. Shocked at back- sliders. Wrings his heart with grief. Kindly received at London. Pow- erful demonstrations of the Spirit. " Floods of tears." " Sweats through and through." Strengthened with trials. Great Jield victories at Moor- \i CONTENTS. fields and Kennington Common. His life threatened. Awed by no threats, preached on. Grand success. Congregation of 30,0CX). Singing heard two miles, preaching one. "Whitefield's Mount." His power and congregations increase. Fifty thousand at Kennington Common. Big collection. More than he could carry. Congregation of sixty thou- sand. Periam thought crazy because he prayed loud. Scoffers awed to silence. Visits Dr. Doddridge. Reproved unsound ministers. Called them " blind guides." Hot controversy. Big congregations. Sixty thou- sand " drenched in tears." Eighty thousand. Changes his base. Goes to Blackheath. Almost drowned out with weeping. People sung and prayed all night. Heaven on earth. First Methodist Seminary. Swearing turned to praising. " Half beast and half devil." Mobbed. Scoffers cowed down by his sermon. Received a blow. Returned to London. Received with great joy. Preached at a horse race. Held the people by his eloquence. His farewell sermon. Thousands burst into tears. But a babe in Christ , . 103 CHAPTER XII, HIS SECOND VOYAGE AND VISIT TO AMERICA, His success in England. ;^ic)00 for Orphan House. Sailed August 14, 1739. Self-examination, The further he went the worse he got. Called him- self "a dead dog." Deeply humbled. His strong confession. Longs for the stake. Inward struggles. His rocky heart breaks — floods of tears gush out. Sweet trials. Strong faith. Suffering a great privilege. Ready to leap into a fiery furnace. His " splendid sins." Reached Philadelphia in October. Rented a cheap house. "Got fixed up." Preaches daily, "Endued with power from on high." Thronged with inquirers. Dined with William Penn. Visited by old Mr. Tennent. Goes to New York. Heard Gilbert Tennent's searching sermon. Finds himself but a babe in Christ. New York pulpits shut against him. Preached with great lib- erty. Left New York under deep concern. Deeply concerned for his mother 120 CHAPTER XIII. TOUR FROM NEW YORK TO SAVANNAH, Preached as he went. Spoke strongly against unconverted ministers. One quit preaching. Another prayed and was converted. The Log College, Cradle of Presbyterianism, Preached with melting effect. Sweet com- munion with Mr, Tennent, Germ of New Jersey College, Goes to Philadelphia. His journals translated into Dutch, Revival in Philadel- phia, Prayer meetings. Farewell to Philadelphia, November 29, 10,000 "wept bitterly," Great revivals in Philadelphia, Deep affection for him. Court adjourned to hear him. His family goes by sea, he by land to preach. Cards strongly condemned. Grieved him to see sinners dancing over hell. Lunched at Port Tobacco, Dined with Governor of Virginia. CONTENTS. Vll PAGB. Favorably impressed. Kindly received in North Carolina. Surrounded with howling wolves. Visits the negroes. Thinks they can learn fast as whites. Swims his horse. South Carolina more polite. Broke up a dance. Baptized a child. Starts by day-break. Alarmed by a negro dance. Lost his old friend Gardner. Charleston ladies gay. Levity turned into seriousness. The gayest weep. His manner of preaching. Took Mr. Smith's heart. Sails in an open canoe. Sleeps on the ground. Prayed with negroes after midnight. Encouraged by news from New York. Gen. Oglethorpe gave him ;^I50 for a church. His altercation with Mr. Garden. Ordered out of his house. Whitefield bowed him- self out •* 125 CHAPTER XIV. WHITFIELD'S ORPHAN HOUSE. Its origin. His compassion. Its original mover. Model. English sympa- thy for. 500 acres of land granted for it. Nucleus of. Situation and plan of. Foundation laid. A work of faith. Whitefield's hobby. A house of mercy. First collection for it in America, ^350. Laid first brick March 25, 1740. Big collections fur it in Philadelphia and New York. Goes to New England for funds. $1,000 at once. Deep anxiety for it. " I liang on Jesus." Goes home for a wife and funds. 70 orphans. Teachers. Order and piety. English, Scots, Dutch, French. American boys and girls. He preaches to children's hearts. Brick and provisions stolen. Indians supplied them. Revival. No fund for it. Built by faith. A little farm garden. Big family, one hundred and fifty. Raised own pro- visions. Invaded by the Spaniards. Fasted and prayed. Gen. Oglethorpe drove them off. W.'s devotion to orphans. Prefers slavery to seeing them suffer. Weighed down with cares. Sails for Bermuda, 1748. Proposes to make Belhesda a College and Seminary. Visits it again in 1754, Pros- perous. Another grant of two thousand acres of land for it. King re- fuses a charter. Its "broad bottom." Determines on an academy. Two large wings added. Governor and officials go to hear him. Goes north to recruit, and died, Sept. 30, 1770. Willed Orphan's House to Lady Hun- tington. Her care for it. Destroyed by lightning. Rebuilt. Still con- tinued for its original purpose 139 CHAPTER XV. HIS SECOND TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK. Farewell to Savannah. Sailed north. Reached New Castle, April 13, 1740. Preached twice same day. People went twenty miles to hear. Embraced with tenderest affection. Went to Philadelphia. Churches shut against him. Fled to the fields. Large congregations. " Have I A soul ?" Revival. Scoffers silenced. Drinking club broken up. Satan losing ground. Established a colored school. All Philadelphia " moved at his I* Vlll CONTENTS. PAGR coming." Falsely accused. Society of young men organized. Youny women also. The work, increases. "Religion is all the talk." " Pifty negroes converted." Dr. Rodgers, a converted boy, embraced. Philadel- phia proposed to build him a big church. Refused it. Organized a church of one hundred and forty members, Second Presbyterian, Philadel- I'iiia. Great change in the people. Franklin said "Itseemedall the world w.ts growing religious." Dancing school closed. Goes to New York, Preached as he went. Motto — ''No nestling this side heaven.'''' Always revived. Soars along at feet of Jesus. Building on frames. Lifted on his horse. P'arewell to New York. Strikes for Georgia. Tennents go twenty miles to meet him. A sweet ride. Big stir in New York. "All was life and power." " People hung on his lips." Nottingham re- vival. One thousand cried out. Some fainted. Overpowered with God's love. " It almost took my life." Another Pentecost. Still greater at Fogg's Manor. Wonderful. Looked like going to judgment. Could scarcely get on his horse. His heart ready to burst. His"' tears of blood." Over- whelmed with joy at Savannah. Thought he would have died. Anath- emas of Garden. Sweet comintjncement at Bethesda. Great work at Charleston. Where opposition strongest, success greatest. Word ran like lightning. Baptists, Episcopalians and Presbyterians all communed lo- getiier. Changed his shirt every sermon. Hard trials, but God gave iiiiu victory. Results. Ladies dress plainer. Ashamed of jewelry, hide it. Converted planters. Sued and suspended for praying his own prayers, in Charleston, 1740. He appealed. Refused the sacrament. Thanks (iod. Walking between the Cherubims of glory. Expected martyrdom. His submission. " Sweet to wear a martyr crown." 1 48 CHAPTER XVI. WHITEFIELD IN NEW ENGLAND. Sailed for Boston August 24, 1740. Prospects encouraging. Revival ex- pected. Mr. Clapp. Interviews Gov. Belcher. Reached Boston unwell. Preached alternately in the church and on the Common. False alarm. Five killed. Harvard College. One hundred students. Tempted. Over- joyed. Big collection. Preached to negroes. Boy going to Whitefield's God. Preaches to children. Visits a dying little girl. Their conversa- tion. Little girl converted. Unconverted preachers. Dead congrega- tions. Offering strange fire. Wants nothing but Christ. Farewell to Boston. Thirty thousand. Governor wept — -kissed Whitefield. Ex- horted to stir up preachers and rulers. Befriends Princeton College. " Putting fire to tinder." At Northampton. Visits President Edwards. Great revival. How it began. A gay young lady converted. Whole town full of God. Spread like a flash of lightning. Character of Ed- wards. Spoke to his children. Preached for him. All wept profusely. A sweet couple. Children dress plain. Put W. in notion of getting mar- CONTENTS. IX PAGB. ried. Former lires slirred. His soul knit to them. Thrown oil his horse. Impulses. Great Revival foUowfed. Appropriate sermons. Religion all the talk. Much crying out, faintings, etc. Children's refreshing meet- ing. Edwards' ecstatic joy. WJiitefield goes to New Haven. Strikes for New York. Goes preaching. Warns unconverted ministers. Gov. Tallcott weeps. Power with unconverted ministers. Likes New Eng- land. Opposes preaching w itli notes. Sign of coldness. Light of Uni- versities becomes darkness. Towerful revival — unprecedented. Twenty Boston ministers converted. Picking holes in coats and hearts. Received as an angel of God. Head, hands, heart full of Christ. Dr. Prince's opinion of him. A great "Wooer of souls." Many converts. Great change in Boston. One hundred and twenty churches in twenty years. New England won his heart 162 CHAPTER XVII. TOUR FROM NEW ENGLAND TO GEORGIA. Preaches by the way. Big stir in New York. Dejected. Preaches with great power. Carried all before it. Weeping congregations. Over- whelmed him. Solemn wedding. "Obliged to his enemies." Heart strings breaking. " A boy cut to the heart." The boy preaches. Deep impression. Wrapt in Jesus. Tennent blows up the fire in Boston. Pow- erful work. Rev. Aaron Burr. Goes to Philadelphia. God's glory fills the house. " Set America in a flame." Converted infidel weeps. God struck his heart. Not sectarian. No sectarianism in heaven. Revival at Whiteclay Creek. Fruitful excursion. Touching at Charleston. Reaches Bethesda,_ December 14. Overwhelmed in prayer. Happy Christmas at Bethesda. Charleston people exceeding kind. Charge of libeling the clergy. Was sued. Plead guilty. Gave bail. Rejoices in it. Farewell to Charleston. Sailed for London 181 CHAPTER XVIII. HIS SEPARATION FROM WESLEY. Having revived American churches, sailed for England, January 16, 1741. Readied Falmouth March 11. Preached at Kennington Common follow- ing Sabbath. But, oh ! what a scene ! — ^Satan had ruined his societies. Formerly had 20,000, now only loo. Strange prejudice against him. People refuse to look at him. Deplores separation. Threatened with arrest for debt. Heart-rending scene. His heart bled over it. Conquered the oppo- sition. Whitefield a Calvinist, Wesley an Arminian. Hence they dif- fered. Both tried to avoid a separation. His affectionate letter to Wesley. Wesley's reply. The conflict deepens. Wesley's sermon against election. Its effects. Whitefield's reply to it. Greatly blessed. His sweet assurance. Looks for worse trials. Strong faith. " Makes a bed of flame a bed of down." Whitefield's pointed letter to Wesley. Prays for harmony. Abhors X CONTENTS. PAGE preaching against Wesley, " I had rather die." Writes against him. Wes- ley tore up his letter. The doctrinal chasm widens. Whitefield girding for the battle. The breach consummated. Each one blames the other. Looks up his scattered sheep. They soon return. The Tabernacle built. Revival followed. Sent for lay preachers. The farther we go in relig- ion, the cooler yet the more earnest. All peace and sweetness. Jesus rides on conquering. Threatened with arrest for debt. Driven to his knees. Assured of help. His Letters. All rich as cream. Good news from New England. Field preaching his plan. Great success in London. Wesley's Calvinism. The separation was short. The breach v(fas soon healed. Wesley said, " Let controversy die." Whitefield said, " Amen." " Let us bear and forbear." Though thus united, " each one pursued his own course." 190 CHAPTER XIX. HIS FIRST VISIT TO SCOTLAND. Whitefield rising. Buoyant and daring, he couldn't be kept down. Reaches Edinburgh July 30, 1741. Preaches for the Erskines yfrj/. "Received very lovingly." "The ;'«j-///«^ of Bibles surprised him." Seceders strive to win him to their party. Preaches in Edinburgh. Meets the Seceder Pres- bytery. An "inside workman." "The devil's people" most need preaching. Willing to preach in the Pope's pulpit. " Narrow spirits." " Foundation too narrow." He " retired, wept, prayed." "Seen an end of all perfection." Received with open arms and open hearts at Edin- burgh. Great revival. " Three hundred seeking after Jesus." His ser- mons printed daily. " Everyvi'here Jesus gets the victory." Congrega- tion of twenty thousand. Twenty-five hundred dollars for orphans. His motto, " Poor, yet making many rich." " I make no purse." Christ's love struck him dumb. Fifty conversions in Glasgow. Preached seven times one day. New " prayer meetings everywhere." "A flaming fire for God.'' Whitefield next to Knox. Left Scotland for Wales 203 CHAPTER XX. HIS COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. Manner of courting peculiar. Left it all with the Lord. Courted by letter. Popped the question first letter. Didn't believe in love. His first love- letter. Awkward in winning a woman's heart. Failed to get first one he picked on. He asked her many hard questions. He wanted one dead to everything but Jesus Christ. Married an old widow — a Welsh lady of Abergavenny — neither rich nor beautiful, but pious. Her courage. " Now, George, /Azy ///I? man for God.'' The enemy fled. Victory on the Lord's side. His domestic life. Different opinions about it. His affection for his wife. Drove her into a deep ditch. Not hurt much. Took no bridal tour — no, but went right on with his work. Their first born. Born when he was from home. So poor, borrowed furniture to CONTENTS. XI PAGE. begin to keep house. The child died. He preached on next day. Said " weeping must not hinder sowing." 209 CHAPTER XXI, HIS PITCHED BATTLE WITH SATAN. Few more sliirmishes first. Warmed with Welsh fire, returns to England. Electrified Bristol. Nearer Christ than ever. Corresponds with the nobility. Things prosperous at London. " The fire kindles." " Jesus rides on tri- umphantly." " Peace flows like a river." Itinerates. Love feast at Kings- wood. Success in England, Wales, Scotland. " Free grace fires his soul." Discontinues his Journals. Rejoices over a converted lord. " What sweet company is Jesus." Another skirmish at Gloucester. "A glorious Pentecost at London." " The Pitched Battle." At Moorfields on Whitsuntide. "Got the start of the devil." Ten thousand flocked around him. Preaches again at noon. " IV/iat a scene ./" Twenty-five thousand white for Beelze- bub's harvest. Mobbed. " Honored with stones, rotten eggs and dead cats." " His soul was among lions." People "turned into lambs." Makes an- other attack. Enemy being greatly reinforced, made repeated assaults. VVhitefield pours in his heavy artillery, volley after volley. The enemy roared, the people prayed, till victory was complete. One thousand awakened — three hundred and fifty " snatched out of the veiy jaws of the devil." Great rejoicing. Battle lasted three hours. The world eclipsed 'n oratory. "The devil completely out-generaled." Grand victory ! The secret of his success. "His wonderful oratory." The people "keep pruning." Labored under disadvantages. Demosthenes. Peter on the day of Pen tecost, had every advantage. Peter and Whitefield contrasted. Changed his base. Renewed the attack. Followed up the victory. " Preached in great jeopardy." Threatened to be stabbed. Narrow escape. " Satan out-done himself." " Half devil and half beast." 215 CHAPTER XXII. HIS SECOND VISIT TO SCOTLAND. Flushed with victory, returns to Scotland. Expects greater things there. Prayed as he went. Repelled Satan's fiery darts. Received with great joy. Converts slick fast. Great commotion. Preadied with unprece- dented power. "Awakening unspeakable." Prays without ceasing At Candiuslang. Demonstrations still greater than ever. Weeping and dis- tress inexpressible. Cambuslang communion. Preached to twenty thou- sand on Saturday willi greaf power. So crowded upon, had to desist. Preached again Monday morning. He never saw the like. The motion fled as quick as lightning. Thousands overwhelmed. Some sung and prayed all night. '■'■Keep close lo Jesus.''' Seceders' fast day because of W.'s success. Called " a destroyer." They called this work " a delusion.'^ "The work of the devil " Cambuslang second comvninion. W. very Xll CONTENTS. PAG^ 7nuch stirred up. With forty thousand people, three thousand communi- cants, twenty-five tables. It excelled all other communions. It lasted till night. Communicants rushed to the table. " Never saw so much of heaven on earth." Two thousand awakenings. "Convulsions." Four hundred conversions. Some mocked. Other revivals followed. " Trod .sin, death and hell under his feet." Lives by faith. Fears neither men nor devils. " Prefers Christ's reproach to all the treasures in the world." Pitied the Seceders. Dead to self. Whole-hearted consecration. Prayer for Col . Gardner 224 CHAPTER XXIII. HIS OLD BATTLE FIELDS. CJieered by his success in Scotland, returns to England. He went by coach, his wife by sea. Persecution still rages. Some indicted for going to relig- ious societies. "If you j^^zrz/^ us we'll go." " Live on grass." Strong de- votion to his orphans. His theological course. "The Bible and your own heart." The way to rise. Power of humility. "Fetching blood from the old man." Preaches at Old Points. Presides at Methodist Association in Wales. " Swarzy is taken." Honored with a salute. Tendered another "blessed association." Preaching established all over Wales. Opposers "like vipers biting the file." Four hundred miles in three weeks. " Re- sumed the Lord's battles in Moorfields." Soars on eagle's wings. Mobbed at Hampton. Willing to die for Jesus. Accused falsely. Escaped from mob. Surrenders himself. Thrown into a lime-pit. Filled with joy. His courage shook them. Let out. Thanks God. Taken again. His Christ-like submission. Led through town by the mob. ^^ His sweet walk." Thrown into the creek. Cut his leg. "He talked to them." They re- pented. He did not sue them. Vra.y&A, " Father, forgive them." He broke up the mob by kindness. They made another attack. He sued them. They found guilty. Preaches at "Bristol Fair." Assaulted. " Most unmercifully beaten." He cried " murder." Received repeated blows. The women pushed the murderer down stairs. The neighborhood alarmed. Another murderous scheme frustrated by his kindness. His kindness saved his life. Thought to be mad because he preached loud. One went to stone him and got convicted. He made a preacher. His powerful appeal 232 CHAPTER XXIV. .,, HIS THIRD VISIT TO AMERICA. After a solemn parting, sailed for New England August 4, 1744. "Naturally a coward." Preparing for an attack at sea. Beats up for arms. Kindly received at York. Very sick. Resolved to go and preach and die. "But O what Ufe ! " " What power.'" Thought to be dying. " He is gone." Kind reception in Boston. Mod,- of preaching. Aims at the heart, through the head. Effects of Mr. Tennent's labors. Revival increased CONTENTS. Xlll PAGE. with great power. Whitefield's '■'unguarded expressions" created opposi- tion. His converts among the Boston clergy. Picking holes in coats and hearts. " From all this smoke a blessed fire broke out." Six o'clock lecture established in Boston. Declined a big church. Testimony of the revival. A scoffer pricked to the heart. Cape Breton expedition. Gives them a motto. Victorious. Abundant fruits in New York. Preached to the Indians. Saw young ones studying the Catechism. Re- fused the Philadelphia " golden bait." Reading his sermon " kindled a fire," and organized churches. " Mori-is' Reading House.'''' People wept bitterly under the reading of his sermons. Presbyterianism established in Virginia. '■'■His tour NorthP Latin school at Bethesda. Prosperous there. Hunting Maryland sinners. A\vfQ.ys " on the stretch.'" " Hard to be silent." Strong attachment to New England. "Determined to die fighting on his stumps." Returns South, tlunts after North Carolina sin- ners. Very submissive. The curtain drops. "A wide gap" ensues 241 CHAPTER XXV. WHITEFIELD IN BERMUDAS. Weighed down ^ith Orphan House cares, he sailed for Bermudas, March, 1748. Very kindly received. Delighted with the place. Commenced preaching at once. Large congregations. Some wept. Many colored people attended. Carried about on the people's affections. Dined with the governor. Whitefield answered his questions so well all were pleased. Invited him home with them. Preached in private houses almost daily. Preached to the negroes and whites together. " Very sensible and atten- tive." Negroes need the best qualified teachers. They said they would " strive to sin no more." Preached to them again next Sabbath. Some wept. Next Sabbath preached his farewell sermon. Meeting time. De- tained. Gave them another farewell next Sabbath. Increased interest. Large donations. Many wept bitterly around him. Sailed for England in June. Had free passage. But not allowed to preach on board. This grieved his heart. Finished revising his journals. Confesses his blun- ders. His zeal mixed with wild-fire. Much humbled over it. Thanks God for " so much holy fire." 251 CHAPTER XXVI. FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. After " torrents of popularity," and " torrents of trials" in America, reached London, July 7, 1748. Still panting for souls. Found Tabernacle con- gregation scattered. All right at Moorfields. Former zeal rekindled. Sold all his furniture to pay his debts. Whitefield and the nobility. Preaches at Lady Huntington's. English lords go to hear him. Lady H. moves to London. He preaches regularly at her house. Ladies' prayer meeting. " The Devil's castaway." The lords greatly delighted with Whitefield. His flights of oratory. " Stop, Gabriel 1" Converts XIV CONTENTS. PAGB. among nobility. No special preference for the rich. John Wesley shunned them. He loved the poor. He thought the middling class superior. Sketch of Lady Huntingdon. "She is all in a flame for yesus." He goes to Scotland. "Fear not temporal support." Great success. Urouglil on the carpet by the Presbyterians. The more he was blackened the more he was comforted. Churches shut against him. " Strange things." Er- skine embraced Whitetield. He aids New Jersey College. Tries for an academy at Bcthesda. Asks for colored help. Returns to " winter quar- ters." Revival at Bristol and Kingswood. Many converts. Excursion to the West. His power of darting the gospel into sinners' hearts. " Rambler " pierced. Arrows stuck fast. " Preached down the uproar." Breaking heads and hearts. Circuit of six hundred miles. " Goes it />lind- /olil." Answers a " virulent pamphlet." Wishes to head no party. Sick of popularity. Love of power intoxicates. Mockers weep. I^eturns to Wales. In sweet retirement. Great success. Circuit of eight hundred miles. His desired epitaph. " What is, is best^ Stoned at Exeter. His head cut. Tour to Yorkshire. His continual vomitings. " The pulpit is my cure.''^ Fighting in winter quarters. Despised. Following Jesus through seas of blood. His Earthquake Sermon. Scene terrible beyond description. Interviews Dr. Doddridge and Mr. Hervey. Hervey's sketch of him. Love strikes, wounds, heals. " Satan showing his teeth." Strongly op- posed uneducated men preaching. Urged them to quit and study. Mock preacher converted and preaches. Goes to Scotland. " Fire of love burns ■ up all fevers." Great awakening. Power of his conversation. Returns to England. " Fight on your knees." " The world wants more heat than light." Long tours. Views of slavery. Spring campaign. Goes to Ire- land. Great riots become quietness. Returns to Scotland. Precious sea- sons. Multitudes " 5/wi hnv, and laid a good foundation. Deeply humbled by the pangs of regeneration. Fasted himself almost to death. Prayed "whole days and weeks." Prayed much for humility. His entire consecration. Deep sense of his obligation to preach. Counted all but loss to do it. Yet slow to commence it. Cave liiuiself lohully to it. State of jjiety loto when he began. Refused a j)res- cnt of ^"7,000. His very fun was mixed with religion. A great worker. Always on the stretch for Ciod. Went aljout doing good. He reaped, John Wesley gathered and shocked. Labors on ship-board. Soon broke u[) card-playing, swearing and gambling. A great reforniali to his private devotions seven times a day, during Lent, he ; says, " By degrees I began to leave off eating fruits and such ^ like, and gave the money I usually spent in that way to the ; poor. Afterwards I always chose the worst sort of food, though my place furnished me with variety. My apparel was mean. I thought it unbecoming a penitent to have his hair powdered. I wore woolen gloves, a patched gown, and dirty shoes ; and though I was then convinced that the Kingdom of God did not consist in meats and drinks, yet I resolutely persisted in these voluntar}^ acts of self-denial, because I found them great pro- moters of the spiritual life. It was now suggested to me that Jesus Christ was among the ivild beasts when He was tempted, \ and that I ought to follow His example ; and being willing, as I thought, to imitate Jesus Christ, after supper I went into Christ- | Church walk, near our college, and continued in silent prayer ! nearly two hours; sometimes lying flat on my face, sometimes 1 kneeling on my knees. The night being stormy, gave me \ awful thoughts of the day of judgment. The next night I re- peated the same exercise at the same place." During Lent he ate but little exctjpt sage -tea and coarse bread, and he walked out in the mornings till part of one of his hands was black with coki. "This," he says, "with my continued ab.stincnce and 32 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. inward conflicts, at length so emaciated my body, that, at Pas- sion week, finding I could scarce creep up stairs, I was obliged to inform my kind tutor of my condition, who immediately sent for a physician for me." He was sick about seven weeks, during which his friends the Wesleys and his tutor were very kind to him. " My tutor," he says, " lent me books, gave me money, visited me, and furnished me with a physician ; in short, he behaved in all respects like a father." As he advanced in the struggle it is painful and wonderful to see what errors and extravagances he fell into. In reading Castanza's " Spiritual Combat," he says, " Satan so imposed upon my understanding, that he persuaded me to shut myself up in my study till I could do good with a single eye ; lest, in ^ endeavoring to save others, I should at last, by pride and self- complacence, lose myself When Castanza advised to talk but little, Satan said I must not talk at all ; so that I, who used to be the most forward in exhorting my companions, have sat whole nights without speaking at all." With his afflictions sanctified, Whitefield calls his seven weeks of sickness " a glorious visit atio}i. I trust I shall have reason to bless God for it through the endless ages of eternity. The blessed Spirit was all this time purifying my soul. All my for- mer gross, notorious, and even my heart sins also, were now set home upon me, of which I wrote down some remembrances immediately, and confessed them before God morning and even- ing." Fresh light having dawned upon his mind, he began to rise out of the fog of quietism and self-righteousness. And now, deeply feeling his sins and the need of a Saviour, and having failed through a long series of monkish austerities to obtain peace to his troubled soul, and being now, as it were, "shut tip to the faith," he betook himself to a more diligent study of the Scriptures. "Though weak," (he says), "I often spent two whitefield's education and conversion. 33 hours in my evening retirements, and prayed over my Greek Testament and Bishop Hall's most excellent 'Contemplations'." While thus engaged in searching the Scriptures, and searching for Jesus with all his heart, he discovered the great doctrine of justification by faith; and the gospel of Christ was soon made the power of God unto his salvation. On one occasion, with his tongue parched with fever, while lying in bed, and searching for salvation, the Saviour's dying words, " / thirst," were deeply impressed upon his mind. And while dwelling on the melting scene of Calvary, as this thirst was felt by the Saviour near His death, the thought occurred to him, "Why may it not be so with me? Why may I not now receive deliverance and comfort? Why may I not now dare to trust and rejoice in the pardoning mercy of God?" Having recovered from a long spell of sickness, for which he tlianked God, and "having thus," says he, "undergone innu- merable buffetings of Satan, and many months of inexpressible trials, by night and by day, under the spirit of bondage, God was pleased at length, to remove the heavy load, to enable me to lay hold on His dear Son by a living faith, and, by giving me the spirit of adoption, to seal me, as I humbly hope, even to the day of everlasting redemption. I found and felt in myself, that I was delivered from the burden that had so heavily oppressed me. The spirit of mourning was taken from me, and I knew what it was truly to rejoice in God my Saviour." "I know the ; place ; it may perhaps be superstitious, but whenever I go to Oxford, I cannot help running to the spot where Jesus Christ first revealed Himself to me and gave me the new birth. But oh! with what joy, joy unspeakable, even joy that was full of, and big with glory, was my soul filled, when the weight of sin went off, and an abiding sense of the pardoning love of God, and a full assurance of faith, broke in upon my disconsolate soul ! 34 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Surely it was the day of my espousal, a day to be had in ever- lasting remembrance. At first my joys were Hke a spring tide, and, as it were, overflowed the banks. For some time I could not avoid singing psalms, wherever I was ; but my joys became gradually more settled, and blessed be God, save a few casual intervals, have abode and increased in my soul ever since." He wrote this in 1756. Thanks be to God for the conversion of Whitefield ! How glorious and important the event ! What a great increase of strength it brought into the Church ! And if there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, well might the world have shouted, " Glory to God," when Whitefield was converted. Mr, Whitefield had a very warm attachment for Rev. Charles Wesley, and because his ministry was so full of profit and com- fort to him, he always regarded him as his spiritual father ; yet he was converted about three years before either Charles or John Wesley. He was, therefore no AovikA,\}ciQ. first converted preacher of the "Holy Club," or of the " Oxford Methodists."* Charles Wesley also had a veiy affectionate regard for Whitefield. Having thus "passed from death unto life," and feeling so overjoyed upon his conversion, Whitefield could not rest till he wrote to his relatives, " telling them that there was such a thing as the Nezv Birth. I iniagined they would have gladly received' it ; but alas ! my words seemed * Says Tyerman, Charles Wesley was converted May 21, 1738, — and John, May 24, 1738, about eleven years after he began to preach. Although the epoch of Methodism dates, according to John Wesley, from the formation of the " Holy Club," or Oxford Methodists, in 1729, yet that " Club ■' was not what we now call a rej^ular organized church. The members of the " Holy Club " were all zealous members of the Church of England. The first Methodist church was organized by John Wesley at Moorfields, near London, with eight or ten members, in 1739, and the corner-stone of the first Methodis; chapel was laid May 12. of the same year, WHITEFIELDS EDUCATION AND CONVERSION. 35 to them as idle tales. They thought I was going beside myself." Notwithstanding the "severe ordeal of agonizing self- conflicts," through which Whitefield passed before his con- version, and although he regarded them as "the dealings of God" with hiai, as the preparatory itcps which led to his conversion, yet, doubtless, had he enjoyed the instruction of a converted or more spiritual guide, and have knozvn the tvaj of life, his conflict most probably would have issued in conver- sion much sooner. And yet, he delighted in those severe austerities, and said in a letter written about this time, " There is really more pleasure in these formidable duties of self-denial and mortification than in the highest indulgences of the great- est epicure upon earth." His great want at this time was light He was so ignorant of the nature and necessity of regeneration that he said, " I knew no more that I must be born again in God, born again in Christ Jesus, than if I had never been born at all. Hence, let all learn the great importance of knozving wliat to do to be saved!' CHAPTER III HIS ORDINATION. 'ROSTRATED by his severe pangs of regener- ation, the new convert now needed rest and a change of air. But as part of the " Holy Ckib" had now left Oxford (the Wesleys being tlien in Georgia), Whitefield was placed at the head of it, with an annuity of twenty pounds, given by Sir John Philip of London, with the promise of ten more if he would stay ; but owing to his feeble health, urged by his mother, tutor and physician, he now left "his sweet retirement" at Oxford for a time, and returned home to Gloucester. On reaching home he says, " My friends were surprised to see me look and be- have so cheerfully, after what they had heard about me." But he soon found himself like a sheep among wolves, for they at once began to dissuade him from his religious duties ; but watching and praying, God enabled him to stand fast and to triumph over all. And now, with a deep consciousness of the " great things God had done for him," like the newly converted Paul, he began to pray, " Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do ?" With a heart fired with zeal, he at once began to live and labor for Christ. Deeply feeling the want of religious associates at home, after having besought the Lord for them, he determined "/ will endeavor either to find or make a friend',' and after ( 36 ) HIS ORDINATION. 37 much importunate prayer about the matter, he called at the house of Mrs. W — , to whom he had formerly read plays, Spectators, etc., hoping as he says, " the change she now would find in my sentiments might, under God, influence her soul. God was pleased to bless the visit with the desired effect. She received the word gladly, and soon became hopefully con- verted." God also soon made him instrumental in awakening several young persons, who, at once formed themselves into a little society, which soon had the honor of being despised like the " Holy Club " at Oxford. As these, his first efforts in striving to win souls, may be regarded as the dawn of his future zeal and success, we notice, just here, his manner oi preparing himself for the work. " My mind being now more open and enlarged, I began to read the holy Scriptures" upon my knees; laying aside all other books, and praying over (if possible) every line and word. This proved meat indeed, and drink indeed, to my soul. I daily received fresh life, light, and power from above. I got more true knowledge from reading the book of God, in one month, than I could ever have acquired from all the writings of men. In one word, I found it profitable for reproof, for correction, for instruction, every way sufficient to make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished for every good work and word." About this time, he received fresh light and obtained clear views of the great doctrine of '' jfiistificatwii by Faith only ; " while his Oxford friends still " rather inclined to the mystic divinityy " Burkitt's and Henry's Expositions," he says, " were of great use to lead me into this and all other gospel truths. It is the good old doctrine of the Church of England ; it is what the holy martyrs in Queen Mary's time sealed with their blood." In mixing their exercises and preparations with much secret 38 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. prayer, he exclaims, "Oh, what sweet communion had I daily vouchsafed with God in prayer after my coming to Gloucester. How often have I been carried out beyond myself when medi- tating in the fields ! How assuredly I felt that Christ dwelt ' in me, and I in Him, and how daily did I walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and was edified and refreshed in the multi- tudes of peace !" Going on in his arduous labors to save souls, he says, "I always observed that as my inward strength in- creased, my outward sphere of action increased proportionately. In a short time, therefore, 1 began to read to some poor people twice or thrice a week. I likewise visited two other little societies besides my own. Occasionally, as business and oppor- tunity permitted, I generally visited one or two sick persons every day ; and though silver and gold I had little of my own, yet in imitation of my Lord's disciples, who entreated in behalf of the fainting multitude, I used to pray unto Him; and He from time to time inclined several that were rich in this world, to give me money; so that I generally had a little stock for the poor always in my hand. One of the poor, whom I visited in this manner, was called effectually by God at the eleventh hour: she was a woman above three-score years old, and I really be- lieve died in the true faith of Jesus Christ." With a heart full of sympathy and compassion, Whitefield cared much for the poor and distressed. Being accustomed to visit the prisoners at Oxford, on his return home he earnestly prayed that God would open the way for him to visit them there. And having dreamed one night that a prisoner came to him for instruction, he went next morning and knocked at the door of the county jail — but as no one answered, he prayed again, and some months after he received word that an Oxford prisoner had escaped, and had been recaptured and lodged in - the Gloucester jail. His name was Pebworth. He went again HIS ORDINATION. 39 and found him ; and finding him and others wilHng to hear the Word of God, he read and praye'd with them every day he was in town. He also begged money and had some of them re- leased, and supplied others with food and books. Having spent some nine months in this good work and labor of love, and in studying the works of the non-conformists, such as Baxter's Call and Allein's Alarm, he found that the partition wall of bigotry and sect-religion was so much broken down in his heart, that he said, " I love all that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity." He -was now so intent on winning souls, that he earnestly labored for it by day, and dreamed of it by night. During these nine months of earnest effort, although uncon- scious of the fact, Whitefield was preparing himself for ordina- tion. And by this time his numerous friends in Gloucester were very anxious to have him ordained immediately. But with his exalted views of the sanctity and importance of the ministerial office, he directly refused, grounding his refusal upon the diocesan resolution, " not to ordain any under twenty-three years of age ;" and he was not yet quite twenty-one. But this apparently insurmountable difficulty was soon removed. Whitefield, by his known zeal and success in doing good, had already won the confidence and esteem of Bishop Benson. Besides, he had about this time made the acquaintance of Lady Selwyn, who kindly befriended him with a little pecuniary aid, and highly recommended him to Bishop Benson as a proper subject for ordination. The project succeeded. The Bishop soon sent for Whitefield. He went to see him and was very kindly rec .ived. Whitefield says : " The Bishop told me that he had heard of my character ; that he liked my behavior at church ; and, inquiring my age, said, ' Notwithstanding I have declared I would not ordain any one under three-and-twenty, yet I shall think it my duty to ordain you \vhenever you come for holy 40 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. orders.' He then made me a present of five guineas to buy me a book." Although the chief external hindrance was thus re- moved, yet, with his exalted views of the dignity and impor- tance of the ministerial office, Whitefield so dreaded its respon- sibilities, that it made him tremble whenever he thought of undertaking it. And it was not without a hard struggle that he got the consent of his heart to do it. Says he, " I never prayed against any corruption I had in my life so much as I prayed against going into holy orders so soon. Bishop Benson was pleased to honor me with peculiar friend- ship, so as to offer me preferment, or to do any thing for me." Whitefield's friends were now for pushing him into the ministry, but feeling the awful responsibility of the ofiice, he prayed with all his might to be kept out of it. He says, " I prayed a thous- and times, till the sweat has dropt from my face like rain, that God of His infinite mercy would not let me enter the pulpit till He called me and thrust me forth in His work. I remember once in Gloucester — I know the room ; I look up to the window when I am there and walk along the street — I said, * Lord, I cannot go. I shall be puffed up with pride, and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Lord, do not let me go yet! I pleaded to be at Oxford two or three years more. I intended to make one hundred and fifty sermons, and thought I would set up with a good stock in trade. Oftentimes I have been in an agony in prayer, when under convictions of my insuffi- ciency for so great a work. I remember praying, wrestling, and striving with God. I said, 'I am undone, 1 am unfit to preach in Thy great name. Send me not. Lord, sejid me not yet! I wrote to all my friends in town and in the country to pray against the bishop's solicitations ; but they insisted I should go into orders before I was twenty-two. An aged, wf^irthy minister to whom I wrote for advice on the subject, HIS ORDINATION. 4I replied, ' If Saint Paul were in Gloucester to-day, I believe he would ordain you.' After all their solicitations, these words came into my mind: 'Nothing shall pluck you out of my hands ;' they came warm to my heart. Then, and not till then, I said, ' Lord, I will go. Send me when Thou wilt.' " Having at last decided upon ordination, like the Saviour, in all his public acts, he made special preparation by prayer and self-examination. After satisfying himself of the truth of the "Thirty-nine Articles," by closely comparing them with the Scriptures, he says, " I strictly examined myself by the qualifications required for a minister, in St. Paul's Epistle to Timothy, and also by eveiy question that I knew would be put to me at the time of my ordination;" the latter of which he reduced to writing. Trinity Sunday, June 20, 1736, was set apart for his ordina- tion at Gloucester. About two weeks before the time he went there to compose some sermons and give himself more especially to prayer. But he says, " When I came to Gloucester, notwith- standing I strove and prayed for several days, and had matter enough in my heart, yet I was so restrained, that I could not compose anything at all. The remainder of the fortnight I spent in reading the several missions of the prophets and apos- tles, and wrestled with God to give me grace to follow their good example." "About three days before the time appointed, the bishop came to town. The next evening I sent his lordship an abstract of my private examination upon these two questions: ' Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon you this office and administration ?' And 'Are you called according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the laws of this realm ?' The next morning I waited upon the bishop. He received me with much love, telling me he was glad I was 42 LIFE OF WIUTEFIELD. O come, and that he was satisfied with the preparation I had made. Upon this I took my leave ; abashed with God's good- ness to such a wretch, but, withal, exceedingly rejoiced that, in every circumstance, He had made my way into the ministry so very plain before my face. This, I think, was on Friday. The day following I continued in abstinence and prayer. In the evening I retired to a hill near the town, and prayed fervently for about two hours on behalf of myself and those that were to be ordained with me. On Sunday morning I rose early, and prayed over St. Paul's Epistle to Timothy, and more particu- larly over t/ia^ precept, 'Lei no one despise thy youth.' When I went up to the altar, I could think of nothing but Samuel's standing, a little child, before the Lord, with a linen ephod." Touching his examination, he said, " I trust I answered every question from the bottom of my heart ; and heartily prayed that God might say amen. And when the bishop laid his hands upon my head, if my vile heart doth not deceive me, I offered up my whole spirit, soul and body, to the service of God's sanctuary. Let come what wih, life or death, depth or height, I shall henceforward live like one who this day, in the presence of men and angels, took the holy sacrament, upon the profession of being inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon me that ministration in the church. I can call heaven and earth to witness, that when the bishop laid his hand upon me, " I gave myself up to be a martyr for Him Who hung upon the cross for me. Known unto Him are all future events and contingencies; I have thrown myself blindfold, and I trust without reserve, into His Almighty hands." These are wonderful words, and spoken with all the sincerity of a heart glowing with zeal, and love ; filled and fired with the Holy Ghost, they reveal a spirit of self- denial, determination, and consecration, unequaled since the HTS ORDINATION. 43 days of tlic apostles. And although uttered over 130 years ago, they still seem as warm and fresh as though spoken but yesterday. Uttered by one when standing in the* threshold of the sacred desk, whose matchless eloquence and unparalleled success has since astonished the world, they ought to inspire a Whitefieldian zeal and self-denial in every minister's heart. As a mark of respect, the bishop made him another present of five guineas, "a great supply," said Whitefield, " for one who had not a guinea in the world." The following interesting letter, written on the day of his ordination, expresses more fully the views and feelings of the young deacon upon the solemn occasion: Gloucester, June 20, 1736. My Dear Friend : — This is a day much to be remembered, O my soul ! for about noon, I was solemnly admitted by good Bishop Benson, before many wit- nesses, into holy orders, and was, blessed be GoD, kept composed both before and after imposition of hands. I endeavored to behave with unaffected devotion ; but not suitable enough to the greatness of the office I was to undertake. At the same time, I trust, I answered to every question from the bottom of my heart, and heartily prayed that God might say amen. " I hope the good of souls will be my only principle of action. Let come what will, life or death, depth or height, I shall henceforward live like one who this day, in the presence of men and angels, took the sacrament, upon the profession of being inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon me that ministration in the church. This I began with read- ing prayers to the prisoners in the county jail. Whether I myself shall ever have the honor of styling myself a prisoner of the Lord, I know not; but indeed, my dear friend, I call heaven and earth to witness, that when the bishop laid his hands upon me, I gave myself up to be a martyr for Him, who hung upon the cross for me. Known unto Him are all future events and contingencies ; I have thrown myself blindfold, and I trust without reserve, into His almighty hands; only I would have' you observe, that till you hear of my dying for, or in my work, you will not be apprised of all the preferment that is expected by Yours &c., G. W. CHAPTER IV. HIS FIRST SERMON. HITEFIELD'S open-hearted unbosoming of himself in his ordination, revealed in his heart "a secret place of thunder," and "a (cj,Lr^~^^ fountain of tears," and pent up desires from X ' V-fj^Sy^^^ which great things might naturally be ex- ^}T\Y^:^^j!sP( pccted. Although he "set up with so small a stock " of sermons, yet armed with the pan- oply of heaven, and wrought up to the high- est pitch of ardor with the inspiration of the occasion and the importance of the work, his first sermon was a complete suc- cess. The effect was wonderful. Commencing his ministry with a deep sense of his own weakness, with his Christ- like devotion and firm reliance upon God for help, he was made eminently successful. Although he commenced preaching with an unfinished education, yet being taught of God, and endowed with power from on high, he seemed to have no lack. Reviving and preaching the great doctrines of Regeneration and Justification by Faith, he so deeply stirred the souls and probed the consciences of his hearers, that sinners were soon converted by hundreds and thousands. He had intended to prepare a hundred sermons before beginning, but being pnslicd into the pulpit, he commenced with only one; and that, he says, "I sent to a neighboring clergyman to convince him how unfit I w^as to take upon me (44) HIS FIRST SERMON, 45 the important work of preaching. He kept the sermon two weeks, divided it into two, preached it morning and evening to his congregation, and then returned it with a guinea for the use of it." In a letter to a friend, dated Gloucester, June 23, 1736, he says, " With this sermon I intend to begin, God willing, next Sunday, not doubting, but that He, who increased a little lad's loaves and fishes for the feeding of a great multitude, will, from time to time, in the proper use of the appointed means, supply me with spiritual food for whatever congregation He, in His all- wise providence, shall be pleased to call me to. Help, help me, my dear friend, with your warmest addresses to the throne of grace, tliat I may not only find merc}^, but grace to help me in time of need. At present this is the language of my heart, A guilty, locnk and helpless worm, into Thyanns I fall. Be Thou v/y strength, my righteousness^ ?ny Jesus, ajicl viy all. O cease not, for I must again repeat it, cease not to pray for me. Yours, &c., G. W." The sermon was on ''The Necessity atid Benefits of Religions Society I' from Eccl. iv. 9-12, "Two are better than one," etc.; and for originality, systematic arrangement, strength of argu- ment, forcible illustrations, and for pungency, pathos, power and effectiveness, it is but seldom, if ever equaled in one's first effort. The following graphic letter, glowing with praise and gratitude to God, describes the circumstances and effects of its deliveiy. It was written to his friend, Mr, Hervey. Gloucester, June 30, 1736. My Dear Friend : — Glory ! glory ! gloiy ! be ascribed to an Almighty Triune God. Last Sunday, in the afternoon, I preached my first sermon in the church of St. Mary de Crypt, where I was baptized and also first received the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Curiosity, as you may easily guess, drew a large congregation together upon the occasion. The sight, at first, a little awed me ; but I was comforted with a heartfelt sense of the divine presence, and soon found 46 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. the unspeakable advantage of having been accustomed to public speaking when a boy at school, and of exhorting and teaching the prisoners and poor people at their private houses while at the University. By these means I was kept from being daunted overmuch. As I proceeded, I perceived the fire kindled, till at last, though so young, and amidst a crowd of those who knew me in my infant, child- ish days, I trust I was enabled to speak with some degree of gospel authority. Some few mocked, but most, for the present, seemed struck ; and I have since heard that a complaint had been made to the bishop, that I drove fifteen mad the first aermom The worthy prelate, as I have been informed, wished that the madness might not be forgotten before next Sunday. Before then, I hope, my sermon upon "He that is in Christ is a new creature" will be completed. Blessed be God, I now find freedom in writing. Glorious Jesus, Unloose my stammering tongue to tell Thy love immense, unsearchable. Being thus engaged, I must hasten to subscribe myself, my dear Sir, Yours, etc., G. W. Mr. Whitefield was induced to choose the above subject for his first sermon, in order to defend and encourage social relig- ious mecti^igs among the Oxford Methodists, and in the httle flock he had collected at Gloucester, which then so much needed every encouragement. It was therefore appropriate to the occasion. This sermon was preached June 27th, and is found in the fifth volume of " Whitefield's Works," but not being an exact copy of the original manuscript, it would be unfair to give it as a sample of his style. Mr. Whitefield had been urged to preach on the afternoon of the same day he was ordained, but having been restrained from writing, he was not prepared. Therefore, he says, " I read prayers to the poor prisoners ; being willing to let the first act of my ministerial office be an act of charity. The next morning, waiting upon God in prayer, to know what He would have me to do, these words, ^ Speak out, Paull came with great power to my soul. Immediately my heart was enlarged; and HIS FIRST SERMON. 4^ I preached on the following Sunday to a very crowded audi- ence, with as much freedom as though I had been a preacher for some years." Encouraged with his first pulpit performances, he returned the same week to Oxford, where he was received with great joy by his religious friends ; and in his twenty-second year, after having spent three years and nine months in the Univer- sity, he took his degree of Bachelor of Arts, resumed his visits to the prisoners, and took the oversight of two or three char- ity Methodist schools. Satisfied with his^ position now, he thought of remaining some years at the University, to com- plete his education, and do what good he could among the gownsmen ; but Providence ordered otherwise, and he was soon invited away to preach. CHAPTER V, HIS FIRST LABORS IN LONDON AND ENGLAND. ^ AVING already " given himself a martyr for Jesus," and having now received power to preach the gospel ; with a vast field, " white already to harvest," lying before him, he earn- estly longed to "thrust in the sickle and reap." Although he would have been contented to remain a little longer in "his sweet retirement" at Oxford, yet, with a wider sphere of useful- ness opening before him, he accepted, with fear and trembling, an invitation from a friend to officiate as curate at the Tower Chapel, in London. Taking the coach, he reached London August 4, 1736, and preached his first sermon there in Bishopsgate church the fol- lowing Sabbath. Although the congregation was disposed to sneer at his youthful appearance as he ascended the pulpit, yet, astonished and impressed with his eloquence and power, they were ready to admire, praise and bless him as he came down. Being " carried away " with his sermon, every one inquired who he was. The impression was fine, and it established his charac- ter at once. He was so much admired that many came out of their shops to see him as he passed along the street; and his hearing one of them say, " There goes a boy parson" so morti- fied his pride, that it led him to pray, " Let no man despise thy youth." From this time on, his fame and popularity continued to increase until his congregations were so large that they had to place constables both inside and outside of the church to (48) HIS FIRST LABORS IN LONDON AND ENGLAND. 49 preserve the peace. " Here," he says, " I continued for the space of two months, reading prayers twice a week, catechising and preaching once, visifing the soldiers in the infirmary and barracks daily. I also read prayers every evening at Wapping chapel, and preached at Ludgate prison every Tuesday." The chapel was crowded every Sabbath, and many young people came in the morning to hear him discourse about the new birth, and to inquire what to do to be saved. About this time, while he was still in London, the glowing accounts he received of the missionary work in Georgia, America, from the Wesleys and Mr. Ingham, made him long to go over and help them ; but his friends opposing his going, and not being fully persuaded in his own mind, he deferred the laudable undertaking. Having thus made his debut in London, he returned to Oxford, and resumed labors in his former charge with more encouraging prospects. Here he spent considerable time in studying Henry's Commentary, which was a great favorite with him and his associates in the University. "God," he says, " works greatly by Henry here." A friend gave him seven pounds to buy it, for which he was very thankful. In the following November, at the request of an old friend, he accepted another invitation to officiate as curate, for a short time, at Dummer in Hampshire. Here, with a different class of people, Mr. Whitefield found the tone of society less conge- nial, and he began to get lonely. In the language of Dr. Gillies, " Whitefield found himself among a poor and illiterate people," and " his proud heart," he says, " could not, at first brook the change ; and he would have given the world for one of his Oxford friends," and "mourned for the want of them like a dove." But he says, "I soon began to be as much delighted with the artless conversation of the poor, illiterate people, as I 50 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. had been formerly with the company of my Oxford friends ; and frequently learned as much by an afternoon's visit, as by a week's study." To accomplish more while here, he rigidly adhered to his system of economizing time ; and divided " the day into three equal parts ; eight hours for sleep and meals, eight for public prayers, catechising and visiting, and eight for study and devotional retirement." While thus laboring in obscurity in Dummer, he received a call to a lucrative and attractive curacy in London ; but with the chord touched by the spiritual wants of Georgia still vibrat- ing in his soul, he promptly declined it. And now, with a strong desire to go to America, Oxford, Hampshire, and Lon- don had no longer but little attraction for the young evangelist. Having before besought the Lord to direct his steps, touching his going to Georgia, He now opens the way for him to go. "About this time," says Dr. Stevens, " he received several letters 'from the Wesleys, calling him thither." Besides, Charles - Wesley had now returned from Georgia, and reached London in search of more laborers for that promising mission. " In a few days," says Whitefield, "another letter came from Mr. John Wesley, who, after giving a graphic description of that encour- ing field, said, 'Only Mr. Delamotte is with me, till God shall stir up the hearts of some of his servants, who, putting their lives in His hands, shall come over and help us where the har- verst is so great, and the laborers so few. What if thou art the man, Mr. Whitefield ? Do you ask me what you shall have ? Food to eat, and raiment to put on ; a house to lay your head in, such as your Lord had not; and a crown of gloiy that fadeth not away.' Upon reading this," says Whitefield, "my HEART LEAPED WITHIN ME, and as it wcre, echoed to the call." The die is cast: " I will go — T/ie Lord help me',' doubtless ut- tered his expanding heart ; and he solemnly sealed the resolution with a word of prayer, beseeching God for help and direction. HIS FIRST LABORS IN LONDON AND ENGLAND. 5 1 Many things conspired to make his weiy clear in this noble enterprise. Mr. Kinchin, Dean elect of Corpus Christi Col- lege, agreed to take his work at Oxford, and Mr. Hervey, of the Oxford Club, would fill his place in Hampshire; and "Mr. Wesley," he says, " was my dear friend ; Georgia was an infant colony ; the government seemed to have its welfare at heart, and I heard many Indians were near it A voyage to sea would, in all probability, not do my constitution much hurt. These things being thoroughly weighed and prayed over, I re- solved to embark for Georgia : and knowing I should never put my resolutions into practice if I conferred with flesh and blood, I wrote to my relatives to inform them of my design." He told his friends in Gloucester, that unless they would pro- mise not to diss-uade him from going, he would embark without seeing them. They made the promise, but when he went to bid them good-bye they broke it, and did what they could to keep him at home. The following stirring words composed and sent him about this time, by his highly esteemed friend, Mr. Charles Wesley, encouraged him. " .Servant of God, the summons hear; Thy Master calls — arise, obey ! The tokens of His will appear ; His providence points out the way. " Fight the good fight, and stand secure, In faith's impenetrable shield ; Hell's Prince shall tremble at its power; ._ With all his fiery darls repelled. "Champion of God, the Lord proclaim, Jesus alone resolve to know ; Tread down thy foes in Jesq's name; Go — conquering and to conquer, go. " Through racks and fires pursue thy way ; Be mindful of a dying God ; ' Finish thy course, and win the day; Look up, and seal ihe truth with blood !" CHAPTER VI HIS WEEPING FAREWELLS TO ENGLAND. AVING set his face for America, the young Ijoanerges now makes ready and bids farewell Ui Kni^land. And being so warmly attached to 11 is friends and congregations, and they to him, tiic very tlioiigJit of his leaving them filled their eyes with tears. Yet buoyant with hope and flaming with zeal, he now begins his sor- rowful work ; and like the church at Ephesus for I'aul, " many wept sore, and were ready to fall on his neck and kiss him." Much was done to prevent his going, " Many," he says, " made me large offers if I would not go." His aged mother wept sorely. The offer of a fine lucrative curacy in London, besides the tender of " a pretty preferment," if he would remain and preach at home ; but, says he, " with a full conviction that it was the Divine will I should go," none of these things moved him from his purpose. Having returned from Dummer to Oxford to bid his friends farewell there, on January I, 1737, he went to Gloucester to consult Bishop Ben- son about going to Georgia. He at once sanctioned it, and received him like a father, and gave him much encouragement. While there he preached a few times to very large and deeply impressed congregations. From Gloucester he went to bid farewell to Bristol. Here he was so highly esteemed, tlic mayor of the city honored him with an invitation to prdach before the corporation ; and the interest was so great, that (52) HIS WEEPING FAREWELLS TO ENGLAND. 53 Quakers, Presbyterians, Baptists, and all denominations flocked to hear him. The congregations were immense, and the effect was very deep and powerful. The prospect of doing good here was now so encouraging that Mr. Whitefield could not leave it, and in apologizing to his friend, he exclaims, " What shall I say ? I cannot be with you next week. Mdthinks it would be almost sinful to leave Bristol at this cj-^tical juncture. TJie whole city secins to be alarmed. Churches are as full on week days as they used to be on Sun- day; and on Sundays so full that many, very many, are obliged to go away because they cannot get in." And feeling his dan- ger from pride and ambition, he bursts forth into earnest prayer, and cries, "O pray, dear Mr. H., that God would always keep me humble and fully convinced that I am nothing without Him." "The Word was sharper than a two-edged sword; and the new birth made its way like lightning into the hearers' con- sciences. Sanctify it, holy Father, to Thine own glory and Thy people's good." *' Similar impressions," says Dr. Philip, " were made in Bath and Gloucester, with unprecedented collections for charitable purposes." But his stay in any of these places was short, being obliged to return to Oxford by the first of February. In March following, he went to London to appear before General Oglethorpe and the trustees of Georgia; and having been accepted by them, he was at once introduced to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London, who both " heartily approved of his mission, and wished him great success. And now, with all things ready for embarking, and longing to set sail, he seemed to become more enthusiastic, and to enjoy more intimate communion with the blessed Saviour. But as General Oglethorpe and the vessel in which he was 54 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. to sail did not get ready as soon as was expected, his departure was delayed some months ; which gave him further opportu- nities of laboring more at home. After preaching a few weeks in London to crowded con- gregations, to accommodate his friend,^ Rev. S. Harris, he went and supplied his church for a while at StoneJiotisc, in his native county. Here the people received him gladly, and here his religious enjoyment was most sweet and precious. And says he, " Could the trees of the v/ood speak, they could tell what sweet communion with God, I and the brethren have enjoyed under them. Sometimes as I have been walking out, my soul would make such sallies, that I thought it would go out of my body. At other times, I would be so over- powered with a sense of God's infinite majesty, that I would be constrained to throw myself prostrate on the ground, and offer my soul as a blank in His hands, to write on it what He pleased. One night was a time never to be forgotten. It happened to lighten exceedingly. I had been expounding to many people, and some being afraid to go home, I thought it my duty to accompany them, and improve the occasion to stir them up to prepare for the coming of the Son of Man. In my return to the parsonage, while others were rising from their beds, and frightened almost to death to see the lightning run upon the ground, I and another, a poor pious countryman, were in the field, praising, praying to and exulting in our God, and longing for that time when Jesus shall be revealed from heaven 'in flaming fire.' Oh that my soul may be in a like frame when He shall a(!tually come to call me." In speaking of the grand- eur of this scene in one of his letters, he says, " Honest James and I were out in the midst of the lightning, and never were more delighted in our lives." Filled with the fear and love of God, Whitefield had no fear of thunder and lightning. Here, HIS WEEPING FAREWELLS TO ENGLAND. 55 amidst these scenes of religious enjoyment, he finished his noted sermon on Early Piety, oo Eccl. xii. i. When he left many cried out, " Whither thou goest I will go, and whither thou lodgest I will lodge." From these " sweet communions," at Stonehouse, he re- turned again to Bristol in May, and was received "with the utmost civility and kindness." Such was the respect for him, that multitudes, both on foot and in carriages, went a mile out of the city to meet and to welcome him to their homes and hearts ; and many more blessed and saluted him as he passed along the streets. Here he remained from May 23d to June 2 1st, and preached about five times a week to vast congrega- tions with wonderful effect. The whole city seemed to be electrified by his stirring sermons. All ranks and denomina- tions rushed to hear him, and the crowd was always so great, that it was with great difficulty that he made his way to the pulpit. " Some hung upon the rails of the organ loft, • others climbed upon the leads of the church, and altogether made the church so hot with their breath, that the steam would fall from the pillars like drops of rain." And when he preached his farewell sermon here, and told the people that perhaps they might " see his face no more," all, high and low, old and young, burst into tears. Multitudes followed him home, in tears, with earnest entreaties that he remain in England. But firm in his purpose, he spent only the next day from seven in the morning until midnight, in conversing with the awakened, and then secretly stole away to avoid the display of a public escort. During his stay in Bristol, he revisited Bath and preached with the same power and similar effect as at Bristol. On one occa- sion, when preaching in the Abbey Church, over one hundred and sixty pounds sterling were raised for the poor in Georgia. About this time he published his powerful sermoii on the 56 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Nature and Necessity of Regeneration, from 2 Cor. v. 7, which " under God," he says, " began the awakening at Gloucester, Bristol, and London." After again visiting Gloucester and Oxford, he returned to London late in August, where he proposed to remain until he sailed for Georgia. Here he enjoyed "a sweet retirement," for a while, and kept up his usual practice of reading and praying over the Word of God upon his knees. But receiving many invita- tions to go out and preach to the London religious societies, his sweet retirement was soon broken up. He now soon be- came so overburdened and worn down with labor, that the people, fearing he would injure his health, besought him to spare himself. But unmindful of self, and being wholly devoted to God, he always replied, " / had rather wear out than rust out. No nestling, no nestling, this side eternitj." ALL LONDON IS ALARMED. Boldly thrusting in the sickle, he now commenced a course of intense, incessant labor that characterized his ministerial life. Beginning at six o'clock in the morning, either in Cripplegate, St. Annis, or Foster Lane churches, on Sundays, he usually preached four times a day ; besides reading prayer twice or thrice, and walking ten or twelve miles to reach the churches. He now attracted so much attention that his name was put in the London papers, " as a young gentleman going vol- unteer to Georgia, was to preach before the societies at their general quarterly meeting." This greatly increased the interest and curiosity of the people, and so vexed Mr. Whitefield, that he requested the editor not to repeat it. But he replied, "I am paid for doing it, and I will not lose two shillings for anybody." On that occasion he preached his great sermon on Early Piety, from •Eccl. xii. I, and they did him the honor to publish it. HIS WEEPING FAKEVVELLS TO ENGLAND. 57 Abounding in these ''mighty deeds" as the London editor called them, his popularity increased more and more, and there was no end to the people flocking to hear him. The Charity Schools were continually inviting him to preach for the benefit of the poor children. For this purpose they procured the churches, and held their meetings on week days, and yet thousands had to go away from the largest churches for the want of room. The crowd was so great that constables had to be placed at the door to keep order. " I now," says he, " preached generally nine times a week. The people were all attention, as hearing for eternity. The early sacraments were exceedingly awful. O, how often at Cripplegate, St. Annis and Foster Lane, have we seen Jesus Christ crucified and evidently set before us ! On Sunday mornings, long before day, you might see the streets filled with people going to church with their lanterns in their hands, and hear them conversing about the things of God." Deeply feeling his dependence on God in these almost superhuman labors, we find him continually praying to God for help, and begging his friends to pray for him that he might be strengthened and humbled ; and' going on in the glorious work, " nil disperandum," he said when urged to take care of himself, " I find by experience that the more I do, the more I may do for God." In one of his London letters he says, " God still works here. The collections for the charity schools are very large. 'All Londo?i is alarmed! Many youths here sincerely love the Saviour; and thousands, I hope, are quickened, strengthened, and confirmed by the word preached. God still works more and more by my unworthy ministry. Last week save one, I preached ten times in different churches, and the last week seven ; and yesterday four times, and read prayers twice, though I slept not above an hour the night 58 ' LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. before, which was spent in rcHgious conversation and prayer." "On Wednesday night," December 23, 1737, he says, "eighteen of us continued all night in praises and praying for our friends/' He usually preached four or five charity sermons a week, and the weekly collections for the poor children amounted to about seventy pounds. The third edition of his sermon on Regenera- tion was published about this time. In summing up the fruits of his less than three months' labor in London, he says, " Great things have been done for us here. Perhaps upwards of a thousand pounds have been raised for the poor and the charity schools, and I have preached above a hundred times since I have been here. A visible alteration is made also in hundreds. Last Sunday, at six in the morning, when I gave my farewell, the whole chirch was drowned in tears ; they wept and cried aloud, as a mother weepeth for her first-born. Since that, there is no end of persons coming and weeping, telling me what God had done for their souls : others again beg little books, and desire me to write their names in them. Time would fail me were I to tell you how many have been awakened, and how many pray for me. The great day will discover all. - In the meanwhile, I beseech you, Mrs. H, by the mercies of God, to pray, that the goodness of God may humble me. As yet, the divine strength has been magnified in my weakness. Many have opposed, but in vain. God's power conquers all. I am now going as Abraham did, not knowing whither ; but I com- mit myself to the guidance of God's good providence and Spirit. He that has and doth, will deliver me out of all my troubles. My farewell sermon will be published shortly, with two or three more."* But in the progress of this glorious work, there arose an * Extract from his last letter before he embarked for Georgia, dated London, December 23, 1737. HIS WEEPING FAREWELLS TO ENGLAND. 59 opposition. For, says Whitefield, "as my popularity and use- fulness increased, opposition increased proportionably. At first many of the clergy were my hearers and admirers ; but some soon grew angry, and complaints were made that there was no room for the parishioners, and that the pews were spoiled. Some called me ' 2^ spiritual pickpocket', and others thought I made use of a chann to get the people's money," It was now reported, upon the complaint of some of the clergy, that the Bishop of London intended to silence Whitefield; but upon inquiry, Whitefield found the report false. The Bishop ap- proved of his doctrines.* And just here let us pause a moment and inquire more par- ticularly, by what instrumentalities these glorious results were broght about. How was the scoffer silenced, the careless aroused, and the most abandoned moved to call upon God ? By what means " was all London alarmed," and " vast congre- gations drenched with tears?" W/iat caused this mighty shak- ing among the dry bones of England ? Under God, it was done simply by earnest praying and earnest preaching. Glow- ing with zeal and grappling for souls, Whitefield boldly preached Jesus, Regeneration, and Justification by Faith; and sinners flocked to the Cross, like " doves to their windows." During these times of refreshing, he preached three noted sermons that have been identified, which, as they have been printed and published from his own manuscripts, may be relied upon as *In the midst of his trials and opposition, Mr. Whitefield derived much Strength and comfort in meeting every evening with a little circle of his relig- ious associates for prayer for their acquaintances, and for the spread of the gospel. " Once," says he, " vv^e spent a whole night in prayer and praise ; and many a time at midnight and at one in the morning, after I have been wearied almost to death in preaching, writing, and conversation, and going from place to place, God has imparted new life to my soul on these occasions." This fact induced him to compose his sermon on Intercession, from the important text, "Pray for Us.'' 60 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. specimens of the style and matter of the sermons that produced those wonderful effects : one on Early Piety, one on Regenera- tion, and the other on Intercession. Abundantly blessed of God in his farewell labors, Whitefield says, " The nearer the time of my embarkation approached, the more affectionate and eager the people grew. All ranks gave vent to their passion. Thousands and thousands of prayers were put up for me. The people would stop me in the alleys of the churches, hug me in their arms, and follow me with wishful looks. Such a sacrament I never saw before as at St. Dunstan's. The tears of the communicants mingled with the cup: and had not Jesus given us some of His 'new wine,' our parting would have been insupportable." Before closing this chapter we give the following extract as a specimen of his farewell sermons. In urging the sinner to fly to Christ, with great earnestness he said, "I beseech you, in love and compassion, to come to Jesus. Indeed, all I say is in love to your souls. And if I could be but an instrument of bringing you to Jesus, I should not envy, but rejoice in your hap- piness, however much you were exalted. If I were to make up the last of the train of the companions of the blessed Jesus, it would rejoice me to see you above me in glory. Come then to Christ, every one that hears me this night. Come, come, my guilty brethren. I beseech you, for your immortal souls' sake, for Christ's sake, come to Christ. Methinks I could speak till midnight unto you ; I am full of love toward you. Would you have me go and tell my Master that you will not come, and that I have spent my strength in vain? I cannot bear to carry such a message to Him. I would not, indeed I would not be a swift witness against you at the great day of account; but if you will refuse these gracious invitations, 1 must do it." CHAPTER VII HIS FIRST VOYAGE TO AMERICA, *ROWNED with a glorious success in his first efforts in preaching the gospel in England, and longing to preach it in America, he em- barked for Georgia December 28, 1737. Two days later he got aboard of the " VVJiitaker" and found her " full of soldiers," with near twenty- women, besides a large number of sailors. "And God," he says, " was pleased to give me a proof that He was with me in the ship." Upon surveying his " new charge',' as he called it, he found it very different from his weeping congregation at St. Dunstan — there all was love, friendship, and praise ; here, there was little but cards, cursing and swearing. The captain of the ship, the surgeon and the officers of the regiment, gave him a cold reception, and treated him, for a while, as an impostor; and to show their disrespect for him, they played hautboy, and turned the ship into a gambling house, the whole of the first Sabbath after he came aboard. This was a very disagreeable situation, yet with his characteristic sagacity, he grasped and mastered it. Perceiving this gathering storm of opposition, he wisely fled from it, and repaired to an adjacent hill with his friends for prayer; where, to his surprise, he met a few of his dear London friends, who had traveled all night to see him. After the usual salutation, about ten they went to church at Gravesend, whdre he preached three times that day (once without notes), and received the (61) 62 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. sacrament from the curate. But with his patient forbearance and unyielding perseverance, this opposition soon gave way. He overcame evil with good. When the crew saw his strong desire and earnest efforts to do them good, they began to re- spect him. And being conscious of his heavy responsibility, and of his great need of divine aid, he was almost continually begging God for help. Returning to the ship on Monday morning, January 2, he resumed his " labor of love " in visiting and praying with the sick soldiers, and mildly reproving the swearing officers.* And when he could not reach them by kind words, like Jesus, with fallen Peter, he gave them gentle looks of reproof At first he saw but little proof of his labors, but yet, encouraged by the close attention of his red-coat parishioners, and their willingness to receive instruction, he went on in his important work. Thus things went on for some time, with Mr. Whitefield suffering for the want of a place of retirement for prayer and study. But upon his making known his wants to Captain Whiting, he freely gave him the use of his cabin. This, he says, was given in answer to prayer. Growing in favor with the officers, soon after, he gladly accepted an invitation to a cup of coffee with the military captain, (whom he considered the most desperate of any of the officers,) with whom he took the liberty to say, "That though he was a volunteer on board, yet as he was on board, he looked upon himself as his chaplain, and as such, he thought it a little odd to pray and preach to the servants, and not to the master;" and said, "That if he thought * " I could do no more for a season, than while I was writing, now and then turn my head by way of reproof to a lieutenant of the soldiers, who swore as though he was born^of a swearing constitution. Now and then he would take the hint, return my nod with a ' Doctor, I ask your pardon,' and then to his swearing and cards again." — Whitefield'' s MS. HIS FIRST VOYAGE TO AMERICA. 63 proper he would make use of a short collect now and then to him, and the other gentlemen, in the great cabin." After paus- ing a while, and shaking his head, he answered, " I think we may, when we have nothing else to do." Encouraged by this cool reply, he labored on, and finding that there were over a hundred persons aboard, besides the crew, he organized, January 5, a Soldier's Bible Class, consisting of six or seven soldiers, to which were added three or four more the next day, whom he catechised regularly on open deck, with much en- couragement. The weather was now very cold, and as anotlier mark of respect, Captain Whiting sent his boat to bring Mr. Whitefield to Gravesend. In breakfasting with some gentle- men in the great cabin, he says, "they were very civil, and let me put in a word for God." On Sabbath, January 8, 1738, being very cold, he rose early, and, like a careful nurse, hastened round to see the sea-sick soldiers and their families, to administer to their wants. Upon giving" them sage-tea, sugar, etc., he tried to excite their gratitude to God, for the mercies of the stormy night. Although his thoughts now lingered much with his London friends, yet to-day he read public prayers, preached twice to the soldiers, and, at the re- quest of the officers, he read prayers once in the great cabin. This was the first Sabbath he spent on the ship. And here we see what a marked change he wrought in the crew in a few days. A week ago they scorned and treated him as an im- postor; to-day they treat him as a minister of the gospel, and were glad to hear him preach. Owing to contrary winds, the Whitaker was detained in the Downs nearly a month, and reached Margate on the ninth, in the midst of a severe storm. " This afternoon," Whitefield said, " I began to feel the power of faith more than ever I did before, and to find that as our day, so will our strength be. 64 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. When I went into the boat, the sea ran dangerously high ; but I could boldly say, " ' God is our refuge in distress, A present help when dangers press.' " Januaiy ii. To-day they weighed anchor, and sailed to Deal, where they remained several days. And besides his regular routine of duties in visiting the sick, catechising a large class of women, and writing hosts of letters, he now read prayers and preached twice every day. And so great was the interest, says he, that " the very soldiers stood out to say their catechism like little children." January 13. "Set apart this day as a day of humiliation, abstinence, and intercession for friends and for all mankind, and found my heart greatly enlarged in that divine exercise. Inter- cession is a glorious means to sweeten the heart ! Remained ashore all day, went to church at Deal, and wrote letters till one in the morning ; gave books to the poor, and," says he, " I have not spent so many hours in sweet retirement in a day, since I left the University. The pleasure I felt was inexpressible." Having no better place, he, his brother, and Mr. Haber- sham, and two servants, generally retired ^every night behind the round-house for prayer, praise, and other religious exercises. Sometimes Captain Whiting was found listening within. Mr. Whitefield being so anxious for his salvation, he ventured one day to take " TJic Independent Whig " from his pillow and put in its place a little book called " T/ie Self-Deceiverr The next morning the captain came in smiling, and asked who made the change ? Whitefield told him and begged him to accept of the book, which he said he had read with pleasure. It produced a visible effect on him. The militaiy captain, becoming more interested, now requested to have public service, and expound- ing twice a day in the great cabin. HIS FIRST VOYAGE TO AMERICA. 65 January i8. "Began to live by rule more than ever, for nothing, I find, is to be done without it." Being " a little inclined to heaviness, I drove it off by a long intercession. Prayer is an antidote against every evil." "About eleven at night, went and sat down among the sailors in the steerage, and reasoned with them about righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come, at which some of them almost trem- bled." January 20. " Rose with great peace of mind, and spent all the morning in composing a sermon," which he began yester- day and almost finished to-day. Sunday, January 22. "About nine, went on board with Captain Whiting, who is always extremely civil. Visited the sick and read prayers in the cabin. Read prayers, preached my sermon on Early Piety, on open deck to the soldiers ; the ofificers and other gentlemen attending very seriously. After- noon preached at Upper Deal, on Acts xxviii. 26. Many seemed pricked to the heart, and expressed a desire to follow .me wherever I should go." While lying in the Downs, besides his regular labors, Mr. Whitefield engaged much in personal religious conversation with the soldiers and officers, and spent much time and enjoyed imicJi pleas7ire and covifort in writing and receiving letters from his London friends. He often sat up till two or three o'clock in the morning, writing letters to his friends. On one occasion, he says, "the reception of letters from my London friends filled, my soul with unutterable pleasure, and caused me to shed tears of joy." January 24. Visited Mr. E., "who most kindly entertained us, and offered me his boat to go or come on shore when I pleased. After we returned from his house, we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed for them that opposed themselves, 66 LIFE OF WIIITEFIELD. and then went to bed blessing and praising God." " When the heart is full of God, outward things affect it little." -January 25. At Whitefield's request, the captain pardoned a woman who was sentenced to be sent on shore. He preached to-day at Upper Deal, to a large congregation, with great effect. He says, "a divine fire seems to be kindling there." "A// Deal seems to be in a holy flaineT And nearly all on board the Whitaker had now become very serious, " and there were great hopes of the captain's conversion." "Oh! that I may catch them by a holy guile." Sabbath, January 29. Visited the sick, read prayers, preached once on sea, twice on land to crowded congregations, and spoke four hours to four companies who collected to hear him at his lodgings,* and, says he, " I was but little, if any, fatigued." Thus he labored incessantly, and " went about doing good," until the winds shifted, and orders came, " Prepare yourselves firr sailing.'' He received the news with joy, but his London friends received it with sorrow. They retired for a parting season of prayer, but they had to be very brief " Having therefore commended ourselves to God, I took my leave. But oh, what affection did the Deal people express to my un- worthy person ! — for no sooner were they apprised of the wind being fair, than^ they came running in droves after me to the seashore, wishing me good luck in the name of the Lord ; and with tears, praying for my success and safe return. I was con- founded with a sense of God's mercies to me." " The sea was very boisterous indeed," but he went on singing psalms and praising God, with the water dashing in his face all the way. They reached the Whitaker and got aboard about five, *When large crowds collected at his lodgings, he divided them into compa- nies in order to be heard. HIS FIRST VOYAGE TO AMERICA. ^J and were received with great joy, while the ship was under sail. Owing to the winds shifting, they were detained in the Downs until February 2d, and the same wind that carried Whitefield out, brought John Wesley into the Downs. Wesley sailed in February i, and Whitefield sailed out February 2d.* On February 3 they made a \Q.xy narrow escape, and God wrought for them a glorious deliverance. "An East India ship sailing very briskly," he says, " ran within four yards of us, and had it not been for the expertness of the captain, both ships must inevitably have split one against another." Besides catechising and teaching the children, Whitefield now preached daily to the soldiers on deck, and usually on Sundays to the officers in the great cabin. At the captain's request, he now read prayers morning and evening in the great cabin. He soon gave them one sermon on "Justification by Faith," and another on " The Eternity of Hell Torments." Encouraged with this beginning to have full public prayers, Mr. Whitefield exclaimed, " Blessed be God ! for I hope we shall now begin to live like Christians and call upon the name of the Lord daily. The very thoughts of God's granting me this petition filled me with joy." STORM AT SEA. On February 14, "about twelve at night," he says, "a fresh gale arose, which increased so rapidly by four in the morning, that the waves raged horribly indeed, and broke in like a river on many of the poor soldiers who lay near the main hatchway. *The ship that brought Wesley hack from Georgia, passed Deal while While- field was there, but neither of the noted men knew it at the time. Whitefield was surprised to receive a letter from Wesley saying, " When I saw God by the wind which was carrying you out brought me in, I asked counsel of God. His answer you have enclosed." What was it ? "Let him (that is, Whitefield) return to London." 68 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. I rose and called upon God for myself, for those sailing with me, for absent friends, and for all mankind. After this I went oi; deck, but surely a more noble, awful sight, my eyes never beheld; for the waves rose mountain high, and sometimes came on the quarter deck. I ende^ivored all the while to magnify God for thus making His power known; and then creeping on my knees (for I knew not how to go otherwise), 1 went between decks and sung psalms and comforted the poor wet soldiers and people. The storm raged, but God was so good to assist me, that though things were tumbling, the ship rocking, and persons falling down sick about me, yet I never was more cheerful in my life, and was enabled, though in the midst of company, to finish a sermon before I went to bed." He observed the fourteenth as a day of fasting and prayer. ARRIVES AT GIBR.\LTAR. While busy preaching, writing sermons, and catechising the women and children, he reached Spain, Sabbath, February 19, and landed at Gibraltar, the " mart of nations." He preached on board the same day they arrived. Delighted with the pleasant sailing, and deeply impressed with the sight of the huge promontories, the impregnable fort, and the vast, tower- ing rocks, he says, " I could not avoid thanking Go'd for calling me abroad.'.' Upon going ashore, he was delighted with the place, and very kindly received by Governor Sabine, who invited him to dine with him ever>' day he was in town^ The ministers also received him very affectionately, and offered him the use of their pulpits. He preached in one of them one day, and was pleased to see so many officers and soldiers accom- pany the general to church. After a gentleman had kindly provided him comfortable private lodgings, he and Mr. Haber- sham went to church one morning at six o'clock " to pray with HIS FIRST VOYAGE TO AMERICA. 69 some devout soldiers, with whom," he says, " my soul was knit immediately." "They were called 'New Lights! Another small society were called 'Dark Lanterns!" "The former," said Whitefield, "were 'a glorious light.' They were 'a light in a dark place.' " They formerly met secretly in dens and caves of the rocks for prayer, and praise. For their piety they at- tracted Whitefield's attention' more than anything else in the city. Dr. Philip called them " TJie Metliodists of Gibraltar." The next Sabbath morning, he visited them again, and sung, prayed and expounded with them with much comfort. He preached again the same morning in one of the churches to a thronged congregation of officers and soldiers, with a very deep effect. He had now been preaching or expounding daily for some time, " and perceived the Word of God to run very swiftly." Upon seeing several soldiers on their knees at their private devotions as he entered the church, he exclaimed, " happy Gibraltar, that hast such a set of praying men !" On March 3, he preached his sermon against swearing to a very thronged congregation in the church, and made a farewell ap- plication to the soldiers that were about to leave for Georgia. Many officers and soldiers wept sorely, and the effect was very deep. The interest had now increased so greatly, that his con- gregations numbered over one thousand hearers. One day he went to see the " Roman Catholics at their high mass." He said, " There needs no other argument against popery, than to see the pageantry, superstition, and idolatry of their worship." farewell to GIBRALTAR. The interest had increased so greatly, that his congrega- tions numbered over a thousand hearers ; and in summing up his labors here, he says, "Sampson's Riddle has been fulfilled at Gibraltar. Out of the eater came forth m.eat ; out of the 70 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. strong came forth sweetness. Who more unlikely to be wrought upon than soldiers? and yet I have not been amongst any set of people where God has made His power more to be known. Many that were quite stark blind, have received their sight ; and many that have fallen back, have repented and turned to the Lord; and many saints have had their hearts filled with joy unspeakable. It was quite a revival. I should have wondered if God had not sent me a thorn in the flesh, after such abundant success." On March 6th about noon, he "went to the church, and gave ?i farewell exhortation to a great number of weeping soldiers, women, etc., and after commending each other to God's care, I bid farewell to the generals and the confined prisoners." About two hundred soldiers, officers, ladies, etc., accompanied him to the ship, "who all sorrowed at his departure, and wished him good luck in the name of the Lord." On March 9, Whitefield married a couple on deck, and gave them a suitable exhortation. The next day they had a violent storm at sea, and he began to expound the Ten Com- mandments in the great cabin. His seasickness now became worse. But he said, " Suffering times are a Christian's best improving times. For they break the will, wean us from the creature, and improve the heart." His friend Habersham took very good care of him. Besides going on with his regular routine of duties, on the fifteenth he commenced to canvass the hearts of his people " one by one, to see what account they could give of their faith." Although he did not find them all " great proficients," "yet I find they know enough to save them, if they put it in practice." Mr. Habersham had now established a regular School on the ship, and the children began to come at regular hours. They made rapid progress. Whitefield exam- ined them occasionally, and was much encouraged with the prospect of their speedy conversion. HIS FIRST Vcn'AGE TO AMERICA. 7 1 He observed the i6th as a day of fasting and prayer, and preached again his sermon against swearing. He says : " Sev- eral of the soldiers wept. Blessed be God ! sin is much abated amongst us." Whitefield now began to extend his labors to the accompanying ships. Accompanied by Captain Whiting he went on board the " Lightfoot ;" dined with the officers of the ship ; married a couple ; preached a sermon against drunken- ness ; distributed Bibles, Testaments and religious books, and exchanged some books for cards, and threw the cards into the ocean. The next day he visited the ''Amy" and performed similar labors. On returning to the " Whitaker," he preached his sermon against drunkenness, and Captain Mackay exhorted his men to take heed to what they had heard. Many of the soldiers, who did little else but curse and swear when Mr. Whitefield came on board, now attend prayers twice a day, and " several give good evidence of a change of heart." Scarce an oath is heard among them. " We live in perfect har- mony and peace, loving and beloved of one another." "Surely, my friends," says Whitefield, "your prayers are heard. Continue instant in them, and you shall see greater things than these." He now exchanged some good books for some bad ones, and threw the latter overboard with great joy. During this voyage Whitefield says : " I was enabled to write letters and compose sermons, as though I had been on land." Altogether, there were about one hundred and fifty persons on board. WHITEFIELD AND THE SHARK. March 20. " To-day, while dining, we were entertained with a most agreeable sight. It was a shark about the length of a man, which follovv^ed our ship attended with five little fishes called the pilot-fish. These, I am told, always keep the shark 72 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. company, and, what is more surprising, though the shark is so ravenous a creature, yet let it be never so hungry, it never touches one of them. Nor are they less faithful to him. For, if at any time the shark is hooked, these little creatures will not forsake him, but cleave close to his fins, and are often taken up with him. Go to the pilot-fish, thou that forsakest a friend in adversity, consider his ways and be abashed, and learn how to hold fast. Go to the pilot-fish, thou back-slider, and learn how to persevere and ''cleave to the Lord! " March 23, " This morning we began to have prayers at 6 o'clock, and the drum to beat to call the people. Visited twelve or fourteen patients; and yet, such is God's mercy to me, that though the place where they lie is much confined, and they catch the fever from one another, yet God keeps me from taking it. T/ie way of duty is the way of safety/ Nothing more useful than visiting sick-beds." WHITEFIELD " BREAKING CHILDREN'S WILLS." March 31. " Had a good instance of the benefit of breaking children's wills. Last night going between decks (as I do cveiy night) to visit the sick and to examine my people, I asked one of the women to bid her boy that stood by her, say his prayers ; she answered, his elder sister would, but she could not make him. Upon this, I bid the child to kneel down before me, but it would not until I took hold of its two feet and forced it down. I then bid it say the Lord's Prayer (being informed by his mother he could say it if he would), but he obstinately refused, until at last, after I had given it several blows, it said its prayers as well as could be expected, and I gave it some figs for a reward. And this same child, though not above four years of age, came to-night on deck when the other children came to say their prayers to my friend H., and burst out into a HIS FIRST VOYAGE TO AMERICA. 73 flood of tears, and would not go away until he said his too. I mention this as a proof of the necessity of early correction ; children are sensible of it sooner than parents imagine. And if they would but have resolution to break their wills thoroughly when young, the work of conversion would be much easier, and they would not be so troubled with perverse children when they are old." Whitefield now frequently preached on all three of the ships, the " Wliitakcr" the '' Lightfoof and the "Amy," on the same day, and says : " Blessed be God, we live very comfortably in the great cabin. We talk of little else but God and Christ. Scarce a word is to be heard but what has reference to our fall in the first, and our new birth in the second Adam." On one occasion " he preached with a captain on each side of him and soldiers all around him ; and the two other ships' companies being at times in the trade winds, drew near and joined in the worship of God." Trembling with fear and burning with fever, the greatest swearer on board now sent for Whitefield to go and see him in his distress. He went, and the poor sinner freely confessed his "grievous sins, and prayed most fervently for repentance." Whitefield had given him an effectual w^arning two days before. Late in April, from exposure in nursing the sick, Whitefield was taken with " a violent fever." Nearly all on board had it. He was well cared for. Captain Whiting gave him his bed, and Mr. Habersham nursed him most ten- derly. And what delighted him most, the sick between decks prayed fervently for him. He said : " I was bled thrice, and blistered and vomited once ; and blessed be God, I can say it is good for me that I have been afflcted, for God has enabled me to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. I thought I was on the brink of eternity. I had heaven within me, and thought of nothing in this world." He longed to depart. 74 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. On May 5th Whitefield attended the funeral of the ship cook, who had lately boasted " that he would be wicked till two years before he died, and then he would be good ;" but, alas ! he was suddenly taken sick and died in about six hours after he made the foolish resolution. Toward the end of the voyage the religious interest became so great, that Dr. Gillies says, " The great cabin now became a bethel, the deck a cliurcli, and the stern a school-room. With two captains made almost Christians, one young gentleman and several soldiers hopefully converted, religion was now the principal subject of conversation. In a word," says Dr. Gillies, " there was a reformation throughout the whole soldiery. The women exclaimed, ' What a change in the captain !' " White- field had labored hard. " For many days and nights he had visted between twenty and thirty sick persons, f/vr^c//;/^ Jtpon his knees between decks, to administer medicines and cordials and give advice suitable to their circumstances." God gave him such a signal success that he says, " Hitherto I have been made to go on from conquering to conquer." At length, " having lain about a week on the coast," he says, " we saw Savannah River, and sent off for a pilot. Oh, what joy appeared in every countenance ! How infinitely more joyful will the children of God be, when they arrive at the haven of everlasting rest!" On May 7, 1738, after "a long, yet exceed- ingly pleasant voyage," they cast anchor near Tybee Island, about fourteen miles off Savannah. After preaching his fare- well sermon, " at which many wept," he and Mr. Habersham " took boat and arrived at Savannah about seven in the evening. What shall I render to the Lord for all his mercies !" With full confidence in God's protecting power, Whitefield now went forth, saying, " I am now going forth as a sheep among wolves ; but he that protected Abraham when he went out not knowing whither he went, will also guide and protect me." CHAPTER VIII WHITEFIELDS FIRST VISIT TO AMERICA. AVING set his foot upon American soil, with a heart glowing with gratitude to God, he hast- ened to unite with his friends in prayer and praise for his safe arrival. He landed about seven o'clock on the evening of May 7, 1738, and was very kindly received at the Parsonage House, by Mr. Delamotte, the Mission School teacher at Savannah, with whom he spent the balance of the evening in taking sweet counsel about the affairs of the little colony. After receiving calls from some of Mr. Wesley's friends, he read public prayers and expounded the scriptures in the Court House, the next day, to 17 adults and 25 children. Out of respect the magistrates proposed to wait upon him the next day, but he chose rather to wait upon them. They received him with great respect, and their conversation turned upon the place of his settlement. It was finally agreed that they would build him a house and tabernacle at Frederica, and have him serve the church at Savannah as long as convenient. The first thing he did, after recovering from a short spell of sickness, was to visit TimocJiichi, an Indian king, then lying at the point of death on a thin blanket at a neighbor's house. His wife, Senauki, sat by, fanning him with some Indian feathers. In a few days Mr, Whitefield went to see him again, wluii Tooanoowee, his nephew, was present, who could talk Ki>i;lish. (75) 76 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, " I desired him to ask his uncle whether he thought he should die. He answered : * I cannot tell.' I then asked him where he thought he would go after death. He replied : * To heaven.' ' But, alas ! how can a drunkard enter there ?' I then exhorted young Tooanoowee not to get drunk, telling him he understood English, and, therefore, he would be punished the more if he did not live better. I then asked him whether he believed in a heaven. He answered : ' Yes.' I then asked liim if he believed in a hell, and described it by pointing to the fire. He replied : ' No.' From whence we may easily gathef-, liow natural it is to all mankind to believe there is a place of happiness, because they wish it may be so, and, on the con- trary, how averse they are to believe in a place of torment, because they wish it may not be so. But God is just ; and as surely as the good shall go into everlasting happiness, the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment." Recovering his strength, and hungering for souls, he soon went out to survey the condition of the little colony ; and in visiting the small neighboring villages of Hampstead and High- gate, he became deeply impressed with the wants of the children. In devising means for their education and protec- tion, he then and there (May 16, 1738,) determined to erect an Orphan House, and besought the blessing of God to attend his efforts. Meanwhile he did what he could, and established a school at Highgate for those two villages and one at Savannah for girls. He then visited the Saltsburgers at Ebenezer, and found things in a more prosperous condition. Tfiere they had two pious ministers, Mr. Boltzius and Mr. Grenaw, who (as they have no courts of jurisdiction) decide all little differences among the people. They have also a good Orphan House, with which Mr. Whitefield was so much pleased that he gave Mr. Boltzius a share of his '^ poor's store" for his orphans ; after VVHITEFIELD's first visit to AMERICA. 7/ which he called them all together, catechised and exhorted them to be thankful for the gift, prayed with them, heard them pray, sung a psalm, and then " the little lambs came and shook me by the hand one by one, and so we parted, and I scarce was ever better pleased in my life." This interesting sight strength- ened his purpose and fired his zeal to go on with his own pro- posed Orphan House. Early in June his dear friend Mr. Delamotte embarked for England, which left Mr, Whitefield almost alone. And surely, says he, " I must labor most heartily, since I come after such worthy predecessors as Mr. Wesley and Delamotte." Although " Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine " pronounces Mr. Wesley's mission to America an "entire failure," and that "he left the American shores all but driven out," and although Mr. Tyer- man says, "Wesley's mission to America seemed a failure," yet Whitefield, who had a good opportunity to know, says in his journal, "The good Mr. John Wesley has done in America is inexpressible. His name is very precious among the people, and he has laid such a foundation that I hope neither men nor devils will ever be able to shake." After laboring about five weeks in Savannah, Mr. Whitefield says, " God has graciously visited me with a fit of sickness, but now I am lively as a young eagle. All things have happened better than I expected. America is not so horrid a place as it is represented to be. The heat of the weather, lying on the ground, etc., are mere painted lions in the way, and to a soul filled with divine love, not worth mentioning. The country is exceedingly pleasant. God sets his seal to my min- istry here, as at other places. We have an excellent Christian school, and near a hundred constantly attend at evening prayers. The people receive me gladly into their houses, and seem to be most kindly affected towards me. We do not want for 78 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. provisions. Blessed be God, I visit from house to house, catechise, read prayers twice, and expound the two second lessons every day ; read to a house full of people three times a week ; expound the two lessons at five in the morning, read prayers and preach twice ; and expound the catechism to ser- vants at seven every Sunday evening. What I have most at heart now, is the building of an Orphan House, which I trust will be effected at my return to England. . . . Oh, dear Mr. //., pray for me." The people of Savannah, although made up of different nations, holding different opinions, heard him gladly. And in searching for souls and exploring his new field of labor, some- times he would go out twelve or fifteen miles to visit a few families. Longing for their salvation, he not only preached to them powerfully from the pulpit, but he endeavored to set them a bright example. Says he, " I have striven to draw them with cords of love." FREDERICA. Having spent about two months in Savannah in looking up the lost sheep, he sailed down to Frederica, a small town over one hundred miles "southward. The people here being very hungry for the gospel, they received him most heartily. There being no church, he preached in the evening under a big tree to a very attentive congregation. The next day be began to visit from house to house, and perceiving their destitution, he was touched with feelings of compassion, and exclaimed, " Poor creatures, my heart ached for them." He stirred them up, and before night " the timber was sawing to erect a house of wor- ship." His return to Savannah was hastened by hearing that his friend H.'s brother had got lost in hunting a lost horse. The people hunted for the lost man. Great guns were fired to direct his steps ; while Whitefield prayed and gave God thanks WHITEFIELU'S FIRST VISIT TO AMERICA. 79' for the trial, and resolved to start for Savannah immediately. Having determined to start that (Saturday) night, he preached in the evening to a large weeping congregation. And feeling c-^rateful for mercies received, he exclaimed, " Oh, God ! how dost Thou follow me with Thy blessings wherever Thou sendest me ! I looked for persecution, but lo ! I am received as an angel of God." Being disappointed in starting, he did not sail until he preached another sermon the next day, when the people accom- panied him to the ship, loaded him with presents, and bid him an affectionate farewell. His stay in Frederica was short, but he won the affections of the people. He returned to Savannah, August 1 6, and had the pleasure of finding the " lost sheep." WHITEFIELD AND THE DYING INFIDEL. On August 23d, he says, "I was obliged to express my re- sejitment against infidelity by refusing to read the burial service over the most professed unbeliever I ever yet met with. God was pleased to visit him with a lingering illness, in which time I went to see him frequently. Particularly about five weeks ago, I asked him what religion he was of; he answered, ' Religion was divided into so many sects he knew not which to choose.' Another time I offered to pray with him, but he would not accept of it, when I resolved to go to see him no more ; but being told two days before he died that he had an inclination to see me, I went to him again, and after a little conversation, I put to him the following questions : ' Do you believe Jesus Christ to be God, the one Mediator between God and man?' He said, ' I believe Christ was a good man.' ' Do you believe the Holy Scriptures?' 'I believe,' replied he, 'something of the Old Testament; the New I do not believe at all.' ' Do you believe, sir, in a judgment to come?' He turned himself about and replied, ' I know not what to say to that.' 'Alas !' said I, 80 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. 'sir, if all these things should be true' — which words, I believe, gave him concern, for he seemed after to be very uneasy, grew delirious, and departed in a day or two. Unhappy man 1 how quickly was he convinced ! Now he and I are of one mind. The day after his decease, he was carried to the ground ; I re- fused to read the service over him, but went to the grave and told the people what had passed between him and me, warned them against infidelity, and asked them whether I could safely say, ' as our hope is this our brother doth.' Upon which, I believe, they were thoroughly convinced that I had done right. God grant that this may be a warning to all surviving un- believers." • Anxious to obtain priest's orders, and to raise money for his Orphan House, " to-day, August 27," he says, " I preached my farewell sermon, to the great grief of my dear parishioners, for their hearts, I found, were very full, as well as my own. Many wept sore. But a sensible alteration soon appeared in their countenances when I promised them solemnly before God, to return as soon as possible." " The weather was extremely hot, but God enabled me to preach with power." He started the next day, and the people came from morning to evening with many tears and tokens of love to take their leave and wish him a prosperous journey and a safe return. " I thanked them, and having desired their prayers, bid them farewell." " My heart was full, and I took the first opportunity of venting it by prayers and tears. I think I never parted from a place with more regret ; for America, in my opinion, is an excellent school to learn Christ in ; and I have great hopes some good will come out of Savannah, because the longer I continued there, the larger the congregations grew." He went to Charleston to start, and was very favorably im- pressed with the appearance of the city and very kindly received WHITEFIELD's first visit to AMERICA. 8 1 by the Rev. Mr. Garden, the Bishop of London's Commissary, who assured him, that should he be treated as illy as Mr. Wesley had been, he would defend him with his life and fortune. He preached twice the next day after his arrival. Blest with God's presence, and the hearty co-operation of many warm friends, his visit and labors of four months in America were a complete success.* *" During my stay here, the weather was most intensely hot, sometimes burning me almost through my shoes. Seeing others do it who were as unable, I determined to inure myself to hardships, by lying constantly on the ground, which, by use, I found to he so far from being a hardship, that afterwards it became s<> to lie in a bed." 6 CHAPTER IX. (^i;»^:y his return to England. ^yG^ AVING won the affections of the people and made his mark in America, he sailed from Charleston on the " Mary " for England, Sep- tember 9, 1738. With but few persons on board, his sphere of action was now confined to a very small compass. Yet, encouraged with the fact that they were all very civil, he went forth with the hope " that the retirement would break his will, purify his heart, and fit him for the great work before him," Owing to contrary winds they were tossed about " from bar to bar " nearly two weeks before they got fairly under way. It is worthy of notice that Mr. Whitefield advanced upon this voyage with forebodings of evil. And ere they had sailed but a few hundred miles his strong faith and great joy in tribulation were seen in the following terrible storm at sea. It rose about 1 1 o'clock at night and continued till four in the morning. It was so severe that " it put the sailors and officers to their wits' end to manage the ship." " They said they had never seen the like of it before. The main sail was rent in several pieces and much of the tackling split all to tatters ; and not a dry place was to be found in all the ship. The captain's hammock in the great cabin was half full of water. In short, all was terror and confusion, men's hearts failing them for fear, and the wind and the sea raging most terribly. But God, forever be adored His unmerited good- (82) HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND. 83 ness, was exceeding gracious unto me. For I felt a sweet com- placency in my will, in submission to His. Many particular promises God has made me from His word, that I should return in peace, flowed in upon my heart. And He enabled me greatly to rejoice. Most of our fresh provisions are washed overboard, and our tackling being much out of order, we have a prospect of but an indifferent voyage. But blessed be God, tJie prospect pleases ine. For now I shall learn, I trust, how to want as well as how to abound, and how to endure hardship like a good soldier of Jesus Christ. O Lord, let Thy strength be magnified in my weakness, and say unto my soul, // is I, be not afraid, and then let storms and tempests do their worst." How grand this sublime victory of faith ! Gaze upon the awful scene — the waves dash — the vessel heaves — the rigging cracks, and with men's hearts failing them for fear, all was terror and dismay. But amid all this distressing confusion, there lies the unterrified Whitefield, calm and composed. Reposing in the arms of Jesus, although the angry waves rolled over him, when all was distress without, yet to him with his hope anchored within the veil all was joy and peace within. Shortly after the storm was over, he gathered the people together and exhorted them " to bless God for their deliverance, and to sin no more, lest a worse storm should befall them." By the middle of October he says, " God has been pleased to send me many inward trials. And now my fresh provisions are gone, and the people are put to an allowance of a quart of water to each man per day ; I hope the spiritual man will grow, having so little for the natural man to feed on. Blessed be God, I rejoice in necessities, and do in every thing give thanks." While thus shut up in his ship-retirement, searching the Scriptures, and praying for further preparatio7i for the great work before him, he was deeply impressed and encouraged , 84 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. with the fact, graphically expressed by Mr. Henry, " The mower loses no time while whetting his scythed Whitefield's moral heroism, self-denial and nobleness of soul, is strikingly exhibited in refusing Captain Philip's gener- ous offer in the following case : When they had made about one-third of their voyage, and Mr. Whitefield's fresh provisions were exhausted, and every man put ujDon short rations, they were pvertaken by the " Constant," Captain Philips, bound from Jamaica. Learning their destitute condition, the Captain sent for Mr. Whitefield to come on board his ship, offering him a most commodious berth. He went, and was not only very kindly received, but they gave him all the provisions they could spare. "A most providential supply," exclaimed White- field, "for ours is quite out." But he refused to give up the "Mary,' and leave his shipmates in distress, choosing rather to share their fate and sufferings than the commodious berth on "The Constant" saying, "Although there was provision for the flesh on the 'Cofistant,' yet I like my own situation best, because here are greater opportunities of denying myself, and consequently of making farther improvement in the spirit. O, that I may always walk by this rule." After another " week of inward trials," he says, " how good is God thus to prepare me by sufferings, so that His blessings m^y not be my ruin." As soon as they found that the wind was fair, they sung and gave God thanks for His goodness. On the next page of his journal, he says, " For the last two days, God has been pleased greatly to humble my soul, and bring me low by spiritual desertions ; and He has sent us another contrary wind, blessed be His name. Our allowance of water is now but a pint a day, and no one knows where we are ; but God does, and that is sufficient." Come again, gentle reader, and see Whitefield rejoicing in tribulation: "Last HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND. 85 night God lifted up the hght of His blessed countenance upon me, and to-day fills me with joy unspeakable, and full of glory; so that I have little to eat, yet I inwardly possess all things. I am sometimes afraid lest continued abstinence may occasion a bodily sickness. But wherefore do I fear ? If it does, that and everything else I know will work for my good." WHITEFIELD DEFIES THE DEVIL. Armed with the panoply of heaven, with a firm reliance upon God for protection, Whitefield, like Martin Luther, some- times felt himself so safe and secure in Christ, that he bid defiance to the devil. Buffeted by Satan, and tossed upon the ocean's surging waves, when nearing the shores of England, he exclaimed, "O Satan, Satan, I defy thee to do thy worst; thou mayest toss me up and down, and bring me into jeopardy on every side, but Jesus Christ is praying for me on the mount. And when the time appointed is come, and my soul hereby prepared, I shall have a happy meeting with my dear friends!" Again he says, " God is on my side, I will not fear what man or devils say of, or do unto me. Let us keep the grace of faith in lively exercise, and we may bid death and hell defiance. Christ is the believer's hollow sqiiare ; and if we keep close in that, we are impregnable. Here only I find my refuge. Gar- risoned in this, I can bid defiance to men and devils." One day a passenger cried out, " What Jonah have we on board ?" Whitefield replied, " I am he ! yet many now, I be- lieve, bless God that I am with them. For, say they, ' How should we have been blaming ^and cursing one another, had not Mr. Whitefield been amongst us.' Blessed be God, if my ministry or presence can be instrumental to prevent sin against Thee, O Lord ; toss me on the ocean as long as it pleaseth Thee." 86 LltE OF WHITEFIELD. With rent sails, a shaky ship, and scanty provisions, their suf- ferings and trials now began to increase. With their daily fare reduced to " an ounce or two of salt beef, a pint of water and a cake made of flour and s'kimmings of the pot," and suffering with weakness, hunger and thirst, Whitefield says : " We are brought very low." Yet, in meek submission, he said : " Blessed be God for these things ; I rejoice in them daily. And I know they are preparations for future mercies. May God, of His infinite mercy, humble me and try me, till I am rightly disposed to receive them. Amen, Lord Jesus, amen." Pierced by November's cold blasts, and sailing On in the deep waters of affliction, Whitefield, like suffering Paul, could now say : " I am in hungerings and thirsting, cold and fastings often; yet, if God still brings me into greater wants, Lord, I desire not to be exempted from suffering. If Thy glory can be promoted by my trials, lo ! here I arfi ; scourge me, try me as it seemeth good in Thy sight !" And the nearer they approached the end of their perilous voyage, and the severer their trials became, the nearer he seemed to draw to God. For during the last few days of the voyage, he says : " I enjoyed uncommon serenity of soul, and have given my will to God. I am wholly resigned." On November 9, they set their sails for Ireland. And hav- ing enjoyed great peace of mind to-day, he says, " I find all uneasiness arises from having a will of my own ; therefore, I simply desire to will what God wills." At length, after nine weeks' rough sailing and much suffering, with great joy, on Sabbath morning, November 12, they came in sight of land while in a large bay west of Ireland. Humbled, subdued, and comforted under God's chastening hand, they jCined in a hymn and prayer of thanksgiving to God, for their deliverance. " From which I infer," he says, " that a calmness of mind and HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND. 8/ entire resignation to the divine will is the best preparative for receiving divine mercies." With "but half a pint of water left," they were brought to very great straits, from which they were not delivered until the 14th, when, at Whitefield's request, the kind mate brought them a boat-load of water and provi- sions ; whereupon they kneeled down and gave God thanks. Mr. MacMahon, a countiy gentleman, as soon as he heard of their sufferings, rose at midnight and came to their relief, and most kindly invited Mr. Whitefield to his house and stay as long he pleased. He also sent horses to carry him thither. Though rough and dangerous, Whitefield says, "This voyage has been greatly for my good, and profitable to my soul. It has learned me, in some measure, to endure hard- ships. My clothes have not been off (except to change), all the passage. Part of the time I lay on open deck, part on a chest, and the remainder on a bedstead covered with my buffalo skin." Yet amid all these trying scenes, God blessed his labors, and gave him souls on the stormy ocean. Captain Gladman, one of the passengers, was converted, and afterwards became Whitefield's traveling companion. On one occasion, Captain Coc was so deeply impressed under a sermon, that he exclaimed, " Lord, break this hard heart of mine," Encour- aged with these fruits, Whitefield said, " Lord, if I can but be made instrumental to save one soul, I care not if I am tossed on the ocean through my whole life." In going forth upon his work now, he says, " I fear nothing so much as the treachery of my heart, lest I should not lead a holy life. But He that preserved Daniel in the den of lions, and the three children in the fiery furnace, will, I hope, pre- serve me from the fiery trial of popularity, and from the mis- guided zeal of those who, without cause, are my enemies. 88 LIFE OF WIUTFFIELD. Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit. Guide me by Thy unerring wisdom." VVIIITEFIELD IN IRELAND. On the evening of November 12, 1738, they cast anchor at Karrigholt island, and Whitcfield went ashore. He was most kindly received and entertained by Mr. MacMahon, who having furnished him three horses, he, his servant, and Captain G., the new convert, set out for Dublin. 'Eight miles travel brought them to Kilrush, Ireland. Here they put up at a hotel and found Captain Coc, and his half-starved crew, who had come very near being shipwrecked the past night. "At our first coming into our inn," says Whitefield, " we kneeled down and prayed ; and again at night we sung and prayed with the cap- tain and several of our shipmates." In traveling through the country, he was much struck with the poverty and habits of the people.* He reached Limerick Saturday, the 19th, and was veiy kindly received by Bishop Burscough, who engaged him to preach the next day. He spoke with much power, " for all the inhabitants seemed alarmed," he says, " and looked most wishfully at me as I passed along the streets the next day, When I went to start away, the Bishop kissed me and said, ' Mr. Whitefield, God bless you. I wish you success abroad.' " At Dublin he was most kindly received by Dr. Delany, and invited to dine with him. Bishop Rundell and Archbishop Bolton, Lord Primate of Ireland, treated him with similar respect. *As I stopped to have my horses shod, I went into one of the poor people's cabins. It was about twenty feet long and twelve feet wide, and built with turf and mud. In it was a man threshing corn, two swine feeding, two dogs, several geese, a man, his wife, three children, and a great fire. Georgia huts are a palace to it. Indeed the people live very poorly in these parts, and some walk barefooted with their shoes in their hands to save them from wearing out, others uui of necijssily. — yonrtial. HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND. 89 Here he preached twice on the Sabbath with much power. The people hung upon his hps to hear the gospel. " Now God begins to show me," he says, " why He so visited me in the ship. Sweetest Jesus, give me humility, and I shall yet see greater things than these." Look out for them. In viewing the busy part of Dublin, he said, "the more I see of the world, the more I grow sick of it every day." On Thursday, November 30, after near twelve months' absence from London, and three months from Georgia, he reached Parkgate, England, filled with joy and comfort. In passing down to London he stopped on the Sabbath, December 3, and preached twice at Manchester, and reached London about noon, on the eighth. When he saw his friends coming to meet him on the way, like Paul at the Three Taverns, " he thanked God and took courage." \^ CHAPTER X WHITEFIELD S NEW MEASURES IN LONDON BREAKING THE ICE IN BRISTOL. LTHOUGH Whitefield returned to London, fearing " the fiery trial of popularity," yet be- lieving that " He who preserved Daniel in the lions' den" would preserve him; with his soul whet up by the trials of his late voyage, he reached London December 8, 1738, and en- tered upon his labors there with renewed zeal. Received with much joy by his Christian friends, he joined with them in psalms and thanksgiving for his safe arrival, and spent the evening with a Religious Society in Fetter Lane, and was rejoiced to find that God had greatly watered the seed he had sown when last in London. " Here seems," he says, " to be a great out-pouring of the Spirit, and many who were awakened by my preaching a year ago are now grown strong men in Christ by the ministrations of John and Charles Wesley." The doctrine of Justification by Faith, he found much revived. The next day he waited upon the Archbishop of Canter- bury, and the Bishop of London, " and met with a favorable reception from both." But in the clergy he found an opposi- tion so great, that within two days five pulpits were shut against him. Yet like Paul, " he rejoiced in this opposition," and re- garded it as a prelude to greater blessings. However, he preached on the following Sabbath at St. Helens in the morning, and at Islington in the afternoon, to (90) WHITEFIELDS NEW MEASURES IN LONDON. 9I very large congregations, with great demonstration of the Spirit ; and, by the twelfth, John Wesley came to see him ; and again "they took sweet counsel together." While some bury their talents, others live and die with them half developed. Although Whitefield had " stirred all Lon- don " and achieved great spiritual victories before he went to America, yet it was not till after his return to London that his great strength was more fully developed. It was there, while waiting on the Lord, expounding, watching and praying in the small Religious Societies, that he seemed to receive fresh power from on high. On Christmas morning, after spending the whole night in prayer, he says, '' God vouchsafed so to fill me with His blessed Spirit that I spoke with super- natural strength, and with as great power as ever I did in my life." And it was here, in Red Cross street, when filled with jo}' and peace, that he, for the first time, in public, ventured to pray extempore. Although the clergy treated him coolly and shut their churches against him, yet none of these things moved him ; and constrained by a Saviour's love, they went on with these meetings until the close of the year, when Whitefield was so overwhelmed with a sense of the divine presence, that he exclaimed, "Glory be to God, He fills me continually with peace and joy in the Holy Ghost." "On New Year's night," (1739) .says John Wesley, "Messrs Hall, Kinchin, Ingham, Whitefield, Hutchins, and my brother Charles, were present at a love-feast, with about sixty of our brethren. About 3 o'clock in the morning, as we were continuing instant in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us, insomuch that many cried out for exceeding joy, and many fell to the ground. As soon as we were recovered a little from that awe and amaze- ment at the presence of His majesty, we broke out with one voice, 'We prcdse Thee, God ; we acknowledge Thee to be the 92 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. J Mid' " And says Whitefield, " It was the happiest New Year's day I ever saw. It was a Pentecostal season, indeed." " Some- times," in these meetings, " whole nights were spent in prayer. Often have we been filled as with new wine, and often have I seen them overwhelmed with the divine presence, and crying out, ' Will God, indeed, dwell with men upon earth ! How dreadful is this place ! This is none other than the house of God and the gate of Heaven !" In this way, endued afresh with power from on high, did the three great evangelists, Whitefield, John and Charles Wesley, begin together the mem- orable year which has since been recognized as "the epoch of Methodism" During the last week of 1738, he preached and lectured twenty-seven times ; and the Word being quick and powerful, " many were pricked to the heart," and there was no end of people's coming to him crying, " What shall I do to be saved?" Thus laboring alternately in the pulpit and in the social prayer meeting, he went on from strength to strength, until he was so richly blessed that he said, " My heart is full of God." Encouraged with these precious revivings, on January 5, 1739, at Islington, he held a Conference with seven Metho- dist ministers from different parts, about several important mat- ters concerning their work. " What we were in doubt about, after prayer, we determined by lot, and everything else was carried on with great love, meekness and devotion. We con- tinued in fasting and prayer till three o'clock, and then parted with a full conviction that God was going to do great things among us." And now, with his spiritual strength renewed, and being con- tinually " on the stretch for God," he says, " The spirit of suppli- cation increases in my heart daily." " My understanding is more enlightened, my affections more inflamed, and with my WHITEFIELD's new measures in LONDON. 93 heart full of love towards God and man, blessed be God, I can say I love my enemies." And being conscious of the advan- tages "of expounding and praying extempore',' he prayed God to enable him to continue it. Besides tending the prayer meetings and the love feasts, Mr. Whitefield also frequently met with the Little Praying " Bands" of six or more Christians, who met to compare and talk over their religious experiences. Having thus kindled the fire in London, Mr. Whitefield went to Oxford. After visiting his old friends, and after much prayerful preparation, he was there ordai7ted priest ]dinns.vy 14, 1739, in Christ's church, by "his good friend, Bishop Benson," who had formerly ordained him deacon. The same day he preached and administered the Sacrament in the Castle in the morning, and preached again at St. Albans in the afternoon, to a crowded house, surrounded by gownsmen of all degrees. And r-.'joicing in the Lord, he exclaimed, " Blessed be God, this has been a day of fat things." Taking an affectionate leave of his dear Oxford friends, he now returned to London, and ivas very kindly received by the Georgia Trustees, who, >vithout his request, "presented him the living at Savannah," and gave him 500 acres of land for his Orphan- House. The London clergy now began to oppose, and shut their churches against him.* The pulpit and press rung with opposition. But Whitefield took it so patiently he even " prayed by name" publicly for the minister who wrote against him, and longed "to do him any good." "Blessed be * The occasion of this opposition may lie traced to two causes — doc/niws and measures. Besides the then common objection to the cardinal doctrines of Regen- eration and Justification by Faith, Whitefield's and Wesley's prolonged midnight prayer meetings, and their expounding and visiting from house ,to house, led many of the clerg)' to deny them their pidpits. Private societies and extempore prayer were much ■(bjccled to. 94 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. God," he said, "the more I am opposed the more God enlight- ens my understanding. The more man frowns, the more God smiles." Having on Christmas day prayed publicly for the first time ivithout a form, to-day (February 2d) he preached the first ti?ne without notes. It was at a communion at Islington. They said, " He preached with uncommon power." He says, "I find I gain greater light and knowledge by preaching extempore, so that I fear I should quench the Spirit, did I not go on to speak as He gives me utterance." After "preaching extempore again with great freedom," he felt so exceedingly happy, he says, " God gives me a heaven upon earth, and makes my heart leap for joy almost continually." Notwithstanding Mr. Whitefield's superabundant labors and unspeakable joy, he says, " Some- times my strength goes from me, and I find myself deserted for a little while and much oppressed, especially before preaching, but comfort soon after flows in." " / fiiid action is the best way to take all oppression off' the spirits." " God zvi/l bless us when doing His work." Thus he went on, preaching and expounding" amidst in- creasing opposition, until his burning unquenchable desire to preach the gospel rose to such a height, that, like the flaming Peter and John, he exclaimed, "/ cannot hut speak the things that I have seen and felt in my own soul." And having preached one day in a Hotel, in Basingstoke, he said, " I hope I shall learn more and more every day, that no place is amiss for preaching the gospel." " God forbid that the word of God should be bound, because some, out of misguided zeal, deny the use of their churches." " The more I am bid to hold my peace, the more earnestly will I lift up my voice like a trumpet." Yet with all his glorious attainments and precious enjoyments, with his lofty views of holiness, zeal and self-denial, whitefield's ni:\v m [.azures in London. 95 he says, " We are just bcgiiniing to he Cliristiaiisy " Lord, melt down my frozen heart witli a sense of Thy unmerited love." Blest with " many conversions " in London, Whitefield now visited Windsor, Basingstoke, and Dummer. And glorying in tribulation, he says, " I find opposition does me much good, for it drives me nearer to my Lord and Master." At Basingstoke, he spoke with such irresistible power that his opposers were quite struck dumb, and so confounded, that they said, " We will never oppose again." Here he was " filled with ineffable com- fort and unspeakable joy." Taking suddenly ill the next day, he says, " It would have melted any one down to have seen my dear friends weeping and praying around me." Struggling like one in the agonies of death, like the heroic Paul, he exclaimed, " O how I longed to be dissolved and be with Christ !" And rejoicing in his inex- pressible comforts, he says, " Wherever I go God causeth me to triumph and knits the hearts of His people most closely to me." Having " set the town on fire, he now went to kindle a (lame in the country." And prayed, " Oh, that such a fire may not only be kindled, but blow up into a flame all England, and all tlie world over." Shortly after Whitefield came to Bristol, the Chancellor of Bristol charged him with preacfijng false doctrine and threatened to suspend and excommunicate him. But awed by no threats, Whitefield replied, " I cannot but speak the things that I know," and resolved to proceed as usual. After praying for the tyrannical Chancellor, he went on and preached with unusual power and unspeakable joy. FIELD PREACHING. And just here let us pause a moment and see how, step by stc[), the bold evangelist overstc-pped the rules of the Estab- QO LIFE OK WiilTKFIEI.D. lished Church and rose to his present lofty position of influence power and success. Having preached one day at Bermondsey church, with great liberty to a crowded congregation, with near i,ooo people standing outside, he says, " I had a strong inclination to go out and preach to them from one of the tomb-stones. This first put me upon thinking of preaching out-doors. I men- tioned it to some friends, who looked upon it as 'a mad notion' However, we knelt down and prayed that nothing might be done rashly." Having already learned to pray without a form, and to preach without notes, he now ventured another step, and preached without a church. Denied a church to preach in at Bath, he soon went to Bristol. And finding all the Bristol churches shut against him, moved with a bleeding compassion for the poor, neglected col- liers of Kingswood, a large mining district hard by, he went out to see them. Though poor and uncultivated, they received him very kindly. Earnestly longing for their salvation, and urged by the great emergency of the case, on February 17, 1739, he went out without any previous notice, to a "mount," called "Rose Green'' and preached to upwards of two hundred of them, on Regeneration, from John iii. 3. This was White- field's first field sermon. He says, "We returned full of joy, and I believe I never was more acceptable to my Master than when I was preaching to those hearers in the open fields." Filled with joy and gratitude to God for thus having broken "the iron decorum of the church," he exclaimed, " Blessed be God that T have now broken the ice and taken the field." He said, "I thought it might be doing the service of my Creator, who had a mountain for a pulpit, and the heavens for a sounding board ; and who, when His gospel was refused by the Jews, sent His servants into the highways and hedges." Strengthened by this S i\ <^ WHITEFIEI.d's NF.\^ measures in LONDON. 97 noble act, he preached the next day at St. Mary's to such a congregation as he never saw, with great hberty and demon- stration of the Spirit. " Some may censure me. But is there not a cause ? Pulpits are denied and the poor colhers ready to perish for the lack of knowledge." His first field congregation numbered over 200, the second nearly 2,000, the third 5,000 and it soon reached from 10,000 to 20,000. Tlie Rubicon Is passed. The crisis is met — a glorious victoiy is achieved, and ficld-preachlng, " the morning star of England's second refor- mation," is made a complete success. With it, a nezu era dawned upon the church, and "the poor have the gospel preached to them;" and the poor colliers heard it for the first time with surprise and joy. Although driven out of the churches, Whitefield, by the magic power of his eloquence, evidently took possession of the people. The clergy frowned, but God smiled upon the effort, and to muzzle the bold evan- gelist was impossible. Gagged in the city he fled to the country. All ablaze with zeal to save souls and to preach the gospel to the poor, for him to be kept silent was more intolerable than death itself He could not endure it. Dead to self, and con- secrated to God, rising above the fear of man, the threat of excommunication, and the iron bondage of church forms and customs, he went forth and preached to acres of perishing colliers in the open air, disregarding what the world might say or the church might think or do; while John Wesley, with less courage and more tenacity for church order and pro- fessional etiquette, hesitated and said, " I should have thought the saving of souls almost a sin, if it had not been done in a church." Having been forbidden by the Bishop of Bristol to preach in his diocese, upon the threat of excommunication, we re- 7 98 Life of wiiitf.fielD. gard Whitefield's " taking the field," though counted " a mad notion" at first, the boldest and one of the most important acts of his life. Rejoicing in the work he says, " Blessed be God, the fire is kindled in the country ; and I know all the devils in hell shall not be able to put it out." It opened a wide door for preaching the gospel to the poor. The stroke that " broke the ice," did much to break down Satan's kingdom, and to save the churches of Europe and America. The moral condition of these colliers was but little above heathenism, and " when provoked they were a terror to the city of Bristol." It was considered dangerous to go among them. They were very much neglected. "And," says Black- wood's Magazine^ " they were proverbial for their savage char- acter and brutality. They had no place of v/orship near them, and nobody so much as dreamt of inquiring whether by chance they too might have souls to be saved." They lived altogether at " Hannarn Mount," three miles from Bristol. Here Whitefield often preached to them with great power. "And O, with what gladness and eagerness many of them re- ceived the Word, is beyond description." The first discovery of their being affected was to see ''the wJiite gutters',' made by their tears, which plentifully fell down their black cheeks, as they came out of their coal pits. "As the scene was quite new, and as I had just begun to be an exteinpore preacher, it often occasioned many inward conflicts. Sometimes, when twenty thousand people were before me, I had not, in my own appre- hension, a word to say, either to God or them. But I was never totally deserted, and frequently (for to deny it would be lying against God) so assisted, that I knew, by happy experience, what our Lord meant by saying, 'out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.' The open firmament above me, the prospect of WHITEFIELDS NEW MEASURES IN LONDON. 99 the adjacent fields, with the sight of thousands and thousands, some in coaches, some on horse-back, and some in the trees, and at times all affected and drenched in tears together, to which sometimes was added the solemnity of the approaching evening, was almost too much for, and quite overcame me." Wrought up to a white-heat zeal, Whitefield never preached with greater power than now. " He was carried out beyond himself" And having thus opened such a wide, effectual door for preaching the gospel to the poor, he now sent for John Wesley, to come down and help him. He came the last of March. Upon seeing Whitefield's grand success, he longed to " take the field " and help him. But, bound by " the iron decorum of the church," " at this grand crisis, the most impor- tant in his life," he was afraid and hesitated. But after a hard struggle, and seeing the dauntless Whitefield preach with such wonderful power to vast acres of gaping colliers at " Boling Green," " Hannam Mount," and " Rose Green," his prejudices gave way, and he went, " took the field," and preached with great power. To this important event, Wesley owed much of his future success. And in it we see to some extent how much he was indebted to Whitefield for it. Whitefield broke the way, and Wesley followed him. "Standing still as death, sometimes with over 20,000 collected around the little hill, a thrill of emotion ran through the vast crowd. They wept aloud together over their sins, and sang together with that wonderful voice of a multitude which has something in it more impressive than any music." This was the first outburst of the new light upon the outer world. Hitherto it had been limited, shining, as it were, under ground in obscure corners where a pulpit could be found. In this grand movement, Whitefield acted as Wesley's pioneer^ and ''began with a kind of splendid inadvertence, his greatest efforts. 100 LIFE OF WlinrFIELD. Whitefield went forth in quaint evangelical siniplicit}-, and did what his hand found to do, caring no more for his char- acter or standing than had he possessed neither." {Blackwood^ Rf^-'ilting in the conversion of thousands, this out-door effort A\ , doubtless, the greatest gospel victory since the Day of renlecost. GETTING STRENGTH IN THE PRAYER-MEETING. Whitefield was pre-eminently a man of prayer. He loved the prayer-meeting. It was his heart's delight. He often spent whole nights in prayer. And although his success was owing greatly to his great powers of eloquence, yet it was owing more, perhaps, to his prayers, and his attending prayer- meetings. Where was he when his heart became so full that he had to break over and lay aside the Prayer Book, and rush to the throne of grace and pray as " the Spirit gave him utterance ?" He was in the prayer-meeting, where he had been praying all night, in Red Cross street, London. Where was he, the Wesleys and others, "when the power of God came so mightily upon them that many fell to the ground and cried out for exceeding joy?" They were at a prayer-meeting and love-feast at Fetter Lane, London, " where they had spent the whole of New Year's eve in close prayer, praise and thanksgiv- ing." Whitefield .said this " was the happiest New Year's Day he ever saw." Praying and preaching he thus went on " from strength to strength," until he made the bold strike at Kings- wood, and achieved the glorious victory of field-preaching at "Rose Green." " These prayer-meetings," says Dr. Philip, " were to White- field what the ' third heavens ' were to Paul ; the finishing school of his ministerial education — the school of his Spirit. He was as much indebted to them for his unction and enter- WHITEI'^IELD's new IM1:ASURES in LONDON. lOI prise, as to Pembroke College for his learning." Here he .says "I found supernatural strength and expounded with extraordi- nary power." " Here he caught the holy and heroic impulse which prepared him to challenge the Scribes and Pharisees any- where, 'and to warn them and sinners everywhere, to flee from the wrath to come.' " Here, we believe, he caught the holy fire and received that mighty lieroic impulse which made him so mighty through God, in pulling down Satan's strongholds. Here he says, " God gives me heaven upon earth, and makes my heart leap for joy almost continually. Here have I often seen them overwhelmed with the divine presence ; and crying out, "Will God indeed dwell with men upon the earth? How dreadful is this place ! This is no other than the house of God and the gate of heaven." It was not till after Wesley ex- pounded in one of these meetings, that he overcame his scruples and ventured to preach in "the field." " God often hangs the greatest weights on the smallest wires." And says Dr. Philip, " vSocial prayer-meetings are the strongest wires in all the machinery of the moral universe. ' God hung upon them all the weighty gifts and all the weightier grace and glory of Pen- tecost' " Where, we ask, was John Livingstone just before he preached that memorable sermon at the Shotts, in Scotland, which resulted in the conversion of five hundred souls ? He had spent the whole of the previous night in a prayer-meeting ; and where, too, was the Apostle Peter, before he preached that most powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost, which made the very murderers of Jesus cry for mercy, and which resulted in the conversion of Three Thousand souls in a day. He had just come out of a ten days' prayer-meeting. Reader, if you want to get power to win souls, pray much and linger long in the prayer-meeting. I02 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Besides Whitefield's new measures, extempore prayer, preaching without notes, and preachmg in the fields, he also preached new doctrines ; or rather revived the two old doc- trines of Regeneration and jPnstification by Faith. Preaching these, he met with much strong, fierce opposition. Yet with his great heart throbbing for souls and fired with these stirring old doctrines, he went forth, " alarmed all London," shook the devil's throne, and revived the slumbering churches of two con- tinents. CHAPTER XI. FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND- VICTORIES. -GREAT FIELD 'lushed with victory, and established in his New Measures and New Doctrines, Whitefield now went forth conquering and to conquer. His success among the colliers was wonderful. Every effort was crowned with victory. On March 4, 1739, he preached at Hannam Mount, to about 4000 in the morning, and to over 14,000 at Rose Green in the afternoon. With his soul expanding, he spoke v/ith great power, " so that all could hear." The sight was so grand, he said, "it was worth coming many miles to see it." After expounding to the Baldwin Street Society, he returned home "full of joy, longing to depart and be with Christ." After preaching from a 'wall at the Fishponds, he says, "I never spoke with greater power. My preaching in the fields may displease some timorous, bigoted men, but I am thoroughly persuaded it pleases God; and why should I fear anything else." Deeply impressed, many came "^ to him, inquiring about the new birth. Having canvassed Kingswood, he ran over to Wales, and preached in the Town Hall of Cardiff! Here some "scoffers honored him so far as to trail and hunt a dead fox about the hall" while he was preaching. But God gave him strength to ^ triumph 6ver them, and when he preached again in the after* noon they kept silent. (103) I04 LIFE OF WIITTKFIELD. At Cardiff Whitefleld was much refreshed with the sic^ht of his dear friend, Howel Harris, whom he had long since loved as a dear brother. "When I first saw him," says Whitefield, "my heart was knit closely to him. I wanted to Catch some of his fire, and I gave him the right hand of fellowship, with all my heart." Being so very happy together, "I doubt not but Satan envied our happiness. But I hope, by the help of God, we shall make his kingdom shake." "Baptized with Welsh fire," he now returned to England, and resumed preaching to the poor colliers of Kingswood with increased interest and enlarged congregations. "Being forbid to preach in the prison, because he urged the necessity of Regeneration, he went and preached to a large congregation at Baptist Mills, and exclaimed, "Blessed be God, all things happen for the furtherance of the gospel. I now preach to ten times more people than I should, if I had been confined to the churches. Surely the devil is blind and so ai'c his emissaries, or otherwise they would not thus confound them- selves." Although he was now encompassed with opposition, yet, with a deep sense of God's presence, he said, "I fear neither men nor devils. I am never so much assisted as when persons endeavor to blacken me ; and I find the number of my hearers so increase by opposition, as well as my own inward peace, love and joy, that I ovXy fear a calm!' And, gathering up his strength, he went (March i8) and preached for an hour and a half to a congregation of 20,000 colliers at Rose Green. "To see," he says, "such vast crowds standing about us in such an awful silence, and to hear the echo of their singing run from one end of them to the other, was very solemn and surprising." The day's collection for the Orphan House was over fourteen pounds sterling. They gave with c^rcat cheerfulness. FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. IO$ SCOFFERS PRAYED TO SILENCE. Whitefield now made a short visit to BatJi. As he went out to preach there, a number of scoffers laughed him to scorn. But his opening prayer was so touching and powerful that before he closed "all was hushed and silent;" and before he closed his sermon all were deeply impressed, and some went home begging for mercy. Of his last congregation he says, "God only can tell how their hearts were melted down. Oh! how did the poor st)uls weep over me! I might have said with St. F\'uil, on another occasion, 'What mean you to weep and to break my heart?'" How powerful is God's word! "It is like fire and a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces." It was so of old. The Jews mocked at the crucifixion of Christ, but under the preaching of Peter, on the day of Pentecost, they vehemently cried what to do to be saved. A man once went to church with a stone in his pocket, to break John Wesley's head, but his sermon broke the man's heart. After a weeping farewell at Bath, he was agreeably surprised to see so many horsemen come out so far to welcome him back to Bri.stol. Here he found the societies so thronged that "he was obliged to go up by a ladder and go in at a window to get to them." Here, too, he preached at the poor house, and says, "The poor people so loaded my hat with their mites that I needed some one to hold up my hands." "They gave with inexpressible cheerfulness." Being denied the prison, he preached the following Sabbath morning at a large Boling- green in the city, and again before dinner at Hannam Mount to many more, and again in the afternoon to a congregation of about 23,000. All could hear, and his prayer was, "Oh, may God speak to them by His Spirit." He preached at Boling Green again, the next day, to some I06 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. 7,000, with a wonderful effect. Standing at the gate he took up another collection for the Orphan House, and it took him near an hour and a half "to get through." The throng was so great, they trod one upon one another. In summing up the fruits of his labors at Kingswood and Bristol, he says, "Many sinners, I believe, have been effectually converted. Two hundred pounds have been collected for the Orphan House. Thousands of little books have been distri- buted; and, besides hosts of little tokens of love received from my friends, many poor families have been relieved by my friend, Mr. Seward." Mr. John Wesley, having come and "taken the field," Mr. Whitefield, after taking a very affectionate leave of his Bristol friends, now made another short excursion into Wales. As he left the city, " the people lavishly poured out their blessings upon him," and " he prayed for them ^with strong crying and tears." Ashe went through Kingswood, the kind colliers gave him a great dinner, and at their request " he laid \h& Jirst stone of their School House, knelt down on it, and prayed that the gates of hell might not prevail against it." The colliers " said a hearty amen." At Husk he met Howel Harris, who accom- panied him in his tour. They preached out doors at Ponty- pool, Abergaveny, Comiboy, Carlion, Trelix, and Newport, to very large congregations. Whitefield spoke first in English, and Harris followed in Welsh. The impression was fine. Whitefield loved field-preaching and said, " I always find I have most power when I speak in the open air." Accompanied with scores of friends on horseback, he went about from place to place, preaching on "the steps," "on the table," from "the cross," and from "the horse-block," and sometimes " God gave him such e*xtraordinary assistance, he was carried out beyond himself, and filled with unutterable love." At Carbeon, where FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND, IO7 they greatly disturbed Howel Harris, Whitefield "preached to many thousands " with such great power, that " they moved not a tongue." Following up the great preacher, we find him, April 9th, preaching again to a very large congregation in Gloucester, his native city. And after visiting the societies in the evening, he exclaimed, " Oh, what unspeakable pleasure it affords me to see my own townsmen receive the Word with joy!" Here he found many of all denominations leaving the church, he said, "because they could not find food for their souls; they staid amongst us till they were starved out." " I know this declara- tion will expose me to the ill-will of all my indolent, earthly- minded, pleasure-taking brethren ; but were I not to speak, the very stones would cry out against them. Speak, therefore, I must and will, and will not spare." After visiting two crowded societies, he said, "To-day I felt such an intense love, that I could have almost wished myself accursed for my brethren according to the flesh." Laboring alternately in the city and in the coun- try, he frequently preached in Boothall to congregations of about 5,000 " with extraordinary power." And with his heart greatly enlarged, he exclaimed, " Oh that I had a thousand tongues to praise my Maker. There is scarce a day passes over my head, but God shows me that He works effectually upon the hearts of many by my ministry." One day he traveled through the rain to Stonehouse, and preached to about 3,000 out doors, in the rain. It rained all the time, but the people were so deeply interested, not one left during the ser- vice. After baptizing an old Quaker in Gloucester, he gave them a weeping farewell sermon on Boothall to a very thronged congregation. " But oh," he said, "what love did the people express for me! How many came to me weeping, and telline me what God had done for their souls ! I dared not I08 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. expect such success among- my own countrymen." " Oh, how did tliey pray for my return amongst them !"* After leaving Gloucester, upon approaching Cheltenham to fill an appointment, he says, " When I first came to town I found myself quite shut up. My heart and head were dead as a stone; but when I came to the inn, ni)' soul began to enlarge, and I was enabled to preach with extraordinaiy power, to near 2000 people. Many were converted. One was drowned in tears, and some were so filled with the Holy Ghost, that they were almost unable to endure it." "Pressed in Spirit," April 21, he hastened to Oxford, and was much shocked to hear of the back-sliding of some of his Oxford friends. Mr. Kinchin, an humble minister of the gos- pel, had gone so far that he had ceased to commune, and con- cluded to resign his charge. " This gave Whitefield a great shock." Whereupon he wrote him a most touching letter, urging him not to give up his charge until he had consulted his friends in London. Appealing to him in the strongest terms, he exclaimed, " Oh ! my dear brother, I travail in pain for you- Never was I more shocked at anything than at your proceed- ings." "Satan has desired to sift you as wheat." But "Oh, *During Mr. Whitefield's preaching in Gloucester, old Mr. Cole, a dissenting minister, used to say, " These are the days of the Son of man, indeed." White- field was taught, when young, to ridicule Mr. Cole ; and being asked one day " what business he would be of," he said, "A minister, but he would take care and never tell stories in the pulpit, like old Cole." Mr. Cole having heard Mr. Whitefield tell some story in his sermon twelve years afterwards, said, " I find that young Whitefield can tell stories as well as old Cole." He was much affected at Mr. Whitefield's preaching, and often went about preaching after him from place to place. But one evening, while preaching, he was struck with death, and then asked for a chair to lean on till he finished his sermon, when he was caiTied up stairs and died. Whereupon Mr. Whitefield exclaimed, " O blessed God ! if it be Thy holy will, may my exit be like his." His prayer was heard. See his death. FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND, IO9 my dearest brother, do nothing rashly. Consult your friends, and do not break the heart of your most affectionate brother in Christ." In visiting the societies here, although many of the students honored him with their presence, yet wringing his heart with grief at the fall of Kinchin and the unfaithfulness of others, like the weeping prophet he exclaimed, " Oh, that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the members of this University 1" HIS RETURN TO LONDON. Leaving Oxford, he reached London, April 25, and^ was received most kindly. After a veiy pleasant conference with the Fetter Lane brethren, and assisting in administering the sacrament at Islington, he expounded in the evening to a house full of people, "with such power and demonstration of the Spirit as he never saw before." " Floods of tears flowed from their eyes." Preaching again the next day, in Islington church- yard, and expounding again at night, he found the London people much improved since he had left them ; " and I believe they would pluck out their eyes if it were possible, to serve me." He preached and expounded again the next day, in the same place, " with extraordinary power," to much larger con- gregations, and says, " The Word of the Lord runs, and is glorified. God strengthens me exceedingly, and I preach till I sweat through and through." Thus prepared by afflictions, trials and persecutions. White- field now entered upon a train of events of most surpassing grandeur. "All London was now ringing with the announce- ment that he would preach next Sunday, April 29, in Moor- fields!' And moved as by a divine impulse, the people turned out to hear him in such vast multitudes as the world never saw 1 lO LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. before. " The thing being new and singular," says Gilhes, "upon coming out of the coach he found an incredible number of people assembled." And although " many had told him that he should never come out of that place alive," yet awed by no threats and flaming with zeal, " he went in however, between two friends, who, by the pressure of the crowd, were soon separated from him entirely, and obliged to leave him to the mercy of the rabble. But these, instead of hurting him, formed a line for him, and carried him along to the middle of the fields, where a table had been placed, (which was broken in pieces by the crowd,) and afterwards back again to the wall that then parted the upper and lower Moorfields, from which he preached without molestation to an exceeding great multi- tude in the lower fields." Encouraged by this grand success, after " hearing Dr. Trapp preach most virulently against him" (from Eccl. 7, 16), he preached again at five, at Kennington Common (about two miles from London), he says, "to a congregation of about thirty tho2isand people. All stood attentive and joined in the psalm and Lord's Prayer so regularly, that I scarce ever preached with more quietness in any church. The people were much affected." "Oh, what need have all God's people to rejoice and give thanks." " For this — let men revile my name, I'd shun no cross, .I'd fear no shame, All hail reproach, and welcome pain ! Only Thy terrors, Lord restrain." " For several months after this," says Gillies, " Moorfields, Kennington Common, and Blackheath were the chief scenes of action." With such vast auditories, " it is said their singing could be heard two miles off, and his voice nearly a mile. Sometimes there were upwards of a hundred coaches, besides FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. Ill wagons, scaffolds and other contrivances which persons let out for the convenience of the audience." The place where he preached on Blackheath is still known as " Whitefi eld's Mount." Going on in his glorious work, he preached again at Isling- ton churchyard to an increased congregation, and upon reach- ing Down-gate hill to expound, he found some 3,000 people gathered around the house, and being unable to get in he stood in the front window and preached to them in the street. This convinced him more fully that God called him to the fields, for says he, " no house or street will contain half of the people that come to hear the Word." He preached repeatedly at Ken- nington Common during the week, to congregations varying from ten to twenty thousand, with a very deep effect. And seeing them " so much affected," he exclaimed, " Glory be to God. I begin to see an alteration in the people's behavior already." Although Whitefield now met with much strong opposition, yet, increasing in popularity and power, he went forth preach- ing the gospel to vast and increased multitudes. On Sabbath morning. May 6, he preached in Moorfields to a congregation of about 20,000 much-affected hearers ; and in the evening again at 6, at Kennington Common. And says he, " sucJi a sight I never saw before. I believe they were no less than fifty thousand people, near four-score coaches, besides great numbers of horses; and what is more remarkable, there was such an azvfitl sile^ice among them. The Word of God came with such power, that all seemed pleasingly surprised. God gave me great enlargement of heart. I spoke for an hour and a half; and when I returned home, I was filled with such love, peace, and joy, that I cannot express it. The more men oppose, the more will Jesus be exalted." On the 8th, he 112 LIFE OF WIIITKFIELD. preached again at Kennington Common, and before he started, it rained so hard, he says, " I thought of not going ; but sev- eral pious friends joined in hearty prayer that God would be pleased to withhold the rain, which was done immediately. And to my great sui'prise when I came to the common I found above 20,000 people." Receiving a shower of grace, they were much melted down, and earnestly prayed for the preacher. With all the gloiy of his wonderful success, in Moorfields and Kennington Common, Whitefield never lost sight of his poor orphans in Georgia. And waiting upon the Georgia Trustees the next day, they not only received him " with the utmost civility," but granted him 500 acres of land for the Orphan House. He preached again in the evening at Ken- nington Common to about 20,000 people, and God so touched their hearts that tliey gave zvitli great cheerfulness and eager- ?iess, over £/!^'j for the Orphan House. " For this," he says " God so filled me with love, humility and joy, that I could at last only pour out my heart before Him in an awful silence." " I was so full that I could scarcely speak." A HEAVY COLLECTION. Every day's work is now surrounded with such a halo of glory, it is very refreshing to record it. And wrought up by the grandeur of his work, like a flaming seraph, he went on in it, and preached again, May 13, to a vast multitude at Moor- fields. Touched by God's grace, they gave ^^52 19s. 6d., for the poor orphans ; ^20 of which was in half-pence. He said, " It was more than one man could carry home." After tending j>ublic worship twice in the church, " he preached again in the evening," he says, " to near sixtj/ thousand people. Many went away because they could not hear." " It is very remarkable FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. TI3 \\ hat a hans then in and about Savannah. On his return to England, he found much sympathy in favor of the Orphan House. Sometimes the contributions were so large, that he received more money at one collection for it, than one man could carry. While in London he visited the trustees of Georgia, who received him very kindly, and granted him 500 acres of land for it. Encouraged with this grant, and " believing that God had put it into, his heart to build an Orphan House," he now set about it with renewed zeal. He traveled through England to raise funds for it, and the people gave with such eagerness and liberality, that in less than a year he collected over 1,000 pounds sterling, with which he left England for Georgia, August iith, 1739, accompanied by eight men and three boys as a nucleus for the Orphan House. (139) 140 Life of WHITEFIELD. On Mr. Whitefield's second arrival at Savannah, he went, January 11, 1740, to view the tract of land consisting of 500 acres, which Mr. Habersham (whom he left as the Savannah school-master) had selected for the Orphan House, situated about nine miles from Savannah, with a variety of soil, and a few acres cleared and "stocked with cattle and poultry." He was well pleased with it. After taking in three distressed Ger- man orphans, on the 30th, with the plan of the main building devised, to be two stories high, 60 by 40 feet, with about twenty windows, besides a small work-house, an infirmary and apothecary, he went out and laid out the foundation. And with his strong faith he says, " I find it will be an expensive work. But it is for the Lord, and He will take care to defray all charges. We have Omnipotence for our support." Again he says, " I had rather live by faith, and depend on God for its support, than to have the largest visible fund in the universe." Built as an institution of charity, both for the soul and body of the orphan, he called it Bethesda, a house of mercy. It was Whitefield's "hobby," and has been considered his "great work in America." A popular object to beg for, it seemed to aid in giving him access to the people's hearts, and to help him on in his labors. He says, " It was one great means in God's hand, in bringing me out to preach the gospel in so many places, and to so many thousands of poor perishing souls." And animated with his success, he says, " God is doing great things in America," and "the affairs of the orphan house are in great forwardness." ' Having visited General Oglethorpe, his old friends and con- gregations, and established a school at Darien, he started thence to Bethesda, and laid out in the woods two nights on his way. On Monday, March 17, while visiting his brother, captain 3rn T' C-,'^' •■■>_ 'm^M0:rni fi niri^ NEW ORPHAN HOUSE. whitefield's orphan house. WHITEFIELD S ORPHAN HOUSE. I4I of an English ship, at Charleston, he preached in Rev. Mr. Smith's church, and, at the suggestion of the people, he took the first collection, ^350, for the Orphan House in America. This very liberal contribution was the largest he had yet re- ceived for this purpose, and in it, says Whitefield, "God has given me an earnest of what He will do in America." Encour- aged with this big collection, he went, March 25, 1740, and with full assurance of faith, laid the first brick of the Orphan House, with the solemnities of praise, prayer, and an exhorta- tion. With near forty orphans and about sixty hands engaged, the great work went on rapidly. And with a few hopeful con- versions already among the children, he prayed, " Set Thy Almighty _/?«/ to it, O gracious Father." And now with one hundred mouths to feed, and with his funds almost exhausted, though feeble in health, he hurried back to Philadelphia and New York to raise more funds. At Philadelphia he preached one Sabbath morning at seven o'clock to a congregation of about 10,000, and collected $^^0. At New York he received over ;^ 1,500, and when he returned home to Savannah, June 5, he had over ;^2,500 for the Orphan House, By this time his family, including the workmen, numbered nearly 150; and although he was often almost out of funds, yet, with his strong faith in God, he never became discouraged. To meet this increased demand, after repeated pressing invita- tions, late in August he set out for New England to replenish the treasury of Bethesda. He reached there about the middle of September, and collected over ^2,600 in a few days. At one collection when he preached in Boston Common, to 15,000 people, he received over ;$ 1, 000. And with his purse swelled to near ^4,000, backed by the prayers and warm sympathies of his Now Knoland friends, renewed in strength, after an excur- 142 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. sion of three months, he returned to Charleston, December i, filled with gratitude and joy. And when he reached Bethesda, December 14, 1740, and saw the prosperity of the dear little orphans, his joy was greatly increased. Covered with a debt of ;^i,ooo, the care of Bethesda now gave him more concern than every thing else put together. But says he, "/ hang upon yes7tsr And after arranging his affairs to raise more funds and to secure "« help-meet',' he again sailed for Europe, January 16, 1 74 1, and in one visit to Scotland he collected over i5"5,ooo more for the Orphan House. There were now about seventy children in the Orphan House, and a friend from Boston describes " the routine of family duty as follows : The bell rings in the morning at sun- rise to wake the family. When the children arise, they sing a short hymn, pray by themselves, go down to wash, and by the time they have done that, the bell calls to family worship. They then breakfast, and afterwards some go to their trades and the rest to school. With a comfortable and wholesome diet, a hymn is sung before and after dinner." They had four teachers, two men for the boys and two ladies for the girls. Some of the more serious boys studied Latin with a view to the ministry. This was the condition of it January i, 1742. The Rev. Dr. Coleman of Boston says about this time, "The order and piety of the Orphan House is admirable, and so is the progress of the settlement." Mr. Whitefield's plan at first was to take in only twenty children, but when he came to Georgia and saw so many suffer- ing orphans, he altered his notion ; and he soon had about fifty under his care — twenty-three English, ten Scots, four Dutch, five French, and seven American. Twenty-two of these were parentless — sixteen boys and six girls, and one infant. The children were taught to work, as well as " to seek first the king- Whitefield's orphan house. 143 dom of God and His righteousness." Having founded the Orphan House mainly to save souls, Whitefield says, " I en- deavor to preach to the children's hearts." He taught thcni the Episcopal Catechism. Besides the trials in putting up the buildings, the Spainards came and stole a schooner loaded with 10,000 bricks and a large supply of provisions. Yet trust- ing in the Lord, on one occasion, when they were almost out of provisions, the Indians supplied them with deer. Endeavoring to raise their own provisions, they had, at one time, near 200 head of hogs and lOO head of cattle. They made part of their own clothing. REVIVAL IN THE ORPHAN HOUSE. Although Satan raged against the Orphan House, the Spirit of God strove with the orphans. Soon after a few were gathered in, the power of God was felt among them, and con- versions soon became quite frequent. By the last of March, 1741, many were inquiring what to do to be saved. The boys, both big and little, "cried mightily to God to have mercy on them." One day while they were together, talking about God and eternity, the Spirit came upon them with such great power that they were enabled to pray so earnestly that they arrested the attention of the family, "who all went, saw and wept over ^bout thirty of them upon their knees, pleading with God foi salvation." All became very serious, and the work resulted in several hopeful conversions. With the Orphan House and other outbuildings now (Sep- tember, 1 741,) completed, with a family of eighty-four and one hundred and five in all to support, although they had " no visible fund," yet trusting in God for supplies, everything went on finely. Negro labor not being allowed, improvements were very 144 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. expensive. This year they had twenty acres in corn, and cleared twenty more. A httle later in the season, Mr. Haber- sham says, "We live entirely within ourselves. Twice a day we eat hominy of our own raising, and at present without molasses." They had a good garden. While things were thus progressing at the Orphan House, " The Spaniards came in upon them like a flood," and sadly disturbed their peace. Moved with compassion, Mr. Haber- sham gathered up the little orphans and his family, and fled for protection to Mr. Bryan, a rich planter in South Carolina. And now, with the waves of trouble arising around about them, Mr. H. says, "Were it not for a persuasion that God will help us, we must sink under the prospect of impending difficul- ties." On rolled the fiery trial, and at the approach of a large Spanish fleet, they observed a day of fasting, and earnestly be- sought God what to do. But General Oglethorpe was soon so com.pletely surrounded with the enemy, that he sunk sloops of provisions, burnt the huts and houses on St. Simon's Island, and retreated to Frederica. But with his characteristic sagacity Oglethorpe soon rallied his forces, conquered and drove off the Spaniards, and early in August, 1742, the Orphan Band, with grateful hearts, returned to Bethesda, feeling that God, through the general, had wrought for them a glorious deliverance. Rising out of this severe trial, the Orphan House, like the Burning Bush, though burnt, still flourished unconsumed. And with his heroic devotion, Mr. Whitefield now labored for it more earnestly than ever, determined, he says, " to be sold a slave to serve the galleys, rather than see his orphans suffer." In one of his letters to Mr. H., Whitefield wrote, " I long to be with you, and methinks I could willingly be found at the head of you kneeling and praying, though a Spanish sword should be put to my throat." WHITEFIELUS ORPHAN HOUSE. I45 On his return from Europe, Mr. Whitefield found that many of the orphan boys had been put out to trades, and many of the girls hired out to work. With their farm quite well stocked, in 1744, he says, "We hope to kill one thousand weight of pork this season." The family was now reduced to twenty-six. Two boys were blind. Reduced in health, and "weighed down" with care and the indebtedness of Bethesda, advised by friends, in March, 1748, Mr. Whitefield sailed for Bermudas for tlie recovery of his health. But ever mindful of his poor orphans, he soon raised over one hundred pounds for them there. But failing to re- cover his health there, instead of returning home, he now made another voyage to Europe, and reached London July 6th, 1748, after an absence of near four years. Having succeeded so well with the Oiphan House, in 1748 he conceived the idea of making it more an institution of learn- ing, and in 1750 "we find him laboring in England to make Bethesda a college." In 175 1 he again visited this country and brought over several more orphans — but finding the Orphan House in a very prosperous condition, he soon re- turned to Europe. Having received " pretty letters from several of the little orphans," he said, January 10, 1753 (in London), "I trust Beth- esda will yet prove an useful seminaiy for both white and black persons." — Letter 857. In 1754 he visited Bethesda again, and finding everything going well, he made another trip North to raise more funds ; but his health failing, he soon hurried back, and early in 1755, embarked again for Europe. Buoyant with the prospect of success, he returned to Bethesda again the following fall, and says, " Peace and plenty reign here, and all things go on suc- cessful." " God has given me great favor in the sight of the lO 146 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Governor, Council and Assembly," and they gave him another grant of 2,000 acres of land for the Orphan House. Yet with all his self-denying efforts and fond expectations, because, it seems, Whitefield's proposed charter did not require the presi- dent of the college to be a member of the Established Church of England, and that the public prayers be " the Liturgy of the Church," his Majesty, the King, refused him a charter. But as the principal part of the Orphan House collections were from Dissenters, and as Mr. Whitefield had publicly declared from the pulpit that the Institution should " be founded on a broad bottom," he could not conscientiously make it exclusively an Established Church College. Thus to fail was discourag- ing. " Hope deferred maketh the heart sick." Yet it did not discourage Whitefield. Rallying his forces, and plucking up couraere, he now determined to make Bethesda a first-class academy. " God willing," he exclaimed, " I intend to carry on my design till I see the colony sink or swim." Visiting Bethesda again in 1 769, he reports " Everything exceeds my highest expectation — it is good for me to be here." This year two large wings, each 150 feet long, were added to the main building. Governor Wright laying the corner-stone. Invited by Mr. Whitefield, January 31, 1770, the Governor,. Council and Assembly attended divine service in the chapel of the Orphan House Academy, when he preached an impressive sermon on " Despise not the day of small things." Having thus faithfully labored to establish and build up his most cherished institution, and having given it his undivided atten- tion for more than six months, his health so failed that he again went North to recruit, and suddenly died at his post, Septem- ber 30, 1770. But conscious of the uncertainty of life, he had " set his house in order," and wisely provided for Bethesda. Fully con WHITEFIELD S ORPHAN HOUSE. I47 fiding in the piety, generosity, and ability, of the Right Honor- able Sehna, Countess of Huntingdon, Mr. Whitefield willed the Orphan House and all its affairs to her care. Deeply impressed with the responsibility in assuming such a charge, she appointed a day of fasting and prayer for help and direction, and immediately sent over her own house- keeper to manage its domestic affairs. In 1770 she projected a mission to this country, making Bethesda her headquarters ; to carry it on she sent over a number of students, who at once entered the Orphan House. But her generous plans were sud- denly arrested by the destruction of the Orphan House build- ings by lightning. But with her characteristic submission she said, " Though we may be disappointed, God, the Judge of all, is not defeated ; I cannot wish it for one moment to be other- wise." By her own liberal contributions, assisted by others, it was soon partially rebuilt, and with a brief interruption of some ten years at Lady Huntingdon's death, in 1791, when the estate was reclaimed by the Legislature, and its management committed to a Board of Trustees, the institution has been con- tinued to the present time, 1 876, carrying out the original de- sign of its benevolent founder. On the opposite page is a por- trait of the new building commenced in 1870. The amount expended for the Orphan House from December, 1738, to Feb- ruary, 1770, is ;^ 1 5,404 2s. 5>i|d., over ^77,020. Whitefield contributed to it over ;$ 16,000. CHAPTER XV. HIS SECOND TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK. fd'^'' AVING laid the foundation of the Orphan ;^ House, and being in need of more funds to "M build and carry it on, after bidding an affection- '^'jf ate farewell to his weeping congregation in ^ j^ Savannah, he sailed for New Castle, Delaware, ■\^^ April 3, 1740. Though weak in body and de- '^^^ pressed in spirit, after a voyage of ten days, he reached New Castle on the 1 3th, and preached twice the same day. Attracted by his eloquence and power, the people at once flocked to hear him. Rev. Charles Tennent, with the greater part of his congregation, came twenty miles to hear the afternoon sermon. Although pressed to preach in the surrounding towns, yet being anxious to reach Philadelphia as soon as possible, he hurried on, preaching by the way at Wil- mington the next day, to a deeply impressed congregation of near 3,000. Here they gave him a very warm reception and thanked God for his return. " Numbers embraced him with tenderest affection." Their mutual joy in meeting again was literally unspeakable. WHITEFIELD IN PHILADELPHIA. Cheered by the glorious work and numerous conversions of both laymen and ministers at Wilmington, mounting his horse he rode to Philadelphia the same day, and was rejoiced to hear how the Lord had blessed them during his absence. ( 148) HIS SECOND TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK. 1 49 After paying his respects to the Governor, he went the next day to see the Commissary, who soon told him he could lend him his church no more. ''Thanks be to God, tJie fields are open',' quickly exclaimed Whitefield, and 8,000 went to hear him on Sandy Hill that night, and 10,000 the next day. Con- victed of their sins, many flocked to him inquiring the way of life. One man came exclaiming, " Blessed be God, for under Him, you have been the means of my salvation." "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed," that " many negroes came inquiring, 'Have I a soul?'" Societies for prayer and conference were set up in all parts of the city; scoffers were put to silence, and Satan's strongholds were pulled down. Says Mr. Seward, "A drinking club with a clergyman in it, had a negro boy attending them, who used to mimic people for their diversion. Persuaded by the gentlemen, the boy (though reluctantly), stood up and mimicked Whitefield, and said, ' I speak the truth in Christ; I lie not; unless you repent you will all be damned.' This unexpected speech (quoted from one of Mr. Whitefield's sermons), broke up the club, which has never met since." While laboring so successfully in Philadelphia, Mr. White- field neglected not the surrounding towns and villages. On the morning of the 17th he preached at Abington to some 4,000, and in the evening at Philadelphia to upwards of 10,000, hundreds of whom were powerfully melted down and many hopefully converted. The next day, after spending two hours with the convicted in the morning, he rode twelve miles and preached at Whitemarsh to over 2,000, and on his return at Germantown to near 4,000 attentive hearers, and got back to Philadelphia by seven in the evening, much refreshed both in soul and body. Encouraged now with the fruits of his former labors and 150 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. the present bright prospects, he exclaimed, " Blessed be God, there is a most glorious work begun in this province. The word of God mightily prevails every day, and Satan is losing ground." On April 19 he preached twice in Philadelphia to congre- gations of seven or eight thousand, and on the following Sab- bath the number increased to 10,000, when he took up a collec- tion of ^i 10 for his orphans. After sermon he went to hear the Commissaiy. He preached on jfustification by Works, from James ii. 18; and in the evening Whitefield preached on the same text, to a congre- gation of some 15,000, exposing the errors of the Commissary, and closed with a collection of ^80 more for the orphans. Whitefield, like Paul, liked to preach where no one else preached, and having ranged the suburbs of Philadelphia, he gave them a touching farewell sermon in the city Tuesday evening, April 22, to about 10,000 hearers, with a very deep effect. " A great number were dissolved into tears and w^ept sorely." And seeing so " many negroes were so much affected," he then bought 5,000 acres of land in the forks of the Dela- ware for a school for their instruction. Here he purposed to make an English settlement. He called the place Nazareth. On his return from New York he stopped again at Philadel- phia, May 8, with renewed health and enlivened spirits. And says Dr. Philip, " the whole city was moved at his coming ;" and having heard "that Antinomianism had been charged against the tendency of his doctrines," with a heart burning with indignation against error and false charges, he fully cleared himself from the aspersion in his first sermon. Rising in the majesty of his strength, he boldly said, "/ abhor the thought of it, and whosoever entertains the doctrines of free grace in an honest heart, will find them cause him to be fruitful in every HIS SECOND TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK, I5I good word and work." He preached again in the evening to upwards of 8,000, and the next day at Pennypack, and engaged a man to build his negro school-house at Nazareth. After giving them another impressive sermon in Philadelphia in the evening, he organized a society of young men with very en- couraging prospects. With the tide of devotion rising, he preached twice in the city the next day to increased congrega- tions, and went in the evening to organize a society of young women, and upon entering the room he was so deeply im- pressed with their melting singing, he desired to pray before speaking to them, " but he was so carried out in prayer that he had no time to speak at all. There was such a wonderful power of God's presence felt in the room, that they all with one accord began to cry out, and wept most bitterly for half an hour. Their agonies were so severe, that five of them fell into convulsive fits." Whitefield believed these fits are from the devil. With the interest still increasing, he preached again to a melt- ing congregation of about 1 5,000 the following Sabbath morning, and gave them his farewell sermon in the evening to near 20,000 very deeply affected hearers, sorrowing most of all that perhaps -they might see his face no more. The impression was very deep. And says he, " I never saw a more general awaken- ing anywhere. Religion is all the talk." Conversions were numerous, and he was so thronged with inquirers that he scarcely had time to eat. After bidding them a weeping fare- well, he says, " Many came to my lodgings, among whom, I believe, were fifty negroes, to tell, me what God had done for their souls. Oh, how heartily did these poor creatures throw in their mites for my poor orphans !" Even many Quakers were powerfully convicted and wrought upon. A little boy who held the lantern for Mr. Whitefield when 152 LIFE OF WinXFFIELD. he was preaching from the Court House steps in Philadelphia, was so deeply impressed with the sermon, that he let the lan- tern fall, and it was broken to pieces. Fourteen years after, Mr. Whitefield, while visiting St. George's, Delaware, rode out with the Rev. Dr. John Rodgers, who asked Whitefield if he remembered the little boy who was so affected with his sermon as to let his lantern fall. " O yes," said Mr. Whitefield, " I recollect it very well, and I would give almost anything in my power to know who that boy was, and what has become of him." Mr. Rodgers replied, smiling, " I am that little boy." With tears of joy Mr. Whitefield rushed to him and embraced him very tenderly. Among the results of this revival, the people here proposed to build him a very large church; but he refused it, preferring to preach in the iields. Yet in 1743, encouraged by the large number of converts, they organized themselves into a church, the Second Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, with about 140 members, and soon called Rev. Gilbert Tennent to be their pastor. He soon built them a fine large church, and preached for them twenty years. " Besides these," says Rev. Dr. Charles Hodge, " Many others, regarded as Whitefield's converts, united with other churches." On this point Dr. Franklin says: "The multitudes of all sects and denominations that attended his sermons were enormous, and it was a matter of speculation with me to observe the in- fluence of his oratory on his hearers, and how much they ad- mired and respected him, notwithstanding his common abuse of them, by assuring them that they were naturally half beasts and half devils. It was wonderful to see the change soon made in the manners of our inhabitants. From being thought- less and indifferent about religion, it seemed as if all the world was growing religious ; so that one could not walk through w> ^ 4??^^ i P .'^"y- ' _ , r/ HIS SECOND TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK. I 53 the town in an evening, without hearing psahns sung in differ- ent famihes in every street."* And when we look at the " most deplorable state of deadness and formality " the church was in (Dr. A. Alexander) before the revival, its effects appear much greater. But to return to our tour. On the morning of April 23, he set out for New York, and reached Neshaminy about 3 p. M., and preached to upwards of 5,000 people in old Mr. Ten- nent's meeting-house yard. Here he " was so weak he was ready to drop down in the first prayer." " But strengthened from above," he preached with great power and " great num- bers were melted down." With about fifty under deep con- viction, with weeping eyes and anxious hearts they came, crying what to do to be saved. After preaching a melting sermon at Amwell, he came on to New Brunswick, where he preached morning and evening to 7,000 or 8,000, with such wonderful power that they came near drowning his voice with their cries and groans. " One woman was struck down, and a general cry went through the congre- gation." Another was so deeply convicted that she cried out, " I can see nothing but hell before me." Whitefield replied, " Oh, that all were in as good a way to heaven ! " Encouraged with his success, he now wrote to a friend in England — "All things go on well in America : better than I dare ask, or could think. Our Lord's kingdom comes with power. It is amazing to see how God is present in our assem- blies. My animal spirits are exhausted, but I am filled within. * Watson in his "Annals of Philadelphia," says, " Whitefield preached to 15,000 on Society Hill," and adds, " that the dancing-school was discontinued, and the ball and the concert rooms were shut up, as inconsistent with the gospel." And the Gazette of the day says, " The change to religion here is altogether surprising, through Whitefield's influence. No books sell but religious, and such is the gen- eral conversation," 154 LIFE OF WIUTEFIELD. Nature would sometimes cry out 'Spare thyself;' but when 1 am offering Jesus to poor sinners, I cannot forbear exerting all my powers. Oh that I had a thousand lives! My dear Lord Jesus should have them all." NEW YORK. Wearied and worn, Mr. Whitefield reached New York, April 29, very weak and out of health ; yet true to his motto, ''No nestling this side heaven^' he preached with great boldness the same evening in the common to about 6,000 attentive hear- ers, without any scoffing as when he was there before. Re- freshed by an interview with Rev. Wm. Tennent, he preached again the next morning to a less congregation, but with a much deeper effect. The people, he says, " were melted down ex- ceedingly." Though weak in body, and troubled in mind, he preached again in the evening to a congregation of 6,000 or 7,000, and went over to Flat-Bush, on Long Island, the next day, where God had begun a precious revival under the labors of two Presbyterian ministers. Here he preached with exceed- ing great clearness and power; and with his soul deeply .stirred, addressing himself to several ministers present, he exclaimed, " OJi that we were all aflame of fire T Naturally buoyant, Whitefield was generally in what we call a revived state, and went soaring along at the feet of Jesus ; yet sometimes he became quite cast down. Returning from Flat-Bush in depressed spirits, he sat down and mourned, he says, "like a sparrow sitting alone upon the house top." Yet he preached again in the evening at New York.* " But my * The next day he took a sorrowful leave of his two friends (his spirit- ual children), Captain Gladmen and his dear brother Mr. Seward, who had long been his fellow traveler, and both his spiritual and pecuniary helper. Mr. Sew ard died soon after, and Mr. Whitefield saw him no more. HIS SECOND TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK. I 55 spirits being exhausted, and God being pleased to suspend His wonted assistance, I preached as I thought, but heavily." "But we are too apt to build on frames, and think we do no good, because we don't please ourselves." After preaching three times the next day, and once the fol- lowing Sabbath morning at 7 o'clock in the church, he gave them his farewell sermon in the evening in the fields, to a con- gregation of about 8,000, and bade them an affectionate farewell. At the close, many came thanking him for what they had heard, bringing large contributions for his orphans. Here he received in all over ;^300 for them. Here too he labored so hard, that "sometimes," says Dr. Gillies, "he was almost dead with heat and fatigue. Thrice a day he was lifted upon his horse, being unable to mount otherwise ; then rode and preached and came home, and laid himself down upon two or three chairs." Leaving New York, he now struck for Georgia, and soon found that his two good friends, Messrs. G. and Wm. Tennent, had come twenty miles to meet him, on the way to Amboy. 7\fter a szveet ride of twenty miles through the woods, relating their religious experience, they reached Freehold (Wm. Ten- nent's home), about midnight, and retired about two in the morning. Though weak to-day, his soul was much com- forted, and he said, "I think I sleep with double satisfaction when lying in a good man's house." Although the visible effects of his labors here were not so great as at some other places, yet says Rev. Dr. Pemberton, " he left New York under a deep and universal concern ; many were greatly affected." Besides, their society there had now increased from seventy to one hundred and seventy members. Except when in the fields, he usually preached in Mr. Pember- 156 LIFE OK WillTEFIELD. ton's Presbyterian church on Wall street; frequently in the Old City Exchange; and sometimes, latterly, in the Brick church. " Here the word ran." Touching his preaching here, a hearer says, "I thought I saw a visible presence of God with Mr. Whitefield. I never in my fife saw so attentive an audience. All he said was demon- stration, life, and power. The people's eyes and ears hung on his lips. They greedily devoured every word. I came home astonished. I never saw nor heard the like. Surely God is with this man, of a truth." NOTTINGHAM REVIVAL. But these vast congregations and mighty outpourings at Philadelphia, were only a prelude to still greater times of re- freshing. Leaving Philadelphia May 12, accompanied by a host of friends (as many as could cross in two ferry-boats in six hours), after preaching with great liberty and power at Derby, Chester, Wilmington and White Cfey Creek, he reached Nottingham about midnight. Here a good work had been going on some time through the labors of Messrs Blair, Ten- nents and others, and upon a short notice Whitefield preached twice on the 14th to congregations of near 1,200, with most wonderful effect. " I had not spoken long," he says, " till I saw numbers melting. As I proceeded, the influence increased, till at last, both in the morning and afternoon, thousands cried out, so that they almost drowned my voice. Never before did I see a more glorious sight. Oh, what strong crying and tears were shed, and poured forth after the dear Lord Jesus! Some fainted ; and when they had got a little strength, they would hear and faint again. Others cried out as though somebody was murdering them. 'HevQV wdiS my so7tl filled with greater power. Oh what thoughts and words did God put into my HIS SECOND TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK. I 57 heart! I was so struck with God's love, that some thought, I believe, that I was about to give up the ^host. Oh, how sweetly did I lie at the feet of my blessed Saviour! After the second sermon I was so overpowered with a sense of God's love, that it almost took away my life." How wonderful this scene ! This looks like another Pente- cost. Although there was no " sound from heaven as of a mighty rushing wind ;" although they did not " speak with other tongues, nor with cloven tongues of fire," yet powerfully moved with the Holy Ghost, '^thousands cried oiW" for salvation. Yet with all this wonderful result, without the least exalta- tion, he rode twenty miles the same night, and preached at Fog's Manor, the next day, to about 12,000 more, with a still greater effect. " Look where I would," he said, " most were drowned in tears." " The Word was sharper than a two-edged sword ; and their bitter yellings and groans put me much in mind of the wailings of the damned in hell." " Oh, what diffl^rent visages were then to be seen ? Some were struck pale js death, others were wringing their hands, others lying on the ground, and most lifting up their eyes towards heaven, and crying out to God for mercy. They seemed like persons awakened by the last trump, and coming out of their graves to judgment." Here the convicted crowded around him so thick, that he could scarcely get on his horse to start away. Hurrying on at eight miles an hour, he reached New Castle and preached again the same day to about 4,000 anxious souls ; and he was so filled with a sense of God's love, that " his heart was ready to burst." And yet he retired to rest ashamed that he could be no more affected with a sense of the blessings received. Loaded down with gifts for his orphans, he came on and preached with such wonderful force at Lewis- 1^8 LIFE OF WHiriCFlELD. town, that ho says, " I saw the Word s/rUc the hearers hkc so many pointed arrows. God grant that they may stick fast." WHITEFIELD'S " TEARS OF BLOOD." Distinguished for his strong convictions, deep hatred of sin, deep piety, great earnestness, and for the boldness and vehemence of his style, Whitefield abounded in strong, sweep- ing expressions. Addicted to sin and crime when young, and having felt such deep and powerful convictions ofsin, and such awful agonies of soul in his conversion, together with his clear, grasping views of God's love and the great things He had done for him, it is no wonder, when he remembered and felt the sins of his youth, that he wished "to lament them tvith tears of bloody With the doctrines of the Cross deeply embedded in his soul and engraved upon his heart, with his clear views of the tor- ments of that hell to which his sins exposed him, well may he desire to repent of them " with tears of blood." Whitefield's sense of his sins was so deep, that, like Paul, he often felt and confessed himself " the chief of sinners." And with these keen conceptions of the greatness of his sins, and of the infinite mercy of God in pardoning them, 'tis no wonder we find him desi.! .j^ "to lament them with tears of blood." GREAT JOY IN SAVANNAH. After spending about forty days in the North, and having preached about sixty sermons, and collected over ^^500 for his orphans, he sailed for Georgia May 25th, and reached his lovely Savannah June 5th, with great joy. And says he, " Oh, what a sweet meeting had I with my dear friends. What God has prepared for me I know not ; but surely I cannot well expect a greater happiness till I embrace the saints in glory. When I parted, my heart was ready to break with sorrow, but now it HIS SECOND TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK. I 59 almost bursts with joy. Oh, how did each in turn h;mg upon my neck, kiss and weep over me with tears of joy. And my own soul was so full of a sense of God's love, when I embraced one friend in particular (Mr. Bryan), that I thought I should have expired in the place ! Several of my parishioners came in to us with great joy, and after we had wept and prayed, and given thanks for a considerable time, my soul was so full of a sense of the Divine goodness, that I wanted words to express myself! Why me. Lord? Why me? "And when we came to public worship, young and old — all — were dissolved in tears. After service several of my parish- ioners, all of my family, and the little children, returned home crying along the streets, and some could not avoid praying very loud." Being very weak he lay down, but was soon roused by their cries and prayers, and went to praying again. After they had prayed over an hour he desired them to retire, but they prayed on most earnestly. A storm arose, and the loud peals of thunder and the lightning's vivid flash added so much to the solemnity of the scene, that it reminded him of the Day of Judgment. Several of the orphans were very deeply impressed, and five hopefully converted. This w^s fol- lowed by a general awakening. Encouraged with the success of his northern excursion and his happy reception at home, he now resumed his pastoral labors in and around Savannah. The people being hungry for the gospel, though very weak, he went about, preaching once or twice a day at such places as Dorchester, Apple Ferry, Ponpon, Jane's Island, Beaufort and Charleston, to large and deeply impressed congregations. Being weak on his return from Charleston, July 26, he says: "I could not bear up under the joy and satisfaction which I felt in meeting my dear family" in Savannah. " However, I kneeled down and i6o LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. wept out a short prayer, and expounded in the evening." On August 3, when "struck ahiiost with death," as he thought, Hke the dying proto-martyr Stephen, he jorayed: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." While praying again, on the same day, Mr. B — 11, a planter, was so deeply affected that he " dropt down as though shot with a gun." He soon got up again, and listened to the sermon. On August 9, he reached Bethesda again, and they had another time of refreshing. It was Communion Sabbath. "And with the King sitting at his table, 'Many fed on Jesus.'" Their hearts so burned within them, that while he was speaking "many burst into floods of tears." His own soul overflowed with joy. At Charleston, where he met with the greatest opposition, he had the greatest success. Here he said : " God has begun a great work." Here he frequently preached twice a day, and the word ran like lightning. Fired with resentment. Rev. Mr. Gordon poured forth his anathemas and bitter words against him, and refused him the sacrament as well as his church. But it was all in vain. With God on his side, Whitefield triumphantly carried the people with him. With large, deeply-impressed congregations, he thus preached on, though often ready to die with excessive heat, till he gave them his melting farewell sermon, August 24, to about 4,000 hearers, and afterward admini'stered the sacrament in a private house. " Never did I see anything more solemn." Many w^ept pro- fusely. Baptists, Episcopalians and Presbyterians — all com- muned together. Sweating so prodigiously, he was obliged to change his linen every sermon. Among the results of his labors here he says: "A vast alteration is discernible in the ladies' dresses. And some, while I have been speaking, have been so convinced of the sin of wearing jewels, that I have seen them with blushes put their HIS SECOND TOUR TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW YORK. l6l hands to their ears, and cover them with their fans." But the reformation went deeper. Besides three rich planters and sev- eral other hopeful conversions, "many came to him privately under the deepest convictions. Many awakened planters, con- victed of their sins, now resolved to teach their slaves the doc- trines of Christianity." While Whitefield was thus going on with his good work, he was sued and suspended from the ministry by Mr. Gordon, of Charleston, because he refused to read Episcopal prayers in non- Episcopal churches. But being undisturbed about it, dur- ing the pending of the trial he preached twice a day ; and objecting to the court, asked for an arbitration, which being refused, he appealed to the High Court of Chancery, London, and bound himself under penalty of ^50, to appear there within twelve months. The appeal was never prosecuted. When the commissary refused Mr. Whitefield the sacra- ment, he says, "I immediately retired to my lodgings, rejoic- ing that I was accounted worthy to suffer this further degree of contempt for my dear Lord's sake." Wrought up by these exhibitions of God's grace, White- field rose very high. At times he seemed to walk between the very cherubims of glory. Glorying in his blessed assur- ance, with an humble boldness, amidst shouts of " Glory be to God," he would exclaim, "my Lord d,nd my God." Expecting to die a martyr for Jesus, he said, " His love will sweeten every cup, though ever so bitter. 'Twill be sweet to zvear a martyr's crown." In meek submission, he says, " I often sit in silence, offering my soul as so much clay, to be stamped as my Heavenly Potter pleases; and while I am musing, I am often filled as it were with the fullness of God. The whole God- head now fills my soul." " Oh, Jesus, was ever love like thine." u CHAPTER XVI WHITEFIELD IN NEW ENGLAND. |RGED by the leading ministers of Boston to visit New England, and being anxious to see the descendants of the Puritans, Whitefield sailed from Charleston for Boston, August 24, and reached Newport, R. I., September 14, 1740. As there had been a great revival at Northampton and some other places in New England in 1735, and although much luke- warmness now prevailed, yet the present condition of the country was considered rather favorable for Whitefield's success. His prestige and fame had gone before him. And, encouraged by his great success at Philadelphia and other places, his arrival was most anxiously looked for, and a revival was expected to follow it. Armed with the panoply of Heaven, under these circumstances, the bold evangelist now went forth to fight the battles of the Lord in the strongholds of New England. He arrived on Sunday evening and was most kindly received. Several gentlemen called to see him the same evening, " among whom was the Rev. Mr. Clapp, an aged Dissenting minister, but surely," said Whitefield, " the most venerable man I ever saw. His countenance was very heavenly. A bachelor, he was much rejoiced to see me, and prayed most earnestly for my success." He preached twice the next day to a very large and deeply- impressed congregation, and staid all night with old Mr. Clapp. ( 1 f52 ) WlilTEFlEI.n IN NEW ENGLAND. 1 63 lie was much pleased with hnii. After an interview with the governor, he preached again the next day to an increased con- gregation with a very deep effect. Many wept freely. The legislature adjourned to hear him. On returning to his lodg- ings, the landlady saluted him with, " Blessed art thou of the Lord," because he had shot an arrow from God's quiver into a young woman's heart, and her soul was bleeding for salvation. She said, " the Word came with such power that I was obliged to go out of the church." Having to leave Newport the next day, she exclaimed, " Oh, the goodness of God in sending Whitefield just now!" The people were so eager after the Word, that over 1,000 crowded around his lodgings to hear more of it after preaching was out. He spoke to them nearly an hour with deep feeling. GOES TO BOSTON. Requested by the Court, on his way he preached at Bristol, and reached Boston on the eighteenth. He was met four miles out by the governor's son and others, who conducted him to Mr. Staniford's, where several ministers and others soon came to see him. " His heart was low and body weak" when he entered Boston. Yet, at the friend's request, he led them in a prayer of thanksgiving for his safe arrival, and besought God's blessing upon his labors. After a good night's sleep, and perceiving some fresh rays of light and comfort breaking in upon his soul, accompanied by Secretary Willard, he called upon Governor Belcher the next day, who received him most courteously and requested frequent visits. At eleven he attended worship at the P^piscopal church, inter- viewed five Episcopal clergymen, and went home with the commissary, who received him very kindly. In the afternoon he preached in Dr. Coleman's church to about 4000, and to a 164 ' LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. large crowd at his lodgings in the evening, with very encour- aging prospects. Encouraged by hearing of the "great work going on at Charleston," he preached the next morning in the " Old South Church" (Dr. Sewall's), to about 6000, "and afterwards to about 8000 on the Common, and again at night to a thronged company at his lodgings." On Sabbath morning he heard Dr. Coleman and preached in the afternoon to a very thronged audience with great effect, in Mr. Foxcroft's church, and almost immediately after again on the Common, to about 15,000 deeply-affected hearers, and again at his lodgings to an unusually large crowd. Thirsting for more, they even followed him to his bedroom. Going around, he preached the next morning at Mr. Webb's church to over 6000 attentive hearers, " most of whom wept for a considerable time." There was so much of the presence of God that some said "it was the gate of heaven." "The Lord Jesus seemed to be visibly walking in their midst." " In the afternoon I went to preach at Mr. Checkley's church, but God was pleased to humble us by an awful Providence. Just before commencing the service, some one broke a board to make a seat. Alarmed by the noise, some imprudently called out: ^' Tlic galleries arc giving way P' when the densely crowded house was thrown into such an alarm and confusion, that in trying to escape five persons were killed and others danger- ously wounded. Grasping the situation, upon reaching the church in the midst of the uproar, with his characteristic pres- ence of mind, Mr. Whitefield gave out notice that he would preach immediately on the Common. The weather was wet, yet 8,000 followed to hear him preach a stirring sermon from the text, "Go out and compel them to come in." WHITEFIELD IN NEW ENGLAND. I65 The next morning he preached at Roxbury, and the Rev. Mr. Walter, a good old Puritan, was so much refreshed, he said, "this is Puritanism revived." After preaching in " The Old South," in the afternoon to a veiy full house, the next day he " went to see and preach at Cambridge, the chief college for training the sons of the prophets in all New England." " It has one president, I think four tutors, and about 100 students. The tutors neglect to pray with and examine the hearts of their pupils. Discipline is at a low ebb. Bad books are become fashionable." Many ministers attended, and in concluding his sermon he made a close application to tutors and students. He preached again the afternoon in the court, to about 7,000 atten- tive hearers. " The Holy Spirit melted many hearts." One was hopefully converted. When about to preach the next day, he had such a deep sense of hi§ own " base ingratitude," that he was tempted not to preach and invite sinners to the Saviour, " because he was such a great sinner himself" But resisting the devil, God en- abled him to preach with great tenderness. By request, that day, he and most of the Boston pastors dined with Governor Belcher. And says he, " Before dinner, the Governor called me into his chamber. He wept, wished me good success, and recommended himself, ministers and people, to my prayers." " Immediately after dinner I prayed explicitly for them all ;" and in returning in the governor's coach, " I had such a sense of my vileness, that I wondered the people did not stone me'' He preached the next morning with a deep effect at Roxbury to many thousands, and in the after- noon to many more at Mr. Byles' church. Sermon after sermon, with the interest still increasing, he preached again on Saturday morning at Mr. Welsteed's church, and in the afternoon on the Common to about 15,000 1 66 LIFE OF VVHITEFIELD. people with great power. The effect was so great that he ex- chihned, " Oh, how did the word run ! I was so rejoiced that I could scarce abstain from crying out, ' This is none other than the House of God and the Gate of Heaven.' " At his lodg- ings "many wept bitterly and cried out like persons really hungering and thirsting after righteousness." " So many come to me under convictions and for advice that I have scarce time to eat. Wonderful things are doing here. The word runs like lightning. Dagon daily falls before the ark." On Sabbath morning, September 28, he preached again at " The Old South" with a very deep impression, and collected ;^555 for the Orphan House. Exhausted with "these herculean labors," he was taken very ill after dinner, but with his buoyant soul, was enabled to preach at Dr. Coleman's in the afternoon and collected £4.70 more for the orphans. ;^5,ooo given by two churches in a day in Boston, 130 years ago, was a very big COLLECTION. Feeling deeply, the people gave very liberally. Let their liberal example provoke us to give more. Dr. Coleman said, " This was the happiest day I ever saw in my life." After dinner he received a private visit from Governor Belcher, preached to a large congregation of negroes, at their request, on the conversion of the Ethiopian, Acts viii., and they, as well as many whites, were "much affected." Enjoying the high respect and warm friendship of the Boston ministers, they flocked to hear him. "Almost exhausted," he says, " my legs were almost ready to sink under me; but the Lord visited my soul, and I went to bed greatly refreshed." Honored with a brilliant career and a glorious success in Boston, Whitefield now goes to blow the gospel trumpet in the surrounding towns and villages. Starting early Monday he preached at Marblehead in the forenoon, and at Salem in WHITEFIELD IN NEW ENGLAND. 167 the afternoon to about 7,000 hearers with a very deep effect. He preached the next day at Ipswich with " a great melting in the congregation,"and was much interested to know that his host, Mr. Rodgers, was a descendant of John Rodgers, the cel- ebrated martyr. At Salem one brother " seemed to be almost in heaven." After giving them a sermon at Hampton, he preached to a polite auditory at Portsmouth, but with little effect. One young man cried out, " What shall I do to be saved ?" He now went on to York, in Maine, to see Rev. Mr. Moody, and after preaching twice in his church to weeping congregations, on his return to Boston, he preached again in the same places with increased interest and liberal contribu- tions for his orphans. At Portsmouth, " soon after he began to preach, the people began to melt," and " the word seemed to pierce through and through." "Great numbers were under deep impressions." October 6, he returned to Boston with improved health, and preached twice the next day at Dr. Coleman's with much power. He now received many letters from the awakened and many calls from the newly converted. Having been reported dead or poisoned, the people rejoiced greatly to see him again alive. A CHILD "going TO WHITEFIELD's GOD." Accompanied by the Governor in his coach, he went and preached twice the next day at Mr. Webb's church to immense congregations. He scarcely ever saw so much of the presence of God before. " Both times many hearts were melted down, and I think I never was so drawn out to pray for and invite Httle children to Jesus Christ as in the morning. A little before, I had heard of a child who was taken sick just after it had heard me preach, and said, ^He wants to go to Mr. White- l68 LIFE OF WHITEFIELU. field's God', and died in a short time after." "This encouraged me to speak to httle ones. But oh, how were the old people affected when I said, ' Little children, if your parents will not come to Christ, do you come and go to heaven without them.' There seemed to be but few dry eyes." And with a shout of " Glory be to God," he said, " I have not seen a greater com- motion since my preaching in Boston." Known to be expert in talking to children, a little girl of seven years on her death-bed sent for him. He came and thus they conversed : Whitcfield. " For what purpose, my dear child, have you sent for me ?" Girl. " I think I am dying, and I wished very much to see you." Whiiefield. " What can I do for you ?" Girl. " You can tell me about Christ, and pray for me." Whiteficld. " My dear girl, what do you know about Christ?" Girl. " I know he is the Saviour of the world." WJdtefield. " My dear child. He is so." Girl. " I hope He will be my Saviour also." WJdtefield. " I hope, my dear, that this is the language of faith out of the mouth of a babe ; but tell me what ground you have for saying this ?" Girl. " Oh, sir, He bids little children, such as I, to come unto Him, and says, 'Of such is the kingdom of heaven ;' and besides, I love Christ, and am always glad when I think of him." WJdtefield. " My dear child, you make my very heart to rejoice ; but are you not a sinner ?" Girl. "Yes, I am a sinner, but my blessed Redeemer take^ i?way sin, and I long to be with Him." WHITEFIELD IN NEW ENGLAND. 169 Whitefield, "My dear girl, I trust that the desire of your heart will be granted ; but when do you think you will find your Redeemer?" Girl. " O, sir, I think I shall find Him in heaven." Whitefield. "Do you think you will get to heaven?" Girl. " Yes, I do." Whitefield. "But what if you do not find Christ there?" Girl. " If I do not find Christ there, I am sure it is not heaven ; for where He dwells must be heaven, for there also dwells God, and holy angels, and all that Christ saves." While Whitefield was preaching in New England a lady was converted, whose " spirit was peculiarly drawn out in prayer for others." " But in her Christian exercises she was alone ; she could persuade no one to pray with her but her little daughter about ten years of age. She took this dear child into her closet from day to day, as a witness of her cries and tears." At length the little girl was converted, and, " in a transport of joy she exclaimed, 'O, mother, if all the world knew this ! I wish I could tell everybody. Pray, mother, let me run to some of the neighbors and tell them, that they may be happy, and love my Saviour too.' 'Ah, my dear child, that would be of no use, for they would not believe you.' ' Oh, mother, I think they would believe me. I must go over to the shoemaker, and tell him; he will believe me.' She ran over and found him at work in his shop. She began by telling him that he must die, and that he was a sinner, and that she was a sinner, but that her blessed Saviour had heard her mother's prayers, and had forgiven her all her sins;, and that now she was so happy that she did not know how to tell it. The shoemaker was struck with surprise; his tears flowed down like rain ; he threw aside his work, and by prayer and supplication sought for mercy. The neighborhood was awak- I/O LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. ened, and within a few months more than fifty persons were hopefully converted." — Belcher, p. 168-9. Although thronged with the awakened and deep-distressed souls since his return to Boston, he preached the next morn- ing at Mr. Sewell's, on the Natur-e and Necessity of Regener- ation, and cautioned tutors to watch their pupils, and ministers to examine well their candidates for ordination. " For," says he, " I am verily persuaded that the generality of preachers talk of an unknown and unfelt Christ ; and the reason why congregations have been so dead is, because they have had dead men preaching to them. O that the Lord may quicken and revive them, for His own name's sake. For how can dead men beget living children ? It is true, indeed, God may con- vert men by the devil, if He pleases, and so He may by un-- converted ministers; but I believe He seldom makes use of either for this purpose. I would not lay hands on an uncon- verted man for ten thousand worlds." He preached again in the afternoon on the Common to about 15,000 people, and collected over ^200 for the orphans. Here he received a request to pray for a young unconverted minister. He prayed for him with all his heart. He says, if unconverted men preach, " they offer God strange fire." He spoke afterwards at the poor house, the work house, and his lodgings. Fearing he would injure his health, his friends cried, ^'Spare thyself" but he labored on as usual. After the throng of anxious inquirers was over, next«inorning, accompanied by Rev. Mr. Cooper, he went and preached at Charlestown and Reading with much demonstration of the Spirit, and collected £2^^ for the orphans. Though very weak in body, he was much refreshed in spirit, at the sight of a poor little girl sitting at his gate, who had followed him from Roxbury for instruction. Being under WHITEFIELD IN NEW ENGLAND. I/I very deep convictions, she said, "S/w wanted nothing but Christ, and Christ she would have." After preaching in the rain, the next day, to a very large, attentive congregation at Cambridge, he gave them HIS FAREWELL TO BOSTON. Rising early Sabbath morning, October 12, with soul and body much refreshed, after spending the morning hours with the anxious, " he preached with great power and affection at ' the Old South,' which was so densely crowded that he had to go in at one of the windows." " He dined with the gover- nor, who came to him after dinner weeping and desired his prayers." After hearing Dr. Sewell in the afternoon, although unwell, he went with the governor in his coach, to the com- mon, and preached his farewell sermon to about 20,000. Tracy says to near 30,000 people. " Great numbers were melted into tears." The governor accompanied him to his lodgings, where he spoke to a vast crowd " who were so deeply affected, that they cried out so loud while he was praying, that he had to leave off." He spent the evening mainly in conversing with those " under very great distress of soul." Encouraged with these precious revivings, he exclaimed, " Blessed be God for what He has done in Boston." In speaking of the Bostonians, he said, " The ministers and magistrates seem to be more united than in any other place I have been. Both were ex- ceedingly kind to me. I never saw so little scoffing, never had so little opposition. Boston people are dear to my soul. Dear Boston, farewell" The next day, October 13, he left Boston for Northampton. The cultured Governor Belcher took him to the ferry in his coach, kissed him, and with tears bid him an affectionate fare- well. [72 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. About noon the next day he reached Concord, and preached in the open air to a large, melting congregation, with considerable interest. After giving them impressive sermons at Sudbury and Marlborough, he preached again at Worcester to several thousands with a very deep effect. "The Word fell with great power and carried all before it." Here he met Gov- ernor Belcher, "who exhorted him to go on stirring up the ministers ; and do not spare rulers any more than ministers — no, not the chief of them." Requesting an interest in his prayers, the governor, with tears in his eyes, kissed him again, and bid him a final farewell. Says Dr. Philip, " Princeton College owes much to Belcher, and Belcher was much indebted to Whitefield for the impulse which made him its chief patron and benefactor." Passing on, he preached at Leicester, Brookfield and Cold- Spring, on his way to Hadley, where he spoke with such tenderness and power, that "// was like putting fire to tinder^ Speaking to them of their former revival, "quickened and caused many of them to weep sorely." WHITEFIELD AT NORTHAMPTON. After a long journey he reached Northampton, October 17th, and enjoyed the great privilege of seeing President Ed- wards, and of hearing through him about the great revival they had there in 1735. With over 300 hopeful conversions, reaching all classes, this was one of the greatest revivals since the day of Pentecost. The conversions averaged near 30 a week for some six weeks. Commencing with the sudden and unexpected conversion of one of the gay young ladies, " The news of which," says Edwards, " seemed to be almost like a flash of lightning upon the hearts of young people all over the WHITEFIELD IN NEW ENGLAND. 1 73 town," the work spread so rapidly that the whole town soon seemed to be full of the presence of God. " It was never so full of love, and yet so full of distress as it was then. It was a time of joy in families ; parents rejoicing over their children as new-born, and husbands over their wives, and wives over their husbands. Alive in God's service the congregations were from time to time in tears, while the Word was preached ; some weeping with sorrow and distress, others with joy and love, others with pity and concern for their neighbors." (Edwards.) After interviewing Mr. Edwards, Whitefield said, " He is a solid, excellent Christian. I think I may say I have not seen his equal in all New England. When I came into his pulpit, I found my heart drawn out to talk of scarce anything but the consolations and privileges of .saints, and the plentiful effusions of the Holy.Ghost in the hearts of believers." And when he came to speak of their precious revival, " both mini.ster and people wept profusely." Though weak in body, he spoke with great power, and exhorted at Mr. Edwards's house that even- ing. Next morning, at Mr. Edwards's request, he spoke to his little children, who were much affected. In the morning he preached at Hadfield, five miles out, and in the afternoon again to a weeping congregation in Mr. Edwards's church. " Few eyes were diy, and it seemed as if a time of refreshing had come from the presence of the Lord." On Sabbath morning " he felt a wonderful satisfaction in being at Mr. Edwards's house. He was so much pleased with Mr. and Mrs. Edwards that he said, "A sweeter couple I never saw. The children were dressed, not in silks and satins, but plirifi, as becometh the children of examples of Christian sim- plicity." " She is a woman adorned with a meek and quiet spirit, .;!h! tilked so icclingly and solidly of the tilings of God, 1/4 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. ' and seemed to be such a helpmeet to her husband, that it put him in the notion of marrying, and to pray God to send him a good wife." Leaving it all to God, he said, " Lord, I desire to have no choice of my own." " Thou knowest my circum- stances." In preaching this morning, the melting began sooner, and spread wider than before. " Dear Mr. Edwards wept during the whole time of service." "The people were equally if not more affected ; and my own soul was much lifted up towards God. In the afternoon the power increased more and more. I have not seen such a gracious melting since my arrival. My soul was much knit to these dear people of God ; and though their former fire might be greatly abated, yet it imme- diately appeared when stirred up." "Oh, that Northampton people may recover their first love, and return and do their first works." Accompanied by Mr. Edwards and several other gentle- men, Mr. Whitefield left Northampton the same evening, and preached three times the next day, October 20, at Westfield and Springfield. Here he says, " A little after I left Spring- field, my horse, coming over a broken bridge, threw me over his head, directly upon my nose. I was stunned for a while, my mouth was full of dust, I bled a little, but falling upon soft sand, received but httle damage." After interviewing a min- ister, " who said it was not absolutely necessary for a gospel minister to be converted," in preaching at Springfield the next day, he insisted much on the necessity of regeneration, and a converted ministry, " and made a great impression upon the people. Many ministers were present. I did not spare them. Most of them thanked me for my plain dealings. One was offended. Unconverted ministers are the bane of the Christian Church." WHITEFIELI) liN NEW ENGLAND. 1/5 He preached that afternoon with great freedom at East Windsor, Connecticut, and spent the night very agreeably with Mr. Edwards's parents. Here young Mr. Edwards took occa- sion privately to caution ]\Ir. Whitcfield about his attaching too much importance to impulses. Whitefield took it kindly but remained of the same opinion. Mr. Edwards also cautioned him against his common practice of "judging other persons to be unconverted." Mr. Edwards says, " Mr. Whitefield preached four sermons at Northampton, and the congregation was extraordinarily melted by every sermon ; almost the whole assembly being in tears for a greater part of* the sermon time. Mr. Whitefield's sermons were suitable to the circumstances of the town ; con- taining a just reproof of our backslidings, and in a most mov- ing and affecting manner, making use of our great professions, and great mercies as arguments with us to return to God, from whom we had departed. Immediately after this, the minds of the people in general appeared more engaged in religion," and the revival that followed appeared at first chiefly among pro- fessors, but it soon spread with great power among the young people, insomuch that by the following spring there was such an engagedness about the things of religion, " that it was almost the only subject of their conversation. Sometimes in their conference meetings Christians were so " overcome with a sense of the greatness and glory of divine things;" and sinners were so overcome with distress about their sinful and miserable condition, " that the whole room was full of nothing but out- cries, faintings and the like." Others hearing of this, came and "were overpowered injike manner." They sung, prayed, and conferred with one another. At a meeting Mr. Edwards held with the children, he says, " They were so greatly affected that the room was filled with cries ; and when they were dismissed, 1/6 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. they almost all went home crying aloud through the streets to all parts of the town."* Here, at Windsor, the two great preachers parted, but they "both soon rejoiced equally in a glorious progress of the work of God " at Northampton that year. The Rev. Gilbert Tennent says, " For months together my soul has been so i-avished with divine objects, that my animal spirits have been wasted, and my sleep much broken. I have been made to loathe my food because of the superior sweetness *While some may regard these outward demonstrations as ^^ strange fire" and disorder, we find in reading President Edwards on revivals that such have been quite common centuries ago. He gives " an instance in Mr. Bolton, a noted minister of the Church of England, who being awakened by the preaching of the famous Mr. Perkins, was subject to such terrors as threw him to the ground and caused him to roar with anguish, and the pangs of the new birth in him were such that he lay pale and without sense, like one dead." Again he says, in the west of Scotland, in 1625, during a great revival, "it was a frequent thing for many to be so extraordinarily seized with terror in the hearing of the Word, that they fell down and were carried out of the church, who afterwards proved most solid and lively Christians." And "of many in France that were so wonderfully affected with the preaching of the gospel, that for a time they could not follow their secular business." Also " of many in Ireland, that were so filled with divine comforts, that they made but little use of either meat, drink or sleep, and professed that they did not feel the need thereof." See " the fuKllling of the Scripture," 5th. Ed., pp. 103-185. The same author says of Mrs. Catharine Bretbergh, of England, "that after great distress which very much affected her body, God did so break in upon her mind with light and discoveries of Himself, that she was forced to burst out, crying, ' C), the joys, the joys, the joys, that I feel in my soul ! O, they be won- derful, they be wonderful! The place where I now am is sweet and pleasant! How comfortalilc is the sweetness I feel, tliat delights my soul ! The taste is precious ; do you not feel it! Oh, so sweet as it is ! O, my sweet Saviour, shall I be one with Thee, as Thou art one with the Father? My soul hath been com- passed with the terrors of death, the sorrows of hell were upon me, and a wilder- ness of woe was in me ; but blessed, blessed, blessed be the Lord my God, He hath brought me to a place of rest, even to the sweet running waters of life. O, the jdy, tlu; joy, the delights of joy that I now feel.' " WHITEFIELD IN NEW ENGLAND, 1/7 I have found in Christ. Sometimes, when traveHng on the road while I beheld the canopy of heaven, my heart has been suddenly ravished with love to God as my Father, so that I could not forbear cryhig out, in the pleasing transports of a childlike affection, Father ! Father ! with a full and sweet assurance that He was my Father and my God." President Edwards says, " Once as I rode out into the woods for my health, the person of Christ appeared ineffably excellent with an excellency great enough to swallow up all thoughts and conceptions ; which continued about an hour, and kept me the greater part of the time in a flood of tears, weeping aloud." — Tracy 214.. WHITEFIELD IN NEW HAVEN. After preaching to many thousands at Hartford and Weatherfield, and recalling several appointments in the direc- tion of Plymouth, R. I., he struck directly for New York. Hurrying on, he preached the next day at Middletown and Wallingford, and reached New Haven, Friday, October 24, and was most affectionately received by Mr. Pierpont, brother- in-law to Mr. P2dwards. Here he was much refreshed with the sight of his dear friend Mr. Nobk, who brought him letters from Georgia. He preached twice on Saturday, " with a sweet melting both times." The Legislature being in session, the Governor and the members of both houses attended. In one sermon, he spoke very closely to the students and showed the dreadful ill consequence of an unconverted ministry, and prayed " Oh, that God may quicken ministers ! Oh, that the Lord Jesus may make us all a flame of holy fire." His strong opposition against unconverted ministers created considerable excitement among the clergy, and seemed to have set Mr. Clapp somewhat against him. Yet the celebrated Rev. Dr. 178 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Samuel Hopkins, then a student there, was so deeply impressed with his solemn warnings that they had much to do in his conversion. Refreshed by several ministerial visits, after preaching twice the next Sabbath to increased congregations, with much power, he called on Governor Tallcott, who said, " I am glad, sir, to see you, and heartily glad to hear you." The Governor was so overcome, " the tears trickled down his aged cheeks like drops of rain. He thanked God for such refresh- ings on our way to heaven." Leaving New Haven that evening about eight, they reached a house by the way, he says, " where they told me the mother and three daughters were converted persons. - While there we enjoyed such a Bethel that my friends said they were never in such a house before." He prayed, exhorted, and gave the fourth daughter a word of advice which resulted in her conver- sion. Reader, don't be ashamed or afraid to speak a word for Jesus. After preaching at Milford, Stratford, Fairfield, New- ark, and Stamford, he bid farewell to New England, and passed over into New York. At Stamford he preached with such great power, that " all the liearers were ready to cry out." At dinner he spoke with such vigor against sending unconverted persons into the ministry, that two ministers, weeping publicly, confessed that they had lain hands on young men without so much as asking whether they had been born again or not? An aged minister, after hearing him pray, was so deeply con- victed that he came weeping, scarcely able to speak, requesting his prayers, saying, " I have been a scholar, and have preached the doctrines of grace for a long time, but I believe I have never felt the power of them in my own soul." Before entering New York, he now set up his Ebenezer "to give God thanks for sending him to New England." " tt cer- WHITEFIELD IN NEW ENGLAND. 1/9 tainly on many accounts," he says, " excels all other provinces in America, and for the establishment of religion, perhaps all other parts of the world. Every five miles you have a meet- ing-house and a pastor. But many, nay, most that preach, I fear, do not experimentally know Christ ; yet I cannot see much worldly advantage to tempt them to take upon them the sacred office. But I think the ministers' preaching almost universally by notes is a certain mark they have, in a great measure, lost the old spirit of preaching." "It is a sad symp- tom of the decay of vital religion, when reading sermons be- came fashionable." "As for the Universities, I believe it may be said, their light is become darkness, darkness that may be felt and is complained of by the most godly ministers. " Family worship, I believe, is generally kept up. The negroes, I think, are better used, both in soul and body, than in any other province I have yet seen. In short, I like New England very well." Touching the results of Mr. Whitefield's labors in New England, Rev. Dr. Baron Stowe says, "there was a pow- erful revival, such as it had never before witnessed." There were at this time, not less than twenty ministers in the neigh- borhood of Boston who regarded Whitefield as their spiritual father. Mr. Hobby, one of these, went to church to pick a hole in Whitefield's coat, but he picked a hole in Mr. Hobby's heart. Another distinguished convert was the Rev. Daniel Emerson, who, says Mr. Belcher, " was truly a son of thunder and a flaming light." He preached fifty years with very great success at Hollis, New Hampshire. An eminent Boston min- ister after speaking of Whitefield's command of the hearts and affections of his hearers, says, " He has been received here as an angel of God." Another says, "He appears to be full of the love of God, and fired with an extraordinary zeal for the i8o LIFE (;F \vihti:field cause of Christ. His head, his heart, his hands seem to be full of his Master's business." When he speaks, " every eye is fixed upon him, and every ear chained to his lips." The eminent Dr. Thomas Prince, of Boston, says, 'He spoke w I'.i a mighty sense of God, eternity, the immortality and preciousness of the souls of his hearers, of their oiiginal cor- ruption, of the nature and absolute necessity of Regeneration by the Holy Ghost," and of justification by faith in Christ. " In short, he was a most importunate zvoocr of souls, and dis- tinctly applied his exhortations to every class in a most win- ning way." " The very face of the town seemed to be strangely altered," " Even the negroes and boys in the streets surpris- ingly left their usual rudeness and were formed into religious societies." " To one church were added sixty, and to another one hundred and sixty communicants. One minister had 600 and another 1,000 anxious inquirers who came to them in three months anxiously inquiring what to do to be saved." And says Dr. A. Stevens, " the effects of Edwards's labors were repro- duced and rendered general by Whitefield's. One hundred and twenty Congregational Churches were founded in less than twenty years, and it has been estimated that between thirty and forty thousand souls were converted." . "■Multitudes were greatly affected, and many awakened by his lively ministry." Religion was the general theme of con- versation. " On his leaving us, the effect was so deep," says one, " we had never seen anything like it before." New Eng- land had won his heart, and it was a cross for him to leave it so soon. For results in Boston, see revised journal, p. 445. CHAPTER XVII HIS TOUR FROM NEW ENGLAND TO GEORGIA. '^'^^^'W AVING shot across New England like a meteor, /^. flashing light as he went, he now strikes for " his beloved Georgia." After preaching at Rye and King's Bridge, he reached New York October 30, 1740, and preached in Mr. Pember- ton's church the next evening with unusual power. Says he, " I never saw the Word of God fall with such weight in New York before. Two or three cried out. Mr. Noble could scarce refrain liim- .self. And look where I would, many seemed deeply wounded. At night the Word was attended with still greater power." Although he had prayed earnestly for New York, yet feeling " somewhat dejected " as he approached it, " he expected but little movings there." But encouraged by his present prospects and past success there, he went forth and preached with such great power the next day that he felt "that a set time to favor New York was come." The next Sabbath morning, November 2, " he preached with freedom and some power, but was much dejected before the evening sermon." " For near half an hour before I left Mr. Noble's house, I could only lie before the Lord, and say I was a poor sinner, and wondered that Christ would be gracious to such a wretch. As I went to meeting, I grew weaker and weaker, and when I came into the pulpit I could have chosen to be silent rather than "speak. But after I had begun, the (181) 1 82 LIFE OF WIIITEFIELD. Spirit of the Lord gave me freedom till at length it came down like a mighty, rushing zvind, and carried all before it. Imme- diately the whole congregation was alarmed. Shrieking, cry- ing, weeping and wailing were to be heard in eveiy corner; men's heart's failing them for fear, and many falling into the arms of their friends. My own soul was carried out till I could scarce speak any more. A sense of God's goodness overwhelmed me." In the midst of these mighty outpourings of God's Spirit, Mr. Whitefield attended the marriage of Mr. Barber and lady, "who, were going as assistants to Georgia." He says, "Never did I see a more solemn wedding. Jesus Christ was called, and He was present in a remarkable manner. After Mr. Pem- berton had married them, I prayed. But my soul, how was it enabled to wrestle with and lay hold on God ! I was in a very great agony, and the Holy Spirit was so remarkably present, that most, I believe, could say, surely God is in this place! After this, divine manifestations flowed in so fast, that my frail tabernacle was scarce able to sustain them. My dear friends sat round me on the bed sides. I prayed for each of them alternately with strong cries, and pierced by the eye of faith even within the veil, I continued in this condition for about half an hour, astonished at my own vileness and the excellency of Christ, then rose, full of peace, and love, and joy." "O, how am I obliged to my enemies ! God has remark- ably revealed Himself to my soul, ever since I have seen the pamphlet published by the Presbyterians against me." He preached twice the next day to increased congregations with a great and gracious melting both times among the peo- ple, but no crying out. With £\\Q collected for the orphans, after many had bid him an affectionate farewell, he went to Staten Island and preached the next day. "One young man. HIS TOUR FROM NEW ENGLAND TO GEORGIA. I S3 who seemed as though his very heart-strings would break, came, beseeching nie to pray that he might be converted. Many wept." He went on, and after preaching, exhorted at Newark, with great power. "O how did the Word fall like a hammer and like a fire !" A BOY "cut TO THE HEART." When Mr. Whitefield preached in New York with " cry- ing, weeping, and wailing" all over the congregation, a little boy sitting on the pulpit stairs was so deeply affected, " that he could scarce stand." He cried out. When one asked him why he cried, he said, " Who can help it ? TJie Word cut me to the heart." When he preached in Baskinridge he says, " I had not discoursed long till in every part of the congregation somebody began to cry out, and almost all were melted to tears. This abated for a ^cv/ moments, till a little boy about seven or eight years old, cried out very piteously, and wept as though his little heart would break. Mr. Cross, having com- passion on him, took him up into the wagon, which so affected me that I broke from my discourse, and told the people that the little boy should preach to them; and, that God, since old professors would not cry after Christ, had displayed His sover- - eignty, and out of an infant's mouth was perfecting praise. God so blessed this, that an universal concern fell on the con- gregation again. Fresh persons dropped down here and there, and the cry increased more and more." Behold what great things a little boy can do ! After hearing Mr. Gilbert Tennent preach a powerful ser- mon at night in Mr. Cross's barn, Whitefield gave a word of exhortation with a most melting effect. "One that received Christ cried out, ' He is come ! He is come!' and could scarce sustain the discovery that Jesus Christ made to his soul. The 184 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. poor creature was wrapped up in Jesus." " Others were so earnest for the discovery of the Lord Jesus to their souls, that their eager crying obhged me to stop, and I prayed over them as I saw their agonies and distress increase. At length my own soul was so full, that I retired, and was in a strong agony for some time. I wept under a deep sense of my own vileness, and the sovereignty and greatness of God's everlasting love." Accompanied by many Christian friends, he reached New- brunswick the next day, and put up with his dear friend Mr G. Tennent. Here he was most rejoiced to learn through let- ters from Savannah of the prosperity of the orphans, and that a minister was coming over to relieve him of his charge at Savan- nah. After preaching in Mr. Tennent's church, and consulting with the brethren, it was agreed that Mr. Gilbert Tennent should go to Boston " to blow up the divine fire," and carry on the good work begun there. He went, and under his bold, " terrible and searching preaching, the people appeared to be much more awakened about their souls than before." " Such a time we never knew," says Prince, " and thus successfully did the divine work go on for above a year and a half after Mr. Whitefield left us." Here, at Newbrunswick, Mr. Whitefield found a warm friend in Rev. Aaron Burr, first President of New Jersey Col- lege, who obtained for him the degree of "A. B." in 1754. Not expecting to meet again soon, they had a farewell prayer- meeting. " Many were greatly affected." They parted in tears, fully assured that great things would soon be accom- plished. When about leaving he asked a woman (standing by) "whether she knew Christ?" "Yes," she said. "How long?" " Three years the third Sunday in next March." Passing on, he preached at Trenton, and having twice narrowly escaped drowning from high waters, he reached Philadelphia November HIS TOUR FROM NEW ENGLAND TO GEORGIA. 1 85 8th, and met with a very warm reception. He preached the next day to several thousands in the new church, one hundred by seventy feet, his friends were building for him. " God's glory filled the house both times, and the joy of most of the hearers was unspeakable." He was now so very happy that he said, " I seem to have, a new body, and the Lord greatly en- riches my soul. Surely our Lord intends to set America in a flame." Here he remained over a week, conversing with the awakened, preaching twice a day, and he found that " many that before were only convicted, now plainly proved that they were converted." In laboring to encourage them to stand fast, *'many more were powerfully convicted almost eveiy day." A CONVERTED INFIDEL WEEPS. Among the bright trophies of Whitefield's labors, we often find converted skeptics. Mr. Brookden, a distinguished deist and an eminent lawyer, who had begun almost to doubt the very existence of God, persuaded by a friend, through curiosity went to hear White- field. He preached on Regeneration, and, says he, " I had not spoken much, before God struck his hearty For said he, " I saw your doctrine tended to make people good." " His family knew nothing that he had been to hear me. After he came home, his wife, who had been at church, came in also, and wished heartily that he had heard me. He said nothing. After this, others of his family came in repeating the same wish, till at last being unable to refrain any longer, with tears in his eyes he said, ' Why, I have been hearing him ;' and then expressed his approbation. Ever since he has followed on to know the Lord. Though upwards of three-score years old, he is but a little child, and often (as he told me) receives such communications from God, when he retires into the woods, 1 86 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. that he thinks he could die a martyr for the truth." He sjDeaks of another, a noted, swearing sea-captain, " as great a reprobate as he ever heard of," who was converted under a sermon he preached at Pennepack. " He shows his faith by his works." In speaking of Mrs. D., one of his former converts, now very sick, whom he was called to visit, he says, " never before did I see a soul so exult in God, and talk so feelingly of the love of Jesus. Sometimes she was so full of comfort that she could not .speak. She said, * My soul is wrapt up in the right- eousness of Christ' " He preached twice with much weeping the following Sabbath, collected ^105 for the orphans, and publicly baptized five women. Large-hearted and liberal in his views, Whitefield was veiy free from sectarianism. Once, when he was preaching in Phila- delphia, he burst forth in a lofty .strain of apo.strophe, and ex- claimed, " Father Abraham, who have you in heaven? Any Episcopalians?" "No." "Any Presbyterians?" "No." "Any Baptists ?" " No." " Have you any Methodists, Seceders, or In- dependents there?" " No, no." " Why, who have you there?" " We don't know those names here. All who are here are Christians, believers in Christ — men who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb, and the Word of His testimony." " Much affected at parting with his dear friends in Philadel- phia," although weak and "weighed down," on the 17th he sailed over the Delaware, singing by the way, and preached with an "affecting melting" at Gloucester. After a weeping- farewell with his Philadelphia friends, he rode on, and preached at Greenwich to a few people, with scarce any power. " My animal spirits were almost gone, and assistance suspended." After giving them an affecting sermon at Pilesgrove, " with "> his soul' abundantly refreshed," he preached with great power HIS TOUK FROM NEW ENGLAND TO GEORGIA. 1 8/ at Cohansic, Salein, and New Castle. At Cohansie, " the whole congregation was greatly moved. Life and power flew all around." "Two cried out in the bitterness of their souls, after a crucified Saviour, and were scarce able to stand." With the interest increasing, accompanied with Charles Tennent, he went on to Whiteclay creek, where many thousands were waiting to hear him. Here "the melting soon began, and the power increased more and more, till the greatest part of the congregation was exceedingly moved. Several cried out in different parts, and others were wringing their hands and weep- ing bitterly. The stir was ten times greater than when I was here last." " At Fogg's Manor he preached to many thou- sands, and there was a wondrous powerful moving." At night he was "quite ill, but," he said, "inward comforts so refreshed me that I could scarce stand under it." On Sabbath he reached Nottingham in a heavy rain, and preached in the afternoon to a large congregation, who listened very attentively, regardless of the rain. Thence he went to Bohemia, Maryland, where he preached "to about 2000 peo- ple, and had a very 'solid meeting.'" On November 25, he reached Reedy Island, and " had a blessed meeting." Here he preached daily with a deep effect to sea-captains, their crevys, etc., till December 1st, when he sailed for Charleston. Besides renewing his health during this excursion of 75 days, he preached 175 times, traveled over 800 miles and collected over iJ^Soo in stores and money for the Georgia orphans. " Never did God vouchsafe me greater comforts. Never did I [)crfojm my journey with so little fatigue, or .see such a C(jntinuance of the divine presence in the congrega- tions to which I have preached." Having touched and preached at Charleston, he reached Savannah December 14th, preached in the morning and went out to Bcthcsda in the after- 1 88 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. noon. Finding his orphan family comfortably settled, and rejoicing over a few conversions, he says, " My soul was so affected with a sense of God's mercies, that when I came to pray, with an old Christian in our infirmary, I was almost overwhelmed." " He enjoyed a very comfortable Christmas at Bethesda." Having arranged the affairs of the Orphan House, and appointed Mr. Barber to superintend its spiritual and Mr. Habersham its temporal affairs, he preached his farewell sermon on the 29th, bid them an affectionate farewell, and left the next day to embark for England. Leaving Savannah January i, 1741, he reached Charleston on the 3d, and had the great pleasure of seeing his brother, who gave him much interesting news from England. Here he expounded and preached twice a day, for two weeks, to large, increased con- gregations, with very encouraging results. He says " I never received such generous tokens of love from any people before. They so loaded me down with sea-stores, that I sent many of them to Savannah." Here he found that while some had back- slid, most all still continued steadfast. But his enemies were ready to injure him. His friend, Mr. Hugh Bryan, had written a letter in which " it \vas hinted that the clergy break their canons." Whitefield revised and corrected this letter for the press, and it was published while he was yet in the city. Upon Mr. Bryan's testifying to this fact, Mr. Whitefield was charged of having made and composed a false, malicious, scandalous and infamous libel against the clergy of this pro- vince, in contempt of his Majesty and his laws, and against the King's peace. "And on being summoned to appear, he went before the court, plead guilty of the charge, and gave security to appear by his attorney at the next court, under the penalty of ^100 proclamation money." "Blessed be God," he said, "for this further honor. My soul rejoices in it." He MIS TOUR FROM NEW' ENGLAND TO GEORGIA, 1 89 thought this was persecution for righteousness' sake, and said, " Oh ! how, gently does the Lord deal with me !" He preached the next day on Herod's strategem to kill Christ, and " endeavored to show how dreadful it was to perse- cute under a pretense of religion." Having sojourned about sixteen months in America, after giving them an affectionate farewell sermon in Charleston, he sailed for London. CHAPTER XVIII. HIS SEPARATION FROM WESLEY. AVING established his Orphan House, revived ' ^ the American churches, and "the revivahsts of Northampton," the bold evangelist' again bids farewell to America, and sails for England. Leaving Charleston January i6, 1741, on the " Minerva," after a pleasant voyage, he reached Falmouth, March nth; and knowing that trouble was brewing, he hurried on to London and preached on Kennington Common the following Sabbath. But oh, what a trying scene rose before him ! Satan had made havoc of his societies, and the spirit of discord had grown so rife among them, that the rent made was long and deep. "The plague" (as Mr. Cennick called it), had spread so wide that he urged Whitefield to hasten on home to stay it!' Where he formerly preached to twenty or thirty thousand, now he had "not above a hundred." With "very many of my spiritual children, who, at my last departure from England, would have plucked out their own eyes to have given me, are now so prejudiced by the dear Messrs. Wesleys dressing up the doc- trine of election in such horrible colors, that they will neither hear, see, nor give me the least assistance." He says, " I had the mortification of seeing numbers of them running by me while preaching, disdaining so much as to look at me, and some of them putting their fingers in their ears, that they might not hear one word I said." "As for the people of the (190) HIS SEPAIL(\TIOX FROM WESLEY. I9I world, they are so embittered by my injudicious and too severe expressions against Archbishop Tillotson and Mr. Venn, that they fly from me as from a viper; and what is most cut- ting of all, I am now constrained, on account of our differing in principles, publicly to separate from my dear, dear old friends, Messrs. John and Charles Wesley, whom I still love as my own soul. I am cast down, but not destroyed ; per- plexed, but not in despair." Adding to this heavy burden ■ was his large indebtedness, and an orphan family of near lOO to maintain at Bethesda, without the least fund to do it with. Without possessing ^100 in the world, and owing near ^1,500 for the Orphan House, he was threatened to be arrested for debt. Thus, forsaken by his friends, abandoned by his con- gregations, maligned by his enemies, and opposed by John Wesley and Charles, to his tender soul the scene was most heart-rending. His very heart bled over it. With all his work to begin again, he says, " Greeit perils await me." Yet with his Christ-like courage and martyr spirit, none of these things moved him. Despairing nothing and fired with the Holy Ghost, with a full confidence "that Jesus Christ would send His angel and roll away every stone of difficulty," he went forth, met the cries, conquered the opposition and achieved a glorious victory. Although Whitefield and Wesley were brought up in the same church and belonged to the same " Holy Club " at Oxford, yet somehow or other they had imbibed different doctrines. Whitefield was a thorough Calvinist, and Wesley was a strong Arminian. For a while they co-operated and worked well together; but as they advanced and became more matured in their theological views, they began to diverge. Whitefield said, " He had his doctrines from Christ and His 192 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. apostles — I was taught them of God." Wesley was taught his by his mother. With his Arminian vie^ys being more gener- ally divulged in England while Whitefield was in America, and knowing that his old friend and disciple stood at the opposite pole of Calvinistic predestination and decrees, from a sense of duty, Wesley wrote to him on these subjects, earnestly desiring to avoid all disputes. Whereupon Whitefield replied — "My honored friend and brother, for once hearken to a child who is willing to wash your feet. I beseech you, by the mercies of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, if you would have my love con- firmed towards you, write no more to me about misrepresenta- tions, wherein we differ. The doctrine of election, and the final perseverance of the saints, I am ten thousand times more convinced of, if possible, than when I saw you last. You think otherwise. Why then should we dispute, when there is no probability of convincing ? Let us offer salvation freely to all by the blood of Jesus; and whatever light God has com- municated to us, let us freely communicate to others. I never expect to enter the lists of controversy with you on the points wherein we differ. Only I pray to God, that the more you judge me, the more I may love you, and learn to desire no one's approbation but that of my Lord and Master, Jesus Christ." While these sentiments do honor to Whitefield, he soon began to see that fidelity to the truth would require him to overstep the courtesies of private friendship. Being more con- firmed in his Calvinistic views, Whitefield soon followed this letter with another, expressing his dread to return to England or Wesley's coming to America, unless he would have less controversy. He says to Wesley, " I dread your coming to America, because God's work is carried on here in a most glorious manner, by doctrines quite opposite to those you hold. JOHN WESLEY. HIS SEPARATION FROM WESLEY. 1 93 At present I think you are entirely inconsistent with yourself, and therefore do not blame me if I do not approve of all you say. God himself, I find, teaches my friends the doctrine of election." Wesley received this letter kindly and thanked him for it and said, " The case is quite plain, there are bigots both for predestination and against it. God is sending a message to those on either side, but neither will receive it, unless from one who is of their own opinion. Therefore, for a time, you are suffered to be of one opinion and I of another. But when His time is come, God will make us both of one mind." Soon after this Whitefield wrote to a friend in Eng- land, " For Christ's sake, desire brother Wesley to avoid disputing with me. I think I had rather die than see a divi- sion between us; and yet how can we walk together if we oppose each other." "For Christ's sake, if possible, never speak against election in your sermons." Yet while Whitefield from America was thus laboring hard to prevent a separation, some of the Calvinistic Friends in England were urging it on. Charged by a correspondent with not preaching the gospel, because he did not preach the doctrine of election, without even consulting with his friends or considering the propriety of engaging in such a controversy, Wesley " drew a lot for his direction, and the lot was, 'preach and print! " Whereupon he preached a " most impassioned" sermon against election and predestination from Romans viii. 32, and printed it. At Whitefield's request, who was then in England, its publication was for a while deferred, but after his departure for America it was soon scattered broadcast. In speaking of the sermon, Whitefield says, "I find it has had its expected success; it has set the nation a-disputing." Whitefield expostulated with Wesley for printing this sermon. Yet Rev. Mr. Tyerman, in his "Life of Wesley" says, "In some respects it was the most 13 194 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. iinpwi tant sermon Wesley ever issued." It led to the forma- tion of the Calvinistic Methodists and the separation of White- field and Wesley, " which, prospectively viewed," says Mr. Tyer- man, " was really one of the greatest events of the religion of the age." Whitefield received a copy of the sermon at Bethesda, and in replying to it he said to Wesley, " Had not your name, dear sir, been prefixed to it, I could not have been so uncharitable as to think you were the author of such sophistry." Thus Wesley had begun the discussion, but Whitefield apparently assuming a tone of authority, said to him, " Give me leave with all humility to exhort you not to be strenuous in opposing the doctrines of election and final perseverance, when, by your own confession, you have not the witness of the Spirit within yourself, and, consequently, are not a proper judge. I am assured God has now for some years given this living witness in my soul." With all these trials, Whitefield enjoyed much of the Saviour's presence. At one time he says, "I feel His blessed Spirit daily filling my soul and body, as plain as I feel the air which I breathe, or the food which I eat." Again he says, "I have now such large incomes from above and such precious communications from our dear Lord Jesus, that my body sometimes can scarcely sustain them." " I often sit in silence, offering my soui as so much clay, to be stamped just as my heavenly Potter pleases: and while I am musing, I am often filled, as it were, with the fullness of God. I am fre- quently at Calvary, and frequently on Mount Tabor, but always assured of my Lord's everlasting love. Our dear Lord sweetly fills me with His presence. My heaven is begun indeed. I feast on the fitted calf" These sweet foretastes of heaven led Whitefield to contemplate with great satisfaction the prospect of persecution and martyrdom. He says, "My HIS SEPARATION FROM WESLEY. 195 trials are yet to come." "The time of temptation will l.)c when we are thrust into an inner prison and feel the iron entering even into our souls. But if Thou, O dearest Redeemer, wilt strengthen mc in the inner man, let enemies plunge me into a fiery furnace or throw^ me into a den of lions." " For faith in Jesus turns a prison into a palace, and makes a bed of flame become a betl of down." " Let us suffer for Jesus with a cheerful heart! His love will sweeten every cup, though ever so bitter. A scene of suffering lies before us. Who knows but we may wade to our Saviour through a sea of blood? I expect to die for His great name's sake. 'Twill be sweet to wear a martyr's crown." Yet, .still striving to prevent a dis- union, and opposing Wesley's Arminian doctrines, Whitefield now wrote him the following pointed letter: Boston, September 28, 1740. Dear Bkother Wkslky :• — What mean you by disputing in all your letters? May God give you to know yourself, and then you will not plead for absolute per- fection ; or call the doctrine of election a " doctrine of devils." My dear brother, take heed ; see you are in Christ a new creature. Beware of a false peace ; strive to enter in at the strait gate ; and give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. Remember you are but a babe in Christ, if so much. Let God teach you, and He will lead you into all truth. I love you heartily ; I pray you may be kept from error, both in principle and practice. Salute all the brethren. If you must dispute, stay till you are master of your subject ; otherwise you will hurt the cause you would defend. Study to adorn the gospel of our I..ord in all things ; and forget not lo pray for Your affectionate friend and servant, George Whitefield. Again, he says to Wesley, "Why will you dispute? I am willing to go with you to prison and to death, but I am not willing to oppose you. O, that there may be harmony and very intimate union between us. My dear brother, for Christ's sake, avoid all disputation. Do not oblige me to preach against you ; I had rather die." 196 LIFE OF WlilTEFIELD. Yet, constrained by a sense of duty to God, the Church, and his own followers, Whitefield now reluctantly took up the pen to write against Wesley, His Boston letter to Wesley, of September 25, 1740, expostulating with him both about the matter and publication of his "obnoxious" anti-calvinistic sermon on free grace, was published by his London friends, without either his or Wesley's permission, and scattered through Wesley's congregation at the Foundry. "Wesley, holding one in his hand, stated to the congregation the fact of its surreptitious publication," and saying, " I will do just what I believe Mr. Whitefield would, were he here himself," he tore it in pieces. " Every person present followed his example." We don't believe Whitefield would have done any such thing. Dreading the impending collision, while sailing home on the troubled ocean, after publishing his reply to Wesley's "obnox- ious " sermon on free grace, Whitefield exclaimed to him, " O my dear brethren, my heart almost bleeds within me ! Me- thinks I could be willing to tarry here on the waters forever, rather than come to England to oppose you." Yet feeling that the doctrinal chasm had now become so wide, he thought a separation almost inevitable. And having fasted and prayed and besought the Wesleys to pray for him, he was so much strengthened that he was enabled to say, " The Lord is girding me for the battled Under this state of feeling he reached Lon- don, where he found his special friend, Charles Wesley. After an affectionate interview with him, he said " It would have melted any heart, to have heard us weeping after prayer, that, if possible, the breach might be prevented." And standing among the scenes of his former success and glory," Old feel- ings of respect and love revived with so much strength in his heart, that he then felt that he could never preach against the Wesleys. Yet tried by the folly of Wesley's adherents and by HIS SEPARATION FROM WESLEY. I97 the treachery of his own, when Wesley went to hint in London to see if the breach could not yet be healed, the matter had gone so far that " Whitefield honestly told him that they preached two different gospels, and therefore, he would not join with him, but would publicly preach against him wherever he preached at all." (Gillies.) Thus the unhappy breach between these two earnest Christian workers was consummated. And while Whitefield lays the blame of the rupture upon Wesley, Wesley lays it upon Whitefield, and says, " It lay in his power to have prevented all." " A like scene," he says, " opened at Bristol, where he was denied preaching in the house he had founded. Busy-bodies on both sides blew up the coals and a breach ensued, which resulted in the erection of a new house and a Calvinistic school in Kingswood. Here and at other places, Whitefield, Mr. Cen- nick, and other lay-preachers, preached to large and deeply- affected congregations. Having stood " the fiery trial " of separation, with his scat- tered sheep roving around him, he now sets in to gather them back to the old fold. But confronted with a bitter prejudice and a strong opposition, for a while he had but little success ; yet with his torrents of eloquence and indomitable persever- ance these obstacles soon gave way, and " the affrighted sheep" soon came flocking home. Commencing preaching again in his old field pulpits, although at first he had but 200 or 300 hearers, his congregation soon swelled to many thousands. In this trying hour he was very much encouraged in read- ing Beza's Life of Calvin, where he saw " Calvin is turned out of Geneva, but behold a new church arises." Pressed by the exigency of the case, he tried a new project and commenced preaching in Moorfields on week days. It was a new thing, " but in the strength of God," he says, " I began on Good 198 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, Friday, preaching twice a day under a tree. But," he says, " I Iiad the mortification of seeing numbers of my spiritual chil- dren running by me while preaching, disdaining so much as to look at me, and some of them putting their fingers in their ears, that they might not hear a word I said." " But his congrega- tions at Moorfields and Kennington Common on Sundays were now as large as usual." Finding it inconvenient to preach twice a day out doors, his friends leased a lot and erected a tC7)iporary shed, called the Tabernacle, to screen the people from the cold and rain. He disliked their building it so near the Foundry, because it looked like erecting altar against altar, but in this case, he says, " all was wonderfully overruled for good and the further- ance of the gospel." " A fresh awakening immediately began." Congregations grew exceedingly large, and at the people's request, he sent for Messrs. Cennick, Harris and other lay- preachers, to assist him. With new fields now opening before him, he received many invitations where he had never been before. At Braintree, in Essex, he had a congregation of upwards of ten thousand. " At Halstead, Dedham, Weathers- field, Colchester, Bury and Ipswick, the congregations were very large and much affected." At Bristol, where he found " sad tares had been sown and most monstrous doctrines prop- agated," he continued to preach twice a day to large congre- gations with great power. Encouraged with his big congrega- tions and large fields eveiywhere white, ready for the harvest, he says, "God enables me to fight my way through" and " causes me to triumph in every place." " The farther tve go in the spiritual life, the more cool and rational shall we be, and yet more truly zealous. I speak this from experience." During a great awakening in Wiltshire, although "he never was more embarrassed as to outward things," yet he says, " My soul is HIS SEPARATION FROM WESLEY. 1 93 ]o for the Orphan House. Having thus gathered his scattered sheep, and restored Israel, he says, " How good is the blessed Saviour to me, the chief of sinners ! " His power has attended me lately, more than ever before in England." He never saw the like in London before. " A mighty power almost continu- ally accompanied the Word." Yet, with all the arduous labor he performed, and the severe reproach he endured in his Mas- ter's cause, he says, " I am ashamed to think how little I do and suffer for Him." " O, free grace ! sovereign and elective love ! how sweet to the soul, who really feels the power of it ! " Although Whitefield and Wesley held to different creeds, and preached different doctrines,* yet, both laboring for the glory *JoHN Wesley's Calvinism. " Having a strong desire to unite with Mr. Whitefield," says Wesley, " I wrote down my sentiments as plain as I could, in the following terms : " There are three points in debate : I. Unconditional election. 2. Irresistible grace. 3. Final perseverance. " With regard to the First, unconditional election, I believe, That God, before the foundation of the world, did unconditionally elect certain persons to do certain works, as Paul to preach the Gospel. HIS SEPARATION FROM WESLEY. 20I of the same common Lord, " they were kept from anathema- tizing each other." With the old fires of Christian love and friendship still burning within them, their separation was of short duration. Through the mediation of their common, warm- hearted friend, Howell Harris, a reconciliation was soon effected. Confessing his sorrow, and asking Wesley's pardon for reveal- ing the secret of his casting lots, Whitefield said, in a letter to him the following October, " I find I love you as much as ever, and pray God, if it be His blessed will, that we may all be united together. May all disputings cease, and each of us talk of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified." Shortly after, Wesley wrote to Whitefield, and said, "Let old things pass away, and all things become new, and let controversy die." To which Whitefield said, " Amen." And thanking Wesley for praying for him, Whitefield prayed, " O that nothing but love, lowliness and simplicity may be among us. Let us bear with, and forbear one another in love." Having now passed cordial letters, held brotherly meetings, and exchanged pulpits with Mr. Wesley, Whitefield subscribed himself, " Your most affec- tionate brother, G. W." Though thus united in heart and aim, yet differing in doc- trines and plans, each one " pursued his own separate course." And thus "by separating from different batteries," no doubt " That He has unconditionally elected some persons to many peculiar advantages. " And I do not deny (though I cannot prove it is so) that He has uncondition- ally elected some persons, thence eminently styled ' the elect,' to eternal glory. " With regard to the Second, irresistible grace, I believe that the grace which brings faith, and thereby salvation, into the soul, is irresistible at that moment. " With regard to the Third, final perseverance, I believe that there is a state attainable in this life, from which a man cannot finally fall. " That he has attained this who is, according to St. Paul's account, ' a new creature ;' that is, who can say, Old things are passed away ; all things ' in me ' arc become new. And 1 do not deny that all those eminently styled ' the elect,' will infallibly persevere to the end." — Wesley's lVorks,Vol. s\\.,pp. 480-81. Pub- lished by Carlton &> Phillips, New York. i8_5j. 202 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. they were made more successful in winning souls to Christ. For, says Dr. Phillips, " It was a happy thing for the world and the Church, that they were not of one opinion : for had they united in either extreme, truth would have made less progress. It was well, therefore, that they modified each other : for they were ' two suns,' which could not have fixed in one meridian, without setting on fire the whole course of sound theology." CHAPTER XIX. Ills FIRST VISIT TO SCOTLAND, ^))^"^J|/Y^|^1TII his buoyant soul, towering faith, and !»l m I claring courage, Whitefield could not be kept "T>n'^ J. 3 down. Rising out of the lowering cloud that gatliered around him in England, and urged by many pressing invitations, he sailed for Scotland, July 25, 1741. After a pleasant voyage of five days, he reached Edinburgh on the 30th, and was most gladly received by mail)' distinguished citizens. Coming with his lofty prestige, there was much anxiety as to where he should preach Jirsf. The Edinburgh people were very anxious to have him preach there inmiediately, but as the Erskines had been praying for him for years, and as they had first invited him to Scotland, he says, " I was determined to give them the first offer of my poor ministrations." Accordingly, he went, the next day, to Dum- fermline, to see, and to preach for, Mr. Ralph Erskine. " He received him very lovingly." Upon a short notice he preached for him to an immense congregation ; and when he gave out his text, "the rustling, made by opening so many Bibles all at once, very much surprised him." He had never seen the like before. No sooner had the Seceders got hold of Whitefield, than they began to contrive to win him over to their party. After sermon they entertained him with accounts of their suc- cess. One told him " that at one of their late meetings, a woman was so deeply affected, that she was obliged to stop her ( 203 ) 204 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. mouth with a handkerchief to keep herself from crying out." "They urged a longer stay in order to converse more closely, and set him right about church government, and the Solemn League and Covenant." But he told them that he had agreed to preach in Edinburgh the next day, but at their request he would return in a few days and meet the Associate Presbytery at Mr. Erskine's. Agreeing to this, accompanied by Mr. Erskine, he went the next day and preached in Edinburgh, in the Or- phan House Park, on Rom. xiv. 17, to a very large and deeply affected congregation. After sermon many, with some of the nobility, came to salute him ; among whom was an intelligent Quaker, who, taking him by the hand, said; "Friend Geor-gc, I am as thou art ; I am for bringing all to the life and power of the everlasting God : and, therefore, if thou wilt not quarrel with me about my hat, I will not quarrel with thee about thy gown." On the following Sabbath evening he preached again in the same place to over 15,000; and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings t6 nearly as many very deeply impressed hear- ers. According to promise, after preaching at Canongate church, he returned to Dumfermline to meet the Associate Presb}d;ery. With seven ministers and two elders, he pro- nounced them " a set of grave venerable men !" Upon his en- tering they soon proposed to elect a moderator and proceed to business. "What business ?" he enquired. They answered, "To discourse and set him right about church government, and the Solemn League and Covenant." He replied, they might save themselves that trouble, for he had no scruples about it ; and that settling church government and preaching about the Solemn League and Covenant was not his plan. After an interchange of views, and Whitefield had told them that he had never closely studied the Solemn League and Cov HIS FIRST Vl:3lT Tu SCOTLAND. 2O5 enant, being engaged, he thought about matters of more im- portance, they told him "that every pin of the tabernacle was precious." To which he said in every building there were out- side and inside workmen ; that the latter, at present, was his province ; that if they thought themselves called to the former, they might proceed in their own way, and he would in his. He asked them what they would have him do ? They said, " Preach only for them." He asked, " Why only for them ?" Mr. R. Erskine said, " We are the Lord's people." " He then asked, were no others the Lord's people but themselves ? If not, and if others were the devil's people, they had more need to be preached to ; and that if the Pope himself would lend him' his pulpit, he would gladly proclaim in it the righteousness of Jesus Christ." They did not wish him to labor in the church from which they had seceded, saying, " God had left ity "Then," said he, "it is the more necessary for me to preach in it, to endeavor to bring Him back." But as Whitefield had been the instrument in winning so many souls in England and America, Mr. Erskine urged that he should go and gather them into churches, establish Presby- teries, ordain elders and take care of them. " Unto all of which Mr. Whitefield replied, that he reckoned it his present duty to go on in preaching the Gospel, without proceeding to any such work." He says, " I never met with such narrow spirits." They were " so confined that they will not so much as hear me preach, unless I only will join with them." Refus- ing to shackle himself with their narrow platform and " chain of exclusivencss," he says, "I thought their foundation was too narrow for any high house to be built upon." Having thus found that their views of church government were too narrow for him, and his too wide for them, the Conference resulted, he says, in '^ a)i open breach." It so .grieved his tender heart that 206 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. he says, "I could scarce refrain from bursting into a flood of tears. I retired, I wept, I prayed, and after preaching in the fields, sat down and dined with them and then took my final leave. I think I have now seen an end of all perfection. Thus was I called to make another sacrifice of my affections." After preaching at Innerkeithing and Queensferry, he re- turned to Edinburgh, where they were waiting with much anx- iety to hear the results of the conference. Received with open arms and open hearts, he continued to preach there to vast crowds, two or three times a day for some weeks. The churches being too small, he generally preached in the Orphan House Park, where, says Dr. Philip, "he revived the scenes of Moorfields and Blackheath." Persons of all ranks, high and low, flocked to hear him. On August 15, 1 741, he wrote to a friend (from Edinburgh) saying, " It would make your heart leap for joy, to be now in Edinburgh. I question if there be not upwards of three hundred in this city seeking after Jesus. Every morning I have a constant levee of wounded souls, many of whom are quite slain by the law. Many come to me daily crying out, What shall I do to be saved ? O, my dear brother, I am quite amazed when I think what God has done here in two weeks. My printed journals and sermons have been blessed in an uncommon manner. I am only afraid lest the people will idolize the instruments, and not look enough to Jesus. Never did I see so many Bibles and people looking into them." "At Crief they had a most precious meeting." And at Galla- shiels, he says "Everywhere Jesus Christ is getting Himself the the victory." When he preached in the Hospital Park to the children of Edinburgh, the congregation numbered hear 20,000. Many of them were deeply convicted. Here they raised him ;^500 in money and goods for his orphans. Sometimes the con- tributions were so liberal that some feared he would impoverish HIS FIRST VISIT TO SCOTLAND. 20/ the country. A private contribution was proposed for himself; but he refused it, saying, "I make no purse." " What I have, I "give away." " Poor, yet making many rich, shall be my motto still." As the magistrates refused him the church-yard to preach in at Aberdeen, when he first went there, " things looked a little gloomy." But after preaching a few times the congre- gations were so large, and the effect so deep, "that liglit and life fltd all aroiind!' All opposition ceased, and with many under deep conviction, " all was hushed ! and more than sol- emn." (W.) " Where things appeared most unlikely some time ago, now Christ is riding in triumph, going forth conquer- ing and to conquer." He enjoyed so much of God's presence, and such a gush- ing flow of warm friendship in Edinburgh, that he says, " I scarce have known whether I have been in or out of the body." " Night and day Jesus fills me with His love." " The love of Christ quite strikes me dumb." " I walk continually in the comforts of the Holy Ghost." " The sight I have of God by faith, ravishes my soul." " Carried on from conquering to con- quer," he says, " Jesus causes me to triumph in every place." In September he went to Glasgow and preached ten ser- mons, with about fifty hopeful conversions. Many others were very deeply impressed. " Not satisfied with hearing, each sermon was printed by itself, and put immediately into circulation." With large congregations the contribu- tions for Georgia were very liberal. " With great regret he left Glasgow, to be received with great joy at Edinburgh." Just before he left Scotland, he says, " To-day," October 27, (1741,) "Jesus has enabled me to preach seve}i times " in Edin- burgh. " Yet I am now as fresh as when I arose in the morn- ing. The Lord is doing very great things here. His presence 208 LIFE OF WIUTEFIELD. was very wonderful. The Holy Spirit seemed to come down like a mighty rushing wind. The mourning of the people was like the weeping in the valley of Hadadrimmon." " The girls and boys in the Hospital were exceedingly affected." When he preached in the "Old People's Hospital," "all the congrega- tion were so moved, that very few, if any, could refrain from ciying out." One young gentleman, when tempted to think that he was seeking an imaginary refuge instead of the Saviour, " was made to cry out in prayer, Lord, I want nothing else, and will have nothing short of the very Christ of God." Touching the results of his first visit to Edinburgh, he says, " Glory be to God, He is doing great things here." An Edin- burgh minister says, " New meetings for prayer and conference are- erecting everywhere." There were then twenty-five or thirty of them. Among them were several meetings of boys and girls. Even the young women had their prayer-meetings. At one of which they were " all wet with floods of tears, meked down with love to Christ and affection to one another for Christ's sake." Dr. Muir says, " It is most amazing to see what progress they made in Christian knowledge. The young converts were very active in striving to win souls. With so many conversions and awakenings, together with the very deep general interest awakened, Whitefield says, " The good that has been done, is inexpressible." Even " the hearts of his en- emies were melted down by his preaching." " He made such bold attacks upon Satan's kingdom, " that Rev. Willison, of Dundee, says it is rare to see such ''a flaming fire for God." His success here was so great, says Dr. Philip, that " Next to Knox, Whitefield deserves a monument on Colton Hill, as the second reformer of the metropolis." He left Scotland October 28, 174.1, for Abergavenny in Wales. CHAPTER XX ins COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE, URDENED with the cares of the Orphan House, and " beheving it to be God's will that he should marry," Whitefield now began to look out for a wife. His manner of courting and views about getting married were very peculiar. With his strong faith, after much earnest prayer for direction, he left it all to the Lord, and said, "I would not marry but/or Him and in Him, for ten thousand worlds." He courted by letter, and, tru.sting in the Lord for direction, he "popped the ques- tion" the first letter. "Yet being," he says, " free from that foolish passion the world calls love," he was prepared for a refusal. He first picked on Miss'E D , whom he sometimes thought would be his wife, as "she had often been impressed upon his heart." He therefore wrote to her parents, to know whether they thought she would suit him, and, if so, "would they be pleased to give him leave to propose marriage to her;" stating that they need not be afraid of sending a refusal, as that "would fully convince him that she was not the person appointed by God for him." To cut the matter short, he enclosed a letter to the daughter in the one to the parents, requesting them, after praying over the matter, to deliver it to her if they approved of the proposition; if not, to say nothing 14 ( 209 P.IO LIFE OF WIUTEFIELD. about it. Whether they handed over the letter we know not ; "he received no favorable answer" (Dr. Wakely). But it is a wonderful letter. It is no wonder it proved a failure. White- field, though so very skillful in winning souls to God, seems very awkward when he comes to win a woman's heart. HIS FIRST LOVE LETTER. ^ O); Dflard-thc Susquehanna, April 4th, 1^40. To Miss E Be not surprised at the contents of tliis : Tiie letter sent to your honored father and mother will acquaint you with the reasons. Do you think you could undergo the fatigues that must necessarily attend being joined to one, who is every day liable to be called out to sirffer for the sake of Jesus Christ ? Can you bear to leave your father and kindred's house, and trust on Him(who feedeth the young ravens that call upon Him) for your own and children's support, suppose it should please Him to bless you with any ? Can you undertake to help a husband in the charge of a family, consisting of perhaps a hundred persons ? Can you bear the inclemency of the air, both as to cold and heat, in a foreign climate ? Can you, when you have a husband, be as though you had none, and willingly part with him, even for a long season, when his Lord and Master shall call him forth to preach the Gospel, and command him to leave you behind ? If, after seeking to God for direction, and searching your heart, you can say, " I can do all those things, through Christ strengthening me," what if you and I were joined together in the Lord, and you came with me at my return from England, to be a help-meet for me in the management of the Orphan House? I have great reason to believe it is the divine will that I should alter my condition, and often thought you were the person appointed for me. I shall wait on God for direction, and heartily entreat him, that if this motion be not of Him, it may come to naught. I write thus plainly because,! trust, I write not from any other principles but the love of God. I shall make it my business to call upon the Lord Jesus, and would advise you to consult both Him and your friends. For in order to obtain a blessing, we should call both the Lord Jesus and His disciples to the -marriage. I much like the manner of Isaac's marrying with Rebekah, and think no marriage can succeed well, unless both parties concerned are like-minded with Tobias and his wife. I think I can call the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to witness that I desire " to take you, my sister, to wife, not for lust, but uprightly ;" and therefore I hope He will merci- fully ordain, if it be His blessed will we should be joined together, that we may HIS COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. 211 walk as Zachary and Elizabeth did, in all the ordinances of the Lord blameless. I make no great profession to you, because I believe you think me sincere. The passionate e.xpressions which carnal courtiers use, I think, ought to be avoided by those that would marry in the Lord. I can only promise, by the help of GoD, to keep my matrimonial vow, and to do what I can towards helping you on in the great work of your salvation. If you think marriage will be any way prejudi- cial to your better part, be so kind as to send me a denial. I would not be a snare to you for the world. You need not be afraid of speaking your mind. I trust I love you only for GoD, and desire to be joined to you only by His command, and for His sake. With fear and much trembling I write, and shall patiently tarry the Lord's leisure, till He is pleased to incline you, dear Miss E , to send an answer to Your affectionate brother, friend and servant in Christ, G. W. This letter was written while he was saihng from Savannah, Georgia, to Philadelphia. Here it will be seen at once that Mr. Whitefield, with his characteristic simplicity and open- heartedness, comes directly to the point and begins his wooing work by asking the young lady a great many very hard ques- tions. But in a few months he found out that " she was in a seeking state only." "Surely that will not do," he said; "I would have one that is full of faith and the Holy Ghost. / wajtt a gracious woman, that is dead to everything but jfesus, and is qualified to govern children." Although disappointed in his first choice, Whitefield did not give up the pursuit. But, like Washington and Wesley, he married a widow. Passing over into Wales, without giving us any further account of his courtship, upon reaching Abergavenny, November loth, 1741, he was married " in the fear of the Lord," the next day, to Mrs. Elizabeth James, a widow of thirty-six years old. Her maiden name was Burnell. He says she was " neither rich in fortune nor beautiful in person, but, I believe, a true child of God, and would not, I think, attempt to hinder me in my work for the world." " She had been a housekeeper for many years." "Once gay, but, for three years last past, a despised fol- 212 LIFE OF WUrJT.FlELD. lower of the Lamb of God." She seems to have been quite a heroine. While Mr. Whitefield was preaching one day, when he apj^r-ehended great danger from the pelting stones of a furious mob, she plucked his gown and said, " Now, George, /'A. ," iJic man for God!' This so inspired him with fresh courage and strength that he preached with such great power that the enemy fled, "and victory was proclaimed on the Lord's side." Again, when they were sailing for America, when their ship, the Wilmington, was about to be attacked by an enemy's vessel, she, Mrs. W., after preparing herself for the worst, fell to making cartridges for the sailors, "while her husband wanted to go into the hold of the ship, hearing that was the usual place for the chaplain." HIS DOMESTIC LIFE. Although Dr. Southey says " Whitefield's marriage was not a happy one," and although his friend, Cornelius Winter, says that Whitefield " was not happy in his wife," yet says Rev. Dr. Wakely, " this appears to be a mistake," for " he speaks of her in the most endearing manner;" repeatedly calling her, " My dear wife," " My dear love," etc. " We lead a moving life, but I trust we move heavenward. We are more than happy. We go on like two happy pilgrims." Being advised to take his wife out into the air, Mr. White- field says, " I drove her as well as myself, through inadvertence, into a ditch. Finding that we were falling, she put her hand across the chaise, and thereby preserved us both from being thrown out. The ditch was about fourteen feet deep, but blessed be God, though all that saw us falling, cried out, ' They are killed !' yet, through infinite mercy, we received no great hurt. The place was very narrow near the bottom, and yet the horse went down as though let down by a pulley. A by HIS DUALE-^llC LIFE. 213 stander ran down and catched hold of its liead, to prevent its going forward. I got upon its back and was drawn out by a long whip ; whilst my wife, hanging between the chaise and the bank, was pulled up on the other side by two or three kind as- sistants. Being both in a comfortable frame, I must own, to my shame, that I felt rather regret than thankfulness in escap- ing what I thought would be a kind of a translation to our wished-for haven. But O, amazing love ! we were so strength- ened, that the chaise and. horse being taken up, and our bruises being washed ^^with vinegar in a neighboring house, we went on our intended way, and came home rejoicing in God our Saviour." Their first child was born about a month after. Mr. Whitefield did not allow getting married to interrupt his work. No ; without any bridal tour, with Mrs. Whitefield to help him, he went " right on " with it. Writing from Aber- gavenny the next week after his marriage, he says, " God has been pleased to work by my hands since I have been in Wales." And enjoying so much of His presence, he exclaimed, "O stu- pendous love ! O infinitely condescending God ! " " He has begun and will carry on a work here, which will make the ears of His enemies tingle." Whitefield was so earnestly engaged in his Master's work that when once called to speak of his family, he exclaimed, " But why talk of my wife and little one ? Let all be absorbed in the thoughts of the love, sufferings, free and full salvation of the infinitely great and glorious Emmanuel." He did not even take time to be at home when their first child was born. After preaching to many thousands in the street of some neighboring town, upon retiring to his lodgings, October 5, 1743, he says, "News was brought to me that the Lord had given me a son. This hastened me up to London, where the child was born. It was born in a room," Whitefield says, 214 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. " which the master of the house had prepared as a prison for his wife, for coming to hear me. "With joy would she often look upon the bars and staples and chains which were fixed in order to keep her in." About a week after his birth, I publicly baptized him in the .tabernacle, and in the company of thou- sands, solemnly gave him up to that God who g^ve him to me." They first went to keeping house in London, near Moor- fields. They were then so poor they had to borrow furniture. To lessen expenses they soon moved to Abergavenny. On their way thither their dear little son died very suddenly in Glou- cester, in the Bell Inn, where the father was born. On reach- ing the house without knowing what had happened, Mr. White- field inquired for the mother and child. On hearing the child was dead, he immediately called all to join him in prayer. He thanked God for giving him a son, continuing him with him so long, and taking him away so soon. All desired that Mr. Whitefield " would decline preaching" till the child was buried; but remembering a saying of good Mr. Henry, " That weeping must not hinder sowing," he went on" and preached twice the next day, and also the day following. He says his text "All things work together for good to them that love God," " made me as willing to go to my son's funferal, as to hear of his birth." " Our parting from him was solemn. We kneeled down, prayed and shed many tears, but I hope tears of resignation. And as he died in the house wherein I was born, he was taken and laid in the church where I was baptized, first communicated and first preached." Dying February 8, 1744, he was about four months old. CHAPTER XXI WHITEFIELd's pitched battle with SATAN. lEFORE recording the great battle, we give a few more skirmishes. Warmed with " the Welsh fire," one week after he was married, leaving his wife behind, he passed over into England, and preached in Bristol with great power for several successive days. Here he electrified the people and greatly revived the churches. He was now so much renewed in strength that he says, " I think my soul is more intimately united to Jesus Christ than ever." For " I think I can say He brings me nearer and nearer to Himself daily." " Sometimes I have scarce known whether I have been in the body or out of it." By the time he reached London, " he felt God's power more than ever," anc). prayed, "0 that His whole mind zvas in me." Mr. Whitefield now had frequent correspondence with the English and Scotch nobility. Not being afraid nor ashamed to speak to them about religion, he often tenderly exhorted them to self-examination, watchfulness and prayer, and prayed earn- estly for their salvation. To the Earl of Loudon, he said, " I wish above all things, that your soul may prosper. Your lordship has now entered on the field of battle. Go on — though faint, still pursue, despairing nothing." He reached London early in December, and was glad to find the Societies progressing so well. " Here the work of (215) 2l6 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. God advances greatly." After transacting his business in London he went over to Gloucester, and preached twice a day for several days with great success. About Christmas he returned to Abergavenny and found Mrs. Whitefield "quite well." Having arranged to move her to London, he returned to Bristol, where he preached twice a day for some four weeks with great power. Here he says, " God attends me with His mighty power," and "the churches grow and increase daily.' With his pen dipped in the blood of Jesus, his letters now glow with love and fire. Exclaiming, " O, that I was a flame of fire!" he says, " While I am writing, the fire kindles. Last night Jesus rode on triumphantly. It is sweet to abide in His wounds. I long to leap my 70 years, and see time swallowed up in eternity." " O, the fulness that is in Christ. It fills my heart. Why should we be dwarfs in holiness? Our peace and joy should always flow like a river. Sometimes my heart is so full that I am tempted to think my joy complete. I know not what others may say, but through grace I can sing with Bishop Ken, " ' To my soul it's hell to be But for a moment void of Thee.' " Having "settled his affairs at Bristol," administered the sacrament, and enjoyed a sweet love feast at Kings wood, after preaching "with wondrous power" to many thousands at Stroud, he returned again to Gloucester. Here and in the vicinity, with increased congregations, he preached twice a day, with unspeakable power, for several successive days. " Every sermon was blessed." And " there was such an awak- ening as he had never heard of in that region before." " In Scotland, too," he says, " there is also a very great awakening, as well as in London. The work in Scotland is rather greater WHLTEFIELD's pitched battle with SATAN. 21/ than that in New England." " God has brought order out of confusion, and caused our divisions to work for good." " In England, Wales and Scotland, God has blessed my poor labors more than ever before. O, the blessed effects of field preaching!" " O, free grace ! It fires my soul, and makes me long to do something more for Jesus." " So many places want supplies, I could wish I had a thousand lives and a thou- sand tongues. Jesus should have them all." Owing to some dissatisfaction about some things published in his Journals, Mr. Whitefield now, February 5, 1742, discon- tinued them in their usual form, and promised to continue them " in a more compendious way." In writing to an English lord whom he had won to the Saviour, upon hearing of his conversion, Whitefield was so glad that he exclaimed, " Sing, O heavens ! Rejoice, O earth ! I would join with angels and archangels in singing, ' Glory to God on high.' Welcome, my dear brother, into the world of new creatures." To another " right honorable lady" he said, with great joy and familiarity, " O madam, what a Comforter is the Holy Ghost. What sweet company is Jesus Christ. What a privilege it is to have fellowship with the great Three-One. Everything yields comfort when the blessed Spirit breathes upon it. Even this scribble from the chief of sinners shall again refresh your soul, if Jesus speaks the word. . O, that He may set the world in a flame of love ! Methinks I see your ladyship sitting in your chair, and ravished with the Redeem- er's beauty day by day. Sometimes you are, as it were, wash- ing His feet with your tears; at other times sitting by faith at His feet, hearing or reading His word. Sometimes \our heart is too big to speak ; then, again, out of the abundance of the heart, your mouth poureth forth hallelujahs. This, I trust, is the life your ladyship lives. This is life indeed." 2l8 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. After a fruitful skirmish at Gloucester, with " an enlarged heart," he returned to London again about the 25th of Febru- ary. Here he met with the Wesleys and had frequent friendly intercourse with them, with encouraging prospects of a com- plete re-union. Says Dr. Gillies, " Whitefield now went on with greater zeal and success, if possible, than ever." Resum- ing preaching twice a day in the Tabernacle, by the fourth of March, he says, " Life and power fly all aj-ojind, and the Re- deemer is getting Himself the victoiy daily in many hearts." "Letters from, abroad give me glorious accounts. In New England the work goes on amazingly. In Scotland the awak- ening is greater and greater. The Spirit of God has been striv- ing among the little orphans in Georgia. I hear that twelve negroes, belonging to a planter, converted at the Orphan House, are savingly brought home to Jesus." "At home and abroad, Jesus Christ rides on victoriously. Every day we see His stately steps." And going on with his mighty conquests, on April 2 2d he says, " We had a glorious Pentecost'' at Lon- don. "I have been preaching at Moorfields, and our Saviour carries all before us. Every day we hear of fresh converts. We see greater things than ever at London. The awakening is quite fresh." And in New England, he says, "the Lord takes poor sinners by hundreds, and I may say by thousands." Yet " I hope at my return to Scotland, to see greater things than ever." Being " constantly employed from morning till mid- night," he says, " I sleep and eat but little — yet I am not weary. My strength is daily renewed." THE PITCHED BATTLE. Rising in the majesty of his strength, with a soul flaming with fire and a heart bleeding with compassion for the poor Whitefield now went forth to fight the devil in a pitched battle. WHITEFIELD'S pitched battle with SATAN. 219 The place he chose for the mighty conflict was Moorfields, at the time of the great annual hohday of Whitsuntide. Here " for many years past, from one end to the other, booths of all kinds have been erected for mountebanks, players, puppet shows and such like, where Satan's children keep up their an- nual rendezvous." At 6 o'clock in the morning, accompanied by a large congregation of praying people, " he ventured to lift up a standard amongst them in the name of Jesus of Naz- areth."- Daring all hazards, with about ten thousand of them waiting for their wild sport, he says, " I mounted my field pul- pit, and almost all immediately flocked around it. Glad was I to find, that I had for once, as it were, got the start of the devil." He preached on the brazen serpent, John iii. 14. "They gazed, they listened, they wept ; and I believe that many felt them- selves stung with deep conviction for their sins. Being thus encouraged, I ventured out again at noon ; but what a scene ! The fields, the whole fields seemed, in a bad sense of the word, all white, ready, not for the Redeemer's, but for Beelzebub's harvest. All his agents were in full motion, drummers, trum- peters, merry-andrews, masters of puppet-shows, exhibitors of wild beasts, players, etc., etc., all busy in entertaining their re- spective auditories. I suppose there could not be less than twenty or thirty thousand people. My pulpit was fixed on the opposite side, and immediately, to their great mortification, they found the number of their attendants sadly lessened. Judging that like Saint Paul I should now be called to fight with beasts at Ephesus, I preached from these words : ' Great is Diana of the Ephesians.' You might easily guess, that there was some noise among the craftsmen, and that I was honored with having a few stones, dirt, rotten eggs, and pieces of dead cats thrown at me, while engaged in calling them from their favorite but lying vanities. My soul was indeed among lions 220 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. but far the greatest part of my congregation, which was very large, seemed for a while to be turned into lambs. This en- couraged me to give notice that I would preach again at six o'clock in the evening. I came, I saw, but what — thousands and thousands more than before, still more deeply engaged in their unhappy diversions ; but some thousands amongst them waiting as anxiously to hear the gospel. This Satan could not brook. One of his choicest servants was exhibiting trumpet- ing on a large stage ; but as soon as the people saw me in my black robes and in my pulpit, I think all, to a man, left him and followed me. For a while I was enabled to lift up my voice like a trumpet, and many heard the joyful sound. God's peo- ple kept praying, and the enemy's agents made a kind of roar- ing at some distance from our camp. At length they ap- proached nearer, and the merry-andrew (attended by others, who complained that they had taken many pounds less that day on account of my preaching), got upon a man's shoulders, and advancing near the pulpit attempted to thrash me with a long heavy whip several times, but always with the violence of his motion tumbled down. Soon after they got a recruiting ser- geant with his drum, etc., to pass through the congregation. *I gave the word of command, and ordered that way might be made for the king's officer. The ranks opened, while all marched quietly through, and then closed again. Finding those efforts to fail, a large body, quite on the opposite side, assembled together, and having got a large pole for their stand- ard, advanced toward me with steady and formidable steps, till they came very near the skirts of .our praying and almost un- daunted congregation. I saw, gave warning, and prayed to the Captain of our salvation for present support and deliverance He heard and answered ; for just as they approached us with looks full of resentment, I know not by what accident, the> WHITEFIELD's pitched battle with SATAN. 221 quarrelled among themselves, threw down their staff and went their way, leaving, however, many of their company behind, who before we had done, I trust were brought over to join the besieged party. I think I continued in praying, preaching and singing (for the noise was too great at times to preach), about three hours. We then retired to the tabernacle, with my pockets full of notes from persons brought under concern, and read them amidst the praise and spiritual acclamations of thou.sands, who joined with the holy angels in rejoicing that so many sinners were snatched in such an unexpected way out of the very jaws of the devil. This was the beginning of the Tabernacle Soci- ety. Three hundred and fifty awakened souls were received in one day, and I believe the number of notes exceeded a thou- sand." Well done, Whitefield ! Gloiy to God ! Thou hast fought a good fight, and won a glorious victory. In oratory thou hast eclipsed the world, and completely out-generaled the devil. How grand the achievement! (The shouts of joy in heaven over it, methinks, have scarcely yet died away.) When we look at the grand results, the splendid manoeuvering, the mas- terly eloquence, and the mighty genius exhibited in achieving it, well may John Angel James safely pronounce it " the greatest achievement in elocution the world presents, next to Peter's sermon over the murderers of Jesus Christ, on the day of Pen- tecost." What daring courage in Whitefield to erect his pulpit and preach a sermon amidst all the excitement and tumult of a rowdy London fair ! What magic power must he have pos- sessed to win and hold the attention, for hours, of such a vast, turbulent crowd, amidst such alluring scenes and enticing temptations ! And O, with what wonderful power and demon- stration of the Spirit he must have preached, when under such most unfavorable circumstances, about 350 souls were hopefully 222 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. converted to God, and looo brought under deep conviction under one sermon ! When Demosthenes, by his powerful eloquence, so deeply fired the hearts, and stirred the souls' indignation of the Athen- ians that they cried, " Let us fight Philip ;" he had all the advantages situation and historic association could afford. But Whitefield had none of these. Laboring under all the disad- vantages the most unfavorable time, place and condition of the people could produce, he had everything to oppose and over- come. When Peter won 3000 souls to God by his great ser- mon on the day of Pentecost, he had the supernatural aid of a stupendous miracle, the gift of tongues and the miraculous descent of the Holy Ghost, to help him. He had also t\\Q fresh attractions of the Cross of Christ. There, hard by, was the bloody scene of Calvary still warm and smoking with the inno- cent blood of Jesus, to stir his soul and melt the hearts of his murderous congregation. But Whitefield in Moorfields had no such stirring sights nor supernatural helps. Instead of receiving a miraculous outpouring of God's spirit, he received showers of stones, dirt, rotten eggs, and pieces of dead cats, and three furious assaults to drive him from the pulpit. To what, then, instrumentally, shall we attribute his great success ? John Angel James says, " to the power of his wonderful oratory." Besides this there was much earnest prayer. Whitefield went out with " a large congregation of praying people, and they kepi praying." He says "we were . 225 among the people that was ever known. Their mourning was like the mourning for a first-born," " Here I have seen and felt such things as I never felt before. Never was I enabled to preach so powerfully before. The awakening here is un- speakable." The congregations were just like those he had at Fogg's Manor, in Pennsylvania. Sinners were awakened by scores together. He now prayed so much that he says, " It is not for me to tell how often I use secret prayer; if I did not use it — nay, if in one sense I did not pray without ceasing — it would be difficult for me to keep up that frame of soul which through grace I daily enjoy." Honored so much, he seemed to fear pride and ingratitude ; hence his oft-repeated prayer, " O that I may lie low at the feet of Jesus." WHITEFIELD AT CAMBUSLANG. But these mighty outpourings and great rejoicings in the West were but d^ foretaste of what they enjoyed at Cambuslang. He preached at Glasgow July 7, came to Cambuslang the next day, and preached at two o'clock P. m., to a vast congregation ; again at six, and again at nine at night. And " such a commotion," he says, " surely was never heard of" " It far outdid all that ever I saw in America. For about an hour and a half there was such weeping, so many falling into deep distress and expressing it in various ways, as is inexpress- ible. The people seem to be slain by scores. They are carried off into the house like wounded soldiers from a field ot battle." Some sung and prayed all night. On Friday, the 15th, he says, " I came to Cambuslang to assist at the com- munion. On Saturday I preached to above 20,000 people. In my prayer the power of God came down, and was greatly felt." It was felt more during his two sermons. "On Sabbath day scarce ever was such a sight seen in Scotland. There were 15 226 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, undoubtedly upwards of twenty thousand people." " The sacrament was administered in the fields. When I began to serve a table, the power of God was felt by numbers ; but the people crowded so upon me that I was obliged to desist, and go and preach in one of the tents." After the communion was over, he preached about an hour and a half to the whole congre- gation, with great power. "On Monday morning," he says, " I preached again to near as many; but such an universal stir I never saw before. The motion fled as swift as lightning from one end of the auditory to the other. You might have seen thousands bathed in tears; some at the same time wringing their hands; others almost swooning, and others crying out and mourning over a pierced Saviour." The people sat unwearied till two in the morning to hear sermons, disre- garding the weather. "You scarce could walk a yard but you must tread upon some, either rejoicing in God for mercies received, or ciying out for more. Thousands and thousands have I seen, before it was possible to catch it by sympathy, melted down under the word and power of God." When we remember that all this took place on a cold night in February, on a hillside, in the open air, it appears still more interesting. " But I will not attempt to describe it. Much prayer had been previously put up to the Lord." In companies they sung and prayed all night. With all these herculean labors, he says, " I am exceedingly strengthened, both in soul and body, and cannot now do well without preaching three times a day." He was very .happy in London, but "he was ten times happier now." Though "Satan roars," yet "I am blessed with far greater success than ever." " His comforts and success were now unspeakable." And, going on with his religious experi- ence, he says, " It is a very uncommon thing to be rooted and grounded in the love of Jesus. I find persons may have the HIS SECOND VISIT TO SCOTLAND. 22/ idea, but are far from having the real substance." Hence he exhorts, " Keep close to Jesus!' While this glorious work was going on at Cambuslang and other places, the Associate Presbytery appointed a public fast, to humble themselves because Whitcfield had been received in Scotland, and because of " the delusion^' as they called it, at Cambuslang. They issued an act, proclaiming a fast, which Rev. Mr. Robe says, " is the most lieaven-daring paper that has been published in Britain for three hundred years." " And all this," says Whitefield, "because I would not consent to preach only for them." Or in other words, he says, " they kept a fast throughout all Scotland, to humble themselves, because the devil was come down in great wrath ; and to pray that the Lord would rebuke the destroyer — for that was my title." " O, how prejudice will blind the eyes, even of good men. Father, forgive them 1 " Although they called this good work ''a delu- sion," and "the work of the devil," yet God carried it on to the salvation of hundreds and thousands of souls. In revivals we should never let opposition discourage or hinder. Rejoicing over the good work, and lamenting their folly, Whitefield ex- claims, " O, free grace ! I am persuaded I shall have more power since dear Mr. G hath printed such a bitter pamphlet. Now I begin to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, I rejoice and am ex- ceeding glad. The archers shot sore at me, that I might fall ; but the Lord is, and the Lord will h^, my helper." Although the revival at Cambuslang began February, 1742, under the ministry of Mr. McCullough, accompanied with "some bodily agencies, outcryings and faintings in the congre- gation," before Mr. Whitefield went there, yet says a distin- guished writer, " In Edinburgh, and all the other places in Scotland, it began with his first visit." 228 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. THE SECOND COMMUNION. Baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire, and made " ir.ore than conqueror," with Jesus " carrying all before him," Mr. Whitefield came to Cambuslang about the middle ot August, to assist at the second communion. Encouraged and wrought up by the Pentecostal effusions and 500 conversions at the other communion, after much prayer and preparation, he expected far greater at this. Blessed beyond description at the- first, another such was much longed for. With over twenty worthy ministers of the Church of Scotland, big with expectation, they met at the time appointed (August 1 5 ), and says Mr. White- field, " Such a passover has never been heard of" (With vast multitudes of people they had four sermons on the fast day, four on Saturday and five on Monday.) " The voice of prayer and praise was heard all night. The ministers were enlarged, and great grace was among the people. Whitefield served five tables, and preached four times with wonderful power — partic- ularly when he preached about ten o'clock on Sabbath night, and Monday morning, when there was a very great concern, but decent weeping, mourning and crying out in the vast con- gregation." "On Sabbath evening, while he was serving some tables, he appeared to be so filled with the love of God as to be in a kind oi ecstasy, and he communicated with much of that blessed frame." Rev. Dr. Webster, of Edinburgh, who preached with " a very great commotion " on Monday morning at 7 o'clock, says, " During the time of divine worship, solemn, pro- found reverence overspread every countenance. They heard as for eternity. Thousands are melted into tears. Many cry out in the bitterness of their soul. Some of both sexes, and all ages, from the stoutest man to the tenderest child, shake and tremble, and a few fall down as dead. Nor does this hap- pen only when men of warm address alarm them with the ter- HIS SECOND VISIT TO SCOTLAND. 229 rors of the law, but when the most dcHberate preacher speaks of redeeming love. Bring them to Mount Sinai, where the thunder roars and lightnings flash, and this may occasion greater outcry ; but lead them to the consolations that are in Jesus, and then vastly greater numbers fall under the most kindly impressions. Talk of a precious Saviour, and all seem to breathe after Him. Open the wonders of His grace, and the silent tears drop from almost every eye." This communion, for the gracious presence and power of God, far exceeded the other. With about forty thousand people, three thousand communicants, and with a Pentecostal effusion of the Holy Ghost, for numbers, solemnity, power "and glory, it doubtless excelled all other communions ever held on earth. The glory of the Lord filled the place. Commencing^early in the morning, with three tents and twenty-five tables, it lasted till sunset. Constrained by the Saviour's love, the communi- cants rushed to commemorate His sufferings and death. Moved by the Holy Spirit, one thousand more desired to commune, but coulrf not get tokens. "Filled with all joy and peace in believing," some cried out, "now let Thy servants depart in peace, since our eyes have seen Thy salvation here." Eminent ministers said "they had never seen so much of heaven on earth." In summing up the fruits of this glorious work, Rev. Dr. Hamilton, of Glasgow, September, 1742, says, "I doubt not that since the middle of February, when this work begun at Cam- buslang, there are^upwards of two thousand persons awakened, and almost all of them in a promising condition." Although Rev. Mr. Erskine disparagingly said of the Cambuslang revival, " We have convulsiojis instead of convictions," yet there were about 400 genuine conversions, says Mr. McCullough, less than one-sixth of whom were not thrown into convulsions. He received over a hundred in his own church that season. 230 • LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. After the communion was over, Mr. Whitefield preached repeatedly at Greenock, Kilbride, Stevenson, Kilmarnock, Stew- arton, and twice more at Cambuslang, with unusual power. He says, " I never preached with so much apparent success before. God hath done greater things for me than I am able to express." " At Kilbride, Kilmarnock, and Stewarton, the concern was very extraordinary." While so many thousands went to Cambuslang to worship God, some went to mock and deride. Two profane young men, who went for sport, were both sO powerfully convicted the same day, that they were glad to get into a stable hard by, to beg that God they had despised to have mercy on them". Their subsequent walk evinced their conversion and piety. But com- paratively few of the converts were thrown into tremblings or bodily distresses." Cambuslang is four miles from Glasgow. Soon after Mr. Whitefield preached with similar results at Kilsyth. There was also a great awakening at Muthel. Although upon coming out of those "sweet communions" at Cambuslang, Mr. Whitefield felt himself to be " a hell-deserv- ing wretch," yet with his strong faith and expanded soul, " he could trample sin, death and hell under his feet," and cry, " O for a large heart to receive all the fulness of God." Living and walking by faith, he says, " I have for these eight or nine years past, had no visible settled fund, but fetched in all temporal supplies by pleading the promises. My God never failed me. He never will." Having preached one day with much liberty on Jacob's Ladder, he rose so high that he exclaimed, " Blessed be God, I am ascended so far as to leave the world almost out of sight, and I see my dear Master standing at the top reaching out His hand ready to receive me up into heaven." And although surrounded with " storms of opposition and HIS SECOND VISIT TO SCOTLAND. 23 1 reproach," yet guarded by Jehovah- Jesus, he could say, " God is on my side, I will not fear what men nor devils can say or do unto me. I have the pleasure often to go without the camp, and to bear a little of Christ's reproach, and I prefer it to all the treasures in the world." Soaring high above his trials and reproaches, he says, " I think I am like the ark, surrounded on all sides with waves, but through free, rich grace am enabled to swim triumphantly above all." Crucified to the world and con- secrated to God, and pitying the narrow-hearted bigotry of the Seceders, with a burning desire to promote God's kingdom " without partiality," he rose so far above self and the world, that with a Christ-like unselfishness he exclaimed, " I care not if the name of George Whitefield be banished out of the world, so that Jesus Christ be exalted in it." We close this chapter with Whitefield's prayer for Col. Gard- ner — " May you be covered with all of Christ's armors and filled with all 1 1 is fulness. May you be endued with the meekness of Moses, the courage of Joshua, the zeal of Paul, and the Spirit of Christ." CHAPTER XXIII. HIS OLD BATTLE FIELDS. OING on "from conquering to conquer," with " Jiis sold 011 fire" our heroic ambassador now leaves the Pentecostal scenes of Scotland and returns to his old battle-fields in England. " Strengthened more than ever," staging it from Edinburgh, he reached London Novem- ber 6th, 1742, full of joy and peace. He says, " Jesus solaced my soul all the way." " The concern expressed at my departure was unspeakable." His wife went by sea. With ^^"300 raised in Scotland for his poor orphans, and ^^"1500 in all since his return from America, he rejoiced and thanked God that the Orphan-House debt was now nearly all paid. Aroused by Whitefield's success, Satan still kept up the spirit of persecution against his coadjutors. Because Mr. Cor- mick attended little religious conferences and related his religious experience, he was indicted for holding a conventicle, or plotting against the Church and State. This spirit was carried so far in Wiltshire, that the poor were threatened with starvation for going to these meetings. When the officers threatened some to withhold their pay, with a heroic spirit they replied, " If you starve 11s we will go ; and, rather than forbear, we will live on grass like cows." Because of this many threatened to leave the Established Church, but White- field persuaded them not to do it. (232) HIS OLD BATTLE FllILOS. 233 Amidst all his severe trials and glorious victories in England and Scotland, Mr. Whitefield never forgot his dear friends in America nor his dear orphans at Bethesda. To a friend at Bethesda he says, "God only knows how I s)'mpa- thize with \-ou and my dear famil)-. I think I could be sold a slave, to serve at the galleys, rather than )-ou and my dear orphans should want." "I will come over, God willing, the very first opportunity. God, and not my own will, has kept me on this side the water so long." In writing to a young theological student, he said, "Two things I would earnestly recommend to your constant study — 'The Book of God' and 'your own heart.' These two well understood will make you an able minister of the New Testa- ment." Late in December we find him "in winter quarters" at London, " preparing for a fresh campaign." And, desiring ''to rise higher," he prays "/^ lie lower." Big with expectation, he says, " I hear of glorious things from various parts. I hope ere long we shall hear of persons going from post to post, and crying, " Babylon is fallen, Babylon is fallen." To another friend he writes, " I think I may say to you, as Luther said to Melanchthon, ' Nimis es ullus. You are kept in bondage by a false humility.' " " It is good to see ourselves poor and vile, but if that sight prevents our working for Jesus, it becomes criminal." " How often have I been kept from speaking and acting for God by a sight of my own unworthi- ness ; but now I see that the more unworthy I am, the more fit to work for Jesus." " Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil's reach as humility." "The most humbled make the most solid and useful Christians. It stands to reason, the more a man is emptied of himself, the more room is there made for the Spirit of God to dwell in him. Humility must be taught us, as Gideon taught the men of Succoth — with briars and 234 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. thorns. These will frequently fetch blood from the old man. O, that we may be made willing to have him bleed to death ! Away with him ! Away with him ! Crucify him ! Crucify him !" Leaving his winter quarters late in March, 1743, he re- turned to. Gloucester, where he was received with much warmth, and preached with great power. Here he conversed with the anxious till after one o'clock in the morning. Rising at five the next day, " sick for want of rest," he rode on horse several miles and preached again at seven. At ten he preached and administered the Sacrament at Stonehouse church. He preached at noon on the hill; again at four to about 12,000 at Stroud ; and again at six to about the same number at Hamp- ton Common — closing the big day's work with a general love feast at Hampton, where he says, " the glory of the Lord filled the house." He returned home about twelve very cheerful and happy. On Tuesday he preached to about 12,000 at a public execution at Hampton, where "a man was hung in chains." • The interest was now so great and the congregations so large, that he said, " Preaching in Gloucester was like preach- ing in the Tabernacle in London." At Stanley he rose so high, he seemed to get " in the veiy suburbs of heaven." Filled with the Spirit, after preaching with wonderful power at Bristol and Dursley, early in April, he went to Waterford, in Wales, where he presided over \}ix& first association of Calvinistic Meth- odists. He opened the Association with a close, solemn dis- course on " Walking zvith God.'' They were so earnest in their work that sometimes they continued their sessions till two o'clock in the morning. He described it as " a very precious, important meeting." Several matters of great importance were dispatched. Leaving Waterford, he went and preached at Cardiff with HIS OLD BATTLE FIELDS. 235 such great power, that " the greatest scoffers sat quiet." And at Swarzy the effect was so great that he reports, ''Sivarzy is taken. I never preached with more convincing power. Many of the rich and great were present." Going on with his gra- cious triumphs, after preaching at Carmarthen and many other places, April 17th he says, "This morning I preached at Llas- sivran, and had, as it were, a Moorfields congregation. A most effectual door is now opened in South Wales." After preach- ing again to about 8000 people at Carmarthen, on returning from Lorn in a ferry, he was honored with a salute — one ship fired several guns and others hoisted their flags. Having preached again to about 10,000 at Carmarthen on the 22d, he says, " we had another blessed association ; and have now estab- lished preaching in all the counties in Wales." One of the Carmarthen ministers preached much against Mr. Whitefield personally, but like his other opposers, he says, " like the viper biting the file, he only injured himself" Having traveled about 400 miles in three weeks and preached about 40 sermons, in Wales, with the people much refreshed and revived, he says, " Dagon has everywhere fallen before the ark, and the fields are white, ready unto harvest. The congregations were very large, and I was never enabled to preach with greater power." Early in May he returned to London and resumed " the Lord's battles in Moorfields." Here he says, " It would amaze you to see the great congregations and wonderful presence of the Lord. I have been enabled to mount on wings like an eagle. Glory be to God, the gospel spreads. We dined very comfortably at Bengeworth, and then set out for Gloucester, shouting, Grace ! grace ! When I arrived, our Saviour was exceeding precious ; and I had so much of heaven in my soul, that I wanted to lie down anywhere to praise my God." 21^ LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. WHITEFIELD MOBBED. Hearing of the severe persecutions at Hampton, early in July, he went over there " to strengthen the persecuted." While he was holding a prayer-meeting there, a furious mob of near one hundred men gathered around the house, yelling "and swearing prodigiously." He said, " If they wanted his life, he was willing to deliver it up for Jesus' sake." They charged him with heresy and impoverishing the poor. Neither was true. When they took him to throw him into a lime-pit, he said " he was willing to suffer, though unjustly, for Christ's sake." While they were pushing him along, some neighbors took and carried him into one of their houses. Thus he escaped out of their hands. On Sabbath morning about twenty of these brave Chris- tians met again for prayer. After Mr. Whitefield preached to them again with great power., they met again at his own house. After another sermon he met with them again at 5, in his own house, where he exhorted them to watch and pray, " and if the mob came, not at all to resist, but to make way for them to come to him, and let them do what the Lord would permit." After they sung and prayed, the mob came, and says he, " They swore they would have me. Then, said I, so you shall. So they took me to the lime-pit, and they threw me in. But, O, what a power of God fell on my soul ! I thought, with Stephen, the heavens opened to my sight, and the Lord Jesus was ready, if I had died, to receive me. I believe my undaunted courage shook some of them. I told them, I should meet them at the judgment: then they turned pale. They let me out, and I came home, kneeled down, thanked and praised God. At the close of his exhortation on i John iii. i, 2, 3, "in came the mob again and took me to a brook to throw me in." A former persecutor interfered. Then they led him all through town. He says, "/ JiaA a sweet walk, and talked and reasoned with HIS OLD BATTLE FIELDS. 237 the persecutors all the way. My heart was full of love." They threw him into the brook — he went to the bottom, but soon came up with his hands clasped together. They took him out ; but one malici(5usly and cowardly pushed him in again, and cut his leg against a stone. He talked to them. " God smote their consciences." Many seemed to repent. He did not prosecute them, but prayed, "Father, forgive them.'' They were determined to break up his preaching at Hampton, and he was determined to break up the mob by kindness, and "by giving himself up wholly to them ;" and he succeeded. As he returned to Hampton about two weeks after, they blew the horns, rang the bells for the mob to assemble. Keep- ing "his soul quite easy," the mob broke in upon them just as he was closing his sermon in the lot. He then went into the house and preached again. The mob came to mock and dis- turb. But, says he, "As you know I have very little natural coifrage, strength and power being given from above, I leaped down stairs, and all ran away before me." They threatened one man's life and seriously injured several others. Mr. White- field brought suit against them in the court of King's Bench, and " a solemn day of fasting and humiliation was kept because of it." Pleading not guilty, they were tried before a jury at Gloucester, and all found guilty. Then Whitefield retired to his lodgings, kneeled down with his friends, and gave God thanks. He now had many very precious meetings in the west of England, especially at St. Gennis, where " the arrows of con- viction flew so thick and fast that a universal weeping prevailed throughout the congregation." After preaching several days to vast congregations at the Bristol Fair, and at Southern-bay, he returned to London about the 20th of August, where his only son was born October 5, 1743. At Birmingham he 238 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, preached to many thousands with a very deep effect, and was twice struck with clods^' while praying at Mare-Green. WHITEFIELD ASSAULTED. During his first night at Plymouth, several persons broke into his room at the hotel and disturbed him very much. " I then," he says, "betook myself to private lodgings, and having gone to bed, after preaching to a large congregation, the land- lady came and told me that a well-dressed gentleman desired to speak with me. Imagining that it was some Nicodemite, I desired he might be brought up. He came and sat down by my bedside, and told me he was a lieutenant of a man-of-war, congratulated me on the success of my ministry, and expressed himself much concerned for being detained from hearing me." After changing a few friendly words, " he immediately rose up, uttering the most abusive language, calling me dog, rogue, villain, etc., and beat me most unmercifully with his gold-headed cane. " As you know I have not much natural courage, you can guess how surprised I was ; being apprehensive that he intended to shoot or stab me, I underwent all the fears of a sudden, violent death. But, as it providentially happened, my hostess and her daughter, hearing me cry murder, rushed into the rooni and seized him by the collar; however, he immediately disen- gaged .himself from them, and repeated his blows upon me." Alarmed at the repeated cry of "nmrder," he rushed to the door, and the good woman pushed him down stairs. A second, at the bottom of the stairs, cried out, "Take courage, I am ready to help you," who, while the other was escaping, rushed up, and finding one of the women coming down, took her by the heels, and threw her upon the stairs, and almost broke her HIS OLD BATTLE FIELDS, 2 39 back. The neighborhood was now alarmed, but unwilling to add to the alarm, Mr. Whitefield shut the door and went to bed. Shortly after this, he received an invitation from a young man, who said he had supped with him at his uncle's, in New York, to sup with him and a few other friends at a tavern. Mr. Whitefield declined, but invited him, for his uncle's sake, to come and eat a morsel with him at his lodgings. " He came ; we supped : and I observed that he frequently looked around him, and seemed very absent : but having no suspicion, I con- tinued in conversation with him and my other friends till we parted. This," says Whitefield, " I now find, was to have been the assassin; and being interrogated by his other com- panions, on his return to the tavern, about what he had done, he answered, that bmig used so civilly, he had not the heart to touch me. Upon which, as I am informed, the person who assaulted me laid a wager of ten guineas that he would do my business for me. Some say they took his sword from him, which I suppose they did, for I only saw and felt the weight of his cane. Some urged me to stay and prosecute, but being better employed I went on preaching the everlasting gospel, and upon my return was well paid for what I had suffered." In this case we see the wonderful power of kindness. It doubtless saved Whitefield's life. During Whitefield's detention at Plymouth, he preached with such great power to such large congregations, that he said, "preaching at the Dock is now like preaching at the Taber- nacle." "And I trust in the five weeks I waited for the convoy, hundreds were awakened and turned to the Lord." While preaching here one day in a Quaker's field, he spoke so loud that Henry Tanner and his fellowship builders, " deemed him mad," and went with their pockets full of stones, to stone and throw him down. But when Tanner saw Mr. Whitefield with 240 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. open arms and gushing tears, entreating "poor lost sinners " to come to Jesus, his resolution failed him. He went home deeply- impressed, determined to hear him the next morning. He did. Preaching from the text, "Beginning at Jerusalem," Whiteficld vividly described " the cruel murder of the Lord of life." " Then, turning to the spot where Tanner stood, he said, ' You are reflecting on the cruelty of these inhuman butchers who imbrued their hands in the Saviour's innocent blood.' At this moment his eye fell upon Tanner, and he forcibly ex- claimed, ' Thou art the man.' The arrow stuck fast, and the convicted sinner was forced to cry, ' God be merciful to me.' Whitefield saw the effect, and met the emotion with a burst of tenderness which cheered the penitent. Another sermon on Jacob's vision of the Ladder, led Tanner up to the Lamb slain in the midst of the throne, and thus gave him both joy and peace in believing." {Dr. Philips Tanner afterwards made a very successful preacher. CHAPTER XXIV. HIS THIRD VISIT TO AMERICA. AVING achieved many grand victories and en- dured many fiery trials and bloody persecutions in Great Britain, our great apostle now returns again to " his beloved America." Though feeble in health, after an absence of over three years, and "a most awful and solemn parting" with his friends, he sailed from Plymouth for Piscataway, New England, August 4th, 1744. Blest in his labors, they soon began to have regular services on board, with " frequent communions and days of humiliation and fasting." Sailing out with near one hundred and fifty other ships, after a tedious voyage of eleven weeks, he reached York, New England, October 30, 1744, and found "a large company of good women praying for his safe arrival." This encouraged him very much. When near the Western Islands they were suddenly "alarmed with the sight of two ships making towards them, which their captain took to be enemies." With guns mount- ing, chains rattling, etc., he says, " the preparations for an en- gagement, to me, who am naturally a coward, were formidable." "All except myself seemed ready for fight." Mrs. Whitefield commenced making cartridges for the soldiers, but he went down into the hold of the ship. But disliking his situation, he says, " I crept up on deck, and for the first time in my life, beat 16 (241) 242 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, up for arms by a warm exhortation." Upon a nearer approach, however, the apprehended enemies proved to be friends — two ships that started out with them. On reaching York, his distinguished friend Col. Pepperill, once a noted deist, but now one of White-field's converts, came with his friends in his own boat to take Mr. Whitefield home with him, but he was so unwell he could not go. "Convulsed from waist to toes, a fatal convulsion was immediately appre- hended." " My wife and friends sW)od weeping by, In tears resolved to see me die.'? "Filled with divine consolation, I begged them not to be shocked. My Saviour whispered that all was well." He soon grew worse and became "very low." After recovering par- tially he caught cold in crossing the Ferry to Portsmouth, and immediately took a relapse, and was again brought nigh unto death. But having an appointment to preach the next evening, and getting better suddenly about the hour appointed, when the doctor was about to give him his medicine, he exclaimed, "Doctor, my pains are suspended; by the help of God I'll go and preach, "And then come home and die." " With some difficulty he reached the pulpit." Pale as death, he looked like one just risen from the dead. "As a dying man," he went to "bear his dying testimony to the truths he had formerly preached." " Nature was almost exhausted ; but, 0, what life I what power spread all around ! All seemed to be melted and drowned in tears." "The cry after me, when I left the pulpit," he says, "was like the cry of sincere mourners at the funeral of a dear friend." The people heard him as a dying man, and he says, "the invis- ible realities of another world lay open to my view. Expect- HIS THIRD VISIT TO AMERICA. 243 ing to stretch into eternity, and to be with my Master before morning, I spoke with pecuhar energy. Such effects followed the Word, I thought it was worth dying for a thousand times. Though wonderfully comforted within, at my return home, I thought I was dying indeed. I was laid on a bed upon the ground, near the fire, and I heard my friends say, ' He is GONE.' " By November 24th he was able to leave Portsmouth in a coach, with his wife, for Boston, where he was received with great joy by the common people, but with shyness by many of the clergy. Here he preached to crowded congregations in the largest churches, with great and growing acceptance, and administered the Sacrament in Dr. Coleman's church the first Sabbath after his arrival. The following Sabbath he admin- istered it in Mr. Cheever's church. " Mr. Whitefield comes," says Dr. Prince, " with the same extraordinaiy .spirit of meek- ness, sweetness and universal benevolence as before. He first applies himself to the understanding of his hearers, and then their, affections. " In speaking of the effects of his former labors in Boston and New PLngland, Dr. Coleman says, "Upon Mr. Tennent's going there as an itinerant, the awakening greatly increased in various places, till, at length, the work so advanced everywhere, that many thought the latter-day glory was indeed come, and that a nation was to be born in a day." And Whitefield says, " By all the accounts I have, one would have imagined that the millennium was coming indeed." But amidst all this -glorious work, because when young and inexperienced," in his fiery zeal, Whitefield used some unguarded expressions, and said, when here before, "he feared many in Boston were Pharisees, and that many New-England preachers did not experimentally know Christ, and that the light of the 244 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, Universities had now become darkness — darkness that may be felt," there arose quite a strong opposition against him among some of the clergy. They even went so far as to get up and publish small testimonials against him. His friend, good Mr. Coles, said "they did not weigh much." Says Dr. Belcher, "The General Association of Connecti- cut, in June, 1745, advised that he be not invited to preach in any of the churches." And that "several similar bodies in Massachusetts had acted in a similar manner. Yale and liar vard colleges also opposed him. Harvard published som.. bitter things against him. But his friends published testimo- nials in his favor. Thus waxed the conflict." But to justify Whitefield's remark about the unconverted Boston clergy, a Boston gentleman says he knew over twent\ who had been preachmg for years, who acknowledged White field to be their spiritual father. One of whom, when nigh to atheism, went to hear Whitefield, " to pick a hole in his coat, but God picked a hole in his heart, which was afterward healed by the blood of Christ." {Gillies Col. 428.) " But amidst all this smoke," says he, " a blessed fire broke out." He still held such a firm hold of the public heart, that congregations sometimes invited him to preach for them with- out the consent of their pastors. And being so anxious to hear him, they persuaded him to establish a regular lecture in B os- ton at six o'clock in the morning. Without expecting many, he commenced in a small church ; but when he saw two or three thousand flocking to hear, he had to use two of the largest churches in the city. "To see so many going so early to get food for their souls, feasted his own heart." His Boston friends now kindly offered to build him the largest house of worship in America, but still wishing to travel, he thankfully declined it. HIS THIRD VISIT TO AMERICA. 245 In the summer of 1743, nearly three years after the revival began, at a convention held in Boston, 135 ministers of Boston and New England bore their united testimony to the "late happy revival of religion, through a remarkable Divine influ- ence, in many parts of this land." This was signed by Dr. Coleman and nearly all of the leading ministers of Boston. While in Boston, "a man of good parts and ready wit" came to hear Whitefield, to furnish himself with matter for preaching ludicrous temperance discourses at a hotel. While listening for this sinful purpose, " God was pleased to prick him to the heart." " Full of horror," he confessed his crimes and longed to ask Whitefield's pardon, but was afraid to do it. But stung with guilt and shame, he went to him and cried with a low, plaintive voice : " Sir, can yon forgive nie ? " " Yes, sir," he said, "very readily." " Indeed, sir," he replied, " you can- not when I tell you all." Bidding him to sit down, Whitefield preached the Gospel to him. About the ist of August, 1746, Whitefield's friend, Col. Pepperill, was appointed to command an expedition to Cape Breton. After consulting Whitefield, he accepted the appoint- ment, and then came the cry, " To arms ! to arms ! " His friend Sherburne, being appointed commissaiy, he urgently requested Mr. Whitefield to give him a 7noUo for their flag. After repeated requests, he gave him 'W// desperandiiin Chris to diice " — " If Christ be captain, no fear of defeat." Under which great numbers enlisted. Before their embarkation, Mr. Whitefield gave them an appropriate sermon. In about six weeks they took Louisburgh, and returned laden with the spoils of victory. "Having taken a weeping leave of dear Boston," with renewed health, Mr. Whitefield now set his face southward, and hurrying on to see his poor orphans, he gives us but few letters. 246 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Passing through Yarmouth, Connecticut, Plymouth and Rhode Island, he generally preached twice a day, to thousands, with great power, until he reached New York. Here he preached as usual, and " found that the seed sown had sprung up abund- antly." On his way to Philadelphia, he had the pleasure of preaching, through an interpreter, to some converted Indians, and of seeing about fifty young ones in school, studying the Assembly's catechism, A revival had been going on through the labors of Mr. Brainard. The church at Philadelphia that grew out of his labors there, had now become so strong that they offered Mr. Whitefield £Z(X> a year to become their pas- tor for half his time, giving him six months a year for travel- ing. But declining the call, he says, "The Lord Jesus keeps me from catching at the golden bait." READING HIS SERMON "KINDLED A FIRE." On reaching Hanover, Va., Mr. Whitefield found "a fire kindled" and " a sweet shaking among the dry bones " by read- ing his sermons. When Whitefield preached at Glasgow a number of his extempore sermons were taken down in short- hand and published almost as fast as he preached them. A volume of them was taken to Virginia, and fell into the hands of Samuel Morris, who read them with deep interest in 1743. " He then read them to others. They were awakened and con- vinced. Other laborers were sent for, and many, both whites and blacks, were converted to God." They met every Sabbath and on week days, in his house, till it became too small to hold the people ; then they built a meeting-house " merely for read- ing!' Accustomed to the Liturgy, he says, "none of us durst attempt extempore prayer." The interest spread, and Mr. Mor- rison was invited to go abroad and read Whitefield's stirring sermons. " By their plainness and fervor they produced a pow- HIS THIRD VISIT TO AMERICA. 24/ erful effect." " The feelings of many," says Dr. Belcher, "were powerfully excited, and they could not forbear bitter and violent weeping. Numbers were pricked to the heart, and ' What shall we do ? ' was the general cry. The Lord spoke as on Mount Sinai, with a voice of thunder, and sinners, like the mountain itself, trembled." Thus this good work went on until Provi- dence sent them ministers. Mr. Morrison was tried for letting Mr. Roan, Presbyterian, preach in his house. Afterwards Rev. Messrs. Tennent, Blair, Robinson and President Davies came and preached. Then Whitefield came and preached four or five days, which greatly revived them. This was the origin of Presbyterianism in Virginia, and of the present Presbyterian church of Hanover, and three other churches in that vicinity. "Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth." ''Morris' reading-house " is still known in the neighborhood. Thus we see the wonderful effect of Whitefield's sermons, even when read. HIS TOUR NORTH. On January 23, 1747, we find him back to Charleston again. Having established a LaJin school in connection with Bethesda, and received a ^300 contribution from his Charles- ton friends, with which he bought a good well-improved plan- tation of 640 acres in South Carolina to support Bethesda, he said, March 15, "That it was never in better order than now. The blessed Spirit has been striving with several of the chil- dren, and I hope ere long to see some ministers go forth from> that despised place called Georgia." After a pleasant journey of about five weeks from Charleston, we find him at Bohemia, Maryland. Here he says, " I purpose, God willing, to take a three-weeks' circuit in hunting after Maryland sinners." "Jesus hath indeed done wonders for us. As we came along, the wilderness seemed to blossom like the rose." After making a 248 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. short visit to Dover, Pa., he returned much rejoiced to find that " Maryland is yielding converts to the blessed Jesus. The harvest is promising." Just before he left Maryland, he says, "I have now been on the stretch, preaching continually for almost three weeks." "My body is often extremely weak, 'but the joy of the Lord is my strength,' and through Christ strengthening me, I intend going on till I drop." About the first of June he went to Philadelphia, where he preached with his usual success and power. " With great regret," he says, " I have omitted preaching one night to oblige my friends, that they may not charge me with murdering myself — but I hope yet to die in the pulpit, or soon after I come out of it. Dying is exceeding pleasant to me." He was so very anx- ious to preach, that while at Philadelphia he was so weak he could not, he said, *"7z'.y hard to be sfent — but I must be tried every way." Hoping to regain his health he now went further north. He reached New York June 28th, "with a soul longing to take its flight to Jesus." Here he says, "The people flock rather more than ever, and the Lord vouchsafes us solemn meetings." Having been burdened so long with his Orphan House affairs, he now hoped, through the products of his new plantation and donations, to be relieved. Although at one time he had almost concluded never to return to England, he now determines to go back next spring. After preaching twice with great power, to unusually large congregations in New York, he hurried off to Boston, where he was received with great warmth. "Again," he says, "we have seen great things in New England. Congregations were rather larger than ever, and opposers' mouths were stopped. Arrows of conviction flew thick and stuck fast. Weak as I was and have been, I was enabled to travel iioo miles and preach daily." And with his obligations to his HIS THIRD VISIT TO AMERICA, 249 Saviour increased, and his attachment to New England revived by his late visit, he says, " If I forget her, let my right hand forget her cunning." On returning to New York, with his towering faith increased, and his strength and health improved, he says, in a letter to Gilbert Tennent, " God gives me grace to spend it to the utmost in the Redeemer's service. I am determined in His strength to die fighting, though it be on my stumps!' " I think the foundation of the Moravians is too narrow for their superstructure. The Lord bless what is right, and rectify what is wrong in them, in us, and in all. Even so, Lord Jesus. Amen!" After his long journey to the north, he now returns south and makes ready to go back to England. Mrs. Whitefield had gone on before him. At Philadelphia, September ii, 1747, the news of the death of his good friend. Dr. Coleman, brought him to his knees. Renewing his strength, he says, " My heart is yet springing for God, and / am determined to die fighting. Jesus is my rock, my stay, my God, and my all." And in finishing his paternal letter to his dear Bro. H., he says, " My heart is almost too full to subscribe myself, Ever Yours." With his heart enlarged while in New England and at New York, he writes from Philadelphia, Sept. nth, to his old friend John Wesley, and says, with his characteristic unselfishness, "I rejoice as much in your success as in my own. O for heaven! where we shall mistake, judge, and grieve one another no more." In a letter of the same date, he says to Charles Wesley, " I love you most dearly," praying for his success. Preaching as he went, he now winds his way to the South. Having preached through seven counties in Maryland, he reached Annapolis, November 8, "and found the harvest great." 250 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. On October 6, 1747, he passed over into the " ungos- peHzed wilds" of North Carolina, and set out "hunting after sinners in North Carolina woods." " It is pleasant work," he says, " though my body is weak and crazy. After a short fermentation in the grave, it will be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body. The thought of this rejoices my soul, and makes me long to leap my seventy years." He wrote several letters at Bathtown, North Carolina, and long- ing to leave a bright testimony for the Lord, he said, " I would fain die blazi7ig, not with human glory, but with love to Jesus. O, that every minute may be employed for God! I would not but be thus employed for millions of worlds." Wit^ his affections still lingering with New England, while here in these lonely wilds of North Carolina, he says, " God bnly knows what a cross it was to me to leave dear New England so soon. I hope death will not be so bitter to me, as was parting from my friends. Glad shall I be to be prayed thither again, before I see my native land. But future things belong to God. I would be just where He would have me, though it be in the uttermost parts of the earth. I would willingly put a blank into his hands to be filled up just as He pleases." Encouraged with his labors in North Carolina, he says, "Jesus makes the barren wilderness to smile." Hastening on to see his poor orphans, he reached Charleston October 25, and started for Georgia the next day. Here the curtain drops, and makes a wide gap in his life. From October 25, 1747, to May 27, 1748, he fails to give us a single letter. CHAPTER XXV. WHITEFIELD IN BERMUDAS. EIGHED down with the cares of the Orphan House, "and being much troubled with stitches in my side," he says, "I was advised to go to Bermudas for my health." He em- barked, therefore, and landed there March 15, 1748. He was received with great kind- ness and treated very respectably by all. " Rev. Mr. Halliday," he says, " received me in a most affectionate manner, and begged I would make his house my home." Delighted with the situation of the island and the sim- plicity of the people, he at once commenced preaching and going about doing good. By invitation he dined with the governor, who treated him very, courteously. On the first Sabbath he read prayers and preached twice in different churches, to large attentive congregations. Some wept. Sev- eral invited him to their homes. Praying that they might receive Jesus in their hearts, he closed the day with a double *'amen." Encourged with the results of the second Sabbath, he begins the record of it with a shout of ''Glory be to God!" He preached twice in Mr. Paul's (Presbyterian) church with great power, to a congregation of about 400. Many colored people attended. Cheered by the beautiful scenery, delightful climate of the island, and the hospitality of the people, and their atten- (251) 252 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. tion to the gospel, he exclaimed, "O how does the Lord make way for a poor stranger in a strange land." He preached again with a still deeper effect the next day. On March 3 1 , he preached on an adjoining island, called Ireland, and was surprised to see so many from other quarters. Carried about upon the affections of the people, he returned and preached twice the next Sabbath in Mr. Paul's church with increased power. When dining one day with the governor, the president, the judge, the collector, and Dr. F., Mr. Whitefield says, "all wondered at my speaking so freely and fluently without notes. The governor asked me if I used minutes. I answered ' No.' He said it was a great gift." The governor asked some questions about the meaning of the words " Hades," "free will," "Adam's fall," " predestination," etc. all of which Whitefield answered so pertinently that all were so highly pleased at the close, that they all shook hands with him and invited him to their respective homes. On April 7, he preached in a private house on David's Island to about 80 persons, and the following Sabbath with increased power to enlarged congregations in Mr. Paul's church. He now preached nearly every week-day in private houses ; and often three times on the Sa'obath with greatly increased interest. At the church he says, " I began to preach, and the people to hear and be affected as in the days of old at home. Praise the Lord, O my soul." Preaching out-doors, in private houses and funerals, the interest still increased more and more. On May 1st he says, "I preached in the fields, to a large company of negroes and a number of whites, who came to hear what I had to say to them. There were near 1500 in all. They seemed very sensible and attentive." Seeing the difficulty of preaching to suit them, he says, " If ever a minister, in preaching, need the wisdom of the serpent to be joined to the harmlessness of the dove, it must be when discoursing to negroes. Vouchsafe WHITEFIELD IN BERMUDAS. 253 me this favor, O God, for Thy dear Son's sake!" Some of them did not Hke his plain, searching preaching — others were very thankful, and came home to their masters' houses, saying that they would "strive to sin no more.'' " Poor hearts! These different accounts affected me." He rejoiced to find the colored people so tender and so knowing. The following Sabbath he preached with great power to a melting and rather larger congregation than ever ; and in the evening to the colored people. " To see so many black faces was affecting." They listened very attentively. Some wept. The next Sabbath, May 15th, he preached his farewell sermon at Mr. Paul's church, to a house crowded to overflowing. Hundreds .stood outside. Attention sat on every face ; and when I came to take my leave, oh, what a sweet, unaffected weeping. I believe there were few dry eyes. My own heart was affected, and though I have parted from friends so often, yet I find every fresh parting almost unmans me, and very much affects my heart. Surely, a great work is begun in some souls at Ber- mudas. Carry it on, O Lord, and if it be Thy will, send me to this dear people again." Detained over another Sabbath, he gave them another weeping farewell. " Go where I would," he says, " upon the least notice, houses are crowded, and the poor souls that fol- low are soon drenched in tears." Though ready to die with heat and straining, yet he was enabled to preach louder than usual. " After service, when I lay down on the bed to rest, many came weeping bitterly around me, and took their last farewell. Though my body was very weak, yet my soul was full of comfort. Abundance of prayers and blessings were put up for my safe passage to England, and speedy return to Ber- mudas again. God willing, I intend visiting these dear people once more." Highly appreciating his services, they loaded him down with 254 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. pro\nsions, and raised by private voluntary contributions over one hundred pounds sterling. This, besides aiding him in paying the Orphan House debt, enabled him to make a hand- some remittance to his dear wife, whom he had left at Bethesda in America. Urged to return to England, and dreading, in his feeble health, to go back to America at that season of the year, early in June, 1748, he sailed for England on board of " The Betsy." After a pleasant voyage of some thirty days, he reached Eng- land July 5, 1748. Chased and fired at three times one day by a large French vessel, once he says, " We gave itp all for lost. But the vessel turning her course, the captain announced, ' the danger is over.' " The captain gave Whitefield a free passage, but he was not allowed to preach on board. This, he says, " may spare my lungs, but it grieves my heart." He read prayers daily. His health was somewhat improved.* * During this voyage, he completed his abridgment of Law's Serious Call, and finished revising his journals. And upon finding himself wrong in many things in revisuig them, with his characteristic honesty, simplicity and open-heartedness, he makes the following confession : " Alas ! alas ! in how many things have I judged and acted wrong. I have been too rash and hasty in giving characters both to places and persons. Being fond of Scripture language, I have used a style too apostolical, and at the same time, I have been too bitter in my zeal. Wild -fire has been mixed with it, and I find that I frequently wrote and spoke in my own spirit, when I thought I was writing and speaking by the assistance of the Spirit of God, I have likewise too much made inward impressions my rule of acting, and too soon and too explicitly published what had better been kept in longer, or told after my death. By these things, I have hurt the blessed cause I would de- fend, and also stirred up needless opposition. This has humbled me much, and made me think of a saying of Mr. Henry's, ' Joseph had more honesty than he had policy, or he never would have told his dreams.' At the same time, I cannot but praise God, who filled me with so much holy fire, and carried me, a poor, weak youth, through such a torrent both of popularity and contempt, and set so many seals to my unworthy ministrations. I bless Him for ripening my judgment a lit- tle more, for giving me to see and confess, and I hope, in some degree, to correct and amend, some of my mistakes." CHAPTER XXVI. FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. AVING endured " torrents of popularity," and torrents of trials in America, after an absence of near four years, he reached London July 7, 1748, "and was received by thousands with a joy that almost overcame both them and me." Still possessing an unquenchable desire to win souls, though feeble in health, he resumed preaching at once, fully determined to work on " till he could work no more." Meeting in the large church of St. Bartholomew, multitudes flocked to hear him. He had a thousand communicants the first Sabbath. But as Antino- mianism had "made sad havoc" in the religious societies, "the congsegation at the Tabernacle was sadly scattered." But upon going out to Moorfields, he found the prospects as en- couraging as ever. The scattered congregations were soon gathered again, glowing with their former zeal and power. Oppressed with the Orphan House debt, he now sold all his household furniture to pay it. WHITEFIELD AND THE NOBILITY. 'Tis said, " ever>' man has his price." And Whitefield now began to rise in the estimation of the nobility. Hitherto he had preached mainly in the lanes, streets, fields and woods; but now he is cordially received into the drawing-rooms of the rich and noble. Even before his arrival, Lady Huntingdon (25s) 256 LIFE ©F WHITEFIELD. had engaged Howell Harris to bring him to her house at Chelsea " soon as he came ashore." He went and preached twice in her drawing-room. The effect was so deep that it induced her to invite some of the nobility to hear him. In a few days the Earl of Chesterfield, Lord Bolingbroke, and a whole circle of them attended ; and having heard him once, they desired to hear him again. " All behaved quite well," he says, " and were in some degree affected. Lord Chesterfield thanked me, and said, ' Sir, I will not tell you what I shall tell others, how I approve of you.' He conversed with me freely after- wards." Lord Bolingbroke was much moved, and desired that I should come and see him the next morning. I did ; and his lordship behaved with great candor and frankness. To extend Mr. Whitefield's influence among the nobility, Lady Hunting- don now moved to London, and arranged to have him preach twice a week regularly at her house. The interest increased. And after preaching several weeks to many of the most dis- tinguished lords and ladies of -the kingdom, such as the Duchess of Argyle, Lady Betty Campbell, etc., he says, "Blessed be God, the prospect is promising. Last Sunday I preached to a most brilliant assembly. They expressed great approbation, and some, I think, begin to feel." The interest was so great that the ladies of rank organized themselves into a regular prayer-meeting. And says Lady Huntingdon, " re- ligion was never so much the subject of conversation as now." WHITEFIELD AND " THE DEVIL'S CASTAWAY." Eager to win souls, Whitefield sometimes went great lengths in persuading sinners to come to Jesus. One evening about this time, he said in his sermon, that " Christ is so ready to re- ceive sinners, that He is willing to receive even the devil's cast- aways!" One of Lady Huntingdon's friends heard him say FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 2$y this, and came complaining to her about it, saying, "Did you ever hear of such a thing since you were born?" Acknowl- edging its singularity. Lady Huntingdon called Mr. Whitefield into the drawing-room to answer the heavy charge brought against him. He at once plead guilty of the charge. " Whether I did what was right, you can judge from the following circum- stance : Did your ladyship notice, about half an hour ago, a very modest, single rap at the door ? It was given by a poor, miserable-looking, aged female, who requested to speak with me. I desired her to be shown into the parlor, when she ac- costed me in the following manner : ' I believe, sir, you preached last evening in such a chapel.' 'Yes, I did.' 'Ah, sir! I was accidentally passing the door of that chapel, and hearing the voice of some one preaching, I did what I have never been in the habit of doing — I went in : and one of the first things I heard you say was, that Jesus Christ was so willing to receive sinners, that He did not object to receiving the devil's castaways. Do you think, sir, that Jesus Christ would receive me?'" Mr. Whitefield assured her there was not a doubt of it, if she was but willing to go to Him. The event resulted in "the sound conversion of the poor old woman." She felt a bright evidence that though her sins had been as scarlet, they were now made as white as snow. Lords Chesterfield, Bolingbroke and Horace Walpole, heard Whitefield with great delight. Chesterfield furnished him a chapel. Hume listened to him with great admiration, and said, "He is the most ingenious-preacher Lever heard: it is worth going twenty miles to hear him." Of the latter part of the sermon he ^aid, "After a solemn pause, Mr. Whitefield thus addressed his numerous auditory' : 'The attendant angel is just about to leave the threshold and ascend to heaven. Shall he ascend and not bear with him the news of one sinner among «7 258 LIFE OF WHITEPIELD. all this multitude, reclaimed from the error of his ways ? ' To give greater effect to his exclamation, he stamped with his foot, lifted up his hands and eyes to heaven, and with gushing tears, cried aloud, ' Stop, Gabriel ! Stop Gabriel ! Stop, ere you enter the sacred portals, and yet carry with you the news of one sin- ner converted to God ! ' He then, in the most simple but ener- getic language, described what he called a Saviour's dying love to sinful men, so that almost all the assembly melted into tears. This address was accompanied with such animated, yet natural, action, that it surpassed anything I ever saw or heard from any other preacher." Whitefield had good success among the nobility. Among his converts we find "the Marquis of Lothian, Leven and Rae." Also "honorable women not a few." Also Lady Glenarchy, Lord and Lady Southerland, Lady Gertrude Hotham, the countess of Delitz, and Sir Charles Hotham and many others. Brought up in poverty, with a deep sympathy for the poor, Whitefield had no special predilection for the rich and grciit; yet he delighted to do them good. John Wesley did not like the rich. He says, " I do not desire any intercourse with any persons of quality in England. They do me no good, and I fear I can do none to them. But I love the poor ; in many of them I find pure, genuine grace, unmixed with paint, folly and affectation. How unspeakable is the advantage in point of common sense, which middling people have over the rich!" (Southey's Life of Wesley, p. 294.) But, captivated by Whitefield's eloquence and genius, the rich and great flocked to hear him. And by dealing plainly and honestly with them, he did them much good. In one of his first letters to the Marquis of Lothian, he said, "You do well, my lord, to fear lest your "convictions should wear off. Come then, and lay yourself at the feet of Jesus. As for FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 259 praying in your family, I entreat you, my lord, not to neglect it. You are bound to do it. Apply to Christ for strength to overcome your present fears. They are the effects of pride, or infidelity, or both." — A very plain, pointed letter to a lord. LADY HUNTINGDON. The Right Hon. Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, with her high rank, heroic zeal, deep piety, great wealth and influ- ence, now rendered Mr. Whitefield very important assistance, both among the rich and the poor. Blest with good sense, sound judgment, a fine intellect, and a noble heart, she was one of the most remarkable women of the age. T living for Christ, like Him she went about doing good, conversing and praying with the poor and afflicted. When the Prince of Wales asked Lady Charlotte E. where Lady Huntingdon was, she replied contemptuously, " I suppose she is praying with her beggars." The Prince shook his head, and said, " When I am dying, I think I shall be happy to seize the skirt of Lady Huntingdon's mantle." Possessed of good execu- tive powers, she appointed her chaplains and ministers, had many churches organized, held her annual conferences, and founded a new sect, called after her own name. She did much in healing the unhappy breach between Whitefield and Wesley. After preaching in her house one day, Whitefield said, " Good Lady Huntingdon is indeed a mother in Israel." " She is all in a flame for Jesus!' Crucified to the world, and conse- crated to God, she gave during the last forty years of her life over ^500.000 for the cause of Christ. Pressed for funds, she sold all her jewelry to erect a chapel for the poor. To her Whitefield committed the care of his societies. (Her Life, p. 1.16, v. I.) She died with "a soul filled with joy un- speakable." He said she was "a rich pearl" — p. 353. 26o LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. WHITEFIELD IN SCOTLAND. Having gathered up and revived his scattered flocks in Loudon, early in September, 1748, Whitefield made a third visit to Scotland. While going there, in writing to a discour- aged brother, he said, ''Fear not temporal support. Though I went without scrip or shoe, I have lacked nothing. In Jesus I have possessed all things." He was received very kindly at Glasgow, and vast multitudes flocked to hear him. Although some ministers were a little shy, the congregations seemed larger than ever. Many, both at Edinburgh and Glasgow, came to inform him of their con- version at his former visits. Encouraged with his prospects, he now exclaimed, " Glory be to God, I have hitherto found that the cross of Christ has been lined with love. This has made it easy — this now makes it exceeding light. I fear prosperity' more than affliction." The spirit of opposition, aroused when Whitefield was here about six years ago, he now found still existing in some. "Two synods and a Presbytery," he says, "brought me on the carpet." An effort was made to prohibit him from preaching in any of the seceding churches, but failed. "And all," he says, "has worked for good. The more Lwas blackened, the more the Redeemer comforted me." His old friends became more friendly. His congregations were as large as ever, and his services were more acceptable to God's people. The Seceders disliked him because he did not preach the "Scotch Covenant:" "but blessed be God," he said, "I preach the covenant of grace, and I trust many souls are taught to profit." Dr. Belcher says the churches of Edinburgh Presby- tery were shut against him, but the city always furnished him a church to preach in whenever he visited them. About this time Whitefield had another interview with Ralph Erskine. "It was short, but affecting." On parting, FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND, 26 I Erskine embraced Whitefield, and said, " We have seen strange things." True, they had. Whitefield had been traduced by ministers of a kirk, and Erskine had been expelled from his own Presbytery, of which his own son was a member. The old man said, " It was a sword piercing my heart to see Johnny sitting with them." "Such is life." While in Scotland at this time, Whitefield did a good turn for the college of New Jersey. By cooperating with others, he succeeded in securing an ap- pointment, by the General Assembly, for a public collection for that important institution. This shows his strong missionary spirit. On returning to London, he says, " Good Lady Huntingdon is come to town, and I am to preach at her ladyship's house twice a week to the rich and noble." About thirty had desired to come, and many more were expected. From thirty to sixty attended. There were a few converts among them. Feeling the importance of having a literary institution at Bethesda, with his health much improved, early in December, 1748, he wrote the Georgia Trustees, asking permission to connect an academy with the Orphan House. As ;^5000 had been expended on it, he begged them to relieve it from all rent and taxes, and allow him the use of colored labor on the farm. "White hands," he said, "had left his land unculti- vated." After a short excursion to Gloucester and Bristol, he re- turned to winter quarters, and spent most of the winter in London, without anything remarkable occurring. He still preached twice a week to the nobility at Lady Huntingdon's, with very encouraging prospects. Early in February, 1749. we find him in the midst of "a great stirring among the dry bones at Bristol and Kingswood." "The power of the Lord attended the Word as in days of old." Many were hopefully 262 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. converted. "A lawyer came once, and was so affected that when he got home he invited others to come, which so alarmed his wife that she is afraid he will go mad." " Longing for the fields," Mr. Whitefield now made an excursion to the West. When he reached Kingsgate at 8 o'clock, p. M., he found looo people waiting to hear him. He preached m the street by moonlight, with much power, and was pleased to find that many souls had' been awakened here under his preaching about five years ago. Espying one up in a tree to hear and mock, he exclaimed to him, " Come down, Zaccheus, come down, and receive the Lord Jesus." The Word was backed with power. " He heard, came down, be- lieved, and now adorns the Gospel." At Plymouth "he was received with great joy." Many went ten miles out of town to meet him. Here, where he formerly had so many enemies, he was now welcomed to preach in the new Tabernacle. With many new converts, he says, "Plymouth seems like a new place." Whitefield's un- equaled power in darting the gospel into the sinner's heart, is seen in the following fact : Fixing his eye on Shuter, the tragedian, (z. e., Rambler), one morning at Tottenham Court, while inviting sinners of all classes to come to Jesus, Whitefield said with great em- phasis, "And thou, poor Rambler, who hast long rambled from Him, come thou also. Oh, end thy rambling, and come to Jesus." Shuter was exceedingly struck, and coming to Whitefield, said, " I thought I should have fainted ; how could you serve me so ?" Coming over into Devonshire, he met with much opposi- tion, and "was rudely treated." "While I was praying at Tavistock, some of the baser sort brought a bull and dogs FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 263 and disturbed us much." But "he managed, however," says Dr. Phihp, " to preach down the uproar." BREAKING HEADS AND HEARTS, At Exeter, also, a man came prepared to knock him on the head with a stone, whenever the sermon should furnish an offensive expression. He stood with the stone in his hand. He could find no fault. The sermon soon interested him so that the stone dropped from his hand. Then his heart melted. After the service he went to Whitefield, and said with tears, "Sir, I came to break your head; but God has given me dC broken heart." After a circuit of six hundred miles, he returned to London with fear and trembling lest his health would fail and render him unable to speak to the noble so as to win them to the Saviour. But throwing himself blindfold into his Master's hands, his fear soon left him. Having answered the Bishop of Exeter's "virulent pamphlet" entitled " The enthusiasm of the Methodists and Papists com- pared," which created considerable stir ; and having thanked his enemies for telling him of his mistakes, and being tired of so much public applause, he again renounces any idea of form- ing a new denomination. He says, " I do not want to make a '' sect, or set myself at the head of a party. No, let the name of Whitefield die, so that the cause of .Christ may live. I have seen enough of popularity to be sick of it, and did not the interests of my blessed Master require, my appearing in public, the world should hear but little of me henceforward." Again he says, " I have no party to be at the head of, and through '^ God's grace, I will have none." With his Christ-like unself- ishness, he says, " I think it my highest privilege to be an assistant to all, but the head of none." For " I find a love of power sometimes intoxicates even God's own dear children, 264 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. and makes them to mistake passion and zeal, and an overbear- ing spirit for an authority given them from above. For my own part, I find it much easier to obey than govern, and that it is much safer to be trodden under foot than to have it in one's power to serve others so. Lord Jesus, when thou seest me in danger of tiestling, in pity, tenderest pity, put a thorn in my nest to prevent me from it." Resuming " ranging" again, we find him early in May, 1749, preaching to many thousands in Portsmouth. Most listened very attentively. Some mocked ; but he preached with such great power "that the chief opposer was conquered, and received him into his house with tears of shame and joy." The effect was so deep that he reported to Lady Huntingdon, "that Poj^tsmouth is taken!' With many open fields of usefulness before him now, he says, " I am in a strait, and continually praying. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? I would be as clay in His hands, ready to go whither He is pleased to call me." W^HITEFIELD IN WALES, Mr. Whitefield now made another tour into Wales. Put- ting up at his wife's house at Abergavenny, he spent two days in sweet retirement. " It has been so sweet, that I should be glad never to be heard of again." " But this must not be. A necessity is laid upon me, and woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel." Firing up for his Welsh tour, and dwelling much on God's mercies, he said, " I am lost in wonder, and want a thou- sand lives to spend in the Redeemer's service." His anxiety for his friends' salvation made him sick. Warmed with the Welsh fire, he now preached with such great power and to such vast congregations, that he soon had the pleasure of seeing " Jesus riding on in the chariot of the everlasting gospel." (Philip.) FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 265 The field was so great, and the harvest so white, and his ascendency so complete in Wales, that " not a dog stirred his tongue" during his circuit of eight hundred miles. Sometimes his congregations numbered near 20,000. He visited eight counties, and preached to over 100,000 people. The tour was so laborious that it brought him almost to the grave. After returning to London to welcome his wife from Ber- mudas, be made another tour in the west of England, and preached with great power to vast congregations. Having heard that his character had been aspersed by a Bermuda min- ister, he replied, "I am content to wait till the day of judgment for the clearing up of my character ; and after I am dead, I desire no other epitaph than this, ' Here lies George White- field — what sort of a man he was, the great day will discover.'" Disappointed in not seeing two friends at Gloucester, he charged the disappointment to Providence, and said, " This comforts me, IV/ur^ is, is best!" Before reaching Exeter, Whitefield saw the Bishop's second pamphlet. But it was so virulent and unchristian that he refused to answer it, and said, " O what a happy thing it is to be despised for the sake of Jesus ! When John Huss was burnt, the Bishop of Con- stance painted devils upon paper, and put them round his head ; how soon were they exchanged for a crown of glory !" While preaching one evening in Exeter, the bishop and several of the clergy stood near him and saw 10,000 hearers struck with awe by his touching appeals. The impression was very deep ; but during the service he says, " a drunken man threw three big stones at me. One of them cut my head deeply, and was like to knock me off the table; but blessed be God, I was not dis- composed at all. One stone struck a poor man and knocked him down. Everywhere the work is on the spread ; and since I have been here, we have had some of the most awful, solemn 266 LIFE QF WHITEFIELD. and powerful meetings, that I ever saw at the Tabernacle." Early in September, 1749, he returned to London again, and made another " ranging" tour to Yorkshire, and preached at Andle, Abberford, Haworth, Leeds and Newcastle. At Leeds, with a congregation of 10,000, "they had a great day for the Son of man." Here he preached in the Methodist churches. At Newcastle he was so well pleased to be introduced into the Methodist pulpit by his old friend, Charles Wesley, that he preached four times for them. " Every day the people flocked like doves to their windows to hear the gospel." Praying that God would give him " a pilgrim heart for his pilgrim life," he says, " Surely this is a work that brings with it its own reward. It brings a *heaven into the soul, and causes it, amidst all the scoffs and tauntings of a benighted, ridiculing world, to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." Worn out with his herculean labors, and enfeebled by dis- ease, he says, " I wonder my poor tabernacle is not dissolved every day ; but we are immortal till our work is done. Christ's laborers must live by miracle; if not, I must notlive at all; ,^,for God only knows what I daily endure. My continual vom- itings almost kill me, and yet the pulpit is my cure, so that my friends begin to pity me less, and to leave off that ungrateful c?i\x'i\o\\/ Spare tliyself!''' Yet upon reviewing the labors of another year, he says, " the thought of how little I have done for Jesus sometimes almost breaks my heart. O that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might bewail my barrenness and unfruitfulness in the Church of God. O for a disinterested spirit ! O to be willing to bo poor, that others may be rich ! O to be nothing, that Jesus may be all !" Late in November he went into " winter quarters" at Lon- don, and set up preaching regularly at six o'clock in the morn- FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 267 ing with large congregations. Although in winter quarters, he ceased not to fight the battles of the Lord. Laboring with great success, he says, "The glory of the Lord fills the Taber- nacle, and the shout of a king is heard in our camp." Awak- enings were numerous. Still longing for " his dear America," we now find him pleading again for an academy at Bethcsda. He says, " the house is large, and will hold one hundred. My heart, I trust, is larger, and will hold one thousand." Having enjoyed "a blessed Christmas and New-year," (1750,) to encourage a tried brother he said, " The more successful you are, the more hated you will be by Satan, and the more despised by the world. But O, my dear sir, to me at first it was death to be despised, and worse than death to be laughed at by all. But when I began to consider Him who endured the cross, I then longed to drink of the same cup ; and blessed be God, contempt and I are pretty intimate, and have been for twice seven years. God knows how to train us up for the war. He often makes me bold as a lion ; but I believe there is not a person living more timorous by nature. O let us fol- low Jesus, though it be through a sea of blood. He is the believer's hollow square ; and if we keep close in that, we are impregnable. When so busy that he " scarce had time to eat, with his field of usefulness opening wider and wider," he says, " I want more tongues, more bodies, more souls for the Lord Jesus. Had I ten thousand. He should have them all." He had just enjoyed a most precious season at Plymouth, where he preached several days with great power. And while preaching at Bid- deford, " the power of God so came down that one of the min- isters could scarce stand under it." In writing to Governor Belcher about this time, he says, " The harvest in England is 268 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. exceedingly great." " We have had most dehghtful seasons in London." HIS EARTHQUAKE SERMON, London, about this time, received a terrible shock by an earthquake. With the whole city rocked to and fro, the alarm was awful. Terrified with the awful forebodings, multitudes of the inhabitants fled from the city. Others rushed to Tower Hill, Moorfields and Hyde Park, where they remained all night frantic with fear. Places of public worship were thronged with frightened sinners, especially the Methodist chapels, where thousands came all night, begging admission for God's sake ; while thousands of others ran about the streets filled with con- sternation, fully persuaded that the Day of Judgment had come. Ministers . preached almost incessantly with great success. Under these appalling circumstances, Whitefield ventured out at midnight to Hyde Park, and proclaimed to the affrighted multitudes the way of life. " The darkness of the night and the awful terrors of an approaching earthquake added much to the solemnity of the scene." With the earth rocking, the rumbling noise roaring, and the people wailing, the scene was terrible beyond description. Wrought up by the importance, awfulness, grandeur and glory of the occasion, with his mighty genius and vivid imagination, his sermon was' truly grand and sublime. Discoursing upon the terrible realities of the final Judgment (as many believed it had come), "to the ungodly sinner, the self-righteous Pharisee and the artful hypocrite, it was terribly striking." To see Whitefield describe the sound- ing of the last trumpet, the coming of Christ, the rising of the dead, the setting of the Judgment, and the terrible finalities of that awful day — to hear him pronounce the final sentence, "Come, ye blessed," and "Depart, ye cursed," and then describe FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 269 the wicked going down to hell, and the righteous going home to heaven, together with the final consummation of all things, was enough to awaken the most careless. On returning from Portsmouth^ " where the Word seemed to strike like a pointed arrow," and finding Lady Huntingdon sick, Whitefield started, May i, 1750, to Ashley, to see her. On his way there he had a very pleasant interview with Dr. Doddridge and Rev. Mr. Hervey at Northampton. On Tuesday morning Whitefield preached to the doctor's family, and in the afternoon to over 2000 in the fields. His principal object in visiting Dr. Doddridge and Mr. Hervey, was to secure a public / subscription for New Jersey College. The doctor entered heartily into the plan, and did much to advance the work. Whitefield preached several sermons in its behalf, and large collections were raised for it both in England and Scotland. Mr. Hervey says of this interview, " I have seen, lately, that most excellent minister of the ever-blessed ^esus, Mr. White- field. I dined, supped, and spent the evening with him at Northampton, in company with Dr. Doddridge and two piOus, ingenious clergymen of the Church of England, both of them known to the learned world by their valuable writings. And surely I never spent a more delightful evening, or saw one that seemed to make nearer approaches to the felicity of heaven. A gentleman of great worth and rank in the town, invited us to his house, and gave us an elegant treat ; but how mean was his provision, how coarse his delicacies, com- pared with the fruit of my friend's lips ; they dropped as the honey-comb, and were a well of life. Surely, people do not know that amiable and exemplary man, or else, I cannot but think, instead of depreciating, they would applaud and love him. For my part, I never beheld so fair a copy of our Lord, such a living image of the Saviour, such exalted delight in 2/0 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. God, such enlarged benevolence to man, such a steady faith in the divine promises, and such a fervent zeal for the divine glory ; and all this without the least moroseness of humor, or extravagances of behavior; sweetened with the most engaging cheerfulness of temper, and regulated by all the sobriety of reason and wisdom of scripture ; in so much, that I carmot forbear applying the wise man's encomium of an illustrious woman, to this eminent minister of the everlasting gospel : Many sons have done virtuously, but thou cxcellest them all." On reaching Ashley, Mr. Whitefield found Lady Hunting- don better than he expected. He preached at her house daily. A riot gathered before her door while he was preach- ing. In going home some narrowly escaped being mur- dered. After leaving Ashley he preached to many thou- sands at Milburn with much power. Mr. Whitefield now wrote very frequently to the nobility. To the afflicted Countess D , he says, "Sanctified afflic- tions are signs of God's special love. Love holds the rod, love strikes, love wounds, and love heals again." Again he says, " I cannot travel far without sitting down to refresh my soul by writing to Lady Huntingdon." Winding his way to Scotland through the north of Eng- land, he preached to very large congregations, with great power and success at Mansfield, Nottingliam, Rothe;-ham, Sheffield and Manchester. At Bolton he was disturbed by a drunkard, but " the Lord got tlimself the victory." " Since that we have had very large and powerful meetings where formerly were the most violent outrages." Here some one got into the stable and cut his chaise and his horse's tail. This he called "Satan showing his teeth." Passing over into Kendal, he says, "Pen cannot well describe what glorious scenes have opened in Yorkshire." With the church nearly FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 2/ 1 thrice filled with communicants at Howarth, and with large congregations thirsting for the gospel, he said " a most prom- ising door is opened at Kindal." After preaching at Ulverton, Whitehaven and Cocker- mouth he struck for Scotland. Speaking generally twice a day, he preached during his tour from London to Scotland about ninety times, and to about 140,000 people. He says, " Preaching every day in the week, is the best preparation for preaching on the Sabbath." "It is amazing to see how people are prepared in places where I never was before." Mr. Whitefield strongly opposed both unconverted and un- educated men preaching the gospel. He said in 1750, "It has long since been my judgment, that it would be best for many of the present preachers to have a tutor, and retire a while, till they were a little more improved." "To have young men educated at the Orphan House, and then turned out into the Church graceless and unconverted, would break my heart."* WHITEFIELD IN SCOTLAND, Reaching Edinburgh July 6, he says, " I was received in a. most loving and tender manner." He immediately com- menced preaching, he says, " to great multitudes of very atten- * Several young men of Yorkshire once met to mimic Whitefield's preaching. After several had tried it, iVIr. Thorpe rose to close the irreverent exercises. Confident of success, he boldly mounted the stand and said, " I wUl beat you all." Grasping the Bible, as if guided by an unerring Providence, it opened at Luke xiii. 3, " Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." The Word proved an arrow from God's quiver, and piercing his heart, immediately took a very deep effect. Feeling at once that /te must repent or perish, he retired to weep over his sms, and to beg God for mercy. His short sermon made a very deep impression on his audience, and resulted in his own conversion. He became a very successful preacher of the Gospel. 2/2 LIFE Ob- VVHITEFIELD. tivc and affected hearers. The people flock rather more than ever. By preaching always twice, once thrice, and once four times in a day, I am quite weakened, but I hope to recruit again. I am burning with a fever, and have a violent cold ; but Christ's presence makes me S7m/c at pain, and the fire of love burns up all fevers whatsoever." At Glasgow he was received in a similar manner, and preached with a similar effort to "congregations rather larger than ever." "There was a great awakening among all classes." Longing to depart from these lofty heights of glory, he says, "the thoughts of death gladden my heart, and cause me often almost to leap with joy." With his natural sprightliness, playful humor and ready wit, Whitefield's conversation, says Dr. Gillies, "was no less reviving than his sermons. When in company with his good friends, Mr. MacLaurin and others, one might challenge the sons of pleasure with all their wit, good humor and gayety to furnish entertainment so agreeable, useful and edifying." HIS RETURN TO ENGLAND. After a short stay and an affectionate parting in Scotland, he returned to London early in September, and "was received with great joy." He says, "My poor labors never met with greater acceptance in England and Scotland than now." Here he was visited by Rev. Drs. Gill, Gifford, the Wesleys, Ro- maine and Hervey. After preaching several times in Mr. Wesley's chapel in London, Me says in October, " We have had very pleasant seasons at Portsmouth, Chatham, Gloucester, Birmingham, Wednesbury, Eversham and Nottingham." And finding a brother in a struggle at Canterbury, where " Satan had overshot his mark," he said to him, "Your way to fight is on your knees. That weapon, all-prayer, will do wonders." FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 2/3 At Ashby, he said Lady Huntingdon's house "was indeed a Bethel ; we have the Sacrament every morning, heavenly conversation all day, and preaching at night." Though severely afflicted, he passed out of the old into the new year of 1 75 1, with many awakenings in London, and longing to enter upon his spring campaign. He was so low at one time that he says, "I was just casting anchor; but now it seems I must put out to sea again. O, that it may be to direct others to the haven of eternal rest." And feeling, as he said, that '^ the world wants more Jieat tJian light" and fearing that he would fall back, he now often prayed, " Let us not flag in the latter stages of our road." " Fain would I burn with love and grati- tude like a seraph." Having received an express call to visit Lady Huntingdon, who was then sick, he rode post haste to Ashby to see her. He found her better, and entreated all their friends to pray for her. Her sister-in-law, Lady F. H., had just died suddenly without a groan. Whitefield said, " May my exit be like hers. To me it is worse than death to live to be nursed and see friends weep about me. Sudden death is sudden glory." The amount of labor Whitefield endured was wonderful. To ride hundreds of miles on horseback, from one ei.d of the kingdom to the other, resting a day or two, and then starting off again on a new tour in another direction, was with him an ordinary occurrence. For instance, in August he is in Edin- burgh, and on the 4th of September at Portsmouth. Accustomed to the institution of slavery in England and ^ the American colonies, and convinced of the advantages of slave-labor in cultivating his Orphan House farm and the colony of Georgia, he says, " As for the lawfulness of keeping slaves, I have no doubt, since I hear of some that were bought \ with Abraham's money and some that were born in his house. 18 274 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. And I cannot help thinking that some of those servants men- tioned by the Apostles in the Epistles, were or had been slaves." (Letter 887.) He fully believed that Georgia suffered much for the want of negro labor. Commencing another spring campaign early in March, he visited Bristol, Gloucester and Exeter, and says, " the work on this side of the Atlantic increases daily." He preached about forty times in about forty days, with many sweet seasons of refreshing. Leaving Exeter, he now passed over into Wales, and rode about five hundred miles in about three weeks, and preached twice a day with great power to very large congregations. IRELAND, Still ranging • for souls, after a voyage of five days, he reached Dublin May 24, 1751, and "was surprised at the great- ness and hurry of the place." Here he preached twice a day with great success to very large congregations. On the Sab- bath he had about 10,000 hearers. "They hear as for eter- nity." Though feeble in health, he soon set out for an- other circuit, and at Athlone, he says, "Everywhere there seems to be a stirring among the dry bones." Dublin and Limerick were deeply stirred. At Cork, where there had recently been such great riots, he preached several times to vast congregations with all quietness. "When I left," he said, "thousands prayed for me, and many of the papists said if I would stay they would leave their priests." A Dublin gentleman to whom Mr. Whitefield had been grossly misrep- resented says, " What blessed seasons have we had since Mr. Whitefield came ; his coming has been unspeakably blest to many ; thousands attend constantly. I never heard a man preach holiness of heart in a clearer manner. He powerfully FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 2/5 preaches Christ for us and m us. God be praised that I ever saw his face." He reached Belfast July 4th, and snatched a few mo- ments to answer Mr. Tennent's letter. He intended to embark at once for Scotland, but pressed by the people, he staid and gave them two more sermons. " Thousands gathered to hear him in an hour's time." Having preached about eighty times in Ireland, he re- turned to Glasgow, and says, " Scotland seems like a new world to mc. To see the people bring so many Bibles, turn to every passage, when I am expounding, and hang as it were upon me to hear every word, is very encouraging. I feel uncommon freedom of heart here." Passing down to Edinburgh, he speaks of "the great awakening" at Hanover, Virginia, brought about by reading his sermons there years ago ; where one congregation, he says, "had now increased to seven." Being scarce of funds, he said, " God will keep me dependent. Having nothing, yet possessing all things, must be my motto still." " Matters in Scotland go on better and better. The parting at Glasgow was very sorrowful indeed. For nearly twenty-eight days together, in Glasgow and Edinburgh, he preached to near 10,000 souls every day." Dr. Gillies says there was something exceed- ingly striking in the solemnity of the congregations. "The whole multitude stood fixed, and like one man, hung upon his lips with silent attention." Thus wrought up by the in- spiration of the occasion, with all bathed in tears, their part- ing was peculiarly solemn and impressive. He says, " I have been dying daily for some time in taking leave of friends. Surely these parting seasons have broken my very heart." "But it is all for Jesus, and therefore all is well," CHAPTER XXVII. HIi,5 FOURTH VISIT TO AMERICA RETURN- IN GREAT BRITAIN. -FURTHER LABORS FTER a weeping farewell at Edinburgh, he returned to England, and embarked for Amer- ica Late in August, 175 1. Ele sailed in the Antelope, Capt. MacLellan, and after a speedy voyage reached Savannah, Ga., October 27, 1 75 1, and "found the Orphan House in a flourishing condition. Thanks be to God, all is well at Bethesda." Still on the stretch for God, and conscious of the little he had done for Him, he said, January 25, 1752, at Bethesda, "I now intend to begin ; for as yet, alas, I have done nothing for Christ. O, that I may begin to be in earnest!" Whitefield's short visit to America at this time seems to have been mainly to establish a theological school at Bethesda, and in placing the government of the colony of Georgia upon a new footing. Desiring now " to carry all his strength to the Orphan House, he now hoped a good founda- tion was laid for a useful seminary." With the Orphan House affairs settled, and dreading, in his feeble health, the heat of an American summer, late in April, 1752, he sailed for England on board the Henry. He reached London in about five weeks, and "was received with great affec- tion." Upon reviewing the field, he says, " I never saw the work go on more promising." Mrs. Whitefield came from Scotland to see him. (276) HIS FOURTH VISIT TO AMERICA. 2// As the government of the colony of Georgia now passed from the trustees to the king of England, Whitefield was very much encouraged with the prospects of his proposed theolog- ical school at Bethesda. He was very anxious to have men trained there to preach the gospel. After preaching several times with great power to vast con- gregations at Bristol, he again passed over into Wales, where "old times seemed to be revived again." He preached in the rain, but he says, "but few moved. I got wet, and contracted a cold and hoarseness ; but I trust that preaching will cure me again. This is my grand catholicon. O that I may drop and die in my blessed Master's work ! " Having traveled over 300 miles, and preached about twenty times on his Welsh circuit, he returned to England, and found the congregations at Haverford-west unusually large. At Gloucester he attended a very refreshing association. Thence he went to Bristol, where he preached to vast crowds at the Annual Fair, In his lette? to Benjamin Franklin he says, " I find that you grow more and more famous in the learned world As you have made a pretty considerable progress in the mysteries of electricity, I would now humbly recommend to your dili- gent unprejudiced pursuit and study the mystery of the new birtli. It is a most important, interesting study, and when mastered, will richly answer and repay you for all your pains. One at whose bar we are shortly to appear, hath solemnly de- clared, that without it, 'we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.' You will excuse this freedom, I must have aliquid Christi (something about Christ) in all my letters." SCOTLAND. Mr. Whitefield now took another tour to Scotland. In going there he preached twice at Lutterworth, the famous 278 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. John Wyckliffe's parish, and at Liecester, where they threw turnips at him the first sermon, but where all was hushed the second. "At Newcastle he was as it were arrested to stay. He staid, and preached four times more with most precious results." He reached Edinburgh about the middle of Sep- tember, and immediately commenced preaching twice a day to great multitudes. Abundance of the higher classes, and many young ministers and students, attended daily. Several were deeply convicted. At Glasgow the effect was much the same. " For about twenty-eight days," he says, " I suppose I did not preach to less than 10,000 every day." He returned to England about the first of November, and was so happy, he says, "Since I left Newcastle I have scarcely known sometimes whether I have been in heaven, or upon earth." " Blessed be God, I find Christ's service to be perfect freedoniy And with his burning desire to preach the Gospel increasing, he exclaimed, "O that I had as many tongues as there are hairs upon my head ! The loving Jesus should have them all. Fain would I die preaching." Overcome with joy in reaching London, he said, " My eyes gush out with tears. More blessed seasons we never enjoyed. Our sacramental seasons have been exceedingly awful and re- freshing. The glory of the Lord fills the Tabernacle. We have heaven upon earth." "I cannot help crying out night and day, grace! grace!'' THE NEW TABERNACLE. With "Dear America upon my heart," Whitefield said, December 20, 1752, "We are now about to erect a new taber- nacle eighty feet square, which I fear will detain me in Eng- land the ensuing summer." He laid "the first brick," the foun- dation of it "with awful solemnity," March i, 1753, with an appropriate sermon from Exodus xx. 24. "The building is HIS FOURTH VISJT TO .VM ERICA. 2/9 to be eighty feet square. It stands on the old spot," in Moor- "fields, in the suburbs of London. He had now collected £i lOO for its erection. Mr. Whitefield preached at its dedi- cation, June lo, 1753, from i Kings viii. ii, to a densely- crowded house. The old Tabernacle, or "temporary shed," was built to screen the congregations from cold and rain in their early morning meetings. It was opened June, 1741. The new one was built around it. It had been the scene of many conversions and blessed seasons. The fields were now so white and ready to harvest in Wales, Scotland and the 7iorth of Etiglajtd, he said, " I could sometimes scarce tell whether I was in or out of the body." " Longing for a deeper humility, and conscious of the diffi- culty of getting it, he says, " Humility must be taught us, as Gideon taught the men of Succoth, with briers and thorns : these will frequently fetch blood from the old man. O that we may be made willing to have him bleed to death. Away with him, away with him ; crucify him, crucify him." Hence he says, "It is good for me that I have been supplanted, despised, censured, maligned and separated from my dearest friends. By this I have been taught to ivrap myself in Christ's everlasting righteousness." Deeply impressed with the value of time, and the awful realities of eternity, he said, on New Year's day, 1753, "the very mentioning of the word eternity is enough to make one dead to the world and alive to God. Had we faith but as a grain of mustard seed, how should we trample the world, the flesh, the devil, death and hell under our feet. ' Lord, increase our faith ! ' " " Where reason fails with all its powers, There faith prevails, and love adores." 280 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. His "best" New Year's gift to Lady Huntingdon was, "I wish you much of Christ's love shed abroad in your heart." " My heart is full. O what a Christ have we ! God help us to love Him more and serve Him better! All is alive at the tabernacle." While the Tabernacle was building, Whitefield continued his excursions around about London, and preached frequently in Mr. Wesley's chapels. At Norwich, in spite of all opposi- tion, he says, "God has caused us to triumph." "Preaching so frequently and riding so hard almost killed me." Within a little over two weeks he rode 350 miles, and preached over twenty times. During the whole circuit he " rode about 700 miles, and preached to many thousands. Yet," he says, "no one receives so much and does so little." Having preached a few days in his tabernacle at London, late in June he set out for Scotland. After precious meetings at Oulney and Northampton, to a minister complaining of his small salary (when he had a competency), Whitefield said, " Will you never give up your whole heart to God ? Was this done, you would count the work of the ministry its oivn zvages, and esteem the reproach of Christ above all the riches of the universe. The pleasure I have had but this week, in preaching the gospel, I would not part with for a thousand worlds." "bitter persecutors" converted. Although repeatedly disturbed whila preaching at Roth- eram, "two bitter persecutors" were converted under his ser- mons there, and afterwards "gladly received him into their house." And says he, "while I was baptizing a child there, the Holy Spirit was pleased to baptize several with fire." At Leeds the blessing was so great, he says, " What we saw, and felt, and heard, cannot well be expressed." "Thou- sands attended daily " On Sabbath he preached three times, HIS FOURTH VISIT TO AMERICA. 28 1 and to near twenty thousand at once. " Many came to me that were awakened at my former visit." "At Bunstall and Brad- ford, with many thousands to hear, many were filled as with new wine, and, as for myself, I scarce knew whether I was in heaven or on earth. We had a glorious parting blessing." The prospect all around is so glorious, I almost repent that I have engaged to go to Scotland." And when he got there, July 2 1st, he said, "I have left a people full of fire, but here I am afraid of catching cold." There, "thousands and thou- sands flocked to hear the glorious gospel. Awakenings I have heard of in every place ; saints have been revived, and heaven, as it were, come down on earth. We have enjoyed perpetual Cambuslang seasons. My eyes gush out with tears at the very thought of it. Had I one thousand souls and bodies, they should all be itinerants for Jesus Christ. I want to see all on a flame of fire." Reaching Edinburgh, all of a blaze, he says, ''Let me now begin to preach more than ever!' At Glasgow, July 25, 1753, " Yesterday I was enabled to preach five times, and to near twenty thousand the last time, and to almost as many in the morning." "The people are more fond than ever to hear." Though earnestly besought to stay in Scotland another week, he leftthe next week for England. "After a heart-breaking parting," he says, "with great difficulty" I got away. It was almost too much for my weak body." His return by the same road was a continual scene of ecstatic joy and triumphant revival. At Leeds, he says, "We have been in the suburbs of heaven." "What the Saviour gave us to see and feel here is indeed inexpressible." At Stockport, "the blessing was almost too much for our frail natures to bear." At the Communion at Howarth, he exclaimed, "What a Sacrament!" "The parting at Leeds 252 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. was the most affecting I ever saw." To one society one hun- dred had been added. On reaching London, September 26, 1753, in summing up this three months' campaign, he says, "I have traveled about twelve hundred miles, and preached about one hundred and eighty sermons. A more successful campaign I never saw : parting has almost killed me." Yet, from these lofty heights of glory and success, with a deep sense of his own unfruitfulness and imperfections, Mr. White- field said, soon after, " My doings and writings appear to me in so mean a light that I think they deserve to be buried in eter- nal oblivion." ^ " Near forty years old, and snc/i a dwarf ! I am ready to sink into the earth, when I consider how little I can do for Jesus. Let none of my friends cry to such a sluggish worm, ' Spare thyself, but, rather, spur vie on!' Fond of breaking up new ground, after a short stay at London, with his insatiable thirst to preach the gospel, he set out upon another tour to Staffordshire. This was a new field. On it he preached at Oulney, Oxen, Bosworth, Kettering and Bedford, in one week. At Gurnall, a whole company was awakened by reading his sermons. Though "Satan roared,' notorious drunkards and noted rebels were powerfully con- victed. At Chester and Liverpool, they had very precious seasons. Although disturbed by mobs at Wrexham and Nantwich, at Alperan he says, " We had another heaven upon earth." " By thorns and briers the old man must be scratched to death." Thus, in one excursion after another, he went on " ranging for souls" and traveling for Christ. After "refreshing showers" at Gloucester, his native place, on November 20th, he went down and opened " the New Tabertiacle at Bristol." "It is large," he said, "but not half large enough; would the HIS FOURTH VISIT TO AMERICA. 283 place contain them, I believe near as many more would attend as in London." Although piercing cold, early in December he went over and preached several times in Somersetshire, once to a vast congregation in the open air. With his soul on fire, he did not mind the cold. All was hushed and exceeding solemn. On December 3, Whitefield said. "I am now hasting to London to pay my last respects to my dying friend, Mr. John Wesley. I pity the Church, I pity myself, but not him. A radiant throne awaits him. Yonder stands Jesus with a massy crown, ready to put it on his head amidst an admiring throng of saints and angels." After "a lovely close of the summer's campaign in Glou- cestershire," with refreshing seasons in London, December 26, 1753, he received a visit from Revs. Gilbert Tennent and Samuel Davies, commissioners from America, to take up a general collection in Scotland for the Presbyterian College of New Jersey. He gave them letters of recommendation, and did all he could to assist them. Touching their visit with Mr. Whitefield, Rev. Mr. Davies said, "The kind reception he gave us revived Mr. Tennent. He spoke in the most encouraging manner as to the success of our mission, and in all his con- versations discovered so much zeal and candor, that I could not but admire the man as "the wonder of the age." "When we returned, Mr. Tennent's heart was all on fire, and after we had gone to bed, he suggested that we should watch and pray ; and we arose and prayed together till about 3 o'clock in the morning." Mr. Davies was afterwards for several years president of this college. Although Mr. Whit-efield had been compelled from a sense 284 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. of duty, this year, he says, "with a bleeding heart to draw the pen against some self-designing Moravians, who had drawn away some of his followers," yet he closed the year in an ecstasy, "With scores under deep conviction" at London, he says, "God's people are abundantly blessed. Last night the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. The blessing was so great I cannot tell you half I am lost, I am lost in wonder. I must retire to give vent to my heart." Although Whitefield passed out of the old year in a halo of glory, yet feeling himself to be "a barren fig tree," he en- tered upon the new year 1754, with a soul panting for God. Although he says "every sermon preached this winter has been brought out of the furnace of affliction," yet still long- ing for more holiness, he cries, " Welcome, flux, welcome, fever, welcome, the plague itself, if sanctified to bring us nearer to God." Like Basil, Whitefield could pray Jesus " give me any cross, that may bring me in subjection to 77zy cross; and save me in spite of myself." CHAPTER XXVIII. HIS FIFTH VISIT TO AMERICA. AVING gathered up twenty-two poor orphans for Bethesda, Mr. Whitefield sailed for Amer- ica, by way of Lisbon, March 7, 1754. He reached Lisbon, March 16, and was most kindly received and entertained by a reputable merchant. The climate of Portugal agreed with him very well. The sight of so many crucifixes, images and popish processions, to him was new, striking and affecting. By invitation, he dined with the consul, and saw something every day to make him more thankful. And when he saw the vain pomp, superstition and gross corruptions of popish Portugal, he thanked God that he had been born in England, and exclaimed, " O happy England ! O, my dear friends, bless the Lord of all lords for casting your lots in such a fair country as England." Es- pecially was he moved with compassion and indignation when he saw the "awful mock crucifixion of the Son of God" in a church, and a crowd of near two hundred "penitents" in chains, passing along the streets whipping and lashing them- selves "with cords and flat bits of iron." Attended by many thousands, hushed in profound silence, these "Lent" cere- monies were conducted with great solemnity. His prayer for this deluded people was, "Father, forgive them, for they knov not what they do." These strange sights taught him how to prize Protestant liberty and Christian simplicity more than ( 28s ) 286 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. ever. " Fain would I be one of Christ's bees, and learn to extract honey from every flower. But, alas ! I am a drone, and deserve to be stung out of God's hive." — W. After an " easy passage " of six weeks from Lisbon, he reached Beaufort, South Carolina, May 27, 1754, with his orphan charge all quite well. After settling them in Bethesda, his family numbered 106, all dependent on him for support. But trusting ki the Lord, he had no fears. The colony, as well as Bethesda, "was now in a thriving condition." Encouraged with the conversion of one clergyman, and the call of one Bethesda student to Charleston, he now rode whole nights in spite of thunder, lightning and heavy rains. HIS NORTHERN TOUR. After ranging some six weeks in the hot "sunny South," and having received pressing invitations "to cross-plough " his old ground, and to water where he had planted, late in July he sailed for New York. He reached there July 27, and imme- diately commenced preaching to large, attentive congregations. Struck with the great changes wrought, he said, "it is time for me to learn to be surprised at nothing." Enjoying God's smiles, he says, " His presence keeps me company, and I find it sweet to run about for Him." At Philadelphia he had a severe attack of cholera morbus, which brought him nigh unto death. He says, " I had all my cables out, ready to cast anchor within the port of eternity, but was soon put to sea again," although only able to preach but once a day for some time. With "a glorious range in the American woods," he now preached backwards and forwards from New York to Philadel- phia for near two months. September 30th, he says, " Every- where a divine power accompanies the Word, prejudices have HIS FIFTH VISIT TO AMERICA. 28/ been removed, and a more effectual door opened than ever for preaching the everlasting gospel." He had just now enjoyed the privilege of attending the annual commencement of New Jersey College, at Newark, where he was so much refreshed with the company of a whole synod of Presbyterian ministers, that it almost seemed to him "like heaven upon earth." He preached for them several times, and says, " such a number of simple-hearted, united ministers I never saw before." The trustees of this college now honored him with the degree of A. M. He said, "I was exceedingly delighted with the com- mencement. Surely this college is of God. It is the purest sem- inary that I have known." After enjoying a night with his dear old friend, Governor Belcher, Mr. Whitefield, accompanied by Rev. Aaron Burr, the distinguished president of the college, set out for New England, He reached Boston October 9th, and found " the people more eager than ever to hear the gospel." His reception, he says, "was far superior to that of fourteen years ago." With souls flocking like doves to the windows, he saith, " a most lovely scene hath opened in Boston. In the morning before seven o'clock, though the churches will hold about 4000, yet many were obliged to go away, and I was helped in through the window." And with like scenes in the country and at Portsmouth, with "enemies silenced," and the friends of Jesus triumphing gloriously, " the prospect was most promising indeed." " Convictions fasten, and many souls are comforted. The polite are taken, opposition falls, and Jesus shows forth His glory." And with like precious seasons when he preached at Salem, Ipswich, Newburyport, Rowley, Byfield, Exeter, etc., he says, "This expedition seems to be the most important one I was ever employed in." Yet he says, "not a hundredth part can be told." During it he traveled, in five months, near 2000 miles, and preached about 230 times. 288 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, While at Boston he learned with great joy that a governor had been appointed for Georgia, and that his old friend, Haber- sham, had been appointed secretary. Leaving Boston November 7th, he passed over into Rhode Island, where he said, "I now have a fourteen hundred miles ride before me." But having Christ for his leader he had noth- ing to fear, and soon set out "to preach all the way to Georgia." But of this "ride" he, nor any one else, gives us but little account. At Bohemia, Maryland, December 27, he says, " I have just taken leave of the northern provinces," where, at the close of this glorious campaign, he exclaimed, "O what days of the Son of man have I seen!" On January 17, 1755, we find him in Virginia, on the borders of North Carolina, with the rich and poor flocking to hear him. "Many," he says, "came forty or fifty miles, and a spirit of conviction and consolation seemed to go through all the assemblies." " Arrows of conviction have fled, and, I believe, stuck fast. Seed sown several years ago hath sprung up and brought forth fruit, and, blessed be God, I see a vast alteration for the better." He was welcomed back to his old field in Hanover county, Virginia. While here, he preached in Richmond and two other neighboring churches with a very deep effect. He says, " I have not been here a week, and have had the pleasure of seeing many impressed under the Word every day." "Preju- dices I find subsiding, and some of the rich and great are beginning to think favorable of the work of God." Several of the lower class acknowledged to him what the Lord had done for them when he was here before. Skipping over North Carolina, in his record. Dr. Gillies says Whitefield reached Charleston in February. After vis- iting Savannah and Bethesda, we find him, March 3, back HIS FIFTH VISIT TO AMERICA. 289 again to Charleston, where he had the pleasure of seeing a Bethesda student ordained to preach the gospel and a noted Charleston sinner hopefully converted to God. Weary, worn and afflicted, he now says, "My soul hath been pierced with many arrows." " But amidst everything I am -comforted with the present situation of Bethesda. Had I wings like a dove, how often would I have fled to it since my departure from it." His few last hours there were among the happiest hours of his life. The letters he received from Bethesda, when at Charleston, he says, "made me weep, and caused me to throw myself prostrate before a prayer-hearing and promise-keeping God." To sum up the precious results of this tour, he says, " Words cannot express the glorious scenes that have opened in various places, especially at Boston." "The tide ran full as high as ever it did in Edinburgh, or in any part of Scotland." And when we look at its effects upon New England, New York, Philadelphia and Virginia, its influ- ence must have been very great upon the entire American Church. Yet, says Dr. Philip, "We see only the mighty impulse Whitefield gave." We close this chapter with two anecdotes. On one occa- sion when Whitefield was preaching in an open field, a drum- mer present, determined to interrupt him, violently beat his drum in order to drown his voice. Whitefield spoke very loud, but could not drown the noise of the drum. " He there- fore called out to the drummer. Friend, you and I serve the two greatest masters existing, but in different callings. You beat up for volunteers for King George, I for the Lord Jesus ; in God's name, then, let us not interrupt each other ; the world is wide enough for both, and we may get recruits in abund- ance." Overcome with the touching appeal, "the drummer 19 290 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. went away in great good-humor, and left the preacher in full possession of the field,"* *When preaching on the banks of a river in Virginia, in speaking of the strength of human depravity, and the insufficiency of the means of grace to con- vert a sinner without the aid of God's Spirit, he said, " Sinners, think not that I expect to convert a single soul of you by anything that I can say, without the assistance of Him who is ' mighty to save.' Go and stand by that river, as it moves on its strong and deep current to the ocean, and bid it stop, and see if it will obey you. Just as soon should I expect to stop that river by a word, as by my preaching to stop that current of sin which is carrying you to perdition !" The impression was so deep that many were ready to cry, " Save, Lord ; we perish !" CHAPTER XXIX. FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND 1755-6-7-8. FTER this grand tour in America, late in March, Whitefield again embarked for Eng- . land. Sailing on "The Friendship," Capt. Bell, after a six weeks' voyage, he reached New Haven, in Sussex, May 8, 1755. Abund- antly blessed in his labors, he says, " I left America with regret. There the Gospel runs and is glorified." On reaching London, he was much rejoiced to find "that so many young men had lately been stirred up to preach the Gospel." With "Golden seasons at the Tabernacle, and 'many awakenings at Oxford,' he rejoiced exceeding." Writing to Lady Huntingdon, he says, "What a blessed week have we had ! Surely sinners have come like a cloud, and fled like doves to the windows. "What a happiness is it to be absorbed and swallowed up in God ! Tears trickle from my eyes, while I am thinking 01 your Ladyship's condescending to patronize such a dead dog as I am. But it is because I belong to Jesus." Late in June, we find him on " his first excursion " preach- ing two or three times a day to vast crowds in Bristol, Bath and Gloucestershire, where " the people heard him as for eter- nity." And crucified to the world and longing for God, he says, " I am sick of myself, sick of the world, sick of the (291) 292 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Church, and am panting daily for the full enjoyment of my Loi-.I." 1 n August he went to Norwich to dedicate the new Taber- nacle, where he says, " Although offences have come, there has been a glorious work begun, and is now carrying on there. The polite and great seem to hear with much attention, and I scarce ever preach a week together with greater freedom." "Errors have been detected, sinners convicted, saints edi- fied, and my own soul sweetly refreshed." The church here had increased so fast that soon it numbered eight hundred unusually pious members. Though much absorbed and greatly rejoiced in this glorious work at Norwich, his affections still clung to Boston. He says, " My heart is so full for dear New England, I must go to God and vent it. O, America, how dear dost thou lie upon my heart. God preserve it from popish tyranny and arbitraiy power." On returning to Lon- don, many urged him to engage in controversy with the Wes- leys, but he replied, " I have no time for controversy." HIS NORTHERN TOUR. Still retaining his old name, " The chief of si?mers," though "often on the suburbs of heaven" at the Tabernacle, he now set out on his northern circuit for Yorkshire. He reached Northampton September i, 1755, " where they had many blessed seasons. " While visiting his friend Hervey, at Weston Fa veil, in reproving a friend for his worldliness, he said, " Strange ! that five per cent, from man, should be preferred to a hundred fold from God." After a precious visit at Lady Huntingdon's at Newcastle, he says, "Jesus hath crowned and blessed my feeble labors all the way." At Liverpool, Bolton, Manchester, Bradford and Leeds, he preached with his usual power and success. At Bolton the cup of many ran over. FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. 293 Many were awakened at York, and at Leeds they had a joy unutterable, but with him it was very soon turned to sorrow ; for unknown to him they had gone on and almost finished a large church in order to form a separate congregation. Hence he "feared an awful separation in the societies." He did all he could to prevent it. But believing it rose from a selfish spirit, he exclaimed, "O this self love, this self-will! It is tlie devil of devils. Lord Jesus may Thy blessed spirit purge it out of all our hearts." With loud calls from all sides to go and preach, he now scarcely knew what to do. He had traveled far and preached hard three times a day for many successive days with great success. Yet with summer ended and winter begun, and feel- ing himself "an unfruitful dwarf," he exclaimed, " O, my God! how little have I done ! O, that I could preach three hundred times a day, all would be too little to testify my feeble love to the ever-loving Jesus." During the two-months' circuit, he traveled about eight hundred miles and preached about one hundred and sixty sermons. On returning to London Octo- ber 30, he said, " Never did I see the Word more blessed, or so many thousands run after it with greater greediness." Yet withal they tell me " I grow fat." "O that I may grow in grace, especially in humility." whitefield's patriotism. With an ardent love to his Saviour, Whitefield had also a very warm attachment to his country. And during this ex- cursion his patriotism was so much aroused that he said, " Next to inviting the masses to Christ, I have always ex- horted them to pray for King George, and our dear friends in America. Next to Jesus, my king and viy country were upon 7ny heart:' This sounds much like Bishop Simpson's immortal 294 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. words, "Nail the Flag just below the Cross." Or like the heroic soldier's dying words, " Stand by the Flag and cling to the Cross." On a former occasion Whitefield Texclaimed, " O, my ignor- ance ! my ignorance!" and whether or not he returned from this excursion with a deeper sense of his sin, and a stronger desire for light we now find him earnestly searching to know God and his own heart. He cries, "O, for further searches into the heights and depths of God ! O, for further leadings into the chambers of that selfish, sensual and devilish imagery that yet lie latent in my partly renewed heart. This self-love, what a Proteus/ This self-will, what an Hydra f This re- maining body of sin and death, what an Ayitkhrist ! what a hell ! what a red dragon! what a cursed monster is it ! How hard, how slow he dies !" Yet filled with unutterable joy, he exclaimed in the same letter, " Glory, glory be to God, this is only the dawning of an eternal day." (Letter 1109.) Although he "grew fat" during this excursion, late in November he had a bad sore throat and a severe attack of "inflammatory quinsy." One doctor prescribed "silence and warmth" as a probable cure. But "the medicine of silence" for him was very painful, yet he promised to be very obedient. "Another physician," he says, "prescribed a perpetual blister, but I have found perpetual preaching to be a better remedy. When this grand catholicon fails, it is all over with me." While thus lingering at the gates of death, he received the sad news of the awful earthquake at Lisbon, destroying about sixty thousand lives. And, not knowing how soon he might go himself, he joyfully exclaimed, "Blessed Jesus, I am ready ; I know that my Redeemer liveth." " Poor Lisbon! how soon are all thy riches and superstitious pageantry swallowed up ! This is my comfort, all my goods are gone before me. O, the FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. 295 pleasure of having nothing, and yet possessing all things in Jesus ! This is my happy lot." Urged by many friends, about "New Year's," 1756, White- field commenced preaching twice a week in Long Acre chapel, in the west end of the city. The chapel was crowded to over- flowing the first night, with very encouraging prospects. This was a rough place, and Satan soon stirred up a strong oppo- sition. The Bishop sent in his prohibition; and liired rioters, with bells, drums, marrow-bones, clappers, etc., disturbed the congregation every night. He appealed to the Bishop and the magistrate for protection, but the rioters went on until "many women," he says, "were almost frightened to death, and several men sadly wounded." They broke the chapel windows, and threw large stones at Mr. Whitefield, while he was preaching. Bold and earnest, Whitefield was not the man to be cowed down b\' rioters' threats and Bishops' prohibitions. To be prohibited from preaching under such circumstances, he said, "To me would be worse than death itself" No; he preached on, and God abundantly blessed his labors. A confirmed deist had become as a little child ; one of the rioters had been pricked to the heart, and when he came back to preach in March, he says " all was hushed." But this lull, it seems, was only a prelude to more desperate deeds. They even threat- ened Whitefield's life. "But," says he, "Jesus will guard me." " At the Tabernacle, a man came up to him in the pulpit," says Dr. Belcher, " threatening his life, and handing him three anonymous letters, denouncing sudden and certain death unless he ceased to preach, and pursue the offenders. They kept up this disturbance for a long while." "Yet," says Whitefield," all things happen for the furtherance of the gospel." 296 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. TOTTENHAM COURT CHAPEL. Having stormed this stronghold of Satan, Whitefield now commenced a brick chapel, seventy feet square, on the con- quered field. He raised near ^600 for it in the first collection. The foundation was laid in June, 1756, and it was opened for divine service the following November, when Whitefield preached from Kings viii. ii. "The glory of the Lord filled the house." It has been twice enlarged; once in 1759, and again in 1830, with groat expense. He called it Tottenham Court Road chapel, but a neighboring physician called it " Whitefield's SOUL TRAP." Here many souls have been caught, and many precious revivals enjoyed. "Thus Jesus gets Himself the victory." Coming out of Long Acre, longing " to sit upon a throne in heaven," he now made a short excursion in his native region. At Bristol, Gloucester, Bradford, Frome and at Portsmouth, Jesus gave him great victories. In November, he returned to Long Acre, " to keep Pentecost," and to dedicate the new chapel. Refreshed by these sieges and excursions, late in July, 1756, Whitefield again set out for Scotland. On his way thither he enjoyed very precious seasons at Leeds, where he preached thrice nearly evcr>^ day, with great power, for about a week. " At Bradford, about seven in the morning, the con- gregation numbered about ten thousand ; at noon and in the evening, at Burstall, nearly twenty thousand." Though hoarse, he spoke so that all could hear. After taking a sorrowful leave of Leeds next morning, he preached at Tadcastle and York, "with delightful seasons." All the way he found a deep interest, as the result of his former labors. He reached Edinburgh, August 20, and met with more FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. 297 than his usual welcome. Here he preached twice a day for near four weeks, to very crowded auditories. The politicians thronged to hear him. After dedicating the new chapel at Tottenham Court, he preached constantly about fifteen times a week, and by December 15, 1756, "they had a wonderful stirring among the dry bones. It is flie most promising work the Redeemer ever employed me in. God is doing wonders at the new chapel. The Word flies like lightning in it. After New Year's, it was made a Bethel, and the awakening increased daily. Many were powerfully convicted. The rich came begging to rent seats." Having lodged his plan and plea for his projected college at Bethesda in the hands of Lord Halifax, late in the spring of 1757, Whitefield made his ninth visit to Scotland. He reached Edinburgh, May 12th; left it June 6th, and preached just fifty times. It being the time of the meeting of the General Assembly, about a hundred of their ministers attended his ministrations at a time. "Their prejudices," he says, "were removed, and many of their hearts were deeply impressed. About thirty of them invited me to a public entertainment. The Lord High Commissioner and many other distinguished persons did the same." Vast congregations and many of the best rank attended daily, and the longer he staid the more the congrega- tions and interest increased. On the 8th, he went to Glasgow, and preached several days with equal success, and took up a collection of £60 for the poor of that city. WHITEFIELD "A GORE OF BLOOD." Having seen Christ's almighty arm most powerfully revealed in Scotland, he now went to Dublin, Ireland, where he preached to very large and deeply impressed congregations. By July 3d, 298- LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. ^ all sorts were affected, and many were inquiring, "What shall I do to be saved?" Arrows of convictionjlew thick and stuck fast. A bishop said he " was glad Whitefield was come to rouse the people." From Dublin he went and preached with great success at Athlone, Limerick and Cork. On Sabbath, July 8, he went out and preached to a vast multitude at Oxmantown Green, Dublin (a place much like Moorfields), with only a few stones and clods being thrown at him : but on his return he was furiously attacked by a popish mob. Being alone, he says, " volleys of hard stones came from all quarters, and ever)'' step I took a fresh stone struck, and made me reel backwards and forwards till I was almost breathless, and all over a gore of blood. I received many blows and wounds ; one was particu- larly large and near my temple. They almost killed me. I thought of Stephen, and as I believed that I received more blows, I was in great hopes that like him I should be dis- patched, and go off in this bloody triumph to the immediate presence of my Master." But, fortunately, "with great diffi- culty I staggered to the door of a minister's house, which was kindly opened and shut upon me. For awhile I continued speechless, panting for and expecting every breath to be my last." After his friends dressed his wounds and gave him cor- dials, he gradually revived, but soon found that the lady of the house desired his absence, fearing that the house would soon be pulled down. Being two miles from his lodgings, he now knew not what to do. At length a friend offered him his wig and coat that he might go off in disguise ; he accepted them, and put them on, but was soon so ashamed of not trusting in the Lord to protect him, he soon threw them off with disdain. At length a Methodist preacher and two friends brought a coach in which "he rode in gospel triumph through the oaths, curses, and imprecations of whole streets of papists unhurt, though FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. 299 threatened every step of the ground." He was received with the tvarjiiest affection by his weeping friends. After a surgeon dressed his wounds he went into the churches, gave a word of exhortation, and joined in a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. " Next morning," he says, " I set out for Port Arhngton, leaving my persecutors to His mercy, who out of persecutors hath often made preachers. May I thus be revenged of them." It was in time of war, but he had done nothing but urge all to be faithful to King Jesus, and to King George, and prayed for the success of the King of Prussia. It is wonderful to see with what rapid speed Whitefield now went about like a flying angel preaching the everlasting gospel. Leaving London early in May, he traveled through England and Scotland, preached 50 times in Edinburgh, several days in Glasgow, "ranged" through Ireland, and after preaching with great power at Athlone, Limerick, Cork and Dublin, he returned to England, covered with scars of honor and glory received on the bloody field of Oxmantown. And all in about three months. Returning to England early in August, he says, "at Ath- lone, Limerick, Cork, and especially at Dublin, where I preached near fifty times, we had Cambuslang seasons. It was with the utmost difficulty I got away." He reached London August 26th, and found "the prospects more and more promising." At Plymouth he left "all God's people on the wing for heaven," and said, "This spiritual hunting is delightful sport when the heart is in it." Although he now longed to return to America, yet with "a fresh work breaking out in London," he could not leave it. The interest was so great at Tottenham Court Chapel that thousands had to go away for want of room. "The chapel was made a Bethel, indeed." 200 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Worn down with excessive labor, he said, November 26, " Preaching three times yesterday hath somewhat recovered me. I am now brought to the short allowance of preaching but once a day and three times on Sunday." With his ever active, all-compassionate heart, he now pro- jected a plan to erect twelve almshouses on the new chapel lot, for " godly widows." He proposed to allow each one half a crown a week. He soon raised ^^400, erected twelve alms- houses, and commenced admitting widows the following June. He called them "his redoubts" as the prayers of the widows protected him in his house. Whitefield commenced the year 1758 with an humble con- fession. With all his learning and varied experience, he says, " I find more and more that I am a mere novice in the divine life, and have scarce begun to begin to learn my A-B-C's in the school of Christ." Yet he rejoiced to see "several new flaming preachers come forth in London and elsewhere. To Professor Francke, whose country was then engaged in a dan- gerous war, he wrote, " Our Joshuas are in the field, and many a Moses is gone up into the mount to pray. Nil desperanditni Christo duce, auspice Christo. The ark trembles, but under neath are the everlasting arms of the everlasting God." With frequent conversions at the new chapel, and with the aid of these " flaming preachers," the Kingdom of God now moved on with power. " Almost a whole parish was soon brought to inquire after Jesus." Thus with the good work all ablaze in London, he com- menced his "summer campaign" in Gloucester about the middle of May. After preaching three times, and administering the sacrament the first Sabbath with a blessed beginning, he says, " I am now writing in the room where I was born. Blessed be God I know there is a place where I was born again." Thence FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. 3OI he went and preached twice a day in Bristol to vast multitudes, with lasting impressions. Late in May, though very unwell, he set out for Wales. Being unable to ride in a chaise or sulkey, a friend advanced the money and bought him a carriage, and thus enabled him to go on. In speaking of paying for it he said, " I would not lay out a single farthing but for my blessed Master." After his return he said, " Never was I brought so low as on my late Welsh circuit. It is inconceivable what I have undergone within these three weeks." Although unable to sit up in company, yet he was strengthened to travel without bodily food, and preach to many thousands every day. At Haverford-west he had near 15,000, "where the Lord Jesus seemed to ride in triumph through the great congregation, and made tears flow like water from the stony rock. It was one of the most prosperous cir- cuits I ever took." And feeling deeply humbled, he said to Lady Huntingdon, ''O, I am sick! I am sick! sick in body, but infinitely more so in mind, to see what dross yet remains in and surrounds my soul." And longing for a purer heart, after seeing the workman at Shields put his glass into the first, second and third furnace to make it transparent, because the first was not hot enough, he exclaimed, " Oh, my God, put me into one furnace after another, that my soul may be transparent, that I may see God as He is." (Belcher, 370.) HE GOES TO SCOTLAND. Late in July, 1758, Whitefield set out again for Scotland. Preaching by the way at Everton, Saint Neots, Kayso, Bed- ford, Oulney, Weston, Underwood, Northampton, and John Bunyan's pulpit, he reached Edinburgh early in August. He was now "so exceeding low" he called himself "a dying man," and expected death every sermon. Yet he preached on. 302 LIFE OF VVHITEFIELD. and after preaching about thirty times, he says, "blessed be God, I am a great deal better. This preaching is a strange restorative." He wished his friend, Rev. Mr. Tennent, to take it every day. "Multitudes of all ranks flocked rather more than ever to hear the gospel." Not having time to see Mr. Tennent and other friends, he said, " most of my Christian meetings must be adjourned to heaven." From Edinburgh he went to Glasgow, and "labored harder than ever," preaching two or three times a day to very large and deeply affected congregations. Here he took up a collection for the Glasgow poor. His collection for the Orphan Hospital in Edinburgh exceeded ;^200. His love for the Scotch, and theirs for him, was now so ardent, that he says the partings from both places were so cutting, he called it '^execu- tion day" Besides severe afflictions, Whitefield this year suffered the loss, by death, of four dear distinguished friends: Wm. Hervey, President Burr, Governor Belcher, and Jonathan Edwards. He felt this great loss very keenly. Leaving Scotland, after preach- ing at Newcastle, Durham, Sheffield, Leeds, etc., he returned to London late in October, shocked at the idea of being driven into winter quarters. He prayed, " Lord, prepare me for winter trials." Whitefield was now very much rejoiced in being able, through a large legacy bestowed, to pay off" the Orphan House debt. He was, therefore, very anxious to "flee to America;" but failing to get his London chapels supplied, he labored on there until spring, with increased interest. " God," he said, " is doing wonders at Long Acre." With many "blessed seasons" during the winter, in May, 1759, he opened another "spring campaign" at Bristol, with unusually large and very deeply inter- ested congregations. After preaching with great power, for FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. 3O3 several days, in Gloucester and York counties, to the great sur- prise of all, he says, "I am growing fat." But he took it to be a disease, and hoped it would shorten his life. Extending his cam- paign to Scotland, he reached Edinburgh early in July, 1759. "The people flocked as usual." The Word ran and was glorified. In six weeks he preached near one hundred times in Edinburgh and Glasgow, "stirring up a zeal for his God, his King, and his country," and collected ^215 for the Orphan Hospital in Edin- burgh. He also preached a thanksgiving sermon, to avast con- gregation on the Spanish victory over the French. During this visit to Scotland, Whitefield had the privilege of showing his generosity, and the honor of declining a large legacy of seven thousand pounds. Says Dr. Gillies, "One Miss Hunter, a lady of fortune, made him a full offer of her estate, amounting to about ^7000, which he generously refused." She then offered it to him for the benefit of his Orphan House, which he abso- lutely refused. On returning to London in August, with all of Bethesda's debt paid off, he was so glad, he exclaimed, " O, what hath God wrought? Wonders, wonders. Praise the Lord, O our souls ! Lord Jesus, continue to be Bethesda's God !" He spent the winter in London, and with the work increasing daily, he had the new chapel enlarged. During this winter he wrote a preface to Mr. Samuel C. Clarke's Bible, which, next to Henry's, "was his favorite commentary." With only seven letters preserved, the record of White- field's life during the year 1760 is very scanty. This is doubt- less owing to the feeble state of his health. In the spring he opened the " new enlargement " of the chapel, and celebrated tlie event by raising ;^400 for the distressed Prussian Protest- ants, for which, 'tis said, he received the thanks of the King of Prussia. Though naturally "slender in person," he was now, from declining strength, he says, " growing very corpu- 304 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. lent." As this tended to languor, he dreaded and tried to pre- vent it. In the summer he made a short tour into Gloucestershire and South Wales — thence to Bristol, where his congregations sometimes reached near ten thousand. The meetings were so refreshing, "the house was a Bethel every time." His wife was now so sick in London he thought of going to see her, but she got better and he went on with his campaign. Anxious to hear from Bethesda, early in August he returned to London, and found many seeking the Saviour. In September and October he made another tour through Yorkshire, and re- turned to London in November, where he spent the winter as usual. Although Whitefield had already endured many severe trials and bloody persecutions, he now suffers another. Failing with mobs, stones and clubs to drive him away from Long Acre, they now try mocking him on the public stage. "Satan is ^ngry," he says, "and I am now mimicked and burlesqued upon the public stage. All hail such contempt! God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of Jesus Christ. It is sweet! it is sweet!' To carry on this audacious mockery, Mr. S. Foote, a noted mimic, composed a farce called the Minor, to be acted in Drury Lane theatre. They went on with it for awhile, but instead of lessening Whitefield's congregations, it greatly increased them. Thus God gave him the victory. One evening when Foote was ridiculing Whitefield in Drury Lane, while he was preaching in Long Acre chapel on the joys of heaven, towards the close of his sermon, when his soul was all ' on fire with the grandeur of his theme, he cried out to his en- raptured congregation, pointing to heaven, "there, there, an ungodly Foote tramples on the saints no more." The incidents of 1 76 1 opened with a narrow escape of FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. 305 his life from a dangerous upset in a chaise. Fortunately he "received but little hurt." A great mercy. With the work still increasing in London, he now had so many calls and so few assistants, that he scarce knew what to do. Yet roused by the " German and Boston sufferers," he preached twice in his London chapels on the general fast day in February, and raised near £600 for these sufferers : ;^400 were given to the Germans and the balance to Boston. The Boston people thanked him for it. In the midst of these trials and pressing wants, the Rev. John Berridge, a flaming preacher of Everton, came to his assistance. Overworked in this increased awakening, White- field now grew worse, and by May 2, he says, " I have been at the very gates of death. O, into what a world was I launching ! But the prayers of God's people have brought me back." With his natural strength failing, he now says, " My locks are cut." After visiting Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth, and becoming a little better, he tried to preach, but could not. " For some weeks he did not preach a single sermon." He now under- took another excursion North, and by October 24 we find him at Leeds, riding for his health. Yet, longing for death, and praying, " Conte, Lord Jesus, come quickly," he now improved so fast, that when he got to Newcastle " he could bear to ride sixty miles a day quite well." Still kept from preaching, he said, "Jesus can either restore me or enable me to drink the bitter cup of continued silence." Extending his journey, he went on to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and became much worse. Getting better again, after a long silence, he returned to London and commenced the year 1762 with a New Year's sermon. In April, he went to Bristol, and commenced preaching four or five times a week with great 306 ' LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. success. This he continued till May. Sometimes he even ventured to preach in the fields, which he considered "a greater honor than to be monarch of the universe." Glad to get out of ceiled houses and vaulted roofs, he said, " Mounts are the best pulpits, and the heavens the best sounding-boards. O, for power equal to my will ! I would fly from pole to pole, publishing the everlasting gospel." He returned to London late in May, much improved by his country excursion. But being brought down again by London cares and London labors, he now made a voyage to Holland, which proved so beneficial that, by the last of July, he was able to preach once a day. He preached four times in Rotterdam. On returning to Norwich, he found the interest so great, he said, ''All my old times are revived again y SCOTLAND. Multiplying excursions, he now made another to Scotland. He reached Edinburgh, August i8, and preached alternately there and at Glasgow every day for near four weeks, with great success. " The kirk was a Bethel." After preaching twice at Cambuslang, he returned to England about the middle of Sep- tember, rejoicing with the prospect of peace and a speedy return to America. Though very feeble, he preached once a day during the winter in Leeds, Bristol, Plymouth and London, "with'many great awakenings." At length the way being open, in January, 1763, he decided to go to America, by way of Greenock, Scotland. After arranging with some trusty friends to take care of his London chapels and his home affairs, he sailed for Greenock early in March. On his way thither he preached at Everton, Leeds, Aberford, Kippax and Newcastle, with much interest, FURTHER LABORS IN ENGLAND. 3O7 and wrote his reply to Bishop Warburton's attack on Method- ism. He reached Edinburgh about the middle of March, and for awhile was able to preach once a day, but his old disorder returning again, he was obliged to keep silent nearly six weeks. After a weeping farewell, he sailed for America. CHAPTER XXX. HIS SIXTH VISIT TO AMERICA. T length, after eight more )^ears of labor and suffering in the Old World, Whitefield again embarks for the New. He sailed June 4, 1763, on the ship "Fanny," Captain Galbreath, 'T^X^ from Greenock, Scotland, for Rappahannock, Virginia. This was his eleventh voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. With a kind cap- tain, the voyage, though long and tedious, was very pleasant. Scarce an oath was heard. After they had been out about six weeks, he says, " All hath been harmony and love, Jesus hath made the ship a Bethel!' The crew gladly heard him when he was able to preach. But, owing to his asthma, he sailed with but little hopes of much further public usefulness. After a twelve weeks' voyage, he reached Virginia, August 23, and was very kindly received by some friends, whom he had never heard of before. After writing tender letters to his London congregations, he went to Phila- delphia, where he found "some young bright witnesses rising up in the Church." Here, too, he had the great privilege of meeting and "conversing with about forty nezv-creature min- isters of different denominations," and of hearing of " sixteen hopeful students who were converted at New Jersey College last year." These bright prospects encouraged him very much. He now longed to go to Bethesda, but, advised by his phy- (308) HIS SIXTH VISIT TO AMERICA. 3O9 sicians, he waited awhile to see what the cold weather would do for his health. And, by November 8, he says, " I make a shift to preach twice a week." Many were deeply impressed. Having spent about three months in Philadelphia, he passed over into New Jersey, and preached four times at New Jersey College and twice at Elizabethtown, with "sweet seasons" every time. "Some said they resembled old times." He said, " New Jersey College is a blessed nursery ; one of the purest, perhaps, in the world. The worthy president and three tutors are all bent upon making the students both saints and scholars." REVIVAL IN NEW YORK. Whitefield reached New York, December i, 1763, and commenced preaching immediately. At the beginning he prayed, " Lord Jesus, convert us all more and more, and make us all like little children." With improved " spirits," he was able to preach three times a week, and says, " Such a flocking of all ranks I never before saw at New York. Every day the thirst for hearing the Word increases, and the better sort come home with me to hear more of it." With old prejudices sub- siding and the interest increasing, the higher, as well as " the common people heard him gladly." While here he preached two charity sermons, and raised at one of them ^^"120 for Mr. Wheelock's Indian school — "the most promising nursery of future missionaries" in New England. The other collection — for the poor — was double the usual amount on similar occasions. Continuing his labors here for several weeks, the interest increased more than ever. But being very unwell, he preached only twice a week. One man prayed, " May God restore this great and good man to a perfect state of health." After making an excursion of some six months in New 310 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. England, he returned to New York in June, and found the work spreading. The interest was now so great that he ven- tured to preach twice in the fields, and says, " We sat under the blessed Redeemer's shadow with great delight." " It would surprise you to see a hundred carriages at every sermon in this New World." While here, he also made frequent excursions on Long Island, with blessed effects. It is no wonder he exclaimed, " Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord !" These things, together with the numerous conversions under his sermons, and "a most solemn and heart- breaking parting" when he left, made New York seem to him like " a nezv New York indeed." To see a hundred carriages at every sermon in New York now, with its million of inhabi- tants, would show a very deep interest, but much more to have seen them one hundred and ten years ago, when the population was only about fifteen thousand. While here, he consented to sit for his portrait, which was sent to Mr. Keen, London, which he, if judged proper, was to hang up in the Tabernacle parlor. NEW ENGLAND. " Braced up" with the cold, and encouraged with his great success in New York, Whitefield again struck for New England. After preaching at East Hampton, South-Hold, Shelter Island, New London, Norwich and Providence, he reached Boston, February, 1764, and was received with "the usual warmth of affection." " Having seen the Redeemer's stately steppings in the great congregation in Boston,'' with " invitations coming in so thick and fast from every quarter that he knew not what to do," he says, " a zvider door than ever is opened all along the continent." The small-pox prevailing at Boston, he now branched out and preached at Newburyport and Portsmouth^ with a most blessed influence, and many have been made to cry out, " What shall we do to be saved ?" HIS SIXTH VISIT TO AMERICA. 3II Although he returned to Boston with " his wings cHppcd," yet his preaching was so attractive and powerful, he says, " words cannot well express the eagerness of the people to hear." " I was meditating an escape southward, but last week tlie Boston people sent a gospel ciy after me, and really brought me back. They have constrained me to stay, and now, May 19, beg earnestly for a six o'clock morning lecture." Awakenings occurred daily. The affection for him in Boston was now so strong that, when he came away, he said, "The parting here hath been heart-breaking. I cannot stand it." When he got to New York, June 25, 1764, with his winter campaign over, Mr. Smith, his faithful host, wrote him thus : " Your departure hence never before so deeply wounded us,." and the number of conversions after his farewell sermon was found to be so great, that his friends proposed sending him a book full of their names, calling him back. But the crowning act of the expedition was, he says, " after preaching at Nezv Haven College, the president came to me, as I was going off in the chaise, and informed me that the students were so deeply impressed by the sermon that they were gone into the chapel, and earnestly entreated me to give them one more quarter of an hour's exhortation." He complied, and the effect was wonderful. Having labored near three months more in New York, "after a most solemn and heart-breaking parting there," he went to Philadelphia, with his health better than it had been for three years. After preaching here with a very deep effect, he went up and preached at the Annual Commencement at New Jersey College, which he said, " is one of the best regu- lated institutions in the world." Here every mark of respect was shown him by the Governor and ex-Governor of the State, and many other distinguished gentlemen. For his deep inter- 312 LIFE OF VVHITEFIELD. est in the College the trustees sent him a vote of thanks. Crowned with great success, he now received "most importu- nate calls from every quarter;" and with a range so large, although he had been laboring in America over a year, he says, " I have scarce begun to begin." Rejoicing in the Lord, he left Philadelphia, exclaiming, " O what blessings have we received in this place !" " Hallelujah, the Lord reigneth !" HE GOES SOUTH. Having spent about a month in Philadelphia, Whitefield set out for "his beloved Bethesda." After "cross-plowing" Virginia again, he crossed over into North Carolina and spent a Sabbath "with good impressions" at Newbern. Here he frequently met with a sect called Netv-Lights, who proposed to unite with him, but the way was not clear. They were so hungry for the Gospel, he felt like coming back to preach to them. At Savannah he was received with "great favor," and found "the colony rising very fast," with "nothing but peace and plenty at Bethesda." In January, 1765, he says, "God has given me great favor in the sight of the Governor, Council and Assembly." At his request they made him another grant of 2000 acres of land for Bethesda. The interest in the intended College was now so great, Whitefield says, "Every heart seems to leap for joy at its future prospects. Hitherto the bush has been burning, but not consumed." With daily love-feasts, the chapel was now a daily Bethel. "With all deeply interested in Bethesda, and elated with the bright prospects, Lord G n and the Governor breakfasted with Whitefield at Bethesda, and he went and dined with them at Savannah." Having spent " a blessed winter " of " peace and love at Bethesda," with " all the arrears paid off, cash, stock, and plenty of all kinds of provision on hand," he comes now, Feb- HIS SIXTH VISIT TO AMERICA. 3I3 ruary 13, with all his melting tenderness, to bid them good-bye, and says, " Farewell my beloved Bethesda ! surely thou art the most delightfully situated place in all the southern col- onies." May " peace, love, harmony and plenty reign here.'-' On returning to Charleston he says, " The people of all ranks fly to the Gospel like doves to the windows. Every day the Word of God runs and is glorified more and more. All are importunate for my longer stay." And with a mutual attachment so strong, he says, " The parting has been most cutting and awful." With an interest so deep, a work so great, and a parting so solemn, he says, " Words cannot well express what a scene of action I leave behind. Alas ! my American work seems as yet scarce begun." He now had so many calls, he scarcely had time to dispatch his private business. After these melting parting scenes, he started on his " wilder- ness range," preaching as he went, and reached Wilmington, N. C, March 29th. At the mayor's request he here spent a Sabbath, and says, " This pilgrimage kind of life is the very joy of my heart. Ceiled houses and crowded tables I leave to others. A morsel of bread, and a little bit of cold meat in a wood, is a most luxurious repast. Jesus' presence is all in all, whether in the city or in the wilderness." Both old and New England were now clamorous for his services. But with the foundation of a college laid at Beth- esda, and " all his outward affairs settled," he decides to return to England. When he got to Newcastle, Del., he says "All along from Charleston to this place, the piercing cry is, for Christ's sake, stay and preach to ?{s." And with a heart gush- ing with gratitude, and a soul longing to win souls, he ex- claimed, " O for a thousand lives to spend for Jesus !" CHAPTER XXXI HIS LAST LABORS IN ENGLAND. EJOICING in the Lord, and crying " Grace ! grace !" Whitefield again bids farewell to Amer- ica for the last time. Embarking on the " Hali- fax," at New York, early in June, after a voyage of twenty-eight days he reached Falmouth, England, July 5, 1765. He was now so unwell he could neither preach nor travel but little. Yet like Paul, desiring " to finish his course with joy," he exclaimed, " O, to end life zvell ! Methinks I have now but one more river to pass over. And we know of One that can carry us over without being ankle deep." Though very feeble, he reached London late in July, and found his congregations in a prosperous condition. But his health im- proved. By September 20, he says, "I have been better in health for a week past, than I have been for four years." Later in September Lady Huntingdon invited her minis- ters, Messrs. Whitefield, Shirley, Romaine, Venn, Madan and Townsend, to the opening of her new chapel in Bath. At her request, Whitefield preached the dedicatory sermon, October 6, 1765, to an immense crowd, among whom were a great many of the nobility by special invitation. Although slighted and persecuted by many others, here Whitefield enjoyed the friendship, love and hearty co-operation of the distinguished Rev, Mr. Romaine. (314) HIS LAST LABORS IN ENGLAND. 6^0 In April he returned to London and was able to preach three or four times a week with glorious results. During the summer he sometimes preached at Bath and Bristol, " with good seasons" and large congregations, at six o'clock in the morning. He was now assisted in London by Mr. Occum, the attractive IiidicDi preacher, who had come over from New Eng- land to raise funds for Dr. Wheelock's Indian College. Mr Whitefield took a very deep interest in this good work, and nearly £\fX>o were soon raised for it. Lord Dart- mouth, and even the king himself, contributed to it. " O, what an honor," says Whitefield, " to be permitted to do or suffer anything for Jesus of Nazareth." With the interest still increasing, he says, September 25, " Many here seem to be on the wing for God. Had I wings I would gladly fly from pole to pole ; but they are clipped by thirty years' feeble labors." On one occasion, when urging sinners to Christ and speak- ing of their irretrievable ruin, he exclaimed, " O, my God, when I think of this, I could go to the very gates of heil and [)reach." Although " almost breathless" sometimes after preaching in London during the summer, we find him preach- ing to very large and brilliant assemblies of the rich and noble at Bath in the fall. Here he says, "the congregations have been very large and very solemn. O, what l^ethels hath Jesus given us !" His desire to go about doing good was now so strong that he prayed, " O that God would make my way into every town in England !" Although this prayer was not answered, yet the s[)irit that indited it enabled Whitefield to stir the souls of stronger men. Upon hearing that four Methodist parsons were visiting one of his friends, he exclaimed : " Four Methodist parsons ! it is enough to set a whole kingdom on fire when 3l6 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, Jesus says, Loose them and let them go !" This message, backed up by the following appeal, was deeply felt : " Fie upon me, Fie upon me," says he, " fifty-two years old last Saturday, and yet, O loving Jesus, how little, yea, how very little, have I done and suffered for Thee ! Indeed and indeed, iny dear and honored friends, I am ashamed of myself; I blush and am confounded. To-morrow, God willing, I intend to take the sacrament upon it, that I xvill begin to be a Christian. Though I long to go to heaven to see my glorious Master, what a poor figure would I make among the saints, confessors and martyrs that surround His throne, without some deeper signatures of His divine impress, and without more scars of Christian honor." " It was appeals like this," says Dr. Philip, "that made the Romaines and Venns bestir themselves, and that gathered around VVhitefield the Shirleys and DeCourcys of the time." And in speaking of the deep piety of a Christian lady who had ju^t come to London, he exclaims, " O for this single eye, this disinterested spirit, this flaming zeal, this dar- in^"" to be singularly good, this holy laudable ambition to lead the van; O, it is heaven upon earth!" To increase the flame, in January, 1767, he wrote a commendatory preface to a new edition of Bunyan's Works. Leaving London in the spring, with " a large plan of opera- tions," he was called, March 20, to preach the opening sermon at the dedication of Lady Huntingdon's new chapel at Brighton. He preached from 2 Peter iii. 18, to a vast, deeply impressed congregation. Thence he went and enjoyed " a sweet gospel excursion" at Cambridge and Norwich, where he preached with unusual power. Fearing the return of his inward fever. Lady Huntingdon — his best friend — now con- veyed him in an easy coach to Rodborough, where " he was regaled with the company of some simple-hearted old Meth- HIS LAST LABORS IN ENGLAND. 31/ odists of near thirty years' standing." Inspired with fresh courage, he now mounted his " field throne" again, and " with thousands and thousands attending, they had very precious seasons at Rodborough." " Lady Huntingdon was wonder- fully delighted." While laboring here under disease, he exclaimed, " O when shall I be unclothed ! When, O, my God, shall I be clothed upon ! But I am a coward, and want to be housed before the storm." After " a most blessed season" at Gloucester, late in May, he went to Haverford-west, in Wales — where " thousands and thousands attended to hear him from \{\?, field tJirone by eight in the morning. Life and light seemed to fly all around." He returned, " quite worn down," and exclaimed, " What a scene last Sunday ! What a cry for more of the bread of life!" Still longing "to be a flame of fire," he returned to London in July, and resumed "his Thursday morning 6 o'clock Taber- nacle Lectures," with crowded houses. With "a Methodist field street-preaching plan before him," he now made another excursion to Yorkshire, preaching as he went at Northampton and Sheffield, At Newcastle, September 20, he said, " I am well. My delightful itinerancy is good for both my body and soul. My body feels much fatigued in traveling, but comforts in the soul over-balance." And after preaching at several places in the street with " golden seasons," he says, " Every stage more and more convinces me that old Methodism is the thing after all. Hallelujah ! Come, Lord, come !" '* Good old work, good old seasons !" Greatly blessed is his labors, and improved in health by street-preaching, in October he re- turned to winter-quarters in London, praising the Lord. Hav- ing no riding to do now, he was tempted "to nestle," but re- calling his old motto, "iVb nestling this side heaveti" he pressed on, went out and preached at the Tabernacle to " the society 3l8 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. for promoting religious knowledge among the poor." His text was, " Thy kingdom come," and with an immense congre- gation, he preached with unusually great fervor and power. The collection reached over ;$500, and was over four times as much as usual, besides eighty new annual subscribers. Nearly all the dissenting ministers of London attended and dined with him. With the ties of Christian fellowship strengthened, all seemed well pleased. His project for a college at Bethesda was now coming to an issue, and he awaited the result with deep interest. He had petitioned the king, setting forth to his majesty the great de- mand for such an institution in the Southern Provinces, that he had already expended about 560,000 on Bethesda, and now prayed for a charter similar to that of the College of New Jer- sey. This petition was sent through Lord Dartmouth to the Archbishop of Canterbury, who sent it to the premier, who decided " that the head of the college should be an Episco- palian, and its prayers the established forms." But these narrow restrictions did not suit the broad, large-hearted views of Whitefield. And as nearly all the money raised for Beth- esda had come from Protestant dissenters, and as he had prom- ised that "the intended college should be founded on a broad bottom," he could not conscientiously agree to make it exclu- sively Episcopalian. He said, " I would sooner cut my head off than betray my trust, by confining it to a narrow bottom." He concluded, therefore, to make " a public academy." This affair and the reforming of "a little college of outcasts" now gave him so much trouble that he said, "none but God knows what a concern lies upon me." At Bath early in December, 1767, Whitefield preached at the funeral of the Earl of B n, with great solemnity. His subject was "The blessed dead." With earls, countesses, HIS LAST LABORS IN ENGLAND. 3I9 lords and ladies, present as "noble mourners," together with hundreds of the nobihty and gentry, "all was hushed and solemn." "Attention sat on every face," reverence and awe filled every heart. For five days, they had two sermons a day with the deepest interest. With many anguished hearts, weep- ing eyes and hopeful conversions, he says, " I never expect to see such a like scene again this side eternity." Passing over to Bristol, the congregations were so large, and the effect so deep, " thousands went away for want of room." 1768. He entered upon the year 1768 lamenting his bar--' renness, saying, " Did you ever hear of such a fifty-three year old barren fig-tree ? So much digging, so much dunging, and yet so little fruit ? God be merciful to me a sinner ! A sin- ner — a sinner — a sinner." Yet with shouts of " Hallelujahs, ■ and praying, ' come, Lord Jesus, come quickly,' " to stir uj) some halting, faint-hearted brethren, he said, " Go forward, go forward, and never mind the envious cry of elder brethren." WHITEFIELD DEFENDS PERSECUTED STUDENTS. On March 12, 1768, six pious students of Edmund Hall, Oxford University, were expelled from that noted institution " for holding Methodistical tenets," " whose only crimes," says Tyerman, " were that some of them had been ignobly bred, and all had sung and prayed and read the scriptures in private houses." The Rev. Dr. Dixon, principal of the hall, defended their orthodoxy, " spoke in the highest terms of their piety and exemplary lives," but the Rev. Dr. Durell, the Vice Chancellor of the University, heeded him not, and pronounced the unmerciful sentence of expulsion. Filled with indignation at this tyrannical and execrable act, Whitefield, with his tender compassion, rushed to tlieir defence, and wrote a long letter, expostulating with the chancellor, telling iiim how " God hath 320 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty." Aroused by this " Oxford bull," five months after this expul sion Lady Huntingdon opened a college at Trevecca, in Wales, to train young men for the ministry. Whitefield preached the opening sermon August 24, and Mr. Fletcher was made president. In June he went to Scotlmid iox ihc fifteenth and last time, and found a stirring among his old friends and spiritual chil- dren in Edinburgh, seeking their first love. With congrega- tions as large, attentive and as affectionate as ever, he says, " I am here only in danger of being hugged to death. Friends of all rank seem heartier and more friendly than ever. All is of grace." This shows how well Mr. Whitefield wore among his friends. Though " worn down by preaching abroad and talk- ing at home," he says, " everything here goes on better and better." And with occasional " Hallelujahs" bursting from his pious soul, he exclaimed, "O, to die in the field !" HIS wife's death. Still striving " to stir and fly as formerly," late in July he took his final melting leave of Scotland and returned to Lon- don. And now, "while engaged in maturing Trevecca College, and opening chapels for Lady Huntingdon," his wife suddenly took an inflammatory fever, and died August 9, 1768. Mr. Whitefield preached her funeral sermon on the 14th, from Romans viii. 20. Touching her death, he said, on the i6th, "The late very unexpected breach is a fresh proof that the night coxTieth when no man can work." Enjoying the sancti- fication of his loss, he exclaimed, ".Sweet bereavements, when God fills up the chasm! Through mercy I find it so." Miss- ing her much, he said, six months after, " I feel the loss of my right hand daily." He erected a neat marble monument to her HIS LAST LABORS IN ENGLAND. 321 memory in Tottenham Court Chapel. He now labored so hard in opening colleges and dedicating churches for Lady Hunting- don, that he not only "burst a vein," but was thrown into such a severe flux that he was compelled to keep silent several days. Although Whitefield's whole Christian life was a continual Christ-like sacrifice, yet as he approached his latter end, his zeal seemed to increase. And while, through excessive labor and pain, his body had been brought very low towards the close of the year, so that he could not preach, yet with his enraptured soul exulting in the expectation of a speedy departure, he en- tered upon the new year, 1769, with repeated hallelujahs, and praying " God be merciful to me a sinner." By the following spring his health was so much improved he was able to preach three or four times a week. Rejoiced at seeing a number of the nobility unite with Lady Huntingdon's society, hq, says, "Some more coronets, I hear, are likely to be laid at the Redeemer's feet. They glitter gloriously when set in and sur- rounded with a crown of thorns." After enjoying "delightful passover feasts" at London, in April he made an excursion to Bath and Bristol, with " good, precious seasons everywhere." On his return he preached at Bradford, Trome, Chippenham, Rodborough, Castlecourt and Dursley, "with blessed results." At Trome he says, "we had a blessed day in the fields : thousands attended, and all was more than solemn." At Rodborough they had a real " Pente- cost." " Never was that place so endeared to me as at this visit." Encouraged with many hopeful conversions during this fruitful campaign, in May he returned to London with a heart gushing with gratitude and joy. On July 23, 1769, he dedicated another new chapel for Lady Huntingdon at Tunbridge Wells, a popular watering place 21 322 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. abuLiL twenty miles from London. Here he preached one of his most eloquent sermons, from Gen. xxviii. 17. Rejoicing in the prosperity of Bethesda, he says, "a lasting, ample foundation is now laid there for the future support and education of both rich and poor." And being very anxious to see after his poor orphans and his school there, he now began to prepare for another voyage across the Atlantic. Filled with joy in view of his si^eedily entering "an eternal harbor," he said, " Glory be to God, all sublunary coasting will soon be over." HIS FAREWELL TO ENGLAND. As the solcninities of parting drew near, he said, " Talk not of taking a personal leave. You know my make. Paul could stand a whipping, but not a weeping farewell." So it was with Whitefield. His affection for his London churches was so strong that when he went out to preach his farewell sermon, he said, " It seemed like going out to be executed. I would rather, was it the will of God, it should be so, than to feel what I do in parting from you ; then death would put an end to all : but I am to be executed again and again, and nothing will sup- port me under the torture, but the consideration of God's blessing me to some poor souls." After "this most awful part- ing season," with his melting farewell sermon at both churches, from Genesis xxviii. 12-15, he rc^i^ched Gravescnd, September 2, 1769, accompanied with a host of friends "as dear to him as his own soul." The next day, Ids last day in England, he preached three times; once in "the Methodist tabernacle," and twice in Gravesend Market-house, and says, "Our parting solemnities have been exceedingly awful, and I thank God for giving me the honor of taking my leave on Sunday afternoon at Gravesend Market Place. O for this rambling way of preach- HIS LAST LABORS IN ENGLAND. 323 ing till I die." Exclaiming, "O Fjigland! England!'' and praying, "God preserve thee," he now got aboard the "Friend- ship," Capt. Ball, bound for Charleston, South Carolina. The next day, September 4th, he says, " I had my dear Christian friends on board to breakfast with me. The conversation was sweet, but the parting bitter. O these partings! Without divine support they would be intolerable. What mean you, said the apostle, to weep and break my heart? However, through infinite mercy, I was helped to bear up ; and after their departure, the divine presence made up the loss of all." His friends, Messrs. C. Winter and Smith, sailed with him. He was now in such good health and spirits, that although this was his thirteenth and last voyage across the Atlantic, he said, September 6th, " Hitherto it seems like the first. I seem^to be now as I was thirty yeafs ago." He was detained in the Downs by contrary winds nearly a month, and preached as opportunity favored. His last sermon was on the 15th of Sep- tember, to a deeply affected audience at Ramsgate. The same day. he received a surreptitious copy of his Tabernacle farewell sermon taken down in short-hand and published very inaccu- rately. It made him .speak nonsense. Yet with his heroic devotion, he said, " If one sentence is blessed to the conviction of a single individual, I care not what becomes of my charac- ter." Although they were tossed about so long in the Downs, yet with a heart gushing with "Ebcnezers and halldujahs," he says, "All is well. I am comforted on every side." At last a favorable gale rises, and away they go, and with a long, linger- ing gaze, methinks I hear him say, "Farewell, farewell England! May God bless thee." CHAPTER XXXII HIS LAST LABORS IN AMERICA. FTER a long perilous voyage of over two months, he reached Charleston, November 30, 1769- and says "Our reception was heartier than ever. Friends received me most cordi- ally. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and for- get not all His mercies. Oh ! to begin to be a Christian and a minister of Jesus." With his health renewed, he preached in Charleston the same day he arrived, and daily for ten successive days, wrth great success. Upon hearing that " all was in great for- wardness at Bethesda," he exclaimed, "God be praised, heaven is in sight." After visiting his old friend Mr. Habersham, at Savannah, he reached Bethesda, January 11, 1770, and says, "Every thing here exceeds my most sanguine expectation. The increase of this colony is almost incredible." "I am almost tempted to say it is good to be here; but all must give way to Gospel ranging." Two new large wings had already been added to the Orphan House, for the accom- modation of students, and besides having secured the hearty co-operation of the Governor " for the establishment of his in- tended college," he was now further encouraged by an expres- sion of sympathy and respect from the legislature of the col- ony, as seen by the following papers : (324) HIS LAST LABORS IN AMERICA. 325 "CoM^«x^s House of Assembly, Monday, Jan. 29, 1770. "Mr. Speaker reported that he, with the House, having waited on the Rev. Mr. Whitefield, in consequence of his invitation, at the Oi"phan House Academy, heard hira preach a very suitable sermon on the occasion; and with great pleas- ure observed the promising appearance of improvement toward the good pur- poses intended, and the decency and propriety of behavior of the several residents there ; and were sensibly affected when they saw the happy success which has attended Whitefield's indefatigable zeal for promoting the welfare of the province in general, and the Orphan House in particular. Ordered, that this report be printed in the Gazette. John Simpson, Clerk.'' The Gazette says : "Savannah, Jan. 31, 1770. " Last Sunday, his excellency, the Governor, Council and Assembly, having been invited by the Rev. Mr. Whitefield, attended divine service in the chapel of the Orphan-house Academy, where a very suitable sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Whitefield, from Zech. iv. 10, to the great satisfaction of the auditory. After divine service, the company were very politely entertained with a handsome and plentiful dinner ; and were greatly pleased to see the useful improvements made in the house, the two additional wings for apartments for students, 150 feet each in length, and other lesser buildings, in so much forwardness ; they expressed their gratitude in the most respectful terms." We give an extract from an orphan boy's speech, delivered on this occasion, after Whitefield's sermon. After sketching the history of Bethesda, he says, " Behold the once despised institution ! — the very existence of which for many years de- nied, — through the indefatigable industry, unparalleled disinter- estedness, and unwearied perseverance of its reverend founder, expanding and stretching its wings, not only to receive a larger number of helpless orphans like myself, but to nurse and cherish many of the rising generation, training them up to be ornaments both in Church and State. Forever adored be that providence, that power and goodness, which have brought matters to such a desirable and long-expected issue !" After thanking all for their attendance, he turned to Mr. 326 LIFE OF WniTKFIKLD. Whitefield and said, "And, above all, thanks, more than an orphan tongue can utter, or orphan hearts conceive, be under God, rendered unto you, most honored sir, who have been so happily instrumental in the hands of a never-failing God, in spreading His everlasting Gospel. Under these bright prospects, after visiting Charleston and Savannah, upon returning to Bethesda in April, his .peace seemed to flow like a river. He says, " Never did I enjoy such domestic peace, comfort and joy during my whole pil- grimage. It is unspeakable, it is full of glory. Peace, peace unutterable, attends our paths, and a pleasing prospect of in- creasing, useful prosperity, is continually rising to our view." Still increasing in joy, he begins his next letter with " Hallelu- jah! Praise the Lord!" And upon taking in ten more little orphans, he was so much overjoyed, he exclaimed, " Prizes ! prizes ! Hallelujah," begging his friends to help him praise the Lord for His mercies. Wrought up by the grandeur and glory of this blessed consummation, with his heart still swelling with gratitude and joy, he exclaimed, " O Bethesda, my Bethel, my Peniel ! My happiness is inconceivable. Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Let chapel, Tabernacle, heaven, and earth, rebound with Hallelujah ! I can no more. My heart is too big to add more than my old name. Less than the least of all, G. W." Having " now spent the most comfortable domestic winter of his life," he left Bethesda, embarked for Philadelphia April 24th, and reached it May the 6th, " more and more in love with his pilgrim life than ever." He preached the next even- ing tp a very large congregation, and says, " Pulpits, hearts and affections seem to be as open towards me as ever." After preaching here five or six times a week with great success for about three weeks, he says, " people of all ranks flock as much HIS LAST LABORS IN AMERICA. 32/ as ever." And with many hopeful conversions, with all the Episcopal and nearly all the other churches thrown open to him, he was very much encouraged. With his health " rather better than for many years," he now began to explore the region round about Philadelphia. In a letter of June 14, 1770, to his dear friend Keen, he says, "This leaves me just returned from a hundred and fifty miles circuit, in which, blessed be God ! I have been enabled to preach every day." He now had so many calls to go and preach, he says, " I know not which way to turn myself." NEW YORK. Ffom Philadelphia, June 23, he went to New York. Here he says, " Congregations are rather larger than ever." Though the heat was intense, he was now able " to itinerate and preach daily." He now received so many invitations from all quarters daily, he sent a bundle of them to England as a curiosity. Moved with compassion toward the "Poor Indian," he now purposed to attend a large Indian congress with Mr. Kirkland. With his missionary spirit increasing, he now struck out on "fresh zuork',' and during the month of July he made another five hundred miles circuit, " preaching and traveling through •the heat every day." " Congregations," he says, " have been very large, attentive and affected, particularly at Albany, Schenectady, Great Barrington, Norfolk, Salisbury, Sharon, Smithfield, Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, New Rumbert, New Wind- sor, and Peckshilt. O what a new scene of usefulness is open- ing in various parts of this new world ! All fresh work. Invitations crowd upon me both from ministers and people from every quarter." Led by a peculiar providence, he now attended the execution of a horse thief He says, " thousands attended. The poor 328 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. criminal had sent me several letters. The sheriff allowed him to come and hear a sermon under an adjacent tree. Solenni, solemn! After being by himself about an hour, I walked half a mile with him to the gallows. His heart had been softened before my first visit. He seemed full of solid divine consola- tions. An instructive walk. I went up with him into the cart. He gave a short exhortation." Standing upon his coffin, Whitefield exhorted, prayed, pronounced the benedic- tion, and retired, trusting that " effectual good" had been done to all. From New York he went to Boston. Here the interest was so great, he says, " Never was the Word received with greater eagerness than now. All opposition seems for a while to cease." Here he preached daily from the 17th to the 20th of September, and having stood the heat and labor so well, on the 2 1st he started on another excursion. Upon reaching Newbury, he was taken with such a severe flux, he was obliged to return. But recovering somewhat in a few days, he set off again to Portsmouth, he says, *' to begin to begin again!' On reaching Portsmouth, he sat down and wrote his Last let- ter. It is dated September 23, 1770, and directed to his very dear friend, Mr. R. Keen. He says, " By this time I thought to be moving southward. But never was greater importunity used to detain me in these northern parts. You will see by the many invitations what a door is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel. I was so ill on Friday that I could not preach, though thousands were waiting to hear. Well, the day of release will shortly come, but it does not seem yet ; for, by riding sixty miles, I am better, and hope to preach here to- morrow. I trust my blessed Master will accept of these poor efforts to serve Him. O for a warm heart ; O to stand fast in the faith, to quit ourselves like men, and be strong. May this HIS LAST LABORS IN AMERICA. 329. be the happy experience of you and yours. Earnestly desir- ing a continued interest in all your prayers, I hasten to sub- scribe myself, my dear, very dear sir. Less than the least of all, G. W." HIS LAST SERMON. After preaching at Kittery and York, and daily, for a week, at Portsmouth, on Saturday morning, September 29, he set out for Boston. Before reaching Newburyport, where he had agreed to preach the next Sabbath morning, he was prevailed upon to stop and preach by the way at Exeter, fifteen miles from Portsmouth. To accommodate the multitudes that collected on a very short notice, he preached in the open air, and con- tinued his sermon nearly two hours, which so greatly fatigued him that he could not get out of the ferry boat without two men's assistance. This proved his last sermon. It was from ^ 2 Cor. xiii. 5. "His subject was a contrast of the present with the future." When he ascended the pulpit, he was so unwell it was thought almost impossible for him to speak. Mr. Clarkson said to him, "Sir, you are more fit to go to bed than to preach." He replied, " True, sir," but turning aside, he clasped his hands together, and looking up, said, " Lord Jesus, I am weary i/i Thy work, but not 0/ Thy work. If I have not finished my course, let me go and speak for Thee once more in the fields, seal Thy truth, and come home and die." "At length," says an eye witness, " he arose from his seat, and stood erect. Thin and pale as death, his appearance alone was a powerful sermon." After standing several minutes unable to speak, he said, " I will wait for the gracious assistance of God, for He will, I am certain, assist me once more to speak in His name." Speaking with wonderful pathos and power, he then delivered one of his most impressive sermons. Towards the close he said, " I go, I go to rest prepared ; my sun has arisen. 330 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. and, by aid from heaven, given light to many; 'tis now about to set for — no, it cannot be ! but 'tis to rise to the zenith of im- mortal glory. I have outlived many on earth, but they cannot outlive me in heaven. Many shall live when this body is no more, but then — Oh, thought divine — I shall be in a world where time, age, sickness and sorrow are unknown. My body {2i\\s, 7ny spirit expands ; how willingly would I live forever to preach Christ! but T die to be with Him. How brief, compar- atively brief, has been my life, compared with the vast labors I see before me yet to be accomplished ; but if I leave now, while so few care about heavenly things, the God of peace will surely visit you." He now had such a sweet foretaste of heaven, that it, says Mr. Parsons, " made his countenance shine like the unclouded sun." He delivered this sermon with such clearness, pathos and power that it greatly surprised the great congregation. He said, " He hoped it was the last sermon he should ever preach." And so it was. It was preached at the request of Rev, Daniel Rodgers, a descendant of John Rodgers, the martyr. HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE, With his sweet, noble countenance, bright, dark blue eyes, and fair complexion, Whitefield had a fine presence. His tender, weeping eyes were very expressive. In recovering from the measles he contracted a squint in one of them, which, instead of detracting, rather added to the expression of his counte- nance. Being rather above the medium height, well propor- tioned, and very graceful and easy in his manners, his personal appearance was very prepossessing. And, says Dr. Wakely, " he had an eloquent face, every feature of which spoke to his audience. His eyes spoke volumes." His voice was exceed- ingly strong, sweet and melodious. 'Tis said he could be ms LAST LABORS IN AMERICA. 33 1 heard a mile. His intonations were so perfect that Garrick says, "he could make men weep or tremble by his varied utter- ances of the word Mesopotamia." His action, also, was exceed- ingly graceful. "So that withal," says Dr. Philip, "his face was a language, his intonations music, and his action passion." He was also veiy neat and particular in his person, and everything about him. He had a place for everything, and everything in its place. He would not even go to bed with a glove out of place. John Wesley says of him, " How few have we known of so kind a temper, of such large and flowing affec- tions." Hence, says Toplady, he had "the brightest cheerful- ness." He was very slender when young, but became corpu- lent about forty. His table was neat and plain. "A cow-heel was his favorite dish." wiiitefield's sermons. It is admitted that Whitefield's printed sermona generally fail to exhibit his great powers of oratory. This is true of many great orators. It only proves that their eloquence con- sisted much in their manner of delivery. It was so with Whitefield. His holy ardor and melting power could not be expressed on paper. To be felt, it must be seen. Besides, many of his sermons were hastily written while he was cross- ing the Atlantic. Others he did not write at all. They were taken down in short hand and published daily, as he preached them. But with his masterly skill, Whitefield, like Jesus, always adapted his sermons to the occasion. This gave him power. They are all full of points and arrows. And blest of God, they proved " quick and powerful," and cut like light- ning. Like a mighty wave they swept everything before them. "It was like putting fire in tinder." The great doc- trines he preached, though common to us now, were generally 332 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. new to his hearers then. And while some of his sermons are quite "commonplace," others are very touching, eloquent and powerful. Although they do not possess the beauty of Robert Hall, the strength of Edwards, nor the grandeur of Chalmers, yet flashing with life, love, joy and power, they pro- duced a most wonderful effect. Abounding with rich relig- ious experience, and glowing with tender compassion, and the great doctrines of the Cross, enforced with the most striking illustrations, they are the most stirring, eloquent and powerful ..sermons we ever read. We have often read them with pro- fuse weeping. We can scarcely see how any Christian can read them without tears. They contain the very truths, the best calculated of all, to move the will, arouse the affections ■and win the heart. Reading one of them resulted in the con- version of Rev. James Hervey — reading another resulted in the conversion of Rev. Andrew Kinsman. And the reading of a few of them resulted in organizing several churches, and the founding of the Presbyterian church in the colony of Vir- ginia. Here the effect of their reading was so great, that the people "could not keep from crying out and weeping bitterly." We give a few extracts from his written sermons — '^Beseeching sinners!' "O, my brethren, my heart is enlarged towards you. I trust I feel something of that hidden but powerful presence of Christ, while I am preaching to you. Indeed, it is sweet, it is exceedingly comfortable. All the harm I wish you, who without cause are my enemies, is, that you felt the like. Believe me, though it would be hell to my soul, to return to a natural state, yet I would willingly change states with you for a little while, that you might know what it is to have Christ dwelling in your hearts by faith. Do not turn your backs ; do not let the devil hurry you away. I cannot, I will not let you go ; stay a little^ let us reason together. However HIS LAST LARORS IN AMERICA. 333 lightly you may esteem your souls, I know our Lord has set an unspeakable value on them. I have offered you Christ's whole wisdom, Christ's whole righteousness, Christ's whole sanctification and eternal redemption, if you will but be- lieve on Him. Come then, ye harlots ; come, ye pub- licans, come, yc most abandoned of sinners, come and be- lieve on Jesus Christ. O let there be joy in heaven over some of you repenting! An awful silence appears amongst us. Behold, I come to you as the angel did to Lot. Flee, flee for your lives ; haste, linger no longer in your spirit- ual Sodom, for otherwise you will be eternally destroyed." Again, when preaching on glorifying God in the fires, Isa. xxiv. 15, he said, "When I was, some years ago, at Shields, I went into a glass-house, and standing very attentively, I saw several masses of burning glass of various forms. The work- man took one piece of glass and put it into one furnace, then he put it into a second, and then into a third. I asked him ' why do you put that into so many fires ?' He answered me, 'Oh, sir, the first was not hot enough, nor the second, and therefore we put it into the third, and that will make it trans- parent.' 'Oh,' thought I, 'does this man put this glass into one furnace after another, that it may be rendered perfect? Oh, my God, put me into one furnace after another, that my soul may be transparent, that I may see God as He is!'" CHAPTER XXXIII. WHITEFIELDS DEATH. E give it as related by Mr. Smith, his travel- ing companion, who saw him die. On Sat- urday, September 29, 1770, Mr. Whitefield rode from Portsmouth to Exeter in the morning, and preached there to a very great multitude in the fields. "After dinner he and Mr. Parsons rode to Newburyport. I did not get there till two or three hours after them. I found them at supper. I asked Whitefield how he felt himself after his journey. He said 'he was tired, therefore he supped early, and would go to bed.' He ate a very light supper, talked but little, asked Mr. Parsons to discharge the table, perform family duty ; and then retired upstairs. He said that he would sit and read till I came to him, which I did soon as possible ; and found him reading in the Bible, with Watts' Psalms lying open before him. He asked me for some water gruel, and took about half his usual quantity; and kneeling down by the bedside, closed the evening with prayer. After a little conversation, he went to rest, and slept till two in the morning, when he awoke me and asked for a little cider, of which he drank about half of a wineglassful. I asked him how he felt, for he seemed to pant for breath. He told me ' his asthma was coming on him again ; he must have two or three days' rest. Two or three days' riding without preaching would set him up again.' Soon afterwards he asked me to put (334) WHITEFIELDS DEATH. 335 the window up a little higher (though it was half up all night), * for,' said he, ' I cannot breathe ; but I hope I shall be better by and by; a good pulpit sweat to-day may give me relief: 1 I shall be better after preaching.' I said to him, I wished he would not preach so often. He replied, ' I had rather 7Vi'arout than rust out.' I then told him I was afraid he took cold in preaching yesterday. He said ' he believed he had :' and then sat up in the bed, and prayed that God would be pleased to bless his preaching where he had been, and also bless his preaching that day, that more souls might be brought to Christ ; and prayed for direction, whether he should winter at Boston, or hasten to the southward — prayed for a blessing on his Bethesda college, and his dear family there ; for the Taber- nacle and chapel congregations, and all the connections on the other side of the water ; and then laid himself down to sleep again. This was nigh three o'clock. After a quarter past four he waked, and said, * My asthma, my asthma is coming on; I wish I had not given out word to preach at Haverhill on Monday ; I don't think I shall be able ; but I shall see what to-day will bring forth. If I am no better to-ni.orrow, I will take two or three days' ride.' He then desired me to warm him a little gruel ; and, in breaking the firewood, I waked Mr. Parsons, who, thinking I knocked for him, rose and came in. He went to Whitefield's bedside, and asked him how he felt himself He answered, 'I am almost suffocated. I can scarce breathe, my asthma quite chokes me.' I was then not a little surprised to hear how quick, and with what difficulty he drew his breath. He got out of bed, and went to the open window for air. This was exactly at five o'clock. I went to him, and for about the space of five minutes saw no danger, only that he had a great difficulty in breathing, as I had often seen before. Soon after he turned himself to me, and said, '/ am dying! I J* 336 LIFE OF WHITFFIELD. said, ' I hope not, sir.' lie ran to the other window, panting for breath, but could get no rehef. It was agreed that I should go for Dr. Sawyer ; and on my coming back, I saw death on his face ; and he again said, ' / am dying! His eyes were fixed, his under lip drawing inward every time he drew breath ; he went towards the window, and wc offered him some warm wine with lavender drops, which he refused. I persuaded him to sit down in the chair, and have his cloak on ; he consented by a sign, but could not speak. I then offered him the glass of warm wine ; he took half of it, but it seemed as if it would have stopped his breath entirely. In a little time he brought up a considerable quantity of phlegm and wind. I then began to have some small hopes. Mr. Parsons said he thought Whitefield ^breathed more freely than he did, and would re- cover. I said, ' No, sir, he is certainly dying.' I was continu- ally employed in taking the phlegm out of his mouth with a handkerchief, and bathing his temples with drops, rubbing his wrists, etc., to give him relief if possible, but all in vain ; his hands and feet were as cold as clay. When the doctor came in and saw him in the chair leaning upon my breast, he felt his pulse, and said, ' He is a dead man! Mr. Parsons said, 'I don't believe it; you must do something, doctor!' He said, 'I cannot ; he is now near his last breath.' And indeed, so it was ; for he fetched but one gasp, and stretched out his feet, and breathed no more. This was exactly at six o'clock. We continued rubbing his legs, hands and feet with warm cloths, and bathed him with spirits for some time, but all in vain. I then put him into a warm bed, the doctor standing by, and often raised him upright, continued rubbing him and putting .spirits to his nose for an hour, till all hopes were gone. The people came in crowds to see him ; but I begged the doctor to shut the door." WHITEFIELDS DEATH. 337 Thus died the immortal Whitefield. While he lived we let him speak for himself, now he is dead we wish to say a few things about him. Touching his death, we observe that he had long prayed for it. " Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly," was his oft-repeated prayer. Ready to die, he was waiting to depart. Blest with full assurance, death to him had no sting, and the grave no terrors. Like Paul, he could say, ^'to die is gain, to depart is far better." Having done, suffered, and en- joyed so much for Christ on earth, he longed to go, see, and enjoy Him more in heaven. His death was sudden and unexpected. Yet he died at his post, "in the midst of the battle," "fighting the good fight of faith." He preached one day and died the next. Though very unwell, he had been preaching daily for near two months. Suddenly seized with a fit of asthma, after a few hours' suffering, he .said, "/ am dying!' They sent for the doctor. He came, but it was too late. Death had seized him, and, after grappling a little with the last enemy, he again said, "/ am dyingT These were his last words. After a few more struggles "the wheel at the cistern stood still," and "the seraphic man" passed away. He died in the 56th year of his age, and in the 34th year of his ministry. How sudden the change! It was "but a step'' from his " pulpit throne " on earth to the throne of God in heaven. "It is done." "The battle's fought, the victory won." "How are the mighty fallen." "A great light is gone out." The church has lost her greatest preacher, and the world its greatest orator and intercessor at a throne of grace. The Rev. Mr. Romaine exclaimed, " Oh, what has the church suffered in the setting of that bright star which has shone so gloriously in our hemisphere!" Shocked by his death, the word spread like fire. Six hours after he expired, a man was seen riding through the streets of 338 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Portsmouth, crying out, " White field is dead ! Whitefield is dead! He died at Newburyport this morning at six o'clock." Wrung with grief, the people met in great crowds to mingle their sorrows, and to do honor to the mighty dead. His life was a grand success, his death a glorious victory. Dying "on the field of battle," he died in the zenith of his glory. As he drew nearer the eternal world, he seemed to draw nearer to God, and to preach with greater power. His pulpit power never waned. He had often prayed " that his zeal might not flag at the latter end of the road." Neither did it. Instead of flagging it rather increased. His soul seemed to expand to the last, and his last labors everywhere seemed to have been at- tended with greater power than ever. His receptions now were "heartier," and his farewells more solemn and touching. Crowned with unprecedented success during his last labors in the South, and still greater in the North, he fell at his post, covered with glory and honor. Soon after he expired a large crowd of ministers and others gathered around his remains, and, says Mr. Smith, "they all said his last visit was attended with more power than any other ; and that all opposition fell before him." Again, Whitefield died "silent." No vivid thoughts, stirring appeals, nor shouts of glory marked his death, that character- ized his life. Having borne such ample testimony for God during his life, nothing more was needed at his death. He had said and done enough. God required no more. Wesley said when dying, " The best of all is, God is with us." Top- lady said, "I enjoy a heaven already in my soul." But White- field, with his towering faith, holy life and heroic zeal, simply said, "/ am dying," and God took him home to "an eternal weight of glory." In 1764, when Rev. Dr. Finley, President of New Jersey College, said to Mr. Whitefield, " I should be i WHITEFIELDS DEATH. 339 glad to hear the noble testimony you will bear for God" at death. Whitefield replied, " You will be disappointed, Doctor, I shall die silent. It hath pleased God to enable me to bear so many testimonies for Him during my life, that He will re- quire none when I die. No, no, it is your dumb Christians, that have walked in fear and darkness, and thereby been un- able to bear a testimony for God during their lives, that He compels to speak out for Him on their death-beds." (Gillies.) And here let us inquire what was the secret of his triumph- ant death. It was his strong faith, and laborious and self-sac- rificing life. Though "all of grace," he died triumphantly, because he lived earnestly. He enjoyed much because he wrought much. Crucified to the world, he lived for Christ, and Christ gave him victory. Conscious of the inseparable connection between doing duty and enjoying God, he strove with all his might to be faithful. He made life second to duty. He hcis a great reward, because he made a great sacrifice. He sits high with Jesus in heaven, because he worked hard and walked close with Him on earth. "Though dead, he yet speaketh." Simply hearing the an- nouncement of his death led to one man's conversion. Ben- jamin Randall, a young sail-maker, was deeply impressed under Whitefield's last sermons in Portsmouth. As he was going to church he heard a man cry out, " Whitefield is dead T The announcement startled him, and went like an arrow to his heart. He says, " It was September 30, that memorable day ! that blessed day to Whitefield ! that blessed day to me ! a voice sounded through my soul more loud and start- ling than ever thunder pealed upon my ears, ' Whitefield is dead!' Whitefield is now in heaven, but I am on the road to hell. He was a man of God, and yet I reviled him 340 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. and spoke reproachfully of him. He taught me the way to heaven, but I rejected it." This led to Randall's conversion. He became a Baptist minister, and the founder of the Free-will Bnjitist denomination, now numbering over 60,000 members anu 1000 ministers. CHAPTER XXXIV WHITEFIELD S FUNERAL. I TUNG with grief at his death, thousands upon thousands assembled to mingle their tears of sor- row at his funeral. Endeared to the people while living, they delighted to honor him when dead. Says Mr. Smith, " Many ministers of all persua- sions came to the house of the Rev. Mr. Parsons, where several of them gave a very particular ac- count of their first awakenings under his ministry, several years ago, and also of many in their congregations, that to their knowledge, under God, owed their conversion to his coming among them, often referring to the blessed seasons they had enjoyed under his preaching ; and all said, that his last visit was attended with more power than any other, and that all opposition fell before him. Then one and another of them would pity and pray for his dear Tabernacle and Chapel congregations, and it was truly affecting to hear them bemoan America's and England's loss. Thus they continued for two hours conversing about his great usefulness, and praying that God would scatter his gifts and drop his mantle among them." " Early the next morning after his death," says Dr. Gillies, " Mr. Sherburn, of Portsmouth, sent Mr. Clarkson and Dr. Haven with a message to Mr. Parsons, desiring that Mr. Whitefield's remains might be buried in his own new tomb, at his own expense; and in the evening several gentlemen from (340 342 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, Boston came to Mr. Parsons, desiring the body might be car- ried there. But as Mr. Whitefield had repeatedly desired to be buried before Mr. Parson's pulpit, if he died at Newbury- port, Mr. Parsons thought himself obliged to deny both of these requests." Enshrouded in his gown, cassock and wig, Whitefield was buried October 2, 1770, from the house of Mr, Parsons. "At one o'clock all the bells in the town were tolled for an hour, and all the vessels in the harbor gave their proper signals of mourning. At two o'clock the bells tolled again. At three, the bells called to attend the funeral. The Rev. Dr. Haven, of Portsmouth, the Rev. Messrs, Daniel Rogers, of Exeter, Jedediah Jewet, and James Chandler, of Rowley, Moses Par- sons, of Newburyport, and Edward Bass, of Newburyport, were pall-bearers. Mr. Parsons and his family, with many other respectable persons, followed the corpse in mourning. The procession was one mile. When the corpse was carried into the Presbyterian church, and placed at the foot of the pulpit, close to the vault, the Rev. Daniel Rodgers made a very affecting prayer, and openly declared, in the presence of about six thousand persons, within the walls of the church, while many thousands were on the outside unable to get in, that, under God, he owed his conversion to the labors of that dear man of God, whose precious remains now lay before them. Then he cried out, ' mjy fai/iey, my father!' then stopped and wept as though his heart would break: the peo- ple weeping all through the pkice. Then he recovered, and finished his prayer, and sat down and wept. Then one of the deacons gave out that hymn — " Why do we mourn departing friends?" etc., some of the people weeping, some singing, and so on alternately. WHITEFIELDS FUNEKAL. 343 The Rev. Ml". Jewet preached a funeral discourse, and made an affectionate address to his brethren, to lay to heart the death of that useful man of God ; begging that he and they might be upon their watch-tower, and endeavor to follow his blessed example. He said, ' We are met here, a large assembly of mourners to condole the loss, the almost irreparable loss, which tve, our Christian friends, and the Chiircli of God, have sustained, in the sudden death of our most amiable and useful friend and dear father, the Rev. Mr. George Whitefi eld ; and to pay our last office of respect unto his earthly remains. We may recol- lect that Jesus Christ, while He tabernacled in the flesh, and when He was going to the grave of His dear friend Lazarus with his sisters, and a train of other mourners, expressed the tender sentiments of His heart by His groans and tears. The evangelist informs us that He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled; or, according to the original. He troubled, or afflicted Himself, i. e., He gave the reins in some measure to His grief; " Jesus wept." Well then may we tveep and afflict ourselves, giving scope to the sorrowful affections of our hearts, because our friend, and the friend of Christ, sleepeth. How is the mighty fallen, and the weapons of the spiritual warfare per- ished. What a wide breach is made upon us, upon New Eng- land, and upon all the British colonies in America. How much zeal for God, and gospel doctrine, compassion for perish- ing sinners, and true holiness is taken from amongst us by this stroke of God's hand. What a friend he has been to us and our interests, religious and civil, to New England and all the British colonies. How generously he has opened, not only his mouth for us, but his heart also to us, and spent himself unto wea- riness and even to deatJi amongst us, and for us ; a shower of tears poured on his grave, together with all the decent funeral respect we can pay his clayey tabernacle, is but an equitable, 344 LIFE OF WIllTEFIELD. yea, but a small, inconsiderable tribute.' The corpse was then put into the vault, and all concluded with a short prayer and dismission of the people, who went weeping through the streets to their respective homes." (Gillies.) But it was not only in Newburyport "that great lamentation was made over him" — all New England lamented him. Two continents- mourned his loss. His death cast a solemn gloom over the entire Christian world. Rev. C. Winter said to Rev. Wm. Jay, " You have no conception of the effect of Mr. White- field's death upon the inhabitants of Georgia. All the black cloth in the stores was bought up; the pulpit and desk of the church, the branches, the organ loft, the pews of the governor and council, were covered with black. The governor and council, in deep mourning, convened at the state house, and went in procession to church, and were received by the organ playing a funeral dirge. Two funeral sermons were preached, one by the Rev. Mr. Ellington, the other by the Rev. Mr. Zubly." Similar marks of respect were shown by some of the churches in Philadelphia, and many other places. The mourn- ful news of his death reached London November 5. Rev. Mr. Keen at once communicated it to the Tabernacle and Totten- ham Court Chapel ; and who could describe the anguished hearts of the bereaved, weeping congregations ! All eyes were filled with tears over the great loss of their dearly beloved pastor. According to Whitefield's previous arrangement, the Rev. John Wesley, at the request of Mr. Keen, preached his funeral sermon on Sabbath, the i8th of November, from Num- bers xxiii. 10, at the Chapel in the morning, and in the afternoon at the Tabernacle. The London Chronicle of Nov. 19, I77*^> says: "The multitudes 'that went to hear it exceeded all belief. The Chapel and Tabernacle were filled as soon as they were opened." The pulpits in both places were hung with black WHITEFIELDS FUNERAL, 345 cloth, and the galleries with fine black baize. Hatchments were put up with the motto, '' Meta vita, solus ct gloria Christus." The mournings and the escutcheons in the vestries in each place were kept up six months, and the hatchments twelve. WHITEFIELD's will EXTRACT. " In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three persons but one God, I, George Whitefield, clerk, at present residing at the Orphan House Academy, in the province of Georgia, in North America, being, through infinite mercy, in more than ordinary bodily health, and of a perfect, sound, and composed mind, knowing the certainty of death, and yet the uncertainty of the time I shall be called by it to my long- wished-for home, do make this my last will and testament : '^Imprimis. In sure and certain hope of a resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, I commit my body to the dust, to be buried in the most plain and decent manner; and knowing in whom I have believed, and being persuaded that He will keep that which I have committed unto Him, in the fullest assurance of faith, I commend my soul into the hands of the ever-loving, altogether lovely, never-failing Jesus, in who*se complete and everlasting righteousness I entirely depend for the justification of my person, and acceptance of my poor, worthless, though I trust sincere, performances, at that day when He shall come to judge both the quick and dead." His Orphan House at Bethesda, and all the buildings and all the ap- purtenances thereof, " I leave to the Right Honorable Lady Huntingdon; desiring that as soon as may be after my decease, the plan of the intended Orphan House Bethesda College may be prosecuted — if not practicable or eligible to pursue the pres- ent plan of the Orphan House Academy — on its old foundation and usual channel." In case of her death before his, he willed all 346 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. the above to his dear friend, the Hon. James Habersham. With regard to his outward affairs in England, he willed the Taber- nacle and Tottenham Court Chapel, all the buildings connected therewith, and all the appurtenances thereof, to his "two worthy, trusty friends, Daniel West, Esq., and Mr. Robert Keen, or the longer survivor of the two." " As to the moneys which a kind providence, especially of late, in a most unexpected way, and unthought-of means, has vouchsafed to entrust me with," he says, " I give and bequeath the sum of ^100 sterling to Lady Huntingdon aforesaid, hum- bly beseeching her ladyship's acceptance of so small a mite, as a pepper-corn acknowledgment, for the undeserved, unsought- for honor her ladyship conferred upon me, in appointing me one of her domestic chaplains." To Mr. James Habersham he gave his late wife's gold watch, and ;^io for mourning; "to my dear old friend, Gabriel Harris, Esq., of Gloucester, who received and boarded me in his house when I was helpless and destitute, above thirty years ago, I give the sum of £^o\ to my humble, faithful servant and friend, Mr, Ambrose Wright, I give ;^500." To his brother, Thomas Whitefield, he gave ;^50 ; to Mr. James Smith, of Bristol, he gave ^50, and ^30 for family mourning ; to his niece, Mrs. Frances Hartford, of Bath, he gave ^50, and ^^30 for family mourning, etc., etc. "To Mr. Cornelius Winter, and all my other assistant preachers at the Tabernacle and Tottenham Court Chapel, I give £\0 each for mourning. Finally, I give ;^iOO to be dis- tributed among my old London servants, the poor widows at Tottenham Court Chapel, and the Tabernacle poor ; especially my old trusty friend and servant, Mrs Elizabeth Wood." He made a conditional provision to give annual prizes for the three best orations in the Orphan House Academy. He appointed WHITEFIELD S FUNERAL, 347 Hon. James Habersham his executor for his American, and Charles Hardy, Esq., Daniel West, Esq., and Mr. Robert Keen, executors for his affairs in England. "As for my enemies and misjudging friends, I most freely and heartily forgive them, and can only add that the last tre- mendous day will only discover what I have been, what I am, and what I sJiall be when time itself shall be no more; and therefore from my inmost soul I close all by crying, 'Come Lord Jesus, come quickly; even so. Lord Jesus. Amen and amen.' George Whitefield." This wiil was written by Whitefield himself, signed, sealed, and delivered, at the Orphan House Academy, in the province of Georgia, before us witnesses, March 22, A. D. 1770. Robert Bolton. Thomas Dixon. Cornelius Winter. Whitefield adds: "N. B. — I also leave a mourning ring to my honored and dear friends, and distinguished fellow-laborers, the Revs. John and Charles Wesley, in token of my indissoluble union with them in heart and Christian affection, notwithstand- ing our difference in judgment about some particular points of doctrine. Grace be with all them, of whatever denomination, that love our Lord Jesus, our common Lord, in sincerity." whitefield's tomb. His remains lie in a vault under the pulpit of the " Old South Presbyterian Church," Newburyport, Massachusetts. Lighting his lamp, Mr. Jaques lifted a small trap-door behind the pulpit, and took us down to the place where sleep in death the mortal remains of the immortal man. There they lie, encased in a plain, unvarnished coffin, lying on top of two other coffins. Though shattered by the mouldering hand of 348 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. time, the skull and larger bones still remain entire. The bal- ance is a heap of dust. The frontal bone bears the mark of the fingers' gentle touch of the many thousands who have visited this sacred shrine. The main bone of the right arm was taken to England as a curiosity several years ago, and brought back and replaced in 1837, with great interest and deep solemnity. "A procession of 2000 people followed it to the grave." — {N. Y. Observer) Calling to mind the glorious career of the living man in connection with the sight of his rusty remains, struck us with feelings of reverence and solemn awe. The dust, the bones, and the well varnished skull, though a very dry subject, to us were a very interesting sight. To gaze upon the skull that once contained the brains, and the frame that once encased the heart, that moved the masses, stirred the souls, and revived the churches of two continents, was a very impressive sight. When we remember the flame of fire and the mighty genius that once animated these dry bones, and recall the bold, fervid, eloquent words that gushed from his compassionate heart, and fell from his tender lips, and associate them with the grandeur and glory of his successful life, the sight becomes still more impressive. And when we remember that the hour is coming when these dry bones will hear the voice of the Son of God, live, and come forth from that dingy vault, clothed in power, glory, and immortality; when Whitefield, soul and body re- united, will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and go to dwell forever with Him, the gloomy sight appears far more impressive still. The preciousness of Whitefield's memory is seen in the numerous visits made to his tomb. We give one by Rev. Dr. Cox, of London, and Rev. Dr. Hoby, of Birmingham. They say, " Deep expectant emotions thrilled through our bosoms as we descended into the awful and silent sepulchre. There WHITEFIELD S FUNERAL. 349 were three coffins, side by side ; two of them containing the remains of Mr. Parsons and Mr. Prince, pastors of the church, with Whitefield's in the middle, over which we bent in solemn awe. We gazed on the fragments, contemplated and handled the skull, of the great preacher. We thought of his devoted life, his blessed death, and high and happy destiny." Mr. Wm. B. Tappan wrote, on visiting it in 1837 : "And this was Whitefiekl ! — this, the dust now blending With kindred dust, that wrapt his soul of fire — Which, from the mantle freed, is still ascending Through regions of far glory, holier, higher." whitefield's monument. In one corner of the church, on the right of the pulpit, stands his cenotaph or monument, erected through the lib- erality of Mr. Bartlett, of Ncwburyport. It serves as a noble monument for him as well as for Whitefield. It is about five feet square, and ten or twelve feet high. Made of finely pol- ished Massachusetts and Italian marble, with a massive, solid base, adorned with a heavy cornice, it is a neat structure. Surmounted with a golden flame, ascending from an open urn, " a beautiful symbol of immortality," it is very appropriate and significant. A flame of love and a flame of fire while living, a monumental flame well becomes him now he is dead. Al- though Whitefield richly deserves the finest monument, yet like his Master, he needs none. The revived churches and the restored Christianity of Europe and America are his mon- ument, luishrined in the hearts and embedded in the affec- tions of the people, his life, his zvords, his deeds, constitute a monument as durable as the everlasting hills. On one side of it is engraved, in letters of gold, an appropriate epitaph, briefly sketching his life, character, success and death. Read- 350 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. ing it over brought his life and death so vividly before out mind, that we could but gaze upon it with deep emotions and tears. It bears the following inscription : THIS CENOTAPH Is erected with affectionate veneration, To the Memory of THE REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD. Born at Gloucester, England, Dec. i6, 17 14, Educated at Oxford University; ordained 1736. In a Ministry of Thirty-four years, he crossed the Atlantic thirteen times, And preached more than eighteen thousand sermons. AS A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS, humble, devoted, ardent, He put on the whole armor of God ; Preferring the honor of Christ to his own interest, Repose, reputation and life. AS A CHRISTIAN ORATOR, His deep piety, disinterested zeal and vivid imagination, gave unexampled energy to his look, utterance and action. Bold, fervent, pungent, and popular in his eloquence, no other unin- spired man ever preached to so large assemblies, or enforced the simple truths of the Gospel by motives so persua- sive and awful, and with an influence so powerful on the hearts of his hearers. He died of Asthma, September 30, 1770, Suddenly exchanging his life of unparalleled labors for his Eternal Rest. CHAPTER XXXV. EXTRACTS FROM HIS FUNERAL SERMONS. ,HERE were a great many sermons preached upon the occasion of Whitefield's death. We make the following extracts. The Rev. Mr. Parsons preached his first funeral sermon in Newburyport the same day he died, from Phil, i. 21. He said, "In Whitefield, I believe, we have the whole of the text exemplified : he could say with our apostle, ' For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.' Christ became a principle of spir- itual life in his soul, while he was at the University in Oxford. When he heard Christ speak to him in the gospel, he cried, ' Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?' From that time he had an ardent desire to furnish himself for the gospel ministry. To this end he gave himself to reading the holy scriptures, and particularly he read Mr. Henry's Commentaries on the whole Bible upon his knees before God, a noble example for young students in divinity. Since my first acquaintance with him, which is about thirty years ago, I have highly esteemed him as an excellent Christian and an eminent minister of the gospel. I have often considered him as 'an angel flying through the midst of heaven, with the everlasting gospel, to preach unto them that dwell on the earth.' Wherever he flew, like a flame of fire, his ministry gave a general alarm to all sorts of people, though before they had, for a long time, (350 352 LIFK OF \VHlTKFJEr.n. been amazingly sunk down into dead formality. It is no wonder that this man of God should meet with enemies, and with great opposition to his ministry; for hell trembled before him." But "he is gone while our souls were flushed with ex- pectation ! Snatched away suddenly, without any time allowed us to wean ourselves from him! O, severe, affecting stroke! But what is it to me and my children — what is it to this vast assembly — when compared with the general loss to the church of God ? Where is the man that can describe divine things with such a heavenly flame? Who, O, who, shall rise in England and America, with an equal genius, and the like spirit, to encourage religion arid to stem the torrent of opposi- tion to the gospel? With God is the residue of the Spirit, and He can qualify and send down young Elkis, now Elijah has dropped his mantle. Arise, O God, and plead Thine own cause !" The Rcv.JoJui Wesley, said, in the language of the Boston Gazette, " In his public labors, Whitefield has for many years astonished the world with his eloquence and devotion. With what divine pathos did he persuade the unpenitent sinners to embrace the practice of piety and virtue! Filled with the spirit of grace, he spoke from the heart, and with a fervency of zeal, perhaps unequaled since the days of the apostles, adorned the truths he delivered with the most graceful charms of rhetoric and oratory. From the pulpit he was unrivaled in the command of an over-crowded auditory. Nor was he less agreeable and instructive in his private conversation. Happy in a remarkable ease of address, willing to communi- cate, studious to edify." Mr. Wesley further said, "Mention lias already been made of his unparalleled zeal, his indefati- gable activity, his tender-heartedness to the afflicted, and chari- tahleness toward the poor. But should we not likewise men- EXTRACTS FROM HIS FUNERAL SERMONS. 353 tion his deep gratitude to all whom God had used as instru- ments of good to him? Should we not mention that he had an heart susceptible of the most generous and the most ten- der friendsldp? I have frequently thought, that this, of all others, was the distinguishing part of his character. How few have we known of so kind a temper, of such large and flowing affections? Was it not principally by this that the hearts of others were so strangely drawn and knit to him ? Can any- thing but love beget love? This shone in his very counte- nance, and continually breathed in all his words, whether in public or private. Was it not this, which, quick and penetrat- ing as lightning, flew from heart to heart? — which gave that life to his sermons, his conversation and letters? Ye are wit- nesses." Entering the ministry when veiy young, "he had not time to make a very considerable progress in the learned languages. But this defect was amply supplied by a lively and fertile genius, by fervent z.cal, and by a forcible and most persuasive delivery. Being singularly cheerful, as well as charitable and tender-hearted, he was as ready to relieve the bodily as the .spiritual necessities of those that applied to him." Touching his success, Wesley says, " Have we read or heard of any person, who called so many thousands, so many myriads of sinners, to repentance? Above all, have we read or heard of any who has been a blessed instrument in His hand of bringing so many sinners from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." And in his journal he says, " In every place I wish to show all possible respect to the memory of that great and good man." The Rev. Dr. E. Peudn^rtou, of Boston, said, " Posterity"^ - will view Mr. Whitefield, in many respects, as one of the most extraordinary characters of the present age. His zealous, incessant and successful labors in Europe and America are 23 354 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. without a parallel. His first appearance in the work of the ministry was attended with surprising success. The largest churches in London would not contain the numbers that per- petually flocked to hear his awakening discourses. He was soon forced into the fields, followed by multitudes, who hung with silent attention upon his lips, and with avidity received the Word of Life. He preached from day to day in thronged assemblies; yet his hearers never discovered the least weari- ness, but always followed him with increasing ardor. When in the pulpit, eveiy eye was fixed on his expressive counte- nance ; every ear was charmed with his melodious voice ; all sorts of persons were captivated with the propriety and beauty of his address. His natural abilities were vastly above the common standard. And the gifts of nature, as well as the acquisitions of art which adorned his character, were devoted to the honor of God and the enlargement of his kingdom." '\ The Rev. E. Ellington, V. D. M., of Savannah, Ga., said : " Mr. Whitefield's works praise him loud enough ; I am not able to say anything that can add greater lustre to them. Ease and honor were continually courting his acceptance; but these he refused, and made choice of defamation and reproach. Though it is well known he has had opportunity long since to fill the Cathedral-chair, and enjoy Episcopal emolument, yet in his opinion, ' winning souls to Christ' was a greater honor than any this world could afford. In him met the finished and complete gentleman, and the real and true Chris- tian. Why, then, did he take pleasure in reproaches? The reason is obvious — he had respect to the recompense of the reward. How he has preached with showers of stones, and many other instruments of malice and revenge about his ears, many of his surviving friends can witness; but having the sal- vation of sinners at heart, he spared no pains and refused no EXTRACTS FROM HIS FUNERAL SERMONS. 355 labor, so that he might administer to their eternal good. But what a loss has our world sustained ! A star of the first mag- nitude is set, a great man is fallen ; /or in him met every qual- ification that constitutes the great and good." His text was Heb. xi. 26. The Rev. Mr. D. Edwards, of England, said : " The ardent ^~" love Whitefield bore to the Lord Jesus Christ was remark- able. The heart-felt experience of this divine principle con- strained him to an unwearied application to the service of the gospel ; and transported him, at times, in the eyes of some, beyond the bounds of sober reason. He was content to be a fool for His sake ; to be despised, so Christ might be hon- ored ; to be nothing, that Jesus might be all in all. He had such a sense of the incomparable excellence of the person of Christ; of His adorable condescension in taking our nature upon Him, and enduring the curse of the law, that he could never say enough of Him. Inspired by this principle, noth- ing frightened or flattered him from duty. Full of generous philanthropy and benevolence, his Christian zeal was like the light of the sun, which did warm, shine and cherish. He wept in secret for the pride, Sabbath-breaking and abomina- tions that were found in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and America; and his soul was often humbled in fasting. Mr. Whitefield was a second Luther; but he is called home. A greater loss, when all things are considered, could not perhaps befall the church of God in the death of a single person. His life shined as the light. His searching sermons made hypo- crites tremble, and his instrumentality made the kingdoms of darkness shake." , Rev. Henry Venn, of England, said': "In point of labor, ^ this extraordinary servant of God did as much in a few weeks, J. as most of those who exert themselves are able to do in the 356 LIFE OF WHFIEFIELD. space of a year. He labored not by fits and starts, but with constancy, perseverance and unabated ardor. If with the length and frequency of Mr. Whitefield's preaching, wc con- sid r the intcnsouss of voice and spirit with which he spoke, t'lj greatness uf his labors will appear perfectly astonishing, lie knew not how to speak with less zeal. His usual earnest- ness roused the most stupid and lethargic. Early and often his body sufftjrcd from this very violent exertion of his strength. Often his inside has bled a considerable quantity, and cried out, 'Sparc tliysclf! But, prodigal of life, in the best of causes, he would give himself no rest. And to crown all, he was abundantly successful. The seals to his ministry I am persuaded are more than would be credited, could the number be fixed. His amazing popularity was only from his useful- ness; for he no sooner opened his mouth as a preacher, than God commanded an extraordinary blessing upon his word. Add to this, the letters he received of grateful acknowledg- ment from persons of all ages and conditions of life, for the spiritual blesssings he had conveyed to them, would fill whole volumes. Yet the scourge of the tongue was let loose upon him, and his name was loaded with the foulest calumnies ; he was often in tumults, and more than once in danger of his life by the rage of the people; he wore himself away in the service of souls; when he died, he died quite exhausted by much speaking; but in his death he received an immediate answer to his own prayer, that if it were consistent with the divine will, he might finish that day his Master's work." The Rev. John Newton, of London, in preaching White- field's funeral sermon' from the text, "He was a burning and a shining light," said : " I am not backward to say, that I have not read or heard of any person since the apostles' days, of whom it may be more emphatically said, he was a burning and shining EXTRACTS FROM HIS FUNERAL SERMONS. 357 light, than the late Mr. Whitcficld; whether we consider the warmth of his zeal, the greatness of his ministerial talents, or the extensive usefulness with which the Lord honored him. I do not mean to praise the man, but the Lord who furnished him, and made him what he was. He was raised up to shine in a dark place. The state of religion, when he first appeared in public,- was very low in our established Church. I speak the truth, though to some it may be an offensive truth. What a change has taken place throughout the land, within a little more than thirty years! And how much of this change has been owing to God's blessing on Mr. Whitefield's labors, is well known to many who have lived through this period. Me had an ardent zeal for God, an inflamed desire for the salva- tion of sinners ; so that no labors could weary him, no diffi- culties or opposition discourage him, and hardly any limits could confine him. I bless God that I lived in his time: many were the winter mornings I arose at four o'clock to attend his Tabernacle discourses at five ; and I have seen Moorfields as full of lanterns at these times, as I suppose the Haymarket is full of flambeaux on an opera night. His zeal was not like wild-fire, but directed by sound principles and a sound judgment. His steadiness and perseverance in the truth was the more remarkable, considering the difficulties and snares he was sometimes beset with. But the Lord kept him steady, so that neither the example, nor friendship, nor impor- tunity of those he dearly beloved, were capable of moving him. Wherever he came, if he preeiched but a single dis- course, he usually brought a season of refreshing and revival with him." The Rev. Augustus M. Toplady, in speaking of Whitefield, said: "It will not be .saying too much, if I term him the Apostle of the British Empire — in point of zeal for God, a long course 358 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. of indefatigable and incessant labors, unparalleled disinterest- edness, and astonishingly extensive usefulness. If the abso- lute command over the passions of immense auditories be the mark of a consummate orator, he was the greatest of the age. If the strongest good sense, the most generous expansions of heart, the most artless but captivating affability, the most lib- eral exemption from bigotry, the purest and most transpicu- ous integrity, the brightest cheerfulness, and the promptest wit, enter into the composition of social excellence, he was one of the best companions in the world. He was a true and faith- ful son of the Church of England, and invincibly asserted her doctrines to the last ; and that, not in a merely doctrinal way, though he was a most excellent systematic divine, but with an unction of power from God unequaled in the present day. If to be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord ; if a union of the most brilliant with the most solid ministerial gifts, ballasted by a deep and humbling experience of grace, and crowned with the most extended success in the conversion of sinners, and edification of saints, be signatures of a commission from heaven, George White- field cannot but stand highest on the modern list of Christian ministers. It appears from a passage in one of Mr. White- field's own letters, published since his decease, that he was the person whom the gracious spirit and providence of God raised up and sent forth to begin that great work of spiritual revival in the Church of England, which has continued ever since, and still continues with increasing spread, to replenish and enrich the evangelical vineyard by law established. To Rev. John Wesley, Mr. Whitefield wrote: 'As God was pleased to send me out first, and to enlighten me first, so I think He still continues to do it ; my business seems to be chiefly in planting. If God sends you to wateVy I bless His EXTRACTS FROM HIS FUNERAL SERMONS. 359 name,' On the whole, he was the least imperfect character I ever knew." These spontaneous, heart-gushing expressions of respect and grief for Whitefield, and these strong testimonies of his character, zeal and success, speak volumes for the man, and for the grace of God in him. / We give the following extracts on his character and man- ner of preaching, from a sermon preached by Rev. yosiah Smith, of Charleston, S. C, in 1740. He says of him: "How rich has he been in all good works ! What an eminent pat- tern of piety towards God! How holy and unblamable in all conversation and godliness ! He appears to me a man full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. He lives much by faith, and above the world, and despises preferments and riches. His heart seems set upon doing good. He is proof against re- proach and invective. When he is reviled, he revileth not again, but prays heartily for his enemies. He profes.ses him- self to lay down his life for Christ, and to spend and be spent in the service of souls. Such a man has all imaginable claim to our highest love and honor. I freely own he has taken my heart, and I feel his reproaches. God seems to be with him of a truth ; his rod has budded, and he has many to whom he can say, Ye are my epistle. Wherever he has preached, he has been thronged, and many have come to him pricked in their hearts, saying, What shall we do to be saved? He has put a new face upon religion, and put a damp upon polite diversions, which always dwindle as Christianity revives." Touching his manner, Mr, Smith said, " He was certainly a finished preacher, and a great master of pulpit oratory and elocution, while a noble negligence ran through his style. Yet his discourses were very extraordinary. He appeared to me, in all his discourses, very deeply affected and impressed 360 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. in his own heart. How did that burn and boil within him, when he spoke of the things he had made concerning the King? How was his tongue Hke the pen of a ready writer, touched as with a coal from the altar! With what a flow of words, what a ready profusion of language, did he speak to us upon the great concerns of our souls! In what a flaming light did he set our eternity before us ! How earnestly did he press Christ upon us ! How did he move our passions with the constraining love of such a Redeemer ! The awe, the silence, the attention which sat upon the face of so great an audience, was an argument how he could reign over all their powers. Many thought he spake as never man spake before him. So charmed were the people with his manner of address, that they shut their shops, forgot their secular busi- ness, and laid aside their schemes for the world; and the oftener he preached, the keener edge he put upon their desires of hearing him again. How awfully, with what thunder and sound, did he discharge the artillery of heaven upon us! And yet, how could he soften and melt even a soldier of Ulysses, with the love and mercy of God! How close, strong and pungent were his applications to the conscience ; mingling light and heat, pointing the arrows of the Almighty at the hearts of sinners, while he poured in the balm upon wounds of the contrite, and made broken bones rejoice! Eternal themes, the tremendous solemnities of our religion, were all alive upon his tongue." The distinguished critic. Sir James Stephen, of Cambridge University, England, says : " From his seventeenth year to his dying day, Whitefield lived amongst embittered enemies and jealous friends, without a stain on his reputation. His whole life may be said to have been consumed in the delivery of one continuous, or scarcely uninterrupted, sermon. Strange as is EXTRACTS FROM HIS FUNERAL SERMONS. 361 such an example of bodily and mental energy, still stranger is the power he possessed of fascinating the attention of hear- ers of every rank of life and of every variety of understanding. Not only were the loom, the forge, the plow, the collieries and the workshops deserted at his approach, but the spell was acknowledged by Hume and Franklin — by Pulteney, Balling- broke and Chesterfield. ' He loved the world that hated him.' He had no preferences but in favor of the ignorant, the mis- erable and the poor. In their cause he shrunk from no pri- vation, and declined neither insult nor hostility. To such wrongs he opposed the weapons of an all-enduring meekness, and a love incapable of repulse. The springs of his benevo- lence were inexhaustible, and could not choose but flow. Never was mortal man gifted with such an incapacity of fa- tiguing or of being fatigued. A large proportion of the Amer- ican and English churches may trace back their spiritual gen- ealogy by regular descent from him. Estimated by those whose religious opinions are derived from him, he is nothing less than an apostle inspired in the latter ages of the Church, to purify her faith and to reform her morals. Whitefield wa? a great and a holy man; among the foremost of the heroes of philanthropy, and as a preacher without a superior or a rival." Dr. Franklin said to a gentleman of Georgia : " I cannot forbear expressing the pleasure it gives me to see an account of the respect paid to his memory by your Assembly. I knew him intimately upwards of thirty years; his integrity, disinterestedness, and indefatigable zeal in prosecuting every good work, I have never seen equaled, I shall never .see ex- celled." Years ago an aged citizen of Old Ipswick, Mass., who had heard Whitefield, said to a London correspondent, " I suppose, 362 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, sir, you've heard of Whitefield?" "Of Whitefield! to be sure I have." "Well, I've seen Whitefield. George White- field stood on this very stone" (dropping his stick feebly from his hand), "and I heard him preach here." "And do you re- member anything about him?" I asked. "Well, I guess I do. I was but a bit of a boy then ; but here he stood on this stone, looking like a flying angel, and we call this Whitefield's pulpit to this day. There was folks here from all parts to hear him; so he was obliged to preach outside, for the church wasn't half big enough for 'em, and no two ways about it. I've heard many persons since that time, but none of them could come nigh him, any how they could fix it." "Do you remember anything of his sermon ?" " Oh, I was too young to notice aught, sir, but the preacher hisself and the crowds of people; but I know he had a very sweet voice, and as I said, when he spread his arms out, with a little Bible in his hand, he looked like a flying angel. I suppose, sir, you'll be going to see his bones? He was buried in Newburyport, and you can see 'em if you like." The Rev. jfames Hervey said of him : " I never beheld so fair a copy of our Lord ; such a living image of the Saviour; such exalted delight in God; such unbounded benevolence to man; such steady faith in the divine promises; such fer- vent zeal for the divine glory; and all this without the least moroseness of humor, or extravagance of behavior; but sweetened with the most engaging cheerfulness of temper, and regulated by all the sobriety of reason and wisdom of scrip- ture: insomuch that I cannot forbear applying the wise man's encomium on an illustrious woman, to this eminent minister of the everlasting gospel : ' Many sons have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.'" And says Dr. Gillies: "That devout and affectionate veneration, which would have led EXTRACTS FROM HIS FUNERAL SERMONS. 363 throngs to bathe Whitefielu's feet in their tears, never ex- isted for any merely earthly hero. So effectual was the im- pression made by him wherever he went, that formal com- mendatory discourses were often pronounced upon him, in his younger days, the tone of which precisely accords with ijJie eulogies after his death." Rev. Dr. jfanies Hamilton, of London, says: "Whitefield was the prince of English preachers. Many have surpassed him as sermon makers, but none have approached him as a pulpit orator. Many have outshone him in the clearness of their logic, the grandeur of their conceptions, and the spark- ling beauty of single sentences ; but in the power of darting the gospel direct into the conscience, he eclipsed them all. With a full and beaming countenance, he combined a voice of rich compass, which could easily thrill over Moorfields in musical thunder, or whisper its terrible secret in every private ear. None ever used so boldly, nor with more success, the highest style of impersonation : as when he described to his sailor auditors a storm at sea, and compelled them to shout, 'Take to the long boat, sir!' His 'hark, hark!' could con- jure up Gethsemane with its faltering moon, and awaken the cry of horror-stricken innocence. His thoughts were posses- sions ; and his feelings were transformations ; and he spoke because he felt, his hearers understood because they saw. They were not only enthusiastic amateurs, like Garrick, who ran to weep and tremble at his bursts of passion, but even the colder critics of the Walpole school were surprised into mo- mentary sympathy and reluctant wonder. But the glory of Whitefield's preaching was his heart-kindled and heart-melting gospel. But for this, all his bold strokes and brilliant sur- prises might have been no better than the rhetorical triumphs of Kirwan and other pulpit dramatists. He was an orator, 'M 364 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD, but only sought to be an evangelist. Indeed, so simple was his nature, that glory to God and good will to man had filled it ; there was room for little more. So full of heaven recon- ciled and humanity restored, he soon himself became a living gospel," HIS INFLUENCE. In summing up the fruits of his labors, when we look at his grand, successful career, the mighty hnpulse he gave the religious world, and the great revivals he brought about, his influence is incalculable. Eternity alone will reveal it. When we count up his 18,000 sermons in thirty-four years, his thir- teen voyages across the ocean, and his almost superhuman labors ; and look at the great sacrifices he made, and the severe persecutions he endured, as a Christian worker and a Christian hero, he deservedly stands next to Paul. He preached the gospel to more people than any other man. And Dr. A. Alexander, says, "he preached with a popularity • and success which have never been equaled." (Log College, p. II.) And in the day of final retribution, we believe he will have more stars in his crown than any other man except Paul. Although Wesley is the founder of Methodism, yet in its . early spread, Whitefield often went before, and Wesley fol- lowed. Whitefield planted — Wesley watered. Whitefield often went before and reaped the harvest — Wesley followed, gath- ered and shocked it. Hence Wesley says, " I must go round and glean after Mr. Whitefield."* (Wesley's Works, V. 6, p. 655.) * Whitefield says in a letter to John Wesley, Aug. 25, 1740, "As God was pleased to send me out first, and to enlighten me first, so I think He still continues to do it. My business seems to be chiefly in planting ; if God sends you to water, I praise His name. I wish you a thousand- fold increase." — Letter 214. EXTRACTS I'KOM HIS FUNEI^L SERMONS. 365 A. Stevens says ; " Whitefield led the Methodist move- ment over its first barriers, and sounded the trumpet before its march in both hemispheres."* In the introduction of Field Preaching, upon which the spread of Christianity and the success of Methodism so much depended, Whitefield led and Wesley followed. And when Whitefield preached his first field sermon, he kindled such a fire in England that soon flashed all over Great Britain and America, and is still burning on. It will never go out. He infused such life, and gave such a mighty impulse to Christianity in England, that his influence is deeply felt to this day. At the sound of his voice, the old Established Church awoke and put on its strength. Yet his influence, no doubt, was much greater among the Nonconformity churches. They owe their salva- tion very much to him. And in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, his power was almost as great. Some of his grandest vic- tories were achieved in Scotland. So that taking it altogether, his influence has been so great, he has been called "The Morning Star of England's Second Reformation," and by Mr. Toplady, " The Apostle of the British Empire." But his influence was greater, no doubt, in America than in Europe. "The Great Awakening of 1740," had com- menced and abated before Whitefield came to America. Locally it had been very powerful. But when Whitefield came and preached, it soon spread all over the country ; it has since given tone and character to the Protestantism of the United States, And Dr. Abel Stevens, says, "it gave rise to Princeton College with its distinguished Theological Sem- inary," from which have sprung several other colleges whose light to-day shines around the world. Under Whitefield's *His Methodism, V. i, pp. 468, 475. 366 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. labors this revival spread with such great power, it has been estimated one-fortieth of the Colonial inhabitants were brought to Christ in a few years. Among these were a great many- ministers. In 1763, forty preachers of different denomina- ■ tions, converted in this revival, met to congratulate him on his arrival at Philadelphia. At another time, twenty ministers in and about Boston, acknowledged Whitefield as their spir- itual father. In New England, in less than twenty years, about one-hundred and fifty Congregational churches were organ- ized, with over 50,000 members. Whitefield's influence was scarcely less among the Pres- byterians. Before this revival, says Dr. A. Alexander, "the Presbyterian Church in America, was in a most deplorable state of deadness and formality." But when Whitefield came and preached, the revival spread with great power, and soon became general in the Presbyterian Church. Even the read- ing of a few of his sermons in Virginia, resulted in establish- ing Presbyterianism in that State. So that the Presbyterian strength was more than doubled in a few years. His influ- ence was very deeply felt in all denominations. Randall, one of his converts, founded the Free-Will Baptists, now 75,000 strong in this country. And besides his great work among the poor, there is no telling what influence he exerted in bringing about the Declaration of American Independence. His new measures in the Church might naturally -lead to new measures in the State. So that when he came to lie down in death, as Rev. Dr. Warren, of Boston, says, " he was uncon- sciously, but in reality, the spiritual father of a great Chris- "^ tian nation." Review his life. Look up his vivid thoughts, brilliant words, mighty deeds and bloody persecutions. Look at the sermons he preached, the prayers he prayed, and the tears he shed. O what zeal, what self-denial, what earnest- EXTRACTS FROM HIS FUNERAL SERMONS. 367 ness, what holiness, what vehemence, what mighty power and success, marked his hfe! He not only revived, but we might almost say, saved the churches of two continents. Look at the countries he visited, the tours he made, the souls he won, the victories he achieved, and his whole life is one grand scene of success and victory ! CHAPTER XXXVI. WIIITEFIELDS SAYINGS. 'HE farther we go in the spiritual hfe, the more cool and rational shall we be, and yet more truly zealous. I speak this by experience." — 260, V. i. 2. "All persons are alike to me." 3. "My soul is kept in peace and sweetness." 4. " I pray God to make you a flaming fire." 5. "Jesus carries me in His arms, He fights all my battles." 6. " I am a poor unworthy wretch." 7. " I make no purse ; what I have, I give away," 8. "I own myself to be but a novice." 9. "The Christian world is in a deep sleep." 10. "I long to be dissolved, to be with Christ." 11. "All the devils in hell shall not hurt u.s, till we have finished our testimony." 12. "My heart is like Ezekiel's temple, the farther I search into it the greater abominations I discover." 13. "I preach the truth, and then leave it to the Spirit of God to make the application." ' 14. "O, that I could lie down! then should I rise higher!" 15. "My heart is desperately wicked." 16. "I find all uneasiness arises from having a will of my own ; therefore I would desire to will only what God wills." 17. "I am the chief of sinners: I feel myself such." 18. "We often think we do not please God, because we do not please ourselves." (368) WHITEFl eld's sayings. 369 19. "As for assurance, I cannot but think all who are truly converted must know there was a time in which they closed with Christ." — V. i, p. 260. 20. " Poor, yet making many rich, shall be my motto still." 21. "O, that I was a flaming fire." 22. "What sweet company is Jesus Christ?" 23. "The love of Jesus now swallows up my soul." 24. "I sleep and eat but little, and am constantly employed from morning till midnight." 25. "I was enabled to trample death under my feet; and blessed be God, through rich grace I can do that daily." 26. " I am exceedingly strengthened, and cannot now do well without preaching three times a day." 27. ''Keep close to yesusT 28. "I laid upon my face this day, and pleaded with groans unutterable for direction." 29. "O, for a passive, tender, broken, child-like heart!" 30. " O, that God should ever dwell with such an ill and hell-deserving wretch as I am!" 31." My soul glows with love while I am writing." 32. "God is on my sitle, I will not fear what men nor devils can say of, or do unto me." 33. " I care not if tlw name of George Whitefield be ban- ished out of the world, so that Jksus be exalted in it." 34. "I prefer Christ's re[)roach to all the treasures in the world." — V. I, p. 448. 35. "I walk in light and liberty continually. Like the ark, I am surrounded on all sides, but enabled to swmi tri- umphantly over all." 36. "My soul is on fire."^ 37. " I am the vilest wretch living." — 476. 24 370 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. 38. "In every trying time, we shall find but few, very few, true followers of the Lamb of God." 39. " But why talk of wife and little one ? Let all be ab- sorbed in the thoughts of the love of the glorious Emmanuel." 40. "Stolen sweets prepare for bitter tears." 41. " 'Tis hard work to be silent." 42. " I would fain die blazing, not with human glory, but the love of Jesus." 43. "O, for assurance! It is indeed the anchor of the soul." 44. " I fear prosperity more than affliction." /• 45. "The more I was blackened, the more the Redeemer comforted me." > 46. " Lady Huntingdon is all in a flame for Jesus." — V. 2, 216. 47. "A necessity is laid upon me, and woe is me if I do not preach the gospel." 48. " What is, is best. This comforts me." — Letter 766. 49. " O, to be nothing, that Jesus may be all !" 50. "The more we are cast out, the more will Jesus come into us." 51. "O, let us follow Him, though it be through a sea of blood 1" 52. "Let us be all heart." 53. " I am a sink of sin and corruption." 54. "I want to see my own faults more, and others' less." 55. "The best preparation for preaching on Sunday, is to preach every day in the week." 56. "The world wants more heat than light." 57. "As the love of God comes in, the fear of man goes out." 58. "O, the blessedness of leaving all for Jesus !" WHITEFIELDS SAYINGS. 3/1 59. "Having nothing, yet possessing all things, must be my motto still." 60. " O, what a blessed thing is it to follow Jesus blind- fold !" 61. "I must have something of Christ in all my letters." 62. " Prayer, reading, meditation and temptation make a minister." 63. " My Master walked, I ride to preach the glorious gos- pel." 64. "O, that I could fly from pole to pole publishing the everlasting gospel." 65. "I find Christ's service to be perfect freedom." 66. "The very writing or hearing the word Eternity, is enough to make one dead to the world, and alive to God." 6y. " Less than the least of all, shall be my motto still." " My heart is full." 68. "Lord, make us all flames of fire." 69. " O, my ignorance ! my ignorance I" 70. " I am ready to sink into the earth, when I consider how little I can do for Jesus." 71. "Nearly forty years old, and such a dwarf!" 72. " I stop to weep. Farewell." " I want to be a flame of fire." CHAPTER XXXVII SECRET OF WHITEFIELDS SUCCESS. AVING seen so much of his mighty genius, elo- quence and power, we come now to notice more particularly the secret of his success. Whiteficld was a self^nade man. Born and brought up in poverty, he had to hoe his own row, and he hoed it well. When we look at the low state of a mere " pot boy," and " conmion drawer " from which he rose to the lofty position of being the greatest orator and best preacher in the world, the secret of his success is somewhat difficult to analyze and comprehend. When we look at him washing pots and scrub- bing floors, and then view him in the pulpit swaying the masses, electrifying the noble lords and learned skeptics of England, and infusing fresh life into the dead churches of Great Britain and America, the power of his genius and eloquence is wonder- ful. When we look at the difficulties he encountered, the sac- rifices he made, the persecutions he endured, and the great good he accomplished, the grandeur and glory of his success is enough to astonish the world. And the question how he rose so high and accomplished so much is worthy of the most careful consideration. First he began loiv and laid a good foundation in his sound conversion. By the grace of God, Whitefield was deeply humbled. The severe pangs and the awful struggle through which he passed in his regeneration, brought him very low. (372) SECRET OF WHITEFIELDS SUCCESS. 3/3 The conflict was so severe "he prayed and fasted himself ahiiost to death." " Whole days and weeks," he says, " have I spent in lying prostrate on the ground, in silent or vocal prayer," wrestling with God for salvation. This severe conflict taught him to be humble, to appreciate the grace of Go<:l bestowed upon him, and doubtless did much in preparing him for the great work before him. Although thus deeply humbled, yet longing to get still lower, Whitefield often prayed, "God give me humility, or I die." "O, that I may lie low at the feet of Jesus." And being tempted to pride and vanity by his great popularity and success, he often besought his friends to pray that he might be kept humble. He felt that his popularity was too much for one man. The very thoughts of it, he says, " lay me low, but I can't get low enough. I would willingly sink into nothing before the blessed Jesus, my all in all." Yet he often felt so humble and unworthy " that he could neither .speak nor act for God." Whitefield's severe pangs in regeneration, and his thorough conversion, prepared the way for his oitlvc consecration. Filled with gratitude and unutterable joy upon his conversion, with his deep consciousness of the great things God had done for him, he felt an obligation as strong as death, high as heaven, and deep as hell, to preach the gospel and live for Christ. Commencing to preach when the Christian world was wrapt in a deep sleep, when he .saw the piety of the church so low, and iniquity raging so high, his spirit was deeply stirred within him. With his deep convictions of divine truth, with the stern realities of eternity, the pains of hell and the joys of heaven, always vividly set before him, he would say, " Woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel." Thms overwhelmed with the powers of the world to come, with his heart crucified to the world, and wholly consecrated to God, Whitefield, like Paul, 374 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. counted all things but loss to preach the gospel and win souls to Christ. But with his lofty views of the dignity and responsi- bility of the gospel ministry, he was very slow to enter it. Deeply feeling his own great insufficiency for the work, and wishing to finish his education, he long prayed earnestly against entering it so soon. " Lord," he repeatedly cried, " do not let me go yet." And says he, " I have prayed a thousand times, till the sweat has dropped from my face like rain, that God of His infinite mercy would not let me enter the ministry till He called and thrust me forth into His work." Afraid he would be puffed up with pride and fall into the condemnation of the devil, agon- izing in prayer, again he cried, ''Lord, let me not go yet!' And it was not until the encouraging words, " Nothing shall pluck you out of my hands," came fresh to his mind and warm to his heart, that he said, "lord, I WILL go; "Send me where Thou wilt." And "when the bishop laid his hands upon my head, if my heart doth not deceive me, I offered up my whole spirit, soul and body to the service of God's sanctuary. Let come what will, life or death, depth or height, I shall henceforward live like one who this day, in the presence of men and angels, took the holy sacrament, upon the profession of being inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost, to take upon me the ministration in the church. I can call heaven and earth to witness, that when the bishop laid his hand upon my head, " I gave myself up to be a martyr for Him, Who hung upon the cross for me. I have thrown myself blindfold, and I trust without reserve, into His almighty hands." This is veiy strong language, yet spoken from the depths of his heart; he fully meant it all. It, SECRET OF VVHITEFIELD's SUCCESS. 375 as well as his aftei- life, exhibits a consecration to God un- equaled since the days of the apostles; and going on from strength to strength, he intensified it till the day of his death. Whitefield frequently had the offer of large presents of money, but he always promptly refused them, saying, "/ make no purse!' A generous lady of Edinburgh twice offered him a present of ;^7,ooo sterling, which he twice positively refused. Crucified to the world, he labored for men's souls — not for their . purses. Becoming more and more dead to self, and more and more alive to God, he says, " I often sit in silence, offering my soul as so much clay to be stamped just as my heavenly Potter pleases;" and expecting at times soon to burn at the stake, he said, " I care not what I suffer, so that souls are brought to Christ. for more bodies, more tongues, more lives, to be employed in the service of my Master ! O, for power equal to my will. 1 would fly from pole to pole publishing the everlasting gospel of the Son of God." Having no family to enrich, no denomi- nation to establish, and no name to immortalize, he often said, " Let the name of George Whitefield perish, if God be glori- v^ fied." Always on the stretch for God, everything he said and did was tempered with the spirit of Christ, and tinged with the blood of Jesus. He spent not a moment of time nor a cent of money but for God. Even in courting a wife, he could not help preaching to a sinner. In proposing marriage, " he could not help stating the terms of a holier espousal. He drank divinity from air, ocean, earth and heaven. His very fun was tinctured with the hues of eternity." And burning with a love incapable of repulse, he shrank from no privation, insult or opposition. Once, when called to speak of his family, he ex- claimed, " But why talk of my wife and child? Let all be absorbed in the thought of the love and full salvation of the glorious Emmanuel." " O, that I had a thousand lives, I would 3/6 LIFE OF WIIITEFIELD. devote them all to Jesus ! " A living mass of consecration to God, he said, "I prefer Christ's reproach to all the treasures of the world." Again, Whitefield's thorough consecration prepared the way for his almost superhuman labors. Whitcfield was pre- eminently a great ivorker. He had many earnest co-workers, but like Paul, " he labored more abundantly than they all." With his whole-hearted consecration, he was the very imperson- ation of zeal and earnestness. Like Jesus, he went about do- ing good. With the world for his parish, no place could long contain him. Possessing an insatiable desire to evangelize and win souls, he felt, " Woe is unto me if I do not go about preaching the gospel." With his broad, large-hearted views and Christ-like desires, he says, "I iniist evangelize." lie gloried in it. It was his meat and drink. Like a flying ang'.l having the everlasting gospel, he went forth to reap, and let John Wesley follow to gather and shock — and he did it well. Having electrified England and " alarmed all London" with his eloquence, and having received a pressing call to America, late in December, 1737, he embarked for Georgia. Being always on the alert to do good, no sooner had he got aboard than he began to search for souls on the ship. Here, with a ship full of soldiers, " he found little but cards, cursing and blasphemy." At first they treated him as an impostor, and for a while turned the ship into a gambling saloon. But by his persevering efforts, crawling on his hands and knees between decks to visit the sick and relieve the poor, they were soon glad to hear him preach. A great reformation followed. Cards and bad books were thrown overboard. The swearer ceased to .swear, the scoffer to scofT, and with many hopeful ° conversions and two awakened captains, the interest became so great that ere they reached America, " the great cabin became SECRET OF WHITEFIELDS SUCCESS. 37/ a Bethel," the deck a church, and the stern a school-room. Preach and work, and work and preach, was his daily business ior years. Poor and persevering, he worked his own way through college by blacking boots and cleaning rooms. Thirsting for souls, he often preached to crowded houses be- fore day, and sung and prayed all night. " Whole days and weeks," he says, " have I spent lying prostate on the ground, m silent or vocal prayer." Striving to understand the Scrip- tures, he read through Henry's Commentary on the Bible, on his knees, praying over every line of divine truth. He loved preaching so well, that he said, " to be prohibited from it is worse than death." And when we look at his many long, laborious preaching tours through England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and America, and the earliest, exhausting manner he preached, "sweating through and through," and often till they expected him to die every minute, his labors seem almost superhuman. Besides all this, Whitefield was pre-eminently a man of prayer. He often spent whole nights in prayer. Prayer and his earnest devotional spirit, was the great secret of his success. His victories in the field were first won in the closet. He triumphed in the pulpit, because he triumphed at a throne of grace. He was a powerful preacher, because he was a powerful supplicator. Always abounding in the work of the Lord, during his ministry of thirty-four years, Whitefield crossed the ocean thirteen times and preached over 18,000 sermons. He generally preached two or three times a day on week days, three or four times a day on Sundays, and on one day he preached seven times without being tired. After the day's preaching was over, he usually spent two or three hours at night talking to the people in as many social prayer meetings. He usually had a large crowd pf inquirers at his door, seeking religious instruction. 3/8 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. Through excessive labor and severe exposure, he was often very sick. " But generally the pulpit was his cure." Weak with labor and disease, and strengthened by sanctified affliction, when pale as death and looking like one just risen from the dead, he would go out and preach with wonderful solemnity and power. Once when very sick, when his pains were tempo- rarily suspended, he said to his physician, " By the help of God I'll go and preach, and come home and die." And feeling " it hard to keep silent," he often preached when not able to get into his carriage, or on his horse. And when worked almost to death, his friends would cry, "Spare thyself," but he always replied, " No nestling this side heaven." " Determined in Christ's strength," as he says, " to die fighting, though it be on my stumps," he preached daily, though unwell, for two months immediately preceding his death, and .a two-hours' sermon the day before he died. Thus the " flaming seraph" died at his post, and fell in the zenith of his glory. Yet with all his abundant labors, near the close of his life, he exclaimed, " O, loving Jesus, how little, how very little, have I done and suffered for Thee!" Another distinguishing trait in Whitefield's character was his strong friendship. With his supreme unselfishness, tender warm-heartedness, Christ-like compassion, and deep, flowing affections, his friendship was very strong and grasping. By the magic power of his tender touch, he would win your heart, by shaking your hand. His devotion to his friends, his sym- pathy for sinners, his tender-heartedness to the afflicted, and his charitableness to the poor, evince a depth of friendship un- equaled, we believe, since the days of the apostles. "This, of all others," said John Wesley, " I have frequently thought was the distinguishing part of his character. Was it not principally hy this that the hearts of others were so strongly drawn and SECRET OF WHITEFIELD's SUCCESS. 379 knit to him ? Can anything but love beget love ? This shone in his very countenance, and continually breathed in all his words, whether in public or private. Was it not this, which quick and penetrating as lightning, flew from heart to heart, which gave that life to his sermons, his conversation and letters, judge ye?" Of his old friends, Mr. and Mrs. Habersham, he said, "If I forget you, may my right hand forget her cunning. Indeed, indeed, I love you in the bowels of Jesus Christ." Closely knit to others, he often said, " I love you as my own soul — I love you with all my heart." Sometimes, he says, " The people would stop me in the alleys of the churches, hug me in their arms, and follow me with wishful eyes." Glowing with compassion and friendship for the poor, he was determined " to be sold as a slave to serve the galleys, rather than see his poor orphans suffer." When he went to Frederica to preach, " he looked for persecution," but " lo," he says, " I am received as an angel of God." With his strong friendship, Whitefield " made friends fast, and held them long." Their mutual affection was often so strong, that their grief at parting was almost overpow- ering. Parting, with him, was almost like death. Like Paul when leaving Caesarea, Whitefield could say, " What mean you to weep and break my heart?" Farewell sermons and parting scenes were often so tender and touching that sometimes he called it " execution day!' When preaching his last farewell sermon in London, he said, " When I put on my surplice, to come out to read the second service, I thought I was just like a person being decently dressed to go out to be executed ; I would rather, was it the will of God it should be so, than feel what I do in parting from you, then death would put an end to all: but I am to be executed again and again, and nothing will support me under the torture but the consideration of God's blessing me to some poor souls." When Whitefield left Bos- 3f?0 LIFE OF WHITEPIELD. ton, the cultured Governor Belcher wept and kissed him most affectionately. The last time he was in Scotland, the affection for him was so strong, he said, " I was in danger of being hugged to death." When the leader of a mob entered his room to kill him, Whitefield treated him so kindly, he could not touch him. Thus his kindness saved his life. Hear his melting farewell at Savannah. " Oh what a sweet meeting I had with my friends ! When I left them, my heart was ready to break with sorrow, but now it almost bursts with joy. Oh, how did each in turn hang upon my neck, kiss and weep over me with tears of joy ! And my own soul was so full of a sense of God's love, when I embraced one friend in par- ticular, that I thought I should have expired on the spot." Back of, and underlying these grand traits in Whitefield's character, was his great faith. Whitefield was a man of z/^?y deep, strong convictions. He took God at His word, and acted as though he believed what He said. To him the Bible was no fable. Eternity, heaven and hell, God and the devil, Jesus Christ and the story of the cross, to him were stern realities. And with his towering faith, he had a firm, deep, abiding reali- zation of them but few ever possessed. This gave him power. By faith he saw, received and enjoyed so much of Jesus, that it enabled him to preach Him with unequaled power and suc- cess. With his sublime faith, the wailings of the damned and the joys of the redeemed were so vividly set before him, that, in his grand descriptions, he seemed to bring hell up and heaven down upon earth. Although filled with fear and trembling at times, in view of his expected fiery trials, yet with his overcoming faith, he says, " When I remember that God has stirred up His choicest servants to pray for me, my fears vanish : methinks I could then leap into a burning, fiery fur- nace, or bear to be thrown into a den of devouring lions." On SECRET OF WlUTEFIELn's SUCCESS. 38 I one occasion, when buffeted by Satan, and tossed upon the ocean's surging waves, when nearing the shores of England, he exclaimed, "O, Satan, Satan, I defy thee to do thy worst; thou mayest toss me up and down, and bring me into jeopardy on every side, but Jesus Christ is praying for me, and I know I shall soon have a happy meeting with my friends " in London. Hence, he says, " Let us keep the grace of faith in lively exer- cise, and we may bid death and hell defiance." Whiteficld, like Paul, gloried in tribulation. And with the faith and patience of Job, he exclaimed, " Blessed be God, though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." Wrought up by the mighty power of God's grace, he often rose very high. At times he seemed to walk between the very cherubims of glory ; and gloiy- ing in his blessed assurance, with his lofty, overcoming faith, he would sometimes exclaim, with exquisite joy, " My Lord and, MY Gody Expecting to die a martyr for Jesus, with his Christ- like submission, he would say, " His love will sweeten every cup, though ever so bitter." " 'Twill be sweet to wear a martyr's crown." His strong faith was a principal element in his success. " If," says John Wesley, " it be asked what wa.s the foundation of his integrity, courage, patience, and every other valuable quality, it is easy to give the answer. It was no other than faith — faith in the operation of God." And if the patriarchs and prophets of old "through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens," it is no wonder that Whitefield astonished the world, revived Christianity, shook the devil's throne, and " made hell tremble before him." By faith he broke over the iron-clad forms of the Episcopal Church, preached out doors, 382 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. and carried the gospel to the perishing millions of Great Britain and America. By faith "he smote the rock "of the church's resources, and streams of life and salvation gushed out. By faith "he touched the dead corpse of a dead palsied church, it rose and stood upon its feet." Bringing these distinguishing traits together, we come now to notice him more particularly as an orator. The eloquence of Whitefield burst upon the world like a volcanic eruption — like torrents of red-hot lava, it carried everything before it. Commencing to preach when the church was wrapt in a deep sleep, he soon caused it to awake and put on its strength. Endowed with power from on high, with a soul lit up by God's Spirit, and an eye gushing with tears, he held spell- bound the low, the learned, and the great. With a heart melt- ing with compassion and glowing with love and zeal, his vast congregations hung upon his lips, melting like wax before him. Thrilled and electrified by his irresistible power, he swayed them at his will. With his powers of eloquence, he could make them smile or weep as he chose. Wrought up to the highest pitch of ardor, with his shrewd sagacity and masterly strokes of eloquence, he could touch and melt the hardest heart. He won many of the most obdurate. Often have men gone to church to break his head with stones, when his ser- mon could break their hearts with arguments. " His elocu- tion was perfect." — (Southey.) Do you ask how he became so eloquent ? What was the secret of his mighty power ? Besides his distinguishing traits already mentioned, and his eminent natural gifts, Whitefield studied oratory. He spared no pains to make his elocution perfect. He searched the best authors, and studied hard to show himself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. He studied to be natural, and paid special attention to deliv SECRET OF WHITEFIELD's SUCCESS. 383 ery. Hence he improved by practice. " Foote and Garrick maintained that his oratory was not at its full height, until he had repeated a discourse forty times," Benjamin Franklin says, " by hearing him often, I came to distinguish easily between sermons newly composed, and those he had preached often. His delivery of the latter was so improved by frequent repeti- tion, that every accent, every emphasis, every modulation of the voice, was so perfectly tuned and well placed, that without being interested in the subject, one could not help being pleased with the discourse : a pleasure of much the same kind with that received from an excellent piece of music." Whitefield sought out " acceptable tones, gestures and looks, as well as acceptable words," In a word, " he searched creation for figures, time for facts, heaven for motives, hell for warn- ings, eternity for arguments." — (Philips.) He recommended the study of oratory in the American Colleges, provided for it in Bethesda, and rebuked Oxford for neglecting it. Filled with unction, reverence and awe, as a preacher, Whitefield was always grave and solemn. There was no levity, nothing awkward, nothing careless about him in the pulpit. " Whether he stamped, or wept, whether he seemed a lion or a lamb," all was deeply solemn. Deeply affected with " the deep things of God," and the stern realities of eternity, though naturally very lively and cheerful, he was always sol- emn in the pulpit. His vein of wit and humor never be- trayed him into levity. In all his histrionic flights, vivid de- scriptions and sparkling strokes of wit and eloquence, he always maintained his characteristic gravity. An old man who heard him often, said, " Whitefield preached like a lion, and looked like an angel." With his glowing zeal, lofty dar- ing, commanding majesty, and angelic appearance, he was called "The Seraphic." With his grand, noble simplicity 3-H LIFE OF WHITFFIELD. and characteristic opcn-heartediicss, Whitefield was also deeply sincere,, and perfectly natural. There was nothing " put on," or far-fetched about him. Whether he frowned or smiled, whether he looked grave or placid, all was perfectly natural. To be clear, natural, sincere and earnest, are four grand traits in a public speaker. Whitefield had them all. Another source of Whitefield's strength was his graphic descriptions. With his vivid imagination, beautiful imagery and superior dramatic powers, his descriptions are often most graphic and grand. Living so nigh to God, and basking so near His throne, with his lofty expanded view of heavenly things, he described them with overwhelming power. Familiar with the life, fired with the love, and inspired with the Cross of Christ, his descriptions of His sufferings were often so vivid and graphic, that he seemed to re-enact the thrilling scenes of Gethsemane and Calvary. In a word, every thing he touched was endued with life. By his magic power and brilliant de- scriptions, he seemed to "turn man's ears into eyes." His pictures were so graphic, exact, and true to nature, that his hearers were made to believe they saw what he described. Once when preaching to the seamen of New York, he gave such a vivid description of a storm at sea, that the sailors actu- ally thought it was a real storm. Hear him — "Well, my boys, we are making fine headway over a smooth sea. But what means this sudden lowering of the heavens, and that dark cloud arising from beneath the western horizon? Hark! Don't you hear distant thunder? Don't you see those flashes of light- ning? There is a storm gathering! Every man to his dut}'! How the waves rise and dash against the ship! The air is dark! The tempest rages! Our masts are gone! The ship is on her beam ends." And when he asked, "What next?" "The unsiisp(xting tars," as if struck by magic, rose and unit- SECRET OF WIIITEFIELd's SUCCESS, 385 edly exclaimed, "Take to the long boat." Again, to illustrate the careless sinner's danger, he compared him to an old beg- gar led by a little dog, chained to his staffl Walking along the edge of an awful precipice, all of a sudden, the little dog made a plunge and jerked the cane out of the old man's hands. Now alone, he has to feel his way. There he goes, staggering along — and when about to stoop down to feel his way, and just ready to tumble over the awful precipice. Lord Chesterfield, mistaking the description for the transaction, rose and rushed forward to save him, exclaiming, "Good God! he is gone!" With his magic "Hark!" and lofty impersonation, Whitefield could so conjure up the melting scenes of Gethsemane, that one could almost see the agonizing Saviour in His bloody con- flict. " Look yonder," he would say, stretching his hand and pointing as he spoke, "What is that I see? It is my agonizing Lord! Hark! Hark! do you not hear Him? O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not my will, but Thine be done!" Another distinguishing trait in Whitefield's eloquence, was his deep patJios. Pathos is power. And filled with unction, compassion and the Holy Ghost, Whitefield was very pathetic. He wept nearly every sermon he preached, and often vciy pro- fusely. Sometimes he paused in his sermons to weep. White- field was a ]ieart preacher. He spoke from the heart. And while he did much to enlighten the mind, like the great Mas- silon, he aimed at the heart. His sermons were ebullitions of the heart. Glowing with zeal, and flashing with light, love and power, he enlightened the mind, charmed the imagination and warmed the heart. Says Edwards, he preached "in a most moving and affecting manner." After convincing the sinner's judgment, probing his conscience, and rending his heart with the sword of the Spirit, he would lead him to the Cross, and 25 386 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. there pour into his soul such melting torrents of a Saviour's love, that would soon melt his heart into sorrow and contrition. Thus with "his alternate bursts of passion and terror," he won many of the most obdurate. Often have men gone to church to break his head with stones, when his sermon would break their hearts with arguments. Filled with the most intense emotions, and burning with the most intense desires to win souls, his sermons were torrents of melting pathos and power. " The salient points of his oratory were not prepared passages, they were bursts of passion, like jets from a geyser when the spring is in full play" (Southey). This is according to Web- ster, who says, " Eloquence exists in the occasion." With his big, whole-souled ideas just born of the Spirit, and red-hot from the Cross, bubbling up from the depths of his great, God-like heart, his bursts of eloquence were perfectly overwhelming. The effect, like an electrical shock, went quick as lightning, like a mighty wave through his vast congregations. Bathed in tears, they melted like wax before him. Sometimes the very earth seemed to quake, and the heavens to drop with the thun- der of his eloquence. And when, with his melting pathos, he opened up the fountains of eternal life, the very skies seemed to rain down righteousness. Although Whitefield was neither so massive in intellect, nor so powerful in argument, nor so acute in logic, as either Chalmers or Edwards, yet as an orator, he far excelled either of them. With his thorough knowledge of human nature, and his keen insight into the human heart, he knew just when and how to strike. He had the tact and the power of darting the word of God into the sinner's heart, no other mere man ever possessed. When he preached at Northampton, the great, cool-headed Edwards wept like a child. So did his congregation. When he spoke at the Cambuslang communion, the effect was so overwhelming, the people crowded SECRET OF WHITEFIELD's SUCCESS. 38/ SO upon him, he had to desist, and let another speak in his place. Here, where they preached all day, and prayed all night, with "thousands bathed in tears," he says, "the people seem to be slain by scores." They were carried off like wounded soldiers from "a field of battle." The effect was " inexpressible." Here he preached again on Monday to about 20,000, and "such a universal stir," he says, "I never saw be- fore." " The motion fled as swift as lightning from one end of the congregation to the other."- The effect was tremendous. Wringing their hearts with grief, many were " mourning over a pierced Saviour." " It was God in the preacher that made the word efficacious." But Whitefield not only won the heart, he also won \\\^ purse. 0. With his Christ-like pathos and melting tenderness, he was a , most successful beggar. Rending the heart with the sword of the Spirit, he caused the purse to open and yield up its treas- ures to God. Making " no purse" for himself, enabled him to draw heavier upon others. He preached money out of the people. Overcome with his irresistible eloquence and power, the strong-minded Benjamin Franklin, who at first refused to give anything at Whitefield's collection, moved by his elo- quence, before he got through his sermon, was glad to give all the gold, silver and copper, (about ;^25.oo) he had in his pocket. Again, Whitefield was bold. With his towering faith, burn- ing zeal and daring courage, he cried aloud and spared not. Filled with the fear of God, and rising above the fear of man, he preached the truth with great boldness. Sharp, quick and powerful, his words pierced like arrows, and cut like a two- edged sword. Where other men of talent could not speak for the tumult, Whitefield, with his commanding majesty and lofty genius, spoke with great power and perfect order. In the in- troduction of field preaching, when John Wesley was so tena- 388 LIFE OF WHITEFIELD. cious of ecclesiastical rule, as to think "the saving of souls almost a sin if it had not been done in a church," * daring all opposition, Whitefield boldly went forward and preached to the j)o, 3^7- Cambridge, 165. Carmarthen, 235. Catechism, Episcopal, 143. Cennick, Mr., 198. Charleston, 80, 82, 134, 136, 137, 138, 160, 161, 164, 187, 188, 247, 250, 289, 323, 324, 326. Chalmers, Rev. Dr., 332. Checvcr, Rev. Mr., 243. Chelsea, 256. Chestcrheld, Lord, 256, 257, 361, 365- Cicero, 19. Christian Review, 114. Clapp, Rev. Mr., 162, 177. Clark's Bible, 303. Clarkson, Mr., 329. Clergy, ignorant, 18. College, Bethesda, 318. Coleman, Rev. Dr., 142, 167, 243, 245. Columbus, 19. Coc, Captain, 87, 88. Cole, Mr., 108, 244. Colliers of Kingswood, 96, 97, 98, 106. Convulsive fits from the devil, 151. Converted little girl, 169. Conversion of W., 33. Converted Indians, 246. Converted noblemen, 258. " Common Drawyer," 23. Cooper, Rev. Mr., 170. Congregational churches, 180. Covenanters' Fast, 227. Covenanters' views, 205. Cork, 274, 298, 299. Cormick, Mr., 232. Communicants' tears in the cup, 60. Cradle of Presbyterianism, 126. Cripplegate, 57. Crying out, 157, 171, 175, 176, 182, 183, 225. Dartmouth, Lord, 318. Davis, Rev. Saml., 247, 283. Dead congregations, 170. Deal 64, 65, 66. Declaration of Independence, 366. Delamotte, 50, 75, 77. Demosthenes, 19, 222. " Devil is blind. The," 104. " Devil of devils," 293. " Delusion," The, 227. Devil's castaway, The, 256, 257. Dickinson, Rev. Dr., 125. Dixon, Rev. Dr., 319. Doddridge, Rev. Dr., 18, 113, 269 Downs, The, 63, 65, 67. Doctrines W. preached, 44, 59. Dublin, 88, 89, 274, 297, 298, 299. Durell, Rev. Dr. 319. Drury Lane theatre, 304. Earthquake sermon, 268. Edenton, N. C, 132. Edinburgh, 203, 204, 206, 207, 20S 224, 227, 232, 260, 271, 273, 275 281, 296, 297, 302, 305, 306. Edwards, Jonathan, 19, 172, 173 174, 175. 177, iSo, 302, 332, 385 386. Edwards, Rev. D., 355. Episcopalians, 160, 186. Eloquence, its source, 386. Ellington, Rev. Mr., 344, 354. Erskine, Rev. Ralph, 203, 260. Exeter, 329, 334. INDEX, 433 Expedition against Cape Breton, 245. Evangelists, three great, 92. Executors, Wiiitefield's 347. Falmouth, 190, 314. Farewell to England, 322. Fast day on ship, 64. Fetter Lane, 90, 100, 109. Field-preaching introduced, 96, 97, 200, 365. Finley, Rev. Dr., 338. Foster Lane, 57. Foote, Mr. S., 304. ' I'ogg's Manor, 157, 187, 225. Forty preachers congratulate W., 366. Foundry, The, 198. Franklin, Benjamin, 152, 361, 383. Free-will Baptists, 366. Frederica, 78, 80, 1 36. Funeral of Earl of B., 318. Funeral of Wiiitefield, 341, 347. Garden, Rev. Mr., 81, 134, 137. Gambling house, 61. Garrick, 331, 363, 383. (iay dressing in Charleston, 134. (;eorgia, 53, 54, 55, 56. Georgia trustees, 93. Germantown, 128. Georgia government changed, 277. Giving very cheerfully, 112. Gibraltar, 68, 69. Gillies, Dr., 21, 49, no, 155, 21S, 272, 275, 288, 341, 344, 360, 362. Gill, Rev. Dr. Jno., 272. Giffurd, 272. Gladman, Cap., 87, 154. Glasgow, 207, 225, 229, 260, 272, 275, 281, 297, 300, 302, 303, 305, 306. Gloucester, 20, 37, 38, 216, 218, 261, 274, 277, 291, 296. Gordon, Rev., 160. Gravesend, 61, 63, 120. * Great Revivals, 224, 225, 228. Habersham, Mr., C4, 68, 70, 73, 74, 140, 144, 188, 288, 324, 345, 379. 28 Hall, Rev. Dr. R., 332. Hall, Bishop, 223. Hamilton, Rev. Dr., 229. Happy wedding, 182. Harris, Howell, 104, 106, 107, 201, 256. Harris, Rev. S., 54. Hampton Common, 234. Hannam, Mount, 98, 99, 103, 105. Haven, Dr., 341. Heart-breaking partings, 31 1. Henry's commentai-y, 37, 351, 377. Ilervey, Rev. Jas., 27, 51, 269, 272, 292, 302, 332, 362. « Holy Club," The, 27, 28, 51. lloby. Rev. Dr., 348. Hodge, Rev. Dr. Charles, 152. Hume, 257, 361. Huss, John, 265. Hyde Park, 268. Impulses, 175, 289. Indians, 143. Indian school, 309, 315. Indian preachers, 315. Indian congress, 325. Impulse given by W., 289, 364. Inquirers, anxious, 128, 151, I53' '57« 163, 171, 180, 206, 234. Ipswich, 287. Ireland, 88, 274, 275, 297. Irish cabin, 88. Islington, in. James, Jno. Angel, 221. James, Mrs. E., 2H. Jaques, Mr., 347. Jay, Rev. Wm., 344. Jewett, Rev. Mr., 343. Jonson, Ben., 20. Journal, Whitefield's, 128, 130, 132, 206, 217, 254. Joyful hallelujahs, 326. Joy, great, 1 58, 160, 161, 166, 207, 215, 2i6, 217, 224, 278, 279, 281. Justification by faith discovered, 37, 90. 434 INDEX. Kempis, Thomas k, 25, 28. Keen, Mr., 327, 328, 344, 345. Kennington Common, no, in, 112, 113. 114, 115, 118, 190, 198. Ken, Bishop, 22. Kirkland, Mr., 327. Kihnarnock, 230. Kilbride, 230. Kilsilh, 230. Kinchin, Dean, 51. Kingswood, 96, 103, 106, in, 197, 216, 261. Kingswood school-house, 106. Kinsman, Rev. A., 332. King George, 289, 293, 299. Kitteiy, 329. Lady Huntingdon, 255, 256, 257, 259, 261, 269, 270, 273, 280, 291, 292, 301, 314, 316, 317, 321, 345. Her character, 259. Land granted for Orphan House, 93, 3>.2. Last letter of W., 328. Last sermon, 329. Latin school at Bethesda, 247. Law, Wm., 28, 29, 254. Leeds, 266, 280, 281, 292, 293, 296, 306. Letters, Whitefield's, 199. Lewistown, Pa., 122. Limerick, 274, 298, 299. Light become darkness, 179. Lions turned to lambs, 220. Lisbon, 285, 294. Little converted girl, 129. Liverpool, 292. Livingstone, Jno., loi. Log college, 126, 127, 364. Lord Halifax, 297. Lost man, 78. London, 161, 199, 200, 213,215,221, 232, 235, 237, 261, 266, 268, 272, 276, 282, 291, 299, 300, 304, 306, 308, 315, 317, 344, 354, 381. London alarmed, 56, 89, 90, 93. London Chronicle, 344. Love feast, precious, 91, 92, lOO. Luther, Martin, 20, 85. MacLaurin, Rev. Jno., 272. MacMahan,Mr.,87, 88. McCosh, Rev. Dr., 127, McCuUough, Mr., 227, 229. Manchester, 292. Manner of W.'s preaching, 331, 332. Marylebone fields, 222. Margate, 63. Mayfair, 115. Melanchthon, 233. Methodism, origin of, 27. Methodism, strength of, 28. Methodism, epoch of, 92. Methodist, 222, 315, 316, 317, 319. Methodist church, first, 34. Methodist seminary, first, 117. Methodist, Oxford, 46, 47, 186, 263; , 266, 298. Methodist, Calvinistic, 194, 234. Methodism, 307, 317, 364, 365. Mesopotamia, 331. Moody, Rev. Mr., 167. Moorfields, 109, no, in, 112, 113, 114, 115, 118, 197, 206, 218, 219, 222, 224, 235, 255, 268, 389. Moravians, 284. Morrison, Mr., sued for having preach- ing in his house, 247. " Morris' reading house," 247. Mrs. Whiteheld, 212, 213, 214, 224, 241, 254, 265. Her death, 320. Monument, 320. Muir, Rev. Dr., 233. Muthel, 230. " Nail the flag just below the cross," 294- Negroes, 166, 180, 251, 253. Newark, 183. Newbern, 132, 312. New Brunswick, 184. New-creature ministers, 308. New Castle, 306, 313. Newburyport, 287, 310, 329, 334, 349. 351- INDEX. 435 New England, 162, 178, 179, 180, 200, 218, 241, 243, 249, 309, 310, 313.343- New Brunswick, 153, 184. New Haven, 177. New era dawned, 97. New lights, 69. New measures, 90, I02. New Jersey College, 127, 172, 184, 261, 269, 283, 308, 309, 311, 338, 365- New York, 123, 124, 125, 129, 177, 178, 181, 246, 248, 249, 286, 309, 310,311,314, 327. New tabernacle, 278, 283. Nobility, The, 314, 321. Nobility converts, 258. Noble, Mr., 177, 181. Nonconformity churches, 365. Nonconformists, 26. Northampton, 113, 162, 172, 174, 176, 190, 269, 280, 292. Norwich, 280, 292. North Carolina, 250, 288. North Carolinians, very kind, 132. Nottingham, 187, 270. Occam, Rev. Mr., 315. Offering strange fire, 170. Oglethorpe, General, 53, 136, 139, 140, 144. Ogle, Gov., 130. Old Bell Inn, 20. Opposition, causes of, 93, 95. Orphan house, 76, 78, 80, 93, 104, 106, 112, 113, 120, 136, 139, 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 190, 200, 232, 248, 324. 345- Orphan boy's speech, 325. Oxford Bull, 320. Oxford, 37, 49, 56, 93, 108. Oxford University, 26, 27, 36, 319, 351, 383- Paisley, 224, 225. Parsons, Rev. Mr. 330, 334, 336, 349. 351- Paul, 89, 90, 100. Patriotism of W., 293, 294. Pemberton, Rev. Dr., 124, 129, 155. 181. Pentecost, another, 157. Pepperill, Col., 242. Persecutors converted, 280. Periam, Joseph, 113. Persecution, 232. Personal appearance of W., 330. Penn, Wm., 123. Philadelphia, 122, 127, 129, 130, 151, 184, 186, 206, 211, 248, 286, 308, 309. 312, 326, 327, 344. Philip, Rev. Dr., 28, 53, 69', 100, 202, 206, 240, 289, 316, 331, 383. Piety, Church of England low, 17. Picking holes in coats and hearts, 179. Pierpont, Mr., 177. Pilot fish, 72. Pitched battle, The, 218. Piscataway, 241. " Pickpocket, spiritual," 59. Planters converted, 161. Plymouth, R. I., 177, 188, 262, 299. Portsmouth, 167, 242, 243, 264, 269, 273. 310. 328, 334- Portrait of W., 310. Pointed letter to Wesley, 195. '' Pot-boy," The, 23. Phillips, Captain, 84. Poughkeepsie, 327. Portrait of W., 310. Portugal, 285. Praying to men, 18. Prayer, 159, 160, 171, 181, 225, 241, 266, 284, 328, 377, 329. Prayer meetings, loo, loi, 1 16, 128. Prayed and sung all night, 58, 59, 91, 116, 225, 228. Preaching before day, 57. Predestination, Wesley's sermon against, 193. Presbyterians, 160, 182, i86, 247, 251, 288. Presbyterian church, 152, 156, 332, 366. 436 INDEX. Presbyterian church, old South, 347. Princeton theological seminary, 365. Prince, Rev. Dr., 180, 1S4, 243, 349. Pulteney, 361. ( ^takers, 53, 107, 132, 15 1, 204, 222, (Quietism, 28. Railces, Robert, 20. Ramsgate, 323. Rappahannock, 308. Randall, Benj., 339, 366. Reconciliation effected, 201. Reading W.'s sermons, 246. Regeneration, sermon on, 56, 57, 58, 59- Remains of W., 347, 348. Revivals, 53, 55, 59, 108, 124, 143, 148, 151, 156. Revival at Northampton, 172, 173. Revival at Cambuslang, 227. Revival at Bristol, 'Bath, Gloucester, 53- Revivals, 53, 55, 59, 108, 124, 143, 148, 151, 156, 159, 162, i66, 169, 171, 172, 180, 184, 187, 206, 213, 215, 218, 246, 261, 264, 270, 275, 248, 299, 300, 304, 306, 309, 310, 317. 321, 3(^4, 366, 387. Richmond, 288. Rodgers, Rev. Dr. Jno., 151,152, 167. Rodborough, 321. Romainc, Rev. Mr., 314, 337. Roxbury, 165. Rose Green, 99, 104, Ii6. Sacrament, precious, 60. Salisbury, 327. Sawyer, Dr., 336. Sayings of W., 367, 371. Savannah, 76, 158, 159, 187, 211, 276, 312, 324, 354, 380. Sermons, Whitefield's, 331. Secret of his victorious death, 339. Sallies of joy, 54. Salem, 287. Satan showing his teeth, 270. Seceders, 360. Seward, Mr., 106, 154. Separation of Whitefield and Wesley, 190, 191, 192. Sectarianism unknown in heaven, 186. Scattered sheep gathered, 200. Scotland, 203, 207, 208, 216, 217, 218, 224, 225, 260, 270, 278, 283, 301, 306, 308, 320, 365, 377, 380. Scoffers prayed to silence, 105, 1 18. School on ship-board, 70. Shakspeare, 20. Shark, The, 71, 72. Shirley, 314, 316. Shuter, pierced, 389. Simpson, Bishop, 293. Ship cook's boast, 74. Shotts, The, loi. Smith, Rev. M., 334, 341, 359. Social meetings, religious, 46, 59, 90, loi, 107, 128, 208. Springfield, 174. Spain, 68. Stevens, Dr. A., 50, 180, 365. Strongest wires, The, loi. Steven, Sir James, 360. St. Annis, 57. " Sweet Bereavements," 320. ■ Tabernacle, The, 198, 220, 255, 266, 278, 279, 280, 284, 291, 293, 317, 344- Tabernacle society, 221. Tappan, Mr. W., 349. Tabernacle, lectures, 317. "Tears of blood," 158. Tennent, Rev. Wm., 126, 154, 155. Tennent, Rev. Charles, 14S, 187. Tennent, Rev. Gilbert, 123, 125, 126, 152, 155> 176, 177, 183, 184, 249, 283. Testimony for W., 245. Thousands cried out, 157. Thorpe converted, 27. Tillotson, Arch., 191. Toplady, 17, 331, 338, 357. INDEX. 437 " Town full of God's presence," 173, Trevecca college chapel, 320. Tiapp, Dr., 110. Tottenham court chapel, 321, 344. Tyennan, Rev. Mr., 28, 34, 77. I93. 319. 3S8. University, Oxford, 319, 351, 353. University, Cambridge, 360. Unction, W.'s source of, 100. Universities, 179, 244. " Universal stair," 262. Venn, Rev. Mr. 191, 314, 355. Vesey, Rev. Mr., 123. Wakely, Rev. Dr., 210, 212, 330. Wales, 103, 106, 208, 211, 213, 217, 234, 235, 264, 265, 274, 277, 279, 30i> 365. 377- Warburton, Bishop, 307. Walter, Rev. Mr., 165. Walpole, Horace, 257. Washington, General, 2ii. Warren, Rev. Dr., 366. Worcester, 172. Watts' Psalms, 334. Watson, Dr., 18. Webster, Daniel, 386. Webb, Rev., 167. Webster, Rev. Dr. 228. Wesley, Jno., 18, 28, 49, S^, 5^> 67» 77, 81, 90, 91, 97, 99, 105, 106, 116, 117, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 200, 201, 211,218, 249, 258, 272, 280, 283, 338, 344, 347, 352, 358. 364, 365. 376, 387- His love for the poor, 258. Wesley, Charles, 27, 49, 50, 51, 90, 91, 118, 139, 191, 249, 266, 347. "White gutters," colliers' cheeks, 98. White Clay creek, 130, 187. Whiting, Captain, 63, 65, 73. Winter, Cornelius, 312. Wilmington, 130, 148. Williamsburgh, 131 Will of Whitefield, 345. Wycliffe, Jno., 278. Whitefield, Thos, 345. Wright, Mr. A., 345. York, 167, 293, 296, 329. Young men's society, 151. Young women's prayer-meetingS; 208. Zeal of Whitefield, 321. Zubly, Rev. Mr., 344. Date Due ,i.,*a!ri*«*5?«''' wBtyanayttgi'W*^'' ^m^^?i^$^)7)f>^-. if^ ?ea "2-^ rr 9J- MAR 2 5 1997 ■t^'