FOOTNOTES:

"Why is thiswrangling worldthustoss'dandtorn?Free-grace,free-will, are both together born.If God'sfree-gracerule in and over me,Hiswillismine, and so mywillisfree."

Whitefield closed the year 1741 in Bristol, and spent nearly the whole of the first month of 1742 in the same city. He preached twice every day; and was still ardently desiring holiness. At the beginning of the year, he went to hear Charles Wesley preach; and he also commenced the monthly meeting, which he had mentioned in his letter to the Welsh evangelists. Hence the following to a friend, in London:—

"Bristol,January 2, 1742."My soul is thirsting after the Redeemer's love. I care not how the old man be crucified, and cut to pieces, so that I may put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. Great, very great things has Jesus done for me, a worthless worm; but Isee infinitely greater things lying before me. There is an inexhaustible fulness in Jesus Christ, out of which I hope to draw to the endless ages of eternity. Oh the meekness, the love, and purity in Jesus! Why should we be dwarfs in holiness?"Yesterday I went to hear Mr. Charles. I believe the Lord helped him in some parts of his discourse. I would be free; I would meet more than half-way; but we are all too shy. The Lord fill his soul with more of the disinterested love of Jesus!"To-night, I begin a general monthly meeting to read corresponding letters. Pray, give thanks for the success of the gospel in my unworthy hands."

"Bristol,January 2, 1742.

"My soul is thirsting after the Redeemer's love. I care not how the old man be crucified, and cut to pieces, so that I may put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. Great, very great things has Jesus done for me, a worthless worm; but Isee infinitely greater things lying before me. There is an inexhaustible fulness in Jesus Christ, out of which I hope to draw to the endless ages of eternity. Oh the meekness, the love, and purity in Jesus! Why should we be dwarfs in holiness?

"Yesterday I went to hear Mr. Charles. I believe the Lord helped him in some parts of his discourse. I would be free; I would meet more than half-way; but we are all too shy. The Lord fill his soul with more of the disinterested love of Jesus!

"To-night, I begin a general monthly meeting to read corresponding letters. Pray, give thanks for the success of the gospel in my unworthy hands."

Whitefield left Bristol on January 22, and on the same day preached twice at Tockington, a small village in Gloucestershire. On the 23rd, he preached "to many thousands at Stroud, with wondrous power." On the 25th, he reached Gloucester, where he remained a fortnight, preaching twice, and sometimes oftener, every day. The following are extracts from letters, written during this visit to his native city. To John Cennick, in London, he wrote:—

"Gloucester,January 28, 1742."Our congregations here are larger than at Bristol. The word proves sharper than a two-edged sword. Every sermon is blessed. I am just now going to Chalford. To-morrow, I expect my wife. Sinless perfection, I fear, will be propagated in these parts. The Lord, in His due time, will root out that pernicious weed. God willing, I shall examine Hampton Society to-night. I think to do the same in Wiltshire. I want to be in London as soon as may be."

"Gloucester,January 28, 1742.

"Our congregations here are larger than at Bristol. The word proves sharper than a two-edged sword. Every sermon is blessed. I am just now going to Chalford. To-morrow, I expect my wife. Sinless perfection, I fear, will be propagated in these parts. The Lord, in His due time, will root out that pernicious weed. God willing, I shall examine Hampton Society to-night. I think to do the same in Wiltshire. I want to be in London as soon as may be."

On the same day, he wrote to Gilbert Tennent:—

"God has been very good to me since my arrival in England. I found, when I came at first, I had all my work to begin again. Brother Wesley had so prejudiced the people against me, that those who were my spiritual children would not so much as come and see me. Nay, they have gone by me, whilst preaching in Moorfields, and stopped their ears. I was also embarrassed by Brother Seward's death. He died without making any provision for me; and, at the time, I was much indebted for the Orphan House. All this was to humble me, and prepare me for future blessings. The Lord has enabled me, blessed be His name! to keep steady to my principles and usual practice. A new and numerous church has been raised in London. In Essex, the Lord was wonderfully with me. Everywhere, the congregations increase. In Bristol, God enabled me to fight my way through. We have hired a large room, and have expounded there twice a day. In Scotland, the work, for its beginning, is greater than in New England. Through the tender mercies of our God, I have been carried, as on eagles' wings, through a variety of outwardand inward troubles, the greatness of which none knows but God and my own soul. I am glad that matters are settling so amicably at Philadelphia. What a pity it is that we should fall out in the way to heaven! I would do anything except defiling my conscience, and giving up what I think is truth, to prevent it. The Associate Brethren are much to be blamed. I never met with such narrow spirits."

To a friend, at New Brunswick, he remarked:—

"What have you to do but to walk humbly with your God, and daily to aspire after the whole mind that was in Jesus? I find but few truly labouring after this. For my own part, I am ashamed to think how unlike I am to my Saviour. I see such beauty in Him, that I long to be conformed to His image. Blessed be God! the work in our hands everywhere increases. I am supported and encouraged, quickened and comforted, day by day. Jesus loves and blesses me."

On February 5, he wrote again to Gilbert Tennent:—

"Reverend and dear Brother,—On Tuesday, I received yours. I thank you for your kind caution. My mistakes often humble me. Never did Jesus send out a more weak and worthless wretch. I have not freedom now to continue writing a journal, as usual. I shall proceed, for the future, in a more compendious way."

Whitefield here makes a statement of great importance. From December 28, 1737, to March 11, 1741; he had written a copious journal of his experiences, labours, and successes; and had published far more of it than was expedient. Both friends and foes—in England, Scotland, and America—had assailed him on this account, and not without reason. Even he himself acknowledged the justice of these attacks, when, in 1756, he published a new edition of his Journals, "revised, corrected, andabridged." Unfortunately, in an evil hour, he resolved to throw aside his diary. Yes,unfortunately; for it cannot be denied, that, diaries, properly written, by remarkable men, like Whitefield, are an incalculable boon. Who could have adequately appreciated Wesley's character, labours, and success, without hisJournals? And, to some extent, the same may be said of Whitefield. There is a difference, however. Whitefield's long and numerous letters, unlike Wesley's, were autobiographical. His life cannot be written without his letters; but with them such a work is not impossible. From his return to England in 1741, he ceased to write Journals;but, to the end of life, he never lost his passion for writing about himself, in correspondence with his friends.

One of the Oxford Methodists, the Rev. William Chapman, was settled as a clergyman in Bath; and, to him, Whitefield addressed the following:—

"Gloucester,February 5, 1742."My dear Friend and Brother,—Yesterday, I preached three times, and visited a private Society in the evening. To-day, I was enabled to preach three times, with great power. Here there is such an awakening, as I never saw in these parts before. It is pleasant to hear the people come and tell how God wrought upon them by my unworthy ministry two years ago. The fruits of the Spirit are now apparent in their lives. Letters from Scotland bring blessed tidings, as also from Philadelphia. O the blessed effects of field preaching! O that I were humble, and thankful! Help me, my dear friend, to entreat the Redeemer to make me as a little, avery little child. At the beginning of next week, I hope to be in Bath; but cannot tell exactly the day. I thank my friends for their kind intention to meet me; but I had rather avoid it. The less parade the better. Let us stand still, and see the salvation of God. He will not bless what doth not come from Himself."

"Gloucester,February 5, 1742.

"My dear Friend and Brother,—Yesterday, I preached three times, and visited a private Society in the evening. To-day, I was enabled to preach three times, with great power. Here there is such an awakening, as I never saw in these parts before. It is pleasant to hear the people come and tell how God wrought upon them by my unworthy ministry two years ago. The fruits of the Spirit are now apparent in their lives. Letters from Scotland bring blessed tidings, as also from Philadelphia. O the blessed effects of field preaching! O that I were humble, and thankful! Help me, my dear friend, to entreat the Redeemer to make me as a little, avery little child. At the beginning of next week, I hope to be in Bath; but cannot tell exactly the day. I thank my friends for their kind intention to meet me; but I had rather avoid it. The less parade the better. Let us stand still, and see the salvation of God. He will not bless what doth not come from Himself."

Whitefield seems to have spent about a fortnight in Bath and its neighbourhood. He then set out for London, and, on the road, wrote the following almost ecstatic letter to a distinguished lady with whom he had become acquainted in Scotland. Lady Mary Hamilton was sister to William, third Marquis of Lothian, the Countess of Home, Lady Cranstown, and Lady Ross. Her ladyship's mother was daughter of Archibald Campbell, the unfortunate Earl of Argyll, who was beheaded in 1635. She had married Alexander Hamilton of Ballincrieff, member of Parliament for the county of Linlithgow, and Post-Master General of Scotland. Mr. Hamilton, as well as his wife, was partial to Whitefield's preaching, and always received him at his house with every mark of polite attention. For six-and-twenty years, until her death, in 1768, Lady Mary was one of Whitefield's correspondents.[506]His letter to this noble lady cannot fail to be read with interest.

"Thales, near Reading,February 23, 1742."Honoured Madam,—I am now upon the road to London. Thismorning your acceptable letter came to hand. Though somewhat wearied, I would fain answer it before I retire to rest."Blessed be God! who causes your ladyship to be never less alone, than when alone. O Madam, what a Comforter is the Holy Ghost! What sweet company is Jesus Christ! What a privilege is it to have fellowship with the great Three-One! A world lying in wickedness knows nothing of it. Everything yields comfort when the Spirit breathes upon it."I am amazed that God should work by my hands; but Jesus is love. He yet delights to honour me. I have lately seen the Redeemer riding in His strength, and getting Himself the victory in poor sinners' hearts. O that our Jesus may set the world in a flame of love! Hasten that time, O blessed Jesus! O let Thy kingdom come!"I have heard from my dear orphans to-day. They have been reduced to straits; but the Lord has stirred up a wealthy friend or two to assist them. I find there has been a fresh awakening among them. I am informed that twelve negroes, belonging to a planter lately converted at the Orphan House, are savingly brought home to Jesus Christ."I am glad to hear that the work goes on in Scotland. The Lord, I trust, will ripen your soul apace for glory. He has various ways of perfecting His saints. Methinks, I see your ladyship sitting in your chair, and ravished with the Redeemer's beauty. Sometimes you are, as it were, washing His feet with your tears; at other times, sitting by faith at His feet, and hearing or reading His word. Sometimes your heart is too big to speak; then again, out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth poureth forth hallelujahs. Sometimes you are lost in wonder; and at all times longing to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. This, I trust, is the life your ladyship lives. This is life indeed. They who live otherwise are dead whilst they live. They call for our compassion and prayers; for who has made the difference? Distinguishing grace! O the unsearchable riches of Christ! I could speak of Him for ever. The Lord be with your spirit, and abundantly bless both you, Mr. Hamilton, and your child!"

"Thales, near Reading,February 23, 1742.

"Honoured Madam,—I am now upon the road to London. Thismorning your acceptable letter came to hand. Though somewhat wearied, I would fain answer it before I retire to rest.

"Blessed be God! who causes your ladyship to be never less alone, than when alone. O Madam, what a Comforter is the Holy Ghost! What sweet company is Jesus Christ! What a privilege is it to have fellowship with the great Three-One! A world lying in wickedness knows nothing of it. Everything yields comfort when the Spirit breathes upon it.

"I am amazed that God should work by my hands; but Jesus is love. He yet delights to honour me. I have lately seen the Redeemer riding in His strength, and getting Himself the victory in poor sinners' hearts. O that our Jesus may set the world in a flame of love! Hasten that time, O blessed Jesus! O let Thy kingdom come!

"I have heard from my dear orphans to-day. They have been reduced to straits; but the Lord has stirred up a wealthy friend or two to assist them. I find there has been a fresh awakening among them. I am informed that twelve negroes, belonging to a planter lately converted at the Orphan House, are savingly brought home to Jesus Christ.

"I am glad to hear that the work goes on in Scotland. The Lord, I trust, will ripen your soul apace for glory. He has various ways of perfecting His saints. Methinks, I see your ladyship sitting in your chair, and ravished with the Redeemer's beauty. Sometimes you are, as it were, washing His feet with your tears; at other times, sitting by faith at His feet, and hearing or reading His word. Sometimes your heart is too big to speak; then again, out of the abundance of your heart, your mouth poureth forth hallelujahs. Sometimes you are lost in wonder; and at all times longing to be dissolved, and to be with Christ. This, I trust, is the life your ladyship lives. This is life indeed. They who live otherwise are dead whilst they live. They call for our compassion and prayers; for who has made the difference? Distinguishing grace! O the unsearchable riches of Christ! I could speak of Him for ever. The Lord be with your spirit, and abundantly bless both you, Mr. Hamilton, and your child!"

On arriving in London, Whitefield wrote to his friend Mr. Noble, of New York, as follows:—

"London,February 26, 1742."My very dear Brother,—Before yours came to hand, the Lord had given me an enlarged heart, and unfeigned love and freedom, to converse with all His dear children, of whatever denomination. I talk freely with the Messrs. Wesley, though we widely differ in a certain point. Most talk of a catholic spirit; but it is only till they have brought people into the pale of their own church. This is downright sectarianism, not catholicism. How can I act consistently, unless I receive and love all the children of God, whom I believe to be such, of whatever denomination they may be? Why should we dispute when there is no probability of convincing? I am persuaded, the more the love of God is shed abroadin our hearts, the more all narrowness of spirit will subside and give way. Besides, so far as we are narrow-spirited, we are uneasy. Prejudices, jealousies, and suspicions make the soul miserable. But enough of this. My dear brother Noble is of my mind; only let me give you one caution. Take heed that your getting acquainted with any new set of Christians does not lead you insensibly to despise others of your old acquaintance. Watch, and deal very tenderly with all; otherwise you will grow reserved and artful, and will lose a simple, open, guileless spirit, before you are aware."

"London,February 26, 1742.

"My very dear Brother,—Before yours came to hand, the Lord had given me an enlarged heart, and unfeigned love and freedom, to converse with all His dear children, of whatever denomination. I talk freely with the Messrs. Wesley, though we widely differ in a certain point. Most talk of a catholic spirit; but it is only till they have brought people into the pale of their own church. This is downright sectarianism, not catholicism. How can I act consistently, unless I receive and love all the children of God, whom I believe to be such, of whatever denomination they may be? Why should we dispute when there is no probability of convincing? I am persuaded, the more the love of God is shed abroadin our hearts, the more all narrowness of spirit will subside and give way. Besides, so far as we are narrow-spirited, we are uneasy. Prejudices, jealousies, and suspicions make the soul miserable. But enough of this. My dear brother Noble is of my mind; only let me give you one caution. Take heed that your getting acquainted with any new set of Christians does not lead you insensibly to despise others of your old acquaintance. Watch, and deal very tenderly with all; otherwise you will grow reserved and artful, and will lose a simple, open, guileless spirit, before you are aware."

To the same effect is the following letter to the Rev. William Chapman, of Bath:—

"London,March 4, 1742."My dear Friend and Brother,—I hope you are not offended, because you did not see me in Bath again. The glorious Emmanuel pointed out my way hither. Since I came, He has been wonderfully kind to me, and to His people. I am much assisted daily, in preaching to poor sinners the unsearchable riches of Christ. Life and power fly all around, and the Redeemer is getting Himself the victory daily in many hearts. O that my dear Mr. Chapman may be made a flaming fire, and a spiritual father to thousands!"I despair of a greater union among the churches, till a greater measure of the Spirit be poured from on high. Hence, therefore, I am resolved simply to preach the gospel of Christ, and leave others to quarrel by and with themselves. To contend, where there is no probability of convincing, only feeds and adds fuel to an unhallowed fire. Love, forbearance, long-suffering, and frequent prayer to the Lord Jesus, is the best way to put it out. O love—true, simple, Christian, undissembled love—whither art thou fled?"

"London,March 4, 1742.

"My dear Friend and Brother,—I hope you are not offended, because you did not see me in Bath again. The glorious Emmanuel pointed out my way hither. Since I came, He has been wonderfully kind to me, and to His people. I am much assisted daily, in preaching to poor sinners the unsearchable riches of Christ. Life and power fly all around, and the Redeemer is getting Himself the victory daily in many hearts. O that my dear Mr. Chapman may be made a flaming fire, and a spiritual father to thousands!

"I despair of a greater union among the churches, till a greater measure of the Spirit be poured from on high. Hence, therefore, I am resolved simply to preach the gospel of Christ, and leave others to quarrel by and with themselves. To contend, where there is no probability of convincing, only feeds and adds fuel to an unhallowed fire. Love, forbearance, long-suffering, and frequent prayer to the Lord Jesus, is the best way to put it out. O love—true, simple, Christian, undissembled love—whither art thou fled?"

The treatment he received from the Church of England, and from Presbyterians in Scotland, and his differences with the Wesleys, were not the only things that troubled Whitefield. His evangelistic friends in Wales were not perfectly harmonious; and there can hardly be a doubt that this was one of the incidents which led him to write as he did in the foregoing letters. Whitefield hated disputations; and yet, even some of his dearest friends were sometimes in danger of being divided by their religious contests. Hence the following extract from a letter, written by Howell Harris to Whitefield's wife:—

"Lanworthadd,March 24, 1742."Our Society of ministers and exhorters go on sweetly. We had some disputes the last time we met; but we never parted with such broken hearts and wet cheeks. The Lord pities us, and will set us free fromthose strong corruptions, that set us together by the ears, and divide us, and cool our love to each other."[507]

"Lanworthadd,March 24, 1742.

"Our Society of ministers and exhorters go on sweetly. We had some disputes the last time we met; but we never parted with such broken hearts and wet cheeks. The Lord pities us, and will set us free fromthose strong corruptions, that set us together by the ears, and divide us, and cool our love to each other."[507]

Whitefield sighed for union; and, by keeping apart from controversy, and simply testifying the gospel of the grace of God, he did his utmost to make professing Christians a loving brotherhood. Sometimes, the prospect of this began to brighten; and, at all times, he had reason to exult on account of new conversions. The following extracts from letters, that he wrote in the month of April, will be welcome:—

"London,April 6, 1742."O what a blessing it is to be redeemed from a vain conversation! O that every poor sinner felt it! Then would the children of God agree in one, and divisions would be at an end. Blessed be our Lord! there is a greater prospect of union than ever. It is what my soul longs after, and labours for. It is a great pity that poor pilgrims should fall out in their way to heaven; but this will be, till we get more of the Divine Spirit."I believe there is such a work begun, as neither we nor our fathers have heard of. The beginnings are amazing; how unspeakably glorious will the end be! In New England, the Lord takes poor sinners by hundreds, I may say by thousands. In Scotland, the fruits of my poor labours are abiding and apparent. In Wales, the word of the Lord runs and is glorified; as also in many places in England. In London, our Saviour is doing great things daily. We scarce know what it is to have a meeting without tears. Our Lord always meets with us. I sleep and eat but little, and am constantly employed from morning till midnight; and, yet, I walk and am not weary, I run and am not faint. O free grace! It fires my soul, and makes me long to do something more for Jesus. It is true, indeed, I want to go home; but here are so many souls ready to perish for lack of knowledge, that I am willing to tarry below, as long as my Master has work for me to do."

"London,April 6, 1742.

"O what a blessing it is to be redeemed from a vain conversation! O that every poor sinner felt it! Then would the children of God agree in one, and divisions would be at an end. Blessed be our Lord! there is a greater prospect of union than ever. It is what my soul longs after, and labours for. It is a great pity that poor pilgrims should fall out in their way to heaven; but this will be, till we get more of the Divine Spirit.

"I believe there is such a work begun, as neither we nor our fathers have heard of. The beginnings are amazing; how unspeakably glorious will the end be! In New England, the Lord takes poor sinners by hundreds, I may say by thousands. In Scotland, the fruits of my poor labours are abiding and apparent. In Wales, the word of the Lord runs and is glorified; as also in many places in England. In London, our Saviour is doing great things daily. We scarce know what it is to have a meeting without tears. Our Lord always meets with us. I sleep and eat but little, and am constantly employed from morning till midnight; and, yet, I walk and am not weary, I run and am not faint. O free grace! It fires my soul, and makes me long to do something more for Jesus. It is true, indeed, I want to go home; but here are so many souls ready to perish for lack of knowledge, that I am willing to tarry below, as long as my Master has work for me to do."

To John Cennick, now evangelizing in Whitefield's native county, he wrote as follows:—

"London,April 8, 1742."I rejoice to hear that the Lord is with you, and that He was pleased to bless my poor labours in Gloucestershire. I would have you to dispute as little as possible. Awakened souls should be told to look continually to the Lord Jesus. Our Lord is with us much in London. I preach twice daily. Our Society grows."

"London,April 8, 1742.

"I rejoice to hear that the Lord is with you, and that He was pleased to bless my poor labours in Gloucestershire. I would have you to dispute as little as possible. Awakened souls should be told to look continually to the Lord Jesus. Our Lord is with us much in London. I preach twice daily. Our Society grows."

Whitefield longed for union; Wesley, for the present, seems to have been indifferent concerning it, and was alsobeset with those who wished to make him think that Whitefield was not sincere. The following is a significant entry in Wesley's Journal:—

"1742. April 23. I spent an agreeable hour with Mr. Whitefield. I believe he is sincere in all he says concerning his earnest desire of joining hand in hand with all that love the Lord Jesus Christ. But, if (as some would persuade me) he is not, the loss is all on his own side. I am just as I was. I go on my way, whether he goes with me, or stays behind."[508]

Whitefield had now spent nearly two months of wintry weather in the metropolis, and, of course, his ministry had been mainly confined to his wooden meeting-house, in the neighbourhood of Moorfields. At length, the sun was again shining, the birds were singing, and the breezes balmy. It was time for Whitefield to resume his "field-pulpit," and to use the bright blue heavens as his sounding-board. During the Easter holidays, commencing on Easter Monday, April 19, Whitefield preached six or seven sermons in his old open-air cathedral, Moorfields;[509]and, writing to a friend in Philadelphia, remarked, "We have had a gloriousEaster, or rather aPentecost." The scenes witnessed on these three memorable days—Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday—are described by himself in two letters, written three weeks afterwards. The letters are here thrown into one continuous narrative.

"London,May 11, 1742."With this, I send you a few of the many notes I have received from persons who were convinced, converted, or comforted in Moorfields, during the late holidays. For many weeks, I found my heart much pressed to preach there at this season, when Satan's children keep their annual rendezvous."I must inform you, that Moorfields is a large, spacious place, given, as I have been told, by one Madam Moore, for all sorts of people to divert themselves in. 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."With a heart bleeding with compassion for so many thousands ledcaptive by the devil at his will, on Easter Monday,[510]at six o'clock in the morning, attended by a large congregation of praying people, I ventured to lift up a standard amongst them, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Perhaps, there were about ten thousand waiting, not for me, but for Satan's instruments to amuse them. I was glad to find that, for once, I had, as it were, got the start of the devil. I mounted my field-pulpit,[511]and almost all flocked immediately around it. I preached on these words, 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,' etc. They gazed, they listened, they wept. All was hushed and solemn; and I believe many felt themselves stung with deep conviction of their past 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, trumpeters, merry-andrews, masters of puppet-shows, exhibitors of wild beasts, etc., etc.,—all busy in entertaining their respective 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 St. Paul, I should now be called, as it were, to fight with beasts at Ephesus, I preached from these words: 'Great is Diana of the Ephesians.' You may easily guess, that there was some noise among the craftsmen, and that I was honoured with having stones, dirt, rotten eggs, and pieces of dead cats thrown at me, whilst engaged in calling them from their favourite, but lying vanities. My soul was indeed among lions; but far the greater part of my congregation seemed to be turned into lambs."This encouraged 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, among them, some thousands waiting as earnestly to hear the gospel. This was what Satan could not brook. One of his choicest servants was exhibiting, trumpeting on a large stage; but, assoon as the people saw me, in my black robes, and my pulpit, I think, all of them, to a man, left him and ran to me. For a while, I was enabled to lift up my voice as a trumpet. God's people kept praying; and the enemy's agents made a kind of roaring at some distance from us. At length, they approached nearer, and the merry-andrew (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, several times, to strike me with a long, heavy, whip; but always, with the violence of his motion, tumbled down. Soon afterwards, they got a recruiting sergeant, 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, on the opposite side of the field, assembled together, and, having got a large pole for their standard, advanced towards us with steady and formidable steps, till they came very near the skirts of our congregation. I saw, gave warning, and prayed to the Captain of our salvation for support and deliverance. He heard and answered; for, just as they approached us, with looks full of resentment, they quarrelled among themselves, threw down their pole, and went their way, leaving, however, many of their company behind. I think, I continued in praying, preaching, and singing (for the noise, at times, was too great to preach), about three hours."We then retired to the Tabernacle. My pocket was full of notes from persons brought under concern. I read, them, amidst the praises and spiritual acclamations of thousands, who joined with the holy angels in rejoicing that so many sinners were snatched, in such an unlikely place and manner, out of the very jaws of the devil. This was the beginning of the Tabernacle Society. Three hundred and fifty awakened souls were received in one day; and, I believe, the number of notes exceeded a thousand."The battle, that was begun on Monday, was not quite over till Wednesday evening, though the scene of action was a little changed."Being strongly invited, and a pulpit being prepared for me by an honest Quaker, a coal merchant, I ventured, on Tuesday evening, to preach in Marylebone Fields, a place almost as much frequented by boxers, gamesters, and such-like, as Moorfields. A vast congregation was assembled, and, as soon as I got into the field-pulpit, their countenances bespoke the enmity of their hearts against the preacher. I opened with these words: 'I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.' I preached in great jeopardy; for the pulpit being high, and the supports not well fixed in the ground, it tottered every time I moved, and numbers of enemies strove to push my friends against the supports, in order to throw me down. But the Redeemer stayed my soul upon Himself, and I was not much moved, except with compassion for those to whom I was delivering my Master's message."Satan, however, did not like thus to be attacked in his strongholds, and I narrowly escaped with my life; for, as I was passing from thepulpit to the coach, I felt my hat and wig to be almost off. I turned about, and observed a sword just touching my temples. A young rake, as I afterwards found, was determined to stab me, but a gentleman, seeing the sword thrust near me, struck it up with his cane, and so the destined victim providentially escaped. Such an attempt excited abhorrence. The enraged multitude seized the man, and had it not been for one of my friends, who received him into his house, he must have undergone a severe discipline."The next day, I renewed my attack in Moorfields; and, after the mob found that pelting, noise, and threatenings would not do, one of the merry-andrews got up into a tree, very near the pulpit, and shamefully exposed his nakedness before all the people. Such a beastly action quite abashed the serious part of my auditory; but hundreds, of another stamp, instead of rising up to pull down the unhappy wretch, expressed their approbation by repeated laughs. I must own, at first it gave me a shock. I thought Satan had now almost undone himself; but, recovering my spirits, I appealed to all, since now they had such a spectacle before them, whether I had wronged human nature, in saying, after pious Bishop Hall, 'that man, when left to himself, is half a devil and half a beast;' or, as the great Mr. Law expressed himself, 'a motley mixture of the beast and devil.'"Silence and attention being thus gained, I concluded with a warm exhortation; and closed our festival enterprises by reading fresh notes that were put up, and by praising and blessing God, amidst thousands at the Tabernacle, for what He had done for precious souls, and on account of the deliverances He had wrought out for me and His people."I cannot help adding, that, several little boys and girls were fond of sitting round me on the pulpit, while I preached, and handing to me the people's notes. Though they were often struck with the eggs, dirt, etc., thrown at me, they never once gave way; but, on the contrary, every time I was struck, turned up their little weeping eyes, and seemed to wish they could receive the blows for me."

"London,May 11, 1742.

"With this, I send you a few of the many notes I have received from persons who were convinced, converted, or comforted in Moorfields, during the late holidays. For many weeks, I found my heart much pressed to preach there at this season, when Satan's children keep their annual rendezvous.

"I must inform you, that Moorfields is a large, spacious place, given, as I have been told, by one Madam Moore, for all sorts of people to divert themselves in. 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.

"With a heart bleeding with compassion for so many thousands ledcaptive by the devil at his will, on Easter Monday,[510]at six o'clock in the morning, attended by a large congregation of praying people, I ventured to lift up a standard amongst them, in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Perhaps, there were about ten thousand waiting, not for me, but for Satan's instruments to amuse them. I was glad to find that, for once, I had, as it were, got the start of the devil. I mounted my field-pulpit,[511]and almost all flocked immediately around it. I preached on these words, 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,' etc. They gazed, they listened, they wept. All was hushed and solemn; and I believe many felt themselves stung with deep conviction of their past 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, trumpeters, merry-andrews, masters of puppet-shows, exhibitors of wild beasts, etc., etc.,—all busy in entertaining their respective 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 St. Paul, I should now be called, as it were, to fight with beasts at Ephesus, I preached from these words: 'Great is Diana of the Ephesians.' You may easily guess, that there was some noise among the craftsmen, and that I was honoured with having stones, dirt, rotten eggs, and pieces of dead cats thrown at me, whilst engaged in calling them from their favourite, but lying vanities. My soul was indeed among lions; but far the greater part of my congregation seemed to be turned into lambs.

"This encouraged 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, among them, some thousands waiting as earnestly to hear the gospel. This was what Satan could not brook. One of his choicest servants was exhibiting, trumpeting on a large stage; but, assoon as the people saw me, in my black robes, and my pulpit, I think, all of them, to a man, left him and ran to me. For a while, I was enabled to lift up my voice as a trumpet. God's people kept praying; and the enemy's agents made a kind of roaring at some distance from us. At length, they approached nearer, and the merry-andrew (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, several times, to strike me with a long, heavy, whip; but always, with the violence of his motion, tumbled down. Soon afterwards, they got a recruiting sergeant, 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, on the opposite side of the field, assembled together, and, having got a large pole for their standard, advanced towards us with steady and formidable steps, till they came very near the skirts of our congregation. I saw, gave warning, and prayed to the Captain of our salvation for support and deliverance. He heard and answered; for, just as they approached us, with looks full of resentment, they quarrelled among themselves, threw down their pole, and went their way, leaving, however, many of their company behind. I think, I continued in praying, preaching, and singing (for the noise, at times, was too great to preach), about three hours.

"We then retired to the Tabernacle. My pocket was full of notes from persons brought under concern. I read, them, amidst the praises and spiritual acclamations of thousands, who joined with the holy angels in rejoicing that so many sinners were snatched, in such an unlikely place and manner, out of the very jaws of the devil. This was the beginning of the Tabernacle Society. Three hundred and fifty awakened souls were received in one day; and, I believe, the number of notes exceeded a thousand.

"The battle, that was begun on Monday, was not quite over till Wednesday evening, though the scene of action was a little changed.

"Being strongly invited, and a pulpit being prepared for me by an honest Quaker, a coal merchant, I ventured, on Tuesday evening, to preach in Marylebone Fields, a place almost as much frequented by boxers, gamesters, and such-like, as Moorfields. A vast congregation was assembled, and, as soon as I got into the field-pulpit, their countenances bespoke the enmity of their hearts against the preacher. I opened with these words: 'I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.' I preached in great jeopardy; for the pulpit being high, and the supports not well fixed in the ground, it tottered every time I moved, and numbers of enemies strove to push my friends against the supports, in order to throw me down. But the Redeemer stayed my soul upon Himself, and I was not much moved, except with compassion for those to whom I was delivering my Master's message.

"Satan, however, did not like thus to be attacked in his strongholds, and I narrowly escaped with my life; for, as I was passing from thepulpit to the coach, I felt my hat and wig to be almost off. I turned about, and observed a sword just touching my temples. A young rake, as I afterwards found, was determined to stab me, but a gentleman, seeing the sword thrust near me, struck it up with his cane, and so the destined victim providentially escaped. Such an attempt excited abhorrence. The enraged multitude seized the man, and had it not been for one of my friends, who received him into his house, he must have undergone a severe discipline.

"The next day, I renewed my attack in Moorfields; and, after the mob found that pelting, noise, and threatenings would not do, one of the merry-andrews got up into a tree, very near the pulpit, and shamefully exposed his nakedness before all the people. Such a beastly action quite abashed the serious part of my auditory; but hundreds, of another stamp, instead of rising up to pull down the unhappy wretch, expressed their approbation by repeated laughs. I must own, at first it gave me a shock. I thought Satan had now almost undone himself; but, recovering my spirits, I appealed to all, since now they had such a spectacle before them, whether I had wronged human nature, in saying, after pious Bishop Hall, 'that man, when left to himself, is half a devil and half a beast;' or, as the great Mr. Law expressed himself, 'a motley mixture of the beast and devil.'

"Silence and attention being thus gained, I concluded with a warm exhortation; and closed our festival enterprises by reading fresh notes that were put up, and by praising and blessing God, amidst thousands at the Tabernacle, for what He had done for precious souls, and on account of the deliverances He had wrought out for me and His people.

"I cannot help adding, that, several little boys and girls were fond of sitting round me on the pulpit, while I preached, and handing to me the people's notes. Though they were often struck with the eggs, dirt, etc., thrown at me, they never once gave way; but, on the contrary, every time I was struck, turned up their little weeping eyes, and seemed to wish they could receive the blows for me."

This is a simple and strange story. Seldom do the annals of the Christian Church present a more remarkable example of the power of gospel truth. Here were assembled thousands, "the devil's castaways," as Whitefield would have called them,—the very scum of London's teeming population, many of them clad in rags, and almost all of them labelled with the marks of vice and wretchedness; and, yet, even in such a congregation, hundreds become penitent, and begin to call upon God for mercy. Even the wildest mob only need "the truth as it is in Jesus" simply and faithfully proclaimed, for there is always in that glorious truth a something which meets the yearnings of the most degraded soul. Whitefield's Easter-tide services, in the midst of theMoorfields mobs, were not unworthy of the name he gave them—"a glorious Pentecost."[512]

Whitefield continued the services thus begun; and no wonder. The following announcement was made in theWeekly History, of May 8, 1742:—

"This evening, about six o'clock, the Rev. Mr. Whitefield purposes to preach at Charles Square, by Hoxton.[513]To-morrow, about five p.m., at Kennington Common; and, on Tuesday next, about six p.m., at St. Marylebone Fields. He preached, in Moorfields, every day in the holiday week; some days twice, and some thrice. The auditories were very large and attentive, and, for the most times, very quiet. Many souls have been wrought upon during the last week's preaching, and several of them of the most abandoned sort. The Society, in London, is in great order, and great grace is among its members. For some time past, there have been about twenty souls each week added to it. In about three weeks, Mr. Whitefield purposes setting out for Scotland, with an intent to visit Ireland also. He has been in London about two months, and has preached twice, and sometimes thrice, every day."

Whitefield embarked for Scotland on May 26, and arrived in Edinburgh on the 3rd of June. During his eight days' voyage, he employed himself, as usual when on shipboard, in writing letters to his friends.

One of these was the Rev. Mr. Meriton, a clergyman in the Isle of Man, who, ten months before, had become acquainted with Wesley in London,[514]and who seems to havespent the last years of his life chiefly in accompanying the two Wesleys in their preaching excursions, and in assisting them in the chapels they had built. He died in 1753. To him Whitefield wrote as follows:—

"On board theMary and Ann, bound to Scotland,May 26, 1742."Rev. and dear Sir,—I received your letter on Saturday last, and felt great concern while perusing it. One thing especially pleased me. I found that a report, I had lately heard concerning you, was false; for I had been told, that the bishop, seeing your zeal, had, at last, ordered the clergy to open the church doors for you, and that now you had done with appearing openly in the defence of the glorious gospel. Blessed be God! this is not true; though I find both you and your people have been greatly discouraged. I see no way of extricating yourself, but by acting up to the dictates of your own conscience, and leaving the consequences to the great Head and King of the Church. Up then, and be doing; and the Lord will be with you. If you cannot preach freely in the Isle of Man, go whithersoever the Lord shall be pleased to lead you. Our commission is very extensive: 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' We want labourers much in England. If our ascended Saviour has given you popular gifts, and freedom and authority in speaking without notes, you need not fear. He will assist you, and make you a blessing to many souls."Your being a minister of the Established Church will be an advantage, and your age also will give you yet more authority; but an unction from the Holy One is the best qualification. I would, therefore, persuade you to ask God, again and again, what He would have you to do. I am apt to think, He will not restore to you the comforts of the Holy Ghost, until you give up yourself simply to follow the dictates of His providence and Spirit. Then, let men or devils say and do their worst. How can we know God's power, unless we try it? Not that I would have you, dear friend, do anything rashly. No: 'He that believeth doth not make haste.'"I wonder not that your brother's love is grown cold. It is hard for one in his station, unless he be thoroughly inured to contempt, and will give God leave to act in His own way, to withstand a whole body of lukewarm, prejudiced, envious, malignant clergy. These have always been the greatest opposers of true, vital religion. These were our Saviour's most bitter enemies. These will be ours also, if we come forth in His Spirit, and preach by His power. But, blessed be God! I can say, by happy experience, our glorious Emmanuel will make us more than conquerors over them all. He has continually fought my battles for me, and, I am persuaded, will do so to the end."

"On board theMary and Ann, bound to Scotland,May 26, 1742.

"Rev. and dear Sir,—I received your letter on Saturday last, and felt great concern while perusing it. One thing especially pleased me. I found that a report, I had lately heard concerning you, was false; for I had been told, that the bishop, seeing your zeal, had, at last, ordered the clergy to open the church doors for you, and that now you had done with appearing openly in the defence of the glorious gospel. Blessed be God! this is not true; though I find both you and your people have been greatly discouraged. I see no way of extricating yourself, but by acting up to the dictates of your own conscience, and leaving the consequences to the great Head and King of the Church. Up then, and be doing; and the Lord will be with you. If you cannot preach freely in the Isle of Man, go whithersoever the Lord shall be pleased to lead you. Our commission is very extensive: 'Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' We want labourers much in England. If our ascended Saviour has given you popular gifts, and freedom and authority in speaking without notes, you need not fear. He will assist you, and make you a blessing to many souls.

"Your being a minister of the Established Church will be an advantage, and your age also will give you yet more authority; but an unction from the Holy One is the best qualification. I would, therefore, persuade you to ask God, again and again, what He would have you to do. I am apt to think, He will not restore to you the comforts of the Holy Ghost, until you give up yourself simply to follow the dictates of His providence and Spirit. Then, let men or devils say and do their worst. How can we know God's power, unless we try it? Not that I would have you, dear friend, do anything rashly. No: 'He that believeth doth not make haste.'

"I wonder not that your brother's love is grown cold. It is hard for one in his station, unless he be thoroughly inured to contempt, and will give God leave to act in His own way, to withstand a whole body of lukewarm, prejudiced, envious, malignant clergy. These have always been the greatest opposers of true, vital religion. These were our Saviour's most bitter enemies. These will be ours also, if we come forth in His Spirit, and preach by His power. But, blessed be God! I can say, by happy experience, our glorious Emmanuel will make us more than conquerors over them all. He has continually fought my battles for me, and, I am persuaded, will do so to the end."

Such was Whitefield's letter to this Methodist clergyman in the Isle of Man. There can be little doubt, that it greatly contributed towards securing for the Wesleys one ofthe most brave-hearted of their clerical helpers, the Rev. John Meriton. A good deal might be said concerning the last ten years of his life; but this is not the place for it.

The following was (probably) written to John Bray, the London Moravian, a former friend of the Wesleys and of Whitefield, and who, at this particular time, was, like the Rev. John Meriton, in doubt how to act.[515]The London Moravians were now in a state of considerable agitation, and Bray, the brazier in Little Britain, London, as well as Meriton, the clergyman, in the Isle of Man, seems to have desired the benefit of his old friend's advice.

"May 27, 1742."My dear Brother B.,—Your letter was sweet to my heart. I will now endeavour to answer it."I need not tell you I love you. God has often borne witness to our fellowship, by giving us His presence. What has happened of late to disunite, will, in the end, I am persuaded, only promote a closer union. I feel my heart more and more disposed to love and honour all denominations of believers. In all societies of Christians, under heaven, there must necessarily be persons of a different standing in the school of Christ. Those who are not solidly established in the love of God will fall too much in love with the outward form of their particular church, be it what it may; but as the love of God gets the ascendancy, the more they will be like Him and His holy angels, and will, consequently, rejoice when souls are brought to Jesus, whatever instruments may be made use of for that purpose. I wish there was more confidence among us all; but I see that none but the Spirit of God can outwardly unite us, and, therefore, I have now given it up into the Redeemer's hand. Only this I pray, that I may be one of the first, and not the last, in bringing back the King. If I have, at any time, set improper bounds to the Spirit of God, I desire to be very low and broken-hearted for it. I am sure it has not been done willingly."

"May 27, 1742.

"My dear Brother B.,—Your letter was sweet to my heart. I will now endeavour to answer it.

"I need not tell you I love you. God has often borne witness to our fellowship, by giving us His presence. What has happened of late to disunite, will, in the end, I am persuaded, only promote a closer union. I feel my heart more and more disposed to love and honour all denominations of believers. In all societies of Christians, under heaven, there must necessarily be persons of a different standing in the school of Christ. Those who are not solidly established in the love of God will fall too much in love with the outward form of their particular church, be it what it may; but as the love of God gets the ascendancy, the more they will be like Him and His holy angels, and will, consequently, rejoice when souls are brought to Jesus, whatever instruments may be made use of for that purpose. I wish there was more confidence among us all; but I see that none but the Spirit of God can outwardly unite us, and, therefore, I have now given it up into the Redeemer's hand. Only this I pray, that I may be one of the first, and not the last, in bringing back the King. If I have, at any time, set improper bounds to the Spirit of God, I desire to be very low and broken-hearted for it. I am sure it has not been done willingly."

In the same strain, Whitefield wrote to a minister at Leominster.

"May 27, 1742."If the Lord give us a true catholic spirit, free from sectarian zeal, we shall do well. I am sorry to hear that there is so much narrowness among some of the brethren in Wales. Brother Harris complains sadly of it. I hope you will be kept free, and not fall into disputing about baptism, or other non-essentials; for, I am persuaded, unless we all are content to preach Christ, and to keep off from disputable things, whereinwe differ, God will not bless us long. If we act otherwise, however we may talk of a catholic spirit, we shall only bring people over to our own party, and there fetter them."

"May 27, 1742.

"If the Lord give us a true catholic spirit, free from sectarian zeal, we shall do well. I am sorry to hear that there is so much narrowness among some of the brethren in Wales. Brother Harris complains sadly of it. I hope you will be kept free, and not fall into disputing about baptism, or other non-essentials; for, I am persuaded, unless we all are content to preach Christ, and to keep off from disputable things, whereinwe differ, God will not bless us long. If we act otherwise, however we may talk of a catholic spirit, we shall only bring people over to our own party, and there fetter them."

Another letter addressed to Howell, Harris, and to the same effect, must suffice.

"May 29, 1742."My very dear Brother,—I am heartily sorry that such a narrow spirit prevails in Wales. But what shall we say? The Redeemer's love alone can unite and keep His flocks together. Disputing with bigots and narrow-spirited people will not do. I intend, henceforth, to say less to them, and pray more and more to our Lord for them. Blessed be God! the partition wall is breaking down daily in some of our old friends' hearts in London. I exhort all to go where they can profit most. O, my brother, I find that nothing but the wisdom from above can teach us how to build up souls."In London, we have public Societies twice a week, and a general meeting for reading letters once a month. Our Lord has been much with us. We seem to move on now in gospel dignity, and are terrible as an army with banners. The Easter holidays were high days indeed. My wife does not forget her friends in Wales. I expect great things in Scotland. Adieu! Forget not to pray for your affectionate brother pilgrim,"George Whitefield."

"May 29, 1742.

"My very dear Brother,—I am heartily sorry that such a narrow spirit prevails in Wales. But what shall we say? The Redeemer's love alone can unite and keep His flocks together. Disputing with bigots and narrow-spirited people will not do. I intend, henceforth, to say less to them, and pray more and more to our Lord for them. Blessed be God! the partition wall is breaking down daily in some of our old friends' hearts in London. I exhort all to go where they can profit most. O, my brother, I find that nothing but the wisdom from above can teach us how to build up souls.

"In London, we have public Societies twice a week, and a general meeting for reading letters once a month. Our Lord has been much with us. We seem to move on now in gospel dignity, and are terrible as an army with banners. The Easter holidays were high days indeed. My wife does not forget her friends in Wales. I expect great things in Scotland. Adieu! Forget not to pray for your affectionate brother pilgrim,

"George Whitefield."

It is evident, from these, and other letters, previously-inserted, that Whitefield was a man of one business. He was an evangelist at large. He discarded controversy. He made no attempt to reform or to institute churches. His sole object was "to testify the gospel of the grace of God," and to be useful in saving souls.

He arrived in Scotland on the 3rd of June, and here he spent the next five months.

END OF VOL. I.

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"This is a very sensible Commentary, replete with sound information."—British Quarterly Review."Of the numerous popular and portable commentaries which have appeared, this is undoubtedly the best. It is learned, clear, terse, and forcible; and imparts in a brief form a large amount of information. For lay preachers and Sunday-school teachers it is admirable, and its price is so moderate that it will be within the reach of very many. It is somewhat less copious than the similar work by Barnes, but it is far more original. There is in it no parade of scholarship, yet only a scholar, and a ripe one, could have produced it. In all the qualifications essential to a commentator Dr. Whedon is second to none, so that he may be taken as a safe and sure guide in the interpretation of the inspired Word. The volumes are beautifully printed, in a small but clear type, and they contain several illustrations which are new and very neat."—Wesleyan Methodist Magazine.

"This is a very sensible Commentary, replete with sound information."—British Quarterly Review.

"Of the numerous popular and portable commentaries which have appeared, this is undoubtedly the best. It is learned, clear, terse, and forcible; and imparts in a brief form a large amount of information. For lay preachers and Sunday-school teachers it is admirable, and its price is so moderate that it will be within the reach of very many. It is somewhat less copious than the similar work by Barnes, but it is far more original. There is in it no parade of scholarship, yet only a scholar, and a ripe one, could have produced it. In all the qualifications essential to a commentator Dr. Whedon is second to none, so that he may be taken as a safe and sure guide in the interpretation of the inspired Word. The volumes are beautifully printed, in a small but clear type, and they contain several illustrations which are new and very neat."—Wesleyan Methodist Magazine.

London: HODDER & STOUGHTON, 27, Paternoster Row, E.C.

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