Your correspondent the REV. W. SPARROW SIMPSON (Vol. ix., p. 295.) has
given some interesting little notes respecting the past history of
Kennington Common. Other notes might be added, and which should not be
overlooked in a record of events connected with a spot whose associations
and whose name are about to pass away for ever. After all, it is a
righteous act, a noble deed, a benevolent mission, that gives a kind of
immortality to a locality. It was here that the ever memorable George
Whitefield proclaimed in an earnest voice, and with an earnest look, the
gospel of Jesus Christ to multitudes of his fellow-creatures. He was
wonderfully endowed by God for his great work, and the evidence of his vast
success is to be found in the fact that immense numbers flocked from all
parts to listen to the tidings which he had to deliver. He had audiences on
Kennington Common amounting to ten, twenty and thirty thousand people,
great numbers of whom were savingly impressed by his message. He melted
their hearts, and sent them away, reflecting on the great problems of man's
history, and on the dignity and destiny of the human mind. Take the
following from his published diary, which is now scarce, and not much
known:
"Sunday, April 29, 1731. At five in the evening went and preached at
Kennington Common, about two miles from London, where upwards of 20,000
people were supposed to be present. The wind being for me, it carried
the voice to the extremest part of the audience. 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. Many were much
affected."
"Sunday, May 6, 1731. At six in the evening preached at Kennington; but
such a sight I never saw before. Some supposed there were above 30,000
or 40,000 people, and near fourscore coaches, besides great numbers of
horses; and there was such an awful silence amongst them, and the Word
of God came with such power, that all seemed pleasingly surprised. I
continued my discourse for an hour and a half."
"Sunday, July 22, 1739. Went to St. Paul's and received the blessed
Sacrament, and preached in the evening at Kennington Common to about
30,000 hearers. God gave me great power."
"Friday, August 3, 1739. Having spent the day in completing my affairs
(about to embark for America), and taking leave of my dear friends, I
preached in the evening to near 20,000 at Kennington Common. I chose to
discourse on St. Paul's parting speech to the elders at Ephesus, at
which the people were exceedingly affected, and almost prevented my
making any application. Many tears were shed when I talked of leaving
them. I concluded all with a suitable hymn, but could scarce get to the
coach for the people thronging me, to take me by the hand, and give me
a parting blessing."
Let those who have a deep sympathy with the great and good, who have served
their age with exalted devotion and burning zeal, remember that on that
very spot which is now called Kennington Park, this extraordinary man
lifted up his powerful voice, and with commanding attitude, with the
tenderest affection, with persuasive tones, and with thrilling appeals,
proclaimed the "glorious gospel of the blessed God" to multitudes of the
human family. He preached as in the light, and on the borders of the
eternal world. It is such facts as these that will enhance in mind and
memory the interest of such a spot. The philosophy of Whitefield's life has
yet to be written.