FIRST AND SECOND VISITS TO SCOTLAND--LABORS IN ENGLAND AND WALES.
1740-1744.
We have seen the spirit in which Mr. Whitefield returned to London,
and the cool manner in which he was too generally received. It is
painful to say that this coldness was not confined to enemies of the
truth; it appeared in some degree in eminent dissenting ministers,
as Watts and Bradbury, Barker, and even, to some extent, Doddridge.
A plan had a few years before been agitated to restore the
dissenters to the church, usually called the _Comprehension scheme_,
and assuredly, under the circumstances, friendship with Whitefield
was by no means favorable to such a plan being accomplished, though
it was at this period greatly desired by many of both parties.
Still, however, good was done; Whitefield preached, and God was
glorified. More union between Christians in advancing the cause of
Christ would have been exceedingly desirable, but even the want of
this was not permitted to stay the progress of this man of God.
One of the most popular and useful ministers employed by Whitefield
and his friends at this time was John Cennick, the author of two
well-known hymns, beginning,
"Jesus, thy blood and righteousness;"
"Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone."
He was the preacher who, in Ireland, discoursed from the text,
"Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes," which
gave occasion for the Methodists in that country to be called
"_Swaddlers_." The parents of this excellent man were Quakers,
who had been imprisoned in Reading jail for the maintenance of
their religious principles. This persecution reduced them from
respectability to want, so that, like John Bunyan, they were forced
to make shoe-laces in prison for their support.
The conversion of the son was very remarkable. His first deep and
lasting religious convictions flashed upon his mind like lightning
from heaven, while walking in the crowds of Cheapside, in London.
The effects were soon manifested; he became a new man, pursuing
a new course, and entering on a new work. His ministry was very
efficient, his views of truth were evangelical, his public speaking
popular, his zeal so great as sometimes to lead him to preach six
times in one day--all which labors were followed with abundant
success.
Mr. Cennick was rather below the middle stature, of a fair
countenance, and though by no means robust in health, he knew little
of timidity. The spirit in which he discharged his ministry may be
seen in a letter he wrote to a friend: "We sang a hymn, and then the
devil led on his servants; they began beating a drum, and then made
fires of gunpowder: at first the poor flock was startled; but while
God gave me power to speak encouragingly to them, they waxed bolder,
and very few moved. The mob then fired guns over the people's heads,
and began to play a water engine upon brother Harris and myself,
till we were wet through. They also played an engine upon us with
hog's-wash and grounds of beer-barrels, and covered us with muddy
water from a ditch; they pelted us with eggs and stones, threw
baskets of dust over us, and fired their guns so close to us that
our faces were black with the powder; but, in nothing terrified, we
remained praying. I think I never saw or felt so great a power of
God as was there. In the midst of the confused multitude, I saw a
man laboring above measure, earnest to fill the buckets with water
to throw upon us. I asked him, 'What harm do we do? Why are you so
furious against us? We only come to tell you that Christ loved you,
and died for you.' He stepped back a little for room, and threw a
bucket of water in my face. When I had recovered myself, I said,
'My dear man, if God should so pour his wrath upon you, what would
become of you? Yet I tell you that Christ loves you.' He threw away
the bucket, let fall his trembling hands, and looked as pale as
death; he then shook hands with me, and parted from me, I believe
under strong convictions."
Mr. Cennick had heretofore labored with Whitefield and Wesley, but
now adhered to the former, and labored very successfully in the
Tabernacle. After some years he united with the Moravian brethren,
and died in triumph at thirty-five.
In the summer of 1741, some three or four months after his arrival
from America, Whitefield paid his first visit to Scotland. The state
of religion in that country at the commencement of the ministry of
this distinguished evangelist, has been already glanced at. It
is here important to remark, that in 1740 an indication of better
things began to appear in several places, especially in Cambuslang,
under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. M'Culloch. This excellent man,
for nearly a year before the revival began, had been preaching to
his people on those subjects which tend most directly to explain the
nature and prove the necessity of regeneration, according to the
different aspects in which it is represented in the holy Scriptures.
The church edifice had become too small for the congregation, and
the minister, in favorable weather, frequently conducted the public
worship on a green brae on the east side of a deep ravine near the
church, scooped out in the form of an amphitheatre. In this retired
and romantic spot, the worthy pastor preached in the most impressive
manner to the listening multitudes, and not unfrequently, after his
sermons, detailed to them the astonishing effects of Whitefield's
preaching in America, which did not a little to increase the
interest of the people, as well as lead them to wish to see such an
extraordinary preacher.
While on his voyage to Scotland, Whitefield gave evidence that he
had not forgotten America. In his second visit to America, he had
become intimately acquainted with the Rev. Daniel Rodgers of Exeter,
New Hampshire, a direct descendant of the seventh generation of John
Rogers, who was burnt at the stake for the testimony of Christ in
the days of the bloody Mary. It is not surprising that Whitefield's
original letter to him, now in the possession of the family of the
grandson of Daniel Rodgers, is highly valued. It is dated on board
the Mary and Ann, bound from London to Scotland, July 25, 1741.
"MY DEAR BROTHER RODGERS--How glad was I to receive a letter
from your hands, having heard nothing from you or of you
particularly since we parted. Oh, what great things has the
Lord shown us since that time! methinks I hear you say; and yet
I can tell of greater things. And I believe we shall see far
greater yet before we die. The work is beginning afresh here.
I sometimes think brother Gilbert [Tennent] must take a voyage
to old England. Most of our London ministers too much shun the
cross, and do not appear boldly for God. Now the Lord has worked
so powerfully in your college, I have less to object against
your joining Mr. Web. I am glad to hear that you speak _plain
and close_. What comfort will this afford you in a dying hour.
Go on, my dear brother, go on; venture daily upon Christ. Go out
in his strength, and he will enable us to do wonders. He is with
me more and more. I have sweetly been carried through the heat
and burning of every day's labor. Jesus bears all my burdens.
Jesus enables me to cast all my care upon him. Oh then, let us
magnify his name together. I am now going to Scotland, knowing
not what will befall me. What God does, you may expect to hear
of shortly. In the meanwhile, let us pray for and write to each
other. As iron sharpeneth iron, so do the letters of a man his
friend. Your last I have printed. God's glory called me to it.
"My dear brother, adieu. Dear brother Sims sits by and salutes
you. My kind love awaits Mr. Web, and all who love the Lord
in sincerity. In hopes of receiving another letter from you
shortly, I subscribe myself, dear Mr. Rodgers, your most
affectionate, though very unworthy brother and servant in the
sweetest Jesus,
"G. W."
Among those who were most anxious that Mr. Whitefield should visit
Scotland, were the Rev. Messrs. Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine. These
two excellent brothers had separated themselves from the established
church, chiefly on the ground of its cold formalism, and with some
other zealous ministers had formed what has since been known as the
Associate Presbytery. Their wish was, that in coming to Scotland,
Whitefield should preach only in connection with their body, and
so help forward the work in which they were engaged. To this he
objected, regarding himself as an evangelist at large. As he
proceeded, they rather opposed him, as not sufficiently particular
and discriminative in his zeal. They wished him not to labor in
the church from which they had seceded, saying, "God had left it."
"Then," said he, "it is the more necessary for me to preach in it,
to endeavor to bring him back. I'll preach Christ wherever they'll
let me." On the 30th of July he arrived in Edinburgh, where he was
urged to preach, but declined till he had seen the Messrs. Erskine;
and accordingly proceeded to Dunfermline. Writing on the 1st of
August, he says, "I went yesterday to Dunfermline, where dear Mr.
Ralph Erskine hath got a large and separate, or as it is commonly
termed, seceding meeting-house. He received me very lovingly. I
preached to his and the town's people--a very thronged assembly.
After I had done prayers and named my text, the rustling made by
opening the Bibles all at once quite surprised me--a scene I never
was witness to before."
On the day following, Whitefield returned to Edinburgh, accompanied
by Mr. Ralph Erskine, and preached in the Orphan-house park to a
large and attentive audience. His text was, "The kingdom of God
is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in
the Holy Ghost." Rom. 14:17. After the sermon, a large company,
including some of the nobility, came to bid him God-speed; and
among others a portly Quaker, a nephew of the Messrs. Erskine, who,
taking him by the hand, said, "Friend George, I am as thou art; I
am for bringing all to the life and power of the ever-living God;
and therefore, if thou wilt not quarrel with me about my hat, I
will not quarrel with thee about thy gown." On Sabbath evening, he
preached in the same place, to upwards of fifteen thousand persons;
and on the evenings of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, to nearly as
many; on Tuesday in the Canongate church; on Wednesday and Thursday
at Dunfermline; and on Friday morning at Queensferry. "Everywhere,"
says he, "the auditories were large and very attentive. Great power
accompanied the word. Many have been brought under convictions, and
I have already received invitations to different places, which, God
willing, I intend to comply with." Writing a week later, he says,
"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. God's power
attends the word continually, just as when I left London. At seven
in the morning we have a lecture in the fields, attended not only
by the common people, but also by persons of rank. I have reason to
think that several of the latter sort are coming to Jesus. Little
children also are much wrought upon. God much blesses my letters
from the little orphans, [girls in the hospital.] He loves to work
by contemptible means. Oh, my dear brother, I am quite amazed when
I think what God has done here in a fortnight. My printed sermons
and journals have been blessed in an uncommon manner. I am only
afraid lest people should idolize the instrument, and not look
enough to the glorious Jesus, in whom alone I desire to glory.
Congregations consist of many thousands. Never did I see so many
Bibles, nor people looking into them, while I am expounding, with so
much attention. Plenty of tears flow from the hearers' eyes. Their
emotions appear in various ways. I preach twice daily, and expound
at private houses at night, and am employed in speaking to souls
under distress great part of the day. I have just snatched a few
moments to write to my dear brother. Oh, that God may enlarge your
heart to pray for me. This afternoon I preach out of town, and also
to-morrow. Next post, God willing, you shall have another letter.
I walk continually in the comforts of the Holy Ghost. The love of
Christ quite strikes me dumb. O grace, grace! let that be my song.
Adieu."
In this manner Whitefield continued to preach very extensively
over Scotland; and early in September he arrived at Glasgow.
On the eleventh of that month he began his labors in the High
Church-yard, and for five days in succession preached there twice
a day--at an early hour in the morning, and again in the evening.
The expectations of the people were high, not only in Glasgow, but
all around, and crowds flocked to hear him preach. Morning after
morning, and evening after evening, that vast church-yard, almost
paved as it is with tombstones, was crowded with living worshippers,
trembling under the word. But not satisfied with hearing, the pen of
the ready writer was from day to day at work, and each sermon was
printed by itself, and put immediately into circulation. His sermons
were characterized by great simplicity, as if the language of the
preacher merely expressed what he felt, and yet there was so much
earnestness, and so much closeness of application, as to account
for the effects they produced. He was in the pulpit very much what
Baxter was in the press. He spoke as a man realizing all that he
said, and laying open the feelings of his own heart in addressing
the hearts of others.
Very few men better knew the human heart than Whitefield. He seemed
to know all the thoughts and feelings of his hearers, and the best
way in which to meet them. He once preached in Scotland from the
text, "The door was shut." Matt. 25:10. A respectable lady who heard
him sat near the door, a considerable distance from the pulpit, and
observed two showy and trifling young men who appeared to turn the
solemn appeals of the preacher into ridicule; she heard one of them
say in a low tone to the other, "Well, what if the door be shut?
another will open." In a very few minutes, to the great surprise of
the lady, Mr. Whitefield said, "It is possible there may be some
careless, trifling person here to-day, who may ward off the force
of this impressive subject by lightly thinking, 'What matter if the
door be shut? another will open.'" The two young men looked at each
other as though they were paralyzed, as the preacher proceeded:
"Yes, another door will open; and I will tell you what door it
will be: it will be the door of the bottomless pit, the door of
hell!--the door which conceals from the eyes of angels the horrors
of damnation."
After Mr. Whitefield's return to England, at the close of October,
among many letters which followed him, detailing the results of his
labors, was one from Mr. M'Culloch, the excellent minister already
referred to:
"As it is matter of joy and thankfulness to God, who sent you
hither, and gave you so much countenance, and so remarkably crowned
your labors with success here at Glasgow, so I doubt not but the
following account of the many seals to your ministry in and about
that city, will be very rejoicing to your heart, especially as
the kingdom of our glorious Redeemer is so much advanced thereby,
and as the everlasting happiness of souls is promoted. I am well
informed by some ministers, and other judicious and experienced
Christians, that there are to the amount of fifty persons already
known, in and about Glasgow, who appear to be savingly converted,
through the blessing and power of God on your ten sermons. And there
are, besides these, several others apparently under conviction,
but not reckoned, as being still doubtful. Several Christians
also, of considerable standing, were much strengthened, revived,
and comforted by what they heard. They were made to rejoice in
hope of the glory of God, having attained to the full assurance
of faith. Among those lately converted, there are several young
people who were before openly wicked and flagitious, or at best
but very negligent as to spiritual things; and yet they are now
in the way of salvation. Some young converts are yet under doubts
and fears, but a considerable number of them have attained to
peace and joy in believing. Several of those who were lately
wrought on in a gracious way, seem to outstrip Christians of
considerable standing, in spiritual-mindedness, and in many other
good qualifications; particularly in their zeal for the conversion
of others, in their love to ordinances, and in their freedom from
bigotry and party zeal. Those converted by your ministry have not
been discovered at once, but only from time to time. A good many
of them have been discovered only of late. Their convictions were
at first less pungent, and through the discouragements they met
with in the families where they resided, as well as from their own
feelings, they endeavored for a time to conceal their state. These
circumstances afford ground for hoping, that there are yet others
who may afterwards become known. Besides such as have been awakened
through the power of God accompanying your sermons, there have been
others who have been since awakened, and who have been discovered
in consequence of the change observable in their conduct. These,
dear brother, are a few hints concerning some of the most remarkable
things, as to the blessing which accompanied your labors at Glasgow."
At Edinburgh, when first visited by Whitefield, many persons of the
highest rank constantly attended his ministry. Among them were the
Marquis of Lothian, the Earl of Leven, Lord Ray, Lady Mary Hamilton,
Lady Frances Gardiner, Lady Jane Nimms, and Lady Dirleton; and at
some one of their houses he expounded almost every evening. Numbers
of ministers and students crowded to hear him; and aged Christians
told him they could set their seal to what he preached.
In connection with this first visit to Edinburgh, several incidents
have been related which show the power that accompanied his
preaching, and the skill with which he could seize upon passing
circumstances, and apply them to the great purpose which he always
had in view. A gentleman, on returning from one of his sermons, was
met on his way home by an eminent minister whom he usually heard,
and who expressed great surprise that he should go to hear such a
man. The gentleman replied, "Sir, when I hear you, I am planting
trees all the time; but during the whole of Mr. Whitefield's sermon,
I could not find time to plant one." A similar instance is related
of a ship-builder, who usually could "build a ship from stem to
stern during the sermon; but under Mr. Whitefield, could not lay a
single plank."
Another narrative has been thus given. An unhappy man who had
forfeited his life to the offended laws of his country, was
executed in that neighborhood. Mr. Whitefield mingled with the
crowd collected on the occasion, and was much impressed with the
decorum and solemnity which were observable in the awful scene. His
appearance, however, drew the eyes of all upon him, and produced
a variety of opinions as to the motives which led him to join the
multitude.
The next day, being Sunday, he preached to a very large congregation
in a field near the city; and in the course of his sermon, he
adverted to the scenes of the preceding day. "I know," said he,
"that many of you may find it difficult to reconcile my appearance
yesterday with my clerical character. Many of you, I know, will
say that my moments would have been better employed in praying
for the unhappy man, than in attending him to the fatal tree; and
that perhaps curiosity was the only cause that converted me into a
spectator on that occasion; but those who ascribe that uncharitable
motive to me, are under a mistake. I went as an observer of
human nature, and to see the effect that such an occurrence
would have on those who witnessed it. I watched the conduct of
those who were present on that awful occasion, and I was highly
pleased with their demeanor, which has given me a very favorable
opinion of the Scottish nation. Your sympathy was visible on your
countenances; particularly when the moment arrived that your unhappy
fellow-creature was to close his eyes on this world for ever. Then
you all, as if moved by one impulse, turned your heads aside, and
wept. Those tears were precious, and will be held in remembrance.
How different it was when the Saviour of mankind was extended on the
cross! The Jews, instead of sympathizing in his sorrows, triumphed
in them. They reviled him with bitter expressions, with words
even more bitter than the gall and vinegar which they handed him
to drink. Not one of all who witnessed his pains, turned his head
aside, even in the last pang. Yes, my friends, there was _one_--that
glorious luminary," pointing to the sun, "veiled his brightness, and
travelled on his course in tenfold night."
On another occasion, near the same city, and probably in the field
to which we have already referred, under the shade of a venerable
tree, in a lovely meadow, a poor unhappy man, thinking to turn him
into ridicule, placed himself on one of the overhanging boughs,
immediately above the preacher's head, and with monkey-like
dexterity mimicking his gestures, endeavored to raise a laugh in the
audience. Guided by the looks of some of his hearers, Whitefield
caught a glance of him, but without seeming to have noticed him,
continued his discourse. With the skill of a wise orator, he
reserved the incident for the proper place and time. While forcibly
speaking on the power and sovereignty of divine grace, with
increasing earnestness he spoke of the unlikely objects it had often
chosen, and the unlooked for triumphs it had achieved. As he rose
to the climax of his inspiring theme, and when in the full sweep of
his eloquence, he suddenly paused, and turning round, and pointing
slowly to the poor creature above him, he exclaimed, in a tone of
deep and thrilling pathos, "Even _he_ may yet be the subject of
that free and resistless grace." It was a shaft from the Almighty.
Winged by the divine Spirit, it struck the scoffer to the heart, and
realized in his conversion the glorious truth it contained.
Yet another fact may be told connected with Whitefield and
Edinburgh. When he was once there, a regiment of soldiers were
stationed in the city, in which was a sergeant whose name was
Forbes, a very abandoned man, who, everywhere he could do so, run in
debt for liquor, with which he was almost at all times drunk. His
wife washed for the regiment, and thus obtained a little money. She
was a pious woman, but all her attempts to reclaim her husband were
unsuccessful. During one of Mr. Whitefield's visits to the city,
she offered her husband a sum of money, if he would for once go and
hear the eloquent preacher. This was a strong inducement, and he
engaged to go. The sermon was in a field, as no building could have
contained the audience. The sergeant was rather early, and placed
himself in the middle of the field, that he might file off when Mr.
Whitefield ascended the pulpit; as he only wished to be able to say
that he had seen him. The crowd, however, increased; and when the
preacher appeared, they pressed forward, and the sergeant found it
impossible to get away. The prayer produced some impression on his
mind, but the sermon convinced him of his sinfulness and danger.
He became a changed man, and showed the reality of his conversion
by living for many years in a very penurious manner, till he had
satisfied the claims of every one of his creditors.
One fact more should be stated in connection with this visit. Mr.
James Ogilvie was one of the ministers of Aberdeen. This city
was not in that day, nor indeed in any part of the eighteenth
century, warmly attached to a fully-exhibited gospel. At this time,
however, both Mr. Ogilvie and his colleague, Mr. Bisset, who, as
Sir Henry Moncrieff says, was the highest of the High church, were
evangelical, though otherwise very opposite men. "Though colleagues
of the same congregation," says Whitefield, "they are very different
in their natural temper. The one is, what they call in Scotland, a
sweet-blooded man, the other of a choleric disposition. Mr. Bisset
is neither a seceder nor quite a true kirkman, having great fault
to find with both. Soon after my arrival, dear Mr. Ogilvie took me
to pay my respects to him. He was prepared for it, and pulled out
a paper containing a great number of insignificant queries, which
I had neither time nor inclination to answer." For several years
Mr. Ogilvie had been corresponding with Mr. Whitefield to induce
him to visit Aberdeen, hoping that some good might be done; and as
he was himself to preach on Sabbath forenoon in presence of the
magistrates, he gave Mr. Whitefield his place. The congregation was
large, and apparently much interested. Mr. Bisset, in the afternoon,
preached against Mr. Whitefield by name. Mr. Ogilvie, without either
consulting his friend, or noticing the conduct of his colleague,
stood up, after the sermon, and intimated to the congregation
that Mr. Whitefield would again preach in about half an hour. The
magistrates remained in the session-house, and the people hastened
back, expecting to bear a reply. Mr. Whitefield, waiving as much as
possible all controversial matter, preached Christ. The audience
was silent, solemn, and deeply impressed. Next day, the magistrates
apologized for their minister; and as a mark of their own respect,
presented to Mr. Whitefield the freedom of their city. The effect of
this visit to Aberdeen was great and beneficial.
In 1742, Mr. Whitefield again visited Scotland. In the mean time
he had heard that his dear friends the Erskines had become greatly
offended, on account of what they considered his lax views of church
government. But notwithstanding this difference with the seceders,
he was received by great numbers, among whom were some persons of
distinction, with cordiality and joy, and had the satisfaction
of hearing more and more of the happy fruits of his ministry.
At Edinburgh he again preached twice a day, as before, in the
Hospital-park, where a number of seats and shades, in the form of
an amphitheatre, were erected for the accommodation of his hearers.
On the day of his arrival at Cambuslang, he preached three times
to an immense body of people, although he had preached that same
morning at Glasgow. The last service continued till eleven o'clock;
and so much were the people interested, that Mr. M'Culloch, after
preaching till past one in the morning, could scarcely persuade them
to depart. Mr. Whitefield himself thus describes the scene: "Persons
from all parts flocked to see, and many, from many parts, went home
convinced and converted to God. A brae, or hill, near the manse at
Cambuslang, seemed to be formed by Providence for containing a
large congregation. People sat unwearied till two in the morning,
to hear sermons, disregarding the weather. You could scarcely walk
a yard, but you must tread upon some either rejoicing in God for
mercies received, or crying 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. At the celebration of the holy
communion, their joy was so great, that, at the desire of many,
both ministers and people, in imitation of Hezekiah's passover,
they had, a month or two afterwards, a second, which was a general
rendezvous of the people of God. The communion was in the field;
three tents, at proper distances, all surrounded with a multitude of
hearers; above twenty ministers, among whom was good old Mr. Bonner,
attending to preach and assist, all enlivening and enlivened by one
another."
In addition to his labors at Glasgow and Cambuslang, it is
surprising to observe the number of places in the west of Scotland
which Whitefield visited in the course of a few weeks; preaching
wherever he went, with his usual frequency, energy, and success.
A gentleman of piety and intelligence thus refers to one of them
several years afterwards: "When Mr. Whitefield was preaching at
Kilmarnock, on the twenty-third of August, from the words, 'And of
his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace,' I thought I
never heard such a sermon; and from the era above mentioned, I have
always looked upon him as my spiritual father, and frequently heard
him afterwards in Edinburgh and Glasgow with much satisfaction.
When Cape Breton was taken, I happened to be at Edinburgh, and being
invited to breakfast with Mr. Whitefield, I never, in all my life,
enjoyed such another breakfast. He gave the company a fine and
lively descant upon that part of the world, made us all join in a
hymn of praise and thanksgiving, and concluded with a most devout
and fervent prayer." About the end of October, Whitefield returned
to London.
Probably few are aware that Mr. Whitefield visited Scotland no
less than _fourteen_ times. These visits extended over a period
of twenty-seven years, beginning in 1741, and ending in 1768.
In none of his visits after 1742 were there the same extensive
awakenings as in his first two visits, yet his coming was always
refreshing to serious persons, infusing new life, and increasing
their numbers. Young people, too, were much benefited by his
ministry, and especially young students, who afterwards became
zealous and evangelical preachers. His morning discourses, which
were generally intended for sincere but disconsolate souls, were
peculiarly fitted to direct and encourage such in the Christian
life; and his addresses in the evening to the promiscuous multitudes
who then attended him, were powerful and alarming. There was great
solemnity in his evening congregations in the Orphan-house park at
Edinburgh and the High Church-yard at Glasgow, especially towards
the conclusion of his sermons--which were usually long, though they
seemed short to his hearers--when the whole multitude stood fixed,
and like one man, hung upon his lips with silent attention, and many
were under deep religious impressions.
His conversation was no less useful and delightful than his
sermons. Many in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other parts of the land,
bore witness of this fact. In Glasgow especially, when in company
with his excellent friends M'Laurin, Scott, and others, one might
challenge the professed sons of pleasure, with all their wit, humor,
and gayety, to furnish entertainments so gratifying; nor was any
part of it more agreeable than it was useful and edifying.
Mr. Whitefield's friends in Scotland, among whom were many of all
ranks, from the highest to the lowest, were constant and steady
in their great regard for him, and his opposers from year to year
became less violent. Indeed, his whole behavior was so transparent
to the eyes of the world, and his character, after it had stood many
attacks from all quarters, became so thoroughly established, that
some of his opposers in Scotland seemed to acquire esteem for him;
at least, they ceased to speak evil of him.
In closing our sketch of Whitefield in Scotland, we select a few
paragraphs from his letters, which are the more interesting as
being among the very last words he wrote in that country. June 15,
1768, he says, "You would be delighted to see our Orphan-house
park assemblies, as large, attentive, and affectionate as ever.
Twenty-seven-year-old friends and spiritual children remember the
days of old; they are seeking after their first love, and there
seems to be a stirring among the dry bones." Writing on the second
of July, he says, "Could I preach ten times a day, thousands and
thousands would attend. I have been confined for a few days; but on
Monday or Tuesday next, hope to mount my throne again. O, to die
there! too great, too great an honor to be expected." Again, on the
ninth of July, "Every thing goes on better and better here; but I am
so worn down by preaching abroad and talking at home almost all the
day long, that I have determined, God willing, to set off for London
next Tuesday."
The respect with which Whitefield was treated in Scotland, not only
by professing Christians, but in general society, was shown by the
fact that he was presented with the freedom of some of the principal
cities and towns which he visited. This privilege was given him in
Stirling, Glasgow, Paisley, and Aberdeen, in 1741, and at Irvine and
Edinburgh some years afterwards.
It is difficult, in such a world as this, so to live as that "our
good" shall not "be evil spoken of." Mr. Whitefield has sometimes
been charged with motives of a mercenary character, but his whole
life showed the fallacy of such a charge. Dr. Gillies, his original
biographer, received from unquestionable testimony the knowledge
of a fact which ought not to be forgotten. During his stay in
Scotland, in the year 1759, a young lady, Miss Hunter, who possessed
a considerable fortune, made a full offer to him of her estate in
money and lands, worth several thousand pounds. He promptly refused
the offer; and upon his declining it for himself, she offered it to
him for the benefit of his orphan-house. This also he absolutely
refused.
Never could Whitefield be accused of moral cowardice. When the old
Scotch Marquis of Lothian professed that his heart was impressed
with the importance of religion, but wished to be a Christian in
the dark, Whitefield said to him, "As for praying in your family,
I entreat you not to neglect it; you are bound to do it. Apply to
Christ to overcome your present fears; they are the effects of pride
or infidelity, or both."
* * * * *
On his return from Scotland to London in 1741, Whitefield passed
through Wales, where at Abergavenny he was married to a Mrs. James,
a widow, some ten years older than himself. Of this marriage, as
also of the death of his only child, we have already spoken. After
preaching at Bristol twice a day for several days in succession,
he returned to London in the beginning of December, where he
found letters from Georgia, which, on account of the temporal
circumstances of his orphan family, somewhat discouraged him. But to
trace his progress, and to report all his labors, would be to extend
our volume beyond its due limits.
He was soon again in the west of England, and writing from
Gloucester, his native place, December 23, 1741, he says, "Last
Thursday evening the Lord brought me hither. I preached immediately
to our friends in a large barn, and had my Master's presence. Both
the power and the congregation increased. On Sunday, Providence
opened a door for my preaching in St. John's, one of the parish
churches. Great numbers came. On Sunday afternoon, after I had
preached twice at Gloucester, I preached at the hill, six miles off,
and again at night at Stroud. The people seemed to be more hungry
than ever, and the Lord to be more among them. Yesterday morning I
preached at Painswick, in the parish church, here in the afternoon,
and again at night in the barn. God gives me unspeakable comfort and
uninterrupted joy. Here seems to be a new awakening, and a revival
of the work of God. I find several country people were awakened when
I preached at Tewkesbury, and have heard of three or four that have
died in the Lord. We shall never know what good field-preaching has
done till we come to judgment. Many who were prejudiced against me
begin to be of another mind; and God shows me more and more that
'when a man's ways please the Lord, he will make even his enemies to
be at peace with him.'"
In the following February he was still further encouraged by
receiving letters from America, informing him of the remarkable
success of the gospel there, and that God had stirred up some
wealthy friends to assist his orphans in their extremity. He writes,
"The everlasting God reward all their benefactors. 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." Nor were these things
all which afforded him joy. Writing to a friend, April 6, he says,
"Our Saviour is doing great things in London daily. I rejoice to
hear that you are helped in your work. Let this encourage you; go
on, go on; the more we do, the more we may do for Jesus. I sleep
and eat but little, and am constantly employed from morning till
midnight, and yet my strength is daily renewed. Oh, free grace! it
fires my soul, and makes me long to do something 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." It was at this period that he
first ventured to preach in the fair in Moorfields, to which we have
already referred. In this year he made also his second journey to
Scotland, the particulars of which have been already given.
On his arrival from Scotland in London, October, 1742, Whitefield
found a new awakening at the Tabernacle, which in the mean time had
been enlarged. He says, "I am employed, and, glory to rich grace,
I am carried through the duties of each day with cheerfulness and
almost uninterrupted tranquillity. Our society is large, but in good
order. My Master gives us much of his gracious presence, both in our
public and private ministrations."
In March, 1743, he went again into Gloucestershire, where the
people appeared to be more eager to attend on his ministry than
ever before. "Preaching," says he, "in Gloucestershire, is now like
preaching at the Tabernacle in London." And in a letter, April 7,
he says, "I preached, and took leave of the Gloucester people with
mutual and great concern, on Sunday evening last. It was past one in
the morning before I could lay my weary body down, At five I rose
again, sick for want of rest; but I was enabled to get on horseback
and ride to Mr. T----'s, where I preached to a large congregation,
who came there at seven in the morning. At ten, I read prayers and
preached, and afterwards administered the sacrament in Stonehouse
church. Then I rode to Stroud, and preached to about twelve thousand
in Mr. G----'s field; and about six in the evening, to a like number
on Hampton common." Next morning he preached near Dursley to some
thousands; at about seven o'clock he reached Bristol, and preached
to a full congregation at Smith's hall; and on the following
morning, after preaching, set out for Waterford, in South Wales,
where he opened the association which he and his brethren had agreed
upon, and was several days with them, settling the affairs of the
societies. The work in Wales, during his absence, had very greatly
extended itself, not a few of the clergy having become converted,
as well as their people. He tells us, "The power of God at the
sacrament, under the ministry of Mr. Rowland, was enough to make
a person's heart burn within him. At seven in the morning have I
seen perhaps ten thousand from different parts, in the midst of a
sermon, crying, _Gugunniaut_--_bendyth_--[glory--blessed]--ready
to leap for joy." He continued in Wales some weeks, preaching with
great apparent success, and in the latter part of April returned
to Gloucester, after having, in about three weeks, travelled about
four hundred miles, spent three days in attending associations,
and preached about forty times. Among the interesting events
of this journey may be reckoned the fact, that when he was at
Caermarthen the quarterly sessions were held. When he was about to
preach, the magistrates sent him word, that if he would stay till
the court rose, they would attend on the service. He acceded to
their proposal, and they were present, with many thousands more,
including several persons of high rank.
After a few weeks spent in London, preaching to vast congregations
in Moorfields, and exulting in his accustomed success, collecting
too for his beloved orphans, so as to be able to pay all his debts,
and to make a remittance to Georgia, we again find him at Bristol,
and in a few days afterwards at Exeter. Among the clergymen who
met him there was Mr. Cennick. As this gentleman was preaching
during this visit in the High-street of the city, he was eloquently
discoursing on the doctrine of the atonement by the blood of Christ,
when a profane butcher in the crowd exclaimed, "If you love blood,
you shall presently have enough of it," and ran to obtain some to
throw on him. A Mr. Saunders, who was employed in conveying persons
from one place to another, though an entire stranger to religion,
from a sense of justice, determined to defend the preacher; and
when the butcher came with a pail nearly filled with blood, he
quietly took it from him, and poured it over the man's own head.
This Mr. Saunders afterwards became an eminent Christian. He was,
till extreme old age, the body-coachman of George III., with whom he
frequently held Christian conversation, and died happily in 1799, at
the age of eighty-nine.
During this visit to Bristol, Whitefield's ministry was owned of God
in the conversion of Thomas Olivers, a young profligate Welshman.
It is said, he had so studied profanity and cursing, that he
would exemplify the richness of the Welsh language by compounding
twenty or thirty words into one long and horrid blasphemy. He had
often sang profane songs about Whitefield, and was now induced by
curiosity to go to hear him. Being too late on the first occasion,
he went on the following evening nearly three hours before the time.
The text was, "Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?" Zech.
3:2. His heart became broken with a sense of his sins, and he was
soon enabled to trust in the mercy of Christ. He became a zealous
and successful minister of Christ among the followers of Mr. Wesley,
and was the author of the well-known hymn,
"The God of Abram praise," etc.
In August, Whitefield returned to London, but not to make a long
stay there. "I thank you," he writes to a correspondent, "for
your kind caution to spare myself; but evangelizing is certainly
my province. Everywhere effectual doors are opened. So far from
thinking of settling in London, I am more and more convinced that
I should go from place to place." Accordingly, during the three
last months of 1743, we find him in a large number of places in the
central and western parts of England. At Birmingham, he writes, "I
have preached five times this day, and weak as I am, through Christ
strengthening me, I could preach five times more." At Kidderminster
he met with a distinguished Christian merchant, a Mr. Williams,
whose published "Memoirs" have been eminently useful. Whitefield
writes, "I was kindly received by Mr. Williams. Many friends were
at his house. I was greatly refreshed to find what a sweet savor of
good Baxter's doctrine, works, and discipline remains to this day."
Nor did he, amidst all his labors, feel his health much impaired.
He observes, indeed, that he had taken a cold, but adds, "The Lord
warms my heart."
In the beginning of March, 1744, he was compelled to attend the
assizes at Gloucester. During the preceding summer, the enemies of
the Methodists had been very violent, especially at Hampton, in that
county. Forbearance in the case had ceased to be a virtue, and Mr.
Whitefield was strongly urged to appeal to law, which in England in
such cases is severe. At the preceding sessions the rioters had been
convicted, but appealed to the assizes, a higher court. After a full
hearing, a verdict was given in favor of Whitefield and his friends,
and all the prisoners were found guilty. This exposed each to a
fine of forty pounds, or six months' imprisonment; the rioters were
greatly alarmed, public feeling on the subject was corrected, and
the Methodists readily extended forgiveness to the unhappy offenders.
Whitefield was now invited by Mr. Smith, an American merchant then
in England, in the name of thousands, to revisit this country,
and took passage with that gentleman in a vessel sailing from
Portsmouth. But the captain refused to take him, "for fear," as he
said, "he would spoil the sailors." On this account Mr. Whitefield
was compelled to go to Plymouth, another seaport, to accomplish his
purpose. On his way, he preached at Exeter and other places, with
delightful results. "But," he says, "the chief scene was at Plymouth
and the Dock, [now called Devonport,] where I expected least
success."
While he was at Plymouth, four well-dressed men came to the house of
one of his particular friends, in a kind manner inquiring after him,
and desiring to know where he lodged. Soon after, Mr. Whitefield
received a letter informing him that the writer was a nephew of Mr.
S----, an attorney in New York; that he had the pleasure of supping
with Mr. Whitefield at his uncle's house, and requested his company
to sup with him and a few friends at a tavern. Mr. Whitefield
replied to him that he was not accustomed to sup abroad at such
houses, but he should be glad of the gentleman's company to eat a
morsel with him at his own lodging. The gentleman accordingly came
and supped, but was observed frequently to look around him, and to
be very absent. At length he took his leave, and returned to his
companions in the tavern, and on being asked by them what he had
done, he answered, that he had been treated with so much civility
and kindness that he had not the heart to touch him. One of the
company, a lieutenant of a man-of-war, laid a wager of ten guineas
that he would do his business for him. His companions, however, had
the precaution to take away his sword.
It was now about midnight, and Mr. Whitefield having that day
preached to a large congregation, and visited the French prisoners,
had retired to rest, when he was awoke and told that a well-dressed
gentleman earnestly wished to speak with him. Supposing that it was
some person under conviction of sin, many such having previously
called upon him, he desired him to be brought to his room. The
gentleman came, sat down by his bedside, congratulated him upon the
success of his ministry, and expressed considerable regret that he
had been prevented from hearing him. Soon after, however, he began
to utter the most abusive language, and in a cruel and cowardly
manner beat him in his bed. The landlady and her daughter, hearing
the noise, rushed into the room and laid hold of the assailant;
but disengaging himself from them, he renewed his attack on the
unoffending preacher, who, supposing that he was about to be shot or
stabbed, underwent all the feelings of a sudden and violent death.
Soon after, a second person came into the house, and called from
the bottom of the stairs, "Take courage, I am ready to help you."
But by the repeated cries of murder the neighborhood had become so
alarmed, that the villains were glad to make their escape. "The
next morning," says Mr. Whitefield, "I was to expound at a private
house, and then to set out for Biddeford. Some urged me to stay and
prosecute, but being better employed, I went on my intended journey,
was greatly blessed in preaching the everlasting gospel; and, upon
my return, was well paid for what I had suffered, curiosity having
led perhaps two thousand more than ordinary to see and hear a man
that had like to have been murdered in his bed. And I trust, in the
five weeks that I waited for the convoy, hundreds were awakened and
turned unto the Lord."
As Whitefield was one day preaching in Plymouth, a Mr. Henry Tanner,
who was at work as a ship-builder at a distance, heard his voice,
and resolved, with five or six of his companions, to go and drive
him from the place where he stood; and for this purpose they filled
their pockets with stones. When, however, Mr. Tanner drew near, and
heard Mr. Whitefield earnestly inviting sinners to Christ, he was
filled with astonishment, his resolution failed him, and he went
home with his mind deeply impressed. On the following evening, he
again attended, and heard Mr. Whitefield on the sin of those who
crucified the Redeemer. After he had forcibly illustrated their
guilt, he appeared to look intently on Mr. Tanner, as he exclaimed,
with great energy, "Thou art the man!" These words powerfully
impressed Mr. Tanner; he felt his transgressions of the divine law
to be awfully great, and in the agony of his soul he cried, "God be
merciful to me a sinner!" The preacher then proceeded to proclaim
the free and abundant grace of the Lord Jesus, which he commanded to
be preached among the very people who had murdered him; a gleam of
hope entered the heart of the penitent, and he surrendered himself
to Christ. Mr. Tanner afterwards entered the ministry, and labored
with great success, for many years, at Exeter.
We are not quite certain whether it was on this or a subsequent
visit to Plymouth, that Whitefield had preached on the Sabbath for
the Rev. Mr. Kinsman, and after breakfast on Monday morning, said
to him, "Come, let us visit some of your poor people. It is not
enough that we labor in the pulpit; we must endeavor to be useful
out of it." On entering the dwellings of the afflicted poor, he
administered to their temporal as well as their spiritual wants.
Mr. Kinsman, knowing the low state of his finances, was surprised
at his liberality, and suggested that he thought he had been too
bountiful. Mr. Whitefield, with some degree of smartness, replied,
"It is not enough, young man, to pray, and put on a serious face;
true religion, and undefiled, is this, to visit the widow and the
fatherless in their affliction, and to supply their wants. My stock,
it is true, is nearly exhausted; but God, whom I serve, and whose
saints we have assisted, will, I doubt not, soon give me a supply."
His expectation was not disappointed. A stranger called on him
the same evening, who said, "With great pleasure I have heard you
preach; you are on a journey, as well as myself, and travelling is
expensive. Do me the honor to accept of this;" handing him five
guineas, or twenty-five dollars. Returning to the family, Mr.
Whitefield, very pleasantly smiling, showed them the money, saying,
"There, young man, God has very speedily repaid what I lent him this
morning. Let this in future teach you not to withhold what it is in
the power of your hand to give. The gentleman to whom I was called
is a perfect stranger to me; his only business was to give me the
sum you see." It was a singular fact, that this gentleman, though
rich, was notorious for a penurious disposition.
During his stay in Plymouth, Whitefield's usefulness daily
increased. The ferry-men, who obtained their living by carrying
persons between Plymouth and Dock, refused to take money from his
hearers, saying, "God forbid that we should sell his word!" The
evangelist exclaimed, "Oh, the thousands that flock to the preaching
of Christ's gospel!" In the midst of these scenes, the convoy
arrived, and in delicate health he embarked for America.