Scotland, and, I trust, not without Divine efficacy. But,
being taken ill of my old disorder at Edinburgh, I had to
remain silent for near six weeks, and sometimes I thought my
intended voyage would be retarded, at least, for one year longer.
Having, however, obtained a little strength, I embarked, for the
eleventh time, in the ship _Fanny_, and I have not been laid by
an hour, through sickness, since I came on board. Everything has
been suitable to my low estate,――a large and commodious cabin,
a kind captain, and a most orderly and quiet ship’s company, who
gladly attended whenever I had breath to preach. Often, often
have I thought of my dear London friends, when I guessed they
were assembled together; and as often prayed, when I knew that
they were retired to rest, that He, who keepeth Israel, would
watch over them, and make their very dreams devout. How I am to
be disposed of, when on dry land, is best known to God. Had I
strength equal to my will, I could fly from pole to pole. Though
wearied, and now almost worn out, I am not weary of my blessed
Master’s service, O love Him! Love Him! Make Him your portion,
and He will be your confidence for ever. Through His leave, I
hope to see you again next year. Meanwhile, as long as I have
breath, it shall be my heart’s desire and prayer to God, that
the labours of the dear servants of Jesus, who are called to
preach amongst you, may be so blessed that I may not be missed
a single moment.”
As soon as he left the ship, Whitefield set out for a cooler climate
than that of Virginia. Hence the following:――
“VIRGINIA, _September 7, 1763_.
“We are now on dry land. Christian friends, whom I never before
heard of, were prepared to receive me; and I have preached four
times. This leaves me on my way to Philadelphia, still visited
with my old disorder. Well: He that cometh will come, and will
not tarry. Blessed are all they who wait for Him.”
“PHILADELPHIA, _September 29, 1763_.
“Ebenezer! Hitherto the Lord hath helped! I have been here above
a week; but am still an invalid. When you write, mention nothing
but what relates to the eternal world. I have no thoughts to
throw away on the trifling things of time. Tender love to all
who are travelling to the New Jerusalem.”
Whitefield spent two months among his old acquaintance at Philadelphia,
but his health was not improved. His interest, however, in the work of
God was as profound as ever. To his friend Mr. Keen, he wrote:――
“PHILADELPHIA, _October 21, 1763_.
“The bearer of this is a young, sober gentleman, intended for
the temple, and will be glad to see and hear Mr. Romaine, and
other gospel ministers. I hope all are flaming for God. Some
young bright witnesses are rising up in the Church here. I
have already conversed with about forty new-creature ministers,
of various denominations. I am informed that sixteen hopeful
students were converted at New Jersey College last year. What
an open door, if I had strength! But, Father, Thy will be done!
Blessed be His name, I can preach now and then. Last Tuesday, we
had a remarkable season among the Lutherans. Children and grown
people were much impressed. If possible, I intend returning with
Mr. Habersham (now here) to Georgia.”
Poor Whitefield was not able to fulfil his intentions. Instead of
visiting his Orphan House, he was, for more than a year, obliged to
content himself with writing to its managers. The following is an
extract from the first of these letters:――
“PHILADELPHIA, _November 8, 1763_.
“MY VERY DEAR FRIENDS,――Man appoints; and God, for wise reasons,
disappoints. All was ready for my coming, by land, to you at
Bethesda, with Mr. Habersham; but several things concurred to
prevent me; and the physicians all agree, that the only chance
I have for growing better, is to stay and see what the cold
weather will do for me. At present, I make a shift to preach
twice a week; but, alas! my strength is perfect weakness. What
a mercy that Jesus is all in all! You will let me hear from you
very particularly. I want to know the present state of all your
affairs in every respect.”
There was, however, another reason, besides his state of health, why
he deferred his visit to Bethesda. True, after the long “Seven Years’
War,” peace had been proclaimed between France and England; but, during
the war, the opponents had cruelly employed the Indians in carrying out
their purposes; and now it was far from easy to keep the Indians quiet.
Hence the following, addressed to Mr. Robert Keen:――
“PHILADELPHIA, _November 14, 1763_.
“I am about to make my first excursion, to the New Jersey
College. Twice a week preaching, is my present allowance.
Many, of various ranks, seem to be brought under real concern.
Physicians are absolutely against my going to Georgia, till I
get more strength. Besides, it is doubtful whether the southern
Indians will not break out; and, therefore, a little stay in
these parts may, on that account, be most prudent.”
Towards the end of November, Whitefield and Habersham started from
Philadelphia; but, instead of getting to Georgia, Whitefield was
obliged to halt at New York, where he remained about two months.
Extracts from his letters written here will be useful.
“NEW YORK, _December 1, 1763_.
“Some good impressions have been made in Philadelphia, and
we had four sweet seasons at New Jersey College, and two at
Elizabeth Town, on my way hither. Some said they resembled old
times. My spirits grow better; but thrice a week is as often
as I can preach. To-day, I begin here, and have thoughts of
returning with Mr. Habersham to Georgia, but am fearful of
relapsing by such a fatiguing journey.”
Again, Whitefield was unable to proceed to Georgia. Hence the
following, written to the managers of his Orphan House:――
“NEW YORK, _December 7, 1763_.
“MY DEAR FRIENDS,――What a mortification it is to me not to
accompany my dear Mr. Habersham to Bethesda. Assure yourselves,
I shall come as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I have desired
Mr. Habersham to assist in supervising and settling the accounts,
and to give his advice respecting the house, plantation, etc.
I beg you will be so good as to let me have an inventory of
every individual thing, the names and number of the negroes,
and what you think is necessary to be done every way. I would
only observe in general, that I would have the family lessened
as much as may be, and all things contracted into as small a
compass as possible. Once more, adieu, though, I trust, but for
a short season. My heart is too full to enlarge. I purpose going
to New England; but it will be better to go to heaven. Come,
Lord Jesus, come quickly.”
“NEW YORK, _December 16, 1763_.
“Jesus continues to own the feeble labours of an almost worn-out
pilgrim. Every day, the thirst for hearing the word increases,
and the better sort come home to hear more of it. I must go soon
to New England. Cold weather and a warm heart suit my tottering
tabernacle best.”
“NEW YORK, _December 18, 1763_.
“I am in better health than when I wrote last. Preaching thrice
a week agrees pretty well with me this cold season of the year.
I am apt to believe my disorder will be periodical. New Jersey
College is a blessed nursery, one of the purest, perhaps, in
the universe. The worthy president and three tutors are all
bent upon making the students both saints and scholars. I was
lately there for a week. The Redeemer vouchsafed to own the word
preached. Prejudices in New York have most strangely subsided.
The better sort flock as eagerly as the common people, and are
fond of coming for private gospel conversation.”
The year 1763 will be suitably closed by a warm-hearted letter to
Charles Wesley.
“NEW YORK, _December 26, 1763_.
“MY DEAR OLD FRIEND,――Once more I write to you from this dying
world. Through infinite, unmerited mercy, I am helped to preach
twice or thrice a week, and never saw people of all ranks more
eager in Philadelphia and in this place, than now. Lasting
impressions, I trust, are made. At New Jersey College, we had
sweet seasons among the sons of the prophets, and I have had the
pleasure of conversing with new-creature ministers of various
denominations. Ere long, we shall join the elders about the
throne. Then shall we all greatly marvel, and try who can shout
loudest, ‘He hath done all things well.’ Neither you, nor your
brother, nor the highest archangel in heaven, shall, if possible,
outdo even me, though less than the least of all. Continue to
pray for me, as such. I hope your brother lives and prospers.
Remember me to your dear yoke-fellow, and all enquiring friends;
and assure yourselves of not being forgotten in the poor
addresses of, my dear friend,
“Yours in Jesus,
“GEORGE WHITEFIELD.”[509]
In more than one of these extracts, Whitefield makes grateful mention
of his conversing with what he calls “_new-creature ministers_.”
This is a notable fact. Compared with his first visits to America,
the difference, in this respect, was great. It ought always to be
remembered, that the revival, in the days of Whitefield and the
Wesleys, was remarkable, not only for the quickening of churches
and the saving of sinners, but also for the raising up of a host of
converted ministers, in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and America.
This was not the least of its glorious results.
Whitefield longed to be at Bethesda, but the hope of being benefited by
the colder atmosphere of the northern colonies still detained him. The
following is taken from another letter addressed to the managers of his
Orphan House:――
“New York, January 12, 1764. The cold braces me up a little.
I am enabled to preach twice or thrice a week. Congregations
continue very large, and, I trust, saving impressions are made
upon many. O for a blessed gale of Divine influences when we
meet at Bethesda! From thence, or from Charlestown, I purpose
to embark for England. But future things belong to Him, who,
whatever may be our thoughts, always orders all things well.”
The following extract from the _Boston Gazette_ confirms the foregoing
statements, respecting Whitefield’s congregations in New York:――
“New York, January 23, 1764. The Rev. Mr. George Whitefield has
spent seven weeks with us, preaching twice a week, with more
general acceptance than ever. He has been treated with great
respect by many of the gentlemen and merchants of this place.
During his stay, he preached two charity sermons: one on the
occasion of the annual collection for the poor, when double
the sum was collected that ever was upon the like occasion;
the other for the benefit of Mr. Wheelock’s Indian School, at
Lebanon, in New England, for which he collected (notwithstanding
the prejudices of many people against the Indians) the sum of
£120. In his last sermon, he took a very affectionate leave of
the people of this city, who expressed great concern at his
departure. May God restore this great and good man (in whom
the gentleman, the Christian, and the accomplished orator
shine forth with such lustre) to a perfect state of health,
and continue him long a blessing to the world, and the Church
of Christ!”
Immediately after this, Whitefield set out for New England, and, on
his way, preached in Long Island, Shelter Island, and other places. On
arriving at Boston, about February 13, he received a hearty welcome,
not only from his old acquaintance, but from the people in general.
His enormous collections, in 1761, for the distressed Protestants in
Germany, and for the sufferers by the great fire at Boston, have been
already mentioned. Now, as was fitting, the Boston people thanked him
for his assistance. Hence the following:――
“Boston, February 20. Monday last, at a very general meeting of
the freeholders and other inhabitants of this town, it was voted
unanimously that the thanks of the town be given to the Rev.
Mr. George Whitefield, for his charitable care and pains in
collecting a considerable sum of money in Great Britain, for the
benefit of the distressed sufferers by the great fire in Boston,
1760. And a respectable committee was appointed to wait on Mr.
Whitefield, to inform him of the vote, and present him with a
copy thereof; which committee waited upon him accordingly, and
received the following answer:――
“GENTLEMEN,――This vote of thanks for so small an instance of
my goodwill to Boston, as it was entirely unexpected, quite
surprises me. Often have I been much concerned that I could do
no more upon such a distressing occasion. That the Redeemer may
ever preserve the town from such-like melancholy events, and
sanctify the present afflictive circumstances to the spiritual
welfare of all its inhabitants, is the hearty prayer of,
“Gentlemen, your ready servant in our common Lord,
“GEORGE WHITEFIELD.”[510]
A few days after this, Whitefield wrote to his friend, Mr. Robert Keen,
as follows:――
“Boston, March 3, 1764. I have received letters from my wife and
Mr. C――――, dated in October and November. I have been received
at Boston with the usual warmth of affection. Twice have we seen
the Redeemer’s stately steps in the great congregation. But, as
the small-pox is likely to spread through the town, I purpose
making my country tour, and then to return to Boston in my way
to the south. Invitations come so thick and fast from every
quarter, that I know not what to do. I cannot boast of acquiring
much additional bodily strength. The cool season of the year
helps to keep me up. Twice a week is as often as I can, with
comfort, ascend my throne. Till I hear from you, and see what is
determined concerning Bethesda, I cannot think of undertaking a
long voyage. Sometimes I fear my weakness will never allow me to
go on shipboard any more. But I will wait.”
Whitefield lived to be a blessing to his fellow-creatures. He had just
been thanked, by the inhabitants of Boston, for the assistance he had
rendered them in 1761. Now, his heart was set on helping others.
A hundred and thirty-four years ago, the Puritans of New England had
advanced £400 towards the erection of a college at Newton, which, on
the founding of the college there, had its name changed to Cambridge.
In 1638, the Rev. John Harvard, minister of Charlestown, near Boston,
died, and bequeathed to the college one half of his estate and all his
library. In honour of its benefactor, the college henceforth was called
“Harvard College.” There cannot be a doubt that this venerable school
of learning exerted a powerful influence in forming the character of
the people of New England. Magistrates and men of wealth were profuse
in their donations to its funds; and once, at least, every family in
the colony gave to the Harvard College twelvepence, or a peck of corn,
or its value in unadulterated wampumpeag.[511] Now, in 1764, a great
calamity had befallen this, the oldest college in America. Its library
was burnt. Whitefield heard of this, and wished to render some
assistance.
Further. In 1754, the Rev. Eleazer Wheelock, D.D., first president
of Dartmouth College, founded a charity school, at Lebanon, for
the education of Indian youths, with a view of preparing them for
labouring as missionaries, interpreters, or schoolmasters, among the
Indian tribes. He now had more than twenty of these young men under
his care and management, his school being supported partly by private
subscriptions, and partly by assistance rendered by the Legislatures
of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and by the Commissioners in Boston
of the Scotch Society for Propagating Christian Knowledge. The idea
was a noble one, though its ultimate success was not so great as some
expected.
Four years ago, Whitefield had rendered valuable assistance to
Dr. Wheelock.[512] In a letter, dated “London, 1760,” he wrote:――
“Upon mentioning and a little enforcing your Indian affair, the
Lord put it into the heart of the Marquis of Lothian to hand me
£50. You will not fail to send his lordship a letter of thanks
and some account of the school. Now the great God has given us
Canada, what will become of us, if we do not improve it to His
glory and the conversion of the poor heathen? Satan is doing
what he can here to bring the work into contempt, by blasphemy
and ridicule at both the theatres. But you know how the bush
burned and was not consumed; and why? Jesus was, and is in it.
Hallelujah! My hearty love to the Indian lambs.”[513]
This letter was written in the midst of the terrible persecution
arising out of the performance of Foote’s infamous farce, “The Minor.”
Whitefield’s interest in the temporal and eternal welfare of the
heathen Indians was as profound as ever; and, hence, he now made
a fresh application to his friends, not only on behalf of Harvard
College, but of Wheelock’s school. Hence the following, addressed to
a friend in London:――
“Concord, twenty miles from Boston, March 10, 1764. In New York,
we saw blessed days of the Son of man; and, in my way to these
parts, a Divine influence has attended the word preached, in
various places. How would you have been delighted to have seen
Mr. Wheelock’s Indians! Such a promising nursery of future
missionaries, I believe, was never seen in New England before.
Pray encourage it with all your might. I also wish you could
give some useful Puritanical books to Harvard College Library,
lately burnt. Few, perhaps, will give such; and yet a collection
of that kind is absolutely necessary for future students, and
to poor neighbouring ministers, to whom, I find, the books
belonging to the library are freely lent from time to time. You
will not be angry with me for these hints. I know your ambitious,
greedy soul: you want to grow richer and richer towards God. O
that there may be in me such a mind! But my wings are clipped.
I can only preach twice or thrice a week with comfort. And yet
a wider door than ever is opened all along the continent.”
Notwithstanding his ill-health, Whitefield continued preaching, and, as
usual, with great success. To Mr. Charles Hardy, one of the managers of
his London chapels, he wrote:――
“Portsmouth, March 23, 1764. How was my heart eased by receiving
yesterday your kind letter, dated October 22. If you and dear Mr.
Keen will continue to manage when I am present, as well as when
I am absent, it may give another turn to my mind. At present,
my way is clear to go on preaching till I can journey southward.
The enclosed will inform you of what has been done by one sermon
at Providence, formerly a most ungodly place. At Newbury, which
I left yesterday, there is a stir indeed. On Lord’s-day, I shall
begin here. O for daily fresh gales!”
A month after this, Whitefield had returned to Boston, and wrote as
follows to Mr. Dixon, the superintendent of his Orphan House:――
“Boston, April 20, 1764. I have been at my _ne plus ultra_
northward, and am now more free, and capable of settling my
affairs southward. When that is done, how cheerfully could I
sing, ‘Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace!’ I
hope you are not offended at my giving a power of attorney to
Mr. Habersham. It was not owing to a distrust of any of you, but
only, in _case of my death_, that he might testify to the world
the integrity of your actions, and the veracity of your accounts.
I am persuaded, he will not desire to interfere, but will act
and consult jointly with yourselves, as occasion offers; and you
will go on in your old way. I wish I was assured of your stay
at Bethesda. I am satisfied, you will not distress me by leaving
the place destitute of proper help. My tottering tabernacle
will not bear grief, especially from those whom I so dearly
love, and who have served the institution so faithfully and
disinterestedly for so many years. What I have in view for
Bethesda, may be better spoken of when we meet, than by letter.
By my late excursions, I am brought low; but rest and care
may brace me up again for some little further service for our
glorious Emmanuel. A most blessed influence has attended the
word in various places, and many have been made to cry out,
‘What shall we do to be saved?’”
Whitefield now entertained the thought of an escape to the southern
colonies; but “the Boston people sent a hue and cry after” him, and
brought him back.[514] He resumed his ministry among them on April 24,
and, as far as he was able, continued to preach to them for about the
next eight weeks. They begged “for a six o’clock morning lecture,” and
he was willing to accede to their request, saying, “I would fain die
preaching.”[515] To Mr. Charles Hardy, he wrote:――
“Boston, June 1, 1764. You see where this leaves me. Friends
have constrained me to stay here, for fear of running into the
summer’s heat. Hitherto, I find the benefit of it. I am much
better in health, than I was this time twelvemonth, and can now
preach thrice a week to large auditories without hurt. Every
day I hear of some brought under concern. This is all of grace.
In about a fortnight, I purpose to set forward on my southern
journey. It will be hard parting; but heaven will make amends
for all.”
Whitefield left Boston, as he intended, and travelled to New York,
where he continued for about three months. In reference to his New
England visit, he wrote to Mr. Keen, as follows:――
“New York, June 25, 1764. The New England winter campaign is
over, and I am thus far on my way to Georgia. Mr. Smith, my
faithful host, at Boston, writes thus: ‘Your departure never
before so deeply wounded us, and the most of this people. They
propose sending a book full of names to call you back. Your
enemies are very few, and even they seem to be almost at peace
with you.’ To crown the expedition, after preaching at Newhaven
College, and when I was going off in the chaise, the president
came to me, and said, the students were so deeply impressed by
the sermon, that they were gone into the chapel, and earnestly
entreated me to give them one more quarter of an hour’s
exhortation. Not unto me, O Lord, not unto me, but unto Thy
free and unmerited grace be all the glory!”
Whitefield’s health continued better; and, besides preaching in the
chapels of New York, he, at the beginning of August, mentions his
having preached twice in the open air.[516] His popularity was enormous.
Hence the following to Mr. Keen:――
“New York, August 25, 1764. Still I am kept, as it were,
a prisoner in these parts, by the heat of the weather. All
dissuade me from proceeding southward till the latter end of
September. My late excursions upon Long Island have been blessed.
It would surprise you to see above a hundred carriages at every
sermon in this new world. I am, through infinite mercy, still
kept up. I wrote to Mr. Hardy and my dear wife very lately by
a friend; and I have sent many letters, for a _letter-day_, to
the care of Mrs. E――――s, in Bristol.”
Towards the end of September, Whitefield removed to Philadelphia,
whence he again wrote to Mr. Keen:――
“Philadelphia, September 21, 1764. After a most solemn and
heart-breaking parting at New York, I am come thus far in my way
to Georgia. There I hope to be about Christmas; and in spring
to embark for England. However, let what will become of the
substance, I herewith send you my shadow. The painter, who gave
it me, having now the ague and fever, and living a hundred miles
off, I must get you to have the drapery finished; and then, if
judged proper, let it be put up in the Tabernacle parlour. I
have only preached twice here, but the influence was deep. I am
better in health than I have been these three years. I received
the hymn-books.”[517]
Immediately after his arrival, Whitefield, by request, preached at
the commencement of a new term of the College of Philadelphia,――an
establishment which he pronounced to be “one of the best regulated
institutions in the world.”[518] The provost of the college was the
Rev. William Smith, D.D., a native of Scotland, and educated at the
University of Aberdeen,――an episcopally ordained clergyman, and a
gentleman whose learning and popular talents contributed greatly to
raise the character of the college over which he presided.
“Dr. Smith,” says Whitefield, “read prayers for me; both the
present and the late governor, with the head gentlemen of the
city, were present; and cordial thanks were sent to me from all
the trustees, for speaking for the children, and countenancing
the institution. This is all of God. To me nothing belongs but
shame and confusion of face. O for a truly guileless heart!”[519]
While at Philadelphia, Whitefield wrote the following characteristic
letter to his old friend Wesley:――
“PHILADELPHIA, _September 25, 1764_.