did not reach me till a few days ago. It found me here, just
returned from my northern circuit; and waiting only for cooler
weather to set forwards for Georgia. Perhaps that may be my _ne
plus ultra_. But the gospel range is of such large extent, that
I have, as it were, scarce begun to begin. Surely nothing but
a very loud call of Providence could make me so much as think
of returning to England as yet. I have been mercifully carried
through the summer’s heat; and, had strength permitted, I might
have preached to thousands and thousands thrice every day.
Zealous ministers are not so rare in this new world as in other
parts. Here is room for a hundred itinerants. Lord Jesus, send
by whom Thou wilt send! Fain would I end my life in rambling
after those who have rambled away from Jesus Christ.
‘For this let men despise my name;
I’d shun no cross; I’d fear no shame;
All hail reproach!’
“I am persuaded you are like-minded. I wish you and all your
dear fellow-labourers great prosperity. O to be kept from
turning to the right hand or the left! Methinks, for many years,
_we_ have heard a voice behind us, saying, ‘This is the way;
walk ye in it.’ I do not repent being a poor, despised, cast-out,
and now almost worn-out itinerant. I would do it again, if I
had my choice. Having loved His own, the altogether lovely Jesus
loves them to the end. Even the last glimmerings of an expiring
taper, He blesses to guide some wandering souls to Himself. In
New England, New York, and Pennsylvania, the word has run and
been glorified. Scarce one dry meeting since my arrival. All
this is of grace. In various places, there has been a great
stirring among the dry bones.
“If you and all yours would join in praying over a poor
worthless, but willing pilgrim, it would be a very great act
of charity, he being, though less than the least of all,
“Rev. and very dear sir,
“Ever yours in Jesus,
“GEORGE WHITEFIELD.”[520]
Whitefield continued a month at Philadelphia; and, on leaving it,
about October 21, exclaimed, “O what blessings have we received in
this place! Join in crying, Hallelujah!”[521]
On his departure from Philadelphia, Whitefield proceeded to Virginia,
and to North and South Carolina. He met with the “new lights” at
almost every stage: a nickname given to evangelical preachers and their
converts, and analogous to that of “Methodists” in England. The present
was a marvellous contrast when compared with the state of things, at
the time of Whitefield’s first visit to Virginia a quarter of a century
before; and no wonder that he wrote, “It makes me almost determine to
come back early in the spring. Surely the Londoners, who are fed to
the full, will not envy the poor souls in these parts, who scarce know
their right hand from the left.”
On December 3, he left Charleston for Georgia, and, about a week
afterwards, reached Savannah,――more than a year and a half from the
time of his embarkation for America. His detention, in the northern
colonies, had been long; but no time was wasted after his arrival.
Within a week, he had the boldness to ask the governor of Georgia, and
the two Houses of Assembly, for a grant of two thousand acres of land,
to enable him to convert his Orphan House into a college. The story
will be best told by the insertion of Whitefield’s “Memorial,” and the
answers it evoked:――
“To His Excellency James Wright, Esq., Captain-General and
Governor-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Province of Georgia, and
to the Members of His Majesty’s Council in the said Province.
“The Memorial of George Whitefield, Clerk,
“_Sheweth_,――That about twenty-five years ago, your memorialist,
assisted by the voluntary contributions of charitable and
well-disposed persons, at a very great expense, and under many
disadvantages, did erect a commodious house, with necessary
out-buildings, suitable for the reception of orphans, and other
poor and deserted children; and that with the repair of the
buildings, purchase of negroes, and supporting a large orphan
family for so many years, he hath expended upwards of £12,000
sterling, as appears by the accounts, which from time to time
have been audited by the magistrates of Savannah.
“That your memorialist, since the commencement of this
institution, hath had the satisfaction of finding, that, by
the money expended thereon, not only many poor families were
assisted, and thereby kept from leaving the Colony in its infant
state, but also that a considerable number of poor helpless
children have been trained up; who have been, and now are,
useful settlers in this and the neighbouring Provinces.
“That in order to render the institution aforesaid more
extensively useful, your memorialist, as he perceived the
colony gradually increasing, hath for some years past designed
within himself, to improve the original plan, by making further
provision for the education of persons of superior rank; who
thereby might be qualified to serve their king, their country,
or their God, either in Church or State. That he doth with
inexpressible pleasure see the present very flourishing state of
the Province; but with concern perceives that several gentlemen
have been obliged to send their sons to the northern Provinces;
who would much rather have had them educated nearer home, and
thereby prevent their affections being alienated from their
native country, and also considerable sums of money from being
carried out of this into other Provinces.
“Your memorialist further observes, that there is no seminary
for academical studies as yet founded southward of Virginia; and
consequently if a College could be established here (especially
as the late addition of the two Floridas renders Georgia more
centrical for the southern district) it would not only be highly
serviceable to the rising generation of the Colony, but would
occasion many youths to be sent from the British West India
Islands and other parts. The many advantages accruing thereby
to this Province must be very considerable.
“From these considerations, your memorialist is induced
to believe, that the time is now approaching, when his
long-projected design for further serving this his beloved
Colony, shall be carried into execution.
“That a considerable sum of money is intended speedily to
be laid out in purchasing a large number of negroes, for the
further cultivation of the present Orphan House and other
additional lands, and for the future support of a worthy,
able president, and for professors, and tutors, and other good
purposes intended.
“Your memorialist therefore prays your Excellency and Honours
to grant to him in _trust_, for the purposes aforesaid, two
thousand acres of land, on the north fork of the Turtle River,
called the Lesser Swamp, if vacant, or where lands may be found
vacant, south of the River Altamaha.
“GEORGE WHITEFIELD.
“Savannah, in Georgia, _December 18, 1764_.”
Whitefield’s case was a strong one. There cannot be a doubt that
Georgia had had no benefactor superior to himself; and it must also be
admitted further, that his proposed academy, or college, was greatly
needed. In addition to this, there was another fact favourable to
the success of his application. His old friend, James Habersham, the
first Superintendent of his Orphanage, was now raised to the dignity
of being the “president of the Upper House of Assembly.” Under such
circumstances, it is not surprising, that, only two days after the date
of Whitefield’s Memorial, the following “Address” was presented to the
Governor of Georgia:――
“The Address of both Houses of Assembly, Georgia.
“To His Excellency James Wright, Esq., Captain-General and
Governor-in-Chief of His Majesty’s Province of Georgia.
“MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY,――We, his Majesty’s most dutiful
and loyal subjects, the Council and Commons House of Assembly
of Georgia in General Assembly met, beg leave to acquaint your
Excellency that with the highest satisfaction, we learn that
the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield has applied for lands, in order
to the endowment of a College in this Province. The many and
singular obligations Georgia has been continually laid under to
that reverend gentleman, from its very infant state, would in
gratitude induce us, by every means in our power, to promote
any measure he might recommend; but, in the present instance,
where the interest of the Province, the advancement of religion,
and the pleasing prospect of obtaining proper education for our
youth, so clearly coincide with his views, we cannot in justice
but request your Excellency to use your utmost endeavours to
promote so desirable an event, and to transmit home our sincere
and very fervent wishes, for the accomplishment of so useful, so
beneficent, and so laudable an undertaking.
“By order of the Upper House,
“JAMES HABERSHAM, _President_.
“_December 20, 1764._
“By Order of the Commons House,
“ALEX. WYLLY, _Speaker_.”
The reply of the governor of Georgia was as courteous and generous as
the address of the Houses of Assembly:――
“GENTLEMEN,――I am so perfectly sensible of the very great
advantage which will result to the Province in general, from
the establishment of a seminary for learning here, that it gives
me the greatest pleasure to find so laudable an undertaking
proposed by the Rev. Mr. Whitefield. The friendly and zealous
disposition of that gentleman, to promote the prosperity of this
Province, has been often experienced; and you may rest assured,
that I shall transmit your address home, with my best endeavours
for the success of the great point in view.
“JAMES WRIGHT.
“_December 20, 1764._”
These documents greatly redound to Whitefield’s honour, and are too
important to be omitted in the memoirs of the poor, persecuted preacher.
Another of the same class must also be inserted. On three previous
occasions, Whitefield’s Orphan House accounts had been subjected to
an official audit. On April 16, 1746, it was ascertained that, up to
that date, Whitefield had expended £5,511 17s. 9¼d.; and had received,
£4,982 12s. 8d.; leaving him out of pocket, £529 5s. 1¼d. From that
date to February 25, 1752, he expended £2,026 13s. 7½d., and received
£1,386 8s. 7½d., leaving another deficiency of £640 5s. From February
25, 1752, to February 19, 1755, he spent £1,966 18s. 2d., towards which
he received £1,289 2s. 3d., leaving a third deficiency amounting to
£677 15s. 11d. On the 9th of February, 1765, the fourth audit of the
accounts took place, from which it appeared that, during the last ten
years, Whitefield had expended the sum of £3,349 15s. 10d., and had
received £3,132 16s. ¼d., he being a fourth time out of pocket to the
amount of £216 19s. 9¾d. These four deficiencies put together make
£2,064 5s. 10d., the amount of Whitefield’s own private contributions
to his Orphanage in Georgia. Remembering that the value of money then
was four times greater than its value now, this was an enormous sum for
the unbeneficed Methodist clergyman to give. Whitefield was born and
bred in a public-house; the expense of his collegiate education had
been met partly by private benefactions, and partly by his submitting
to perform the drudgeries of a college servitor; the only church living
that he had ever had was Savannah, and even that only for a few short
months; fixed income he had none; all his life, he had contentedly
and joyously relied on Providence for the supply of his daily needs.
Providence had never failed him. He had had enough, and to spare. To
say nothing of his other gifts, in London and elsewhere, it was now
officially and publicly declared that, out of his own private purse,
he had given more than £2,000 to his Orphan House in Georgia. The two
attestations, declaring this, were as follows:――
“GEORGIA.
“Before me, the Honourable Noble Jones, Esq., senior, one of
the Assistant Justices for the Province aforesaid, personally
appeared the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield, and Thomas Dixon of
the Province aforesaid, who, being duly sworn, declare that the
accounts relating to the Orphan House, from folio 82 to folio
98 in this book, amounting on the debit side to £3,349 15s. 10d.
sterling, and on the credit side to £3,132 16s. ¼d., contain,
to the best of their knowledge, a just and true account of all
the monies collected by, or given to them, or any other, for
the use or benefit of the said house, and that the disbursements,
amounting to the sum aforesaid, have been faithfully applied to,
and for the use of the same.
“_Signed_, { GEORGE WHITEFIELD,
{ THOMAS DIXON.
“_February 9, 1765._
“Sworn this 9th day of February, 1765, before me, in
justification whereof I have caused the seal of the General
Court to be affixed.
“_Signed_, N. JONES. _Sealed._”
“GEORGIA.
“Before me, the Honourable Noble Jones, Esq., senior, personally
appeared James Edward Powell and Grey Elliot, Esqrs., members of
His Majesty’s Honourable Council for the Province aforesaid, who,
being duly sworn, declare that they have carefully examined the
accounts containing the receipts and disbursements, for the use
of the Orphan House of the said Province, and that, comparing
them with the several vouchers, they find the same not only
just and true in every respect, but kept in such a clear and
regular manner, as does honour to the managers of that house;
and that, on a careful examination of the several former audits,
it appears that the sum of £2,064 5s. 10d. has, at several times,
been given by the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield for the use of the
said house; and that, in the whole, the sum of £12,855 5s. 4¾d.
has been laid out for the same house since the 7th of January,
1739, to this day. Also, that it doth not appear that any charge
has ever been made by the said Rev. Mr. Whitefield, either for
travelling charges or any other expenses whatever; and that no
charge of salary has been made for any person whatever, employed
or concerned in the management of the said house.
“_Signed_, { JAMES EDWARD POWELL,
{ GREY ELLIOT.
“_February 9, 1765._
“Sworn this 9th day of February, 1765, before me, in
justification whereof I have caused the seal of the General
Court to be affixed.
“_Signed_, N. JONES. _Sealed._”
These are lengthy documents to insert, but the honour of Whitefield’s
memory requires them; and they, also, without the need of further
evidence, triumphantly acquit the great itinerant from the numerous
mercenary charges, which, from time to time, were brought against him.
No wonder that poor afflicted Whitefield was full of gratitude. The
following extracts from his letters will be welcome:――
“Bethesda, January 14, 1765. I have been in Georgia above
five weeks. All things, in respect to Bethesda, have gone on
successfully. God has given me great favour in the sight of the
Governor, Council, and Assembly. A memorial was presented for
an additional grant of lands, consisting of two thousand acres.
It was immediately complied with. Both houses addressed the
Governor in behalf of the intended College. As warm an answer
was given; and I am now putting all in repair, and getting
everything ready for that purpose. Every heart seems to leap
for joy, at the prospect of its future utility to this and
the neighbouring colonies. The only question now is, whether
I should embark directly for England, or take one tour more to
the northward. He, who holdeth the stars in His right hand, will
direct in due time. I am here in delightful winter quarters.
Peace and plenty reign at Bethesda. His Excellency dined with me
yesterday, and expressed his satisfaction in the warmest terms.
Who knows how many youths may be raised up for the ever-loving
and altogether lovely Jesus? Thus far, however, we may set
up our Ebenezer. Hitherto, the bush has been burning, but not
consumed. Lord, I believe; help Thou my unbelief!”
“Bethesda, February 3, 1765. We have just been wishing some
of our London friends were here. We have lovefeasts every day.
Nothing but peace and plenty reign in Bethesda, this house of
mercy. God be praised for making the chapel, in London, such
a Bethel. I believe it will yet be the gate of heaven to many
souls. Whether we live or die, we shall see greater things.
Remember, my dear friend, to ask something worthy of a God to
give. Be content with nothing short of Himself. His presence
alone can fill and satisfy the renewed soul.”
“Bethesda, February 13, 1765. A few days more, and then
farewell Bethesda, perhaps for ever. The within audit, I sent
to the Governor. Next day, came Lord J. A. G――――n, to pay his
Excellency a visit. Yesterday morning, they, with several other
gentlemen, favoured me with their company to breakfast. But how
was my Lord surprised and delighted! After expressing himself
in the strongest terms, he took me aside, and informed me that
the Governor had shown him the accounts, by which he found
what a great benefactor I had been;――that the intended College
would be of the utmost utility to this and the neighbouring
Provinces;――that the plan was beautiful, rational, and
practicable;――and that he was persuaded his Majesty would highly
approve of it, and also favour it with some peculiar marks of
his royal bounty. At their desire, I went to town, and dined
with him and the Governor at Savannah. On Tuesday next, God
willing, I move towards Charleston, leaving all arrears paid
off, and some cash in hand, besides the last year’s whole crop
of rice, some lumber, the house repaired, painted, furnished with
plenty of clothing, and provision till the next crop comes in,
and perhaps some for sale. Only a few boys will be left, two of
whom are intended for the foundation; so that, this year, they
will be getting rather than expending. Near ten boys and girls
have been put out. The small-pox has gone through the house,
with the loss of about six negroes and four orphans. Before
this, I think not above four children have been taken off these
twenty-four years. As an acknowledgment of Mr. and Mrs. Dixon’s
faithfulness and care, I have made them a present of a bill of
exchange drawn upon you. And now, farewell, my beloved Bethesda!
surely the most delightfully situated place in all the southern
parts of America.”
On Thursday, February 21, Whitefield arrived at Charleston,[522] where
he wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, and other friends, as follows:――
“Charleston, March 5, 1765. My very dear, dear friends. Often
have we thought and talked of Bethesda. No place like that for
peace, and plenty of every kind. This leaves me, aiming, in my
poor way, to do a little for Him, who has done and suffered so
much for me. People of all ranks fly to the gospel, like doves
to the windows. The word begins to fall with great weight, and
all are importunate for my longer stay; but next week I expect
to move. The negroes’ shirts, etc., are in hand. O that these
Ethiopians may be made to stretch out their hands unto God! I
feel a great compassion for them.”
“Charleston, March 15, 1765. I have had a most pleasant winter.
Words cannot well express what a scene of action I leave behind.
My American work seems as yet scarce begun. My health is better;
and every day the word of God runs and is glorified more and
more. In two days, my wilderness range commences afresh. In
about six weeks, I hope to see Philadelphia. From thence, they
say, I am to set sail for my native country. But heaven, a
blessed, long-wished for heaven, is my home.”
“Wilmington, Cape Fear, March 29, 1765. Thus far hath the Lord
brought me in my way to Philadelphia. We had a most cutting
parting from Charleston. I preached thrice in my way to this
place. At the desire of the mayor and other gentlemen, I shall
stay till next Sunday. This pilgrimage kind of life is the very
joy of my heart. Ceiled houses and crowded tables I leave to
others. A morsel of bread, and a little bit of cold meat, in a
wood, is a most luxurious repast. Jesus’ presence is all in all,
whether in the city or the wilderness.”
Whitefield seems to have spent about a month in the journey between
Charleston and Philadelphia, but has left no detailed account of his
labours. Possibly, he made another tour through Virginia and Maryland.
Indeed, this seems to be hinted in the letter about to be quoted.
He was now on his way to England, but he wished to be permanently
exempt from the responsibility of supplying the pulpits and managing
the affairs of his London chapels. Hence the following addressed to
Mr. Keen:――
“Newcastle, 30 miles from Philadelphia, May 4, 1765. I am just
come here, in my way to embark from Philadelphia. But how shall
I do it? All along, from Charleston to this place, the cry is,
‘For Christ’s sake, stay and preach to us.’ O for a thousand
lives to spend for Jesus! He is good, He is good! His mercy
endureth for ever. Help, help, my dear English friends, to bless
and praise Him! Thanks be to God! all outward things are settled
on this side the water. The auditing the accounts, and laying a
foundation for a college, have silenced enemies and comforted
friends. The finishing this affair confirms my call to England;
but I have no prospect of being able to serve the Tabernacle
and the chapel. I cannot preach once now, without being quite
exhausted. How, then, shall I bear the cares of both those
places? I must beg you and dear Mr. Hardy to continue trustees
when I am present, as well as in my absence. I am praying night
and day for direction. The word runs here, and is glorified; but
the weather, for two days, has been so hot, that I could scarce
move. I dread the shaking of the ship; but if it shakes this
tottering frame to pieces, it will be a trading voyage indeed.”
Instead of finding a ship at Philadelphia, as he expected, Whitefield
was obliged to proceed to New York, where he embarked on June 9, and,
after a quick passage of twenty-eight days, landed in England on July 7.
During his absence in America, Whitefield was, comparatively speaking,
exempt from persecution. The principal exception was a maniacal attack
by John Harman, who published an 8vo. shilling pamphlet, with the title,
“Remarks upon the Life, Character, and Behaviour of the Rev. George
Whitefield, as written by himself, from the Time of his Birth to the
Time he Departed from his Tabernacle.”
There also appeared in _Lloyd’s Evening Post_ an article, which was a
combination of censure and eulogy. The writer condemned “the incoherent,
wild, and unconnected jargon” of Whitefield and his friends; but,
at the same time, he acknowledged they had greater success than the
regular clergy of the Church of England. He was profoundly grieved
to witness “irreverent behaviour” at the Church services,――such as
the “gaping and yawning” of the people, “picking their noses, and
rubbing their faces, admiring and exposing to admiration their little
finger with its ring on, and staring all round the church, even when
rehearsing the most solemn prayers.” All this he attributed to the
clergy’s “being taken up with too great eagerness for the things of
this life,” and also to their “sloth and idleness.” On the other hand,
the Methodist preacher “strains his voice to the utmost, that every one
may hear, and affects a tone of voice and manner of pronunciation” most
likely to impress and please his hearers. “In this really severe and
fatiguing manner of utterance, he gives long discourses, and exposes
his person anywhere, in any corner, on any dunghill, and gets well
pelted every now and then.”
_WHITEFIELD’S LAST FOUR YEARS IN GREAT BRITAIN._
FROM JULY 7, 1765, TO SEPTEMBER 5, 1769.
UPON the whole, Whitefield’s health was not improved by his visit to
America. He had worked when others would have rested. If he had them
with him, which perhaps is doubtful, he had worn “gown and cassock,”
when it would have been more prudent to have lounged and travelled
in a tourist’s dress. No doubt, his preaching in America had been
of inestimable service; but he came back to England scarcely able to
preach at all. On his arrival, he thus wrote to Mr. Keen:――
“Plymouth, July 12, 1765. I left the Halifax packet, from New
York, near the Lizard; and, by the blunder of a drunken fellow,
missed the post on the 8th inst. I want a gown and cassock.
Child, in Chancery Lane, used to make for me, and perhaps knows
my measure. Amazing, that I have not been measured for a coffin
long ago! I am very low in body, and, as yet, undetermined
what to do. Perhaps, on the whole, it may be best to come on
leisurely, to see if my spirits can be a little recruited. You
may write a few lines, at a venture, to Bristol. Had I bodily
strength, you would find me coming upon you unawares; but that
fails me much. I must have a little rest, or I shall be able to
do nothing at all.”