George Whitefield: A Biography, with special reference to his labors in AmericaBelcher, Joseph
Religion
George Whitefield: A Biography, with special reference to his labors in America
Belcher, Joseph
Whitefield, George, 1714-1770
After narrating two or three pleasing incidents as to the effect
of his preaching even on the minds of children, and describing his
feelings on his return home, he gives an account of the wedding
of two young persons who were going as his assistants to Georgia.
"Never," he says, "did I see a more solemn wedding. Jesus Christ
was called, and he was present in a remarkable manner. After Mr.
Pemberton had married them, I prayed. But my soul, how was it
enabled to wrestle with and lay hold on God! I was in a very great
agony, and the Holy Ghost was so remarkably present, that most,
I believe, could say, 'Surely God is in this place.' After this,
divine manifestations flowed in so fast, that my frail tabernacle
was scarce able to sustain them. My dear friends sat round me on the
bedsides. I prayed for each of them alternately with strong cries,
and pierced by the eye of faith even within the veil. I continued in
this condition for about half an hour, astonished at my own vileness
and the excellency of Christ, then rose full of peace and love and
joy."
On Monday, the 3d, he preached both morning and afternoon to
increasing congregations, and says, "There was a great and gracious
melting both times, but no crying out. Nearly £110 currency were
collected for the orphans; and in the evening many came and took an
affectionate leave. About seven we took boat; reached Staten Island
about ten, greatly refreshed in my inner man. A dear Christian
friend received us gladly, and we solaced ourselves by singing and
praying. About midnight retired to sleep, still longing for that
time when I shall sleep no more."
On Tuesday he preached on Staten Island from a wagon, to three
or four hundred people. "The Lord came among them," and several
inquired after the way of salvation. Here he met Gilbert Tennent
and Mr. Cross. The former of these excellent ministers had recently
lost his wife, and though he was ardently attached to her, he calmly
preached her funeral sermon with the corpse lying before him.
Tennent had lately been preaching in New Jersey and Maryland, and
had a delightful account to give his friend of the progress of the
good work. Nor was the account given by Mr. Cross of less interest.
After sermon he rode to Newark, where he preached till dark, as he
thought with but little good effect. "However, at night the Lord
manifested forth his glory; for, coming down to family prayer where
I lodged, and perceiving many young men around me, my soul was, as
it were, melted down with concern for them. After singing, I gave
a word of exhortation; with what power none can fully express but
those that saw it. Oh, how did the word fall like a hammer and like
a fire. What a weeping was there!"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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