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
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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