The Life of the Rev. George Whitefield, Volume 2 (of 2) — John Shaqi
The Life of the Rev. George Whitefield, Volume 2 (of 2)Tyerman, L. (Luke)
History
The Life of the Rev. George Whitefield, Volume 2 (of 2)
Tyerman, L. (Luke)
Whitefield, George, 1714-1770
Abuse like this was not pleasant. It is true, that Whitefield had
long been used to it; but the repetition of the thing did not abate
its hardship. Most of it was utterly untrue, the remainder, to a
great extent, was ill-tempered banter, and the whole was provokingly
disagreeable. Whitefield was quite as sensitive as are popular men in
general; and there can hardly be a doubt that such injustice caused him
many a bitter pang. In the midst of all, however, he rarely, if ever,
lost his equanimity; and he generally avoided “rendering railing for
railing.” He doubtless prized his reputation, as every good man does;
but his own fame was to him of less importance than the prosperity
of the work of God. Whatever interfered with that created profound
distress; and, hence, it is not surprising, that he replied to one of
the slanderous publications just mentioned. If what the “Gentleman in
New England” had said was true, the Presbyterians in Scotland might
justly look upon Whitefield’s ministry with suspicion and alarm. To
prevent this, Whitefield wrote and published the following: “Some
Remarks on a late Pamphlet, entitled, ‘The State of Religion in New
England, since the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield’s arrival there.’ Glasgow:
printed by William Duncan, and sold by the booksellers in Edinburgh
and Glasgow, 1742.” (16mo. 32 pp.) The “Remarks” are dated “Cambuslang,
August 31, 1742.”
Want of space renders it impossible to give a lengthened outline of
Whitefield’s pamphlet. Speaking of the publication to which he was now
replying, he truly says: “The design of it is base and wicked. It is
intended, if possible, to eclipse the late great and glorious work in
New England; to invalidate the testimonies that have been given of it;
and, thereby, to bring a reproach upon, and to hinder the spreading
of, a like glorious work, which God, of His infinite mercy, has, for
some time, been carrying on in Scotland.” He proceeds to shew that the
gentlemen, who had testified concerning the scriptural character of
the New England revival, were men of “sound understanding, integrity,
sobriety of manners, and piety.” Among others, he mentions the
Honourable Mr. Willard, secretary of the province; also the Rev.
Messrs. Colman, Cooper, and Prince, who held degrees conferred by the
University of Glasgow. He gives numerous testimonies, by persons living
on the spot, flatly contradicting the sweeping accusations of the
“Gentleman in New England;” and shews that some of his quotations
were so garbled as to be practically false. Stoutly defending his
friend Tennent, he writes: “I have the happiness of being intimately
acquainted with Mr. Gilbert Tennent. I scarcely know a man of a more
catholic spirit. Indeed, to the honour of the grace of God be it spoken,
he is a son of thunder, especially in his applications, and when he
is preaching the law. At such times, people cannot easily sleep. He is
a workman that needs not be ashamed, and is taught of God rightly to
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