Required reading
Life and times of George Whitefield by Robert Philip (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Read the Chapters Two and Three.
My summary
In Chapter Two we hear of Whitefield's work in London before he leaves for America. A nice summary of the chapter is given in the last paragraph: 'At length having preached in a good part of the London churches, collected about a thousand pounds for the charity schools, and got upwards of three hundred pounds for the poor in Georgia, I left London on Dec. 28th 1737, in the twenty-third year of my age, and went in the strength of God, as a poor pilgrim, on board the Whitaker.'
In Chapter Three we read of Whitefield's first journey to America and his work in Georgia. A summary is given of his work in Georgia at the end of the chapter: 'It had been his practice to read prayers and expound (besides visiting the sick) twice a day. On Sunday, he expounded at five in the morning; at ten, read prayers and preached; and at three in the afternoon; and at seven in the evening, he expounded the Church Catechism.'
What grabbed me
It is always sad to hear of attacks from inside the camp coming against ministers: 'Soon after this, two clergymen sent for me, and told me they would not let me preach in their pulpits any more, unless I renounced that part of the preface of my sermon on Regeneration, wherein I wished, that my brethren would entertain their auditories oftener with discourses on the new birth. This I had not freedom to do - and so they continued my opposers.'
Incredible to think a fellow minister would actually try and forbid another from speaking about the new birth. In doing so they really reveal themselves as wolves in sheep's clothing.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter Four.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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