Life and times of George Whitefield by Robert Philip (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example)
We read of his experience with:
- the charge of antinomianism;
- the paroxysms of his hearers;
- the desire for marriage to Miss E----- (very odd correspondence is included!);
- further persecutions from clergy and the police;
- other like-minded ministers, including Edwards.
There was an interesting anecdote concerning children in today's reading: 'One of his most effectual sermons at Webb's chapel, was occasioned by the touching remark of a dying boy, who had heard him the day before. The boy was taken ill after the sermon, and said, " I want to go to Mr. Whitefield's God;"—and expired. This touched "the secret place" of both the thunder and the tears of Whitefield. " It encouraged me to speak to little ones: but oh, how were the old people affected, when I said, "Little children, if your parents will not come to Christ, do you come, and go to heaven without them." After this awful appeal, no wonder that "there were but few dry eyes." Only a Whitefield, however, could have drawn tears by it. In the generality of lips, it would harden, not soften, worldly parents; and only shock affectionate children.'
What an appeal to children! It is easy to overlook them in our preaching but we shouldn't.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 8, 'Whitefield's breach with Wesley'.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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