July 28, 2013

Great Awakening - Tracy - VIII - Chapter 7 (Whitefield's first visit to New England)

Required reading
The Great Awakening: A history of the revival of religion in the time of Edwards & Whitefield by Joseph Tracy (Available from Amazon or free here) -
Read Chapter 7 (Whitefield's first visit to New England).
 

My summary
Today we begin learning about Whitefield's tour of New England.

We hear about the response of many unconverted to his preaching and the contribution of much money to his orphan house.

A particular recurring theme in today's reading is Whitefield's condemnation of unconverted ministers and his appeals to the many ministers who gathered to hear him.

We also heard a little about the controversy between Whitefield and Wesley over Reformed doctrine.

Edwards also got a mention.

What grabbed me
I enjoyed hearing about Edwards' marriage as described by Whitefield: 'On the Sabbath, he "felt wonderful satisfaction in being at the house of Mr. Edwards. He is a son himself, and bath also a daughter of Abraham for his wife. A sweeter couple I have not yet seen. Their children were dressed, not in silks and satins, but plain, as becomes the children of those who in all things ought to be examples of Christian simplicity. She is a woman adorned with a meek and quiet spirit, and talked so feelingly and solidly of the things of God, and seemed to be such a helpmeet to her husband, that she caused me to renew those prayers which for some months I have put up to God, that he would send me a daughter of Abraham to be my wife.'

It is possible for great marriages to be given by God's grace to sinful humans.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 8 (Whitefield in New York, and at the South).


Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.

No comments: