Journals - Whitefield - XV - From his Arrival at London to his Departure...to Georgia concluded

Required reading
The Journals of George Whitefield (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude 'From his Arrival at London to his Departure...to Georgia' by reading up to the heading 'London'.

My summary
This week we read of Whitefield's time in:
(i) London;
(ii) Hertford;
(iii) Olney;
(iv) Northampton;
(v) Bedford;
(vi) St Albans.

Whitefield continues to be convinced that the Lord would have him preach in the open air.  The crowds continue to increase with Whitefield estimating that as many as 80,000 came to hear him preach.

We also read a lengthy account about Whitefield's counsel to a young man (Seward) who was diagnosed as 'Methodically mad'.

What grabbed me
I enjoyed the account of Seward, particularly this part: 'According to his request I paid him a visit and found him in perfect health both in body and mind.  A day or two after, I and Mr Seward went and talked with his sister who gave me the three following symptoms of his being mad.  1. That he fasted for near a fortnight.  2. That he prayed so as to be heard four storeys high.  3. That he had sold his clothes and given them to the poor.  This the young man himself explained to me before, and ingenuously confessed, that under his first awakenings, he was one day reading the story of the young man whom our Lord commanded to sell all, and to give to the poor; and thinking it must be taken in the literal sense, out of love to Jesus Christ he sold his clothes, and gave the money to the poor.  This is nothing but what is common to persons at their first setting out in the spiritual life.  Satan will, if possible, drive them to extremes.  If such converts were left to God, or had some experienced person to consult with, they would soon come into the liberties of the Gospel.  But how should those who have not been tempted like unto their brethren, be able to succour those that are tempted.'

This incident illustrates the importance of finding a good local church for new converts.

Next week's reading
Commence 'During the Time he was detained in England...' by reading up to the heading 'Bristol'.

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