Chapter XIX: Part 19

At this period, one of the most popular of the metropolitan actors was a young man of twenty-seven――Edward Shuter, born in a cellar adjoining Covent Garden――“the offspring of a chairman on the one side, and of an oyster-woman on the other.” He had been a marker at a billiard table, and a tapster at a public-house. He had joined a company of strolling players, among whom, by his drolleries and good nature, he soon acquired the appellation of _Comical Ned_. At length, Garrick engaged him at Drury Lane. “He was so thoroughly acquainted,” says a critical authority, “with the _vis comica_, that he seldom called in those common auxiliaries, grimace and buffoonery, but rested entirely on genuine humour. He had strong features, and a peculiar turn of face, which, without any natural deformity, he threw into the most ridiculous shapes.” His facetiousness was irresistible. Being in disgrace, on one occasion, for some irregularity in his performance, the audience demanded an apology, and vehemently called for him, after he had made his exit. At the time they were vociferating “Shuter! Shuter!” an actress happened to be the only person on the stage, when Shuter, poking out his comical face, from behind one of the scenes, called out, “Don’t _shoot her_!” which restored the good temper of the spectators for the rest of the evening.

It is a strange fact, that, this remarkable man――“the greatest comic genius I ever saw,” said Garrick[418]――was now one of Whitefield’s constant hearers. Hence the following to the Countess of Huntingdon:――

“LONDON, _March 2, 1757_.

“Not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but some come to
hear at Tottenham Court. Shuter, the player, always makes one
of the auditory, and, as I hear, is much impressed, and brings
others with him.”

The good Countess, from this, was led to take an interest in Shuter’s welfare. In a letter, to Lady Fanny Shirley, she says:――

“I have had a visit from Shuter, the comedian, whom I saw
in the street, and asked to call on me. He was wonderfully
astonished when I announced my name. We had much conversation;
but he cannot give up his profession for another more reputable.
He spoke of Mr. Whitefield with great affection, and with
admiration of his talents. He promised to come some other time,
when he had more leisure for conversation. Poor fellow! I think
he is not far from the kingdom.”[419]

It is related that on one occasion, when Shuter was in the height of his reputation, as the representative of “Ramble,” and while he was seated in a pew exactly in front of the pulpit of Tottenham Court chapel, Whitefield was inviting sinners to the Saviour, with his accustomed earnestness, and, at the moment, caught Shuter’s eye, and exclaimed, “And thou, poor _Ramble_, who hast long _rambled_ from Him, come thou also. Oh, end thy _ramblings_ by coming to Jesus!”[420] This, certainly, was more personal than polite; but poor Shuter bore it. Long after, when his friends used to rate him as a Methodist, he would say, “A precious _method_ is mine! No, I wish I were; for if any be right, the Methodists are.”[421]

On Monday, April 25, Whitefield set out for Scotland. Sixteen days afterwards, he arrived in Edinburgh, where he at once commenced preaching in his old open-air cathedral, the Orphan Hospital Park, and, for nearly a month, preached twice a day, morning and evening, “to very numerous audiences.”[422]

In all respects, this was a memorable visit. A week after Whitefield’s arrival, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland met at Edinburgh, Charles, the ninth Baron of Cathcart, being his Majesty’s commissioner,――“a nobleman no less distinguished for the virtues which adorn private life, than he was eminent for all those which exalt a public character. In the capacity of father, husband, and friend, his lordship had few equals, and was exceeded by none in discharging, with dignity and ability, the duties of the high stations in which he had been placed by his sovereign.”[423] The Rev. William Leechman, D.D., Professor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow, was chosen moderator. Leechman was a celebrated preacher, a popular lecturer, “a man,” says Sir Henry Moncreiff, “of primitive and apostolic manners, equally distinguished by his love of literature and his liberal opinions.”[424] The sessions of the Assembly were continued from the 19th to the 30th of May, and Whitefield attended every one of them. “On Saturday, the 28th, he dined, by invitation, with the commissioner, (though not at the same table,) and said grace after dinner.”[425] Much important business was transacted. A committee was appointed “to consider the laws relating to the _election_ and _qualifications of members of Assembly_.” An act of the Synod of Argyle, “that the use of sermons on the Saturday before, and Monday after, dispensing the sacrament of the Lord’s supper, be discontinued in all time coming,” occasioned a long debate, but was ultimately approved. A minister was arraigned for attending a theatre. A second minister, accused of the same offence, pleaded “that he had gone to the playhouse only once, and _endeavoured to conceal himself in a corner_.” Lengthened discussions followed, and a resolution was passed, “earnestly recommending the several Presbyteries to take care that none of their ministers do, upon any account, attend the theatre.” Another resolution was approved, forbidding “_simoniacal practices_.” Several cases of “_double presentation_” to livings had to be decided. A scandal respecting the Rev. William Brown occupied considerable time; but the result was, the Assembly “assoilzied Mr. Brown.” Appeals and petitions from ministers were heard, and resolutions were passed respecting the fund for ministers’ widows, and “anent ministers making _agreements with their heritors_ concerning the extent of their stipends.”

Listening to learned and long debates on these and kindred subjects was Whitefield’s daily recreation between his morning and evening preachings.

On June 6, he set out for Glasgow, where he continued several days.[426] An extract from the _Scots’ Magazine_ for 1757, page 322, may be welcome:――

“In a letter from Glasgow, of June 19, we have the following
account: ‘On Monday last, the Rev. Mr. Whitefield, at the desire
of several of our magistrates, preached a sermon for the benefit
of the poor of this city, from Mark vi. 34. At the conclusion of
his discourse, he pressed the charity with many solid arguments.
A number of the magistrates and elders stood up to collect at
the outside of the congregation; who went away with regularity,
and gave their contributions very cheerfully. The whole amounted
to £58 sterling, which is all to be applied to the relief of our
poor. After the sermon, the magistrates waited on Mr. Whitefield,
and thanked him for this good office, which has given great and
general satisfaction.’”

At Whitefield’s farewell sermon in the Orphan Hospital Park, Edinburgh, there was a young Scotchman present, who afterwards became one of Wesley’s most faithful and sturdy itinerants. Thomas Rankin, born at Dunbar, was now resident at Leith, and came to Edinburgh to hear the great preacher. He writes:――

“I had often before had thoughts of hearing Mr. Whitefield; but
so many things had been said to me of him, that I was afraid
I should be deceived. He preached in the field adjoining the
Orphan House yard. His text was Isaiah xxxiii. 13–17. The sermon
exceeded all the sermons I ever heard. About the middle of
it, I ventured to look up, and saw all the crowds around Mr.
Whitefield bathed in tears. I listened with wonder and surprise,
and had such a discovery of the plan of salvation as I had never
known before. I was astonished at myself that I had listened to
the idle tales concerning him, and thereby have been kept from
hearing a burning and shining light, who had been instrumental
in the hand of God for the good of so many thousands of souls.
When I understood he was about to leave Edinburgh, I was
distressed. I remembered more of that sermon than of all the
sermons I had ever heard. I had a discovery of the unsearchable
riches of the grace of God in Christ Jesus; as also of how a
lost sinner was to come to God, and obtain mercy through the
Redeemer. From this time, I was truly convinced of the necessity
of a change of heart.”[427]

As already stated, Thomas Rankin became one of ♦Wesley’s most valuable preachers. His labours, both in England and in America, were of great importance; and, if no other end had been accomplished by Whitefield’s present visit to the Scotch metropolis, the conversion of Rankin was an ample compensation for all his toil and travelling.

Whitefield’s account of his visit is brief and imperfect. He writes on May 31st: “Attendance upon the Assembly, and preaching, have engrossed all my time.” In another letter, dated Glasgow, June 9, 1757, he remarks:――

“At Edinburgh, I was so taken up all day, and kept up so late at
night, that writing was almost impracticable. Surely, my going
thither was of God. I came there on the 12th of May, and left
the 6th of June, and preached just fifty times. To what purpose,
the great day will discover. I have reason to believe to very
good purpose. Being the time of the General Assembly, (at which
I was much pleased,) many ministers attended, perhaps a hundred
at a time. Thereby prejudices were removed, and many of their
hearts were deeply impressed. About thirty of them, as a token
of respect, invited me to a public entertainment. The Lord High
Commissioner also invited me to his table; and many persons of
credit and religion did the same in a public manner. Thousands
and thousands, among whom were a great many of the best rank,
daily attended on the word preached; and the longer I stayed,
the more the congregations and Divine influence increased. Twice
I preached in my way to Glasgow; and, last night, opened my
campaign here. The cloud seems to move towards Ireland. How
the Redeemer vouchsafes to deal with me there, you shall know
hereafter.”

Whitefield’s previous visit to Ireland had been greatly blessed. The people longed to give him another welcome. One section of his converts had laid the foundation of a prosperous Moravian church. Another had formed a Baptist congregation. A number of others were scattered, and needed encouragement.[428] He went to help them, and his visit was memorable. To the day of his death, a deep scar in his head was a memento of it.[429] He shall tell his own story.

“DUBLIN, _June 30, 1757_.

“The door is open, and indeed the poor Methodists want help.
Here, in Dublin, the congregations are very large, and very
much impressed. The Redeemer vouchsafes to me great freedom in
preaching, and arrows of conviction fly and fasten. One of the
bishops told a nobleman, he was glad I was come to rouse the
people. The nobleman himself told me this yesterday. Alas! that
so few have the ambition of coming out to the help of the Lord
against the mighty. Not one clergyman, in all Ireland, is as
yet stirred up to come out _singularly_ for God. Pity, Lord, for
Thy mercy’s sake! I think God will yet appear for the Protestant
interest. My route now is to Athlone, Limerick, and Cork; and to
return here about July 21st.”

“DUBLIN, _July 3, 1757_.

“The infinitely condescending Jesus still vouchsafes to follow
the chief of sinners with His unmerited blessing. In Scotland,
His almighty arm was most powerfully revealed; and here, in
Dublin, many have begun to say, ‘What shall we do to be saved?’
Congregations are large, and very much impressed. All sorts
attend, and all sorts seem to be affected. I should be glad
to come to London, but cannot in conscience as yet. Not one
minister, either in the Church or among the Dissenters, in this
kingdom, as far as I can hear, appears boldly for God. To-morrow,
therefore, I purpose to set out for Athlone, Limerick, and
Cork. God only knows where, after that, will be the next remove.
Perhaps to London; perhaps to the north of Ireland, which,
I hear, lies open for the gospel. Winter must be the London
harvest. O for more labourers, who will account the work itself
the best wages!

“July 5. Since writing the above, I have been in the wars; but,
blessed be God, am pretty well recovered, and going on my way
rejoicing. Pray hard.”

“_July 9, 1757._

“You have heard of my being in Ireland, and of my preaching to
large and affected auditories in Mr. Wesley’s spacious room.
When here last, I preached in a more confined place on the
week-days, and once or twice ventured out to Oxmanton Green,
a large place like Moorfields, situated very near the barracks,
where the _Ormond_[430] and _Liberty_ (that is, _high and low
party_) _Boys_ generally assemble every Sunday, to fight with
each other. The congregations then were very numerous, the word
seemed to come with power, and no noise or disturbance ensued.
This encouraged me to give notice, that I would preach there
again last Sunday afternoon.

“I went through the barracks, the door of which opens into the
Green, and pitched my tent near the barrack walls, not doubting
of the protection, or at least interposition, of the officers
and soldiery, if there should be occasion. But how vain is the
help of man! Vast was the multitude that attended. We sang,
prayed, and preached, without much molestation; only, now and
then, a few stones and clods of dirt were thrown at me. It being
war time, I exhorted my hearers, as is my usual practice, not
only to fear God, but to honour the best of kings; and, after
the sermon, I prayed for success to the Prussian arms.[431]

“All being over, I thought to return home the way I came; but,
to my great surprise, access to the barracks was denied, so that
I had to go near half a mile, from one end of the Green to the
other, through hundreds and hundreds of papists, etc. Finding
me unattended, (for a soldier and four Methodist preachers,[432]
who came with me, had forsook me and fled,) I was left to their
mercy. Their mercy, as you may easily guess, was perfect cruelty.
Vollies of hard stones came from all quarters, and every step
I took, a fresh stone struck, and made me reel backwards and
forwards, till I was almost breathless, and was covered all over
with blood. My strong beaver hat served me, as it were, for a
skullcap for a while; but, at last, that was knocked off, and my
head left quite defenceless. I received many blows and wounds;
one was particularly large near my temples. Providentially,
a minister’s house stood next door to the Green. With great
difficulty I staggered to the door, which was kindly opened to,
and shut upon me. Some of the mob, in the meantime, broke part
of the boards of the pulpit into splinters, and beat and wounded
my servant grievously in his head and arms, and then came and
drove him from the door of the house where I had found a refuge.

“For a while, I continued speechless, expecting every breath
to be my last. Two or three of my friends, by some means, got
admission, and kindly washed my wounds. I gradually revived, but
soon found the lady of the house desired my absence, for fear
the house should be pulled down. What to do, I knew not, being
near two miles from Mr. Wesley’s place. Some advised one thing,
and some another. At length, a carpenter, one of the friends
who came in, offered me his wig and coat, that I might go off
in disguise. I accepted of them, and put them on, but was soon
ashamed of not trusting my Master to secure me in my proper
habit, and threw them off in disdain. Immediately, deliverance
came. A Methodist preacher, with two friends, brought a coach;
I leaped into it, and rode, in gospel triumph, through the oaths,
curses, and imprecations of whole streets of papists, unhurt.

“None but those who were spectators of the scene can form an
idea of the affection with which I was received by the weeping,
mourning, but now joyful Methodists. A Christian surgeon was
ready to dress my wounds, which being done, I went into the
preaching place, and, after giving a word of exhortation, joined
in a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to Him, who makes our
extremity His opportunity, and who stills the noise of the waves,
and the madness of the most malignant people.

“The next morning, I set out for Port Arlington, and left my
persecutors to His mercy, who out of persecutors has often made
preachers.”[433]

The hard knocks Whitefield received from the Dublin papists did not prevent the carrying out of his plan to visit the towns already mentioned. Hence the following:――

“CORK, _July 15, 1757_.

“Everywhere the glorious Emmanuel so smiles upon my feeble
labours, that it is hard to get away from Ireland. At
Port-Arlington, Athlone, Limerick, and this place, the word has
run and been glorified. Arrows of conviction seem to fly; and the
cup of many has been made to run over. I have met with some hard
blows from the Dublin rabble; but, blessed be God! they have not
destroyed me.”

In another letter, addressed to the Rev. John Gillies, of Glasgow, and dated, “Wednesbury, Staffordshire, August 7, 1757,” he wrote:――

“Though Mr. Hopper promised to write you an historical letter,
from Dublin, I cannot help dropping you a few lines from this
place. At Athlone, Limerick, Cork, and especially at Dublin,
where I preached near fifty times, we had Cambuslang seasons.
With the utmost difficulty, I came away. The blows I received
were like to send me where all partings would have been over.
But, I find, we are immortal till our work is done.”

Whitefield found it difficult to get away; but it is a notable fact that he never went again. This was his last visit to Ireland! He went but twice, and both of his visits put together were not of three months’ continuance. Wesley made twenty visits, most of them of long duration. Ireland’s debt to Whitefield is but small; but to Wesley great.

After an absence of about four months, Whitefield got back to London. One of the first things that claimed his attention was the business of his Orphan House, which had recently been visited by the governor of Georgia. The following was addressed to his housekeeper:――

“LONDON, _August 26, 1757_.

“I think myself happy, in finding you are satisfied in your
present situation. I would rather have you to preside over the
orphan family than any woman I know. I do not love changes.
Sometimes I wish for wings to fly over; but Providence detains
me here.[434] I fear a dreadful storm is at hand. Lord Jesus,
be Thou our refuge! At Dublin, I was like to be sent beyond the
reach of storms. A most blessed influence attended the word in
various parts of Ireland; and here, in London, the prospect is
more and more promising. As to outward things, all is gloomy.
I hope Bethesda will be kept in peace. I am glad the governor
has been to visit the house. May God make him a blessing to the
colony! I wish you would let me know how the English children
are disposed of. I would fain have a list of black and white,
from time to time. Blessed be God for the increase of the
negroes! I entirely approve of reducing the number of orphans as
low as possible; and I am determined to take in no more than the
plantation will maintain, till I can buy more negroes. Never was
I so well satisfied with my assistants as now.”

Whitefield’s stay in London was short. Accompanied by the Revs. Martin Madan and Henry Venn, he soon set out, on a six weeks’ journey, to the west of England. Extracts from two of his letters will furnish an idea of his spirit and his work.

“EXETER, _September 28, 1757_.

“Blessed be God! I can send you good news concerning Plymouth.
The scene was like that of Bristol, only more extraordinary.
Officers, soldiers, sailors, and the dockmen attended, with the
utmost solemnity, upon the word preached. Arrows of conviction
flew and fastened; and I left all God’s people upon the wing for
heaven. Blessed be the Lord Jesus for ordering me the lot of a
_cast-out_! I am glad that Mr. Madan and Mr. Venn returned safe.
May an effectual door be opened for both! If so, they will have
many adversaries. If the weather should alter, I may be in town
before long; if not, I may range farther. This spiritual hunting
is delightful sport, when the heart is in the work.”

The next is taken from a letter to the Rev. John Gillies. The “Counsellor” mentioned was Mr. Madan, who, before his ordination, practised at the bar.

“LONDON, _October 16, 1757_.

“REVEREND AND VERY DEAR SIR,――I thank you for your sympathising
letter sent to Ireland. The Friend of sinners stood by me, or
I had been stoned to death. Stones were thrown at me, not for
speaking against the papists in particular, but, for exciting
all ranks to be faithful to King Jesus, and to our dear
sovereign King George, for His great name’s sake.

“Seven gospel ministers were together at Bristol, when the
Counsellor preached. We have had blessed seasons, for these six
weeks last past, at Plymouth, Exeter, Bristol, Gloucester, and
Gloucestershire. This comes from my winter quarters.”

Whitefield was again in London, where he continued for seven months.

The “Counsellor,” the Rev. Martin Madan, was now a red-hot evangelist. He had preached through Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire.[435] The number of Methodist clergymen was rather rapidly increasing. Besides Whitefield, the Wesleys, Hervey, Grimshaw, Romaine, Madan, Venn, Walker, and others already mentioned in this biography, there were now the Rev. James Stillingfleet, ultimately rector of Hotham, in Yorkshire; the Rev. Mr. Downing, chaplain to the Earl of Dartmouth; and the Rev. William Talbot, LL.D., vicar of Kineton, in Warwickshire, a man of aristocratic family.[436] In this year, 1757, not fewer than five of these earnest clergymen, Messrs. Walker, Talbot, Downing, Stillingfleet, and Madan, at the request of Lord Dartmouth,[437] had preached at Cheltenham.[438] On three or four occasions, Mr. Downing obtained the pulpit of the parish church; but the rector and the churchwardens interposed, and the zealous Methodist was excluded. Lord Dartmouth then opened his own house for preaching, twice a week; and, sometimes, the seminary of Mr. Samuel Wells was used for the same purpose.[439] In a letter to the Countess of Huntingdon, his lordship wrote:――

“I wish your ladyship would use your influence with Mr.
Whitfield and Mr. Romaine to pay us a visit. Mr. Stillingfleet
has been obliged to return to Oxford, and I know not where to
direct to Mr. Madan or Mr. Venn. Mr. Talbot has promised to come
as soon as possible; and, next month, I expect good Mr. Walker,
of Truro. The rector was so displeased with Mr. Downing
preaching, and the great crowds who flocked to hear him, that
he excluded him from the pulpit after three or four sermons, and
refused to admit Mr. Stillingfleet, though I said everything I
could to induce him to do so. Since then, I have opened my house,
but find it too small for the numbers who solicit permission to
attend. I have no hopes of again obtaining the use of the parish
church.”

Just at this time, Madan came to Cheltenham, and was soon after joined by Venn, and by Maddock, the latter the curate of Hervey, of Weston-Favel. Contrary to the expectations of Lord Dartmouth, both Madan and Venn were several times admitted to the parish pulpit. Then came Whitefield, and an immense crowd collected, expecting that he also would preach in the church. Attended by Lord and Lady Dartmouth, and by Messrs. Madan, Venn, Talbot, and Downing, the renowned preacher proceeded to the church door. They found it closed against them. Whitefield, never at a loss for pulpits, mounted a neighbouring tombstone, and preached. The Rev. Henry Venn shall tell the remainder of the story. In a letter to Lady Huntingdon, he wrote:――

“Under Mr. Whitefield’s sermon, many, among the immense crowd
that filled every part of the burial ground, were overcome with
fainting. Some sobbed deeply; others wept silently; and a solemn
concern appeared on the countenance of almost the whole assembly.
When he came to impress the injunction in the text (Isaiah
li. 1) his words seemed to cut like a sword, and several in
the congregation burst out into the most piercing bitter cries.
Mr. Whitefield, at this juncture, made a pause, and then burst
into a flood of tears. During this short interval, Mr. Madan and
myself stood up, and requested the people to restrain themselves,
as much as possible, from making any noise. Twice afterwards, we
had to repeat the same counsel. O with what eloquence, energy,
and melting tenderness, did Mr. Whitefield beseech sinners to be
reconciled to God! When the sermon was ended, the people seemed
chained to the ground. Mr. Madan, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Downing, and
myself found ample employment in endeavouring to comfort those
broken down under a sense of guilt. We separated in different
directions among the crowd, and each was quickly surrounded by
an attentive audience, still eager to hear all the words of this
life.

“The next day, a like scene was witnessed, when dear Mr.
Whitefield preached to a prodigious congregation from Isaiah
lv. 6. In the evening, Mr. Talbot preached at Lord Dartmouth’s,
to as many as the rooms would hold. Hundreds crowded round his
lordship’s residence, anxiously expecting Mr. Whitefield to
preach. Exhausted as he was from his exertions in the morning,
when he heard that there were multitudes without, he stood
upon a table near the front of the house, and ♦proclaimed the
efficacy of the Saviour’s blood to cleanse the vilest of the
vile.

“Intelligence of the extraordinary power attending the word
soon spread, and the next day we had Mr. Charles Wesley and
many friends from Bristol, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Rodborough,
and the villages in the neighbourhood; but all loud weeping and
piercing cries had subsided, and the work of conversion went on
in a more silent manner. For several days, we have had public
preaching, which has been well attended, and much solid good has
been done.

“Mr. Whitefield and myself purpose leaving this for London the
day after to-morrow; and Mr. Madan and Mr. Talbot go in a few
days to Northamptonshire.”[440]

This was a glorious “mission week,” in Cheltenham churchyard, a hundred and twenty-nine years ago. It is rather remarkable that Whitefield himself has left no account of it; but, shortly after, he wrote, as follows, to Mr. Madan, pursuing his “mission” work in Northamptonshire.

“LONDON, _November 3, 1757_.

“Your kind letter was very acceptable. Ere now, I trust, the
Redeemer has given you the prospect of the barren wilderness
being turned into a fruitful field. Never fear. Jesus will
delight to honour you. Every clergyman’s name is Legion. Two
more are lately ordained.[441] The kingdom of God suffereth
violence, and, if we would take it by force, we must do violence
to our softest passions, and be content to be esteemed unkind
by those whose idols we once were. This is hard work; but, Abba,
Father, all things are possible with Thee!

“Blessed be God! for putting it into your heart to ask my pulpit
for a week-day sermon. Are we not commanded to be instant in
season and out of season? If dear Mrs. Madan will take my word
for it, I will be answerable for your health. The joy resulting
from doing good will be a continual feast. God knows how long
our time of working may last. This order undoes us. As affairs
now stand, we must be disorderly, or useless. O for more
labourers!

“I am told thousands went away last Sunday evening from
Tottenham Court, for want of room. Every day produces fresh
accounts of good being done. At this end of the town, the word
runs, and is glorified more and more. Last Friday, we had a
most solemn fast. I preached thrice. Thousands attended; and,
I humbly hope, our prayers entered into the ears of the Lord of
Sabaoth. More bad news from America about our fleet. God humble
and reform us! Go on, my dear sir, and tell a sinful nation,
that sin and unbelief are the accursed things which prevent
success. Thus, at last, we shall deliver our souls, and be free
from the blood of all men.

“That you may return to London in all the fulness of the
blessings of the gospel of Christ, is and shall be the prayer of,
dear sir,

“Yours, etc.,

“GEORGE WHITEFIELD.”

While Whitefield was acquiring new friends, he was losing old ones. Jonathan Belcher, governor of the province of New Jersey, died on August 31, 1757; and Aaron Burr, President of New Jersey College, within a month afterwards. “The deaths of Governor Belcher, and President Burr,” wrote Whitefield, “are dark providences; but Jesus lives and reigns. Lord, raise up Elishas in the room of ascended Elijahs!”[442]

Whitefield’s correspondence was enormous. As a rule, no letters have been introduced in the present work, except such as contained facts and statements illustrative of his work and history. Mere _friendly_ letters, though existing in great numbers, have been excluded. As a specimen of hundreds of others, which might have been inserted, the following, hitherto unpublished, may be welcome. They relate to the marriage of the grandfather and grandmother of James Rooker, Esq., solicitor, at Bideford, by whom they have been courteously lent:――

“LONDON, _November 15, 1757_.

“DEAR MISS MOLLY,――Though weak in body, yet, as perhaps it may
be the last time I may write to you in your present position, be
pleased to accept a few valedictory lines.

“I think you may cheerfully say, ‘I will go with the man.’
Providence seems to have directed you to one who, I trust, will
love you as Christ loves the Church. My poor prayers will always
follow you. That you may be a mother in Israel, and, in every
respect, be enabled to walk as becometh the wife of a true
minister of Jesus Christ, is, and shall be, the ardent desire of,
dear Miss Molly, your affectionate friend and ready servant for
Christ’s sake,

“GEORGE WHITEFIELD.

“To Miss Molly Shepherd.”

“LONDON, _January 17, 1758_.
“_Seven in the morning._

“REVEREND AND DEAR SIR,――I wish you joy, from my inmost soul,
of being married to one of the best-women, and of being admitted
into one of the best families in England. I never had the least
doubt of your affair being of God. You have called Jesus and His
disciples to the marriage; and your letter sent me to my knees
with tears of joy and strong cryings that the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus may bless you both. You need not ask, my dear sir,
the continuance of my friendship. I value you as a dear minister
of Christ, and as the husband of one who was presented by her
honoured father at the table of the Lord. I doubt not of her
being a help-meet for you,――a mother in Israel. May you, like
Zachary and Elizabeth, be enabled to walk in all the ordinances
and commandments of the Lord blameless! I am glad the dear
little female flock at Bideford will have such an agreeable
addition to their society. That grace, mercy, and peace may be
multiplied on them and you, is, and shall be, the hearty prayer
of, reverend and dear sir, your affectionate friend and ready
servant in our common Lord,

“GEORGE WHITEFIELD.

“My wife joins in cordial respects.
“To the Rev. Mr. Lavington.”

Scores of such letters might be introduced,――the spontaneous effusions of a warm-hearted Christian friendship.

Whitefield’s incessant and arduous labours began to affect his health. Hence the following extracts from his correspondence:――

“London, November 26, 1757. Last week, my poor feeble labours
almost brought me to the grave; but preaching three times,
yesterday, on account of the late success of the Prussians,
has somewhat recovered me. It was a high day: thousands and
thousands attended.”

“London, December 14, 1757. By New Year’s Day, I hope, we shall
be able to discharge our Tottenham Court chapel debts. Every day
proves more and more that it was built for the glory of Christ,
and the welfare of many precious and immortal souls. But my
attendance on that, and the Tabernacle too, with a weak body,
outward cares, and inward trials, has, of late, frequently
brought me near to my wished-for port. I am brought to the short
allowance of preaching but once a day, and thrice on a Sunday.

“Round the Tottenham Court chapel there is a most beautiful
piece of ground, and some good folks have purposed erecting
almshouses on each side, for godly widows. I have a plan for
twelve. The whole expense will be £400. We have got £100. The
widows are to have half a crown a week. The sacrament money,
which will be more than enough, is to be devoted to this purpose.
Thus will many widows be provided for, and a standing monument
be left, that the Methodists were not against good works.”

Thus did Whitefield end the year 1757 in caring for widows, as, for the last twenty years, he had cared for orphans.

He began the new year, 1758, with a devout outburst of patriotic gratitude. As already stated, Frederick, King of Prussia, had recently won a most important battle; and Whitefield wished to recognize the hand of God in the defeat of his country’s enemies. “Monday, January 2,” says the _Gentleman’s Magazine_ for 1758, p. 41, “was observed as a day of thanksgiving, at the chapel in Tottenham Court Road, by Mr. Whitefield’s people, for the signal victories gained by the King of Prussia over his enemies.”

It was a trial to Whitefield to be obliged to preach but once a day on week-days, and thrice on Sundays; but, as usual, he was thankful and jubilant. The debt on the chapel in Tottenham Court Road was paid; his friend Martin Madan had become a son of thunder; numbers of sinners were being saved; and the political horizon was growing brighter. The following are extracts from his letters:――

“London, January 12, 1758. A more effectual door than ever seems
to be opening in this metropolis. A counsellor, lately ordained,
turns out a Boanerges. Thousands and thousands flock to hear the
everlasting gospel. Let us wrestle in prayer for each other.”

“London, January 17, 1758. What can reconcile us to stay longer
on earth, but the prospect of seeing the kingdom of the Lord
Jesus advanced? It is very promising in London. Mr. Madan is a
Boanerges. The chapel is made a Bethel. Blessed be God! all the
debt is paid.”

The godly and benevolent John Thornton, Esq., was now a young man rising rapidly into notice. In his house, at Clapham, Whitefield frequently expounded to large assemblies.[443] To Miss Gideon,[444] the friend and correspondent of Venn, Whitefield wrote as follows:――

“London, February 3, 1758. I am reduced to the short allowance
of preaching once a day, except thrice on a Sunday. At both ends
of the town, the word runs and is glorified. The champions in
the Church go on like sons of thunder. I am to be at Clapham
this evening. Mr. Venn will gladly embrace the first opportunity.
Bristol, in all probability, will be my first spring excursion.”

In another letter, of the same date, he wrote:――

“The plan concerted some time ago is likely to be put into
execution. The trenches for the wall are begun; and, by the
1st of May, the almshouses are to be finished. If possible, I
would furnish them, that the poor might be sure of goods, as
well as a house. The thing has scarce, as yet, taken wind. By
thoughtfulness, frequent preaching, and a crazy tabernacle, my
nightly rests are continually broken; but the joy of the Lord is
my strength. I hope ere long to be where I shall keep awake for
ever.”

The next letter, addressed to Professor Francke, of Germany, though containing but little additional information, is too interesting to be omitted.

“LONDON, _March 5, 1758_.

“MOST REVEREND AND DEAR SIR,――Through grace, the fields are as
ready to harvest as ever. In the summer, I range; and, with a
table for my pulpit, and the heavens for my sounding-board, I
am enabled, generally thrice a day, to call to many thousands
to come to Jesus that they may have life. In the winter, I am
confined to London; but, to my great mortification, through
continual vomitings, want of rest, and of appetite, I have been
reduced, for some time, to the short allowance of preaching
only once a day, except Sundays, when I generally preach thrice.
Thousands attend every evening, at both ends of the town; and,
on Sundays, many, many go away for want of room. The Divine
presence is amongst us, and every week produces fresh instances
of the power of converting grace.

“Blessed be God! we meet with no disturbances in town, and very
seldom in the country; but last year, while I was preaching
in the fields in Ireland, a popish mob was so incensed at my
proclaiming the Lord our Righteousness, and at my praying for
our good old King, and the King of Prussia, that they surrounded,
stoned, and almost killed me. But we are immortal till our work
is done. Glad should I have been to have died in such a cause.

“Mr. Wesley has Societies in Ireland and elsewhere; and, though
we differ a little in some principles, yet brotherly love
continues. When itinerating, I generally preach among his people,
as freely as among those who are called our own.

“In London, several new flaming preachers are come forth; and
we hear of others, in various parts of the kingdom, who seem
determined to know and preach nothing but Jesus Christ, and Him
crucified.

“Thousands and thousands are now praying daily for success to
the Prussian and Hanoverian arms. Your fast-days were kept here
with great solemnity; and will be so again, God willing, when
I know the day. Our Joshuas are in the field. Many a Moses is
gone up into the mount to pray. ‘_Nil desperandum Christo duce,
auspice Christo._’ He who wrought such wonders for the Prussian
monarch last year, can repeat them this. The distresses of
German Protestants, we look upon as our own. We have also
endeavoured to give thanks for the great mercy vouchsafed your
Orphan House, and the Protestant cause.”

In the third week of the month of May, Whitefield left his “_winter_ quarters,” and set out for the west of England, and for Wales. He began his journey in a one-horse chaise; but driving prevented his reading, and the vehicle nearly shook him to pieces.[445] His servant, also, “who rode the fore-horse, was often exceedingly splashed with dirt, when the roads were bad.” For such reasons, Whitefield wished to exchange his humble conveyance for a more convenient one. He arrived at Gloucester, on Saturday, May 20; and, on the following day, preached thrice and administered the holy sacrament. On Tuesday, May 23, he came to Bristol, and, for the next five days, preached twice daily, either at Bristol, Bath, or Kingswood. His chaise still troubled him, and he longed for “a good four-wheel carriage for £30 or £40.” “I would not,” says he, “lay out a single farthing, but for my blessed Master.” On Monday, May 29, in the best way he could, he started for Wales. On his return to Bristol, he wrote a series of letters to a number of his aristocratic friends. The following are extracts:――

To the Countess Delitz:――

“Bristol, June 16, 1758. Never was I brought so low as on my
late circuit in Wales; but, as far as I can hear, it was one of
the most prosperous I ever took. Twice every day, thousands and
thousands attended, in various towns in South Wales; and, on the
Sundays, the numbers were incredible. Welcome, thrice welcome,
death in such a cause!”

To Captain H――――y:――

“Bristol, June 16, 1758. The Welsh roads have almost demolished
my open one-horse chaise, as well as me. I am almost ashamed of
your being put to so much trouble, in procuring a close chaise
for me; but I like the purchase exceeding well. The legacy is
wonderful. I can give it away with a good grace. At present, I
think the Orphan House shall have the whole. It is much wanted
there.”

To Lady Huntingdon:――

“Bristol, June 17, 1758. This leaves me returned from Wales. It
proved a most delightful trying circuit. I suppose your ladyship
has heard how low I have been in body,――scarce ever lower,――not
able to sit up in company all the time, yet strengthened to
travel without food, and to preach to thousands every day. The
great congregation at Haverfordwest consisted of near fifteen
thousand. O for some disinterested soul to help at the chapel
during the summer season! Spiritual, divine ambition, whither
art thou fled? But I see such honours are reserved for few. I
rejoice in the increase of your ladyship’s spiritual routs; and
can guess at the consolations such uncommon scenes must afford
you.”

The “spiritual routs,” here mentioned, were meetings held twice a week, in the house of the Countess of Huntingdon, and at which Romaine, Madan, and Venn officiated. They were remarkable gatherings, and included, among others, the Duchess of Bedford, the Duchess of Grafton, Lady Jane Scott, Lord and Lady Dacre, Mr. and Lady Anne Connolly, Lady Elizabeth Keppell, Lady Betty Waldegrave, Lady Coventry, Lord Weymouth, Lord Tavistock, the Duchess of Hamilton, the Duchess of Richmond, Lady Ailesbury, Lord and Lady Hertford, Lady Townsend, Lord Trafford, Lord Northampton, Lady Hervey, Lady Pembroke, Lady Northumberland, Lady Rebecca Paulet, Lord Edgecumbe, Lord Lyttleton, Lady Essex, etc., etc.[446] It is impossible to estimate the far-reaching results of meetings like these. A current of Christian influence was created, which affected a large portion of the aristocracy of the land, and, through them, a countless number of other people.

Whitefield bewails the want of men to preach in his Tottenham Court Road chapel. At this very time, he was corresponding with a young man, twenty-three years of age, Robert Robinson, afterwards the famous Dissenting minister at Cambridge. Robinson had recently left London, and gone to Norwich. Here, on May 10, 1758, he wrote Whitefield a long letter, telling him that, six years ago, curiosity drew him to the Tabernacle, to pity Whitefield’s folly, and to abhor the doctrines he preached. Whitefield took for his text, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” Robinson says, he “went pitying the poor deluded Methodists; but came away envying their happiness.” He constantly attended the Tabernacle for two years and seven months before he found peace with God. He had now begun to preach, and writes:――

“How often do I tremble lest I should run before I am sent; yet
I dare not say the Lord has left me without witness. Multitudes
of people come to hear the word, both in Norwich and the
country.”[447]

Whitefield replied to Robinson’s letter as follows:――

“BRISTOL, _May 25, 1758_.

“Why did you not make your case known to me before you left
London? What motives induced you to leave it? How came you to
go to Norwich? What prospect have you of a growing people? You
may send a line to London, and it will be forwarded to me in the
country. I have now opened my summer’s campaign. The Redeemer
has given us a good beginning. Who knows but we shall have a
glorious ending? He is all in all. You find that He strengthens
and blesses you in His work, and causes your rod to bud and
blossom. That your bow may abide in strength, that you may be
clothed with humility, and that the arms of your hands may be
continually strengthened by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob,
is the earnest prayer of your affectionate friend in our common
Lord,

“GEORGE WHITEFIELD.”[448]

Robinson answered Whitefield’s questions:――

“You ask, sir, why I did not make myself known to you in London?
The plain truth is this, I had such a sense of my unworthiness,
that I thought your conversation too great an honour for me to
enjoy.”

Robinson assigns as his reasons for leaving London, the desire of his relatives to see him; a hope that residing in the country would improve his health; and especially a fear that, if he stayed, his London friends would make him preach before God called him. As to the reason of his going to Norwich, he writes:――

“My intention was to settle in the farming business in the
country; but there I found many souls awakened, who had the word
preached but now and then. We met in the evenings to sing and
pray and speak our experience. They often solicited me to preach
among them, as did some neighbouring Dissenting ministers. I
long refused; till they wrung their hands, and wept bitterly,
and told me they were starving for the word. With many doubts
and fears, I, at last, agreed to their request. People came from
adjacent towns to hear me. I was invited higher up the country.
At length, some of Mr. Wheatley’s friends informed him of me.
He sent his clerk, entreating me to come to Norwich. I did come;
and, according to the present appearance of things, I apprehend
I shall be fixed here.”

In reply to Whitefield’s fourth question, Robinson remarked:――

“As to the ‘prospect of a growing people,’――sometimes I think
it bids fair for it; sometimes I think otherwise. The church I
preach to has near forty members, and many more are desirous of
being received. On the Lord’s-day, we have several hundreds of
hearers, who seem very serious, and enquiring the way to Zion.
On the week-days, we have abundance of people to hear; and, I
hope, the Lord does not let His word return void. The country
people frequently send for me, on the days I do not preach at
Norwich; and multitudes come to hear, so that the preaching
houses will not hold them. However, I can go upon the commons;
and, blessed be God! there is room there; and, what is best of
all, there is room enough and to spare in my Master’s house. By
the time I have preached in public, and have visited, exhorted,
and prayed with the people in private, and have kept a little
time to enjoy my God in my closet, I find my day is gone; but it
is an honour to be busy for Christ. O that my soul may be found
living and dying in it!

“My dear sir, I rejoice in your prosperity in the gospel. Go
where I will, I find some of your spiritual children;――some
awakened by hearing you, and some by reading your sermons. Dear
sir, go on preaching; and we will go on praying for you; and who
knows what a prayer-hearing God may do? I am really ashamed of
my long letter; but, methinks, I am now opening my heart to a
tender father, who, I trust, will excuse my infirmities.

“I remain, dear sir, your affectionate son and servant in Christ,

“ROBERT ROBINSON.”[449]

Thus did Robert Robinson become a preacher,――a man who rose to sufficient eminence to have one of his publications discussed in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords; whose learning and services were such as to procure for him the offer of the diploma of D.D. from a Scotch University; and yet, lamentable to relate, who became so loose in his theology as to die under the imputation of being a Socinian.

After his return from Wales, Whitefield’s stay in London was brief. Towards the end of July, he set out for Scotland; in journeying towards which, he formed an acquaintance with another recently converted clergyman, who, for nearly thirty years afterwards, annually rendered important service in Whitefield’s London chapels. John Berridge, the well-known Vicar of Everton, had recently found peace with God, through faith in Christ; and, six months after the time of Whitefield’s visit, occurred those puzzling phenomena, the _stricken cases_, mentioned in Wesley’s Journal. It is rather remarkable, that, though Whitefield’s preaching was much more sensational than Wesley’s, no such effects seem to have been witnessed at Everton by him, as were witnessed by his friend. At all events, if such happened, he is silent concerning them. All that is known of his visit, is contained in the following letter:――

“NEWCASTLE, _July 31, 1758_.

“All the last week was taken up in preaching at Everton,
St. Neots, Keysoe, Bedford, Olney, Weston-Favel, Underwood,
Ravenstone, and Northampton. Four clergymen lent me their
churches, and three read prayers for me in one day. I preached
also in John Bunyan’s pulpit; and, at Northampton, I took the
field. Good seasons at all the places. Mr. Berridge, who was
lately awakened at Everton, promises to be a burning and shining
light. Yesterday, we had good times here; and, to-morrow, I
shall set off for Edinburgh. My bodily strength increases but
very little. Sometimes I am almost tempted to turn back; but I
hope to go forward, and shall strive, as much as in me lies, to
die in this glorious work.”

Whitefield arrived at Edinburgh on August 4, and, despite physical weakness, preached, for nearly a month, in the Orphan Hospital Park, to enormous congregations, morning and evening, every day.[450] Mr. Gillies invited him to Glasgow; but he replied:――

“I fear your kind invitation cannot be complied with. For above
three months past, I have been so weak, that I could scarcely
drag the crazy load along. I preach at Edinburgh twice a day;
but I grow weaker and weaker. I suppose you have heard of the
death of Mr. Jonathan Edwards. Happy he!”

In another letter he wrote:――

“EDINBURGH, _August 19, 1758_.

“I came here a fortnight ago, very low indeed; but, by preaching
about thirty times, I am a good deal better. Multitudes, of all
ranks, flock twice every day. I thought to have moved on Tuesday
next, but, as it is the race week, and my health is improving,
friends advise me to stay.”

On August 29, he went to Glasgow, where he remained a week. Here, after one of his sermons, he made a collection, amounting to nearly £60, on behalf of a Society, established in 1727, for educating and putting to trades the sons of Highlanders, and of which the Duke of Argyll was the principal member.[451]

Whitefield also preached three thanksgiving sermons, for the taking of Cape Breton, by Boscawen, Amherst, and Wolfe; for the defeat of the Russians, at the great battle of Custrin, by Frederick, King of Prussia; and for the victory over the Austrians and Imperialists, at Crevelt, by Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. “By his warm and repeated exhortations to loyalty, and a steady adherence to the Protestant interest,” said the _Glasgow Courant_, “Mr. Whitefield’s visit here has been useful to the community in a civil, as well as a religious, light.”

On September 6, Whitefield returned to Edinburgh, and, during another week, preached twice every day. On September 13, he set out for London. “By his visit,” says the _Scots’ Magazine_, “the Edinburgh Orphan Hospital has drawn upwards of £200, by the collections at the entry to the Park, and by the seat-rents.”

Remembering the value of money in 1758, these were enormous sums. No wonder, that, even on such a ground, the canny Scots were always ready to give to Whitefield a hearty welcome.

Glimpses of his preaching tour to London will be obtained in the following extracts from his letters:――

“DARLINGTON, _September 21, 1758_.

“At Edinburgh and Glasgow, my health grew better, and I was
enabled to preach always twice, and sometimes thrice a day, to
very large and affected auditories. In my way to Newcastle, I
preached twice; and thrice in and about that place. Yesterday,
I hope, some gospel seed fell on good ground at Durham and
Bishop-Auckland. I am now on my way to Yarm, and hope next
Lord’s-day to be at Leeds.”

“LEEDS, _October 11, 1758_.

“Though I have preached twice and sometimes thrice a day for
above a fortnight past, preaching does not kill me. God has
been giving blessed seasons. By next Lord’s-day, I am to be at
Rotherham and Sheffield. Change of weather will alone drive me
to winter quarters. Lord, prepare me for winter trials! They are
preparative for an eternal summer.”

To his friend Mr. Gillies, of Glasgow, he wrote:――

“ROTHERHAM, _October 15, 1758_.