MEMOIR

OF THE

REV. GEORGE WHITEFIELD.

BY SAMUEL DREW, A. M.

THE events which took place on the great theatre of the world, during the eighteenth century, will always render it memorable in the annals of time. Among the heroes who flourished in war, the names of Washington and Buonaparte will never be effaced from the tablets of fame; and it is only when the independence of America, and the revolution in France, shall cease to be remembered, that this important era can be blotted from the records of mankind.

But it was not merely for its production of warriors, that this period has been so justly celebrated. The revival of genuine religion which took place both in England and America, during its latter half, has essentially contributed to its renown.

A few honoured individuals, beholding with sorrow the principles of the Reformation, as to their experimental and practical results, sunk into a state of torpor, were rendered instrumental in the hands of God, in calling them again into operation. The effect produced has been both powerful and permanent, and, in its distant consequences, it promises to introduce a new epoch in the morals of the human race.

Among these highly honoured instruments in this great work, John Wesley and George Whitefield stand in the foremost rank. Being engaged in the work of the ministry, and acting from the purest of motives, each in his several department, was called in a peculiar manner to dispense the word of eternal life to perishing sinners. Their labours were crowned with the divine approbation; multitudes flocked to the standard of the cross, which they were directed to display; and, amidst the scoffs of infidelity, and the calumnies with which they were assailed from the tents of ungodliness, the pleasure of the Lord prospered in their hands. They lived to see that reformation which accompanied their early labours, advancing in successful progress wherever their efforts had been exerted; and since their happy spirits have entered into the joy of their Lord, the Sun of righteousness, which shone with increasing brilliancy at the periods of their death, has encircled their names with a sacred halo of heavenly glory.

GEORGE WHITEFIELD, the subject of this memoir was a native of Gloucester, in which city he was born on the 16th of December, 1714. His ancestors were persons of high respectability. Some among them had sustained the ministerial character, and though not abounding in useless affluence, their wealth was suitable to the various stations which they sustained in life. His father, Mr. Thomas Whitefield, was first bred to the employment of a wine merchant in Bristol, from whence he removed to the city of Gloucester, where for some time he kept an inn, and was distinguished for attention to business, and uniform integrity of character. Of this parent, young George was deprived when he was about two years old; but maternal tenderness and care in a great measure supplied the deficiency, and repaired the loss he had unconsciously sustained.

The son being designed for his father's business, received a suitable education in his native city, while at the same time he made a commendable proficiency in the Latin classics. At school he was distinguished by all who knew him, for great strength of memory, a good natural understanding, and a commanding elocution. His attachment to learning was also accompanied with a fondness for theatrical amusements, in which, among his school-fellows, he frequently engaged; and it is not improbable, that the applauses which his eloquence received, tended in a great measure to cherish this strong propensity of his natural genius.

The tide, however, which had for some years been flowing in the channel of learning, began to decline when he was about fifteen, at which period he resolved to turn his attention to the business in which his mother was still engaged, and with whom he had hitherto resided. He accordingly left the school, and became her assistant for a time, but did not long retain the situation. It was, however, sufficiently long to furnish his enemies with an occasion of reproach, as he advanced in life; and from the manner in which they have mentioned the circumstance, they seem to have thought that this was a great drawback from his popularity. When malice resorts to such dishonourable expedients, it bears an undesigned testimony in favour of the character it intended to asperse.

During his early years, he was the subject of serious impressions, but according to his own account, they were insufficient to restrain the evil propensities of his nature. Of these he has given a melancholy memorial, accompanying his acknowledgments with strong expressions of shame and self-condemnation, which furnish evidence of his sincerity, and of the fidelity with which he has recorded the inmost feelings of his soul. But although these serious impressions were so powerful, that at times he walked on the borders of despair, anticipating nothing but unmingled wrath, with scarcely a gleam of hope, they were but transient in their duration. The vivacity of youth, the allurement of companions, and a fondness for theatrical exhibitions, soon dissipated their force, and the tide of folly obliterated all images of terror from his mind.

At the age of fifteen, these gracious visitations, however, again returned with an overwhelming influence, and speedily brought him to a decision, as to his future avocation in life. He was not long left without a manifestation of the divine favour, and, though brought by a way that he knew not, he afterwards found that God was preparing him for that conspicuous station in the church militant, which he was destined to fill with so much lustre. Though attending to the business of a tavern, he found time to compose several sermons, one of which he dedicated to his brother in Bristol, to whom he shortly afterwards paid a visit.

On returning to Gloucester, he resolved to abandon his present employment; and, without having any specific object in view, he accordingly disengaged himself from his former pursuit. His mother at this time was only able to furnish him with a scanty subsistence; this, and an exposure to temptations from his former companions, rendered his situation both uncomfortable and dangerous; but the influence of religion retaining its dominion in his bosom, his soul was frequently filled with horror at the evil deeds to which he was tempted.

At the age of seventeen, he became particularly watchful over his conduct, heart, and conversation, receiving the sacrament of the Lord's supper, and spending much time in fasting and prayer. His reading also was confined to books of devotion, and he attended divine worship twice every day. These exercises so engaged his attention, that all his thoughts were constantly set on the things which made for his everlasting peace.

His mother and brothers, on finding the decided turn to religion that his mind had taken, and being satisfied as to the stability of his resolution, determined on sending him to the university. At the age of eighteen, he was accordingly entered at Pembroke college Oxford, where he was admitted as a servitor. Arriving at the college, he was again exposed to the society of the profligate; but through divine grace he was enabled to withstand all their allurements, and to persevere in the resolutions he had previously formed.

To confirm him in his pious determination, he soon discovered a few young men, whose dispositions, views, and experience were congenial with his own. Among these associates, were the two brothers, John and Charles Wesley, whose names, exemplary labours, success, and character, have been long before the world. Between them an intimacy speedily commenced, and each stimulated the other to perseverance in piety, and an entire devotedness to God.

Distinguished alike for sobriety, and an unwearied assiduity in the improvement of their time and talents, they could not long remain unnoticed, in a place that had unhappily been remarkable for an opposite behaviour. With many, they became the butts of ridicule, and the subjects of derision; but fortunately there were others who knew how to estimate their worth, and to turn it to the advantage of the church, which at that time was not overburdened with pious ministers.

At this period Mr. Whitefield, in common with his pious associates, seized every opportunity to visit the sick, read to the poor, and converse with the prisoners in jail. He also practised on himself many severe bodily austerities, frequently carrying his abstemiousness to an excess, that greatly impaired his health, and brought clouds of darkness over his mind. His state was soon made known to the two Wesleys; who, with much christian and brotherly sympathy, endeavoured to rescue

him from what they thought a snare of the wicked one. At first their advice was unavailing, but as his health continued to decline, a physician was called in by the tutor, through whose care and medical treatment, his recovery was soon effected; and with his restoration to bodily health, he soon regained his wonted serenity of mind.

To establish his health, he was advised to pay a visit to his native air in Gloucester; thither he accordingly went, and, animated with love to God, and a zeal burning for the welfare of dying sinners, he not only read the sacred writings for himself, but took every opportunity to communicate their doctrines and precepts to others. By thus conversing with young men of nearly his own age, God was pleased to awaken them to a sense of religion. Several accordingly joined him, and times were set apart for their pious exercises, notwithstanding the reproach and obloquy, with which they well knew such singular practices were sure to be visited. He also read the Bible to some poor people in the city, twice or thrice a week, and every day visited the county gaol, and conversed and prayed with the prisoners.

His fame having reached the ears of Dr. Benson, then Bishop of Gloucester, the worthy prelate made strict inquiry respecting this extraordinary young man; and having obtained satisfactory information as to the state of his mind, his religious views, and the general tenor of his conduct, he held out to him the hand of Christian friendship, and made him an offer of ordination. Mr. Whitefield being at this time but twenty-one, hesitated for a season, whether to accept or decline the generous overture. His friends, however, prevailed over his timidity, and he was ordained a deacon in the year 1736.

The Sunday following, he preached in Gloucester his first sermon, on the necessity and benefit of religious society. The church was much crowded with attentive hearers, and his discourse gave universal satisfaction. On the following week he returned again to Oxford, although the Bishop had offered him the care of a parish. His preference to Oxford on this occasion, was founded on a conviction, that in this seminary of learning he could pursue his studies to much greater advantage, and, by enjoying the society of his friends, prepare himself for much greater future usefulness.

On referring to his first sermon in Gloucester, Mr. Whitefield observes in a letter to a friend, "Some few mocked; but most for the present seemed struck: and I have since heard that a complaint had been made to the Bishop, that I drove fifteen mad, the first sermon. The worthy prelate, I am informed, wished that the madness might not be forgotten before next Sunday."

Not long after his return to Oxford, where he took his degree of Bachelor of Arts, he was invited to officiate in the chapel of the Tower of London; but his first sermon in the metropolis was at Bishopgate church, in August 1736. His aspect being youthful, many were surprised at his appearance, and some sneered as he ascended the pulpit stairs; but they had not heard him long, before their contempt gave place to solemnity, and their smiles were succeeded by grave countenances, and occasional tears. From hence he proceeded to the Tower, where he continued two months, preaching, chatechising, and visiting the soldiers, and where several serious young men attended on his ministry, from various parts of the city; particularly to hear his discourses on the morning of the Lord's day.

While thus engaged, the Wesleys and Mr. Ingham had repaired to Georgia to preach the gospel, and Mr. Whitefield having received letters from these servants of God, his zeal became inflamed to follow them in this part of the Lord's vineyard. His way was, however, not yet made clear. He therefore remained in Oxford, to which he had returned from London, and found himself bappy in his former employment, and in storing his mind with biblical knowledge.

In November 1736, he was again called from Oxford, to Dummer in Hampshire, to preach to a poor illiterate people, and he derived no small portion of useful knowledge from conversing with them. At this time he divided the twenty-four hours into three parts; eight for sleep and meals, eight for public prayers, catechising, and visiting; and eight for study and retirement. During his stay here, he was offered a valuable curacy in London, but being intent on going abroad, he declined to accept it.

About this time Mr. Charles Wesley returned from Georgia, to seek for more labourers. This, Mr. Whitefield thought a clear call from Providence, and accordingly made arrangements for his departure. Preparatory to this, he repaired to Bristol and Gloucester, to take leave of his friends. Here, and in many other places which he visited, the churches were crowded in an unexampled manner, and liberal offers were made him, if he would relinquish all thoughts of embarking for a foreign land. Finding, however, that nothing could shake his resolution, the people of Bath, as a token of affection and gratitude, collected £160 for the poor of Georgia, the distribu tion of which was entrusted to his care.

The time of Mr. Whitefield's departure, being delayed much longer than he expected, he went up and down preaching the word. On all occasions his churches were more than filled, and the tide of his popularity rose in all places, to a height that had scarcely ever before been witnessed. This tide was, however, in some measure counteracted by an adverse current. Many were offended at the plainness of his observations, among whom were some clergymen, who found themselves indirectly reproved by the zeal which he always manifested, and the success which attended his preaching. But his strength was equal to his day, and at the time of his embarkation, he was followed by the prayers and tears of thousands, to whose souls, God had made his preaching a special blessing.

Towards the end of December 1737, Mr. Whitefield embarked for Georgia. The ship had many soldiers on board, who, together with the sailors and officers, soon gave him to understand that they considered him as an impostor. Added to this, he found the first Lord's day devoted to music and card playing, and little was to be heard but cursing and blasphemy. These circumstances rendered his situation rather uncomfortable; but after some time, by a gentle address, and unremitting perseverance, he gained the confidence of nearly all on board, and before they reached the port of their destination, a moral revolution had been wrought throughout the ship, and several, among whom was the captain, gave evidence that the word of God had sunk deeply into their hearts. By the soldiers and sailors the cards had been thrown overboard, and their places had been supplied by Bibles, and religious publications.

Arriving at Savannah in May 1738, after a voyage of about four months, Mr. Whitefield found much to discourage, and but little to animate his spirits. The colony was in an infant state, and seemed likely to remain so. Sickness and death were awfully prevalent, and multitudes of children were left without a home and without a friend. This circumstance suggested the idea of an Orphan-house; of which the utility was unquestionable, but how to procure the means of erecting it, and defray. ing the expenses of its support, were points that required mature consideration. Being however, resolved if possible to establish this noble charity, he visited several places, and preaching among the people, made arrangements for its erection; but to accomplish this, he found it necessary to revisit England, and make his appeal to British benevolence.

Prior to his arrival at Georgia, both John and Charles Wesley had left the colony, and were now disseminating the great truths of Christianity throughout their native land, the shores of which Mr. Whitefield was soon to revisit. He accordingly embarked September 6th, 1738, on board a ship at Charlestown bound for London, and after a perilous voyage of nine weeks, reached Limerick harbour in a state of great distress, and utter destitution. After preaching in the cathedral of Limerick, he repaired to Dublin, from whence he took ship for England, and, after preaching twice on the Lord's day in Manchester, reached London on the 8th of December.

On presenting himself before the archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of London, although both had sanctioned his going to Georgia, he met with a civil rather than a warm reception. These prelates had seen his journals, and thinking them too strongly tinctured with enthusiasm, they took this occasion to express their dissatisfaction. Some of the London clergy also caught the alarm, and in two days five churches were shut against him. Numerous churches, however, were still open, and his popularity was as unbounded as ever.

By the trustees for the colony of Georgia, he was received with the greatest cordiality. They expressed themselves highly satisfied with his conduct, and, presenting him with the living of Savannah, granted five hundred acres of land on which to erect an Orphan-house, this being the immediate occasion of his coming to England.

In January 1739, he visited Oxford, and received priest's orders from the hands of his former friend Bishop Benson; but on returning to London, he found that the opposition to his preaching in the churches had become very general throughout the metropolis. Hostility having led him and his friends to occupy a large room in Fetter-lane, for the purpose of religious meetings, this constituted the unpardonable sin, and but few ministers would allow him to enter their pulpits. Even these few were soon closed; and within a fortnight from the time of his return from Oxford, every door was shut, besides that of Newgate, and even this became interdicted by order of the Lord Mayor.

Being thus ejected from the pulpits of London, he resolved on visiting the demisavages of Kingswood collieries, in the neighbourhood of Bristol. Thither he went, and after once or twice preaching in the open air, found himself encircled with a congregation of nearly twenty thousand souls; among whom were many persons of high respectability from Bristol, and the surrounding country. The effect was