The Project Gutenberg eBook of The works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., Vol. 2 (of 6)
Title: The works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., Vol. 2 (of 6)
Containing all his sermons and tracts, etc.
Author: George Whitefield
Release date: July 7, 2023 [eBook #71140]
Language: English
Original publication: United Kingdom: Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly, in the Poultry; and Messers. Kincaid and Bell, at Edinburgh, 1771
Credits: Richard Hulse, Brian Wilson, Heather Clark and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A.
Transcriber’s Notes
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The text may show quotations within quotations, all set off by similar quote marks. The inner quotations have been changed to alternate quote marks for improved readability.
This book was written in a period when many words had not become standardized in their spelling. Words may have multiple spelling variations or inconsistent hyphenation in the text. These have been left unchanged unless indicated with a Transcriber’s Note.
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Footnotes are identified in the text with a superscript number and are shown immediately below the paragraph in which they appear.
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THE
WORKS
OF THE REVEREND
GEORGE WHITEFIELD, M.A.
Late of Pembroke-College, Oxford,
And Chaplain to the Rt. Hon. the Countess of Huntingdon.
CONTAINING
All his SERMONS and TRACTS
Which have been already published:
WITH
A Select COLLECTION of LETTERS,
Written to his most intimate Friends, and Persons of Distinction, in England, Scotland, Ireland, and America, from the Year 1734, to 1770, including the whole Period of his Ministry.
ALSO
Some other Pieces on Important Subjects,
never before printed; prepared by Himself for the Press.
To which is prefixed,
An ACCOUNT of his LIFE,
Compiled from his Original Papers and Letters.
VOL. II.
LONDON:
Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly, in the Poultry;
and Messrs. Kincaid and Bell, at Edinburgh.
MDCCLXXI.
LETTERS
LETTER CCCCXCVIII.
To the Reverend Mr. H——.
London, Dec. 23, 1742.
My dear brother H——,
I Thank you for your kind and very agreeable letter. It was refreshing to my soul, and stirred me to give thanks on your behalf. I am surprized that you are not turned off, since you now so clearly preach the everlasting gospel. But our Saviour has the hearts of all men in his hands, and he turneth them when and wheresoever he pleaseth. O my dear brother, I hope nothing will deter you from preaching the glad tidings of salvation to a world lying in the wicked one. I would not but be a poor despised minister of Jesus Christ for ten thousand worlds. This I am persuaded is the language of my dear friend’s heart:
I.
For this let men revile my name,
No cross I shun, I fear no shame:
All hail reproach, and welcome pain;
Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain.
II.
The love of Christ doth him constrain
To seek the wand’ring souls of men;
With cries, entreaties, tears to save,
And snatch them from the gaping grave.
Go on, thou man of God; and may the Lord cause thy bow to abide in strength! Glad should I be to come and shoot some gospel arrows in Devonshire; but the cloud seems now to point toward America. My dear family calls loudly for me. Our Lord has wonderfully of late interposed on their behalf. God willing, I intend shortly to send you an account of the Orphan-house, and my last volume of sermons, with some other things. Blessed be God for making any of my poor writings of use to your dear soul. Surely I had need proclaim free grace on the house-top; if I did not, the stones would cry out against me. O my dear brother, what a mystery of love is the mystery of godliness? Whilst I am writing the fire kindles. This fire has also of late kindled in many hearts. Our large society goes on well. We have many that walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost. I hear of glorious things from various parts. I hope ere long we shall hear of persons going from post to post, and crying, “Babylon is fallen, Babylon is fallen.” I trust you, my dear Sir, will be made a happy instrument in the Mediator’s kingdom, of pulling down satan’s strongholds. Pray write me word, how the war is going on between Michael and the dragon. For the present, adieu. My tender love to all the lovers of Jesus Christ. Accept the same from, my dear brother,
Yours most affectionately in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER CCCCXCIX.
To Mr. R——, in Edinburgh.
London, Dec. 24, 1742.
Dear Mr. R——,
IT has given me some concern that I could not answer your kind and acceptable letter before. As our Saviour will give me freedom, I shall send you a few lines now. I think I may say to you, as Luther said to Melanchton, Nimis es nullus. You are kept in bondage by a false humility. It is good to see ourselves poor, and exceeding vile; but if that sight and feeling prevent our looking up to, and exerting ourselves for our dear Saviour, it becomes criminal, and robs the soul of much comfort. I can speak this by dear-bought experience. How often have I been kept from speaking and acting for God, by a sight of my own unworthiness; but now I see that the more unworthy I am, the more fit to work for Jesus, because he will get much glory in working by such mean instruments; and the more he has for given me, the more I ought to love and serve him. Fired with a sense of his unspeakable loving-kindness, I dare to go out and tell poor sinners that a lamb was slain for them; and that he will have mercy on sinners as such, of whom indeed I am chief. I wish my dear friend was in this respect not almost, but altogether such as I am. Well would it be with him, and happy would he then be. Upon the receipt of yours, I prayed the Lord to open your mouth. The language of my heart for you, myself, and all the Redeemer’s witnesses, is this;
Ah! Lord, enlarge their scanty thought,
To see the wonders thou hast wrought;
Unloose the stammering tongue, to tell
Thy love immense, unsearchable.
I bless our Lord for giving you such freedom with himself, though you cannot speak so freely to others. Prayers wrought by his own spirit, he will hear and answer. It is most god-like to be frequent in intercession. It is the constant employment of the Son of God in heaven. I rejoice to hear the work of God goes on among you in Scotland. Blessed be God, it prospers in our hands here, in Wales, and in various places. That it may prosper more and more, and be daily carried on in your precious soul, is the hearty prayer of, dear Mr. R——,
Yours most affectionately in Christ Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER D.
To Miss S——, in Edinburgh.
London, Dec. 24, 1742.
Dear Miss S——,
CONTINUAL avocations about my master’s business, has prevented my answering your kind letter. It gladdened my heart, because it brought me the glad tidings of your being accepted in the beloved; and knowing that you are so, what does the Lord require of you now, but to walk humbly with him? Beg him to shew you more and more of your evil heart, that you may ever remain a poor sinner at the feet of the once crucified, but now exalted Lamb of God. There you will be happy. There you will find shelter from all your enemies. My prayer therefore for you, dear Miss, is this:
Continue still thy love, dear Lamb,
Safe hide her in thy wounds;
There may she dwell in all that love
The ransom’d soul surrounds.
The comforts you have already experienced, as well as your trials, are but earnests of what you will hereafter meet with in the spiritual life. But fear nothing, neither be over thoughtful for the morrow; you have an all-gracious and almighty Saviour to guide and protect you. He will not leave you, until he hath lodged you safe in glory. There the wicked shall cease from troubling, and your weary soul will enjoy an eternal rest. Perhaps I may not see you again, till I meet you in the world of spirits. That grace and peace may be multiplied upon your dear soul, is the hearty prayer of, dear Miss S——,
Your most affectionate friend and servant in Jesus Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DI.
To Mr. T——.
January 9, 1743.
Dear Sir,
I Remember, when in Scotland last year, how heartily your good people joined in praise and thanksgiving, for the deliverance God had wrought out for the inhabitants of Georgia; and I hope I shall never forget how liberally they contributed to the necessities of the orphans, though they knew not but at that time both orphans and Orphan-house were in the enemies hand. As this was an uncommon event, I send you herewith part of the proclamation for a day of thanksgiving to almighty God, for putting an end to this Spanish Invasion. It runs thus:
ALMIGHTY GOD has in all ages shewn his power and mercy, in the marvellous and gracious deliverance of his church, and in the protection of righteous and religious kings and states, professing his holy and eternal truth, from the open invasion, wicked conspiracies, and malicious practices of all the enemies thereof. He hath by the manifestation of his providence delivered us from the hands of the Spaniards: they, with forty sail of small gallies and other craft, came into Cumberland Sound; but such a terror came upon them that they fled. With another fleet of thirty-six ships and vessels they came into Jekyl Sound, and after a sharp fight became masters thereof; we having only four vessels to oppose their force. We engaged them for the space of four hours, and not one of us was killed, though many of the enemy perished, and five were killed by one shot only. They landed four thousand five hundred men, according to the account of the prisoners, and even of Englishmen, who escaped from them. The first party marched up through the woods to this town, and was within sight thereof, when God delivered them into our hands, though we were but few in number. They fought and were soon dispersed and fled. Another party which supported them, also fought; but were soon put to flight. We may truly say, the hand of the Lord fought for us; for in two attacks more than five hundred fled before fifty. At first they seemed to fight with courage; and the grenadiers particularly charged with great resolution; but their shot did not take place, insomuch that none of ours were killed; but they were broken and pursued with great slaughter, and by the report of the prisoners since taken, upwards of two hundred men never returned to their camp. They also came up with their half galleys towards the town, and returned without so much as firing one shot, leaving behind them some cannon, and many things they had taken. Twenty-eight sail attacked Fort-William, in which were only fifty men. After three hours fight, they went away and left the province, and were pursued as far as Saint John’s. So that by this whole expedition, no more than two of ours were taken and two killed. We may therefore truly say, the Lord hath done great things for us, who has delivered us out of the hands of the enemy.
Having taken the premises into consideration, I do hereby order, that Sunday the twenty-fifth instant be observed as a day of public thanksgiving to almighty God for his great deliverance, in having put an end to the Spanish Invasion: and that all persons do solemnize the same in a christian and religious manner, and abstain from drunkenness, and any other wicked and dissolute testimonies of joy.
Given under my hand and seal, this twenty-fourth day of July, at Frederica in Georgia, Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and forty-two.
Signed by,
James Oglethorp.
By his excellency’s command,
Francis Moore.
Business prevents my enlarging further at this time, and indeed I chuse rather to leave you to make your own remarks on the inclosed. I only observe in general that as a tincture of piety runs through the whole, and all the glory given to him to whom all glory is due, it will be as acceptable to you as it was to,
Yours,
G. W.
LETTER DII.
To Mr. H——, at Gloucester.
London, Feb. 4, 1743.
My very dear Mr. H——,
I Bless God on your behalf. I thank him for visiting your dear soul, and making you useful to others.—Assuredly the Lord has called you to your present work.—Abide in it. Go on and prosper. The Lord will be with you. If we have an association in Wiltshire soon, will you chuse to be with us? I expect shortly now to move hence; but my way is quite blocked up from going abroad. I will send you word, when I shall be at Bristol. I will salute you and your friend with, “Come in, ye blessed of the Lord.” I have just published a fresh account of the Orphan-house, and prefixed the plan. I shall be glad to hear from you often. Be as particular in respect to the society as you can. The Lord is still with us. Blessed be his holy name! My tender love to all. That the glorious Emmanuel may be with your soul more and more, is the hearty prayer of, my dear Mr. H——,
Yours most affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER DIII.
To Mr. S——.
Gloucester, March 24, 1743.
My dear Sir,
AN effectual door is opened in these parts. On Saturday night I preached here. The Lord was with me. On Sunday morning I preached again in a barn. It was a good time to me and the people. Dear Mr. P—— was here, and tears of love and joy were running down his aged cheeks almost all the while. He was, like good old Simeon, ready to cry out, “Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace.” At noon I preached at Mr. F——r’s on the hill, to a glorious auditory indeed. Here Jesus Christ displayed his power, and caused much of his glory to pass before us. At four I preached again in a field near Stroud, where was a great congregation consisting of many, many thousands. The Lord helped and blessed me much here also. Afterwards I went to the new house at Hampton, and the glory of the Lord filled it. It is exceeding commodious for our purpose. I preached in the court-yard on Monday noon, to a large auditory. Monday evening the Lord gave me a good time at Pitchcomb. Both brother C—— and brother A——’s society met at Hampton, and the Lord met with us. Brother C—— is certainly called of God. All call him a second Bunyan. I believe he must give himself wholly to the work. Such a hardy worker with his hands, and hearty preacher at the same time, I have scarce known. On Tuesday a man was hung in chains at Hampton Common.—A more miserable spectacle I have not seen. I preached in the morning to a great auditory about a mile off the place of execution. I intended doing the same after the criminal was turned off; but the weather was very violent.—Thousands and thousands came and staid to hear; but, through misinformation, kept on the top of the hill, while I preached in the bottom. After this I came to Gloucester, and preached in the evening in a barn: a night much to be remembered! This morning I preached again, and dined with Mr. E——d I——s and some more at Mr. E——’s. I am just going to my evening lecture, and to-morrow I shall leave Gloucester for a few days. The association is put off for a week, so I shall have more time in Gloucestershire. Never did I see people more hungry and simple. Many come telling me what the Lord did for their souls when I was here last. To him be all the glory! Brother A—— is now with me. He must be in the country ’till the house is more settled. I am sure God called me here.
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DIV.
To Mr. S——.
Gloucester, March 29, 1743.
My dear Sir,
I Now sit down to fulfil my promise made to you last night.—I think in a former letter I gave you an account of what the Lord had done for and by me since I left London, though indeed I cannot tell you the hundredth part. On Tuesday evening I preached at Gloucester with as convincing, soul-edifying power, as ever I felt in my life. The barn, though made more commodious, was and is generally quite crouded. On Friday morning I preached again; and afterwards went to Hampton; the snow falling and freezing on us all the way. In the evening I preached at Chalford, upon “walking with God:” he was with me and the auditory. On Saturday I preached at Ruscom in the morning, and at King-stanley in the afternoon. In the evening, I visited brother C——’s gracious society; and afterwards rode to Hampton, which made about twenty miles. The congregations on account of the weather were not so great, but our Saviour most richly fed us. The word distilled like the dew; and at Stanley I think I was in the very suburbs of heaven. O free grace! On Sunday morning I preached at Dursley, about seven miles from Hampton, where our dear brother A—— had been taken down the Sunday before; but no one was permitted to touch or molest us. The congregation consisted of some thousands, and the word came with a most gloriously convincing power. I came away rejoicing, and in the afternoon preached to about ten thousand on Hampton common, at what the people now call Whitefield’s Tump, because I preached there first. I cannot tell you what a solemn occasion that was. I perceive a great alteration in the people since I was in these parts last. They did indeed hang on me to hear the word. It ran and was glorified. In the evening, we had a most precious meeting with the two united societies in the new house at Hampton. Surely many thereabouts will walk with God. Last night and this morning I preached again with great power; preaching in Gloucestershire is now like preaching at the tabernacle at London. This evening I am to preach again; and after that to hold our first love-feast.—What our Lord does for us hereafter, you shall hear in my next. And now, my dear Sir, help me to be thankful, and bless the Lord for all his mercies conferred on
Your unworthy friend, and his worthless servant,
G. W.
LETTER DV.
To the Same.
Gloucester, April 2, 1743.
Dear Sir,
MY soul is kept exceeding chearful; and greater and more continued freedom in preaching, I never experienced, than since I have been in Gloucester and Gloucestershire. On Tuesday evening we had a blessed love-feast. On Wednesday morning I preached here with great sweetness; and at noon at Painswick.—In the evening I preached at Mr. F——’s, in the place where the Lord met us remarkably one night about a twelvemonth ago. He met us again most delightfully, not in terror, but in love: by which I guessed how the gospel had gained ground in a twelvemonth’s time. After this I visited dear brother C——’s society, and then rode to Hampton, with brothers A—— and G——, praising and blessing God. On Wednesday noon I preached at Quarhouse, from the stump where old Mr. Cole used to stand. It was an alarming time. My soul enjoyed exceeding great liberty. In the evening I preached in the new house at Hampton to many hundreds, and afterwards met the society. Yesterday morning I came hither. At noon and at night I preached in the barn; it was quite crouded. It would have rejoiced you to have been with us. This morning I am to preach again, and shall take my leave at night. My dear Sir, help me to extol free grace, and expect to hear of greater things than these from,
Ever yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DVI.
To brother S——.
Waterford (South Wales,) April 7, 1743.
My Dear Brother,
ON Monday I received your letter of April 2; but till now, have had no opportunity of answering it. I preached and took my leave of the Gloucester people with mutual and great concern, on Sunday evening last. It was past one in the morning, before I could lay my weary body down.—At five I rose again, sick for want of rest; but I was enabled to get on horseback and ride to Mr. F——’s, where I preached to a large congregation, who came there at seven in the morning, hoping to feel the power of a risen Lord. They were not disappointed of their hope. At ten I read prayers, and preached from these words,—“I am the resurrection and the life,” and afterwards was helped to administer the sacrament in Stonehouse church. Then I rode to Stroud, where I was enabled to preach to about twelve thousand, with uncommon freedom and power, in Mrs. G——’s field. Much of the divine presence was there.—About six in the evening I preached to about the like number on Hampton Common; but scarce ever with a more pleasing convincing power. The order and solemnity wherewith the people broke up, was very instructive. After this I went to Hampton, and held a general love-feast with the united societies. My soul was kept close to Jesus; my bodily strength renewed; and I went to-bed about midnight, very chearful and very happy. The next morning I went and preached near Dursley, to some thousands, with great convictions accompanying the word. About seven I reached Bristol, and preached with wonderful power to a full congregation at Smith’s Hall; and afterwards spent the evening agreeably with Mr. C—— of Bath, and some other dear friends. On Tuesday morning I preached again to a full congregation, and then set out for this place, where we came about eight in the evening, and had sweet and profitable conversation with Mr. B—— and some others of the brethren. We sung an hymn, prayed, and parted in great harmony. On Wednesday about noon I opened the association with a close and solemn discourse upon walking with God. Indeed much of God was with us. The brethren and the people felt much of the divine presence. Afterwards we betook ourselves to business: several matters of great importance were dispatched. We broke up about seven, and met again about ten, and continued settling the affairs of the societies till about two in the morning. On Thursday we sat again till about four in the afternoon; then, after taking a little refreshment, and talking warmly of the things of God, I preached with great freedom upon the believer’s rest, and then we went on with our business, and finished our association about midnight: all acknowledged that God had been with us, and blessed him for the same. Perhaps in a month I may come to London; but it seems to be the will of the Lord I should stay in Wales about a fortnight, and take a tour into Pembrokeshire. Great doors are open there. Our Saviour keeps me very happy indeed; and is, I believe, preparing greater blessings, for
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DVII.
To the Same.
Lantrissant, (in Wales) April 10, 1743.
Dear Sir,
OUR blessed master still countenances my feeble labours. Yesterday I preached at Cardiff to a large congregation. The greatest scoffers sat quiet, and the children of God felt the divine presence. In the evening I went to Ful-mon. Mrs. I—— received us kindly. God was pleased to speak for me in the society where I preached. This morning I preached again. It was a most remarkable time. I have been just now preaching with great power here. Dear brother H—— is preaching in Welch. The people are very simple. I wrote to you from Waterford. I must write a letter or two more, and then away out of town. My kind and tender love to all. The Lord be with you.
I am yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DVIII.
To the Same.
Swanzey, April 12, 1743.
My dear Friend,
I Hope all is well with you. Great things are doing in Wales.—An effectual door is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel. Yesterday I preached at Neath, (seven miles from this place) from a balcony, to about three thousand souls in the street. The Lord was with me of a truth. This morning I preached here to about four thousand with great power. About one I preached at Harbrook, four miles off; and am now returned to preach here again.—Our Saviour has prepared the way before him. O free grace! Dear brother H—— has discoursed in Welch yesterday and to day.
Ever yours,
G. W.
Postscript. Past seven in the evening. I have just now done preaching. Swanzey is taken! I never preached with a more convincing power. Many of the rich and great were present. The congregation larger than in the morning. Free grace for ever!
LETTER DIX.
To the Same.
Larn, April 15, 1743.
My dear Friend,
I Wrote to you from several places; and all my letters have, or will I trust come to hand. I can yet send you more glad tidings. But words cannot express what the Lord has done for your unworthy friend, and his own dear people’s souls. On Monday I preached at a place in the way, and afterwards at Neath, a sea port town, to about three thousand people: all was quiet, and the power of Jesus was much there. Then I went to Swanzey seven miles from Neath.—On Tuesday I preached, and the Lord was with me. In the evening I went to Llanelthy, eight miles from Swanzey. There I preached twice on Wednesday with great power to a large congregation; and in the evening near Aberquilley, five miles from thence. On Thursday I preached at Carmarthen, one of the greatest and most polite places in Wales; in the morning from the top of the cross: in the evening from a table near it. It was the great sessions. The justices desired I would stay till they rose, and they would come. Accordingly they did, and many thousands more; and several people of quality. Jesus was much with me, and I hope much good work was done. Several sent for me to their houses. Dear brother H—— exhorts in every place. I have just been preaching, and it would rejoice your heart to see what is doing. I want room and time to tell you all. In about ten days I hope to be near Bristol. In the mean while, I am, dear friend,
Ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER DX.
To the Same.
Haverfordwest, April 17, 1743.
My dear Friend,
SINCE I left Larn, from whence I wrote to you, the Lord has dealt most bountifully with me. I went that evening to Narbatt, where I preached to some thousands with great power. On Saturday I preached at Newton, and afterwards at Jefferson to several thousand souls, very like the Kingswood colliers. This morning I preached at Llassivran, and had as it were a Moor-fields congregation; and this afternoon I preached to about the same number near this town. I also read prayers. Where I have been, the people call loudly again. A most effectual door is opened in South Wales. I hope to be with you in a few weeks. I am glad of such news from Georgia. Blessed be God, he will take care of me and mine. Hearty love attends you and all, from
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXI.
To the Same.
Carmarthen, April 20, 1743.
My dear Friend,
SINCE I wrote from Haverfordwest, I preached yesterday at eight in the morning to about eight thousand people in this place, and in the afternoon to several thousands at Narbatt, both times with great power. This morning I preached at Larn, and coming over in the ferry had the unexpected compliment paid me, of one ship firing several guns, and of some others hoisting their flags. This afternoon I preached at a little town called Kidwilly, to a large congregation; and came this evening here. One of the ministers preached much against me last Sunday, and mentioned me by name; but, like my other opposers (and like the viper biting the file) he only hurt himself. I am as it were in a new, but very unthought of pleasant world. O how many thousands within these few days have heard the word! I thought to see you next week; but as I am here, perhaps it may be best to go round now, and so be at London at Pentecost. In about a fortnight, therefore, you may expect to see me.
Ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER DXII.
To the Same.
Bhuadder, April 23, 1743.
My dear Friend,
I Wrote to you from Haverford and Carmarthen. I preached there twice on Thursday to about ten thousand people, and dear Mr. R—— preached after me. Yesterday we had another blessed association; and have now settled all the counties in Wales. Our Lord was wonderfully with us. You cannot tell how delighted the brethren went away. Indeed they seemed filled as with new wine. Last night we came hither to a little inn. A sweet retreat from the rain. I must away to preach this morning. Help me, my dear man, to be thankful. I kindly salute you and yours, and am,
Ever yours,
G. W.