Page images
PDF
EPUB
[merged small][graphic][subsumed]

"As many as were in debt came to David, and he became a captain over them."

[p. 110.

he did not, indeed, think the scheme proposed for taking Louisburgh very promising; that the eyes of all would be upon him. If he did not succeed, the widows and orphans of the slain soldiers would be like lions robbed of their whelps; but if it pleased God to give him success, envy would endeavor to eclipse his glory; he had need, therefore, if he went, to go with a single eye; and then there was no doubt, but if Providence really called him, he would find his strength proportioned to the day." About the same time, Mr. Sherburne, another of Mr. Whitefield's friends, being appointed one of the commissioners, told him, "He must favor the expedition, otherwise the serious people would be discouraged from enlisting; not only so, but insisted he should give him a motto for his flag, for the encouragement of the soldiers." This he refused to do, as it would be acting out of character. But Mr. Sherburne would take no denial. He therefore, at last, gave them one, Nil desperandum, Christo Duce. "If Christ be captain, no fear of a defeat." Upon which great numbers enlisted. And before their embarkation, the officers desired him to give them a sermon. This he readily complied with, and preached from these words: "As many as were in debt, came to David, and he became a captain over them." He spiritualized the subject, and told them, how distressed sinners came to Jesus Christ the son of David; and in his application, exhorted the soldiers to behave like the soldiers of David, and the officers to act like David's worthies; then he made no manner of doubt, there would be good news from Cape Breton. After this he preached to the general himself, who asked him if he would not be one of his chaplains. But he excused himself, and said, "He should think it an honor, but believed, as he generally preached three times a day, in various places, to large congregations, he could do more service by stirring up the people to pray, and thereby strengthening his and his soldiers' hands." And in this practice he persisted during the siege of Louisburgh. "I believe (adds he) if ever people went with a disinterested view, the New Englanders did then. Though many of them were raw and undisciplined, yet numbers were substantial persons, who left their farms, and willingly ventured all for their country's good. An amazing scene of providences appeared, and though some discouraging accounts were sent during the latter end of the siege, yet in about six weeks news came of the surrender of Louisburgh. Numbers flocked from all quarters to hear a thanksgiving sermon upon the occasion. And I trust the blessing bestowed on the country through the thanksgivings of many, redounded to the glory of God."

The New England people had, some time ago, offered to

build him a large house to preach in; but as this scheme might have abridged his liberty of itinerating, he thanked them for their kind offer, and at the same time begged leave to refuse the acceptance of it. As his bodily strength increased, and his health grew better, he began to move farther southward; and, after preaching eastward as far as Casco Bay and North Yarmouth, he went through Connecticut, Plymouth, Rhode Island, preaching to thousands, generally twice a day. "And though (says he) there was much smoke, yet every day I had more and more convincing proof, that a blessed gospel fire had been kindled in the hearts both of ministers and people. At New York, where I preached as usual, I found that the seed sown had sprung up abundantly; and at the east end of Long Island I saw many instances. In my way to Philadelphia, I had the pleasure of preaching, by an interpreter, to some converted Indians, and of seeing near fifty young ones in one school, near Freehold, learning the Assembly's catechism. A blessed awakening had been begun and carried on among the Delaware Indians, by the instrumentality of David Brainerd,* such as has not been heard of since the awakening of New England by the venerable Mr. Elliot, who used to be styled the apostle of the Indians; his brother followed him. Mr. William Tennent, whose party I found much upon the advance, seemed to encourage his endeavors with all his heart.

"His brother, Mr. Gilbert Tennent, being early solicited thereto, I found settled in the place formerly erected at the beginning of the awakening. The gentleman offered me eight hundred pounds a year, only to preach among them six months, and to travel the other six months where I would. Nothing remarkable happened during my way southward. But when I came to Virginia, I found that the word of the Lord had run and was glorified. During my preaching at Glasgow, some persons wrote some of my extempore sermons, and printed them almost as fast as I preached them. Some of these were carried to Virginia, and one of them fell into the hands of Samuel Morris. He read and found benefit. He then read them to others; they were awakened and convinced. A fire was kindled; opposition was made; other laborers were sent for; and

* It is a circumstance worthy of note, that about the same period that the great Head of the church was preparing Messrs. Whitefield, Wesleys, and others, in England, to stem the torrent of infidelity, and propagate divine truth, he manifested the same care and concern for the inhabitants of the new world, in raising up that burning and shining light, Dr. Jonathan Edwards, to disseminate the seed of eternal life in that barren soil.

In the year 1729, the spirit was poured out from on high, and the divine glory began to shine upon the land; but in the year 1733, there was a very remarkable revival of the work of God, in New England, and great numbers of souls were savingly converted unto God.

many, both white people and negroes, were converted to the Lord.

"In North Carolina, where I stayed too short a time, little was done. At Georgia, through the badness of the institution, and the Trustees' obstinacy in not altering it, my load of debt and care was greatly increased, and at times almost overwhelmed me. But I had the pleasure of seeing one, who came as a player from New York, now converted unto God, and a preacher of Jesus Christ. One Mr. Ratteray brought me ten pounds; and, at my return northward, fresh supplies were raised up. The generous Charleston people raised a subscription of three hundred pounds, with which I bought land, it being cheap during the war; and a plantation and a few negroes were purchased at Indian-land. Thus, for a while, the gap was stopped. I preached a sermon upon the rebellion; was very sick at Philadelphia; kindly received at Bohemia and at New York."

As itinerating was his delight, and America, being a new world, particularly pleasing, he now began to think of returning no more to his native country. But traveling, care, and a load of debt, contracted not for himself but for the Orphan house, weighed him down.

In his letters during this period, are the following passages: "August 26, 1746. The door for my usefulness, opens wider and wider. I love to range in the American woods, and sometimes think I shall never return to England any more."

"October 8. I have had some sweet times with several of the Lutheran ministers at Philadelphia."

"June 1, 1747. The congregations yesterday were exceedingly large. I am sick and well, as I used to be in England; but the Redeemer fills me with comfort. I am determined, in his strength to die fighting."

"June 4. I have omitted preaching one night to oblige my friends, that they may not charge me with murdering myself; but I hope yet to die in the pulpit, or soon after I come out of it."

"June 23. Since my last, I have been several times on the verge of eternity. At present I am so weak that I cannot preach. It is hard work to be silent, but I must be tried every way."

"September 11. We saw great things in New England. The flocking and power that attended the word, was like unto that seven years ago. Weak as I was, and have been, I was enabled to travel Eleven hundred miles, and preach daily." About this time, being much troubled with stitches in his side, he was advised to go to the Bermudas, for the recovery of his health. He accordingly embarked, and landed there March 15, 1748.

« PreviousContinue »