I judged it to be a debt due to his memory, and to the christian world, to collect and compile such an authentic and properly arranged narrative of his life and death, as might be at once clear and sufficiently full, comprising every article of importance. These considerations, and the pleasure and profit I have derived from reading the account of his unwearied exertions in the cause of God, have made me desirous, if possible, to give it more extensive circulation, in the fullest conviction that it will afford to every gracious heart, matter of thankfulness, and great joy; stimulate the remaining noble army of confessors, to imitate those excellencies which shone forth so conspicuously in him, and all the people of God to be more diligent followers of those, who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

The present edition contains every circumstance worthy of notice, both in the public and private character of this great and good man. A great quantity of new matter has been introduced; several mistakes are rectified with regard to the names of persons and places, dates, and other minute circumstances; and the work is considerably enlarged by inserting several interesting and entertaining anecdotes, with many important additions and corrections, together with biographical sketches of the principle persons mentioned in the narrative. I sought information from various quarters, and obtained it: and I have been enabled to enlarge and amend the work, in consequence of having received several anecdotes and useful hints, &c, from different persons. And I gladly embrace this opportunity of publicly expressing my affectionate and respectful acknowledgments to them for their various and kind communications. I have given a detail of facts-a history, not a panegyric.

Besides the above improvements, the reader must be informed, that great liberties have been taken with the original composition, which has been amended throughout. Whether this is really the case must be left to the judicious reader.

On the whole it is hoped that this edition, which has been a work of more labour than may be generally imagined, will be found to contain many considerable im

provements, as well as many valuable additions. I have done what I could to render the whole interesting aud useful, and I trust the work will be of lasting use to the church of God, and a mean of edification to thousands yet unborn.

I am fully aware of the inadequacy of my talents to do justice to the character of so great a man. The only merit I claim is impartiality. Having never had any religious connection with any society belonging to the methodists, my pen has not moved at the impulse of party zeal: and if I have spoken favourably of the character of their dear departed patriarch, I wish the reader to understand, that what is said is the award of an unbiased and disinterested mind; and I throw myself upon his candour and indulgence, to apologize for what he may deem defective in the history of so distinguished a person.

I have only to add my fervent wishes, that the divine Redeemer may render the following pages subservient to the display of his own glory, and the best interests of mankind.

be agine

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

His birth and parentage. Early appearance of his eloquence at school.

At the age of seventeen, brought under the prevailing influence of

religious impressions.

CHAPTER II.

PAGE 17

At eighteen goes to the university of Oxford, and becomes acquainted

with the methodists. Origin of the name of methodists. Rise of

methodism. Mr. Whitefield is treated with great kindness by the

Rev. John and Charles Wesley. Erects a religious society of young

persons at Gloucester. Is ordained by bishop Benson, in the 22nd

year of his age. His behaviour on that occasion. Preaches his first

sermon in Gloucester. Returns to Oxford. Is called to officiate at

the tower, and at Dummer in Hampshire. Longs to go abroad and

preach the gospel in Georgia Gladly embraces the first appearance

of an invitation to go thither His great popularity at Gloucester,

Bristol, and London, while he prepares to go abroad Preaches at

London nine times a week. Death of his brother. Opposition of some

of the clergy.

CHAPTER III.

20

Embarks for Georgia, December, 1737. His behaviour on board.

Touches at Gibraltar, where he is courteously received. Remarkable

particulars of his voyage from Gibraltar to Georgia. Character of

the Rev. John Wesley Mr. Whitefield's observations upon the state

of the colony, at his first arrival there. Is convinced of the great

utility of an orphan house there.

CHAPTER IV.

28

Re-embarks for England to receive priest's orders, and get contribu-

tions for the orphan house. Is driven into Limerick harbour in Ire-

land, and kindly treated by bishop Burscough, Dr. Delany, bishop

Rundle, and archhishop Bolton At his arrival in London, meets

with a cold reception from the archbishop of Canterbury and the

bishop of London. The trustees for Georgia receive him more cor-

dially Several churches are refused to him, but he is more follow-

ed by the people than ever. Receives priest's orders from bishop

Benson, January, 1739. Anecdote of the countess of Huntingdon

and bishop Benson. Makes collections for several charitable pur-

poses. Preaches to the colliers at Kingswood Preaches in Wales,

with Mr. Howel Harris. Anecdote of the Rev. Mr. Cole and Mr.

Whitefield. Ventures to preach at Moorsfields.

38

CHAPTER V.

Preaches on Kennington common and Blackheath, to prodigious mul-

titudes, who were all attention. Embarks for America, August,

1739. Preaches at Philadelphia and New York, and in several

places in Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Effect produced

in Philadelphia by his preaching. Anecdote of the Rev. Gilbert

Tennent, and the Rev. Mr. Rowland. Account of the college at

Princetown, in New Jersey. While making collections for the or-

phan-house, hires a place for the reception of the poor children.

Begins to build the house, March, 1740.
45

CHAPTER VI.

Preaches in various places with great apparent success. Receives

pressing invitations to New England. His reception there. Comes

back to Philadelphia, and preaches to several thousands, in a house

built for that purpose, since his last departure. Returns to England

in the spring of 1741.

CHAPTER VII.

50

The people's behaviour towards him greatly changed. Unwillingly

parts from the Rev. J. and C. Wesley. Character of the Rev. John

Cennick. Occasion of building the tabernacle. Is solicited to visit

Scotland. His parting from the Rev. Ralph and Ebenezer Ers-

kine.

CHAPTE
CHAPTER VIII.

61

Returns to England, October, 1741. His marriage at Abergavenny.

His success at Bristol and London. Ventures to preach in Moor.

fields in the holiday season. Remarkable success of that hazardous

attempt.

CHAPTER IX.

65

Makes a second visit to Scotland, June, 1742. The religious concern

at Cambuslang, &c. Mr. Whitefield's account of it. Preaches in

many towns and villages of Scotland. Is alarmed with accounts of

the Spaniards landing in Georgia.

CHAPTER X.

68

His labours at London and Bristol, in Gloucestershire and South Wales.

Continues to travel and preach through the country in the months

of November and December. Anecdote of the Rev. John Cennick

and Mr. Sanders. The birth and death of his only child. Obtains

a sentence against certain rioters for abusing the methodists. Writes

his letters to the bishops, and the Rev. Mr. Church. Is in danger

of being murdered in bed at Plymouth. Brief account of the late

Rev. Henry Tanner, of Exeter.

CHAPTER XI

70

Embarks the third time for America, August, 1744. Soon after his
arrival is brought to the gates of death. His reception at Boston
different from what it was formerly. Preaches to the officers and
soldiers that went against Cape Breton, 1745. Religious concern