Continuation of Journal from Leaving Stanford to Arrival at Falmouth, Journal

Continuation of Journal from Leaving Stanford to Arrival at Falmouth · Journal

A CONTINUATION Of the Reverend Mr. Whitefield's JOURNAL From his leaving Stanford in New-England, October 29th 1740. to his Arrival at Falmouth in England, March 11. 1741.

CONTAINING, An Account of the Work of GOD at New-York, Penſylvania, and South-Carolina.

BOSTON: Printed and Sold by S. KNEELAND and T. GREEN, at the Printing-Houſe in Queen-Street, over againſt the Priſon. 1741.

p. 3A CONTINUATION OF Mr. Whitefield's JOURNAL, &c.

Rye in NEW-YORK Province.

BEING kindly invited by a Miniſter of the Church of England, after Dinner I went to Rye, about eleven Miles from Stanford. I react Prayers and preached to a ſmall Congregation. Was civilly entertained by the Miniſter, and then rode ten Miles further to Eaſt Cheſter. Here I ſpent an agreeable Evening with my dear Companions in Travel. God filled me out of his own divine Fulneſs, and made me to drink of his Pleaſures as out of a River. I think I know what our Lord means when he Promiſes, He that believeth on me, out of his Belly ſhall flow Rivers of living Waters. Lord, evermore give me this Water.

p. 4King's Bridge and New-York.

Thurſday, October 30. Preached in the Morning to about 300 People, and obſerved a ſweet Melting among them. Dined and rode ſix Miles to King's Bridge, where I preached from the Steps of a publick Houſe to about 500; but did not perceive much viſible Effect. Hither ſeveral of New-York Friends came to meet me. I talk'd with them on the Way of the Things of God, and found an inexpreſſible Satisfaction in my Soul when I arrived at the Houſe of my very dear Friend Mr. Noble. After Supper, the Lord filled my Heart, and gave me to wreſtle with him for New-York Inhabitants, and my own dear Friends. To add to my Comfort, the Lord brought my Dear Brother Davenport from Long-Iſland, by whoſe Hands the bleſſed Jeſus has of late done great Things. In a Letter to his Mother he writes thus: The Lord has, in infinite Mercy, given me, in my Pariſh, near twenty, in a little more than two Months Time. In almoſt all theſe the Work of Converſion ſeem'd very clear. Let God have all the Praiſe. Even ſo, Lord Jeſus, Amen & Amen.

NEW-YORK.

Friday, October 31. Met with a bitter Pamphlet wrote againſt me by ſome of the Presbyterian Perſuaſion, and found Freedom given me to anſwer it. I long ſince expected cloſe Oppoſition from that Quarter. I believe it will be increaſing daily. The Lord will make me more than Conqueror thro' his Love! Met alſo with two Volumes of Sermons publiſhed in London as delivered by me, tho' I never preach'd on moſt of the Texts. But Satan muſt try all Ways to bring the Work of God into Contempt. Bleſſed be God, who enables me abundantly to rejoice in all Things that befal me. Preached in the Morning at Mr P—n's Meeting-Houſe: But never ſaw the Word of God fall with ſuch Weight in New-York before. Two p. 5or three cried out. Mr. Noble could ſcarce refrain himſelf. And, look where I would, many ſeem'd deeply wounded. At Night the Word was attended with great Power. One cried out; and the Lord enabled me, at the latter End of my Sermon, to ſpeak with Authority. Alas! How vain are the Thoughts of Men! As I came along Yeſterday, I found my Heart ſomewhat dejected, and told Mr. Noble I expected but little Movings in New York; but Mr. Noble bid me "expect great Things from God," and likewiſe told me of ſeveral who were, as he hoped, ſavingly wrought upon by my Miniſtry, when there laſt. O Lord, let theſe Things humble my Soul for thy own Name's Sake!

Saturday, November 1. Finiſhed my Anſwer to the Pamphlet. God enabled me to write it in the Spirit of Meekneſs. O Lord give it thy Bleſſing! Preached twice as Yeſterday to very crowded Auditories, and neither Time without Power. In the Evening Exerciſe, ſome fainted, and the Lord ſeemed to ſhew us more and more, that a Time for favouring New-York was near at Hand. O wherefore did I doubt! Lord increaſe my Faith.

Sunday, November 2. Preached this Morning with Freedom and ſome Power, but was much dejected before the Evening Sermon. For near half an Hour before I left Mr. Noble's Houſe, I could only lie before the Lord and ſay, I was a poor Sinner, and wonder that Chriſt would be gracious to ſuch a Wretch. As I went to Meeting, I grew weaker and weaker, and when I came into the Pulpit, I could have choſe to be ſilent rather than ſpeak. But, after I had begun, the Spirit of the Lord gave me Freedom, till at length it came down like a mighty ruſhing Wind, and carried all before it. Immediately the whole Congregation was alarmed. Shricking, Crying, Weeping and Wailing were to be heard in every Corner. Men's Hearts falling them for Fear and many falling into the Arms of their Friends. My Soul was … I could ſcarce ſpeak any more. A Senſe … p. 6overwhelmed me. As I went down, a Woman ſaid, "Come and ſee wha… God has done for me To-night." I looked, and her Daughter, in a great Agony, was crying out, "Oh my Jeſus, my Jeſus!" Another, a little Boy, was ſo concerned on the Pulpit Stairs, that he could ſcarce ſtand. One of my Friends asked him why he cried, Who can help it? ſaid he. Mr. Whitefield's Words cut me to the Heart. After I came home, I threw myſelf upon the Bed, and in an awful Silence, admired the infinite Freeneſs, Sovereignty and Condeſcenſion of the Love of God. I was unwilling to move, but was called down to the Marriage of Mr. B—r, whom I met at Rhode Iſland, who being eſpouſed to the young Woman, who was ſo ſtruck at the ſame Place, by my Advice, married her this Night, and both are going as my Aſſiſtants to Georgia. Never did I ſee a more ſolemn Wedding. Jeſus Chriſt was called, and he was preſent in a remarkable Manner. After Mr. P—n had married them, I prayed. But my Soul, how was it enabled to wreſtle with and lay hold on God! I was in a very great Agony, and the Holy Ghoſt was remarkably preſent, that moſt, I believe, could ſay, Surely God is in this Place! After this, Divine Manifeſtations flowed in ſo faſt, that my frail Tabernacle was ſcarce able to ſuſtain them. My dear Friends ſat round me on the Bed-ſides. I prayed for each of them alternately with ſtrong Cries, and pierced by the Eye of Faith, even within the Veil. I continued in this Condition for about half an Hour, aſtoniſhed at my own Vileneſs, and the Excellency of Chriſt, then roſe full of Peace, and Love and Joy. Oh! how am I obliged to my Enemies; God has remarkably revealed himſelf to my Soul, ever ſince I have ſeen the Pamphlet publiſhed by the Presbyterians againſt me. O how faithful is he that promiſed, It ſhall bruiſe thy Heel, and thou ſhalt bruiſe his Head! Lord enable me to lay hold on this, during the Time of my ſojourning here on Earth.

p. 7Monday, Nov. 3. Preached both Morning and Afternoon, and perceived the Congregations ſtill increaſe. There was a great and gracious Melting among the People both Times, but no crying out. Near 110l. Currency were collected for the Orphans; and in the Evening many came and took an affectionate Leave. About ſeven we took Boat; reached Staten Iſland about ten, greatly refreſhed in my inner Man. A dear Chriſt… Friend received us gladly. We ſolaced ourſelves by ſinging and praying. And about Midnight retired to ſleep, ſtill longing for that Time when I ſhould ſleep no more. Lord keep me from a ſinful and too eager Deſire after Death. I deſire not to be impatient. I deſire quietly to wait till my bleſſed Change come. Amen and Amen.

Staten Iſland and Newark.

Tueſday, Nov. 4. Preached from a Waggon on Staten Iſland, to about 3 or 400 People. The Lord came amongſt them. One dear young Man, in particular, as tho' his very Heart-ſtrings would break, came to me after Sermon, with ſtrong Cryings and Tears, beſeeching me, to pray that he might be converted. Many others wept alſo, and ſeveral of God's Children felt the Preſence of the dear Lord Jeſus in their Hearts. Many of them rejoiced to ſee me again. One grey headed Man came and told me how God had brought him from Darkneſs to Light, when I was here laſt. My Soul was alſo much refreſhed with the Sight of dear Mr. Gilbert Tennent and Mr. Croſs. The former has lately loſt his Wife, and tho' dear unto him, yet he was enabled with great Calmneſs to preach her funeral Sermon, whilſt the Corps were lying before him. This put me in Mind of Melancthon, who, at the News of his Wife's Death, ſaid, By Kate, I'll come after thee ere it be long Since his Wife's Deceaſe, Mr. Tennent has been in the Weſt Jerſeys and Maryland, and told me how God remarkably work'd by his Miniſtry p. 8in many Places. Mr. Croſs alſo has ſeen great and wonderful Things in his Congregations, ſo great that when I came to deſire a particular Account, he ſaid, It directly anſwered the Account given by Mr. Edwards, of the Work of God in Northampton. What is the Lord Jeſus about to do! If the Beginning is ſo great, what will the End of theſe Things be! Rode after Sermon to Newark, about ten Miles from Staten Iſland. Preached to a conſiderable Congregation, but it being dark before I concluded, I could not ſee what Impreſſions the Diſcourſe made. I fear but little. However, at Night the Lord manifeſted forth his Glory. For coming down to Family Prayer, where I lodged, and perceiving many young Men around me, my Soul was, as it were melted down with Concern for them. After ſinging, I gave a Word of Exhortation. With what Power none can fully expreſs but thoſe that ſaw it. O how did the Word fall like a Hammer and like a Fire! What a Weeping was there! One poor Creature in particular was ready to ſink into the Earth. His Countenance was altered, till he look'd, as it were, ſick to Death. At length he ſaid, "What ſhall I do to be ſaved?" Others were diſſolved into Tears around him; and one of my Fellow-travellers was ſtruck down, and ſo overpowered, that his Body become exceeding weak. He could ſcarce move all the Night after. God, I believe, was now working powerfully on his Soul. As for my own Part, I was almoſt ſpent. I vomited, threw myſelf upon the Bed, humbled myſelf before God, and ſpent the Remaining Evening in hearing dear Mr. Tennent give an Account of his late Excurſion. Oh he is a choice humble Miniſter of the Goſpel! May I follow him as he does Chriſt. Ame and Amen.

BASKINRIDGE.

Wedneſday, Nov. 5. Set out about eight in the Morning. Got to Baskinridge, the Place where Mr. Croſs exerciſes p. 9his ſtated Miniſtry, about one o'Clock. At the Houſe where I waited in the Way, a Woman ſpoke to me, under ſtrong Convictions, and told me, ſhe was deeply wounded by my laſt Night's Diſcourſe When I came to Baskinridge, I found Mr. Davenport, according to Appointment, had been preaching to the Congregation. It conſiſted of about 3000 People. As I went along I told a Friend, My Soul wept for them, and I was perſwaded within my ſelf, that the Lord would in that Day make his Power to be known amongſt them. In Prayer, I perceived my Soul drawn out, and a ſtirring of Affection among the People. I had not diſcourſed long, but the Holy Ghoſt diſplayed his Power. In every Part of the Congregation, ſome Body or other began to cry out, and almoſt all melted into Tears. This abated for a few Moments, till a little Boy about ſeven or eight Years of Age cried out exceeding piteouſly indeed, and wept as tho' his little Heart would break. Mr. Croſs having Compaſſion on him, took him up into the Waggon, which ſo affected me that I broke from my Diſcourſe, and told the People, the little Boy ſhould preach to them, and that God, ſince old Profeſſors would not cry after Chriſt, had diſplayed his Sovereignty, and out of an Infant's Mouth was perfecting Praiſe. God ſo bleſſed this, that an univerſal Concern fell on the Congregation again. Freſh Perſons dropp'd down here and there, and the Cry encreaſed more and more. At length I concluded, and as I was going away, I asked the little Boy "what he cried for?" He anſwered, "his Sins" I then asked, "What he wanted?" He anſwer'd, "Chriſt" As I paſſed along, freſh Inſtances of God's Power preſented themſelves to my View. Many mourning after Jeſus that would not be comforted. After Sermon, Mr. Croſs gave Notice of an Evening Lecture in his Barn about two Miles off Thither we went, and a great Multitude followed. Mr. Gilbert Tennent preached firſt, and that excellently well upon the Neceſſity p. 10and Benefit of ſpiritual Deſertions. I then began to pray, and felt the Spirit of God working in me mightily. A great Commotion was ſoon obſerved among the Hearers, I then gave a Word of Exhortation. The Lord's Preſence attended it in a ſurprizing Manner. One in about ſix Minutes cried out, "He is come, he is come," and could ſcarce ſuſtain the Diſcovery that Jeſus Chriſt made of himſelf to his Soul. Others were ſo earneſt for a Diſcovery of the Lord to their Souls, that their eager Crying obliged me to ſtop, and I prayed over them as I ſaw their Agonies and Diſtreſs increase. At length we ſung a Hymn, and then retired to the Houſe where the Man that received Chriſt continued till near Midnight, talking of and praiſing, "his ſweet Chriſt, his free hearted Christ," &c. A gracious Woman, who had been wreſtling with God for a Diſplay of his Power, was ſo overcome with a Senſe of his Goodneſs, that ſhe almoſt ſwoon'd away. And at length, my own Soul was ſo full that I retired, and was in a ſtrong Agony for ſome Time, and wept before the Lord, under a deep Senſe of my own Vileneſs, and the Sovereignty and Greatneſs of God's everlaſting Love. Moſt of the People ſpent the Remainder of the Night in Prayer and Praiſes. Two or three young Miniſters ſpoke alternately, and others prayed as the Lord gave them Utterance Oh! it was a Night much to be remember'd! May the Lord make us mindful of it even to the Day of our Death. Amen and Amen.

Baskinridge and New-Brunſwick.

Thurſday, November 6 After Breakfaſt this Morning, at the Deſire of Mr. Croſs, I went and gave a Word of Exhortation to, and ſung and prayed with a few People in the Barn. There was a ſweet Melting amongſt them again, and the Lord was peculiarly preſent with us Before I mounted my Horſe many came to me under great Soul-Concern. A L…d about thirteen Years old told me. p. 11"He never felt Sin before Yeſterday." A poor Negro-Woman ſaid, ſhe was filled with a Love of Chriſt, and being too …ond of the Inſtrument, would fain have gone with me. Her Maſter a godly Man conſented: But I bid her go Home, and with a thankful Heart ſerve her p…eſent Maſter. When I was upon my Horſe ſeveral Women came to ſhake me by the Hand. I asked one, "whether ſhe knew Chriſt?" She ſaid "Yes" "How long?" "Three Years, ſaid ſhe, the third Sunday in next March." I asked another the ſame Queſtion. She anſwered Yes, but I am waiting for a freſh Breathing from the bleſſed Spirit. I, with Pleaſure, took my Leave of them, and rode agreeably in Company with many Children of God, to New-Brunſwick, 23 Miles from Baskinridge. Here Letters awaited me from Savannah, acquainting me that there had been a great Mortality amongſt the People of that Place. That my Family lived in Love, the Orphans continued very healthy, and that a Miniſter was coming over to ſupply my Place at Savannah. This laſt much rejoiced me, being reſolved to give up Savannah Living as ſoon as I arrived at Georgia. A Pariſh and the Orphan-Houſe together are too much for me. Beſides God ſeems to ſhew me it is my Duty to evangelize, not to fix in any particular Place. In the Evening I preach'd in Mr. Gilbert Tennent's Meeting-Houſe, and was led in my Diſcourſe to comfort the Hearts of God's dear People. A little after Mr. B—r (a young Miniſter, who I truſt, will hereafter come fairly out for God) preach'd for about an Hour, and then, at the Deſire of dear Mr. Gilbert Tennent, I concluded with a Word of Exhortation, The Lord was plaeſed to communicate himſelf to me freely. My Soul was filled with his bleſſed Preſence. The Word fell with Weight: And after Sermon in private Prayer with my dear Friends, oh how did my loving Saviour cauſe my Cop to overflow! He permitted me to talk with him as a Man talketh with his Friend. This I take to be that foreign or Freedom of Speech which St. Paul p. 12ſpeaks of, and thro' the Lord Jeſus Believers have Acceſs to the Father. Oh the Happineſs of thoſe who are really born again of God!

New-Brunſwick and Trenton.

Friday, November 7. Had ſome Thoughts of going to Freehold and Shrewsbury, but was prevented by the coming of Mr. William Tennent, whom I wanted to conſult about his Brother Gilbert's going to Boſton, in order to help in carrying on the Work of God in New-England After Prayer, and ſome Argument▪ pro and con, we thought it the Will of God that Mr. Gilbert Tennent ſhould go to Boſton He (diffident of himſelf) was at firſt unwilling, urging his Inabi…ity for ſo great a Work, but afterwards being convinced it was the divine Will, he ſaid, The Will of the Lord be done With him alſo Mr. R—s was to go, a young Miniſter, one of the Tutors of Cambridge College, whom I brought with a View that he ſhould return with Mr. Tennent God has been pleaſed to work upon his Heart by my Miniſtry I cannot but think he will be a burning and a ſhining Light. It being the laſt Time we ſhould be together for a long Seaſon, we thought it beſt to ſpend ſome Time in Prayer. Mr. Gilbert Tennent was our Mouth to God — He prayed in the Holy Ghoſt. Many were greatly affected. About 11 o'Clock we parted in Tears, but with a full Aſſurance that we ſhould ſee and hear of great Things before we ſaw each other again in the Fleſh I then went on towards Trenton, in Company with Mr Davenport and ſome others. The Lord was with us on the Way. Some Time before we reached the Inn I could ſay but little. I retired as ſoon as I came to Trenton▪ lay ſilently before the Lord. He heard the Cry of my Heart. He filled it with his abundant Preſence, and gave me great Freedom to write ſomething, which, I truſt, will tend to promote his Glory. Even ſo, Lord Jeſus, Amen!

p. 13Trenton and Philadelphia.

Saturday, November 8. Preached this Morning in the Meeting Houſe, not to a very large or much affected Auditory — Was reſtrained in public Preaching, but felt an eſpecial Preſence of God in my private Buſineſs. Set out immediately after Dinner, and was mercifully and very providentially preſerved in going over two Creeks, which lay in the Way, and were much ſwell'd by the Rain. In one of them two of my Fellow-Travellers, in all Probability, muſt have periſhed, had not a Woman cried out, and bid us ſtop. A Man touched, as I afterwards found, by my Miniſtry, hearing my Voice, came and ſwam our Horſes over the other Creek, and conducted us ſafe over a very narrow Bridge. About 8 we reached Philadelphia, tho' the Night was very dark indeed. Some Friends were juſt come in, who had been out another Way to meet me. Several with great Joy came to ſalute me. We ſang, we prayed. The Lord inclined his Ear. My Soul was filled, as it were with Marrow and Fatneſs. I retired to Reſt, praying the Lord, that my coming to Philadelphia might be in the Fulneſs of the Bleſſing of the Goſpel of Peace. Amen, ſo be it!

PHILADELPHIA.

Sunday, November 9. Had ſeveral gracious Souls come to ſee me.— We prayed together. — The Lord much enlarged my Heart. Preached about 11 in the Morning to ſeveral Thouſands in a Houſe built for that Purpoſe ſince my laſt Departure from Philadelphia. It is 100 Feet long and 70 Feet broad. A large Gallery is to be erected all around it.—Many Footſteps of Providence have been viſible in beginning and carrying it on. Particulars I ſha… (God willing) relate hereafter. Let it ſuffice at preſent, that both in the Morning and Evening, God's Glory filled the Houſe: For there was great Power in the Congregation. p. 14It was never preach'd in before. The Roof is not yet up, but the People raiſed a convenient Pulpit, and boarded the Bottom. The Joy of moſt of the Hearers, when they ſaw me, was inexpreſſible: Some ſtill mocked. Between Services I received a Packet of Letters from England, dated in March laſt—May the Lord heal, and bring Good out of the Diviſions, which, at preſent, ſeem to be among the Brethren there! — God giving me Freedom, and many Friends being in the Room, I kneeled down and prayed with and exhorted them all. But, Oh how did they melt under bo…h! My Soul was much rejoiced to look round on them, becauſe there were ſome who were now fairly brought through the Pangs of the New-Birth, who had been moſt marvellous Offenders againſt the great God. I ſhall mention two only. The firſt is one Mr. Brockden, Recorder of Deeds, &c. a Man eminent in his Profeſſion, but for many Years a notorious Deift. In his younger Day, he told me, he had ſome religious Impreſſions, but coming into Buſineſs, the Cares of the World ſo choaked the good Seed, that he not only forgat his God in ſome Degree, but at length began to doubt of, and to diſpute his very Being. In this State he continued many Years, and has been very zealous to propagate his Deiſtical, I could almoſt ſay Atheiſtical Principles among moral Men, but he told me he never endeavoured to make Proſelytes of vivious, debauched People. When I came to Philadelphia this Time Twelve month, he told me, he had not ſo much as a Curioſity to hear me But a Brother Deift, his choiceſt Friend, preſſing him to come and hear me, to ſatisfy his Curioſity, he at length complyed with his Requeſt. It was Night. I preach'd at the Court Houſe Stairs, upon the Conference which our Lord had with Nicodemus. — I had not ſpoke much before God ſtruck his Heart. For, ſaid he, I ſaw your Doctrine tended to make People good. His Family knew nothing that he had been to hear me. After he came Home his p. 15Wiſe, who had been at Sermon, came in alſo, and wiſhed heartily that he had heard me. He ſaid nothing. After this, another of his Family came in repeating the ſame Wiſh; and, if I miſtake not, after that another, till at laſt being unable to refrain any longer, with Tears in his Eyes, Why, ſays he, I have been hearing him; and then expreſſed his Approbation. Ever ſince he has followed on to know the Lord, and I verily believe Jeſus Chriſt has made himſelf manifeſt to his Soul. Tho' upwards of threeſcore Years old, he is now I believe born again of God. He is a little Child, and often (as he told me) receives ſuch Communications from God, when he retires into the Woods, that he thinks he could die a Martyr for the Truth. The next is one CAPTAIN H—L, formerly as great a Reprobate as ever I heard of: Almoſt a Scandal and Reproach to human Nature. He uſed to ſwear to eaſe his Stomach, and was ſo fond of new Oaths that he uſed to go on Board the Tranſport Ships, and offer a Guinea for a new Oath, that he might have the Honour of coining it. It would be endleſs to give Inſtances of his vile Profaneneſs. To the Honour of God's Grace let it be ſaid, he is now, I believe a Chriſtian. Not only reformed, but renewed. The effectual Stroke, he told me, was given, when I preached laſt Spring at Pennypack, tho' under good Impreſſions before. Ever ſince he has been zealous for the Truth, ſtood like a Lamb when he was beaten, and in Danger of being murdered ſome Time ago, by many of my Oppoſers, and, in ſhort, ſhews forth his Faith by his Works. I might ſpeak alſo of ſome Quakers, who are fai…y brought into an experimental Acquaintance with Chriſt, who are choſen with myſelf, the aforeſaid B—r and H—l, and ſome others, joint Truſtees for the Houſe lately erected.— But I mention theſe in Particular, becauſe I think they are remarkable Proofs of that too much exploded Doct…ine, I mean, God's Eternal Election p. 16and everlaſting Love. Whatever Men's carnal Reaſoning may ſuggeſt, yet if the Children of God fairly examine their own Experiences, if they do God Juſtice, they muſt acknowledge that they did not chuſe God, but God choſe them. And if he choſe them at all, it muſt be from Eternity, and that too without any Regard to any Thing foreſeen in them. Unleſs they acknowledge this, Man's Salvation muſt be in Part owing to the Free-Will of Man, and it ſo, unleſs Men deſcend from other Parents then I did, Chriſt Jeſus might have died, and never have ſeen the Travel of his Soul in the Salvation of one of his Creatures. But I would be tender in this Point, and leave Perſons to be taught it of God. I am of the Martyr Bradford's Mind. Let a Man go to the Grammar School of Faith and Repentance, before he goes to the Univerſity of Election and Predeſtination. A bare Head-Knowledge of the Form of ſound Words availeth nothing. I am quite ſick of Chriſtleſs Talkers. From ſuch may I ever turn away! Amen and Amen.

Monday, November 10. Preached Morning and Afternoon to very large Congregations, and obſerved a wonderful ſweet Power attend both, but eſpecially the Evening-Sermon. Many afterwards came and told me what God did for their Souls thereby. All the vacant Time before and after preaching, I was employed in anſwering my Engliſh Letters. Lord bleſs what was written to the Conſolation and Edification of my dear Friends for Jeſus Chriſt's Sake. Amen and Amen.

Saturday, Nov. 15 Preached twice every Day this Week in the new Houſe, one Morning excepted, when I preached in Mr. C—'s Meeting Houſe on Account of the Snow. A moſt ſweet and wonderful Power went at that Time through the Congregation. The Lord gave me the Text I preached on juſt before Meeting; directed me to a Method as I was going up the Pulpi… ſtairs; and enabled me to diſcourſe with an uncommon Clearneſs, Freedom, and Power. The Effects plainly ſhewed that p. 17it was of God.— The Word ſeemed to ſmite them like ſo many pointed Arrows Many afterwards told me what they felt, and in the Evening I was ſent for to a young Woman, who was carried Home from Meeting, and had continued almoſt ſpeechleſs When I came, ſhe look'd like a Perſon dead and laid out. I prayed with her, and heard afterwards that ſhe came out into a more comfortable State. — Bleſſed be the Name of the Lord. Indeed I cannot ſay we had one dry Meeting. The leaſt Moving, I think, was one Afternoon, when I was unaccountably carried out to talk againſt Reaſoning Unbelievers. When I was at Dinner I had not fixed upon a Text. When I was going to preach, I was ſo ill that ſome of my Friends adviſed me to go home. I thought it beſt to truſt to God. I went on, began Preaching, and found my Heart ſomewhat refreſhed, but all on a ſudden, my Soul was ſo carried out to talk againſt depending on our natural Reaſon, that my Friends were aſtoniſhed, and ſo was I too: For I felt the Holy Ghoſt come upon me at that Time, and never ſpake on that wiſe before. As I was going home, I ſaid to a Friend, Surely ſome Reaſoners were in the Congregation. Upon Enquiry, I found a Cluſter of them were preſent, and then knew wherefore I was ſo aſſiſted. Oh who would but truſt in God! One of theſe Reaſoners a little after, meeting Mr. B—n, ſaid, What! Mr. Whitefield could not make the People cry this Afternoon. A good Reaſon for it, ſays Mr. B—n, he was preaching againſt Deiſts, and you know they are a harden'd Generation. Lord take from them a Heart of Stone, and give them a Heart of Fleſh. Abba, Father, all Things are poſſible with thee.

Another Afternoon, there was ſuch an univerſal Commotion in the Congregation, as I never ſaw in Philadelphia before. One or two cried out in a moſt pitious Manner, and Numbers wept ſo ſorely, that I broke off Prayer after Sermon ſooner than otherwiſe I ſhould have done. The Children of God were melted down, and their Souls magnified p. 18the Lord. I preached on theſe Words, What ſhall I do to be ſaved? And as I afterwards found, was very providentially directed to that Subject. For one Mrs. P—r, as I have it in a Paper taken from her own Mouth, went to Mr. Cummings to know, Why I ſhould not preach in the Church? He, after ſeveral Invectives caſt out againſt me, ſaid, He could not anſwer his Oath to the Biſhop of London, if he did give me Leave, and caution'd her againſt going to hear me; adding, That if ſhe followed or adhered to what I ſaid, ſhe was in a woful Condition. Nay, ſaid he. You are damned if you do. With all, he told her, He was diſtreſſed in his Soul for her, becauſe ſhe was a good Liver, and brought up under pious Parents. Mrs. P—r asked, If ſhe, by God's Aſſiſtance, could live up to the Doctrine and Example of our Saviour and the Apoſtles, as laid down in the New Teſtament, ſhe ſhould not do well? He anſwered, "Yes" Then, Sir, replied ſhe, I muſt believe in Mr Whitefield's Doctrine. There now, ſays he, you are running out again; I tell you, you are mad. Go home and hear him no more, and you'll do well enough. No, Sir, ſays Mrs P—r, I cannot ſtay away. And ſeeing ſo many People admire Mr. Whitefield's Doctrine, and you ſo bitter againſt him. What muſt I do to be ſaved? For you are enough to diſtract me between you. You are good enough, replied Mr. Cummins, and may dance or play at Cards, and be in a far better Way than Whi…efield or his Followers. For my Part, I will waſh my Hands of your Blood, and will leave you. No, ſaid Mrs. P—r, You love Money too well, Sir, to leave this Place. After a g…eat deal more Converſation, Mrs P—r left him in great Diſt…eſs of Mind, and often repeating to herſe…f, Lord, what ſhall I do to be ſaved? Contrary to Mr Cummins's Advice, ſhe went in the Afternoon, ſays the Paper before me, to hear Mr. Whitefield, and he pro…identially preached on the tremb…ing Jaylor's Words, What ſhall I do to be ſaved? Which gave the Gentlewoman ſo m…ch Satisfaction and Com…ort, that ſhe is thankful to God for having an Opportunity of hearing p. 19that Text explained, is much ſtrengthened, perfectly eaſy, and will by God's Grace follow his Commandments. Lord, for thy Mercy's Sake, work in her both to will and to do, after thy good Pleaſure. Amen and Amen It would be almoſt endleſs to recount all the particular Inſtances of God's Grace, which I have ſeen this Week paſt. Many that before were only convicted, now plainly proved, that they were converted and had a clear Evidence of it within themſelves. My chief Buſineſs was now to build up and to exhort them to con…in…e in the Grace of God. Notwithſtanding many were convicted almoſt every Day, and came unto me under the greateſt Diſtreſs and Anguiſh of Soul. Several Societies are now in the Town, not only of Men and Women, but of little Boys and little Girls. Being ſo engaged, I could not viſit them as I would, but I hope the Lord will raiſe me up ſome Fellow-Labourers, and that E…ders will be ordained in every Place, then we ſhall ſee a glorious Church ſettled and eſtabliſhed in Philadelphia. Haſten that Time, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer. I cannot leave off giving an Account of this Week's Work, wi…hout mentioning another Inſtance or two of God's Grace. One Woman came to me, I think fairly converted to our dear Lord Jeſus. She told me, when I was at Philadelphia laſt, She came deſiring that I would baptize her Child. I being otherwiſe engaged, refuſed. Upon this the Devil aſſaulted her, being under ſtrong Convictions, in a moſt violent Manner, and endeavoured to perſuade her, that all I had told her were Lies She was caſt into Darkneſs, but reaſoned thus, It is impoſſible that it ſhould be Lies, or that I ſhould be a falſe Prophet, ſince the Word came with ſ…ch Light, Evidence and unſpeakable Power upon her Soul, when ſhe heard me. She went home, re…red to Bed, and there the Devil would fain have perſuaded her to cut the Child's Throat wi…h a Pair of Sciſſ…s. She being brought into the utmoſt Extremity, cried and looked up to Chriſt. He delivered her out p. 20of her Diſtreſs. Satan immediately left her, and God flowed in upon her So … She knows that her Redeemer liveth. Praiſe the Lord O my …oul! Another …ng Woman, who I believe was made a wiſe Virgin laſt Spring, and received Jeſus Chriſt into her Heart, acqu…inted me, That ſhe continued in g…eat Joy for near three Days, and went as far as New Caſtle to hear me, when I took my Leave laſt A… ſhe was re…urning, ſome Body told her, I believed Election A…aſs… …hen, ſaid ſhe, (tho' ſhe was converted) what …i… become of me? She fell into Darkneſs, retired into the Woods, and b… Degrees, ſhe told me, ſolid Comfort returned to her Soul. And now, ſaid I, do you believe Election? Yes ſays ſhe with the utmoſt Confidence. I cannot bu… be … Oh that all who are now prejudiced againſt that Doctrine were thus taught of God! They would not ignorantly call the Doctrine of Election the Doctrine of De…s, or cry out vehemently againſt the HORRIBLE DECREE. But as an excellent Chriſtian obſerves, The Doctrine at Election i… ſuch a glorious Myſtery, that it dazze… the week Eyes even of ſome of God's dear Children. But I have ref…r…d the moſt ſ…ee… Proof of God's Grace and Power to the laſt About the Middle of the Week I was called to viſit one Mrs D then lying on a ſick Bed, but after p…odigious Agoni…s b…o't home to God when I was at Philadelphia laſt Spring. Her Husband was then at Sea and ſince his Return home, his greatly perſ…c…ed his Wi…e, denying her ſpi…ual Friends leave to come unto her. God no… inclined his Heart to let me come and pray with her, according to her Deſire When I went the firſt Time, he wa…n… in the Room, but was offended that he was not called up to join with us. The next Day he himſelf met me in the S…reet, and gi…e me an I…vita…io… I complied, and viſited his W…e ſeveral Times. B…t never before did I …e a Soul ſo exal… to God and …o…k ſo ſee…ingl… o… the Love of Jeſus, tho' … Extremity of Pain. Sometimes ſhe was ſo full of God … p. 21ſhe could not ſpeak, and at other Times, when ſhe could not ſpeak, and Ibid her lift up her Hands if all was well, ſhe ſtretched them with great Earneſtneſs. As ſoon as ever ſhe could recover Breath, ſhe would talk of Jeſus, ſaying that his Love was above her Pain, that ſhe longed to be diſſolved, but was willing to tarry the Lord's Leiſure. When I told her, that I wanted to be gone too No, ſays ſhe, d… you ſtay longer, and bring home ſome more Souls to Chriſt; with many other gracious Words, which dropped from her Mouth. My Soul was much enlarged to hear a Creature talk with ſuch Aſſurance juſt upon the Brink of Eternity. Her Husband and other Friends ſtood weeping by. God gave me great Aſſiſtance in Prayer. His Preſence filled the Room, and ſome I thought would have cried out. Oh that this Sickneſs may be a Means under God of ſaving her Relations precious and immortal Souls! After my Departure, ſhe bid one of my Friends tell me, That ſhe fed and lived upon the Doctrine which I had preached. When he asked her, What ſhe thought of the Righteouſneſs of Chriſt? Oh, ſays ſhe, my Soul is wrapped up in it! Lord Jeſus, let her repoſe her Confidence in thee even to the laſt. Into thy Hand, I commend her Spirit; For thou haſt redeemed it, O Lord thou God of Truth!

Sunday, Nov 16. Preached both Morning and Evening, and collected both Times about 105 l. Sterling for the Orphans. In the Morning my Soul was peculiarly enlarged, though I was ſomewhat dejected before I left my Lodgings. In the Afternoon, I publickly baptized five adult Women, who had undergone a ſtrict Examination. Before Sermon I gave them an earneſt Exhortation. They melted ſweetly under the Word, and every Thing was carried on with great Solemnity, I preached from theſe Words of St Jude, But ye, Beloved, building up yourſ…lves on your moſt holy Faith, praying in the Holy Ghoſt, keep yourſ…lves in the Love of God, looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt unto eternal Life. The Congregation was p. 22very large, tho' I think not near ſo large as when I took my Leave laſt Spring There was Abundance of Weeping when I came to the Concluſion of my Diſcourſe. Great Numbers flock'd to my Lodgings ſome under Diſtreſs ſome to give Thanks for what God had done for their Souls, and others to preſent me with ſomething for the poor Orphans. One that was baptized, bro't three Children. I baptized them, prayed, and gave a Word of Exhortation with a melting Heart to many dear Souls. In the Evening I went with my dear Friend Mr. Noble to take a final Leave of Mrs. D— yet rejoicing in God. Viſited a poor diſtracted Woman, and afterwards went to the Boys Society, where I met with a tender hearted Lad or two; then I returned home, and at laſt went to Bed, quite weary as to my outward Man, but inwardly rejoicing in God my Saviour. Oh that I could do more for Jeſus Chriſt! He is kinder and kinder to me every Day. Praiſe the Lord, O my Soul!

Glouceſter and Greenwich, Weſt Jerſeys.

Monday, Nov. 17. Was much melted at parting from my dear Friends. Had it much impreſſed upon my Mind, that I ſhould go to England, and undergo Trials for the Truth's Sake. Theſe Words, The Jews ſought to ſtone thee, and go…ſt thou thiter agai… ? With our Lord's Anſwer, have been for ſome Time lying upon me: And whilſt my Friends were weeping round me, St Paul's Words darted into my Soul. What mean you to weep & break my Heart? I am willing not only to be bouna but to die for the Lord Jeſus After ſervent Prayer, I took my Leave of ſome, but being to preach at Glouceſter in the Weſt Jerſeys, others accompanied me in Boats over the River. We ſung, as we ſa…ed, but my Heart was low. I preached at Glouceſter, but found myſelf weighed down, and not able to deli…er my Sermon with my uſual Vigour However, there was an affecting Melting, and ſeveral (as I heard afterwards) p. 23who had been in Bondage before, at that Time received Joy in the Holy Ghoſt. With Abundance of Tears, after Dinner moſt of Philadelphia Friends that came over the Water took their laſt Farewell. To ſee us part was ſomewhat moving. I rode on in Company with ſeveral to Greenwich, and preached to a few, and ſcarce with any Power. My Animal Spirits were almoſt gone, and Aſſiſtances ſuſpended In the Evening we travelled on a few Miles, but my Body was more and more out of Order, and I thought God was preparing me for future Bleſſings. It is good to be humbled I am never better than when I am brought to lie at the Foot of the Croſs. It is a certain Sign God intends that Soul a greater Crown. Lord let me always feel myſelf a poor Sinner. Amen and Amen.

PILES-GROVE.

Tueſday, November 18. Was ſomewhat better in the Morning; preached at Piles-Grove in the Afternoon to about 2000 People. Saw only a few affected. God was pleaſed to reſtrain me, but at Night where I lodged, God was pleaſed ſo abundantly to refreſh my Soul, as to make me forget the Weakneſs of my Body. I prayed and exhorted with great Power in the Family where I lodged. Viſible Impreſſions were made upon the Hearers. Oh that they may be abiding! Are a little: But was enriched plentifully with that Bread which is Meat indeed and Drink indeed An earneſt the Lord intends Good to ſome Souls hereabouts. Even ſo, Lord Jeſus, Amen and Amen.

Cobanſie, 18 Miles from Piles-Grove.

Wedneſday, November 19. Had two precious Meetings To-day at Cobanſie. Preached to ſome Thouſands both Morning and Afternoon. The Word gradually ſt…uck the Hearers ti…l the whole Congregation was greatly moved indeed, and two cried out in the Bitterneſs of their p. 24Souls, after a crucified Saviour, and were ſcarce able to ſtand. My Soul was repleniſhed as with new Wine, and Life and Power flew all around me. At this Place, dear Mr. Gilbert Tennent preached ſome Time ago. At his, as well as the People's Requeſt, I came thither. Bleſſed be God, his Goſpel ſpreads more and more Lord carry it on for thy own Names Sake. Amen and Amen.

Salem, 18 Miles from Cobanſie.

Turſday, November 20. Preached twice here this Day; in the Morning in the Court Houſe; in the Afternoon in the open Air, before the Priſon, to about 2000 Both Times God was with us. In the Morning eſpecially there was one cried out and ſhrieked moſt piteouſly, and would not be comforted. After Service, two or three came to me quite weighed down with the Burden of Sin. They told me, God had ſtruck them by Mr. Tennent's Preaching, but now they were ſtruck much deeper I gave them what Advice I thought proper, and about five left Salem O that the Prince of Peace would come and take Poſſ…ſſion of the Inhabitants Hearts!

Newcaſtle, 13 Miles from Salem, and Whiteclay Creek, in Pennſylvania.

Friday Nov. 21. Got hither with ſome little Difficulty about Midnight. Preached in the Morning in the Court-Houſe. Obſerved ſome few affected, and ſome few ſcoffing. Mer dear Mr Charles Tennent. Went with him to Whiteclay Creek. As we paſſed along Mr. A—n, the Presbyterian Miniſter who oppoſed me laſt Spring at Fork's Mannor, gave us the Meeting. Thinking he intended to go by, I did not ſtop, only pull'd off my Har. He turning about ſaid, What will you not ſhake Hands? I gave him my Hand. He then asked me, To have a Conference, as he deſired when l…ſt at Fork's Mannor. I told p. 25him, Since he had begun by ſending the Queries in Publick, I was reſolved to decline all private Converſation. This, as I found afterwards, highly offended him. Two or three more of his Aſſociates were at Whiteclay Greek: And God was pleaſed to appear for me in an extraordinary Manner. There were many Thouſands waiting to hear the Word. I have not ſeen a more lovely Sight. I ſang the xxiii Pſalm, and theſe Words gave my Soul unſpeakable Comfort.

In Preſence of my ſpiteful Foes,

He does my Table ſpread.

The Lord Jeſus aſſiſted me in Preaching. The Melting ſoon begun, and the Power increaſed more and more till the greateſt Part of the Congregation was exceedingly moved. Several cried out in different Parts, and others were to be ſeen wringing their Hands, and weeping bitterly. The Stir was ten Times greater than when I was here laſt. After Sermon I went about three Miles, and lay at Mr. Charles Tennent's Houſe, who has lately married a young Lady whom God was pleaſed to awaken by my Miniſtry. Here I had ſweet Converſation with Mr. Blair, and Mr. Craighead, but being taken very ill, I was obliged to retire to Reſt Bleſſed be God, there is a Time coming, when all theſe Interruptions ſhall be done away.

O! may I worthy prove to ſee

Thy Saints in full Proſperity,

That I the joyful Choir may join,

And count thy People's Triumphs mine.

FORK'S MANNOR.

Saturday, Nov. 22. Preached in the Afternoon to many Thouſands, and God was again pleaſed mightily to own his Word. These was a wondrous powerful Moving, but p. 26it did not riſe to ſuch a Degree as when I preached la… Spring. I was taken ill after Preaching. Straining cauſed me to vomit much. I rode about twelve Miles, was kindly received into a Houſe with all my Friends, and thought it adviſable to retire to Bed immediately. But on a ſudden, God's Preſence ſo filled my Soul that I could ſcarce ſtand under it. I prayed and exhorted, then exhorted and prayed again, but with ſuch Power that every Perſon in the Room ſeemed to be under very great Impreſſions, ſighing and weeping from the very Bottom of their Souls, and one in particular roared for the very Diſquietneſs of her Heart. This continued for near an Hour or two; but at laſt my outward Man was ſo weak, and my inward Communications ſo ſtrong, that I was quite overpowered. A dear Friend undreſſed me. The Lord gave me ſweet Sleep, and in the Morning I aroſe with my natural Strength much renewed. Bleſſed be the Lord my God, from whom alone cometh every temporal Gift, as well as my eternal Salvation!

NOTTINGHAM.

Sunday, Nov. 23. Rode four Miles, and got to Nottingham about ten. But it raining much, and the People thereby being prevented gathering ſo ſoon, I preached about one to a large Congregation, who ſeem'd in no wiſe to regard the Rain, ſo they might be watered with the Dew of God's Bleſſing. The Lord, I believe, lets the Doctrine diſtill like the Dew upon them Immediately after Sermon, we ſet out in a very great Company for Bohemia in Maryland, near thirty Miles from Nottingham, and to my pleaſing Surprize, as we were riding along, met with Captain G—n, whom I ſent over with Mr. Seward to England. He arriv'd at Newcaſtle in the Morning, and very providentially came to me in the Afternoon. I have been wai…ing for Letters (that I knew were ſent me) for ſome Weeks. God hath kept them from me, p. 27but he hath ſent me what is better. Oh may this teach me, O Lord, more and more to wait on and reſign my Will to thine For I know thou wilt order all Things for my temporal and eternal Good. Oh Grace, Grace!

Bohemia in Maryland, and St. Georges in Pennſylvania.

Monday, Nov. 24 Got hither about 11 laſt Night, and was moſt kindly received by old Mrs. B — d, a true Mother in Iſ…ael, many of whoſe Family are under very good Impreſſions. Read my Engliſh Letters, had great Freedom given me in anſwering them, and thought it was now the Will of God that I ſhould imbark for my native Coun…ry next Spring O Lord, prepare thy Way before me! Pre…ched in the Afternoon to about two Thouſand, and have not ſeen a more ſolid Melting, I think, ſince my Arrival.—Some Scoffers ſtood on the Outſide, but the Holy Spirit enabled me to lay the Terrors of the Lord before them, and they grew more ſerious. Several poor Souls wanted to go with me, and many of their Hearts ſeemed ready to break. My Soul much rejoiced in the Lord to ſee Salvation brought to Maryland. I parted from good old Mrs B—d in Tears, and rode with my Friends about 10 Miles to a Place called St. Georges, where a kind and courteous Quaker received us into his Houſe Here God gave me great Freedom of Spirit, made my Pen the Pen of a ready Writer, and ſhewed me more and more clearly the Way wherein I ſhould go. Lord guide me with thy Counſel till thou doſt bring me to everlaſting Glory!

REEDY-ISLAND.

Monday, December 1. Came to Reedy Iſland laſt Tueſday Morning, and had a wonderful Preſence of God in the Aſſembly in the Afternoon. Several of my dear Philadelphia Friends came to take their laſt Farewel. The Holy p. 28Ghoſt enabled me to preach with ſuch Power to them and ſome others in the Evening that one was thrown into ſtrong Convulſions, by the Violence of her Convictions. Others were in great Agonies. All I believe were melted down.—On Wedneſday, Saturday and Sunday I preached again.—The Lord was with us every Time. My Soul enjoyed much of the di…ine Preſence in the Sloop, and I was greatly delighted to ſee the Captains of the Ships, and their reſpective Crews come conſtantly to attend to hear the Word on Shoar, and join with us in religious Exerciſes on Board. Dear Captain H — l, Matthew-like, was wery buſy in bringing his Brother Publican Sailors to hear the glad Tidings or Salvation, and he rejoyced my Heart with the News that ſome of them felt the Power of God. This Morning the Wind ſpringing up fair we ſet ſail from Reedy Iſland But before I go on, ſtop, O my Soul, and look back a little on the great Things the Lord hath done for thee during this Excurſion. I think, it is now the 75th Day ſince I arrived at Rhode-Iſland.— My Body was then weak, but the Lord has much renewed it's Strength. I have been enabled to preach, I think, 175 Times in public, beſides exhorting very frequently in private. I have travelled upwards of 800 Miles, and gotten upwards of 700 l.-Sterling in Goods, Proviſions and Money for my poor Orphans Never did God vouchſafe me ſuch great Aſſiſtances. Never did I perform my Journeys with ſo little Fatigue, or ſee ſuch a Continuance of the di…ine Preſence in the Congregations, to whom I have preached. All Things concur to convince me that Ameri…a is to be my chief Scene for Action. May the Lord prepare me for every Thing he has appointed for me to do and ſuffer, and then I need not fear being more than Conqueror thro' his Love.

Charleſtown in South-Carolina.

Wedneſday, Dec. 10 Had a pleaſant Paſſage, and arrived at Charleſtown laſt Night. As we came over the Bar, p. 29I was informed of a melancholly Fire, that broke out about three Weeks ago, and deſtroyed 300 Houſes in the beſt Part of Charleſtown in the Space of about 3 Hours. The News much affected me, becauſe I loved the People, and I preach'd to them this Morning from Iſai. 1.9. Except the Lord of Hoſts had left unto us a very ſmall Remnant, we ſhould have been as Sodom, and we ſhould have been like unto Gomorrah. In handling the Subject I endeavour'd to ſhew what were the Sins which provoked God to puniſh the Iſraelites in that Manner. I drew a Parallel between them and the Charleſtown People, and then made an Application ſuitable to the ſolemn Occaſion of my preaching. May the Lord grant it may produce the deſired Effect, and be a Means of preſerving the Inhabitants from being caſt into that Fire, which never ſhall be quenched

Betheſda in Georgia.

Sunday, Dec. 14 Preached again at Charleſtown on Wedneſday Evening Anſwered ſome Letters that I received from England Went on Board on Thurſday; reached Savannah on Saturday about Midnight; preached this Morning, and arrived ſafely at Betheſda (where I found my Family comfortably ſettled) this Afternoon. My Soul was much touched with a Senſe of God's Mercies. When I came to pray with an old Chriſtian in our Infirmary, it ſo overwhelmed me that I could ſcarce ſtand under it. The Love of God was ſhed abroad in my Heart abundantly thro' the Holy Ghoſt Thanks be to God for theſe, and all his other unſpeakable Gifts, thro' Jeſus Chriſt our Lord!

Monday, Dec. 29 Enjoyed a very comfortable Chriſtmas at Betheſda, having God often with us in my publick Miniſtrations amongſt the Family and Labourers. One Woman received Chriſt in a glorious Manner, and ſeveral others were brought under ſtrong Convictions. On Chriſtmas-Day I married Mr. Perians to one of the School-Miſtreſſes p. 30Miſtreſſes which I brought out of England; and laſt Saturday I alſo married Mr. Haber…bam to Mr B—'… Daughter, whom I brought with me from Philadelphia, and who was converted ſome Time ago at Savannah Both Times the Bridegroom of the Charch wa… preſent with us, in an eſpecial Manner: And many, I hope, felt an Union between Jeſus Chriſt and their Souls. Having appointed Mr. D—r to take Care of the ſpiritual, and Mr. H — m to ſuper intend the outward Affai…s of the O…phan Houſe, and ſettled all Things to my Satisfaction, fi…ding my Ca…l clear to England, I, laſt Night, took a ſorrowful and affectionate Leave of my Family; and this Day went to Savannah, but norrowly eſcaped being ſhot by a Labourer walking behind me with a Gun under his Arm The Gun went off unawares, but the Mouth of it providentially was towards the Ground. Otherwiſe I and one of my Friends, in all probability, ſhould have been killed, for we were directly before and not above a Yard or two diſtant from it. How ought we to live in ſuch a State as we would not fear to die in! For in the midſt of Life we are in Death.

In the Evening I preached at Savannah, and took my final Leave of the People, it being inconſiſtent with my other Affairs to act as their Paſtor any more. Another Miniſter is not yet come, but is exp…cted daily. I gave the Truſtees Notice January laſt, of my Deſign to give up the Parſonage Bleſſed … God, I am now more …ree to evangelize and go whitherſoever the Lord ſhall be pleaſed to call me. I yet hope we…l of Georgia, tho', at preſent, in a very declining and piteous Sta…e It will flouriſh, I believe, when ſettled upon a religious Foundation. Ti…l then God will infatuate the Counſels of Men, or bring them to Nought. It was ſo with New England. I am perſuaded it will be ſo with New Georgia. G…ory be to God, I leave behind me ſome who love the Lord Jeſus in Sincerity. Heavenly Father, deſtroy not the Province for their Sakes, and for thy own Name Sake grant it may …t p. 31take Root downwards, and bear Fruit upwards! Amen and Amen.

Mr. Jonathan B—'s Plantation near Port-Royal in South-Carolina.

Thurſday, Jan. 1. 1741. Left Savannah on Tueſday in the Afternoon. Arrived here this Morning about two of the Clock, with ſome more Friends in Mr Jonathan B—'s Bo…t, who, with ſome others, came to Betheſda, in Hopes of my returning with them. I truſt he, and two or three more, ſince our laſt Meeting, a…e ſettled in Chriſt, and have got Satisfaction about their Intereſt in him. In the Afternoon I preached at his Houſe to ſeveral of the Neighbouring People. The Lord made it a Bethel. In the Evening came Mr. Hugh B—n, his Brother, lately converted at Savannah His Wife died ſometime ago; in what Frame, the following Letter, which he ſent to a Neice of his now at Betheſda will beſt teſtify.

Dear Child,

UNder written are the dying Words of your Aunt, which I ſend for your Satisfaction and Information. She died October 7th between the Hours of nine and ten in the Morning, being fi…led with the full Aſſurance of Faith in Chriſt, and a joyful Hope of eternal Salvation through his Merits and Mediation.

As your Aunt and I were p…aying to our Lord Jeſus to give her the Comforts of his Holy Spirit to ſupport her under the Agonies of Death, ſhe replied, I ſee him! I ſee him! Now I ſee Light After this ſhe continued in Prayer about half an Hour, but her Speech failing her, we could not during that Time underſtand what ſhe ſpake, only we could bear the Name of Jeſus often and Come Jeſus! Come Jeſus. Then again ſhe ſpake out plainly, and ſaid Who would die without a God? Now I ſee Light. God has let me ſee my Error. I had not repented p. 32of my original Sin. Oh the Falſeneſs of our Hearts! O ſearch your Hearts, before you come to this; for they are falſe. Then ſhe lay in an Agony about half an Hour, and again ſpake out, and ſaid, God has let me ſee great and glorious Things which would not be believed, if they were told. Then your Uncle R—s, coming into the Room ſpake to your Aunt S—s, and your dying Aunt hearing his Voice, calleth him to her, and when he was come, ſhe ſpake to us and ſaid, Mind what I ſay to you; for hereafter you muſt all give an Account of what I now ſay to you; for I ſpeak by the Spirit of God. He has enabled me to ſpeak to you before I go, (for I am juſt a going) Then ſhe ſaid, God is a juſt God as well as merciful. Be diligent in ſearching your Hearts. Brother, tell Mr. — he is in the Wrong. Then ſhe ſaid My Pain is great, but Chriſt is ſufficient for me. And ſhe repeated that God had let her ſee great Things that would not be believed, if they were told. She ſaid alſo, Follow Whitefield, God will bleſs him wherever he goes. — Don't ſpeak lightly of him. Bleſs him, bleſs him. God has enabled me to ſpeak to you before I go. I am juſt a going. Farewell, Farewell. God be with you! Then ſhe compoſed herſelf, and lay about half an Hour, and neither mov'd nor groan'd, except her Lips and Tongue, and the heaving of her Breaſt in breathing, ſeeming to be in her perfect Senſes till about a Minute before ſhe died — She look'd round at each of us that were about her Bed, and then departed in Quietneſs. Her Hands and Arms, up to her Elbows, were cold, and alſo her Face, when ſhe ſpake what is here inſerted, and ſome Time before. As ſhe lay begging that the Lord would take her away, I felt her Noſe and told her, it was cold; and ſhe replied, Bleſſed be God for it, and again, My Soul thirſteth after thee, I come, Lord Jeſus. I come.

Thus far Mr Bryan, I ſhall only add, O Death, where is thy Sting! O Grave, where is thy Victory over true Believers! What Fools are they that count their Lives Madneſs

p. 33CHARLESTOWN.

Sunday, January 4. Came hither Yeſterday in Company with both the Mr. B—'s, and ſeveral other dear Friends. Had the Satisfaction of meeting with my Brother the Captain, and hearing from him ſome Account of Affairs among the Brethren in England. The Lord enable me to ſteer a wiſe and ſteady Courſe, when I come among them! Preached twice this Day, and expounded in the Evening to large Auditories. Was moſt affectionately entertained at the Houſe of Mr. F—r, and enjoyed much of the divine Preſence and Conſolations in my Soul. Happy they whoſe Lives are hid with Chriſt in God!

Saturday, Jan. 10. Preached twice every Day this Week, and expounded frequently in the Evening to a great Company at Mr. F—'s. The Lord Jeſus aſſiſted and enlightned me. The Holy Ghoſt applied the Word with Power. Several had acquainted me what God had done for their Souls; and one was filled ſo with Communications from above, when a Diſcovery of Chriſt was made to her Soul, that ſhe continued a whole Night praying to and praiſing God. Some have fallen away for the preſent, but bleſſed be God, the greateſt Part continue ſtedfaſt, and are rather more forward and affectionate than ever. Enemies are more enraged. As a Proof of it, take the following Inſtance. — When Mr. Jonathan B—n came to Georgia, he ſhewed me a Letter written by his Brother Mr. Hugh B—n, in which it was hinted that the Clergy break their Canons, and this he deſired me to correct for the Preſs. I did. It was publiſhed this Week. Immediately Mr. B—n was apprehended and bound over, and being asked, frankly confeſſed that I corrected and made ſome Alterations in it This Evening a Conſtable came to me with the following Warrant.

p. 34South-Carolina, Sſ.

By B—W—, &c.

WHEREAS I have received Information upon Oath that George Whitefield Clerk, hath made and compoſed a falſe, malicious, ſcandalous, and infamous LIBEL againſt the CLERGY of this Province, in Contempt of His Majeſty and His Laws, and againſt the King's Peace.

Theſe are therefore, in His Majeſty's Name, to charge and Command you and each of you forthwith to apprehend the ſaid George Whitefield, and to bring him before Me to anſwer the Premiſſes. Hereof fail not, at your Peril. And for your ſo doing this ſhall be your and each of your ſufficient Warrant.

To all and ſingular the Conſtables of Charleſtown. Given under my Hand & Seal this tenth Day of January in the fourteenth Year of His Majeſty's Reign, Anno Domini one Thouſand ſeven Hundred and forty. B— W—.

I we before the C—J—, confeſſed that I had reviſed …d corrected Mr. B—'s Letter for the Preſs, and gave Security to appear by my Attorney at the next general Quarter Seſſions, under the Penalty of 100 l. Proclamation Money. Bleſſed be God for this further Honour! My Soul rejoices in it. I think this may be called PERSECUTION I think it is for Righteouſneſs Sake. Oh! how gently does the Lord deal with me, and by theſe little forwarn, and, I truſt, prepare me for greater Trials! Father forgive my Perſecutors. Viſit them not in Judgment, but in Mercy. They know not what they do.

Sunday, Jan. 11. Preached this Morning upon Herod's ſending the wiſe Men to find out Chriſt, under a Pretence that he intended to come and worſhip him, when indeed he intended to kill him I endeavour'd to ſhew from thence how dreadful it was to perſecute under a Pretence of Religion p. 35Mr. W—d telling me, that what he did was out of a Senſe of Duty, and that binding me over to the Seſſions was no Perſecution, led my Thoughts this Way. In the Afternoon I preached from theſe Words, 1 Kings xxi 12, 13 They proclaimed a Faſt, and ſet Naboth on high amongſt the People, and there came in two Men, Children of Belial, and ſat before him: And the Men of Belial witneſſ…d againſt him, even againſt Naboth, in the Preſence of the People, ſaying, Naboth did blaſpheme GOD and the KING. Then they carried him forth out of the City, and ſtoned him with Stones that he died My Hearers, as well as myſelf, made the Application. It was pretty cloſe. And I eſpecially directed my Diſcourſe to Men in Authority, and ſhewed them the heinous Sin of abuſing the Power which God had put into their Hands. In the Evening I expounded on the Story of O…pah and Ruth, and exhorted my Hearers to follow the Lord Jeſus Chriſt tho' his Cauſe be never ſo much perſecuted and ſpoken againſt. Lord Jeſus, k…ep us from being aſhamed of thee or of thy Goſpel.— Amen and Amen.

Thurſday, Jan. 15 Received ſeveral comfortable Letters from my dear Friends at Boſton; amongſt whom Secretary Willard, an honourable Counſellor, writes thus: Mr. Webb tells me, that divers young Men in this Town, who are Candidates for the Miniſtry, have been brought under deep Convictions by your Preaching, and (as he hopes) are carried off from the Foundation of their falſe Hopes (their own Righteouſneſs) to reſt only upon Chriſt for Salvation. The dear Reverend Mr. Cooper writes thus: I can inform you, that there are many abiding Proofs that you did not run in vain, and labour in vain amongſt us in this Place. I could much more than fi…l this Paper with the Accounts I have received from the Perſons who have been impreſſed under the Word preached by you. But I can only now ſay in general, ſome have been awakened who were before quite ſecure, and I hope a good Work begun in them. p. 36Others, who had been under religious Impreſſions, are now more earneſtly preſſing into the Kingdom of Heaven, and many of the Children of God ſtirred up to give Diligence for the full Aſſurance of Faith. There is a greater Flocking to all the Lectures in the Town, and the People ſhew ſuch a Diſpoſition to the new Tueſday Evening Lecture, that our large capacious Houſe cannot receive all that come. I am ſure your Viſit to us has made a large Addition to the Prayers that are going up for you in one Place and another, and I hope alſo the Jewels which are to make up your Crown in the Day of the Lord. Mr. Welch, a pious Friend, writes thus: I fear I am tedious, but I can't break off till I juſt mention, to the Glory of the Grace of God, and for your Comfort and Encouragement, the Succeſs your Miniſtry of late has had among us. Impreſſions made ſeem to be abiding on the Minds of many. The Doctrines of Grace ſeem to be more the Topick of Converſation than ever I knew them. Nay, Religious Converſation ſeems to be almoſt faſhionable, and almoſt every one ſeems diſpoſed to ſpeak or hear of the Things of God. Multitudes flock to the Evening Lecture, tho' it has ſometimes been the worſt of Weather. Miniſters ſeem to preach with more Life, and the great Auditories ſeem to hear with ſolemn Attention; and, I hope, our Lord Jeſus is getting to himſelf the Victory over the Hearts of many Sinners. Others write to the ſame Effect. All Love, all Glory be to God.

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.

Friday, Jan. 16 Preached twice every Day this Week, and expounded in the Evening as uſual. Congregations I perceived much encreaſed ſince Saturday Night laſt, as p. 37alſo the Power which the Lord gave me. I never received ſuch generous Tokens of Love, I think from any People before, as from ſome in Charleſtown. They ſo loaded me with Sea Stores, that I ſent much of them to Savannah. Having now all Things finiſhed according to my Mind, preached my Farewel Sermon laſt Night, and ſpoke at the Burial of a Quaker Woman, at the Deſire of her ſurviving Friends, I this Day went on board the Minerva, Captain Meredith, in which I took Paſſage for myſelf and ſome others to England. Thou God of the Sea and the dry Land, be with us on our Voyage, and prepare me for the many Perils and Mercies that await me amongſt my own Countrymen. Amen and Amen.

On Board the Minerva.

Sunday, Jan. 18. Continued on board theſe two Days to ſettle our Ship Affairs, and diſpatch ſome other Buſineſs. Was but weak in Body. The Winds being contrary, many Friends came from Charleſtown, and we ſpent the Afternoon very comfortably together. I preached, and the Lord was with me. Towards the Evening our Friends left us, not without Hopes of ſeeing each other hereafter in the Land of everlaſting Reſt, if not on this Side Eternity. Bleſſed be God, that there is ſuch a Reſt remaining for his Peopl… !

Sailed over Charleſtown Bar, Jan. 24. and arrived at Falmouth on the 11th of March. The Lord was pleaſed to give us a favourable Paſſage. About three Days after we ſet ſail, we had a violent Storm, which continued about four Hours. During the reſt of the Paſſage, we had uncommonly pleaſant Weather and fair Winds, till we came very near upon Soundings. Afterwards, the bleſſed God was pleaſed to detain us near a fortnight. But the Weather was pleaſant, and through the Bounty of our dear Charleſtown Friends, we had all Things richly to enjoy. In the Beginning of the Voyage, my Body was p. 38weak, and my Soul ſomewhat low. But afterwards, God was pleaſed to ſtrengthen me both in Body & Soul. Theſe Words came one Day with great Power upon my Heart, Ariſe, Go into Nineveh, the great City, and preach unto it the Preaching that I bid thee. At another Time, the Lord ſpoke to me by theſe Words, Take the Foxes, the little Foxes that ſpoil the Vines: For our Vine have tender Grapes. This Part of Joſeph's Bleſſing was one Night brought home to me with a ſweet Power: The Archers have ſorely grieved him, and ſhot at him, and hated him. But his Bow abode in Strength, and the Arms of his Hands were made-ſtrong, by the Hands of the mighty God of Jacob. And, at another Time, when my Soul was dejected at a Senſe of my own Weakneſſes, and the Number and Greatneſs of my impending Trials, the Lord raiſed and comforted me with this Promiſe: Fear thou not, for I am with thee: Be not diſmayed, for I am thy God: I will ſtrengthen thee, yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the Right Hand of my Righteouſneſs. The Books of Geneſis and Exodus, which I expounded in Courſe, Morning and Evening, were much bleſſed to my ſpiritual Comfort. And the Lord has been pleaſed to give me Freedom to write down ſome of my extempore Diſcourſes, which I hope he will bleſs for his own Name's Sake. In ſhort, this Voyage has been a profitable Voyage to my Soul, becauſe of my having had many ſweet Opportunities for Reading, Meditation and Prayer. I cannot but adore the Providence of God in ſavouring me with ſuch bleſſed Retirements as I have frequently enjoyed on the great Waters. I dared not expect to meet with ſuch Succeſs as he has been pleaſed to give me abroad: And I doubt not but I ſhall yet ſee greater Things there as well as at home. I never had ſuch … Variety of Trials and Changes of Life lying before me as at this Time. But I throw myſelf into the Hands of the bleſſed Jeſus, and ſhall conclude this further Account of God's Dealing with me, with a H…mn compoſed by my dear and honoured Friend Mr. Weſley

Ah! my dear Maſter! Can it be

That I ſhould loſe by ſerving thee?

In ſeeking Souls ſhould loſe my own,

And others ſave, myſelf undone?

Yet I am loſt (ſhouldſt thou depart)

Betray'd by this deceitful Heart,

Deſtroy'd if thou my Labour bleſs,

And ruined by my own Succeſs.

Hide me! if thou refuſe to hide,

I fall a Sacrifice to Pride:

I cannot ſhun the Fowler's Snare,

The Fiery Teſt I cannot bear.

Helpleſs, to thee for Aid I cry,

Unable to reſiſt, or fly:

I muſt not, Lord the Task decline,

For all I have, and am is thine.

And well thou know'ſt, I did not ſeek,

U call'd of God, for God to ſpeak,

The dreadful Charge I ſought to flee,

"Send whom thou wilt, but ſend not me."

Long did my Coward Fleſh delay,

And ſtill I tremble to obey,

Thy Will be done, I faintly cry,

But rather— ſuff…r me to die.

Ah! reſcue me from Earth and Sin,

Fightings without, and Fears within,

More, more than H…ll myſelf I dread,

Ah! cover my defenceleſs Head!

Surely thou wilt. Thou cauſt not …nd,

And not my helpleſs Soul defend,

Call me to ſtand in Danger's Hour,

And not ſupport me with thy Power.

Lord, I believe the Promiſe true,

Behold, I always am with you;

Always if thou with me remain,

Hell, Earth, and Sin ſhall rage in vain.

Give me Thine All-ſufficient Grace,

Then hurl your Dares of Rage or Praiſe,

Jeſus and me ye ne'er ſhall part,

For God is greater than my Heart.

FINIS

End of the text · George Whitefield, Continuation of Journal from Leaving Stanford to Arrival at Falmouth (1741)