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in the Hospital park, where a number of seats and shades, in the form of an amphitheatre, were erected for the accommodation of his hearers. And in consequence of earnest invitations, he went to the west country, particu larly to Cambuslang, where he preached three times, upon the very day of his arrival, to a vast body of people, although he had preached that same morning at Glasgow. The last of these exercises began at nine at night, continuing till eleven, when he said he observed such a commotion among the people as he had never seen in America. Mr. MacCulloch preached after him, till past one in the morning, and even then could hardly persuade the people to depart. All night in the fields might be heard the voice of prayer and praise. As Mr. Whitefield was frequently at Cambuslang during this season, a description of what he observed there at different times will be best given in his own words: "Persons from all parts flocked to see, and many, from many parts, went home convinced and converted unto God. A brae, or hill, near the manse at Cambuslang, seemed to be formed by Providence for containing a large congregation. People sat unwearied till two in the morning, to hear sermons, disregarding the weather. You could scarce walk a yard, but you must tread upon some, either rejoicing in God, for mercies reeeived, or crying out for more. Thousands and thousands have I seen, before it was possible to catch it by sympa thy, melted down under the word and power of God. the celebration of the holy communion, their joy was so great, that, at the desire of many, both ministers and people, in imitation of Hezekiah's passover, they had, a month or two afterwards, a second, which was a general rendezyous of the people of God. The communion-table was in the field; three tents at proper distances, all surrounded with a multitude of hearers: above twenty ministers (among whom was good old Mr. Bonner) attending to preach and assist, all enlivening and enlivened by one another."

At

And in the M. S. "Societies (or fellowship meetings) I found set up for prayer, especially at Glasgow and Ed. inburgh. Several young gentlemen dedicated themselves to the ministry, and became burning and shining lights."

Besides his labours at Glasgow and Cambuslang, it is somewhat surprising to think how many other places in the west of Scotland he visited within the compass of a few weeks, preaching once or twice at every one of them, and at several three or four times. It is worth while to set down the Journal of a week or two. In the beginning of July, he preached twice on Monday at Paisley; on the Tuesday and Wednesday, three times each day at Irvine ; on Thursday, twice at Mearns; on Friday, three times at Cumbernaud; and on Saturday, twice at Falkirk. And again in the latter end of August; on Thursday he preached twice at Greenock; on Friday, three times at Kilbride; on Saturday, once at Kilbride, and twice at Stevenson; on Sabbath, four times at Irvine; on Monday once at Irvine, and three times at Kilmarnock; Tuesday, once at Kilmarnock,* and four times at Stewarton; on Wednes

* A gentleman now living, of an irreproachable character, thus writes to the Compiler, April 8, 1771. "When Mr. Whitefield was preaching at Kilmarnock, on the 23d of August, 1742, from these words, And out of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace,' I thought I never heard such a sermon on the fulness of grace that is treasured up in Christ Jesus; and can truly say that I felt the efficacy of the Holy Spirit upon my soul, during that discourse. I afterwards shut up myself in my chamber during the remaining part of that day; and, before I laid myself down to rest, I made a solemn and serious dedication of myself to God, by way of covenant, extended and subscribed the same with my hands, and, I think, had communion with God in so doing, to which I have often had recourse since, in adhering thereto, and in renewing thereof. Though my life since has been attended with many backslidings from God, and I have been perfidiousin his covenant, yet still I rejoice in his salvation through -precious Christ. And it is refreshing to behold the place at this very day, as I have often done since I, from the æra above mentioned, always looked upon Mr. Whitefield as my spiritual father, and frequently heard him afterwards in Edinburgh and Glasgow with much satisfaction. It always gave me joy, the mentioning of his name, and grieved me when he was reproached. And I can very

day, once at Stewarton, and twice at the Mearns. He was also at Inchannen, New-Kilpatrick, Calder, and Kilsyth, (where the religious concern still increased) and at Torphichen. He was indeed sometimes taken very ill, and his friends thought he was going off; " But in the pulpit (says he) the Lord, out of weakness, makes me to wax strong, and causes me to triumph more and more." And even when he retired for a day or two, it was on purpose to write letters, and to prepare pieces for the press, so that he was as busy as ever.*

When he was at Edinburgh, he received accounts that the Spaniards had landed in Georgia. Upon this occasion he wrote to Mr. Habersham, "I am glad my dear family is removed to Mr. Bryan's, and rejoice that our glorious God had raised him and his brother up to be such friends in time of need. My thoughts have been variously exercised, but my heart kept stedfast and joyful in the Lord of all Lords, whose mercy endureth forever. I long to be

well remember, that when Cape-Breton was taken, I happened to be then at Edinburgh, and, being invited to breakfast with Mr. Whitefield, I never in all my life enjoyed such another breakfast. He gave the company a fine and lively descant upon that part of the world, made us all join in a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, and concluded with a most devout and fervent prayer. In the evening of that day he preached a most excellent thanksgiving sermon, from the first two verses of the cxxvi. Psalm.

"I never preached with so much apparent success before. At Greenock, Irvine, Kilbride, Kilmarnock, and Stewarton, the concern was great; at the three last, very extraordinary."

* Particularly, a Vindication of the Work of God in New-England. See Works, Vol. IV. and several letters about the affairs of the Orphan-house, some of his frends there having met with harsh treatment from the magiștrates of Savannah.

At this time he published at Edinburgh a continuation of the account of the Orphan-house, from January 1741, to June, 1742-See his Works, Vol. III. where you have the whole account continued from time to time, till April

1770

with you, and methinks could willingly be found at the head of you, kneeling and praying, though a Spaniard's sword should be put to my throat. But, alas! I know not how I should behave, if put to the trial only we have a promise, that as our day is, so our strength shall be. The thoughts of divine love carry me above every thing. dear friend, the Spaniards cannot rob us of this; nor can men or devils. I humbly hope that I shall shortly hear of the spiritual and temporal welfare of you all." And he was not disappointed; for, a few weeks after, he was informed of his family's safe return to Bethesda *

My

About the end of October he left Scotland, and rode post to London, where he arrived in about five days.

CHAP. XI.

From his arrival in London, in the Year 1742, to his embarking for America, in 1744.

ON Mr. Whitefield's arrival in London, he found a new awakening at the Tabernacle, which they had been obliged to enlarge; where, as he observes, " from morning till midnight, I am employed; and, glory be to rich grace, I am carried through the duties of each day with cheerfulness, and almost uninterrupted tranquillity. Our society is large, but in good order. My Master gives us much of his gracious presence, both in our public and private administrations."

In the month of March, 1743, he went into Gloucestershire, where the people seemed more desirous to hear than ever. "Preaching (says he) in Gloucestershire is now like preaching at the Tabernacle in London." And again, (in a Letter, dated April 7) "I preached, and took leave of the Gloucester people, with mutual and great concern, on Sunday evening last. It was past one in the

* The manner in which the Spaniards were repulsed, with remarks upon the kindness of Providence to the colony, may be seen in an extract of General Oglethorp's Proclamation for a Thanksgiving. H

morning before I could lay my weary body down. At five 1 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. At ten, I read prayers, and preached, and afterwards administered the Sacrament in Stonehouse Church. Then I rode to Stroud, and preached to about 12,000 in Mistress G-'s field; and about six in the evening to a like number in Hampton Common. After this, went to Hampton, and held a general love-feast with the United Societies, and went to bed about midnight very cheerful and very happy." Next morning he preached near Dursley, to some thousands; about seven reached Bristol, and preached to a full congregation at Smith's Hall; and on Tuesday morning, after preaching again, set out for Waterford, in South-Wales, where he opened the association which he and his brethren had agreed upon, and was several days with them, settling the affairs of the societies. He continued in Wales some weeks, and preached with great apparent success at Cardiff, Lantrissant, Neath, Swanzey, Harbrook, Llanelthy, Carmarthen,* Larn, Narbatt, Newton, Jefferson, Llassivran, Kidwilley, Llangathan, Landovery, Brecon, Treveeka, Guenfethen, Builth, and the Gore,† and in the latter end of April re

* 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,"

The work, begun by Mr. Jones, spread far and near, in South and North-Wales, where the Lord had made Mr. Howel Harris an instrument of converting several clergy, as well as laymen. Last year I visited several places, but now I went to more, and in every place found that not one half had been told me. The power of God at the sacrament, under the ministry of Mr. Rowland, was enough to make a person's heart burn within him. At seven in the morning have I seen perhaps ten thousand from different parts, in the midst of sermon, crying, Gogunniant-benyitti-ready to leap for joy. Associations were now formed, and monthly or quarterly meetings appointed, and a closer connection established between the English and Welch, so that several came over to assist." M.S

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