Wesley's
maturity in dealing with differences with Whitefield
Copyright © 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves
All rights reserved to the author.
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of February 19, 1998.
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Odilon Massolar Chaves is a retired Methodist
pastor, with a doctorate in Theology and History from the Methodist University
of São Paulo.
Son of Rev. Adherico Ribeiro Chaves and Roza
Massolar Chaves.
He is married to RoseMary.
He has two daughters: Liliana and Luciana.
His thesis dealt with the Methodist revival
in England in the eighteenth century and its contribution as a paradigm for our
days.
==============================
Table of Contents
·
Introduction
·
Wesley's Love for George Whitefield
·
In defense of Wesley
and Whitefield
·
The hand of our Lord
is not shortened between us
·
God actually planted and watered
·
We are servants of all
·
Make the two of us
one mind
· They were concerned
about the way their preachers often spoke of me and my brother
·
If God sends me,
people will listen
·
Affectionate and very lively
·
Encouraging preachers
·
Whitefield's Safe Arrival in Carolina
·
I am a follower of
peace
==============================
Introduction
"Wesley's Maturity in Dealing with Differences with
Whitefield" is a 28-page book based especially on Wesley's letters.
"The relationship between John Wesley and George Whitefield is one
of the greatest lessons of maturity and Christian love in history. Although
they were leaders of the 18th-century Revival, they disagreed diametrically:
Wesley was an Arminian (advocated free will) and Whitefield was a Calvinist
(advocated predestination)." [1]
There
was maturity and love between Wesley and Whitefield in dealing with this
theological difference.
"Agreement on the essentials: Despite the vehement doctrinal warfare, they agreed on the core of faith: justification by grace through faith and the necessity of the new birth. Wesley coined the famous motto: "In the essential points, unity; in secondary things, freedom; but in everything, love."[2]
Wesley
never spoke against Whitefield. He said, "You heard the cry, Whitefield
against Wesley; but you will never hear, Wesley against Whitefield.' Since
then, I have been a follower of peace."
An example
of an attitude in the midst of theological divergence that serves as an
inspiration for our days.
The Author
==============================
Wesley's
Love for George Whitefield
George Whitefield (1714-1770) was born in a liquor tavern in Gloucester,
Gloucestershire, England. [3]
He was orphaned at the age of three. He always lived in poverty and
struggled a lot to study.
"During his childhood, he showed interest in the
performing arts and read plays tirelessly, often even skipping class to
rehearse. George abandoned his studies for a time to help his mother, resuming
it in 1730.[4]
His
mother remarried, but Whitefield "was allowed to continue his studies at
school. At his mother's boarding house, he cleaned the rooms, washed clothes
and sold drinks at the bar."[5]
"He
paid for his own studies at Pembroke College, Oxford, serving as a waiter in a
hotel. After spending some time at Oxford, he joined the group of students to
which John and Charles Wesley belonged."[6]
In 1733, Whitefield
"met the Wesley brothers and joined the group of Christians of the 'Holy
Club', called by many critics 'Methodists', for their systematic approach to
religious questions. Like his friends at the club, Whitefield also sought salvation
through strict discipline and good works. It cost him his health, and he never
fully recovered. John Wesley lent Whitefield Henry Scougal's book The Life of
God in the Soul of Man, which showed his need to be born again.[7]
Spiritual Father in
Christ
"Honored
Lord"
Whitefield spoke
"with the greatest deference and respect" of the Wesley brothers, who
had been to famous boarding schools and were their eldest. During a period of
acute distress, Whitefield was sent for counsel to John, and thanks to his
"fine counsel and management," Whitefield "was delivered from
the wiles of Satan." This was a somewhat subservient relationship.
Whitefield wrote, 'From time to time Mr. Wesley permitted me to go to him, and
instructed me how I was able to bear him.' Whitefield deferred to John Wesley
as his 'spiritual father in Christ' and his letters addressed Wesley as 'Lord
Honored'.[8]
George Whitefield replaced Wesley at
Savannah in 1738.
Whitefield's role in Savannah was
only temporary. He had not yet been ordained as an elder in the Church of
England.
He felt the desire to establish a
home for orphans in Georgia. He returned to England for his ordination in 1739
and raised funds for the construction of the Bethesda Orphanage.
The orphanage was founded in 1740.[9]
The
friendship between George Whitefield and John Wesley
"The
friendship between George Whitefield and John Wesley was one of the most
influential partnerships in Christian history in the eighteenth century.
Although united by the gospel, their relationship was marked by a deep maturity
in dealing with theological disagreements." [10]
Wesley called him
"dear Mr. Whitefield" or "dear Brother Whitefield."
He even called
Whitefield "son". Wesley wrote: "Many years ago, when my son (as
he called himself for several years)".
Wesley always praised
Whitefield. In a letter to James Hutton on April 2, 1739, Wesley said,
"Dear Jemmy, none of my things have arrived. I want my dress and cassock
every day. Oh, how God manifests Himself in our brother Whitefield! I haven't
seen one like him — no, not in Herrnhut."
Wesley always
defended Whitefield from accusations. In a letter to James Hutton, July 2,
1739, Wesley said: "Thursday, the 21st, I conversed for an hour or two
with a young man from Gloucester, who was deeply prejudiced against my dear
brother Whitefield and myself. He walked away
from another mind."
Wesley loved
Whitefield. In a letter written on August 22, 1744, Wesley said:
"MALADY,--I love Calvin a little, plus Luther; the Moravians, Mr. Law, and
Mr. Whitefield far more than either of them!"
The separation came
because Whitefield had embraced predestination and had started to attack
Wesley.
Wesley attributed
this separation to the enemy. He said, "Everywhere Mr. Whitefield has
been, he has labored in the same friendly, Christian manner. God has actually
effectively broken down the partition wall that existed between us. Thirty
years ago, we were one; then the sower of tara separates us; But now one
stronger than him has made us one again."
Writing to Mrs.Turner, on September 18, 1772, Wesley said, "You heard the
cry, Whitefield against Wesley; but you will never hear, Wesley against
Whitefield.' Since then, I have been a follower of peace."
Reconciliation came,
and they met several times.
When asked
if he would see John Wesley in heaven because of their theological differences,
Whitefield showed deep humility and love. He replied that he feared not, for
Wesley would be so close to the throne of God that they could hardly see him
from behind." [11]
Whitefield even
invited on his deathbed, and Wesley accepted and held his funeral service in
1770.
Wesley's letters to
Whitefield reveal respect and admiration:
==============================
In defense
of Wesley and Whitefield
When Dr. Lavington,
Bishop of Exeter, raised calumnies against Wesley and Whitefield, Wesley wrote
a letter, in December, 1751, defending both.
Among his arguments
are:
If Mr. Whitefield
uses it
'Assurance
of pardon and salvation' is an expression that never leaves my lips; and if Mr.
Whitefield uses it, yet he does not preach such a guarantee as the privilege of
all Christians."
He did not
prove a point of this accusation against the Methodists
"But you are
determined to seek your victory, and so you continue: 'What are we to think of these
charges against Whitefield, Wesley, and the Moravians against each other?' The
Moravians, sir, are out of the question; for they are not Methodists: and for
the rest, Mr. Whitefield accuses Mr. Wesley of withholding Universal
Redemption, and I accuse him of maintaining Particular Redemption. That's the
permanent load on each side. And now, sir, 'what shall we think?' Why, that you
have not proved a point of this charge against the Methodists."
Calvinism did not
prevail among the Methodists
'His object was to
show that Calvinistic notions did not prevail among the Methodists, or that
they were not the consequence of an unconditional justification.' No, sir, it
was none of my business to show that. It was not my business to prove the
negative, but rather to prove the affirmative. Mr. Whitefield is himself a
Calvinist. So, no doubt, many of his followers are. But Calvinism has not
prevailed among any other of the Methodists (so called), nor is it to this day
the consequence of the unconditional justification of the way I preach
it."
But this does not prove that we are 'detestable
sectarians'
Sir, has your passion
completely extinguished your reason? The ferocity and rancor left him no
understanding. Otherwise, how could it be possible for you to continue at this
senseless and brazen pace? These things are true that Mr. Whitefield and Wesley
oppose each other. He holds the decrees; I don't: but that doesn't prove that
we are 'detestable sectarians'. And whether these things are true or false,
your claim of our 'fierce and spiteful disputes and mutual heinous accusations'
cannot stand without better proof than you have so far adduced.
Mr. Whitefield is not
a Methodist
If you say, 'But I
have proved the charge against Mr. Whitefield': admit that you have proved it
(which I do not allow), Mr. Whitefield is not a Methodist; -- no, nor the
Societies under his care; They are not a third, perhaps not even a tenth, of
the Methodists. What, then, can justify your attributing their faults, if they
were proved, to the whole body? You accuse ten men. Suppose you prove the
charge against one, you will condemn the other nine. No, let each bear his own
burden, for each must give an account of himself to God.
The hand
of our Lord is not shortened between us
The hand
of our Lord is not shortened among us. Yesterday I preached at St. Katherine's
and at Islington, where the church was about as hot as some rooms of the
Society used to be. I don't think I've ever been so empowered before. The
fields after the service were white, with people praising God.
To George Whitefield
LONDON, February 26, 1739.
MY DEAR BROTHER, --
The hand of our Lord is not shortened between us. Yesterday I preached at St.
Katherine's and at Islington, where the church was about as hot as some rooms
of the Society used to be. I don't think I've ever been so empowered before. The
fields after the service were white, with people praising God. About three
hundred persons were present at Mr. Sims's house; then I went to Mr. Bell's
house, then to Fetter Lane, and at nine to Mr. Bray's, where we also just
wanted space. Today I explain in the Minories at four, at Mrs. West's house at
six, and to a large company of poor sinners in Gravel Lane (Bishopsgate) at
eight. Mr. Crouch's Society only meets at eight; for I exmented, before I go to
him, near St. James's Square, where a young woman has lately been taken by the
Holy Ghost and overflows with joy and love. On Wednesday at six we have a noble
company of women, not adorned with gold or costly garments, but with a meek and
quiet spirit and good works. At the Savoy on Thursday evening, we usually have
two or three hundred, most at least fully awake. Mr. Abbot's room is more than
crowded on Friday, as is Mr. Park's room twice; where I usually had more power
than anywhere else. A week or two ago, I received a note there, as I recall,
with these words: 'Your prayers are desired by a sick, mad, and deeply troubled
child day and night, that our Lord may heal him, as He healed those in the days
of His flesh; and that He would give their fathers faith and patience until
their time comes.'
On Saturday night, a
well-dressed middle-aged woman in Beech Lane (where I usually talk to five or
six hundred before going to Mrs. Exall's Society) was apprehended, according to
several about her, with little less than the agony of death. We prayed that
God, who brought her to birth, would give her strength to give birth, and that
He would act quickly, so that all could see it, fear, and trust in the Lord.
Five days later she had labor and moaned, being in captivity. On Thursday
night, our Lord got the victory; and since then she has been full of love and
joy, which she openly declared in the same [Society] last Sabbath: so that many
also gave thanks to God for her sake. It is important to note that her friends
considered her crazy during these three years, and so they bled, burned her,
and everything else. Come, and we praise the Lord and enlarge His name
together. [12]
God actually planted
and watered
I believed that the
enemy was close to us. We immediately cried out to our Lord to awaken His power
and come to our aid. Soon Mrs. Shrieve fell into a strange agony of both body
and mind; His teeth gritted; their knees hit each other; and his whole body
trembled intensely.
To George Whitefield
LONDON, March 16,
1739.
We're going all over
the place and confirming the infidels
MY DEAR BROTHER, --
On Thursday, the 8th of today, we had breakfast at Mr. Score's house, [Oxford],
who waits patiently for God's salvation. From there we went to Mrs. Compton,
who has put her face on like a flint, and knows she will have no shame. [See Diary,
ii. 147.] After we had spent some time in prayer, Mr. Washington came with Mr.
Gibs and read several passages from Bishop Patrick [Simon Patrick (1626-1707).
'A man of eminently brilliant life', says Burnet. As Dean of St. Paul's, Covent
Garden, he remained in his parish to minister to the suffering during the Great
Plague. In 1689, he became Bishop of Chichester and of Ely in 1691. He was one
of the five founders of the S.P.C.K. He was greatly influenced by the
'Cambridge Platonists'. Extracts from his Works appear in Wesley's Christian
Library (vols: xxi. and xxxii.); and 'Bishop Patrick's Picture of an
Antinomian' was inserted in the Arminian Mag. 1778, pp. 402-7. There are at
least five records of Wesley's use of Patrick's devotional manuals in his old
Journal and Diary (see Journal Index). The Parable of the Pilgrim's Progress,
published in 1665, when he was Dean of St. Paul's, was noticed by Southey, who
wrote: 'Though the parable is ill-imagined and ill-sustained, there is much
sound instruction imparted in a sober, manly, and not infrequently happy
manner.'] Pilgrim's Parable, to prove that we were all under a delusion, and
that we would be justified by faith and works. Charles Metcalf [Charles
Metcalf, from London. See Diary, i. 455d, se. 143d.] He resisted him head-on
and declared the simple truth of the gospel. When they were gone, we again
besought our Lord that He would keep up His own cause. Upon meeting Mr. Gibs
soon after, he was almost persuaded to seek salvation in the blood of Jesus alone.
Meanwhile, Mr. Washington and Watson ['George Watson still did not fail to read
prayers there [at the Castle]. I met him by chance, and conversed with him an
hour ago, and I cannot help thinking that he is a sober man most of the time'
(Clayton to Wesley, Journal, viii. 280).] We are going all over the place and
confirming the infidels. At four o'clock we met them (without design) and
endured them again. From five to six we were confirming the brothers. At six
o'clock I explained at Mrs. Ford's house; as I planned to do at Mrs. Compton's
house at seven.
I advised everyone
who valued their souls to leave
But Mr. Washington
got there before me, and was beginning to read Bishop Bull against the Witness
of the Spirit. He told me that he was authorized by the parish minister to do
so. I advised all who valued their souls to leave; and, perceiving that he was
the less evil of the two, that those who remained might not be. Perverted, I
entered directly into the controversy, touching both the cause and the fruits
of justification. In the middle of the dispute, James Mears' wife began to feel
pain. I prayed a little with her when Mr. Washington was gone; and then (having
comforted the rest while I was enabled) we went to Sister Thomas's house. There
was no way Mrs. Mears's pains could have increased so much that she couldn't
help but shout loudly in the street. With great difficulty, we took her to Mrs.
Shrieve's house (where Mr. Washington had also been before us).
I believed that the
enemy was close to us. We immediately cried out to our Lord to awaken His power
and come to our aid
We made our request
known to God, and He heard us and sent His deliverance right away. There was
great power among us, and her husband was also set free. Soon after, I felt
such a wet blow to my soul (and Mrs. Compton and several others as well) that I
don't remember ever encountering it before. I believed that the enemy was close
to us. We immediately cried out to our Lord to awaken His power and come to our
aid. Soon Mrs. Shrieve fell into a strange agony of both body and mind; His
teeth gritted; their knees hit each other; and his whole body trembled
intensely. We continued praying, and in less than an hour the storm ceased. Now
she enjoys a sweet calm, having remission of sins and knowing that her Redeemer
is alive.
God was pleased to
strengthen and comfort them
On returning to Mrs.
Fox's house, I found our dear brother Kin-chin coming from Dummer. We rejoiced,
gave thanks, prayed, and took sweet counsel together; the result was that
instead of leaving for London (as I had planned) on Friday morning, I was to
leave for Dummer, there being no one to supply that church on Sunday. On
Friday, then, I departed, and arrived in the evening at Reading, where I met a
young man, Cennick [See letter of April 27, 1741 to Whitefield.] by name,
strong in the faith of our Lord Jesus. He had started a Society there the week
before; but the parish minister had almost annulled it. Several of the members
spent the night with us, and God was pleased to strengthen and comfort them.
She has forgiveness, but not the witness of the Spirit
In the morning our
brother Cennick rode with me, whom I thought willing to suffer, yes, to die,
for his Lord. We arrived in Dummer in the afternoon. Miss Molly [Charles
Kinchin's sister, who was an invalid. See Diary, i. 453d.] he was very weak in
body, but strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Surely its light
should not be hidden under a bushel. She has forgiveness, but not the witness
of the Spirit (perhaps because of the conviction of our dear brother Hutchings,
who seemed to consider them inseparable).
On Sunday morning, we
had a large and attentive congregation. At night, the room in Basingstoke was
full and my mouth was with open arms. We expected a lot of opposition, but we
didn't find any.
But the enemy was
very vigilant.
On Monday, Mrs.
Cleminger feeling pain and fear, we prayed, and our Lord gave her peace. About
noon we spent an hour or two in conference and prayer with Miss Helena. Molly;
and then they left in a glorious storm, but even I had an inner calm. We had
assigned the little Society in Reading to meet us in the evening; But the enemy
was very vigilant. Almost as soon as we left the city, the minister sent or
went to each of the members, and, arguing and threatening, utterly confused
them, so that they were all dispersed out. Mr. Cennick's own sister did not
dare to see us, but went out on purpose to avoid it. But I trust that our God
will gather them together again, and that the gates of hell will not prevail
against them.
That she never had a
true faith in Christ until two o'clock in the afternoon the previous Tuesday
About one o'clock on
Tuesday afternoon, I returned to Oxford, and from Mr. Fox's house (where all
were at peace) I went to Mrs. Compton. I found that the parish minister was
already there before me, to whom she had plainly stated things as they
were—'that she never had a true faith in Christ until two o'clock in the
afternoon of the previous Tuesday.' After other warm and sharp expressions, 'he
told her, with this word, that she should repel Holy Communion.' Finding that
she was not convinced of her error even by this argument, he calmly left her
rejoicing in God, her Savior.
God actually planted and
watered
At six o'clock in the
afternoon we were at Mr. Fox's Society; about seven o'clock in Mrs. Compton's
house: the power of our Lord was present in both, and all our hearts were
united in love.
The next day, we had
the opportunity to confirm most, if not all, of the souls that had been shaken.
In the afternoon, I preached in the Castle. Then we joined in prayer, and now
Charles Graves is joining us, who is rooted and rooted in faith. Then we went
to Mr. Gibs's room, where Mr. Washington and Watson were. There an hour was
spent in conference and prayer, but without any contestation. At four in the
morning I left Oxford. God actually planted and watered. Oh, that He would give
the increase! -- I am, etc. [13]
We are servants of
all
They are on the same
level as the rest of their siblings. But I trust you and I am not: we are
servants of all. So far I have spoken with fear, a lot of trembling and many
tears. Oh, that our Lord would say the rest! For what would someone like me say
to a dear servant of my Lord?
To George Whitefield
LONDON, March 20,
1739.
MY DEAR BROTHER, --
You would like me to speak to you freely, without any softening or reservation,
I know you would. And may our loving Savior speak to your heart, that my labor
may not be in vain. I do not praise our brothers Seward [See title of letter of
May 8.] and Cennick. But let me speak tenderly, for I am but a small child. I
know that our Lord has taken away the good that they come to you; good for you,
and good for them—very good: and may He increase it a thousandfold. As much as
it is! But is all good, my brother, from whom does He bring good? I don't think
that follows. O my brother, it is well for you or I to give the slightest hint
that we have prepared our will or judgment against that of our whole Company.
It was not good for you to mention a desire which they all solemnly declared to
regard as unreasonable. My brother, I do
not recommend you in this. If our brother R--- or P--- wanted something, and
our other brothers disapproved, I can't help thinking that he should put it
aside at once. How much further you or I should go! They are on the same level
as the rest of their siblings. But I trust you and I am not: we are servants of
all. So far I have spoken with fear, a lot of trembling and many tears. Oh,
that our Lord would say the rest! For what would someone like me say to a dear
servant of my Lord? O pray that I may see myself as a worm and no man! I want
to be
Your brother in
Christ Jesus. [14]
Make the two of us
one mind
Therefore, for a time
you are tolerated to have one opinion and I the other. But when His time comes,
God will do what man cannot—that is, make the two of us one mind.
To George Whitefield
LONDON, August 9,
1740.
MY DEAR BROTHER, -- I
thank you for yours, May 24th. The case is quite simple. There are prejudiced
people both for and against Predestination. God is sending a message to those
on both sides. But neither of them will receive it, unless from an opinion of
their own. Therefore, for a time you are tolerated to have one opinion and I
the other. But when His time comes, God will do what man cannot—that is, make
the two of us one mind. Then the persecution will die down, and it will be seen
if we consider our lives dear to ourselves to finish our way with joy.--I am,
my dear brother,
Always yours.[15]
They were concerned
about the way their preachers often spoke of me and my brother
Above all,
they were concerned about the way their preachers (as I call those who preach
in the Tabernacle) often spoke of me and my brother, partly in the most mocking
and contemptuous way, relating a hundred shocking stories
To George Whitefield
BIRSTALL, May [28],
1753.
MY DEAR BROTHER, --
Between forty and fifty of our preachers have recently met at Leeds, all of
them, I trust, esteem you for the sake of your work. They asked me to mention
some details to you, in order to have an even stronger union between us.
Several of them have
been grieved to have you mention among our people (in private conversations, if
not in public preaching) some of those opinions which we do not believe to be
true, such as 'a man may be justified and not know it,' that 'there is no possibility
of falling into disgrace,' and that 'there is no perfection in this point.'
They conceived that this was not acting as it would be done, and that it tended
to create not peace but confusion.
They also worry that
you sometimes speak lightly of the discipline received among us, of societies,
classes, bands, and our rums in general, of some of them in particular. They
understood that this was neither kind nor fair, nor consistent with the profession
you otherwise practice.
Above all, they were
concerned about the way their preachers (as I call those who preach in the
Tabernacle) often spoke of me and my brother, partly in the most mocking and
contemptuous way, relating a hundred shocking stories (such as that of Mary
Popplestone and Eliz. History) as unquestionable facts, and propagating them
with diligence and an air of triumph wherever they appeared.
These things I was
desired by all our brethren to mention. Two or three of them, afterwards, asked
me to mention privately that, when you were in the North, your conversation was
not so useful as had been expected; that he generally did not turn against the
things of God, but on trivialities and indifferent things; that his whole
carriage was not as serious as they might wish, often mingled with needless
laughter; and that those who strove for any lightness of behaviour, and always
strove to speak and act as if they saw God, you would rather weaken than
strengthen, insinuating that you were in bondage or weak in faith.
I am convinced that
you will receive these short lines in the same place where I write them. That
you may prosper more and more, both in your soul and in your efforts, is the
earnest desire of my dear brother, [Wesley endorsed this letter 'My letter to G.
Whitd. He denies everything!']
Your affectionate
co-worker.
If God sends me,
people will listen
When I was first
invited to Scotland (about fourteen years ago), Mr. Whitefield said to me, 'You
have nothing to do there; for your principles are so well known, that if you
spoke like an angel no one would listen to you. And if they did, you'd have
nothing to do but argue with each other from dawn to night.'
For Dr. Erskine
EDINBURGH, April 24,
1765.
When I was first
invited to Scotland (about fourteen years ago), Mr. Whitefield said to me, 'You
have nothing to do there; for your principles are so well known, that if you
spoke like an angel no one would listen to you. And if they did, you'd have
nothing to do but argue with each other from dawn to night.'
I replied, 'If God
sends me, people will listen. And I will give you no reason to object; for I
shall carefully avoid controversial points and stick to the fundamental truths
of Christianity. And if one still starts to contest, it may be; but I will not argue
with them.'
I came: hundreds and
thousands gathered to listen. But I was able to keep my word. I avoided
everything that could create conflict and insisted on the most important
points—religion of the heart and salvation by faith—at all times and in all
places. And so I cut off every occasion of dispute from the first day until
this very hour. And this you surprisingly improve until it becomes a defect,
interpret it as proof of dishonesty. You also accuse me of having unhealthy
principles and of saying, 'Right opinions are not (sometimes) part of
religion.'
Affectionate and very
lively
He is very
affectionate and very cheerful, and his word seldom falls to the ground: though
he does not often speak of the deep things of God or the height of the promises
To Peggy Dale
BRISTOL, September
29, 1767.
MY DEAR PEGGY,-- I
hope Mr. Whitefield was a quality instrument at Newcastle [Whitefield preached
at Newcastle on September 20, 1767, at Castle Garth. He says: 'I became a
street and field preacher.' See Tyerman's Whitefield, ii. 532-4.] and a means
of stirring up some. He is very affectionate and very cheerful, and his word
seldom falls to the ground: though he does not often speak of the deep things
of God, or of the height of the promises.
But you don't speak a
word of Lady Maxwell! [See letter of June 4.] Did she come and go through
Newcastle? Did you talk to her alone? And she
I take great
satisfaction in considering how you and my dear Molly Dale are a situation that
has broken your natural and habitual shyness? How did you find it? Seeking
heavenly things alone, and all thirsting for God. It will be a miracle of
miracles if she stands upright, considering the thousand traps that surround
her. You have every outward advantage to holiness that an indulgent Providence
can give. And, what is even happier, you have a firm determination to use all
these advantages to the fullest. Let your gaze be fixed on the brand! To be all
love! All devotees! to have a desire, a work, a happiness, a Christ reigning
alone and filling you with His fullness--I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate brother.
Encouraging preachers
For the present, I must
implore you to make up for my lack of service by encouraging our preachers, as
you see fit, who are still comparatively young and inexperienced, by giving
them such counsel as they think fit, and, above all, by exhorting them, not
only to love one another, but, if it be possible, as far as they can live in
peace with all men.
To George Whitefield
LEWISHAM, February 21,
1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Mr. Keen
informed me some time ago of his safe arrival at Carolina; which, indeed, he
could not doubt for a moment, notwithstanding the empty rumour of his
expulsion, which was so common in London. I trust that our Lord has more work for
you to do in Europe as well as in America. And who knows, but before you get
back to England maybe I'll pay another visit to the New World? [See letters for
February 17 and December 14.] I was strongly requested by several friends of
ours in New York and Philadelphia. They invoke many motives, some of which seem
to carry considerable weight. And my age is no problem at all; for I bless God
that my health is not nearly as good, but abundantly better in several respects
than when I was twenty-five. But there are so many reasons on the other side
that, so far, I can't determine anything; so I must wait for more in-depth
light. Here I am: may the Lord make me as it seems that He is good. For the
present, I must implore you to make up for my lack of service by encouraging
our preachers, as you see fit, who are still comparatively young and
inexperienced, by giving them such counsel as they think fit, and, above all,
by exhorting them, not only to love one another, but, if it be possible, as far
as they can live in peace with all men.
Some time ago, since you
left, I heard a circumstance that greatly worried me—namely, that the College
or Academy in Georgia had swallowed up the Orphans' House. Should I give my
judgment without being asked? I think friendship requires me to must. Are there
not, then, two points that come into consideration—a point of mercy and a point
of justice? As to the former, it cannot be asked, Can there be greater charity
on earth than to raise orphans? What is a college or academy compared to this?
Unless you can have a college like maybe there isn't on Earth. I know the value
of learning and I run the risk of valuing it too much than too little. But
still, I can't put the donation to five hundred students on the same level as
saving the bodies, if not the souls as well, of five hundred orphans. But let's
move from the point of mercy to that of justice. You have been given land and
raised money for an Orphan House; Can you apply this for another purpose—at
least, as long as there are still orphans in Georgia? I only touch on that,
although it is an important point, and leave it to your own consideration if
some of it may not be properly applied to maintain the original design. By
speaking thus freely on so delicate a subject, I have given you a fresh proof
of the sincerity with which I am
His always affectionate
friend and brother. [16]
Whitefield's Safe Arrival in Carolina
Mr. Keen informed me some time ago of his
safe arrival at Carolina; which, indeed, he could not doubt for a moment,
notwithstanding the empty rumour of his expulsion, which was so common in
London. I trust that our Lord has more work for you to do in Europe as well as
in America
To George Whitefield
LEWISHAM, February 21,
1770.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- Mr. Keen
informed me some time ago of his safe arrival at Carolina; which, indeed, he
could not doubt for a moment, notwithstanding the empty rumour of his
expulsion, which was so common in London. I trust that our Lord has more work for
you to do in Europe as well as in America. And who knows, but before you get
back to England maybe I'll pay another visit to the New World? [See letters for
February 17 and December 14.] I was strongly requested by several friends of
ours in New York and Philadelphia. They invoke many motives, some of which seem
to carry considerable weight. And my age is no problem at all; for I bless God
that my health is not nearly as good, but abundantly better in several respects
than when I was twenty-five. But there are so many reasons on the other side
that, so far, I can't determine anything; so I must wait for more in-depth
light. Here I am: may the Lord make me as it seems that He is good. For the
present, I must implore you to make up for my lack of service by encouraging
our preachers, as you see fit, who are still comparatively young and
inexperienced, by giving them such counsel as they think fit, and, above all,
by exhorting them, not only to love one another, but, if it be possible, as far
as they can live in peace with all men.
Some time ago, since you
left, I heard a circumstance that greatly worried me—namely, that the College
or Academy in Georgia had swallowed up the Orphans' House. Should I give my
judgment without being asked? I think friendship requires me to must. Are there
not, then, two points that come into consideration—a point of mercy and a point
of justice? As to the former, it cannot be asked, Can there be greater charity
on earth than to raise orphans? What is a college or academy compared to this?
Unless you can have a college like maybe there isn't on Earth. I know the value
of learning and I run the risk of valuing it too much than too little. But
still, I can't put the donation to five hundred students on the same level as
saving the bodies, if not the souls as well, of five hundred orphans. But let's
move from the point of mercy to that of justice. You have been given land and
raised money for an Orphan House; Can you apply this for another purpose—at
least, as long as there are still orphans in Georgia? I only touch on that,
although it is an important point, and leave it to your own consideration if
some of it may not be properly applied to maintain the original design. By
speaking thus freely on so delicate a subject, I have given you a fresh proof
of the sincerity with which I am
His always affectionate
friend and brother.
I am a
follower of peace
For Mrs.Turner
Os
DEVIZES, 18 SEPTEMBER 1772.
Many years
ago, when my son (as he called himself for several years) Mr. Whitefield
declared war on me, several asked, and repeatedly, 'When are you going to
answer Mr. Whitefield's book?' I replied: 'Never. You heard the cry, Whitefield
against Wesley; but you will never hear, Wesley against Whitefield.' Since then, I have been a follower
of peace
[1] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[2] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[3]
https://apmt.org.br/george-whitefield-o-principe-dos-pregadores-ao-ar-livre/
[4]George Whitefield - Daily Bread
Ministries (paodiario.org).
https://paodiario.org/autores-classicos/george-whitefield/
[5]http://biografiadosheroisdafe.blogspot.com/
2010/01/jorge-whitefield.html
[6]http://biografiadosheroisdafe.blogspot.com/
2010/01/jorge-whitefield.html
[7] George Whitefield - Daily Bread Ministries
(paodiario.org).
https://paodiario.org/autores-classicos/george-whitefield/
[8]
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/wesley-vs-whitefield
[9]
https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/bethesda/
[10] Overview of google AI mode
[11] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[12]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1739/
[13]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1739/
[14]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1739/
[15]https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1740/
[16]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
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