What made the friendship between Wesley and
Whitefield possible
One was an
Arminian, the other a Calvinist
Odilon
Massolar Chaves
Copyright
© 2026, Odilon Massolar Chaves
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184 of the Penal Code and Law 96710 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
·
Expressions
of friendship between the two
·
A time of
joy and holiness with the Lord
·
God's
power has come mightily upon us
·
This
strange way of preaching in the fields
·
A Very
Remarkable Precedent of Preaching in the Field
·
I
proclaimed, on the roads, the good news of salvation
·
I have
received letters from my friends in London, from Mr. Whitefield in particular
·
He
surprised me by asking me to preach in his place
·
In the
afternoon, I was with Mr. Whitefield
·
The person
in whose church Mr. Whitefield preached
·
"Why
do you think so?"
·
"I
will do what I believe Mr. Whitefield would do were here"
·
I read Mr.
Whitefield's account of God's dealings with his soul
·
The same I
believe of Mr. Whitefield's public preaching
·
How wise
is God in giving different talents to different preachers
·
They often
talked about me and my brother
·
I readily
accepted the offer to preach in the house newly built for Mr. Whitefield
·
Mr.
Whitefield requested my presence
·
I Preached
in Mr. Whitefield's Tabernacle
·
He
insisted that I do it
·
I had the
pleasure of spending some time with Mr. Whitefield
·
Had
breakfast with Mr. Whitefield
·
Mr.
Whitefield said to me, 'You've got nothing to do there
·
God has
repressed their furious and bitter zeal through Mr. Whitefield
·
Mr.
Whitefield called me
·
I am very
far from having Mr. Whitefield's mind
·
In the
evening, I was given Mr. Whitefield's office on the docks
·
Let all of
Mr. Whitefield's society who were pleased, be present at the feast of love
·
I rejoice
at Mr. Whitefield's behavior
· Everywhere
Mr. Whitefield went, he labored in the same friendly, Christian manner
·
I spent a
comfortable and profitable hour with Mr. Whitefield
· I had
another pleasant conversation with my old friend and ministry colleague, George
Whitefield
· Wesley
asks Whitefield for help in advising Methodist preachers in America
·
I have
received the melancholy news of Mr. Whitefield's death
·
To preach
the sermon at Mr. Whitefield's funeral service
· I wish to
show all possible respect to the memory of this great and good man
Introduction
"What Made Wesley's Friendship Possible
"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]
Some marks of this friendship here are:
·
Unity despite
theological divergence
· The two prayed
together and at the vigil on January 1, 1739, Wesley and Whitefield were
reached by the same power of God at the so-called "Methodist
Pentecost."
· Both had the same
purpose: to save souls. The two were responsible for God's great move in
Bristol, in the open air, in 1739, with crowds, conversions and miracles.
·
The desire to magnify
the Kingdom nullified any personal vanity
·
Any hint to provoke
enmity between the two was soon nullified
· Wesley understood
that the different talents between the two were the result of God's wisdom
·
Wesley might disagree
theologically, but he publicly defended his friend Whitefield
·
The two trusted each
other respecting their differences
In his diary of
January 9, 1769, Wesley said, "I spent a comfortable and profitable hour
with Mr. Whitefield, calling to mind the times past, and the manner in which
God prepared us for the work." [2]
Wesley was invited to
preach at the funeral service of George Whitefield, on November 23, 1770. [3]
After Whitefield's
death, Wesley wrote in his diary, "Everywhere I wish to
show all possible respect to the memory of this great and good man." [4]
An example for all of us in our days.
Expressions of friendship between the two
Unity
despite theological divergence
"John Wesley
was an Arminian (he defended free and universal grace), while George Whitefield was a convinced Calvinist (he
defended unconditional election). They publicly disagreed with intensity, but
preserved mutual respect and brotherly love.
The two
prayed together and united in prayer at the vigil on 1/1/1739 Wesley and
Whitefield were reached by the same power of God
Wesley
wrote: "Messrs. Hall, Kinchin, Ingham, Whitefield, Hutchins, and my
brother Charles Wesley were present at the love-feast, at the Fetter Lane
Society. About three o'clock in the morning, while I was continuing in prayer,
the power of God came mightily upon us, so that many cried out with joy, and
many fell to the ground."
The two
had the same purpose: to save souls
They were
responsible for God's great move in Bristol, in the open air, in 1739, with
multitudes, conversions, and miracles.
In February 1739,
George Whitefield began preaching in the open air in Bristol and attracted
immense crowds. He "asked his friend, John Wesley, to continue his work in
Bristol. At first, Wesley was reluctant to preach in the open air because the
Church disapproved of such behavior, but later he became convinced of its value
when he saw the impact Whitefield was making."[5] It was the first
time Wesley preached in the "field" and attracted thousands of people
with manifestations of God's power.
The desire to magnify
the Kingdom nullified any personal vanity
In his diary, June
14, 1739, Wesley wrote: "I went with Mr. Whitefield to Blackheath, where
there were, I believe, twelve hundred to fourteen hundred persons. He surprised
me by asking me to preach in his stead." [6]
Any hint to provoke
enmity between the two was soon nullified
When copies of a
letter from Whitefield were scattered at the Methodist Foundry, Wesley
intervened. In his diary on Feb. 1, 1741, Wesley wrote, "I will do what I
believe Mr. Whitefield would do were here." And I tore the letter to
pieces before everybody. Every one who received it did the same. Thus, in two
minutes, there was not a whole copy left." [7]
Wesley understood
that the different talents between the two were the result of God's wisdom
On January 28, 1750,
Wesley wrote: "I read the prayers (in London), and Mr. Whitefield
preached. How wise is God to give different talents to different
preachers!" [8]
Wesley might disagree
theologically, but he publicly defended his friend Whitefield
To John Smith, on
March 22, 1748, Wesley said, "The same I believe of Mr. Whitefield's
public preaching (which was not the consequence, but the cause of mine), whose
doctrine in general (though he is wrong in some points) I believe to be the
truth of the gospel." [9]
A friendship that
provided encounters with pleasant moments between the two for more than 30
years
In his diary, on
Friday, July 6, 1739, Wesley said, "In the afternoon I was with Mr.
Whitefield, who had just returned from London." [10]
The two trusted each other respecting their differences
On October 5, 1758, Wesley wrote in his diary: "I rode through
Redbridge and Fareham to Portsmouth, where, at seven o'clock, I preached in Mr.
Whitefield's Tabernacle, to a small and earnest congregation." [11]
In a letter dated February
17, 1770, Wesley wrote to him that he could not be in America, and asked
Whitefield, who was visiting America, "For the present, I must beg you to
make up for my lack of service by encouraging our preachers, as you judge best,
who are still comparatively young and inexperienced, by giving them such
counsel as they think fit, and, above all, exhorting them, not only to love one
another, but, if possible, as much as remains for them to live in peace with
all men." [12]
In his diary of
January 9, 1769, Wesley said, "I spent a comfortable and profitable hour
with Mr. Whitefield, calling to mind the times past, and the manner in which
God prepared us for the work." [13]
Each one honored the
other
On November 23, 1970,
Wesley wrote in his diary: "Having been asked by the Trustees of the Greenwich
Tabernacle to preach the sermon at Mr. Whitefield's funeral service, I went
there today for that purpose." [14]
On January 2, 1771, Wesley wrote
in his diary: "Everywhere, I wish to show all possible respect to the memory of this
great and good man." [15]
Among Wesley's
letters and diary, we find the following references to Whitefield:
A time of
joy and holiness with the Lord
The whole
week was a feast, really a time of joy and holiness with the Lord
12/26/1738
– Tuesday. George Whitefield preached. We had the sacrament on that day, and
the following four days. On Thursday, my brother preached; on Friday, George
Whitefield; on Saturday, Mr. Robson. The whole week was a feast, really a time
of joy and holiness with the Lord. [16]
God's
power has come mightily upon us
About
three o'clock in the morning, while I was continuing in prayer, the power of
God came mightily upon us, so that many cried out for joy, and many fell to the
ground
1/01/1739
– Monday. Messrs. Hall, Kinchin, Ingham, Whitefield, Hutchins, and my brother
Charles Wesley were present at the love-feast, at the Fetter Lane Society.
About three o'clock in the morning, while I was continuing in prayer, the power
of God came mightily upon us, so that many cried out for joy, and many fell to
the ground. As soon as we recovered a little from such perplexity in the
presence of his Majesty, we burst forth with one voice: "We pray to thee,
O God; we acknowledge that thou art the Lord." [17]
This strange
way of preaching in the fields
In the
evening, and I found Mr. Whitefield there. I could scarcely reconcile myself to
myself, at first, by this strange mode of preaching in the fields, of which he
gave me an example on Sunday
March 29,
1739, Thursday. I left London, and in the evening exhibited at a small society
at Basingstoke. On Saturday, the 31st, I arrived at Bristol in the evening, and
found Mr. Whitefield there. I could scarcely be reconciled to myself, at first,
by this strange mode of preaching in the fields, of which he gave me an example
on Sunday. I have been all my life, (until much lately) so tenacious in regard
to decency and order, that I should have thought that the salvation of souls is
almost a sin, if it had not been done in a church! [18]
A Very
Remarkable Precedent of Preaching in the Field
In the
evening, (after Mr. Whitefield had left) I began to expound our Lord's Sermon
on the Mount (a very remarkable precedent of preaching in the field
4/1/1739 –
Sunday. In the evening, (after Mr. Whitefield had left) I began to expound our
Lord's Sermon on the Mount (a very striking precedent of preaching in the
field; however, I suppose there were churches also at that time), to a small
society which was accustomed to meet once or twice a week in Nicholas Street. [19]
I
proclaimed, on the roads, the good news of salvation
I
proclaimed the good news of salvation on the roads, speaking of a small
elevation of the land near the city for about three thousand persons
04/02/1739
– Monday. At four o'clock in the afternoon, I submitted to be more
contemptible, "I will make myself more contemptible, and will humble
myself in my sight," and proclaimed, on the highways, the good news of
salvation, speaking of a small elevation of the land, next to the city, for
about three thousand persons. The Word, of which I spoke, was this (is it
necessary for one to be ignorant in order for the ministry of Christ to be
fulfilled in all truth?): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he
has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to proclaim
liberty to the captives, to restore sight to the blind, to set at liberty those
who are oppressed; and proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."94 At
seven o'clock I expounded the Acts of the Apostles to a society assembled in
Baldwin Street, and the next day the Gospel of John in the Newgate chapel,
where I also read the church's daily Morning Service. [20]
I have
received letters from my friends in London, from Mr. Whitefield in particular
And as to
the direction of the work, I have received letters from my friends in London,
from Mr. Whitefield, in particular, supporting me with a message, brought by
one who came especially for it, saying that none of them would have anything to
do with the building, nor contribute to its erection, unless I released the
feudatories immediately, and did all in my own name.
05/09/1739
– Wednesday. We took possession of a piece of land near the churchyard of St.
James's Church, at Horse Fair, Bristol, where we planned to build a room wide
enough to contain both the societies of Nicholas and Baldwin Street, and some
of their acquaintances, who wished to be present on the occasions when the
Scripture was expounded. And on Saturday, the 12th, the foundation stone was
laid with voices of praise and thanksgiving. I had not, at first, the slightest
concern or desire to engage myself personally, either in the expense of the
work, or in the direction of it. I then appointed eleven feudatories, on whom,
I supposed, these responsibilities might naturally fall. But I soon discovered
my mistake: first, in regard to expenses, for if I had not taken upon myself
the responsibility for the payment of all the workmen, the whole enterprise
would still have been at a standstill; so that, before I knew where it was, I
contracted a debt of more than one hundred and fifty pounds. And of this I was
to get rid of as I could, for the resources of both societies did not amount to
a quarter of the sum. And, as to the direction of the work, I received letters
from my friends in London, from Mr. Whitefield, in particular, supporting me
with a message, brought by one who came especially for it, where he said that
none of them would have anything to do with the building, nor would contribute
to its erection, unless I released the feudatories immediately, and did
everything in my own name. They gave many reasons for this, but one was
sufficient, namely, that "that such gentlemen would always have in their
power, control over me; and, if I did not preach as they pleased, they would
take me out of the place I had built." I therefore yielded to their advice,
and, calling all the feudatories, cancelled (no man objecting) the instrument
previously made, and took the whole administration into my own hands. Money, to
be sure, I had, no prospect or human probability of getting it. But I knew that
"the earth is the Lord's, and all that is in it," and in His name we
set out, doubting nothing. During all this time I have been asked, almost
continuously, both by those who have purposely come to Bristol to inquire
concerning this strange work, and by my old and new correspondents, "How
did these things come to pass?" And innumerable precautions have been
given me (usually founded on gross misrepresentations of things), not
considering visions and dreams, or imagining people having the remission of
sins, because of their cries or tears, or witnessing outward professions. To
one who has often written to me on this subject, the sum of my answer was,
"The question between us becomes primarily, if not wholly, a question of
fact. You deny that God works these effects; at least that he works in them in
this way. I affirm both, because I have heard and seen (so far as a thing of
this kind can be seen) many people suddenly changed: from the spirit of fear,
horror, and despair to the spirit of love, joy, and peace. And from sinful desire,
hitherto reigning over them, to the pure desire to bear witness to God. These
are matters of fact, so that I have been, and almost daily am, an eye-witness
and auditory." [21]
He
surprised me by asking me to preach in his place
I went
with Mr. Whitefield to Blackheath, where there were, I believe, from twelve
hundred to fourteen hundred. He surprised me by asking me to preach in his
stead
6/14/1739
– Thursday. I went with Mr. Whitefield to Blackheath, where there were, I
believe, from twelve hundred to fourteen hundred. He surprised me by asking me
to preach in his stead, which I did (though nature recoiled) on my favorite
subject, "Jesus Christ, who was made unto us of God, wisdom,
righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." [22]
In the
afternoon, I was with Mr. Whitefield
07/06/1739 – Friday. In the
afternoon I was with Mr. Whitefield, newly returned from London, with whom I
went to Baptist Mills, where he preached concerning "The Holy Spirit,
which every believer must receive"; not without a just, though severe,
rebuke to those who preach as if there were no Holy Spirit. [23]
The person
in whose church Mr. Whitefield preached
I felt a
great dislike of preaching there. But I went to Mr. W (the person in whose
church Mr. Whitefield preached) to ask permission to use it. He said with all
his heart that the minister was unwilling to allow the church to be used
10/15/1739. In the
morning I described more fully the way of salvation: "Believe in the Lord
Jesus, and thou shalt be saved." And then, leaving my guest's house before
two, I went to Abergavenny. I felt an enormous aversion to preaching there. But
I went to Mr. W (the person in whose church Mr. Whitefield preached), to ask
permission to use it. He said with all his heart that the minister was
unwilling to permit the use of the church. After this refusal (for which I
wrote him a line at once), he invited me to his house. A number of a thousand
persons remained, patiently (notwithstanding the biting frost, already at
sunset)... [24]
"Why
do you think so?"
The next
morning a young man caught up with me on the road, and after some time asked me
if I had seen Whitefield's Diary. I said yes. "And what do you think of
him?" "Don't you think he's very fanatical? I think so." So I
asked, "Why do you think so?"
12/11/1739
– Monday. I left London, and in the afternoon expounded at Wycombe the story of
the Pharisee and the publican. The next morning a young man caught up with me
on the road, and after some time asked me if I had seen Whitefield's Diary. I
replied that I had. "And what do you think of him?" "Don't you
think he is very fanatical? I think so." Then I asked, "Why do you
think so?" He replied, "Because he talks a lot about joy and things
of that kind, and about inward feelings. As I hope to be saved, I don't know
what to do with it." I asked, "Do you feel that the love of God is in
your heart? If not, how can you know what to do with it? Whatever is said of
the religion of the heart and of the inward workings of the Holy Spirit, must
appear fanaticism to those who do not feel them, that is, if they try to judge
of things which they themselves do not know." Dr. W. said to me, after the
sermon, "Sir, you must not preach in the afternoon." "Not,"
he said, "let you preach some false doctrine. I admit that all you have
said is true. And it is the doctrine of the Church of England. But it is not
careful. It is dangerous. It may lead the people to fanaticism or
despair." I did not readily see where the emphasis of this objection (so
often initiated) was. But after a little reflection, I could see clearly. The
real question is, it is commonly believed that religion consists of three
things: to do no evil, using the means of grace; to do good, as it is called;
and to help our neighbors, chiefly by donations. Thus a religious man is
commonly thought to be one who is honest, just, and faithful in his deeds; who
is constantly in church, and partakes of the sacrament; and who gives many
donations, or (as it is usually termed) does much good. Now, in explaining
these words of the Apostle, "The kingdom of God" (or true religion,
the consequence of God's dwelling and reigning in the soul) "is not meat
and drink," I have necessarily been led to show that religion does not
properly consist of any or all of these three things, but that a man may be
harmless, use the means of grace, and do good, and yet have no religion. [25]
"I
will do what I believe Mr. Whitefield would do were here"
"I
will do what I believe Mr. Whitefield would do were here." And I tore the
letter to pieces before everyone. Every one who received it did the same. Thus,
in two minutes, there was not a whole copy left
February
1, 1741 – Sunday. A large number of copies of a private letter, written to me
by Mr. Whitefied, printed without his permission or mine, were given to our
people at the door and at the Foundry itself. On finding one of these, I
reported it to the congregation (after the preaching), and said to them,
"I will do what I believe Mr. Whitefield would do had he been here."
And I tore the letter to pieces before all. Every one who received it did the
same. Thus, in two minutes, there was not a whole copy left. [26]
I read Mr.
Whitefield's account of God's dealings with his soul
September
1, 1740, Tuesday. I have read Mr. Whitefield's account of God's dealings with
his soul. Much of this I know to be true. "May not mercy and truth forsake
thee! Bind them round thy neck! Write them on the tablet of thy heart! [27]
The same I believe of Mr.
Whitefield's public preaching
The same I believe of Mr. Whitefield's public
preaching (which was not the consequence, but the cause of mine), whose
doctrine in general (though he is wrong in some points) I believe to be the
truth of the gospel
For 'John Smith'
DUBLIN, March 22, 1748.
“(...) 3. Yet 'such a
deviation,' you think, 'may open a door to much disorder and error.' I grant
that it may; but I still insist (1) that negative accidental consequences may
follow from something good; (2) that the good consequences in the present case
outweigh the evil beyond all possible degrees of comparison. The same I believe
of Mr. Whitefield's public preaching (which was not the consequence, but the
cause of mine), whose doctrine in general (though he is wrong in some points) I
believe to be the truth of the gospel. [28]
How wise
is God in giving different talents to different preachers
I read the
prayers (in London), and Mr. Whitefield preached. How wise is God to give
different talents to different preachers!
January
28, 1750 – Sunday. I read the prayers (in London), and Mr. Whitefield preached.
How wise is God, in giving different talents to different preachers! Even small
improprieties, both in language and manner, were the means by which many who
could not have been touched by a more correct speech or a calmer and more
regular manner of speech profited. [29]
They often talked about 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, -- Of
forty and fifty of our preachers have lately met at Leeds, all of them, I
trust, esteem you for the sake of your work. They have asked me to mention a
few particulars to you, in order to bring a still stronger union between us.
Several of them were
grieved to 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 of our rums in general, of some of them in particular. They
understood that this was neither kind nor just, nor consistent with the profession
you at other times exercise.
Above all, they were
concerned about the way in which their preachers (so I call those who preach in
the Tabernacle) often spoke of me and my brother, partly in the most mocking
and contemptuous manner, 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 was expected; that it was not generally turned against the things
of God, but upon trivialities and indifferent things; that your whole chariot
was not so 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 wish of my dear brother, [Wesley endorsed this letter 'My letter to G. Whitd.
He denies everything!']
Your affectionate
co-worker. [30]
I readily
accepted the offer to preach in the house newly built for Mr. Whitefield
I readily
accepted the offer to preach in Mr. Whitefield's newly built house at Plymouth
Dock. Thus it seemed proper to us to tread on idolatry and partisan zeal
August 14,
1753—Tuesday. I readily accepted the offer to preach in Mr. Whitefield's newly
built house at Plymouth Dock. Thus it seemed proper to us to tread on idolatry
and partisan zeal. Should not every lover of God love his neighbor also? [31]
Mr.
Whitefield requested my presence
Mr.
Whitefield requested my presence. Disputes are now no more; we love each other,
and join hands to advance the cause of our common Master
11/5/1755
– Wednesday. Mr. Whitefield requested my presence. Disputes are now no more; we
love each other, and join hands to advance the cause of our common Master. [32]
I Preached
in Mr. Whitefield's Tabernacle
I preached in Mr. Whitefield's Tabernacle to a small
and earnest congregation
10/5/1758
– Thursday. I rode through Redbridge and Fareham to Portsmouth, where, at seven
o'clock, I preached in Mr. Whitefield's Tabernacle, to a small and earnest
congregation. [33]
He
insisted that I do it
I thought
Mr. Whitefield was going to administer the sacrament, but he insisted that I do
so
02/27/1759
– Tuesday.
My
brother, Mr. Maxfield, and I went to Lady Huntingdon's. After breakfast,
Messrs. Whitefield, Madan, Romaine, Jones, Downing, and Venn arrived, with a
few respectable persons and a few others. I thought Mr. Whitefield would
administer the sacrament, but he insisted that I should do so. After this, Lady
Huntingdon requested me to preach on "What are the greatest of men to the
great God? Like the fine dust of the scales." [34]
I had the
pleasure of spending some time with Mr. Whitefield
The next
day I had the satisfaction of spending some time with Mr. Whitefield. Humanly
speaking, he is worn out, but let us leave it to him who has all power in
heaven and earth
5/21/1763
– Saturday. I arrived in Edinburgh. The next day I had the satisfaction of
spending some time with Mr. Whitefield. Humanly speaking, he is worn out, but
let us leave it to him who has all power in heaven and earth. [35]
Had
breakfast with Mr. Whitefield
I had
breakfast with Mr. Whitefield, who seemed aged and justly worn out in the
Master's service
28/1/1765/
– Monday. I had breakfast with Mr. Whitefield, who seemed aged and justly worn
out in the Master's service. Though he was not much more than fifty years old.
As for me, it has pleased God that now, at sixty-three, I have no sickness, no
weakness, no decay; no difference from when I was twenty-five years old; except
that I have few teeth and more gray hair. [36]
Mr.
Whitefield said to me, 'You've got nothing to do there
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
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 would have
nothing to do but argue with each other from dawn to night.'
I replied, 'If God
sends me, the people will listen. And I will give them no cause to contest; for
I will carefully avoid controversial points, and stick to the fundamental
truths of Christianity. And if any still begin 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—the religion of the heart and salvation by faith—at all times and in all
places. And so I cut off every occasion for dispute from the first day until
this very hour. And this you surprisingly improve until it becomes a defect,
interpret it as a proof of dishonesty. You also accuse me of having unhealthy
principles and of saying, 'Right opinions are (sometimes) not part of
religion.'
Note: John Wesley
first went to Scotland to preach in 1751. [37]
God has repressed
their furious and bitter zeal through Mr. Whitefield
God has
repressed her furious and bitter zeal through Mr. Whitefield. He has caused the
first breach among the Methodists. Oh! May God enable you to heal her! God has
spoken to me
01/03/1766
– Friday. Mr. B. visited me, now calm and with a right mind. God has repressed
his furious and bitter zeal through Mr. Whitefield. He has caused the first
breach among the Methodists. Ah! May God enable him to heal her! God has spoken
to me. [38]
Mr. Whitefield called me
Mr.
Whitefield has called me. He desires nothing but peace and love. Fanaticism
cannot stand before him
January
31, 1766 – Friday. Mr. Whitefield has called me. He desires nothing but peace
and love. Fanaticism cannot stand before him, but pushes him out of his head
wherever he goes. [39]
I am very
far from having Mr. Whitefield's mind
I spent a
few hours at the meeting of the National Assembly. I am very far from having
the mind of Mr. Whitefield, who directs the solemnity of this meeting. I have
been little less solemn
May 26,
1766 – Monday. I spent a few hours at the meeting of the National Assembly. I
am very far from having the mind of Mr. Whitefield, who directs the solemnity
of this meeting. I have been little less solemn. I have been extremely shocked
at the behavior of many members. Had any preacher behaved thus in our
Conference, he would have had no place with us any more. [40]
In the
evening, I was given Mr. Whitefield's office on the docks
Invited to
preach in the Tabernacle at Plymouth, I began about two o'clock in the
afternoon. In the evening I was given Mr. Whitefield's room on the docks, but,
large as it is, it could not restrain the congregation
September
7, 1767—Tuesday. Invited to preach in the Tabernacle, Plymouth, I started about
two o'clock in the afternoon. In the evening, I was given Mr. Whitefield's room
on the docks, but, large as it is, it could not contain the congregation. At
the close of the sermon, a huge stone was thrown against one of the windows,
and came just behind me, falling at my feet, the best place it could have been
found. So that no one was injured or frightened, and many did not even know
what had happened. [41]
Let all of
Mr. Whitefield's society who were pleased, be present at the feast of love
Let all of
Mr. Whitefield's society who were pleased, be present at the feast of love that
followed. I hope that "we shall know war no more" except against the
world, the flesh, and the devil
10/11/1767—Sunday. I preached in Princess Street, and
a little before five near New Square, where, notwithstanding the terrible wind,
the congregation was exceedingly large. I allowed all of Mr. Whitefield's
society who were pleased, to be present at the love feast that followed. I hope
that "we shall know no more war," except against the world, the
flesh, and the devil. [42]
I rejoice
at Mr. Whitefield's behavior
I rejoice
at Mr. Whitefield's behavior. [Whitefield had visited Yarm on September 23.] At
last he meets me halfway
To George
Merryweather
BRISTOL, October 6,
1767.
MY DEAR BROTHER,-- I
rejoice at Mr. Whitefield's behaviour. [Whitefield had visited Yarm on
September 23.] At last he meets me halfway. I have no objection to Mr. Oddie
exchanging places with Matthew Lowes [Oddie was in Newcastle, and Lowes in
Yarm.] for a round or two. If they are going to be quiet, you be quiet too.
[The process See letter of January 29.] Get out of the fire as quickly as you
can. I have carried many suits in the King's Bench, but I have never been
reimbursed in one.--I am
Your affectionate
brother. [43]
Everywhere Mr.
Whitefield went, he labored in the same friendly, Christian manner
For Ms. Moon
NORWICH, December 6,
1767.
MY DEAREST SISTER,--I
can easily believe that I would lack nothing that you could supply me; for I am
convinced that your heart is like mine, as it is with all the 'souls which He
Himself guarantees to unite in Divine communion.' What is always in your power
is to bring me before the throne of grace. One thing in particular that I often
desire is 'a quiet night of a different day'; that I may not have conflicts in
the end, but rather, if God sees the good, before 'my flesh and my heart fail.'
There is no weakness
either in our body or in mind, but Satan endeavors to take advantage of it.
This kind of apticism or apatheticism I originally regard as a pure effect of
bodily constitution. Thus it is not imputable to us in any degree, unless we yield
to it. So long as we resist diligently, it is no more blamed than drowsiness or
weariness of the body.
Do many of those who
have been saved from sin in their neighbourhood stand firm in their liberty, or
have they had one, if not most, turned away from their steadfastness? How is it
that so many are thrilled that in many places so few remain standing? Have you
recently talked with Sister Heslop? Does she keep all the life she has had?
John Eland and a few others in Hutton
Peace be multiplied
upon you-- I am, my dear sister,
Your affectionate
brother.
To Mrs. Emma Moon, at
George Merryweather's house, in Yarm, Yorkshire. North Post. [44]
I spent a comfortable
and profitable hour with Mr. Whitefield
I spent a comfortable and
profitable hour with Mr. Whitefield, calling to mind the past times and the
manner in which God prepared us for the work
01/09/1769 – Monday.
I spent a comfortable and profitable hour with Mr.
Whitefield, calling to mind the past times and the manner in which God had
prepared us for the work which He had placed in our hearts to be accomplished. [45]
I had
another pleasant conversation with my old friend and ministry colleague, George
Whitefield
I had
another pleasant conversation with my old friend and colleague in the ministry,
George Whitefield. His soul seems to be still vigorous, but his body sinks
rapidly
27/02/1769
– Monday (London). I had another pleasant conversation with my old friend and
colleague in the ministry, George Whitefield. His soul seems to be still
vigorous, but his body sinks rapidly; unless God interposes, he will soon
finish his labors. [46]
Wesley asks Whitefield for help in advising
Methodist preachers in America
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 rumor 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 return to
England perhaps I shall make another visit to the New World? [See letters of
February 17th and December 14th.] I have been strongly solicited 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, as yet, I cannot 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 beg you to make up for my lack of service by
encouraging our preachers, as you may best judge, 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 which greatly concerned me—namely, that the
College or Academy in Georgia had swallowed up the Orphan House. Shall I give
my judgment without being asked? I think friendship demands that I should. 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 such as perhaps there is not on earth. I
know the value of learning, and I am more in danger of valuing it too much than
too little. But still, I cannot put the endowment to five hundred students, on
the same level as saving the bodies, if not the souls also, of five hundred
orphans. But let us pass 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 to
another purpose—at least, while there are still orphans in Georgia? I only
touch upon it, though it is an important point, and leave it to your own
consideration whether some of it may not be adequately 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. [47]
I have
received the melancholy news of Mr. Whitefield's death
On my return to London, I had the melancholy
news of Mr. Whitefield's death confirmed by his executors, who asked me to
preach a sermon at his funeral, on Sunday, the 18th
10/11/1770
– Saturday. On my return to London, I had the melancholy news of Mr.
Whitefield's death confirmed by his executors, who asked me to preach a sermon
at his funeral, on Sunday, the 18th. For the purpose of writing about it, I
retired to Lewisham on Monday, and on the following Sunday went to the chapel
in Tottenham Court Road. An immense crowd was assembled, coming from all
quarters of the city. I was somewhat afraid, at first, that the greater part of
the congregation would not be able to hear me, but it pleased God that my voice
should be strengthened, and even those at the door could hear me distinctly. It
was a remarkable moment, and all remained all night; most appeared to be deeply
touched; and an impression was left on many, that this moment would not be so
quickly erased. The appointed time for the commencement of the funeral service
in the Tabernacle was at half past five o'clock in the afternoon, but it was
completely full at three o'clock. Then I began to preach at four. At first the
noise was intense, but it subsided as I began to speak, and my voice was again
strengthened, so that all who were there could hear, except for an accidental
noise having hindered, here or there, for a few moments. Oh! That all might
hear his voice; with him are the matters of life and death; and it is He who,
aloud, because of this unexpected blow, calls all his children to love one
another! [48]
To preach
the sermon at Mr. Whitefield's funeral service
Having
been asked by the Trustees of the Greenwich Tabernacle to preach the sermon at
Mr. Whitefield's funeral service, I went there to-day for that purpose; but not
even this house could restrain the congregation
11/23/1770
– Friday. Having been asked by the Trustees of the Greenwich Tabernacle to
preach the sermon at Mr. Whitefield's funeral service, I went there to-day for
that purpose; but even this house could not restrain the congregation. Those
who could not get in made some noise at first, but in a short time were
silenced. Here, too, I believe that God has swept away that intolerance which
had prevailed for many years. [49]
I wish to
show all possible respect to the memory of this great and good man
Everywhere,
I wish to show all possible respect to the memory of this great and good man
I preached
in the evening at Deptford a sort of sermon on Mr. Whitefield's funeral
service. Everywhere I wish to show all possible respect to the memory of this
great and good man. [50]
[1] Overview of Google's AI Mode
[2]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1769/
[3]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[4]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1771/
[5]
https://www.newroombristol.org.uk/content/uploads/2017/04/A_brief_guide_to_the_New_Room.pdf
[6] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[7] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[8] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[9]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1748/
[10] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[11] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[12] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[13] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[14]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[15] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[16] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[17] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[18] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[19] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[20] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[21] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[22] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[23] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[24] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[25] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[26] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[27] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[28]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1748/
[29] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[30]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1753/
[31] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[32] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[33] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[34] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[35] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[36] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[37]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1765/
[38] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[39] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[40] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[41] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[42] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[43]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1767/
[44]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1767/
[45] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[46] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[47]
https://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-letters-of-john-wesley/wesleys-letters-1770/
[48] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[49] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley,
the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
[50] Diary of John Wesley. John Wesley, the father of Methodism – 1735 -1791. São Paulo, SP – Angular Editora, 2017.
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