George Whitefields's Journals

by George Whitefield

The book reveals that Whitefield was both a great man of prayer, and a voracious reader. For instance, he acknowledges Matthew Henry's Commentary, Alleine's Alarm, A Call to the Unconverted, A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, among the many classics that he fed upon and found both soul-stirring and soul-satisfying. In his personal life, he very much reminds one of Jonathan Edwards, being so dedicated in all his activities. In fact, all his hours were assigned in this ''I . . . generally divided the day into three parts - eight hours for study and retirement, eight hours for sleep and meals, and eight hours for reading prayers, catechizing and visiting the parish.'' (p. 41). The Second Journal covered May 1738 to November 1738. This is the first journal that he consented to be printed. He arrived in Georgia on May 17, 1738 He then gives various experiences, sometimes day by day, sometimes a week or more between. The Third Journal covers December, 1738 through June, 1739, when he returned to London. He spoke to huge crowds. He preached almost constantly, and often from morning to midnight he was either preaching or witnessing personally. People almost hung on the rafters to hear him. Throughout this book you will see demonstrated the Scriptures in action. He breathed spirituality in his every appearance, private or public. At this time he was yet but 24 years of age. Such a life, some may say, is not for them. So prone are we to think that some of our hours and thoughts are our own. Whatever one's progress in holiness may be, the reader of these journals may be sure that much of Whitefield's spirit will greatly profit his or her soul. After all, how many opportunities does one have to look into the heart and soul of such a committed servant of God. Get it. It may be but a personal account, but it is sure to be of great value to any Christian. Whitefield (1714-1770) is the justly famous evangelist of the eighteenth century. He wrote his first rather full autobiographical account while on board ship in 1736. The balance of the book chronicles his travels as an evangelist through 1756.Despite the well-known differences in doctrine between Whitefield and John Wesley (which resulted at last in his famous letter to that one), he counted both John and Charles Wesley as dear friends. 332 pages, hard cover

Genres: Biography, History, Theology, Christian, Church History

332 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

George Whitefield, also known as George Whitfield, was an English Anglican priest who helped spread the Great Awakening in Britain and, especially, in the British North American colonies. He was one of the founders of Methodism and of the evangelical movement generally. He became perhaps the best-known preacher in Britain and America in the 18th century, and because he travelled through all of the American colonies and drew great crowds and media coverage, he was one of the most widely recognized public figures in colonial America.

Reviews

[Aleyna Kirsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally finished it! Very repetitive, but a great reminder to do all things for the glory of Him who made us.

[Marc Axelrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Repetitive as journals tend to be, but historically fascinating as you walk with Whitefield across England and sail across the seas multiple times and as he preaches the new birth in the colonies. Fascinating to read of his contacts with Wesley and the Tennants and Edwards and others. Amazing that so many parsons would not let him preach in their congregations, Maybe because they were jealous, but then he would go outside and preach to thousands. He loved preaching the gospel. We need more Whitefields!

[Sandu Andronic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulos!

[Travis Daggett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good primary source

[Marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fascinating to read the day-to-day Journals of George Whitefield, the Great Awakening minister and early friend of the Wesleys. I really enjoyed his trips to the American colonies and reading his descriptions of various points in New England, the midAtlantic, and Georgia. To have him writing about Lewes DE, and Faggs Manor, PA, and NewCastle, then his impressions of Boston and it's people were so very interesting. It is so difficult to imagine what the Revival he led, was like - with thousands coming to hear him preach - he was often critical of the ministers of his day - but it was interesting to read about issues and basic human failings that are with us today. Some of it was repetitive and I would have appreciated more detail, but I did get a real sense of what the world was like when we were still a British colony!

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

These journals cover the conversion and early ministry of George Whitefield. It was amazing to read about how God used him in his outdoor preaching ministry. He regularly preached to thousands at a time. He suffered from poor health, but even when he was very weak, he was often strengthened when he started to preach.