( CHRISTIAN LEADERS OF THE 18TH CENTURY ) - [ CHAPTER 4 ] - { PT. 3 }


 { PT.  3 } - His opinion was that if the greatness, extent, success, and unselfishness of a man's labors can give him distinction among the children of Christ, then we are justified in saying that hardly anyone has equaled Mr. Whitefield. He also said: He was abundantly successful in his vast labors. The seals of his ministry, from first to last, I am persuaded, were more then could be credited if the number could even be determined. It is certain that his amazing popularity was only from his usefulness, for he no sooner opened his mouth as a preacher than God commanded an extraordinary blessing upon his word. John Newton was a sincere man, as well as an eminent minister of the gospel. Here is his testimony about George Whitefield: That which polished Mr. Whitefield's character as a shining light, and is now his crown of rejoicing, was the extraordinary success that the Lord was pleased to give him in winning souls. It seemed as if he never preached in vain. Perhaps there is hardly a place in all the extensive compass of his labors where some may not yet be found who thankfully acknowledge him as their spiritual father. John Wesley did not agree with Whitefield on several theological points of great importance, but when he preached his funeral sermon, he said: Have we read or heard of any person who called so many thousands, so many myriads of sinners to repentance? Above all, have we read of heard of anyone who has been the blessed instrument of bringing so many sinners from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God? As valuable as these testimonies undoubtedly are, there is one point that they leave totally untouched. That point is the quantity of indirect good that Whitefield did. As great as the direct effects of his labors were, I believe firmly that the indirect effects were even greater. 

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