CHRISTIAN LEADERS OF THE 18th CENTURY - ( CHAPTER 4 ) - { PT. 13 }


 ( CHAPTER  4 )  -  { PT.  10 } - You were quickly swept off your feet by his energy before you had time to think about what you would do.We can be sure that this was one secret of his success. We must convince people that we are sincere ourselves if we want to be believed. The difference between one preacher and another is often not so much in the things said as in the way they are said. It is recored by one of Whitefield's biographers that an American gentleman once went to hear him for the first time because of the report he heard of Whitefield's preaching powers. The day was rainy, the congregation comparatively thin, and the beginning of the sermon rather heavy. Our American friend began to say to himself, This man is no great wonder after all. He looked around and saw the congregation as little interested as himself. One old man in front of the pulpit had fallen asleep. Whitefield suddenly stopped. His countenance changed. Then he suddenly broke forth in an altered tone: If I had come to speak to you in my own name, you might well rest your elbows on your knees and your heads on your hands and sleep, and once in a while look up and ask, What is this babbler talking about? But I have not come to you in my own name. No! I have come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty! ( here he brought down his hand and foot with a force that made the building ring ), and I must and will be heard! The congregation jumped. The old man woke up at once. Yes, yes! cried Whitefield, fixing his eyes on him. I have waked you up, have I? I meant to do it.                                  

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