CHRISTIANS LEADERS OF THE 18th CENTURY - ( CHAPTER 4 ) - { PT. 17 }
( CHAPTER 4 ) - { PT. 17 } He measured all by the measure that the angels use: Did they profess repentance toward God, faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and holiness of life? If they did, they were as his brethren. His soul was with such people, no matter what name they were called. Minor differences were wood, hay, and stubble to him. The marks of the Lord Jesus were the only marks he cared for. This broad-mindedness is even more remarkable when we consider the spirit of the times in which he lived. Even Ralph and Ebenezer Erskine in Scotland wanted Whitefield to preach for no other denomination but their own--namely, the Secession Church. He asked them, Why only for them? He received the notable answer that they were the Lord's people. This was more than Whitefield could stand. He asked if there were no other Lord's people but themselves. He told them, If all others were the devil's people, they certainly had more need to be preached to. He ended up informing them that if the Pope himself would lend him his pulpit, he would gladly proclaim the righteousness of Christ in it! He adhered to this broad mindedness of spirit all his days.
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