Priest of the Church of England—goad and companion of the fops at Bath—confidant of outcasts—idol of "awakened" Christians on two continents—bane of bishops of his own communion—such was George Whitefield, the evangelistic crusader of the 18th century.
This new study of one of the most prominent figures in America's Great Awakening discloses the secret of Whitefield's powerful appeal to all classes of people. Though his preaching became a center of controversy, men flocked in vast throngs to hear him wherever he spoke—in churches, fields, foundries, and ships.
The present work is divided into two parts. "The Man" takes up the life of this minister who, between the years 1736 and 1770, preached 18,000 sermons; who was a friend of John and Charles Wesley; who came to America seven times and lies buried today under the pulpit of Old South Presbyterian Church, Newburyport, Massachusetts; who published pamphlets, directed charity drives, instituted schools, and founded an orphanage. Part two explores the message of Whitefield and tells how it was received. As he preached the doctrine of a sovereign God who could and would save the lowliest, thousands accepted his creed as their creed and his faith as their faith.
Readers will be enthralled by this lucid, colorful account of George Whitefield—the most phenomenal revivalist of evangelical Protestantism. Churchmen of all faiths will find here a fascinating story of a man who was called both devil and saint, who rose from menial obscurity to international prominence.
—from the dust jacket
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