AFTER some 150 years, a new edition of the journals of George Whitefield, the zealous preacher of the gospel, has been published by Mr. Henry J. Drane, under the editorship of Mr. William Wale. The chronicle of his earnest abours for the Lord in this country and in America, where he fell asleep, should prove of Widespread interest to the children of God.
The following extract from his journal, has reference to his service in Bath and Bristol, in 1739.
Tuesday, July 10. Preached yesterday evening at the brickyard to about eight thousand people. Dined to-day with my honored fellow-laborer, Mr. Wesley, and many others at Two Mile Hill in Kingswood; and preached afterward, to several thousand people and colliers in the school-house, which has been carried on so successfully, that the roof is ready to be put up. The design, I think, is good. Old as well as young, are to be instructed. A great and visible alteration is to be seen in the behavior of the colliers. Instead of cursing and swearing, they are heard to sing hymns about the woods; and the rising generation, I hope, will be a generation of Christians. They seem much affected by the word, and attend the churches and societies when Mr. Wesley is absent from them. The prospect of their future welfare filled me with joy. They took a most affectionate leave of me.
“Went immediately after sermon was ended, with Mr. Wesley and several other friends to Bath, and preached there to about three thousand people at seven o'clock in the evening. It rained a little all the while, but the people were patient and attentive, and I never had such power given me to speak to the polite scoffers before. Oh, that the scales were removed from the eyes of their minds!
“Heard to-day that the town-clerk of Bristol did my brother Wesley and me, the honor to desire the grand jury at their quarter sessions to prevent our meetings, and to have the riot act read; but they did not regard him, nay, one who was called to serve on the petty jury, offered to subscribe to any tine, rather than do anything against us, who, he said were true servants of Jesus Christ,
"Wednesday, July 11, preached at eleven in the morning to a larger audience than last night. Hastened to Bristol, and preached in the evening at Baptist Mills to a large congregation. It rained much, but blessed be God, the people's hearts are so far influenced by the gospel of Christ that they care little whether it rains or shines.”