George-Whitefield-Field-Preacher

nS GEORGE WHITEFIELD
women a month being whipped at it. Benjamin Franklin had
his printing-office opposite the market-place, and within sight
of the whipping-post. The Pennsylvania Gazette was rejoicing
in great prosperity, through the shrewdness and industry of its
famous proprietor and editor. Poor Richard's Almanac had
but a few years before given its wit and wisdom to the good
citizens for the sum of fivepence, and now some are willing to
give twenty dollars for a single number of it ! The
people
were quiet, peace-loving, tolerant, and not so intellectual as the
Bostonians. Vital godliness was said to be low among them.
Their desire to hear the great Methodist was intense ; for his
immense fame had reached their town before him.
Whitefield's first duty was to deliver some letters committed
to his charge, and then to go on board the Elizabeth, which
had arrived the night before him, to see his family. He next
paid his respects to the proprietor and the commissary, who
received him 'very civilly.' The day following, which was
Sunday, he preached to a large congregation, and took part in
other services. The churchwardens treated him better than
their brethren in England had done, and the clergy of all
denominations showed him great courtesy. Feeling was so
different from that which he had left behind him, that whereas
in England the only proper place for a sermon was thought to
be a church, in Philadelphia the people preferred hearing it
elsewhere, and asked him to gratify their taste, which he was
not slow to do. The Quakers were very friendly, and their
fellowship cheered him not a little The atmosphere all
around was peaceful, and balmy with brotherly love. Aged
/[ Mr. Tennent, who had an academy for training pious youths
for the ministry, about twenty miles from the city, and was
himself blessed with four sons of Christian reputation and
i influence, three of whom were ministers, came into the city to
speak to him. The week's stay which lie made was as quiet