George-Whitefield-Field-Preacher

33 .
GEORGE
WHITEFIELD
of his intentions ; but told that he would not so much as come
to bid them farewell, unless they promised not to dissuade
him ; for he said that he knew his own weakness.
However, his weakness so far gained upon him as to send
him down to Gloucester on New Year's Day, 1736-37, after he
had said goodbye to his friends at Oxford ; and his strength
had so much increased that he succeeded in abiding by his
purpose. Bishop Benson welcomed him as a father, approved
of his design, wished him success, and said, ' I do not doubt
that God will bless you, and that you will do much good
abroad.' But his ' own relations at first were not so passive.
His mother wept sore,' which was both to his credit and hers.
Others tempted him with base words, which must have
buttressed his citadel instead of undermining it ; they ' urged
what pretty preferments he might have if he would stay at
home.' He showed no wavering, and the opposition ceased.
This farewell visit was marked by that constant industry
which distinguished him to the last. He preached often
enough ' to grow a little popular,' and to gather large congre-
gations, which were moved by the word of God. In three
weeks he went to Bristol to take leave of his friends there, and
again he preached, undertaking duty this time in an unexpected
way. It being his custom, go where he might, to attend the
daily services of the Church, lie went to St. John's to hear a
sermon. When prayers were over, and the psalm was being
sung, the minister came to him and asked him to preach.
' Having his notes about him, he complied.' The next day
the same thing was repeated at St. Stephen's, but this time the
' alarm '
excited by his preaching was so widespread, that, on
the following Sunday, crowds of people, of all denominations,
' Quakers, Baptists, Presbyterians, &c.,' flocked to the churches
where he had to officiate, and many were unable to find
admission. The civic authorities paid him respect, the mayor