| Citation |
EG.771.004
15-22 Jan 1771:1041 (3/130)
London November 5. A true anecdote of the Rev. Mr.
Whitefield.--- In the early part of his life, this
gentleman was preaching in the open fields, when a drummer
happened to be present, who was determined to interrupt his
pious business, and rudely beat his drum in a violent
manner, in order to drown the preacher's voice. Mr.
Whitefield spoke very loud, but was not so powerful as the
instrument: He therefore called out to the drummer in those
words:--"Friend, you and I serve the two greatest masters
existing, but in different calling; you may beat up the
volunteers for King George; I for the Lord Jesus Christ. In
God's name then don't let us interrupt each other; the world
is wide enough for us both, and we may get recruits in
abundance." This speech had such an effect, that the
drummer went away in great good humour, & left the preacher
in full possession of the field.
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