| Citation |
NYGWPB.771.005
21 Jan 1771:212 (1464)
[News from London] a true anecdote of the late Mr. George
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 these words: "Friend,
you and I serve the two greatest masters existing, but in
different callings; you may beat up for volunteers for King
George; I for the Lord Jesus Christ. In God's name then
don't 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, and left the preacher in full possession of the
field.
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