| Citation |
NYM(G.771.015
28 Jan 1771:31 (1005)
Philadelphia, January 21. A true anecdote of the late 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 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 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, and left the preacher in full
possession of the field."
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