| Citation |
PG-P.771.004
24 Jan 1771:23 (2196).
Nov. 8. A true anecdote of the late Mr. Whitefield. In the
early art 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 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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