| Citation |
PJ.771.005
24 Jan 1771:13 (1468)
A true anecdote of the late Mr. Whitefield.--In the early
part of his life, this gentleman was preaching 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.
|