| Citation |
VGW(HU.771.014
7 Feb 1771:12 (1019)
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
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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