DAY 28

MORNING

PSALMS 132–135

Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”

Wesley and Whitefield Reconciled

It became clear a few years after the Methodist revival had begun in 1841 
that George Whitefield and John Wesley had differences of opinion on a number of matters. “Wesley knew that Whitefield would never put friendship before principle: he 
was immovable ... wherever his conscience was concerned. Both men were distressed. Whitefield probably showed it more openly, for as (Wesley said) ‘He had a heart susceptible of the most generous and the most tender friendship.’”184

“The heart of Wesley’s annoyance, however was that Whitefield had revealed a private matter. To underline his point that the drawing of a lot might be false guidance, Whitefield had told the public about Wesley’s lot at Deal in February 1738.”185

“All through the summer of 1741 they were estranged. Whitefield toured Scotland, where he preached to great audiences, was bullied by extreme Calvinists who were affronted he would not leave the Church of England. Wesley toured the Midlands, preached before the University of Oxford, and worked in London and Bristol. He made no move towards Whitefield.”186

“In November 17841 their seven-month breach was healed and affection returned, yet the close unity of the early days never was fully restored: the theological divisions which two centuries earlier had weakened the Reformation were dividing their minds though not their hearts, and each believed he was right. ‘I spent an agreeable hour with Mr Whitefield’ wrote Wesley in April 1742. ‘I believe he is sincere in all he says concerning his desire of joining hands with all that love the Lord Jesus Christ. But if (as some would persuade me) he is not, the loss is all on his side. I am just as I was: I go on my way, whether he goes with me or stays behind.’”187 “Together they could have done even more for Britain and America—Whitefield the incomparable preacher, Wesley the patient organizer. Instead the evangelical revival would flow in two channels, although leaders and friends would often support each other. Both Wesley and Whitefield sought a more formal unity from time to time, but their differences were not overcome.”188

At George Whitefield’s funeral, John Wesley gave the address and his final words were: “oh that thou wouldst cause the mantle of
thy prophet, whom thou has taken up, now to fall upon us that remain! ‘Where is the Lord God of Elijah?’ Let his spirit rest upon these thy servants! show thou art the God that answerest by fire! Let the fire of thy love fall on every heart! And because we love thee, let us love one another with a ‘love stronger than death!’ Take away from us ‘all anger and wrath, and bitterness; all clamour and evil- speaking!’ Let thy spirit so rest upon us, that from this hour we may be ‘kind to each other, tenderhearted forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us.’”189

Prayer

When brothers live together in unity you command a blessing, Lord. Show us where there is an offence in our hearts, Lord. If there is pride in my heart, show me, Lord, and give me the grace to repent and to forgive.

184 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 149

185 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 150 186 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 151

187 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 153.

188 Pollock, J Wesley: the Preacher, 153. 189 Wesley. J.Journal, Volume 6, 181–2

DAY 28

EVENING

PSALMS 136–138

Psalm 138:3 “You made me bold and stout-hearted.”

Cornwall Transformed

The West Country was testament to the change that Methodism had brought to the country. In his old age, the bishop of Exeter invited him to a meal at his palace. A previous bishop of Exeter had been violently opposed to Wesley and had written pamphlets denouncing him. This meeting was very different. After the meal was over the bishop said, “Mr. Wesley, I hope I may sit at your feet in the kingdom of heaven.” When Wesley was 86 he visited Cornwall for the last time. He wrote in his Journal:190 “The last time I was here, about forty years ago, I was taken prisoner by an immense mob, gaping and roaring like lions; but how is the tide turned. High and low now lined the street from one end of the town to the other, out of stark love and kindness, gaping and staring as if the king were going by. In the evening 
I preached on the smooth top of the hill, at
 a small distance for the sea to the largest congregation I have ever seen in Cornwall, except in or near Redruth ... God moved wonderfully on the hearts of the people, who all seemed to know the day of their visitation.” As Wesley left Cornwall on Friday August 28, 1789, he wrote, “So there is a fair prospect in Cornwall, from Launceston to Land’s End.”191

The final sermon that Wesley preached was in the open air at the age of 87. He was beneath an ash tree at Rye in Kent in a churchyard. Now his voice was very feeble “but his reverend countenance, especially his long white locks, formed a picture never to be forgotten.”192

Prayer

We pray for the turning of the tide in Britain. We pray that the Gospel would be restored to our land, ONCE AGAIN. Raise up bold and stout-hearted evangelists to preach the Gospel in the highways and byways, today. We pray for another day of visitation 
from you Lord—a “planting of the Lord for the display of your splendour.” Radically transform the morality of our nation from the grassroots up and change the spiritual landscape beyond recognition through the powerful proclamation of your word, with signs following.



190 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 4, 468.


191 Wesley, J. Journal, Vol 4, 470.

192 Pollock, J. Wesley: the Preacher, 257.