Whitefield, George

Whitefield, George (1714–70), English evangelist, while at Oxford (1735) came under the influence of John and Charles Wesley, the founders of Methodism. His histrionic ability, zeal, and belief in himself as a divinely inspired teacher made him the leader of the Methodists after the departure of the Wesleys for Georgia, and he drew large audiences throughout England. After a short stay in Georgia (May–Sept. 1738), he returned to preach in England at outdoor meetings, since the Church of England was now closed to him. He returned to America (1739) and was instrumental in promoting the Great Awakening. Although he made many enemies and was suspended from his ecclesiastical office for his irregular doctrine and actions, he nevertheless attracted such diverse adherents as the Tennents and Jonathan Edwards, and even won the financial support of Franklin. In England (1741–44) Whitefield continued his inflexible but emotional way, even breaking with the Wesleys and becoming a leader of the Calvinistic Methodists, although on his next trip to America (1744–48) many Congregationalists turned against him, the fervor of the Great Awakening having waned. He made later visits to America (1751, 1754–55, 1763–64, 1769–70), continuing to be famous for his dynamic preaching, since the manner more than the matter attracted his large audiences, and his many sermons, pamphlets, and letters, though widely read, were less effective. A selection of his Works was published (6 vols., 1771–72).