George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the Eighteenth-Century Revival - Volume II

George Whitefield #2

by Arnold A. Dallimore

Volume 2 follows events onwards until his death in 1770. An outstanding biography, popularly written, and with an urgent message for the present day.

Genres: Biography, History, Church History, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Theology

620 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1980

About the author

Arnold A. Dallimore (1911-1998) was born in Canada of British parents. He was pastor of the Baptist Church at Cottam, Ontario, for almost twenty-four years. During his studies at Central Baptist Seminary, Toronto, he was awakened to a life-long interest in the great evangelist George Whitefield, whose biography he was to write (2 volumes, published by the Trust). He also wrote biographies of Edward Irving, the forerunner of the charismatic movement, Susannah Wesley and C. H. Spurgeon, whose preaching at the Metropolitan Tabernacle was frequently attended by his maternal grandfather and his mother (as a small child).

Reviews

[Blue Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatest biography of one of the greatest men who ever lived. These two volumes should be a must read and on the shelf of every professing Christian.

Here’s what Charles Spurgeon had to say about Whitefield, “He lived. Other men seem to be only half alive; but Whitefield was all life, fire, wing, force.”

I love what JC Ryle wrote in 1868:
“Whitefield wrote no book for the million, of world-wide fame, like Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. He headed no crusade against an apostate church, with a nation at his back, and princes at his side, like Martin Luther. He founded no religious denomination, which pinned its faith on his writings and carefully embalmed his best acts and words, like John Wesley. There are Lutherans and Wesleyans in the present day, but there are no Whitefieldites. No! The great evangelist of the 18th century was a simple, guileless man, who lived for one thing only, and that was to preach Christ. If he did that, he cared for nothing else.”

Here are some highlights from each Part:

Part 4: The “Controversy”
-“While others are disputing, let us be growing” - GW

Part 5: “The Calvinist Evangelist of the Two Continents”
-“Marry when or whom you will, expect trouble in the flesh.” - GW
-Description of true revival: “It raised an altar in the household… it made men students of the Word of God and brought them in thought and purpose and effort into communion with their Father in heaven.”
-“Though I am a strenuous defender of the righteousness of Christ and utterly detest Arminian principles, yet I know that God gave me the Holy Ghost before I was clear in either as to head-knowledge: and therefore, dear sir, I am the more moderate to people who are not clear, supposing I see the divine image stamped upon their hearts.” - GW
-“I think it my duty … to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. This indeed I delight in. It is my meat and my drink … if the pulpits should be shut, blessed be God! The fields are open. I can go without the camp, bearing the Redeemer’s reproach. I am used to this and glory in it.” - GW
-“I have no thoughts of settling till I settle in glory … I intend going on till I drop.” - GW

Part 6: “The Helper of all the Revival”
-“It is this half-way religion that undoes the professing world. The heart can never be at unity with itself, till it is wholly centered in God … when once a soul begins to taste of this faith, then that soul’s heaven begins on earth.” - GW
-“I entered upon my 37th year. I am ashamed to think I have lived so long and done so little…” - GW

Part 7: “The Years of Failing Strength”
- A letter from GW to Benjamin Franklin exhorting him to center the University of Pennsylvania on Christ: “The grand end of every Christian institution … should be to convince them of their natural depravity, of the means of recovering out of it, and of the necessity of preparing for the enjoyment of the Supreme Being in a future state. These are the grand points in which Christianity centers. Arts and sciences may be built on this, and serve to embellish and set off this superstructure, but without this, I think there cannot be any good foundation.” - GW
- To Benjamin Franklin: “As you have made a pretty considerable progress in the mysteries of electricity, I would now humbly recommend to your diligent unprejudiced pursuit and study the mystery of the new birth.” - GW
-Cornelius Winter’s (GW’s young assistant), description of his preaching:
—“It was God in the preacher that made the word efficacious; to him be the glory.”
—“He had a most peculiar art of speaking personally to you, in a congregation of four thousand people.”
—“He held himself to be a debtor both to the wise and to the unwise, each received his due at such times. The peer and the peasant alike went away satisfied.”
-“O to work while it is day! O to be found on the full stretch for Him who was stretched, and who groaned, and bled and died for us!” - GW
-GW’s last words penned: “Less than the least of all, George Whitefield.”

Part 8: “Death and Commemoration”
-“I would rather wear out than rust out.” - GW
-“I am weary in thy work, but not of thy work … many may outlive me on earth, but they cannot outlive me in Heaven.” - GW

-SUMMARY of GW labors:
1. EXTENT:
-“Whitefield preached forty and often sixty hours a week … his whole life may be said to have been consumed in the delivery of one continuous, or scarcely interrupted sermon … he preached upwards of 18,000 sermons.”
2. IMMENSITY:
-“Are there any persons (before amplification of sound) who regularly made themselves heard by congregations of 10,000 and sometimes of 20,000 and 30,000? The lives of the orators of antiquity and of the greatest preachers of the Christian Era leave little doubt that as to the numbers reached, both in single instances and in the totality of the lifetime, Whitefield stands alone.”
3. BREADTH:
-“Learned and unlearned, rich and poor, black and white, young and old - Whitefield’s ministry proved effective among all.”
4. INTEGRITY:
-“It would not be easy to name an instance, surpassing that of GW, of a thorough uniformity of conduct and intention, held to from the moment of a man’s coming before the world, to the very last hour of his life.”

-GW Implication for us today…
1. “Whitefield speaks to us about the POWER of the Gospel - - “the gospel is the need of this present hour. Not the partial gospel which characterizes so much of today’s evangelicalism, but the whole Gospel that declares the majesty and holiness of God, the utter helplessness of man, the necessity of repentance, and a salvation that is manifested, not in a mere profession, but in the miracle of a new life.”
2. Whitefield speaks to us about the PRIMACY of preaching - - “true preaching should arise from a broken heart, should be alive with a mighty and compelling urgency, and should overflow with compassion.”
3. Whitefield speaks to us about TRUE REVIVAL - - “awareness brought the deep consciousness of sin and fleeing to Christ to salvation.”

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in 2010. These two volumes on Whitefield made a deep impression on me. A superb gift to the church and books that every pastor should read. Few things can more energize us in giving our all for Jesus’s sake.

[Aardvark · Rating 5 out of 5]

more or less the same thoughts as from vol.1!

i was challenged by whitefield's zeal and gospel activity. for someone who quite literally preached and worked himself to death to say, "let none say to this sluggish worm, 'spare thyself!' rather let them spur me on!" was pretty challenging.
dallimore, in the last chapter, supports the opinions of others in saying that whitefield was truly the greatest evangelist since the apostle paul, and the most impactful man in church history by measure of single personal influence. i mean, he was spurgeon's role model when it came to preaching and living the christian life. as dallimore says, though there have been many great men who possessed gifts that whitefield lacked such as john owen's intellect, jonathan edwards' philosophical acuity, or charles wesley's poetic ability, whitefield was uniquely equipped as an evangelist.
very happy to have read both volumes to bookend the year!

"but biblical preaching is precisely that--the declaration of an authoritative message--a message founded upon an inerrant book. true preaching is not a discussion, but a proclamation; not dialogue, but the asserting of 'thus saith the Lord!' true preaching should arise from a broken heart, should be alive with a mighty and compelling urgency, and should overflow with compassion."

"the gospel is the need of this present hour. not the partial gospel which characterizes so much of today's evangelicalism, but the whole gospel that declares the majesty and holiness of God, the utter helplessness of man, the necessity of repentance, and a salvation that is manifested, not in mere profession, but in the miracle of a new life. may whitefield's example bring christians back to the gospel in its fullness and therewith in its power!"

[James Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is with some sadness I come to write this review, for it signifies the fact that I have finished this simply magnificent biography. But I must write nonetheless, even if I feel most incapable of communicating the beauty and encouragement of this book. Volume 1 was of course wonderful (and already written about), but this volume is just as good (if not quite as awe-inspiring, since at this point, you already know Whitefield). In this volume, Whitefield "continues the fight", pressing on in the service of His Lord, despite the many hardships, trials and snares that constantly beset him. This volume begins with a controversy that reveals quite a bit about Whitefield. This "supreme trial of Whitefield's life" involved the very public dispute between Whitefield and Wesley regarding the doctrines of grace. Or, if we were to use labels, it was the Calvinistic beliefs of Whitefield versus the Arminian views of Wesley (both John and Charles, but I will speak primarily of John). Of course, as Whitefield and Wesley had indeed been working together in the ministry of the gospel, this controversy came near to wrecking their relationship. And it did indeed have some very significant negative effects on the ministry, as sides were taken and sinful passions increased. I won't go into depth here(for surely, there are several chapters in the beginning of this volume that very fairly cover the controversy!), but what I continue to be the most impressed by is Whitefield's behaviour through it all. Was he perfect? Of course not. But as things progressed, Whitefield determined that these doctrinal differences between himself and Wesley should not be allowed to affect the spread of the gospel of God. And so Whitefield did all in his power to reconcile with Wesley, even withdrawing himself from leadership positions so that the fires of dissent would die down. And ever after, if John or Charles Wesley asked him to preach in one of their Societies, he would never hesitate to say yes. To Whitefield, all that mattered was that He preached Christ and Christ crucified. It is remarkable seeing the humility of this man of God. I could say far more on this, but what a wonder it is in this day and age in which every difference is harshly magnified and every disagreement made cause for disdainful scoffing and scorn...to read of a man who could firmly stand in his convictions and beliefs of the deep things of God...and yet behave with grace and honor and dignity toward his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Might we all take Whitefield for a model here and seek to make ourselves the least of all, humbling ourselves before others, longing that all would know we are Christians because of our love for one another. There is much more I could say of this book as I have really just touched on the first few chapters, but I have written too much as it is. The author continues to write (what I consider to be) a fair treatment of Whitefield. He doesn't attempt to make Whitefield out to be a saint. He shows Whitefield's flaws and blemishes and does not excuse him when he is now seen to be clearly in the wrong (as his clear endorsement and support for the spread of slavery). Dallimore recognizes that Whitefield was a human as we all are, complete with contradictions and weaknesses. I also wish there had been some more personalizing stories of Whitefield, but we must allow for the gap of years - there is simply not the primary sources to draw upon. And as I read the description of Whitefield's preaching and sermons, I wonder what I would have thought if I was in the audience. Some of it seems all too emotional, really! And I wonder if I would have winced or rolled my eyes. But there are so many testimonies of the small and great that he breathed forth holy words and that the Spirit worked mightily through his preaching. Whitefield was a might man of God, used as few have been throughout the centuries. There has been much adulation heaped upon the head of Whitefield, some which may seem hyperbolic...but still the fact remains that Whitefield preached to countless thousands throughout his near-constant thirty years of ministry, traveling countless thousands of miles (over land and sea!), visiting numerous countries oh so many times... Why did Whitefield do all this? What drove him? Whitefield longed to see lost souls come to God. Might the passion of us all be increased as we consider who we are and who God is. May our hearts burn within us as we consider the God of the universe that came down to this earth to save sinners, of who we all are. God died for us. What wondrous words. As I close this rambling review (apologies!), let me quote from Dallimore's close to this book: "The Gospel is the need of this present hour. Not the partial Gospel which characterizes so much of today's evangelicalism, but the whole Gospel that declares the majesty and holiness of God, the utter helplessness of man, the necessity of repentance, and a salvation that is manifested, not in a mere profession, but in the miracle of a new life. May Whitefield's example bring Christians back to the Gospel in its fullness and therewith in its power!" Amen and Amen. I pray that God continues His work upon this earth. Come to Jesus, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and He will give you rest.

[Conor Culverhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This man’s impact on the modern world cannot be understated.

What’s less understated, however, is his impact on the spirits of men and women in the 18th Century - praise God.

[Demetrius Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than I did volume 1. Dallimore seemed much more focused on the topic at hand, which was Whitefield; and not so much on his counterpart, which was Wesley. I learned a lot in these two volumes - Calvinistic Methodism, revivalism in America, and the fascinating life and character of George Whitefield. Man, this guy was a preaching machine! That's all he lived for. It's estimated that he preached at least 18,000 times during his lifetime. And each of these to thousands of people at a time. But, it didn't lend to a healthy marriage, or life for that matter. He was absent from his wife for much of the time and chronically sick. He never had any kids, he never wrote any books, he never pastored any churches, he never headed any societies. He just preached, literally, to his dying day. From the sounds of it, he may have just been the church's most gifted orator (ever!) Whitefield was an amazing, one-of-a-kind man! What an enlightening and interesting read.

[Vincent Lemieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

You shouldn’t hesitate one second to pick up those two books and read them cover to cover. Dallimore did a amazing and glorious job. This biography is so well documented and the analysis of the author worth gold. Those books are more than a biography of a man : it’s a time travel into one of the greatest Awakening since the time of the apostles.

Do yourself a favor and read this.

[Daniel Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I said to him, I wished he would not preach so often. He replied, 'I had rather wear out than rust out.'" These were some of his final words before he perished later than night.

Indeed, Whitfield did wear himself out in the labors of preaching. Dallimore, through his extensive research, has shown that Whitfield preached an average of 40-60 hours a week for close to 30 years. Whitfield preached close to 1,000 sermons a year - between his formal preaching and informal exhortations. It could be calculated that he preached anywhere from 20,000 - 30,000 sermons throughout his ministerial career.

His voice was so powerful, that Benjamin Franklin, one of his close friends, mathematically calculated that his voice could reach a crowd of 30,000 in the open air. It appears that it often did.

Whitfield had a hand in the creation of the University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth. He preached to the vast majority of the English speaking world, incited the Great Awakening, and died without leaving behind anything of published books or a continued movement bearing his name. He truly seemed only concerned to preach Christ. Often vomiting continually after preaching, he preached and preached and preached, even preached via candlelight the night before he died on the steps of a friends house in Massachusetts.

His life is worthy of study by any Christian in modern times, and I cannot recommend Dallimore's two volume work. It is long, both volumes together some 1200 pages so. But I cannot recommend it more!

[Adam Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second half of Dallimore's "brilliantly absorbing" (to quote myself) biography of Whitefield. This second volume doesn't have the same energy as volume one, but then Whitefield didn't have the same energy in this part of his life, so that's fair enough. The highlight is undoubtedly Dallimore's concluding chapter on "The Measure of the Man." If you want a brief introduction into the life and significance of Whitefield, read this chapter and be informed and encouraged.

[Michael L Gowens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dallimore’s excellent biography of George Whitefield (Volume 2) is especially helpful to readers who have learned to love this humble, devout and singularly useful instrument of God in both 18th century Europe and Colonial America. Spurgeon said of Whitefield,

“Often as I have read his life, I am conscious of distinct quickening whenever I turn to it. He lived. Other men seem to be only half alive; but Whitefield was all life, fire, wing, force.”

In my own experience, I have experienced similar sensations — of the revival of zeal, of self-examination and a subsequent conviction of my own spiritual anemia — when reading first his Journals (some 30 years ago) and now, this biographical portrait of his life.

Consider this pious man’s commitment to Christ, as expressed in the following Whitefield quotes:

* “Let the name of George Whitefield perish, so long as the name of Jesus Christ is exalted.”
* “Oh, for a thousand lives to spend for Jesus!”
* “For me to live is Christ. But alas! How little do I live to his glory! Yesterday [December 16] I entered upon my seven-and-thirtieth year. I am ashamed to think I have lived so long and done so little.”
* “What is Calvin, or what is Luther? Let us look above names and parties; let Jesus...be our all in all. So that he be preached...I care not who is uppermost.”
* “I am sure it is high time for me to do something for Him who hath done and suffered so much for me. Near forty years old, and such a dwarf! The winter comes already and so little done in the summer. I am ashamed. I blush and am confounded.”
* “O for more labourers who will account the work itself the best wages!”
* “O pray that I may not go off as a snuff. I would fain die blazing, not with human glory, but the love of Jesus.”
* “O to be found on the full stretch for Him who was stretched, and who groaned, and bled and died for us! Unutterable love! I am lost in wonder and amazement.”

Besides his devotion to the Savior, Whitefield also exhibited a truly humble attitude in his interpersonal relationships. His genuine magnanimity toward those with whom he differed — whether the Wesley’s, the Moravian brethren, or his fiercest critics — is a powerful example of Christian charity.

Add to this his capacity to maintain a humble attitude in the face of unparalleled popularity, ministerial success and public acclaim, and the reason the Lord was pleased to employ him so largely is clearly evident. Whitefield was equally at home in the presence of dignitaries (such as the Countess of Huntington or Benjamin Franklin) as he was in the presence of the Kingwood colliers or the American slaves. In compassion to the poor orphans, he founded the Bethesda Orphanage near Savannah, GA, and managed its affairs for thirty years until his death. And because of his interest in academic progress, he was instrumental in the founding of Princeton and Dartmouth Universities as well as the University of Pennsylvania.

Such a noble soul and humble spirit made him especially useful to God. He made seven trips from England to the New World over thirty-plus years, making his ministry the only one with intercontinental influence in the Great Awakening. It is estimated that his public sermons and exhortations numbered at least thirty thousand, and that the crowds that gathered to hear him in the open air frequently numbered into the tens of thousands. Dallimore writes:

“Are there any persons (before the electrical amplification of sound) who regularly made themselves heard by congregations of 10,000 and sometimes of 20,000 and 30,000? Is there any man, the aggregate of whose hearers throughout his lifetime, equals the total number of those addressed by Whitefield?”

Further, Whitefield’s life and ministry exercised a powerful influence on numerous other ministers of his day. Beside his connection to John and Charles Wesley, Whitefield was esteemed by John Cennick, Howell Harris, John Newton (author of “Amazing Grace”), Daniel Rowland, Jonathan Edwards, and even the Separate Baptist Shubael Stearns. Dallimore’s biography is like a “Who’s Who” of ministers (across denominational affiliations) who played an integral role in the Great Awakening.

Perhaps J. C. Ryle’s description best captures the influence of this remarkable figure in Christian history:

“Whitefield wrote no book for the millions [like Bunyan]...He headed no crusade against an apostate Church [like Luther]...He founded no religious denomination [like Wesley]...No! The great evangelist of the 18th century was a simple, guileless man, who lived for one thing only...to preach Christ. If he did that, he cared for nothing else.”

In a day of spiritual apathy and indolence, the tireless and indefatigable zeal of Whitefield to live and preach knowing nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified is an uncomfortable but necessary challenge to both the pulpit and the pew. May his tribe increase. A conscientious reading of Dallimore’s excellent volume may very well prove to be a catalyst for change in your life. It was in mine.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the first, I have a really mixed feeling towards this book. Dallimore writes well, if only he wouldn't use direct quotes so much it'd shine through more clearly. It was sometimes tedious to read though, because he would divert from the main subject quite frequently. Dallimore & any reader of this book certainly will gain a lot of knowledge not just about Whitefield, but about many of his contemporaries. At the same time there was rather limited broad historical context. My chief complaint is still that Dallimore thrusts too much upon the reader his own very high opinion of Whitefield. I don't think Whitefield needs Dallimore to tell us that he was a great man - his life speaks well enough on its own (in many ways). At the same time, Whitefield had some major flaws - chiefly in his marital conduct it seems (not providing well) - but this gets scant notice. Even errors Dallimore admits are brushed aside largely, which is a shame, because it's far too easy to become discouraged when a biographer paints a too rosy picture of a man: how can I compare?? For a time as I read this, I questioned whether or not it was Whitefield or God that was popular - as it seemed that his works fell apart whenever he was on the other side of the Atlantic. As he settled into a ministry in England, more steadily, I felt like there was less of that perhaps "personality" draw & more work of the Spirit. Of course, this is just my sense from this one biography & it certain is no dis-credit to the instrument that it is fine or that people love to hear it; I just struggled for a while with the question of who (in the listeners' minds) was the chief delight. I haven't seen Dallimore's more recent single volume work, but if, on flipping through it, I found fewer "rabbit trails" & much less direct quotations (including an entire page of Lord's & Lady's names!!) I'm sure it would be a much finer work.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. Only eternity will reveal the impact this biography has had on my life. God be praised.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of the 18th-century, Arnold Dallimore’s masterful biography of George Whitefield is a grand adventure. From Whitefield’s birth in 1714 to to his death in 1770, we witness the exciting life of one who has dedicated his entire life to preaching the Gospel.

Volume Two

In Volume Two, Dallimore picks up Whitefield’s increasing animosity with John Wesley. Specifically, Wesley has a problem with the doctrine of predestination, and Whitefield has a problem with Wesley’s doctrine of perfectionism. Whitefield arrived in London with a loss of followers resulting in a loss of money and friends. To get back on his feet, his remaining faithful followers would work on a weekly paper to be published titled The Christian’s Amusement. Construction of a meeting house would also begin for him to have a base of operations.

His old flame, Elizabeth Delamotte married William Holland. Whitefield would marry Elizabeth James, but he didn’t want marriage to affect his ministry. Naturally, this brought joy and sorrow to the husband and wife. Nevertheless, Whitefield’s reach can be seen due to his rigid discipline, strict regimen, purpose and order. Indeed, order and discipline were essential elements of his person and of his concept of the Christian life.

Trials and The Great Awakening

At the age of 29, Whitefield lost his firstborn son die to sickness. Revivals and riots made it increasingly difficult for him to divide his time between England and America. Whitefield was not loved by all, and one night shortly after his arrival in Plymouth, a man came to him seeking an interview. The man started beating up on Whitefield and a second attacker appeared. But because the assault aroused the people in the homes around him, the assailants fled. Whitefield believed that these men intended to murder him.

In addition to having great insight on Whitefield, Dallimore excels at framing history for an exciting read. The Great Awakening arose from a new and deeper consciousness of the presence of God. The message was carried chiefly through preaching. Numerous ordained men, their lives recently transformed by divine grace, felt the need to tell the good news to others. They gathered companies of people together for this purpose. By this means and by the witness of numerous men and women in their daily lives, there was a spontaneous spread to the revival. The awakening was manifest above all by a transformed life.

Oddities

Interestingly, Ben Franklin helped Whitefield with their “subscribers plan” to support his orphan house and ministry endeavors. Unfortunately, receiving anything in the mail was unreliable. When Whitefield began preaching to the 18th-century English nobility, he appealed first to their intellect with fundamental Biblical truth, stirring their minds and moving their wills.

I was always interested in Whitefield’s preaching, and Dallimore does not disappoint. These are standout quotes that helped me hear him: “And in the gathering before him several have become equally forgetful of their greatness before men as they see themselves as nothing before God. Possessions and prominence seem worthless in the light of the bankruptcy of the soul, and time has lost its importance as eternity comes into view… Those who come merely to waste an hour find their attention fixed and those who come to criticize have forgotten the man and are conscious only of the message he proclaims.”

Revival

In my review of Volume One, I noted how Whitefield’s biggest fault and sin was his failure to recognize the evil of slavery. Dallimore admits this and calls him out without hesitation. However, God was able to overcome his sins of egoism, his certain extremes of statement and attitude, and a tendency to place too much dependence on his impressions and to feel that there was something significant in his dreams.

Dallimore ends with the reminder that revival is the work of the Holy Spirit. And in God’s great sovereignty, he uses imperfect men like Whitefield to powerfully preach the Gospel. I am reminded of the freedom we have to preach the Kingdom of God. More than needing Evangelists or Evangelicals, I believe we all need to evangelize. And after reading Whitefield’s incredible example, I am inspired and invigorated to do the same.

I received a media copy of George Whitefield Volume Two, and this is my honest review.

[Jessica]

On Al Mohler's list of Ten Great Christian Biographies: Dallimore’s biography of Whitefield is among the greatest in terms of sheer inspiration and the urgency of Whitefield’s example. Lessons from Whitefield are worth this two-volume biography and more, and Dallimore takes his readers into the heart of Whitefield’s life and ministry.

Excerpt:

Open-air preaching is now so commonplace that it is difficult to realize how outlandish it seemed then. There had long been propaganda to the effect that any display of spiritual earnestness might lead to trouble — even to civil disorder — and the generality of Englishmen believed it. Public opinion confined the clergyman to a narrow area of activity, and though this might include such things as drunkenness and gambling, it left no room for evangelistic fervor. Whitefield knew that were he to preach in the fields his enemies would make loud outcry, hurling the word enthusiast, ridiculing him personally and using his action as a means of bringing the whole revival movement into disrepute.

But, being soon to return to America, Whitefield could not long delay his decision. Accordingly, shortly after his correspondence with Harris, he made up his mind: he would take the momentous step, making at least one attempt at the open-air preaching.

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The remainder of the story lies here. Marriage, child who dies in infancy, miscarriages, death of his wife, relief from burden of debt, and so forth. Also, his further ministry, attempts at reconciliation with the Wesleys, successes in that regard and some failures. After reading vol. 1, it was worthwhile finishing out with vol. 2. Dallimore doesn't fawn over Whitefield, sugarcoating his faults and only trumpeting his virtues. The author is will to give the man his due in both regards, even pointing out how Whitefield ended up petitioning Georgia to allow slavery and obtaining his own slaves. As the biographer notes, this fault "was grievous and lasted till his death" (521). But he also draws out the deep concern Whitefield had for the orphanage he had built, Bethesda. He also notes the ways the man had a big hand in the founding of the University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth College. Dallimore did a fine job bringing forth many details of Whitefield's life and ministry. I highly recommend the two volumes.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wept. I was humbled. I was convicted. I marveled. I rejoiced. I wept again. There are no words to describe the regard I have both for these two volumes and Whitefield himself. I praise God for such a man and for how our sovereign God used him. I can't but agree with the view that he was the greatest evangelist since Paul.

There is so much to benefit from in these two volumes that I can't even begin to describe it. But for understanding the beginning of Methodism and the Wesleys, and their relationship to Whitefield, that alone would make it worthwhile. But these contain so much more! My respect for Arnold Dallimore is higher than I can communicate in words. He approached this biography in such a measured fashion, with such a view of God's glory and sovereignty, and with the evidence to truly show who Whitefield was and the life he led, in all its faults and glories. I thank God for such a work!

[BigGuyJawny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallimore hits it out of the park with this thorough, but very readable, biography of George Whitefield! Without being boringly encyclopedic, this biography answers all the questions someone might ask about the life and mind of the evangelist unmatched since the days of the Apostle Paul.

Five Reasons Why I Gave it Five Stars:
+ Very readable without sacrificing the complexity of Whitefield's life and times.
+ Full of great quotes and stories that encouraged my own walk with Christ.
+ Its honest and not just a "hagiography" (though Whitefield makes it hard for it not to be!)
+ Dallimore is top notch when it comes to interpreting old sources and correcting past biographers.
+ Dallimore artistically establishes the necessary context to understand the goings-on without being obtrusive.

A Favorite Quote From the Book -

"I go to a rest prepared; my sun has arisen, and by aid from Heaven has given light to many. It is now about to set - no, it is about to rise to the zenith of immortal glory. Many may outlive me on earth, but they cannot outlive me in Heaven... My body fails, my spirit expands. How willingly would I live to preach Christ! But I die to be with him!”
-George Whitefield

[Michael Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arnold Dallimore's 2nd volume to Whitefield is excellent. Vol. 1 is perhaps the best biography I've read with Vol. 2 close behind. Whitefield is without a doubt one of the greatest preachers since the Apostle Paul. I was surprised by his humility, challenged by his work ethic (he preached from 40-60 hours a week!), and discouraged at his role in bringing slavery to Georgia. Whitefield proves to be a man of his time, beset with the same sins of racism as the majority of white Christians in his generation. Dallimore does not shy away from Whitefield's faults, yet there is still much to praise God for in Whitefield's life.

[Josh Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Whitefield. What a man and servant of the Lord, who literally preached himself to death. 1100 pages of biography between the 2 volumes could not be more rewarding. Dallimore does a fantastic job of showing the character of the evangelist, as well as practically transporting you to the events of the Great Awakening. It was continuously disappointing to read about how awful John Wesley was as a man and how he seemingly betrayed Whitefield at every turn, but nonetheless, an uplifting and encouraging read for all Christians and students of the Great Awakening.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the first half of this volume was faster-paced and more engaging than the previous volume, I felt that it slowed down until the end of Whitefield's life. Overall, the set was a great read but definitely has its slow moments. I'm glad to have them and glad to have read them, Dallimore is a good writer and a great researcher.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing life and man he was. Yes, flaws existed in Whitefield, but God used him mightily to bring many to Himself and I’m thankful for Dallimore’s work in giving us a picture of Whitefield.

The last few chapters were especially good.

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vol. 2 of one of the best Christian biographies I have come across. I recommend pairing it with George Marsden's "Jonathan Edwards". Both works are outstanding!

[Rod Innis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second part of a wonderful well-written biography of a great man and about the times in which he lived and ministered.

[Coram Deo Church]

George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the Eighteenth-Century Revival is not currently available at local libraries.

[Aaron Frasier · Rating 4 out of 5]

In hindsight, I would’ve read the one volume abridged version of this two part biography. It was good. Just a lot of journals to read in the middle of the story.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible life well told.

[Jona Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and well written! Whitefield’s life should inspire many to pour out their lives for the glory of Christ.

I enjoy Dallimore’s writing I look forward to reading more of his work.

[Travis Daggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume I five stars.
Volume II four stars.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than the 1st volume, maybe because it was a more interesting part of his life? Or because it was more fast paced. In any case, it was very helpful in describing Whitefield's ministry, especially documenting the difficulties including being stoned, an assassination attempt, financial troubles, ecclesiastical issues and so on.
But his earnest desire to preach the word in whatever place he could was clearly manifest and something we would do well to learn from.

[Nathan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

After spending more than 1200 pages with a man, you feel like you know him quite well. Dallimore has set the standard for me as I read biographers and I would venture to guess that this book has permanently shaped my expectations as to the detail with which an author seeking to write the definitive biography, should write with. Dallimore shines in the details. I think that I read somewhere that he spent 30 years in preparation for this work and if that is true, I'd believe it. He seems to have read every imaginable primary and secondary source and brought in so much evidence for his arguments that this work will likely never be topped. I feel like I went with Whitefield on every single ministry circuit, read every one of his letters, and knew each one of his friends. Dallimore's contribution is remarkable.

The danger in reading the biographies of such extraordinary humans is discouragement. Whitefield is probably the most extraordinary man I've ever heard of. His unique ministerial gifts, his gospel energy, and the holiness of his life make him feel superhuman to me and I find it quite difficult to relate to him. I attribute most of this simply to the fact that God gifted him in extraordinary ways. Yet, I also direct a modest portion of blame towards the author. My largest disappointment with this work is that though the author acknowledged numerous faults possessed by Whitefield, it often felt as if he did it only out of obligation. On pp 519-20 of vol. II Dallimore briefly summarizes 6 of Whitefield's faults but it felt disproportional to me. After 1200 pages of admiration, I'd suggest that the credibility of this work would be bolstered if at least 5% of the space had been given to a consideration of his faults. In particular, I was troubled by Whitefield's neglect of his wife and felt that many of his life's troubles came from overextending himself in ministry. I'm really surprised that the latter concern was not addressed as the author cites countless of accounts of how his friends seemed to share my concern.

However, these criticisms should not detract much from this work. To borrow a common assessment of Whitefield, the weaknesses of Dallimore's work are like 'spots on the sun,' thus hardly noticeable. The power of this work, like any decent biography is the opportunity it provides not only for education for historical events such as the Great Awakening, or the Whitefield v. Wesley controversy, but also for personal reflection. It would be far too ambitious of a task for me to attempt to account for the numerous bits of both large and small wisdom that I gained from observing this man's life.

The bottom line is that if you are interested in Whitefield, Wesley, or the Great Awakening this book is indispensable. This is the unrivaled, definitive work on Whitefield's life and should be widely read by pastors, church historians, and aspiring leaders across many denominations. Additionally, I commend Banner of Truth for the quality of this sewn binding. These two books are the best constructed books I own.