here is an excerpt from the sermon John Wesley preached on the occasion of Withfields funeral and some other quotes, many have heard or read the story of Wesleys answer regarding if he though Withfield would be in heaven. here it is, and dispite the dipute they had for many years concerning "free grace" and other things, how they reverenced one another and was ruled by love. It has blessed me and worked as an example to follow.
[i]"One day, after Whitefield's decease, John Wesley was timidly approached by one of the godly band of Christian sisters who had been brought under his influences and who loved both Whitefield and himself:
"' Dear Mr. Wesley, may I ask you a question?'
"' Yes, of course, madam, by all means.'
"' But, dear Mr. Wesley, I am very much afraid what the answer will be.'
"' Well, madam, let me hear your question, and then you will know my reply.'
"At last, after not a little hesitation, the inquirer tremblingly asked, ' Dear Mr. Wesley, do you expect to see dear Mr. Whitefield in heaven?'
"A lengthy pause followed, after which John Wesley replied with great seriousness, 'No, madam.' "His inquirer at once exclaimed, 'Ah, I was afraid you would say so.'
"To which John Wesley added, with intense earnestness, ' Do not misunderstand me, madam; George Whitefield was so bright a star in the firmament of God's glory, and will stand so near the throne, that one like me, who am less than the least, will never catch a glimpse of him.'"[/i]
And to show Whitefields thoughts and admiration for mr Wesley i post this quote from Whitefield.
[i]"The good Mr. John Wesley has done in America is inexpressible. His name is very precious among the people; and he has laid a foundation that I hope neither men nor devils will ever be able to shake."[/i]
here is the excerpt john wesley preached, it is about Whitefields character
1. We are, in the second place, to take some view of his character. A little sketch of this was soon after published in the Boston Gazette; an extract of which is subjoined: -- ["Little can be said of him but what every friend to vital Christianity who has sat under his ministry will attest."]
"In his public labors he has, for many years, astonished the world with his eloquence and devotion. With what divine pathos did he persuade the impenitent sinner to embrace the practice of piety and virtue! [Filled with the spirit of grace, he] spoke from the heart, and, with a fervency of zeal perhaps unequalled since the day of the Apostles, [adorned the truths he delivered with the most graceful charms of rhetoric and oratory.] From the pulpit he was unrivalled in the command of an ever-crowded auditory. Nor was he less agreeable and instructive in his private conversation; happy in a remarkable ease of address, willing to communicate, studious to edify. May the rising generation catch a spark of that flame which shone, with such distinguished luster, in the spirit and practice of this faithful servant of the most high God!"
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