I’m doing a big essay on George Whitefield. Here, he comes up against a porpoise. Friday, March 24, 1738
Sailed a hundred and fifty-four miles the last twenty-four hours, and was much delighted in seeing many porpoises playing about the ship, one of which Captain Whiting caught, and part of its liver we had dressed for dinner. It had a head much like a pig, and was about six feet long. The works of the Lord are exceeding great, and to be admired of all them who have a delight therein.
George Whitefield 1, porpoise 0.
Also here on Monday, April 3rd, 1738
About eleven, went on board the Lightfoot, prayed with a sick man, and preached my sermon on the penitent thief. Afterwards, went on board the Amy, chatechised the children, dined on a dolphin, had some useful conversation, preached to the soldiers, returned home about six, read prayers, visited the sick, interceded for friends, and went to bed praising and blessing God.
George Whitefield 2, sea creatures 0.
July 29, 2009 at 8:26 pm |
That’s great! I love how he moves effortlessly from the description of the porpoise, to the fact that he ate it, to praising God for the wonder of his creation. I reckon sometimes we confuse those ideas – that something beautiful and delightful can’t be eaten, because that would be sacrilege. Or we think that killing and eating something does not show the beauty of God’s creation.
July 29, 2009 at 11:01 pm |
Thanks for the comment, Mike. I think you nailed it.
Incidentally, this was originally going to be one in a series of three. The other posts were going to be ‘George Whitefield vs the four year old’, and ‘George Whitefield vs the annihilationist.’ I’m happy to post them if anyone’s interested.
August 2, 2009 at 8:28 pm |
I’d like to read them – particularly the one about the four year old.