CHAPTER I.

MORAL STATE OF GREAT BRITAIN IN THE EARLY PART OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY--WHITEFIELD, FROM HIS BIRTH TO HIS FIRST SERMON.

1714-1736.

Low state of religion in Great Britain and its dependencies when Whitefield appeared--His birth in Gloucester--Hooper-- Raikes--Whitefield's early life--His entrance at the university of Oxford--Becomes connected with the Wesleys and other Methodists--Illness and mental trials--Relief-- Preparation for the ministry--Return to Gloucester-- Ordination--First sermon 13