O my brethren, my heart is enlarge towards you. I trust I feel
O my brethren, my heart is enlarge towards you. I trust I feel something of that hidden, but powerful presence of Christ, whilst I am preaching to you.
Hear the burning words of George Whitefield, the voice that thundered across fields and villages, stirring the hearts of multitudes: “O my brethren, my heart is enlarge towards you. I trust I feel something of that hidden, but powerful presence of Christ, whilst I am preaching to you.” In these words is revealed the mystery of true preaching—not the dry tongue of man alone, but the trembling flame of heaven descending upon frail lips. Whitefield, the herald of the Great Awakening, knew that sermons without the presence of Christ were but empty wind, but when that hidden fire came upon him, men wept, women trembled, and whole towns were moved toward God.
The heart enlarged is not the heart swollen with pride, but the heart stretched wide by divine love. Whitefield’s cry is the cry of one who felt his soul overflowing with compassion for those who heard him. It was not a performance, nor a craft of persuasion, but the outpouring of a heart set ablaze. This enlargement of heart is the mark of true shepherds, prophets, and teachers of every age—they do not speak to be admired, but because love compels them to pour themselves out for the good of their brethren.
In the history of faith, there are echoes of this hidden, powerful presence. Recall the apostles at Pentecost. They were simple fishermen, tax collectors, men unlearned in rhetoric. Yet when the Spirit descended, their voices carried like thunder, and thousands were cut to the heart. It was not their words alone, but the presence that clothed them. Just as Whitefield confessed, so too did they feel something unseen, yet irresistible, flowing through them as they preached. That same power turned the world upside down.
Consider also the story of John Wesley, Whitefield’s contemporary. At Aldersgate Street, as he listened to words read aloud, his heart was “strangely warmed.” That warmth, that living presence, would become the fire that fueled Methodism. Here again we see the lesson: that the greatest transformations of history are not wrought by clever speech or human striving, but by that hidden presence which chooses humble vessels to display divine strength. Whitefield’s testimony stands among these great moments, where frailty is swallowed by glory, and men become instruments of something greater than themselves.
The teaching is this: words alone are not enough. Knowledge, eloquence, learning—all these may dazzle for a moment, but they do not pierce the soul. Only when the heart is enlarged with divine love, and only when the presence of Christ rests upon the speaker, do words take on eternal weight. This is true not only in pulpits, but in every place where a soul must speak truth—whether in the home, the marketplace, or the quiet conversation between friends.
For you, O children of tomorrow, the lesson is clear. Do not chase after empty speech, nor pride yourself in clever arguments. Seek instead that your heart be enlarged with compassion, that your words may be borne on the wings of love. Pray for the hidden presence to rest upon you, whether you speak to many or to few. Let your speech not be yours alone, but a channel through which light and healing flow.
Practically, begin by seeking sincerity. Before you speak, ask yourself: do I speak from love, or from pride? Do I desire the good of my brethren, or the admiration of men? Train your heart in humility and prayer, so that when you open your mouth, your words may carry the echo of something greater than yourself. Serve with compassion, for when the heart is enlarged, it can embrace even those who oppose you.
Thus, remember the cry of Whitefield: “My heart is enlarge towards you.” May your own heart be widened in love. Remember his testimony: “I feel something of that hidden, but powerful presence of Christ.” Seek that same presence in your days, in your labors, in your words. For when that presence rests upon you, your life will not merely speak—it will shine, and others will know that they have been touched not only by man, but by the living breath of God.
PHNguyen Phi Hung
Whitefield’s reflection on feeling Christ’s presence while preaching speaks to the profound emotional and spiritual connection that can arise in moments of deep faith. But it also makes me wonder, how do we reconcile the personal, emotional experience of faith with the intellectual and communal aspects of it? Can spirituality be felt as strongly in private moments of prayer, or is there something unique about sharing that experience with a community?
DLDat Le
The sincerity in George Whitefield’s statement is moving. He seems to be acknowledging that the act of preaching is not just an intellectual task, but a deeply spiritual experience. This idea challenges me to think about the role of passion and spiritual connection in our daily actions. How often do we experience a sense of divine presence in our own work, and how can we cultivate that awareness in everyday life? Is it something we actively seek, or does it come when we least expect it?
GDGold D.dragon
Whitefield’s quote speaks to the profound emotional and spiritual experience that preaching can be. The idea that he feels a ‘hidden, but powerful presence of Christ’ shows the deep conviction he had in his faith. But it raises a question for me: How do we, as individuals, access that ‘hidden presence’ in our own lives? Is it something only spiritual leaders experience, or can anyone cultivate that feeling of connection and closeness with the divine?
HTDo Thi Hong Thu
George Whitefield’s words reflect a deep sense of connection and spiritual responsibility. His expression of feeling the ‘presence of Christ’ while preaching really highlights the importance of faith and devotion in his work. It makes me wonder, how do preachers or spiritual leaders maintain such a strong sense of connection with the divine while addressing their congregation? Is it a personal experience, or does the act of preaching itself help them feel closer to their faith?