Whitefield’s Tribute, June 2, 1738

On June 2, 1738, the English revivalist George Whitefield recorded a memorable commendation of John Wesley’s work in the American colonies: “The good which John Wesley has done in America, under God, is inexpressible… he has laid such a foundation that I hope neither man nor devils will ever be able to shake.” Spoken across an ocean and amid growing awakenings, the words show how true Christian labor recognizes God’s grace in another servant’s field.

Whitefield’s praise was not flattery. It was a public witness that gospel work is measured by faithfulness, not ease, applause, or immediate results. “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)

John Wesley in Georgia

Wesley’s mission to Georgia (1735–1737) took place in a young colony where spiritual need and frontier pressures ran together. He preached earnestly, catechized, visited the sick, confronted sin, and urged serious discipleship. His ministry often proved difficult, marked by misunderstandings, personal trials, and the strain of shepherding scattered communities.

Yet Wesley also helped form disciplined “bands”—small gatherings for prayer, confession, accountability, and practical holiness. In such meetings, believers sought not a casual religion but a living faith that touched speech, habits, money, and mercy. The goal was a church awakened to the new birth and trained for endurance.

Locations and Legacy

Georgia’s coastal settlements, especially Savannah, became a testing ground for Wesley’s pastoral courage. The work did not appear triumphant at the time; it looked like sowing with tears. But Whitefield perceived a deeper reality: groundwork had been laid—Scripture taught, consciences stirred, and patterns of devotion established that could outlast the personality of the preacher.

“For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)

Enduring Lessons

Whitefield’s tribute calls believers to generous gratitude, not rivalry. It commends perseverance when ministry is costly, and it reminds the church that what is built on Christ will stand. When labor is offered “under God,” unseen fruit may endure long after the worker is gone.