A Sketch of the Life and Labors of George Whitefield

The story of one man’s voice that helped awaken a continent.

In this stirring biographical sketch, J. C. Ryle, the respected Victorian-era theologian and bishop, introduces us to George Whitefield, the fiery Anglican evangelist who helped ignite the Great Awakening on both sides of the Atlantic.

With vivid storytelling and spiritual depth, Ryle offers a powerful portrait of a man consumed with a passion for souls, whose electrifying sermons—delivered in parks, fields, and public squares—moved thousands to repentance. From the coalfields of England to the colonies of North America, Whitefield’s voice became the sound of revival, his message reaching rich and poor, young and old alike.

“The world is my parish.” — George Whitefield

Highlights from this timeless biography include:

• Whitefield’s unconventional field preaching, and the vast crowds he drew

• The use of print media and publicity that made him one of the first international religious celebrities

• Insights into his unshakeable faith, relentless travels, and unmatched dedication

• His unique relationship with contemporaries like John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, and Benjamin Franklin

• Why J. C. Ryle believed Whitefield’s legacy must never be forgotten

Ryle reminds us that Whitefield’s life was not about fame, but about faithfulness—a burning desire to bring Christ to a sleeping world. Perfect for pastors, teachers, revival historians, and anyone seeking inspiration from the life of one of Christianity’s most dynamic voices.

John Charles Ryle (1816-1900) was the first Anglican bishop of Liverpool. Ryle was born at Macclesfield, and was educated at Eton and at Christ Church, Oxford, where he was Craven Scholar in 1836. After holding a curacy at Exbury in Hampshire, he became rector of St Thomas's, Winchester (1843), rector of Helmingham, Suffolk (1844), vicar of Stradbroke (1861), honorary canon of Norwich (1872), and dean of Salisbury (1880). However before taking the latter office, he was advanced to the new see of Liverpool, where he remained until his resignation, which took place three months before his death at Lowestoft. His appointment to Liverpool was at the recommendation of the outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. Ryle was a strong supporter of the evangelical school and a critic of Ritualism. He was a writer, pastor and an evangelical preacher. Among his longer works are Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century (1869), Expository Thoughts on the Gospels (7 vols, 1856–69), Principles for Churchmen (1884). Ryle was an athlete who rowed and played Cricket for Oxford, where he took a first class degree in Greats and was offered a college fellowship (teaching position) which he declined. The son of a wealthy banker, he was destined for a career in politics before choosing a path of ordained ministry. While hearing Ephesians 2 read in church in 1838, he felt a spiritual awakening and was ordained by Bishop Sumner at Winchester in 1842. For 38 years he was a parish vicar, first at Helmingham and later at Stradbrooke, in Suffolk. He became a leader of the evangelical party in the Church of England and was noted for his doctrinal essays and polemical writings. In 1880, at age 64, he became the first bishop of Liverpool, at the recommendation of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli. He retired in 1900 at age 83 and died later the same year. He is buried in the All Saints' Church, Childwall, Liverpool. In his diocese, he formed a clergy pension fund for his diocese and built over forty churches. Controversially, he emphasized raising clergy salaries ahead of building a cathedral for his new diocese. Ryle was described as having a commanding presence and vigorous in advocating his principles albeit with a warm disposition. He was also credited with having success in evangelizing the blue collar community.