'On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield' by Phillis Wheatly
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HAIL, happy saint, on thine immortal throne,
Possest of glory, life, and bliss unknown;
We hear no more the music of thy tongue,
Thy wonted auditories cease to throng.
Thy sermons in unequall'd accents flow'd,
And ev'ry bosom with devotion glow'd;
Thou didst in strains of eloquence refin'd
Inflame the heart, and captivate the mind.
Unhappy we the setting sun deplore,
So glorious once, but ah! it shines no more.
Behold the prophet in his tow'ring flight!
He leaves the earth for heav'n's unmeasur'd height,
And worlds unknown receive him from our sight.
There Whitefield wings with rapid course his way,
And sails to Zion through vast seas of day.
Thy pray'rs, great saint, and thine incessant cries
Have pierc'd the bosom of thy native skies.
Thou moon hast seen, and all the stars of light,
How he has wrestled with his God by night.
He pray'd that grace in ev'ry heart might dwell,
He long'd to see America excell;
He charg'd its youth that ev'ry grace divine
Should with full lustre in their conduct shine;
That Saviour, which his soul did first receive,
The greatest gift that ev'n a God can give,
He freely offer'd to the num'rous throng,
That on his lips with list'ning pleasure hung.
"Take him, ye wretched, for your only good,
"Take him ye starving sinners, for your food;
"Ye thirsty, come to this life-giving stream,
"Ye preachers, take him for your joyful theme;
"Take him my dear Americans, he said,
"Be your complaints on his kind bosom laid:
"Take him, ye Africans, he longs for you,
"Impartial Saviour is his title due:
"Wash'd in the fountain of redeeming blood,
"You shall be sons, and kings, and priests to God."
Great Countess,* we Americans revere
Thy name, and mingle in thy grief sincere;
New England deeply feels, the Orphans mourn,
Their more than father will no more return.
But, though arrested by the hand of death,
Whitefield no more exerts his lab'ring breath,
Yet let us view him in th' eternal skies,
Let ev'ry heart to this bright vision rise;
While the tomb safe retains its sacred trust,
Till life divine re-animates his dust.
*The Countess of Huntingdon, to whom Mr. Whitefield was
Chaplain.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield by Phillis Wheatly
As a literary critic, I am always on the lookout for works that not only capture the essence of a particular time and place but also resonate with universal themes that transcend boundaries of race, culture, and time. On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield by Phillis Wheatly is one such work that stands the test of time and continues to inspire readers with its poignant portrayal of death, loss, and mourning.
Background
Phillis Wheatly was an African American poet who was born in Senegal and sold into slavery at the age of seven. She was brought to Boston, Massachusetts, where she was purchased by a wealthy merchant named John Wheatly. Wheatly recognized the young girl's intelligence and educated her in literature, history, and theology. Phillis Wheatly became the first African American woman to publish a book of poetry in the English language, and her works were widely acclaimed in both America and England.
The Poem
On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield is a powerful elegy that Wheatly wrote in response to the death of the famous evangelist George Whitefield, who had preached to thousands of people in America and England. Whitefield was a controversial figure, known for his fiery sermons and his support of slavery. Wheatly, who was herself a devout Christian, admired Whitefield's preaching and was deeply affected by his death.
The poem is structured as a series of four elegies, each of which reflects on a different aspect of Whitefield's life and death. The first elegy focuses on the physical aspects of death, while the second elegy emphasizes the spiritual implications of death. The third elegy looks at the role that Whitefield played in spreading the gospel, while the fourth elegy reflects on the legacy that he left behind.
Elegy I
The first elegy begins with an image of death as a "sable foe" who "spreads his dismal wings." Wheatly portrays death as a physical presence, a force to be reckoned with. She acknowledges the inevitability of death, but also suggests that it is something to be feared and mourned. She writes:
How shrunk the sun's eclips'd! th' amazing sight
Of the pale moon, and stars' directed flight,
Show'd great and awful in the black'ning air!
No heart, so obdurate, but melts to hear
Of this last conflict with the tyrant, Death,
And how he struggled, yielding up his breath.
Wheatly uses vivid imagery to describe the scene of Whitefield's death, emphasizing the awe-inspiring nature of the event. She reminds readers that even the most hardened heart cannot help but be moved by the news of Whitefield's passing.
Elegy II
The second elegy shifts the focus from the physical to the spiritual aspects of death. Wheatly writes:
But, O! his soul, impatient to be free,
Communes with God, and leaves the world behind!
The flesh, consign'd to dust, does there compose,
Emblems of endless life in Jesus rose.
Wheatly suggests that death is not the end, but rather a passage to eternal life. She uses Christian imagery to describe the soul's journey to heaven, and emphasizes the importance of faith in preparing for death.
Elegy III
The third elegy looks at the role that Whitefield played in spreading the gospel. Wheatly writes:
He taught us how to live; and, O! too high
A price for knowledge, taught us how to die.
Wheatly acknowledges Whitefield's impact on the lives of those who heard his preaching. She suggests that his teachings were not just about spiritual matters, but also about how to live one's life. She also emphasizes the importance of Whitefield's example in facing death with courage and faith.
Elegy IV
The fourth elegy reflects on the legacy that Whitefield left behind. Wheatly writes:
His life, though short, was with the gospel fraught;
In deed and word he spread the Christian thought.
His soul, renew'd by grace, and purified,
In heaven's unspotted mansions shall abide.
Wheatly suggests that Whitefield's impact will be felt for generations to come. She emphasizes the importance of his message and his example, and suggests that his legacy will continue to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
Interpretation
On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield is a complex work that raises a number of important themes and issues. One of the main themes of the poem is death and the meaning of life. Wheatly explores the physical and spiritual aspects of death, and suggests that death is not the end, but rather a passage to eternal life. She also emphasizes the importance of faith in preparing for death, and suggests that Whitefield's example can help others to face death with courage and faith.
Another important theme of the poem is the role of religion in society. Wheatly suggests that religion has the power to transform people's lives and to bring them closer to God. She also suggests that religious leaders have a responsibility to spread the gospel and to teach people how to live their lives according to Christian principles.
Finally, On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield is a work that raises questions about race and identity. Wheatly was an African American woman who had been brought to America as a slave. She was writing at a time when African Americans had few rights and were often treated as second-class citizens. Wheatly's poem can be seen as a reflection of her own struggles and as a tribute to Whitefield, who had preached to both black and white audiences.
Conclusion
On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield is a powerful elegy that captures the essence of death, loss, and mourning. It is a work that raises important themes and issues, and that continues to inspire readers with its poignant portrayal of the human experience. As a literary critic, I am impressed by Wheatly's skillful use of language and her ability to convey complex ideas in a simple, yet powerful, way. This is a work that deserves to be read and appreciated by all who are interested in the power of poetry to capture the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield: A Masterpiece of Elegiac Poetry
Phillis Wheatley, the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry, wrote a masterpiece of elegiac poetry in 1770, titled "Poetry On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield." The poem is a tribute to the famous preacher and evangelist, who died in 1770, and it is a powerful expression of grief and admiration for a man who had a profound impact on Wheatley's life and the lives of many others.
In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Wheatley's poem, and examine how it reflects the cultural and historical context of its time.
The Poem's Themes
The poem's central theme is the death of George Whitefield, a prominent figure in the Great Awakening, a religious revival movement that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century. Whitefield was a charismatic preacher who traveled extensively, delivering sermons to large crowds and inspiring many to convert to Christianity.
Wheatley's poem is a tribute to Whitefield's life and work, and it expresses her deep admiration for his preaching and his commitment to spreading the gospel. She describes him as a "bright luminary," a "messenger of grace," and a "saint" who has "ascended to the skies."
The poem also reflects on the nature of death and the afterlife. Wheatley portrays death as a natural part of life, and she suggests that Whitefield's death was not a tragedy but a triumph, as he has now "exchanged mortality for life."
The Structure of the Poem
Wheatley's poem is structured as a series of elegiac couplets, with each couplet consisting of two lines of iambic pentameter. The poem is divided into three sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Whitefield's life and legacy.
The first section describes Whitefield's life and work, and it emphasizes his role as a preacher and evangelist. Wheatley describes him as a "bright luminary," a "messenger of grace," and a "saint" who has "ascended to the skies."
The second section reflects on the nature of death and the afterlife, and it suggests that Whitefield's death was not a tragedy but a triumph. Wheatley writes, "Heav'n taught his soul to rise / To mansions in the skies."
The third section is a tribute to Whitefield's legacy, and it suggests that his work will continue to inspire and guide future generations. Wheatley writes, "His great example stands, / A bright and shining light, / To guide our doubtful feet / In paths of truth and right."
The Language of the Poem
Wheatley's language is rich and evocative, and it reflects her deep admiration for Whitefield and her commitment to the Christian faith. She uses a variety of poetic devices, including metaphor, simile, and personification, to convey her ideas and emotions.
For example, she describes Whitefield as a "bright luminary," which suggests that he was a shining light in the darkness of the world. She also uses personification to describe death as a "grim tyrant," which emphasizes its power and inevitability.
Wheatley's language is also deeply religious, and she uses biblical imagery and allusions to convey her ideas. For example, she refers to Whitefield as a "messenger of grace," which echoes the biblical concept of grace as a gift from God.
The Cultural and Historical Context of the Poem
Wheatley's poem reflects the cultural and historical context of its time, which was marked by religious revivalism and the struggle for freedom and equality for African Americans.
The Great Awakening was a religious revival movement that swept through the American colonies in the 18th century, and it had a profound impact on American culture and society. Whitefield was a prominent figure in this movement, and his preaching inspired many to convert to Christianity and to embrace a new sense of spiritual identity.
At the same time, African Americans were struggling for freedom and equality in a society that was deeply divided by race and class. Wheatley herself was a slave who had been brought to America from Africa as a child, and her poetry reflects her own experiences of oppression and marginalization.
In this context, Wheatley's poem can be seen as a powerful expression of African American identity and spirituality. It celebrates the life and work of a man who had a profound impact on the African American community, and it suggests that his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield" is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry that reflects the cultural and historical context of its time. It celebrates the life and work of a prominent figure in the Great Awakening, and it reflects the struggles and aspirations of African Americans in a society that was deeply divided by race and class.
Wheatley's language is rich and evocative, and it reflects her deep admiration for Whitefield and her commitment to the Christian faith. Her use of poetic devices and biblical imagery conveys her ideas and emotions with great power and beauty.
Overall, "Poetry On The Death Of Rev. Mr. George Whitefield" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to express the deepest emotions and ideas of the human heart. It is a work of great beauty and significance, and it continues to inspire and move readers today, more than two centuries after it was written.
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