John Collet, George Whitefield Preaching No painting could capture English minister George Whitefield’s charismatic appeal, although this image conveys his open demeanor and religious intensity. When Whitefield spoke to a crowd near Philadelphia, an observer noted that his words were “sharper than a two-edged sword. Some of the people were pale as death; others were wringing their hands and most lifting their eyes to heaven and crying to God for mercy.” An astute businessman as well as a charismatic preacher, Whitefield tirelessly promoted the sale of his sermons and books. © Private Collection/The Bridgeman Art Library.