"Maj.
Whittle," as his old army friends love to call him, has for many years
been a well-known business man of Chicago, where his integrity, activity,
and efficiency, earned for him a high regard in the consideration of his
business associates. This place, with large business prospects, he resigned
at what he believed to be the call of God, to enter upon the evangelistic
work. His career during the past few years is well before the public. He
is, perhaps, better known throughout the country as the companion of the "sweet
singer" and author—Philip Paul Bliss. His first effort in connection
with Mr. Bliss was made five years ago, in a small town near Chicago. It
was on this occasion that he told the story, "Hold the Fort," which
Mr. Bliss has rendered immortal. Maj. Whittle began modestly in small meetings
and has pressed his way on to a place close beside the prince of evangelists,
D. L. Moody. These two brothers are not without points of similarity as well
as of contrast. There is in each a singleness of purpose by which their work
is carried out and away from everything else, and stands above all human
interests in its soul-absorbing grandeur as the chiseled Sphinx stands above
the desert's sands. That work is winning souls. Everything that would obscure
it is held severely aside. They are not unlike in certain mental traits.
In each there is marked intellectual vigor, a certain natural logic which
holds the subject well in hand. In the latter quality, Mr. Whittle is undoubtedly
Mr. Moody's superior. Mr. Moody's may be described as the logic of a present
purpose. Mr. Whittle's as the logic of his subject. Mr Moody has a more vivid
imagination. Mr. Whittle a subtler analytical power. Mr. Moody has more power
over a great audience. Mr. Whittle is more irresistible in a debate. Mr.
Moody preaches more like the Apostle John. Mr. Whittle more like the Apostle
Paul.
In the inquiry room Maj. Whittle is especially successful and happy. Eminently wise and judicious in the management of it, his personal instruction is clear as sunlight, and his manner overflows with sympathy and love. He is but at the beginning of his career, and, in the providence of God, there is doubtless opening before him a path of distinguished success.
[Published in 1883; Major Whittle died in 1901.]
From "The Gospel Awakening"... edited by L. T. Remlap [pseud.]. Chicago: Fairbanks and Palmer Pub. Co., ©1883.
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