Some people are outspoken. They are honest and direct, saying most everything that comes to their mind. Peter Cartwright (1785-1872) was well-known for his unrestrained candor in preaching. He was a Methodist circuit rider who preached throughout the Midwest. He also served in the Illinois legislature, defeating Abraham Lincoln in 1832 but losing to him in a subsequent 1846 election to Congress.
Peter described in his autobiography a visit to a Nashville church in 1818. Dr. Blackbourn, also known as Mr. Mac, invited him to preach in his church with Peter’s promise that he would behave himself. Peter wrote later, “I assured him I would behave myself the best I could.” Maybe you can see where this is going! The church was filled to overflowing when Peter spoke. He read the lesson from Mark 8.36, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?” As he began preaching, he noticed President Andrew Jackson enter by the side aisle and lean against a post. Mr. Mac seated behind Peter whispered, “General Jackson has come in.” Peter felt a flash of indignation, as though the minister was expecting him to tone down his remarks. Peter blurted out, “Who is General Jackson? If he doesn’t get his soul converted, God will damn him…” The congregation was shocked, and Mr. Mac cringed. Later, Mr. Mac apologized to Jackson.
Peter met Andrew Jackson the next day as he left the hotel. President Jackson extended his hand and said, “Mr. Cartwright, you are a man after my own heart. I am very much surprised at Mr. Mac to think that I would be offended at you. No sir, I told him that I highly approved of your independence, that a minister of Jesus Christ ought to love everybody and fear no mortal man. I told Mr. Mac that if I had a few thousand independent, fearless officers as you were, and a well-drilled army, I could take old England.”
In the introduction to his autobiography, Peter wrote the following words in an attitude of prayer: