Henry Tanner

In the year 1743, George Whitefield spent some time preaching in the port city of Plymouth while he awaited a ship to go to America. He had very low expectations regarding his preaching in that city; as he said, "I expected little success." A Mr. Henry Tanner, while he was at work on the docks, heard Whitefield preaching from a great distance . . . he concluded that Whitefield was a madman, and so he and some compatriots decided to go and knock him down. They filled their pockets with rocks to do so. But when Tanner drew near, his heart was melted as he heard the preacher proclaim the gospel of Christ and invite sinners to Christ. Tanner came back the next night and the night after that, and he was converted.

Tanner grew in grace and knowledge and was eventually called to preach. In 1769, he built The Tabernacle in Exeter and labored in the ministry there for many years . . . he preached three times every Sunday and twice during the week. Gillies tells of his end: "Mr. Tanner's exertions continued unabated till within a short time of his death. His frequent petition was, that he might die in his Master's work. His petition was granted. For he was taken out of the pulpit, being unable to finish his sermon; and shortly after fell asleep in Jesus, March 30, 1805, aged eighty six."