Shadford was born in 1739, in Lincolnshire. As a young child, he says he was afraid of death, and felt himself prone to all kinds of wickedness-- he had a very tender conscience. While he was very disturbed by breaking the Sabbath by playing (at one point, even being chased by the parson!) he also did like to throw sticks and rocks at animals to harm them. So while we might say that sometimes he was too scrupulous about suspected wrong-doings, he was at times a real malefactor.
He performed all the outward duties of the Church of England-- saying set prayers morning and night; being confirmed by the Bishop, getting ready to take Communion. BUt he found that he did not have peace in his soul, either for forgiveness of sins, nor for power to resist temptation.
As young man, he joined the militia, something like the National Guard, not the full time British Army. He figured ot would be fun for an active and athletic man, and also be a little bit of income, with no real responsibilities to be away from home. Sadly for him, the French were actively trying to get Ireland to rebel, and landed a small force just as Shadford was in "basic training," and so he was marched off to Liverpool to get ready to embark for Ireland and war with France! He was really worried that he might be killed in battle having not found God.
He found his way to Methodist preaching because two attractive young ladies were going! After the sermon, he thought no more of the young women, but gave heed to the state of his soul.
The Irish-French matter was settled without Shadford even going to Ireland, and he was sent home, where he found that God had sent a Methodist farmer to his village, and the man was opening the farm to Methodist preaching. But within 2 months, Shadford was back to tricks. Soon enough, though, the Methodist farmer told Shadford that there would be preaching at his farm.
The preacher spoke to Shadford's heart, and he seemed to speak an invitation to follow Christ directly to Shadford. Soon enough, Shadford was in a Methodist Society, and would pray at meetings and even "give an exhortation," but he did not feel he was called to be a preacher.
Shadford began to have fruit in his exhorting, starting with his family. He began to be a regular preacher in Lincolnshire, and John Wesley asked if he would be an appointed travelling preacher. in 1768, Shadford left to preach in Cornwall.
In 1773, Shadford set sail, on Wesley's recommendation, to America, beginning his ministry in Philadelphia. He had ministry in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia.
As the Revolutionary forces were heating up, Shadford and other Methodists were in trouble: John Wesley was anti-revolution, and Shadford believed he could not go against the King, so he decided to go back to England.
From the eulogy of a colleague:"Mr. Shadford was free and generous. His little annual income, managed with a strict regard to economy, supplied his wants and left a portion for the poor and needy." see again that most Scriptural idea: to convince sinners they need the Lord, and to take care of the poor and needy! Let us never consider ourselves greater than our Master, but let us do as He did!
George Shadford was the foremost preacher of the Great Revival in Virginia 1775-1776. Hundreds were led to Christ by his work. The charismatic outpouring of the revival is best described by eye-witness Jesse Lee in his A Short History of the Methodists.
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