Question

In 1739, the Reverend Mr. Whitefield arrived in our midst from Ireland, where he had gained renown as a traveling preacher. Initially, he was allowed to deliver sermons in some of our churches, but the local clergy, for various reasons, soon refused him access to their pulpits. Consequently, he was compelled to preach in open fields. The throngs of people from various religious denominations who flocked to his sermons were astonishing. I personally marveled at the extraordinary impact of his eloquence on his audience and the deep admiration and respect they held for him.

The transformation in the behavior of our residents was nothing short of remarkable. The once thoughtless or indifferent attitude towards religion seemed to undergo a profound shift, with virtually the entire community becoming more religiously inclined. It became a common sight to hear the singing of psalms emanating from different households on every street as one walked through the town in the evening.

Recognizing the inconveniences of gathering in the open air, particularly in adverse weather conditions, a proposal to construct a dedicated meeting house was put forward. The construction of this building proceeded with remarkable enthusiasm and was completed much sooner than anticipated. Both the house and the land it stood on were entrusted to trustees, expressly designated for use by any preacher of any religious persuasion who wished to address the people of Philadelphia.

Benjamin Franklin, from his autobiography, recounting events in 1739.

Which of the following developments most directly contributed to the events described in the excerpt?

A. The spread of Protestant evangelism from Great Britain and Europe to the colonies.
B. The increased influence of Puritan leaders on colonial religious practices.
C. A decline in colonial interest in religion as a result of greater involvement in trans-Atlantic trade.
D. The routine welcome of diverse religious doctrines by local clergy members in the colonies.

Answer 1

The events described by Benjamin Franklin regarding the influence of the Reverend Mr. Whitefield’s sermons in 1739 are most directly attributed to the spread of Protestant evangelism known as the First Great Awakening.

Step-by-step explanation:

The developments that most directly contributed to the events described in the excerpt from Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, concerning the impact of the Reverend Mr. Whitefield's sermons in Philadelphia in 1739, can be attributed to The spread of Protestant evangelism from Great Britain and Europe to the colonies. This movement is known as the First Great Awakening, a period marked by a surge in religious fervor and the spread of evangelical Protestantism.

The Great Awakening saw itinerant preachers like Whitefield and revivalists such as Jonathan Edwards, who rejected the formal modes of worship of the time in favor of a more emotional and personal religiosity. Preaching in open fields, drawing thousands of listeners, and affecting emotions were defining elements of this movement, emphasizing individual salvation through personal faith over doctrinal ritual.