_To Mr. S――――._
_Gloucester, March 24, 1743._
_My dear Sir_,
AN effectual door is opened in these parts. On _Saturday_ night I
preached here. The LORD was with me. On _Sunday_ morning I preached
again in a barn. It was a good time to me and the people. Dear Mr.
_P――――_ was here, and tears of love and joy were running down his aged
cheeks almost all the while. He was, like good old _Simeon_, ready to
cry out, “LORD, now lettest thy servant depart in peace.” At noon I
preached at Mr. _F――――r_’s on the hill, to a glorious auditory indeed.
Here JESUS CHRIST displayed his power, and caused much of his glory
to pass before us. At four I preached again in a field near _Stroud_,
where was a great congregation consisting of many, many thousands.
The LORD helped and blessed me much here also. Afterwards I went to
the new house at _Hampton_, and the glory of the LORD filled it. It is
exceeding commodious for our purpose. I preached in the court-yard on
_Monday_ noon, to a large auditory. _Monday_ evening the LORD gave me
a good time at _Pitchcomb_. Both brother _C――――_ and brother _A――――_’s
society met at _Hampton_, and the LORD met with us. Brother _C――――_
is certainly called of GOD. All call him a second _Bunyan_. I believe
he must give himself wholly to the work. Such a hardy worker with his
hands, and hearty preacher at the same time, I have scarce known.
On _Tuesday_ a man was hung in chains at _Hampton Common_.――A more
miserable spectacle I have not seen. I preached in the morning to a
great auditory about a mile off the place of execution. I intended
doing the same after the criminal was turned off; but the weather was
very violent.――Thousands and thousands came and staid to hear; but,
through misinformation, kept on the top of the hill, while I preached
in the bottom. After this I came to _Gloucester_, and preached in the
evening in a barn: a night much to be remembered! This morning I
preached again, and dined with Mr. _E――――d I――――s_ and some more at
Mr. _E――――_’s. I am just going to my evening lecture, and to-morrow I
shall leave _Gloucester_ for a few days. The association is put off for
a week, so I shall have more time in _Gloucestershire_. Never did I see
people more hungry and simple. Many come telling me what the LORD did
for their souls when I was here last. To him be all the glory! Brother
_A――――_ is now with me. He must be in the country ’till the house is
more settled. I am sure GOD called me here.
Yours, &c.
_G. W._