_To brother S――――._
_Waterford (South Wales,) April 7, 1743._
_My Dear Brother_,
ON _Monday_ I received your letter of _April 2_; but till now, have
had no opportunity of answering it. I preached and took my leave of the
_Gloucester_ people with mutual and great concern, on _Sunday_ evening
last. It was past one in the morning, before I could lay my weary body
down.――At five I rose again, sick for want of rest; but I was enabled
to get on horseback and ride to Mr. _F――――_’s, where I preached to a
large congregation, who came there at seven in the morning, hoping to
feel the power of a risen LORD. They were not disappointed of their
hope. At ten I read prayers, and preached from these words,――“I am the
resurrection and the life,” and afterwards was helped to administer
the sacrament in _Stonehouse_ church. Then I rode to _Stroud_, where I
was enabled to preach to about twelve thousand, with uncommon freedom
and power, in Mrs. _G――――_’s field. Much of the divine presence was
there.――About six in the evening I preached to about the like number
on _Hampton Common_; but scarce ever with a more pleasing convincing
power. The order and solemnity wherewith the people broke up, was
very instructive. After this I went to _Hampton_, and held a general
love-feast with the united societies. My soul was kept close to JESUS;
my bodily strength renewed; and I went to-bed about midnight, very
chearful and very happy. The next morning I went and preached near
_Dursley_, to some thousands, with great convictions accompanying the
word. About seven I reached _Bristol_, and preached with wonderful
power to a full congregation at _Smith’s Hall_; and afterwards spent
the evening agreeably with Mr. _C――――_ of _Bath_, and some other dear
friends. On _Tuesday_ morning I preached again to a full congregation,
and then set out for this place, where we came about eight in the
evening, and had sweet and profitable conversation with Mr. _B――――_
and some others of the brethren. We sung an hymn, prayed, and parted
in great harmony. On _Wednesday_ about noon I opened the association
with a close and solemn discourse upon walking with GOD. Indeed much
of GOD was with us. The brethren and the people felt much of the divine
presence. Afterwards we betook ourselves to business: several matters
of great importance were dispatched. We broke up about seven, and met
again about ten, and continued settling the affairs of the societies
till about two in the morning. On _Thursday_ we sat again till about
four in the afternoon; then, after taking a little refreshment, and
talking warmly of the things of GOD, I preached with great freedom
upon the believer’s rest, and then we went on with our business, and
finished our association about midnight: all acknowledged that GOD had
been with us, and blessed him for the same. Perhaps in a month I may
come to _London_; but it seems to be the will of the LORD I should stay
in _Wales_ about a fortnight, and take a tour into _Pembrokeshire_.
Great doors are open there. Our Saviour keeps me very happy indeed;
and is, I believe, preparing greater blessings, for
Yours, &c.
_G. W._