_To Mrs. D――――._
_Bristol, July 9, 1743._
_Dear Madam_,
HAVING no time to answer your request concerning the _Hampton_ mob, I
herewith send you a letter, which I have just now received from my dear
fellow-labourer, who is the principal object of their fury. This young
confessor, some few years ago came out of curiosity to hear me, when
first I preached upon _Hampton Common_, in _Gloucestershire_. Being
converted himself, he found himself impelled to strengthen his brethren.
GOD has owned him much in _Hampton_, and the adjacent country, in
calling by him many poor sinners to the knowledge of the LORD JESUS
CHRIST. How satan rages upon the account, you’ll see in the inclosed,
to which you are referred by, dear Madam,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._
_A Letter from Mr. A――――, to the Rev. Mr. W――――._
_Hampton, July 8, 1743._
_Honoured and very dear Sir_,
BLESSED be the dear JESUS, he hath brought me safe hither. He was also
with me on the road, and I am persuaded, that whatsoever sufferings I
am to pass through here, all shall work together for good; for JESUS is
and will be with me. The mob has breathed out many threatenings against
me; but JESUS is greater than all, and I am persuaded he’ll let them
find him so. I rode all down the town without the least molestation,
only many cried, (but silently as it were) “O, he is come home!” which
was a surprizing thing to them; for a gentleman had affirmed, that
he saw me in prison. I have been walking up the town, without any
disturbance; but the mob, they say, continue more and more exasperated.
We expect them soon. They generally apprize one another, by ringing
a bell. The whole mob consist of about an hundred: but JESUS keeps me
without the least fear, and at the same time gives me quietly to wait
on him for direction, how to act. A few of the dear disciples are by me.
We have been praying together, and the LORD is with us. I believe death
in its ugliest shapes would not be terrible to some here, at least I
think so of myself; and when I look to the faithfulness of my Saviour,
I can loudly say, “As my day is, so my strength shall be.” Many of the
people of the town have been with me, to tell me the respect they have
for me, and how much they are concerned for the abuse that has been
given us. I believe all will be well by and by. At the same time, I
believe your coming might be much blessed to that end. I must conclude;
but I think to give you a farther account on _Monday_, if our Saviour
pleases. In the mean time, I heartily beg an interest in your prayers,
and the whole society with you. Tell them, O tell them, to get ready
for suffering, by cleaving close to the Lamb, rooted and grounded in
him: withal please to give my kind love and service to them for JESU’s
sake, and be pleased to accept the same your dear self, and many thanks
for all the tokens of unfeigned love conferred on
Your unworthy brother and servant,
_T. A._