_To the Same._
_Exeter, Nov. 6, 1743._
ALL being hushed and solemn around me, and my soul filled with the
peace of GOD that passeth all understanding, I now sit down to give
you a further account of my feeble labours. On _Monday_ last I went to
_Axminster_, and preached to about two thousand without, and afterward
exhorted within the house, where I lay. The next day I preached to a
greater number of people, and with more freedom. I gave an exhortation
at night, and met the society. Our LORD vouchsafed us a gracious
blessing. On _Wednesday_ I went to _Ottery_, but just as I named my
text, the bells rang. Upon this I adjourned to a field, whither the
people ran in droves.――As I stepped into the inn, before I went into
the field, a clergyman came, who asked me by what authority I preached,
said it was a riot, and that the meeting was illegal. I answered him as
I thought pertinently, and afterwards went and shewed him my authority,
by preaching on these words: “Go ye to all the world, and preach
the gospel to every creature.” Between six and seven in the evening,
I returned to _Exeter_, where some hundreds were waiting to hear
me expound. The LORD was with us. The LORD makes this place very
comfortable to me. Prejudices fall off daily, and people begin not
only rationally to discern, but powerfully to feel the doctrines of the
gospel. To-morrow, GOD willing, I go with Mr. _K――――_ to _Biddeford_.
From thence expect to hear again from
Yours, &c.
_G. W._
_Postscript._ _Ten at night._――It would have pleased you to have been
here this evening. I question, whether near a third part of _Exeter_
were not attending on the word preached. All was solemn and awful,
and the LORD gave me much assistance from his holy spirit. Help me to
praise him. Adieu! Good night! The LORD be with you.