_To the Same._
_Birmingham, Dec. 31, 1743._
_My dear Friend_,
WHAT do you think? Since my last, I have stole a whole day to dispatch
some private business: however, in the evening I expounded to a great
room full of people, who would rush into my lodgings, whether I would
or not. On _Sunday_ morning at eight I preached in the street to about
a thousand, with much freedom. I then went to church and received the
sacrament, and afterwards preached to several thousands in the street.
The hearers seemed much pleased and delighted. It happened by the
providence of GOD, that no minister would come to preach at a house at
_Wedgbury_, where a weekly lecture used to be kept up: I was therefore
earnestly entreated to come. I went, after my afternoon’s preaching at
_Birmingham_, and preached there at six in the evening to many hundreds
in the street. It is about six miles from _Birmingham_. The word came
with power, and only one or two made a noise at a distance. Afterwards
we had a precious meeting in private. The power of the dear Redeemer
was much amongst us. The person with whom I lodged was a widow fearing
GOD. Her husband was an eminent saint, and had been refreshed by my
writings, particularly my journals, as had many others that I met
with. On _Monday_ morning about eight I preached to a large company
in a field. By eleven I returned to _Birmingham_, and preached to many
thousands on a Common near the town. The soldiers were exercising;
but the officers hearing that I was coming to preach, dismissed them,
and promised that no disturbance should be made. All was quiet, and
a blessed time we had. In the afternoon about three I preached again
to about the same company, with the same success. Then I rode to
_Wedgbury_ and preached there, and afterwards exhorted: but I cannot
well tell you, what a sweet melting time there was. Many were in tears.
About one I went to bed exceeding happy. In the morning I broke up some
fallow ground at a place called _Mare-Green_, about two miles from
_Wedgbury_. Much mobbing had been there against Mr. _Wesley_’s friends.
A few poor souls began to insult me, but JESUS strengthened me much.
Several clods were thrown, one of them fell on my head, and another
struck my fingers, while I was in prayer. A sweet gospel spirit was
given to me. I preached again at _Birmingham_ to larger auditories
than before, about eleven the same morning and three in the afternoon.
In the evening I expounded twice in a large room. Once to the rich,
and once to the poor, and went to rest happier than the night before.
In the morning I took my leave of the _Birmingham_ people, who wept
much and were indeed deeply affected, and shewed great concern at
my departure. I then went to _Kidderminster_, about twelve miles
from _Birmingham_, where I was kindly received by Mr. _W――――ms_, with
whom I have corresponded for near two years. Many friends were at his
house. I was greatly refreshed to find what a sweet savour of good Mr.
_Baxter_’s doctrine, works and discipline remained to this day.
_The sweet remembrance of the just,_
_Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust._
I preached about three in the afternoon to a large auditory near the
church. Some unkind men, though they promised not to do so, rang the
bells; but our Saviour enabled me to preach with power. In the evening
and next morning I preached in the meeting house. I then went with Mr.
_W――――_ to _Bromsgrove_, about seven miles from _Kidderminster_, and
was kindly received by one Mr. _K――――y_, a good man, and several others,
among whom were two or three Baptist and one Independent ministers.
About three in the afternoon I preached in a field. Some rude people
kicked a football and sounded a horn at some distance, but the LORD
enabled me to preach with boldness. About six I preached in the Baptist
Meeting-house, left _Kidderminster_ at eight, and reached _Worcester_
about ten at night. Mr. _W――――ms_ and another friend accompanied
us. In the morning the good old Mr. _S――――y_, who was supposed to be
sanctified from the womb, came to us while we baited. In the evening
I reached _Gloucester_, very thankful for my week’s progress, and
rejoicing greatly in CHRIST for giving me such a delightful and happy
Christmas. This day I have preached twice here, and have been enabled
to dispatch some private affairs. It is now near twelve. My dear friend,
I wish you an exceeding happy new year. This time twelve-month I was
writing to you from _Bristol_. O what has the dear LORD JESUS done
for me since that, and since I was born! And O what does he intend
to do for me before I die, and when time shall be no more? I am lost
in wonder! I must away and cry Grace! grace! Praying that you may be
filled with all the fulness of GOD, I subscribe, my dearest friend,
Ever, ever yours whilst
_G. W._