_To Lady H――――n._
_Plymouth, Feb. 16, 1749._
_Honoured Madam_,
THE last time I wrote to your Ladyship, I was at _Exeter_, where I
begun on _Sunday_ evening to preach in the open air.――Abundance of
souls attended, and I trust real good was done. In the morning, grace
flowed richly round the congregation; and many knew experimentally that
CHRIST was risen, by his giving them to experience the power of his
resurrection in their hearts. On _Monday_ I went to _Bovey-Tracey_,
about 12 miles from _Exeter_, where I found several poor simple souls.
Here also the fountain of life was open, and I believe some drank at,
and others felt the want of it. The next morning I preached at a place
called _Mary-Church_, where are supposed to be near a score of awakened
souls, who have undergone much outward trouble for adhering to the
cross of CHRIST. Most of their bitterest opposers were present. All
was calm; and the power of the LORD accompanied the word. After sermon
I rode twenty miles to _Kingsbridge_, where, to my great surprize, I
found about a thousand souls waiting till eight in the evening to hear
the word. Though nature said, “Spare thyself,” I thought faith and duty
said, “Venture upon the LORD’s strength, and speak to them.” I did,
from these words of our dear LORD’s: “I must work the works of him that
sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.” I
preached in the street. The moon-shone. All was quiet; and I hope some
begun to think of working out their salvation with fear and trembling.
The next morning I preached there again; four ministers attended. Our
LORD was pleased to make it a very fine season. After sermon I had the
pleasure of hearing, that by two or three discourses preached at this
place about 5 years ago, many souls were awakened. One young man, then
called, is since a preacher; he was in a tree partly to ridicule me. I
spoke to him to imitate _Zaccheus_, and come down and receive the LORD
JESUS. The word was backed with power――He heard, came down, believed,
and now adorns the gospel. From _Kingsbridge_ to _Plymouth_, is near
twenty post miles. Hither I came last night. About ten miles from the
town, I met several of my spiritual children, who came on horseback to
see me. When I came into the town, many hundreds were waiting to hear
the word, and received me with great joy. Though it was past seven at
night, and I had preached at _Kingsbridge_ in the morning, I thought
it my duty to comply with the people’s importunity, and accordingly I
called upon them, (in a place stiled the tabernacle, built since I have
been absent) to behold the Lamb of GOD. I find a strange alteration in
the people since I came first here, now above four years ago. Many were
then awakened, and truly converted to the blessed JESUS. I write in a
house belonging to a married couple, who call me their spiritual father.
_Plymouth_ seems to be quite a new place to me. I have also just now
parted from a truly converted neighbouring clergyman, who has invited
me to preach in his church. Ere long I hope to send your Ladyship some
more good news. In the mean while, I wish your Ladyship the best of
blessings; and entreat your Ladyship to pray, that a chearful, humble,
simple, and guileless heart may be given to, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, though unworthy servant
for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._