_To Lady H――――._
_Exeter, March, 21, 1750._
_Honoured Madam_,
I Think it is now almost an age since I wrote to your Ladyship, but
travelling and preaching have prevented me. Immediately after writing
my last, I preached to many thousands, at a place called _Gwinnop_.
The rain dropped gently upon our bodies, and the grace of GOD seemed
to fall like a gentle dew and sprinkling rain upon our souls. It was
indeed a fine spring shower. In the evening I rode sixteen miles to _St.
Ives_, and preached to many that gladly attended to hear the word; a
great power seemed to accompany it. On the morrow, being LORD’s day, I
preached twice to large auditories, and then rode back again rejoicing
to _Gwinnop_. In my way, I had the pleasure of hearing that good was
done, and had fresh calls to preach elsewhere. In the morning I went
to church, and heard a virulent sermon from these words, “Beware of
false prophets.” On _Saturday_ the preacher was heard to say, “Now
_Whitefield_ was coming, he must put on his old armour.” It did but
little execution, because not scripture proof, and consequently not
taken out of GOD’s armory. On _Monday_ I preached again at _Redruth_,
at ten in the morning, to near (as they were computed) ten thousand
souls. Arrows of conviction seemed to fly fast. In the evening I
preached to above five hundred, at twelve miles distant, and then rode
about sixteen miles to one Mr. _B――――_’s, a wealthy man, convinced
about two years ago. In riding, my horse threw me violently on the
ground, but by GOD’s providence, I got up without receiving much hurt.
The next day we had a most delightful season at _St. Mewens_, and
the day following a like time, at a place called _Port-Isaac_. In
the evening, I met my dear Mr. _Thompson_ again at Mr. _Bennet_’s, a
friendly minister aged fourscore, and on _Thursday_ preached in both
his churches. Blessed seasons both! On _Friday_ we went to _Biddeford_,
where there is perhaps one of the best little flocks in all _England_.
The power of GOD so came down while I was expounding to them, that Mr.
_Thompson_ could scarce stand under it. I preached twice; a commanding,
convincing influence went forth a second time, and one came to me the
next morning under awakenings. The LORD JESUS has here brought home a
lawyer; and one of the youngest but closest reasoners that ever I met
with, is now under deep convictions. On _Monday_ evening I came to
_Exeter_, and with great regret shall stay till _Friday_. For I think
every day lost, that is not spent in field preaching. An unthought
of and unexpectedly wide door is opened in _Cornwall_, so that I have
sometimes almost determined to go back again. I beg the continuance
of your Ladyship’s prayers, and hope Mr. _B――――_ will let me know of
your Ladyship’s welfare. You will not be forgotten by, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and chearful
servant for CHRIST’s sake,
_G. W._