"According to his request, I paid him a visit, and found him in
perfect health both in body and mind."
On the 5th of May, 1739, in the midst of his marvellous services
on Kennington Common, Whitefield received another letter from
Periam, stating that he was "surrounded with nothing but profaneness
and wickedness;" that he had to go into his "cell at seven or
eight o'clock at night, and was not let out till six or seven in
the morning;" and that, being "debarred the use of candles, and
consequently books, all that time, except what was spent in prayer
and meditation, was lost; and though these exercises were good, yet
by constant repetition, and for want of change, they were deadened."
He also asked whether his objections to being thus "imprisoned were
inconsistent or wicked, and whether he might not, without offence
to God, make use of endeavours to be discharged?" He likewise wished
to know whether, being discharged, he might, "without offence to the
gospel of Jesus Christ, follow the business of an attorney?" And,
finally, the poor fellow asked, "If I cannot be discharged by proper
application, how can I best spend my time to the glory of God and my
own and my brethren's welfare?"