_To Mr. S――――._
_Bristol, December 1, 1753._
_My very dear friend_,
THIS hath been a long fortnight, for so long it is since I wrote to
my very dear friend; but I waited to send him a bundle of good news
together. Blessed be GOD, I am not disappointed of my hope. Since my
last, I have preached several times in _Gloucestershire_, where the
people, as well as the unworthy preacher, drank plentifully of the good
wine of the kingdom. In the fields several thousands attended. Here we
have also enjoyed much of GOD; twice I preached in my brother’s great
house to the quality, amongst whom was one of _Cæsar_’s houshold. On
_Sunday_ I opened the new Tabernacle. It is large, but not half large
enough: would the place contain them, I believe near as many would
attend as in _London_. Last _Monday_ I set out for _Somersetshire_,
intending to have gone as far as _Plymouth_, but the weather was so
violent, and my call to _London_ likely to be so speedy, that I turned
back. However, I preached in _Somersetshire_ four or five times. Some
told me, they were scarce able to stand under what GOD gave them. On
_Tuesday_, at seven in the evening, I preached in the open air to a
great multitude; all was hush’d and exceeding solemn; the stars shone
exceeding bright, and then, if ever, by an eye of faith, I saw him
who calleth them all by their names. My soul was filled with an holy
ambition, and I longed to be one of those who shall shine as the
stars for ever and ever. My hands and body at this, and at other times
were pierced with cold; but what are outward things when the soul
within is warmed with the love of GOD? O my very dear Sir, increase
my obligations by continuing to pray, that this unspeakable gift may
be shed abroad abundantly in my heart by the Holy Ghost. Then shall I
not grovel as I do now here below, but mount on wings like an eagle; I
shall walk and not be weary, I shall hold on and not be faint. O that
I may die in the field! But die when or where I will, I shall die under
the strongest obligations to you and your dear yoke-fellow, who will
both know, at the day of judgment, how sincerely I subscribe myself,
very dear Sir,
Yours, &c.
_G. W._