_To Mr. J―――― C――――, at London._
_Gloucester, Dec. 22, 1741._
_My dear Brother_,
LAST _Thursday_ evening the LORD brought me hither. I preached
immediately to our friends in a large barn, and had my master’s
presence. On _Friday_ and _Saturday_ I preached again twice. Both the
power, and the congregation increased. On _Sunday_ GOD by a particular
providence opened a door for my preaching in St. _John’s_, one of the
parish churches. The late incumbent was my grand opposer. He being
dead, and the new minister not having taken possession, the power of
the pulpit was in the church-wardens hands. GOD inclined them to let
me preach there on _Sunday_ morning, and yesterday afternoon. Great
numbers came, and the LORD gave me unspeakable power. On _Sunday_
afternoon, after I had preached twice at _Gloucester_, I preached
at Mr. _F――――_’s at the hill, six miles off and again at night at
_Stroud_. The people seem to be more hungry than ever, and the LORD to
be more amongst them. Yesterday morning I preached at _Painswick_ in
the parish church, here in the afternoon, and again at night in the
barn. GOD gives me unspeakable comfort, and uninterrupted joy. Here
seems to be a new awakening, and a revival of the work of GOD. I find,
several country people were awakened when I preached at _Tewksbury_,
and have heard of three or four that have died in the LORD, who were
called under GOD by me. We shall never know what good field-preaching
has done, till we come to judgment. Many who were prejudiced against
me, begin to be of another mind, and GOD shews me more and more, “that
when a man’s ways please the LORD, he will make even his enemies to
be at peace with him.” To-morrow morning I purpose to set out for
_Abergavenny_, and to preach at _Bristol_, in _Wilts_, _Gloucester_,
and _Gloucestershire_, before I see _London_. The people in these
parts seem excellently well disposed. I hope the work of the LORD
prospers in your hand; though absent in body, I am present with you
in spirit. May the LORD _Jehovah_ comfort you continually with those
comforts wherewith I am comforted in him! I hope my comforts are of a
right nature; they humble at the same time that they exalt me. I find
all my happiness lies in a crucified GOD.
_To the blest fountain of thy blood,
Incarnate GOD, I fly;
Here let me wash my spotted soul,
From crimes of deepest dye._
_A guilty, weak, and helpless worm,
Into thy arms I fall;
Be thou my strength and righteousness,
My JESUS, and my all._