6. Letter Diii.
LETTER DIII.
T o Mr. S――.
Gloucester, March 24, 1743.
My dear Sir, AN effectual door is opened in these parts. On Saturday night I preached here. The Lord was with me. On Sunday morning I preached again in a barn. It was a good time to me and the people. Dear Mr. P―― was here, and tears of love and joy were running down his aged cheeks almost all the while. He was, like good old Simeon, ready to cry out, "Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace." At noon I preached at Mr. F――r's on the hill, to a glorious auditory indeed. Here Jesus Christ displayed his power, and caused much of his glory to pass before us. At four I preached again in a field near Stroud, where was a great congregation consisting of many, many thousands. The Lord helped and blessed me much here also. Afterwards I went to the new house at Hampton, and the glory of the Lord filled it. It is exceeding commodious for our purpose. I preached in the court-yard on Monday noon, to a large auditory. Monday evening the Lord gave me a
good time at Pitchcomb. Both brother C―― and brother A――'s society met at Hampton, and the Lord met with us. Brother C―― is certainly called of God. All call him a second Bunyan. I believe he must give himself wholly to the work. Such a hardy worker with his hands, and hearty preacher at the same time, I have scarce known. On Tuesday a man was hung in chains at Hampton Common.—A more miserable spectacle I have not seen. I preached in the morning to a great auditory about a mile off the place of execution. I intended doing the same after the criminal was turned off; but the weather was very violent.—Thousands and thousands came and staid to hear; but, through misinformation, kept on the top of the hill, while
I preached in the bottom. After this I came to Gloucester, and preached in the evening in a barn: a night much to be remembered! This morning I preached again, and dined with Mr. E――d I――s and some more at Mr.
E――'s. I am just going to my evening lecture, and to-morrow I shall leave Gloucester for a few days. The association is put off for a week, so I shall have more time in Gloucestershire. Never did I see people more hungry and simple. Many come telling me what the Lord did for their souls when I was here last. To him be all the glory! Brother A―― is now with me. He must be in the country 'till the house is more settled. I am sure God called me here.
Yours, &c.
G. W.