Waterford (South Wales,) April 7, 1743.
My Dear Brother,
ON Monday I received your letter of April 2; but till now, have had no opportunity of answering it. I preached and took my leave of the Gloucester people with mutual and great concern, on Sunday evening last. It was past one in the morning, before I could lay my weary body down.—At five I rose again, sick for want of rest; but I was enabled to get on horseback and ride to Mr. F——’s, where I preached to a large congregation, who came there at seven in the morning, hoping to feel the power of a risen Lord. They were not disappointed of their hope. At ten I read prayers, and preached from these words,—“I am the resurrection and the life,” and afterwards was helped to administer the sacrament in Stonehouse church. Then I rode to Stroud, where I was enabled to preach to about twelve thousand, with uncommon freedom and power, in Mrs. G——’s field. Much of the divine presence was there.—About six in the evening I preached to about the like number on Hampton Common; but scarce ever with a more pleasing convincing power. The order and solemnity wherewith the people broke up, was very instructive. After this I went to Hampton, and held a general love-feast with the united societies. My soul was kept close to Jesus; my bodily strength renewed; and I went to-bed about midnight, very chearful and very happy. The next morning I went and preached near Dursley, to some thousands, with great convictions accompanying the word. About seven I reached Bristol, and preached with wonderful power to a full congregation at Smith’s Hall; and afterwards spent the evening agreeably with Mr. C—— of Bath, and some other dear friends. On Tuesday morning I preached again to a full congregation, and then set out for this place, where we came about eight in the evening, and had sweet and profitable conversation with Mr. B—— and some others of the brethren. We sung an hymn, prayed, and parted in great harmony. On Wednesday about noon I opened the association with a close and solemn discourse upon walking with God. Indeed much of God was with us. The brethren and the people felt much of the divine presence. Afterwards we betook ourselves to business: several matters of great importance were dispatched. We broke up about seven, and met again about ten, and continued settling the affairs of the societies till about two in the morning. On Thursday we sat again till about four in the afternoon; then, after taking a little refreshment, and talking warmly of the things of God, I preached with great freedom upon the believer’s rest, and then we went on with our business, and finished our association about midnight: all acknowledged that God had been with us, and blessed him for the same. Perhaps in a month I may come to London; but it seems to be the will of the Lord I should stay in Wales about a fortnight, and take a tour into Pembrokeshire. Great doors are open there. Our Saviour keeps me very happy indeed; and is, I believe, preparing greater blessings, for
Yours, &c.
G. W.
LETTER DVII.
To the Same.
Lantrissant, (in Wales) April 10, 1743.
Dear Sir,