Your Ladyship’s most obliged, obedient, and willing servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCXXXIII.
To Lady H——n.
Plymouth, Feb. 16, 1749.
Honoured Madam,
THE last time I wrote to your Ladyship, I was at Exeter, where I begun on Sunday evening to preach in the open air.—Abundance of souls attended, and I trust real good was done. In the morning, grace flowed richly round the congregation; and many knew experimentally that Christ was risen, by his giving them to experience the power of his resurrection in their hearts. On Monday I went to Bovey-Tracey, about 12 miles from Exeter, where I found several poor simple souls. Here also the fountain of life was open, and I believe some drank at, and others felt the want of it. The next morning I preached at a place called Mary-Church, where are supposed to be near a score of awakened souls, who have undergone much outward trouble for adhering to the cross of Christ. Most of their bitterest opposers were present. All was calm; and the power of the Lord accompanied the word. After sermon I rode twenty miles to Kingsbridge, where, to my great surprize, I found about a thousand souls waiting till eight in the evening to hear the word. Though nature said, “Spare thyself,” I thought faith and duty said, “Venture upon the Lord’s strength, and speak to them.” I did, from these words of our dear Lord’s: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.” I preached in the street. The moon-shone. All was quiet; and I hope some begun to think of working out their salvation with fear and trembling. The next morning I preached there again; four ministers attended. Our Lord was pleased to make it a very fine season. After sermon I had the pleasure of hearing, that by two or three discourses preached at this place about 5 years ago, many souls were awakened. One young man, then called, is since a preacher; he was in a tree partly to ridicule me. I spoke to him to imitate Zaccheus, and come down and receive the Lord Jesus. The word was backed with power—He heard, came down, believed, and now adorns the gospel. From Kingsbridge to Plymouth, is near twenty post miles. Hither I came last night. About ten miles from the town, I met several of my spiritual children, who came on horseback to see me. When I came into the town, many hundreds were waiting to hear the word, and received me with great joy. Though it was past seven at night, and I had preached at Kingsbridge in the morning, I thought it my duty to comply with the people’s importunity, and accordingly I called upon them, (in a place stiled the tabernacle, built since I have been absent) to behold the Lamb of God. I find a strange alteration in the people since I came first here, now above four years ago. Many were then awakened, and truly converted to the blessed Jesus. I write in a house belonging to a married couple, who call me their spiritual father. Plymouth seems to be quite a new place to me. I have also just now parted from a truly converted neighbouring clergyman, who has invited me to preach in his church. Ere long I hope to send your Ladyship some more good news. In the mean while, I wish your Ladyship the best of blessings; and entreat your Ladyship to pray, that a chearful, humble, simple, and guileless heart may be given to, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, though unworthy servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.