To Lady H——.
Exeter, March, 21, 1750.
Honoured Madam,
I Think it is now almost an age since I wrote to your Ladyship, but travelling and preaching have prevented me. Immediately after writing my last, I preached to many thousands, at a place called Gwinnop. The rain dropped gently upon our bodies, and the grace of God seemed to fall like a gentle dew and sprinkling rain upon our souls. It was indeed a fine spring shower. In the evening I rode sixteen miles to St. Ives, and preached to many that gladly attended to hear the word; a great power seemed to accompany it. On the morrow, being Lord’s day, I preached twice to large auditories, and then rode back again rejoicing to Gwinnop. In my way, I had the pleasure of hearing that good was done, and had fresh calls to preach elsewhere. In the morning I went to church, and heard a virulent sermon from these words, “Beware of false prophets.” On Saturday the preacher was heard to say, “Now Whitefield was coming, he must put on his old armour.” It did but little execution, because not scripture proof, and consequently not taken out of God’s armory. On Monday I preached again at Redruth, at ten in the morning, to near (as they were computed) ten thousand souls. Arrows of conviction seemed to fly fast. In the evening I preached to above five hundred, at twelve miles distant, and then rode about sixteen miles to one Mr. B——’s, a wealthy man, convinced about two years ago. In riding, my horse threw me violently on the ground, but by God’s providence, I got up without receiving much hurt. The next day we had a most delightful season at St. Mewens, and the day following a like time, at a place called Port-Isaac. In the evening, I met my dear Mr. Thompson again at Mr. Bennet’s, a friendly minister aged fourscore, and on Thursday preached in both his churches. Blessed seasons both! On Friday we went to Biddeford, where there is perhaps one of the best little flocks in all England. The power of God so came down while I was expounding to them, that Mr. Thompson could scarce stand under it. I preached twice; a commanding, convincing influence went forth a second time, and one came to me the next morning under awakenings. The Lord Jesus has here brought home a lawyer; and one of the youngest but closest reasoners that ever I met with, is now under deep convictions. On Monday evening I came to Exeter, and with great regret shall stay till Friday. For I think every day lost, that is not spent in field preaching. An unthought of and unexpectedly wide door is opened in Cornwall, so that I have sometimes almost determined to go back again. I beg the continuance of your Ladyship’s prayers, and hope Mr. B—— will let me know of your Ladyship’s welfare. You will not be forgotten by, honoured Madam,
Your Ladyship’s most dutiful, obliged, and chearful servant for Christ’s sake,
G. W.
LETTER DCCCXXVI.
To the Countess D——.
Exeter, March 21, 1750.