WHAT do you think? Since my last, I have stole a whole day to dispatch some private business: however, in the evening I expounded to a great room full of people, who would rush into my lodgings, whether I would or not. On Sunday morning at eight I preached in the street to about a thousand, with much freedom. I then went to church and received the sacrament, and afterwards preached to several thousands in the street. The hearers seemed much pleased and delighted. It happened by the providence of God, that no minister would come to preach at a house at Wedgbury, where a weekly lecture used to be kept up: I was therefore earnestly entreated to come. I went, after my afternoon’s preaching at Birmingham, and preached there at six in the evening to many hundreds in the street. It is about six miles from Birmingham. The word came with power, and only one or two made a noise at a distance. Afterwards we had a precious meeting in private. The power of the dear Redeemer was much amongst us. The person with whom I lodged was a widow fearing God. Her husband was an eminent saint, and had been refreshed by my writings, particularly my journals, as had many others that I met with. On Monday morning about eight I preached to a large company in a field. By eleven I returned to Birmingham, and preached to many thousands on a Common near the town. The soldiers were exercising; but the officers hearing that I was coming to preach, dismissed them, and promised that no disturbance should be made. All was quiet, and a blessed time we had. In the afternoon about three I preached again to about the same company, with the same success. Then I rode to Wedgbury and preached there, and afterwards exhorted: but I cannot well tell you, what a sweet melting time there was. Many were in tears. About one I went to bed exceeding happy. In the morning I broke up some fallow ground at a place called Mare-Green, about two miles from Wedgbury. Much mobbing had been there against Mr. Wesley’s friends. A few poor souls began to insult me, but Jesus strengthened me much. Several clods were thrown, one of them fell on my head, and another struck my fingers, while I was in prayer. A sweet gospel spirit was given to me. I preached again at Birmingham to larger auditories than before, about eleven the same morning and three in the afternoon. In the evening I expounded twice in a large room. Once to the rich, and once to the poor, and went to rest happier than the night before. In the morning I took my leave of the Birmingham people, who wept much and were indeed deeply affected, and shewed great concern at my departure. I then went to Kidderminster, about twelve miles from Birmingham, where I was kindly received by Mr. W——ms, with whom I have corresponded for near two years. Many friends were at his house. I was greatly refreshed to find what a sweet savour of good Mr. Baxter’s doctrine, works and discipline remained to this day.
The sweet remembrance of the just,
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust.
I preached about three in the afternoon to a large auditory near the church. Some unkind men, though they promised not to do so, rang the bells; but our Saviour enabled me to preach with power. In the evening and next morning I preached in the meeting house. I then went with Mr. W—— to Bromsgrove, about seven miles from Kidderminster, and was kindly received by one Mr. K——y, a good man, and several others, among whom were two or three Baptist and one Independent ministers. About three in the afternoon I preached in a field. Some rude people kicked a football and sounded a horn at some distance, but the Lord enabled me to preach with boldness. About six I preached in the Baptist Meeting-house, left Kidderminster at eight, and reached Worcester about ten at night. Mr. W——ms and another friend accompanied us. In the morning the good old Mr. S——y, who was supposed to be sanctified from the womb, came to us while we baited. In the evening I reached Gloucester, very thankful for my week’s progress, and rejoicing greatly in Christ for giving me such a delightful and happy Christmas. This day I have preached twice here, and have been enabled to dispatch some private affairs. It is now near twelve. My dear friend, I wish you an exceeding happy new year. This time twelve-month I was writing to you from Bristol. O what has the dear Lord Jesus done for me since that, and since I was born! And O what does he intend to do for me before I die, and when time shall be no more? I am lost in wonder! I must away and cry Grace! grace! Praying that you may be filled with all the fulness of God, I subscribe, my dearest friend,
Ever, ever yours whilst
G. W.
LETTER DXLV.
To Mr. H——, at Gloucester.
Mashfield, Jan. 7, 1744, (past 7 at night.)