_To 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._