_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._