_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._