word came with a most gloriously convincing power. I came away rejoicing, and in the afternoon preached to about ten
thousand on Hampton common, at what the people now call Whitefield's Tump, because I preached there first. I cannot tell you what a solemn occasion that was. I perceive a great alteration in the people since I was in these parts last. They did indeed hang on me to hear the word. It ran and was glorified. In the evening, we had a most precious meeting with the two united societies in the new house at Hampton. Surely many thereabouts will walk with God. Last night and this morning I preached again with great power; preaching in Gloucestershire is now like preaching at the tabernacle at London. This evening I am to preach again; and after that to hold our first love-feast.—What our Lord does for us hereafter, you shall hear in my next. And now, my dear Sir, help me to be thankful, and bless the Lord for all his mercies conferred on
Your unworthy friend, and his worthless servant, G. W.
LETTER DV. To the Same.
Dear Sir, Gloucester, April 2, 1743.
MY soul is kept exceeding chearful; and greater and more continued freedom in preaching, I never experienced, than since I have been in Gloucester and Gloucestershire. On Tuesday evening we had a blessed love-feast. On Wednesday morning I preached here with great sweetness; and at noon at Painswick.—In the evening I preached at Mr. F's, in the place where the Lord met us remarkably one night about a twelvemonth ago. He met us again most delightfully, not in terror, but in love: by which I guessed how the gospel had gained ground in a twelvemonth's time. After this I visited dear brother C's society, and then rode to Hampton, with brothers A and G, praising and blessing God. On Wednesday noon I preached at Quarhouse, from the tump where old Mr. Cole used to stand. It was an alarming time. My soul enjoyed exceeding great liberty. In the evening I preached in the new house at Hampton to
