LETTER DXXXIX.
To the Same.
Exeter, Nov. 6, 1743.
ALL being hushed and solemn around me, and my soul filled with the peace of God that passeth all understanding, I now sit down to give you a further account of my feeble labours. On Monday last I went to Axminster, and preached to about two thousand without, and afterward exhorted within the house, where I lay. The next day I preached to a greater number of people, and with more freedom. I gave an exhortation at night, and met the society. Our Lord vouchsafed us a gracious blessing. On Wednesday I went to Ottery, but just as I named my text, the bells rang. Upon this I adjourned to a field, whither the people ran in droves.—As I stepped into the inn, before I went into the field, a clergyman came, who asked me by what authority I preached, said it was a riot, and that the meeting was illegal. I answered him as I thought pertinently, and afterwards went and shewed him my authority, by preaching on these words: "Go ye to all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Between six and seven in the evening, I returned to Exeter, where some hundreds were waiting to hear me expound. The Lord was with us. The Lord makes this place very comfortable to me. Prejudices fall off daily, and people begin not only rationally to discern, but powerfully to feel the doctrines of the gospel. To-morrow, God willing, I go with Mr. K to Biddeford. From thence expect to hear again from
Yours, &c.
G. W.
Postscript. Ten at night.—It would have pleased you to have been here this, evening. I question, whether near a third part of Exeter were not attending on the word preached. All was solemn and awful, and the Lord gave me much assistance from his holy spirit. Help me to praise him. Adieu! Good night! The Lord be with you.
