LETTER DXIII.
To the Same.
Guenfithen, near the Hay in Radnorshire, April 25, 1743.
My dear Sir,
I Wrote to you on Saturday morning; afterwards I preached at Llangathan in the church, to a great congregation; I then went about ten miles, and preached at Landovery in the evening, and on Sunday morning. God was with us each time. On Sunday evening I preached to a large and polite auditory at Brecon, fifteen miles from Landovery.—This morning I preached at Trevecka, and just now at this place, with as great freedom, power and melting, almost as we have seen. It is now past seven at night, and I have seven or eight Welsh miles to go. I am glad you are so happy in Jesus. My body is weak, but I am at the Redeemer’s feet, and he reigns king in my heart, and causes me to rejoice and triumph over all. Help me to praise him. Brother H—— salutes you all. The Lord be with you.
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER DXIV.
To the Same.
Gloucester, April 29, 1743.
My dear Sir,
I Am at present strengthening myself in the Lord my God. These words have much refreshed me, “And the Lord was with David, whithersoever he went.” After I wrote my last from a gentlewoman’s near the Hay, I went towards Builth, and got into my lodgings about one, and into my bed about two o’clock in the morning. The next day I preached at Builth, with much of the Redeemer’s presence. Then I rode to the Gore, the last place I preached at in Wales; and indeed our Saviour kept the good wine ’till last: he made our cup to overflow.—Between eight and nine at night we set out for Leominster, and reached there between two and three in the morning. At eleven, and three, I preached. It was quite fallow ground. The Lord broke it up, and gave me a blessed entrance into Herefordshire. All glory be to his great Name! The same night I lay at Hereford. Even there some of our Lord’s disciples were to be found, as also at Ross, where we baited yesterday. In both places I might have preached, would time have permitted; but I was hastening to Gloucester, where the good Shepherd of Israel brought us in peace and safety about eight in the evening; after having in about three weeks travelled about four hundred English miles, spent three days in attending two associations, preached about forty times, visited about thirteen towns, and passed through seven counties. Here then will I set up my Ebenezer, thank the adorable Jesus for these and all other his mercies, and from the bottom of my heart give him all the glory. I know my dearest friend will join with me, and say a hearty Amen. “Even so, Lord Jesus. Amen and Amen!”——Last night and this morning I preached here. Since my departure the barn hath been turned into a commodious chapel. I shall preach there again, God willing, this evening, and to-morrow morning; in the country on Sunday next, and for all as I know, shall come to London on Monday evening. One of the simple Apperly souls died in peace a few days ago. “Praise ye the Lord, for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Yours, &c. &c.
G. W.
LETTER DXV.
To the Rev. Mr. I——.
London, May 6, 1743.
My dear Brother,
YOUR very kind letter I had not the pleasure of receiving ’till yesterday. It was very acceptable, and knits my heart closer to you than ever. I love your honest soul, and long for that time, when the disciples of Christ of different sects shall be joined in far closer fellowship one with another. Our divisions have grieved my heart. I heartily approve of the meeting of the chief labourers together. The free grace of the ever-blessed Jesus melts me down. He has been exceeding kind to me of late, and shewn me that, vile as I am, he will not lay me aside. I am just returned from a circuit of about 400 miles. I have been as far as Haverfordwest, and was enabled to preach with great power. Thousands and tens of thousands flocked to hear the word, and the souls of God’s children were much refreshed. I have been also at two associations in Wales. The work begins now to shew itself. Many are taking root downward, and bearing fruit upward. Ere long I trust they will fill the land. I am glad the Lord hath opened fresh doors for you, my dear brother. The rams horns are sounding about Jericho; surely the towering walls will at length fall down. But we must have patience. He that believeth, doth not make haste. The rams horns must go round seven times. Our divisions in England have the worst aspect, while they are now united in Wales: but even this shall work for good, and cause the Redeemer’s glory to shine more conspicuous. This is my comfort; “The government is upon his shoulders,” and he is a “wonderful counsellor.”
And whatso’er thou wilt,
Thou dost, thou King of Kings!
What thy unerring wisdom plans
Thy power to being brings.
But where am I running? Pardon me. I am writing to my dear Mr. I——. I rejoice in the expectation of seeing you in town. I hope to be in town at that time, and to enjoy some of our former happy seasons. In the mean while, I salute you from my inmost soul, and desire, as often as opportunity offers, a close correspondence may be kept up between you, and, my dear brother,
Your most affectionate unworthy brother and servant,
G. W.
LETTER DXVI.
To D. T——, in Yorkshire.
London, May 6, 1743.
My dear Brother,
A Day or two ago, I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you, which I find was written some time since, but came not to hand, as I was out of town. Accept my thanks, though late, and let the blessed Jesus be praised, again and again, for causing his children to love and esteem unworthy, hell-deserving me. O, my dear brother, “Love is of God, and he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him.” Glad am I that our Saviour is getting himself the victory in your parts, and that fresh doors are opened for our dear brother I—— to preach the everlasting gospel. I have been just writing to him; and now improve a few moments to send you a line also. Blessed be our glorious Emmanuel, I can tell you of new and glorious conquests made of late. I am but just returned from a circuit of 400 miles in Gloucestershire and South Wales. Dagon hath every where fallen before the ark, and the fields are white ready unto harvest. The congregations were very large, and I was never enabled to preach with greater power. I purpose staying here about a month, and once more to attack the prince of darkness in Moor-fields, when the holidays come. Many precious souls have been captivated with Christ’s love in that wicked place. Jerusalem sinners bring most glory to the Redeemer. Where I shall go next, I cannot yet tell. If my Master should point out the way, a visit to Yorkshire would be very agreeable. Perhaps Exeter and Cornwall may be the next places. That is dry ground. I love to range in such places. O my dear brother, continue to pray for me, and help me to praise the blessed Lamb of God. Indeed I pray for you, and the redeemed sinners, amongst whom you are. That the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls may fill you with all peace and joy in believing, is the hearty prayer of, my dear brother,
Yours most affectionately in Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DXVII.
To Mr. H——.
London, May 21, 1743.
My very dear faithful Friend and Brother,
AFTER watching, and praying, and striving some days for direction and assistance, I now sit down to write you a letter; though I know not well what to say or do. The concern I have felt for you, and my dear family, has had an effect on my body, and increased that weakness, which the season of the year, my constant labours, and continual care upon various accounts, have brought upon me. In the midst of all, my soul I trust grows, and is kept happy in the blessed Jesus. His strength is daily made perfect in my weakness, and I am made more than conqueror through his love. I am somewhat concerned, that scarce any of my letters have reached your hands. I was glad, however, to find, that you had received one dated in May last. Since that, I hope you have received more. I rejoice that our loving Saviour has not permitted you to want. You are his family, and he would not detain me from you, had not he determined to provide for you in my absence. I fear I have been sinfully impatient to come over. I think, I could be sold a slave to serve at the gallies, rather than you and my dear Orphan-family should want. Sometimes my wicked heart has said, “if I know I should have staid so long, I would not have come over to England at all.” But God’s thoughts are not as our thoughts. It is best to be kept at his feet, waiting to know what he would have us to do. By and by we shall know all; ’till then, let us wait patiently; against hope may we believe in hope, and being strong in faith give glory to God. After I have fought the Lord’s battles in Moor-fields these holidays, I think to take a tour into Cornwall and Wales, and perhaps, to Ireland. I have sometimes thought I am detained on purpose to go there. I wonder not at your silence. You may well expect me; but I must not mention it, lest my impatient heart should again say, “Lord, why wilt thou not let me go?” My first fellow-traveller, scarce a day passes without my speaking of, and often praying for you. Old love has revived long since in my soul. I am persuaded, our Lord will reward you even in this life, for your fidelity to unworthy me. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.” While I am writing the fire kindles, and I almost forget my bodily weakness. The Lord be with you. I hear the Spaniards intend a second invasion; but those words still follow and comfort me, “The enemies which you have seen, you shall see no more for ever.” You are the Lord’s family; he will take care of you; fear them not. I have many things to impart, when I see you face to face. ’Till then the Lord Jesus be with your spirit, and grant that you and yours may increase with all the increase of God. In bonds of an eternal friendship, with greater affection than words can well express, I subscribe myself,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER DXVIII.
To Mr. B——.
London, May 21, 1743.
My very dear Brother B——,
LITTLE did I think, when I parted from you at Bethesda, that I should be writing to you at this time in London. But God’s ways are in the great waters, and his footsteps are not known. I have essayed to come to you more than once, or twice; but I believe I can say, “the spirit suffered me not.” In thought I am with you daily; when I shall come in person, our Saviour only knows: perhaps, at an hour which neither you nor I think of. You will see what I have wrote (though in much weakness) to my dear Mr. H——. The present weakness of my body will not suffer me to enlarge much to you; though, was I to follow the inclination of my soul, I should fill up many sheets. My dear brother, I love you unfeignedly in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and heartily thank you for all your works of faith, and the care you have taken of my dear family. Surely our Lord sent you to Bethesda, and however cloudy the prospect may have been for some time, I am persuaded a glorious sunshine will succeed, and you shall yet see the salvation of our God. When our Lord has any thing great to do, he is generally a great while bringing it about, and many unaccountable dark providences generally intervene. Thus it was with Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and all the eminent men of God in the days of old. Thus our Lord is pleased to deal with me, and my affairs. Many precious promises have been given me in respect to myself, my dear family, and the church of Jesus Christ, which I am sure will be fulfilled in due time. I long to be with you, to open our hearts freely, and to tell one another what our good God has done for our souls. Great things has he done for me indeed, and greater things is he yet doing, and about to do. The work of God is likely to spread far and near, and such are daily added to the church as shall be saved. I am employed every moment for the best of Masters, and only lament that I can do no more. For some days, my body has been much indisposed, but not so as to prevent my preaching. As my day is, so is my strength; and as afflictions abound, consolations much more abound. I know that this will lead you to give thanks on my behalf. I am glad when I hear it goes well with you and yours. I am now like St. Paul, who could have no rest, ’till he sent a brother to the church, that he might enquire of their affairs, and know how they did. The person that brings this, loves Jesus in sincerity, and I trust will be a blessing to the house. I would have him employed among the children, or as you and the brethren shall think fit. Our Saviour, I hope, will direct you in every thing. As strength shall permit, I intend writing to Mr. J——. Blessed be God for raising up such dear friends. He never can or will forsake those that put their trust in him. I hope it is well with you and yours. I doubt not but your souls prosper. Mr. A—— writes to his mother, and tells her how you are instant in season and out of season. Go on, my dear brother, thou man of God! and may the Lord make you a spiritual father to thousands. That the Lord of all lords may exceedingly bless you, is the earnest prayer of
Yours most affectionately in Jesus,
G. W.
LETTER DXIX.
To Mr. H——.
London, May 31, 1743.
My dear Mr. H——, Friend and Brother,
ALL last week, do what I would, I could not find freedom to write a line, though I expected our dear brother E——, the bearer of this, to fail every hour. But now I know why he was detained, and I restrained. This morning, to my unspeakable satisfaction, I saw a letter from our dear brother G——, dated April 13th, wherein he acquainted me of the welfare of the dear family, and of another out-pouring of the spirit among you. O! my soul does magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. After this, I expect to hear of another shock: but I know you are the Lord’s, and he will take care of your souls. As Mr. E—— is going on board, I have not time to say half I would. I fear I am sinfully impatient to see you. The time will come by and by. Hasten it, O Lord, if it be thy blessed will! Our Saviour does greater things for me every day. Last Sunday morning, I collected 23l. for the orphans in Moor-fields. It would amaze you to see the great congregations, and wonderful presence of the Lord. Grace! grace! I have paid all that is due in England, and have sent you 25l. by the bearer. God willing, I shall remit you more soon. Pray give my humble respects to dear Mr. J——, and tell him, our Saviour will enable me to pay him all soon with a thousand thanks. I sent you 100l. by my brother’s ship, and a packet of letters. I hope they came safe to hand. But I must have done. Salute my dear family, and believe me to be, though now in great haste, dear man,
Ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER DXX.
To Mr. G——, of Carlisle.
London, June 9, 1743.
My dear Brother,
I Have been prevented by many things from writing to you. I now redeem a few minutes to send you a line. I believe your way is clear to London. The brethren, I am persuaded, will be willing to give you the right-hand of fellowship, since you are determined not to meddle with controversy, or to make adult baptism a bone of contention; but simply to preach Jesus Christ and him crucified. This I think is the only way to propagate the gospel of the grace of God. Our Saviour blesses me in it much, and owns and strengthens me more and more. I have been very weak in body, but every day my strength hath been renewed, and I have been enabled to mount on wings like an eagle. God willing, I shall leave London on Monday next. If I should be out of town, you will be kindly received. Glory be to God, the gospel spreads. I feel myself the chief of sinners. As such, be pleased always to remember to pray for, my dear brother,
Yours most affectionately in Jesus Christ,
G. W.
LETTER DXXI.
To Mr. S——.
Burford, June 15, 1743.
My dear Sir,
I Cannot go any farther without writing you a line. Our Saviour hath dealt most graciously with your unworthy friend. On Monday I experienced some sweet teachings from above, and was so happy, that I thought our Lord was preparing me for some fresh trials. The prospect pleased me much, knowing how all things had already worked together for my good. Yesterday my body was very weary, but my soul happy, and I preached at Fairford; this morning at Glanfield, and just now here. It is dry ground; but the Lord has promised to pour water upon such. He has richly watered my soul. Where I lay, was indeed a Bethel, a gate of heaven. I hope God has been with you. My tender love to dear brother A——s. My fellow-travellers salute you. My love to the Tabernacle people. Their prayers are heard. Grace! grace!
Yours affectionately,
G. W.
LETTER DXXII.
To the same.
Gloucester, June 18, 1743.
My dear Friend,
I Wrote to you from Burford on Wednesday last. My soul was then so exceeding happy, that I want words to express it. Afterwards, we went to Bengeworth, where we came about midnight, and were most heartily received by Mr. S—— and Mr. O——. I was enabled to preach there with such power, that all must confess, God was with us of a truth. We dined very comfortably, and then set out for Gloucester, shouting, Grace! grace! When I arrived, our Saviour was exceeding gracious; and I had so much of heaven in my soul, that I wanted to lie down any where to praise my God. I preached here early the next morning, then rode to Cheltenham, and returned hither in the afternoon, and preached in the evening. This morning I preached again, and received your second welcome letter. I thank you for it. I could write much of the love and abiding happiness I have in Christ: but I have many letters lying unanswered before me. Adieu at present. The Lord be with you and yours. Salute all the brethren. Forget not to pray for, my dear friend,
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER DXXIII.
To the same.
Gloucester, June 21, 1743.
ON Saturday I answered your two last letters. Our Saviour sent me to Gloucester for wise ends. Much substantial good has been done to several of the society. My mouth and heart were greatly opened in preaching. Saturday evening was a time much to be remembered. Sunday, was a great day of the Son of Man. I preached at Gloucester in the morning, and near Stroud in the evening. The word was clothed with much power, both for sinners and saints. I think the congregation at Hampton was rather greater than ever. At night we had a precious meeting in Hampton-house garden; the house itself being too small to hold the people without almost stifling them. The simplicity, sweetness, and broken-heartedness of the poor souls would have melted your heart. Indeed, much grace was upon them, and many, I believe, to their unspeakable consolation, heard the voice of the Lord God in the trees of the garden in the cool of the day. On Monday morning I preached again, and came away rejoicing. Whilst I was at Hampton, J. C—— told me, how he and the people had been abused. My coming at this time, I believe, has much strengthened the persecuted. Indeed there is a glorious work in Gloucestershire. Brother C—— is truly a great soul! one of the weak things that God has chosen to confound the strong. In my journey from Hampton hither, our dear Master was graciously with us. We have blessed news from Scotland. Brave news also from Pembrokeshire. Surely the kingdom of the Lord and his Christ is coming on apace. I know you say, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.”
Ever, ever yours,
G. W.
P. S. I must acquaint you, by way of postscript, of the following anecdote of the old Mr. Cole, a most venerable dissenting minister; whom I was always taught to ridicule, and (with shame I write it) used, when a boy, to run into his meeting-house, and cry, Old Cole! old Cole! old Cole! Being asked once by one of his congregation, what business I would be of? I said, “a minister, but I would take care never to tell stories in the pulpit, like the old Cole.” About twelve years afterwards, the old man heard me preach in one of the churches at Gloucester; and on my telling some story to illustrate the subject I was upon, having been informed what I had before said, made this remark to one of his elders, “I find that young Whitefield can now tell stories, as well as old Cole.” Being affected much with my preaching, he was as it were become young again, and used to say, when coming to and returning from Barn, “These are days of the Son of Man indeed!” nay, he was so animated, and so humbled, that he used to subscribe himself my Curate, and went about preaching after me in the country, from place to place. But one evening, whilst preaching, he was struck with death, and then asked for a chair to lean on ’till he concluded his sermon, when he was carried up stairs and died. O blessed God! if it be thy holy will, may my exit be like his!
LETTER DXXIV.
To the same.
Gloucester, June 27, 1743.
FULL of divine consolations, and at the same time, I trust, deeply sensible of my own vileness, I have just arose from the throne of grace, where I have been laying yours, my own, and the affairs of the whole church, before our common Father and our God. He was pleased to give me sweet access, and to assure me, that if he gave me his presence, he would freely give me all things; but I must wait his time and season, because that will be better for me. I have therefore just now put my soul, as a blank, into the hands of Jesus Christ my Redeemer, and desired him to write upon it what he pleases. I know it will be his own image. Methinks I hear you say, Amen. I know you do from your heart; for I believe you love me in the bowels of Jesus Christ, as I do you, God knoweth. Our Saviour, by his wise providence has prevented our receiving each others letters so soon as we expected. I preached Tuesday last in the evening at Bristol, and on Wednesday twice; and once at Kingswood.—On Thursday in the morning I preached there also, and afterwards went to Bath, where I was most cordially received by Mr. C——, and one Dr. H——, a christian physician, and Lady C——. Here our Saviour gave me fresh hints, that if I would stand still and wait his time and way, he would make even my enemies to be at peace with me. I returned in the evening to Bristol, and preached. I think it was this day the news came of his Majesty’s fighting, and coming off conqueror. I had observed for some time past, when praying for him, whether I would or not, out came this petition, “Lord, cover thou his head in the day of battle.” Tho’ even while I was praying, I wondered why I prayed so, not knowing that he was gone to Germany to fight. This gave me fresh confidence towards God. I spent almost the whole day on Friday in retirement, and prayer. My house was made a Bethel to me indeed, the very gate of heaven. Saturday I preached again, and found in the day-time our Saviour had blessed my endeavours to some souls. About three in the afternoon we set out for Wiltshire. On Sunday I preached at Brinkworth, on these words: “Thy Maker is thy husband.” It was a day of espousals I believe to many. God was with us of a truth. After sermon, I rode to Longley, in company with many dear children of God, who attended me both on horseback and on foot. We sung, and looked like persons that had been at a spiritual wedding. The Lord helped me in preaching there also. All was quiet. In the evening I preached at Tetherton, and a blessed time it was. We rode like as the children of Israel passing through the enemies country. Afterwards we set out for Hampton, and reached there about midnight. After having travelled about thirty miles, I yet preached thrice. This morning I arose like a giant refreshed with wine, and came hither about eleven. I found my mother recovered from her illness, and my own soul filled and blessed in Christ. O grace! how sweet is it? I am glad you are thirsting after an abiding in God, after greater degrees of knowledge, both of yourself, and of Jesus Christ, whom to know is life eternal. In order to this, you must expect many trials, and well it is to be under the discipline of so tender a Master. I know you will pray to the Lord to make and keep me humble. I recommend you to his care, and wish you all the blessings of the everlasting covenant, from
Yours,
G. W.
LETTER DXXV.
To the Same.
Bristol, July 2, 1743.
I Wrote to you on Saturday, and on Monday from Gloucester. I suppose you have wrote to Trevecka. Words cannot express how good our blessed Saviour has been to me, since I wrote last. I preached there on Monday night, and Tuesday morning. The God of love filled my soul, and enabled me to speak of his love with great power. Many felt it also. On Tuesday after morning sermon I went to Abergavenny; Jesus was with me on the road; and we reached there about ten at night. On Wednesday I went to Trevecka, where I met with a whole troop of Jesu’s witnesses. I had some hours by myself, and shed many tears of love before the Lord. At five in the evening, I preached to a larger congregation than ever I had seen at Trevecka. Jesus was with us of a truth, and I felt the power of that blood upon my own soul, which I was recommending to others. After I had done, brother H——l D—— and R—— preached and prayed. The holy spirit came down, especially when the latter preached, in a plentiful manner.—About eight we opened the association with great solemnity. Our Saviour was much with me, teaching and helping me to fill my place in a particular manner. The brethren felt the same. About midnight we adjourned; but several of the brethren sat up all night, and ushered in the morning with prayer and praise. About eight we met again, and were greatly delighted at the different and simple accounts the superintendents brought in of their respective societies. Some of their accounts were very particular, as to the state of the people’s souls; and several had gone off most triumphantly to glory. We continued doing business ’till two in the afternoon, and broke up with much solemnity and holy joy. Our Saviour kept the new-wine ’till last, and gave us a sweet parting blessing. We had great union with one another. Indeed, Jesus has done great things for Wales. The work is much upon the advance. I was surprized to find so much order. Brother H—— D—— has been blessed to the conversion of a young clergyman, Rector of St. B——, London. About five in the evening I returned to Abergavenny, and preached there on Friday morning, and afterwards set out for Bristol, where we arrived about eight in the evening. My house, friends, &c. were made a great blessing to the soul of,
Ever yours,
G. W.
LETTER DXXVI.
To Mrs. D——.
Bristol, July 9, 1743.
Dear Madam,
HAVING no time to answer your request concerning the Hampton mob, I herewith send you a letter, which I have just now received from my dear fellow-labourer, who is the principal object of their fury. This young confessor, some few years ago came out of curiosity to hear me, when first I preached upon Hampton Common, in Gloucestershire. Being converted himself, he found himself impelled to strengthen his brethren. God has owned him much in Hampton, and the adjacent country, in calling by him many poor sinners to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. How satan rages upon the account, you’ll see in the inclosed, to which you are referred by, dear Madam,
Yours, &c.
G. W.
A Letter from Mr. A——, to the Rev. Mr. W——.
Hampton, July 8, 1743.
Honoured and very dear Sir,
BLESSED be the dear Jesus, he hath brought me safe hither. He was also with me on the road, and I am persuaded, that whatsoever sufferings I am to pass through here, all shall work together for good; for Jesus is and will be with me. The mob has breathed out many threatenings against me; but Jesus is greater than all, and I am persuaded he’ll let them find him so. I rode all down the town without the least molestation, only many cried, (but silently as it were) “O, he is come home!” which was a surprizing thing to them; for a gentleman had affirmed, that he saw me in prison. I have been walking up the town, without any disturbance; but the mob, they say, continue more and more exasperated. We expect them soon. They generally apprize one another, by ringing a bell. The whole mob consist of about an hundred: but Jesus keeps me without the least fear, and at the same time gives me quietly to wait on him for direction, how to act. A few of the dear disciples are by me. We have been praying together, and the Lord is with us. I believe death in its ugliest shapes would not be terrible to some here, at least I think so of myself; and when I look to the faithfulness of my Saviour, I can loudly say, “As my day is, so my strength shall be.” Many of the people of the town have been with me, to tell me the respect they have for me, and how much they are concerned for the abuse that has been given us. I believe all will be well by and by. At the same time, I believe your coming might be much blessed to that end. I must conclude; but I think to give you a farther account on Monday, if our Saviour pleases. In the mean time, I heartily beg an interest in your prayers, and the whole society with you. Tell them, O tell them, to get ready for suffering, by cleaving close to the Lamb, rooted and grounded in him: withal please to give my kind love and service to them for Jesu’s sake, and be pleased to accept the same your dear self, and many thanks for all the tokens of unfeigned love conferred on
Your unworthy brother and servant,
T. A.
LETTER DXXVII.
To Mrs. D——.
Bristol, July 14, 1743.
My dear Madam,
NOT doubting but you wait with impatience for dear Mr. A——’s promised second letter, after having just read it once over, I herein inclose it; having only time to beg the continuance of your prayers, and to desire you to send this with the former, as soon as possible, to
Yours, &c.,
G. W.
July 11, 1743.
Honoured Sir,
I Promised in my last to write to you again, and to let you know more particularly of our persecutions, which are as follow. On Saturday after I wrote to you, I met the society, and after we had sung an hymn, came brother I——, with my dear wife from Bristol. They came into the society and sat down, while I exhorted them to stedfastness and patience under the cross. They seemed much strengthened, and ready for any suffering; for God was with us. After that, I desired brother I—— to pray, which he did. After that I prayed in faith, and was enabled to plead Christ’s promises to his church; though we are but a little branch. I had not prayed long, but many of us were persuaded, he would never leave or forsake us. In every prayer we asked direction how to act. I was persuaded, the only way to still the mob, was, not to resist or fly from them, but to give myself up wholly to them, and let them do all that the Lord should permit: for the more we had drawn back, the more our adversaries rejoiced, and vowed they would and should put an end to preaching in Hampton. The mob, which consisted of near an hundred, were now about the house, making a terrible noise, and swearing prodigiously. I went down to them and opened the door, and asking them what they wanted. I told them, if they wanted my life, I was willing to deliver it up for Jesus’s sake; but withal I desired to know, why they either disturbed me or sought my life? For I did not know I had given them any just cause for either. Some of them said, I had, by bringing in false doctrine, and impoverishing the poor. I told them, that they could prove neither, and that it was really false. They seemed something at a stand; when about five of them begun to be more exasperated, and took me, in order to throw me into a lime pit. I told them, they need not force me, for I was willing to suffer, though unjustly, for Jesus’s sake. But while they were pushing me along, some neighbours took me in their arms and carried me into one of their houses; so I was delivered out of their hands. On sabbath-day morning about twenty of the society met again. We spent the morning in prayer. In the evening I preached, and had uncommon strength and courage given me from the Lord, so that death in its ugliest shapes did not at all terrify me. About five in the afternoon we met in my house. I first exhorted them to keep their minds close to the Lord, and if the mob came, not at all to resist, but to make way for them to come to me, and let them do what the Lord would permit. I then prayed and sung that hymn, “Our lives, our blood, &c.” When we had so done, in came the mob, demanding me to come down. I asked, by what authority they did so? They swore they would have me. Then said I, so you shall. So they took me to the lime pit, and threw me in. But O what a power of God fell on my soul! I thought, with Stephen, the heavens opened to my sight, and the Lord Jesus was ready, if I had died, to receive me. I believe my undaunted courage shook some. I told them, I should meet them at the judgment, and then their faces would gather paleness. They let me out, and I came home and kneeled down with the people that were there, and prayed to, and praised God. After that, I exhorted from the three first verses of the third chapter of the first epistle of John. And when I was just concluding, in came the mob again, and took me to a brook to throw me in there. One, who was a persecutor but a few days before, endeavoured to hinder them; but they took me away, and led me all up the town. I had a sweet walk, and talked and reasoned with the persecutors all the way. My heart was full of love. Before I had gone far, all but one agreed to let me go back again, but he insisted upon my going. I told them, the law was open against them, nevertheless I was willing to suffer any thing for Christ. Then they told me, if I would forbear preaching but for a month, they would let me go; I told them, I would make no such promise. So forward I went. One of them threw me in, and I went to the bottom, but I came up again, with my hands clasped together. I did not desire to come out, till they fetched me. Accordingly, in jumped one or two of them and took me out; but then one maliciously and cowardly pushed me in again, and much bruised and cut one of my legs against a stone. Some of the others were going to throw him in for so doing. I came home talking to them. Many seemed to repent of what they had done, and promised to molest me no more. I believe, God has smote some of their consciences. One who was the chief, and would not agree that I should go back, I hear by several, he says he will in no wise touch me again. Many advise us to prosecute them; but if they are quiet, I am content, and can say from my heart, “Father, forgive them.” I should be glad if you would be here next Sunday. In the mean time pray for me, who am,
Your unworthy brother and servant,
T. A.