Page:Anecdotes of singular and remarkable conversions.pdf/18

Rh agreed to mingle with the crowd, and stop for a few minutes to laugh and mock at the preacher and people. We were but just entered the chapel when you, Sir, read the note requesting the prayers of the congregation for an afflicted widow’s profligate son. I heard it with a sensation I cannot express. I was struck to the heart: and though I had no idea that I was the very individual meant, I felt the bitterness expressed of widow’s heart who had a child so wicked as  knew myself. My mind was instantly solemnized. I could not laugh: my attention was rivited on the preacher. I heard prayer and sermon with an impression very different from what had carried me into the chapel.— From that moment the gospel truths penetrated my heart. I joined congregation, and cried to God in Christ  mercy, and found peace in believing; became my mother’s comfort as I had long been her heavy cross; and through grace have ever since continued in the good ways of the Lord. An opening having lately been made for an settlement in my own country, I came hither with my excellent mother, and for some time  have endeavoured to dry up the widow’s  which I had so caused to flow, and to be  comfort and support of her old age, as I had  the torment and affliction of her former. We live, together in the enjoyment of every mercy, hapdyhappy [sic], and thankful, and every day I acknowledge the kind hand of my Lord that ever led me to the the Spa-Fields chapel.”

Doctor was called the searching preacher. Preaching once at Warborough, near Oxford, a man was so much affected with his first prayer, that he ran hone, and desired his wife