Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A., late of Pembroke-College, Oxford, and Chaplain to the Rt. Hon. the Countess of Huntingdon (1771 Volume 2).djvu/33

 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 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 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 and his  is coming on apace. I know you say, "Come,, 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 af