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/44

 evening I preached on Southean-hay to upwards of ten thousand; 'twas just like a Moor-fields congregation. was with us of a truth. The people were very desirous of my longer continuance here; but so many things concurred to call me to London, that after close application to the throne of grace, and consultation with my friends, I am determined, willing, to leave Exeter to-morrow morning, and to preach with Mr. D in my way to town. I find I am in my element, when evangelizing. Our Saviour fills my heart with his presence, and has in a particular manner prepared the people's hearts in the West for receiving the gospel-message. He keeps me happy and chearful amidst all my various trials, for which I pray you to join in thanksgiving with Your affectionate friend, &c. G. W.    LETTER DXXXIII. To Mr. H, at Gloucester.

London, Aug. 20, 1743.

My dear Mr. H,

HOW wonderfully does our all-wise Redeemer order things for the trial of his children! Alas! alas! how apt are they to judge, censure, and be needlessly prejudiced against each other. Being weak in body, and under great concern of mind upon several accounts, I desired dear Mr. G to acquaint you, that in our last association we agreed not to separate from the established church, but go on in our usual way. Indeed, the motion to separate, was only made by a very few of more contracted principles. By far the greater part most strenuously opposed it, and with good reason; for as we enjoy such great liberty under the mild and gentle government of his present Majesty king George, we think we can do him, our country, and the cause of, more service in ranging up and down, preaching repentance towards and faith in our, to those multitudes who would neither come into church or meeting, but who are led by curiosity to follow us into the fields. However disorderly this may seem to bigots of every denomination, yet it is a way to which has affixed his seal for many years past, and