"At my first coming to Gloucester, being used to visit the prisoners at Oxford, I prayed most earnestly that God would open a door for me to visit the prisoners here also. Quickly after, I dreamed that one of the prisoners came to be instructed by me; and it was impressed much upon my heart. In the morning I went to the door of the county gaol. I knocked, but nobody came to open it. I thought the hour was not yet come. I waited still upon God in prayer, and in some months after came a letter from a friend at Oxford, desiring me to go to one Pebworth, who was broken out of Oxford gaol, and was retaken at Gloucester.[45] As soon as I read this letter, it appeared to me that my prayer was now answered. Immediately I went to the prison, assuredly gathering that the Lord called me thither. I met with the person, and, finding him and some others willing to hear the word of God, and having gained leave of the keeper and two ordinaries, I constantly read to and prayed with them every day I was in town. I also begged money for them, whereby I was enabled to release some of them, and cause provisions to be distributed weekly amongst them, as also to put such books into their hands as I judged most proper. I cannot say any one of the prisoners was effectually wrought upon; however, much evil was prevented, many were convinced, and my own soul was much edified and strengthened in the love of God and man. [45] This escaped prisoner is referred to in the following letter, written at the time to Wesley, in Georgia:-- "REV. SIR,--At length, I have an opportunity of writing to my spiritual father in Christ. I must first acquaint you that I am not yet returned to Oxford. God hath opened to me a door into our Castle. The manner of it was a little surprising. A youth broke out of Oxford prison, under strong convictions of sin, and was apprehended here again. Mr. Broughton heard of it, and bid me visit him. I went, and so have continued reading to the prisoners ever since. "God has been pleased, in some measure, to succeed my labours here; and I hope, in time, we shall have a set of _altogether Christians_. The Holy Spirit seems to be moving on the hearts of some young ladies. One I observed quickened in an instant, who immediately set out for Carmarthen, and, I believe, continues steadfast amidst a world of temptations. Here are others, also, that seem to have some pangs of the new birth. A young country lad came to me the other day, and brought me a peck of apples, seven miles, on his back, as a token of gratitude for benefits received, under God, by my hands. He has such a sense of the Divine Presence, that he walks, for the most part, with his hat off.