XXV. The Epistles Of The Dawn Of The Revival At Loughor

The letters of Evan Roberts in this chapter and the next treat upon the chief incidents of the fortnight at Loughor. Notwithstanding that some of them go over the same events, we publish them in full. This is the most efficient means to show his state of mind in these weeks. Anyone who will read these carefully will be convinced that their author knew what he was about, and was serious and balanced in his mind. The keen observation, the corroboration between the letters, the high intelligence, and the depth of spiritual sympathy displayed in them is the best proof we can have that the Revivalist was not a religious fanatic or anything of the kind. Mr. Sydney Evans, his colleague, felt lonely after him at Newcastle Emlyn, and wrote to him the day after he left. The letters that passed between them form this chapter. Ty Llwyd, Newcastle-Emlyn, Tuesday morning, Nov. 1st, 1904. DEAR ROBERTS, I had thought that possibly l would get a word from you this morning. They are rather anxcious concerning you here. It was with tears that Ann spoke of you last night. We had a glorious meeting on Monday evening. Heaven smiled upon us. The first meeting was closed in the usual way, but none were prepared to leave. I said that I would like to get another meeting, and we had a meeting! There was some intensity in it that is seldom experienced. Pray for the meeting on Wednesday night, also on behalf of Jones, Blaenanerch. His feelings are very broken. He is groping in the darkness. He was with me for some time on Monday evening, but the light has not dawned upon him yet. Pray for him I am going to Blaenanerch on Sunday. Pray for me. I do not want to go alone. God be with you. This in brief, Your brother in Christ, Syd. Island House, Loughor, Nov 2nd, 1904 Dear Sir, — I am very glad to have such good news from you. Thank Heaven for giving you strength and courage to stand up to say you would like to go to another meeting. Why should Ann weep on my account? Does she fear I am losing my senses? If so, she need have no anxiety, neither need she trouble about my health — that is in a very good state. Satan gave me a great deal of trouble yesterday. He asked me what need was there for me to come up from Newcastle-Emlyn to Loughor to hold Revival meetings, while there were plenty of ministers. Why should I waste time? But, by now, I see that he has cause to fear, for his kingdom is beginning to totter. On Monday afternoon I went up to see Mr. Francis, but be was not at home. And I am going to see him this morning that he may to-night invite the young people to come up Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. I visited your house yesterday afternoon. Your mother came to the door, and was surprised to see me. She thought my ghost was there, but she soon saw otherwise. She was joyful as usual. All were in perfect health. She rejoiced to see me, and to hear about you. I told her that you had a strong desire to come up to Libanus to work. I shall call there again before returning. I had a letter this morning from New Quay. Nothing but good news. Another sister has broken out again, and it was glorious there. My arrival up here was unexpected; but still it has been fruitful in blessings. I began a family altar here Monday night. And last night it was late when I arrived home from David Jones’s house — about twelve o’clock — they had held the service. Mary read, and Dan prayed. My sister is going to erect a family altar. The beginning of the meetings has been grand. There were eighteen (including me) in Monday night’s meeting. Sixteen stood up to confess Christ. Praise Him! The other was a little girl. Hence you see that the Spirit is working with power. I opened the service by explaining my object, and showing how to get the Spirit. The Spirit was clearly helping me. I prayed three times during the service. We came out of the meeting at ten o’clock, and no one was tired. One very young woman remarked, “I thought it was only nine o’clock.” Very good. The testimony of others was, “We have never had such meetings before.” David Jones’s feelings were such on Monday night that be could not speak to me about Daniel. I can assure you that the Spirit’s influence is already powerful over these people. We had a glorious meeting in Pisgah last night. Six more confessed. So, twenty-three have confessed, and one young girl that was not a member before. Last night’s service was left in the Spirit’s hand, and by taking careful note I saw that which the Spirit wished to teach, namely, obedience. No one tired. Praise Him! We hope to get new testimonies to-night. Mary has begun to pray. Chester Morgan was better after confessing. Alice Gray was weeping throughout the meeting. Very good. Yea, and praise God! The power of the Blood! David Jones said he was able to live better on Tuesday after confessing. And Tuesday morning, for the first time in his life-time, he had to fall on his knees by the chair on the hearth. His wife, too, could not keep from praying. Praise Him! Praise Him! Continue to remember us. Kind regards to the boys and girls, and our family there. E. J. R. Ty Llwyd, Ebenezer Street, Newcastle-Emlyn, Friday Night. Nov. 5th, 1904. DEAR EVAN, I am very grateful to you for your kind letter, and I thank heaven for its contents. For myself, my feelings are in a strangely mingled state. I know not exactly what to do. I feel very lonely here myself. But I am perfectly willing to bear this, if the Lord wills to have you at Loughor. I find Davies, Llanddewi, a dear companion He does his best to comfort me. We had a glorious meeting Wednesday night. It was left entirely in the Spirit’s hand, and He did lead, too. Several of the girls prayed, and I felt that they prayed with real effect. The Spirit has laid hold on some of them, and means to use them to some great purposes. Yesterday I went to the Monthly Meeting at Llangranog with Glyn and Davies, but especially with Jesus, and we had a most happy time. The preaching was unusually powerful there. It was clear to me that the Spirit was behind and strengthening the ministers. I shall never forget the services. We held a prayer-meeting there before the six o’clock service, and Heaven smiled upon us. I shall give you an account of it all when you return. They do not intend holding the Closygraig meeting on Tuesday night. It seems that the company from New Quay are unable to come. There is a Fair at Cardigan next Thursday, and we intend going there to hold an open-air meeting. Morgans, Blaenanerch, is coming with us. We are going to have a wonderful time there. I pray very much that it shall be so. Do you pray too. Since yesterday I am fuller than ever of a spirit to work for Jesus, and more determined to adhere to Him. The people at Phillips’s wish to be remembered by you, and greatly wish you success. Pray for Jones, Blaenanerch. He is still in darkness. Also for Sarah Jane Esau. She, too, longs to come to the light. I spent some time with Mrs. Thomas to-night. She was pleased to hear about you. We always remember you, and exhort each other to do so. Has there a change taken place in my father? Find out when you go up. Pray for our success in the Fair that the name of Christ may be glorified. I re-addressed a letter from Elsie Phillips, London, to you this morning I received one myself yesterday. Your brother, Syd. Write back soon. Island House, Loughor, Nov. 5th, 1904 DEAR SYD, — I wish I had time to write you a word every day. I feel a strong desire to do so, but, to tell you the truth, my time is too scarce. I am from home from morn till night, and there is no thought of going to bed before one or two o’clock in the morning. It is good to have quiet to speak of these things with calmness and freedom, and not have to be like mice watching the cats. At the beginning of the week, Mary, my sister, was going to bed before I came home, but now, the bed is out of the question until I arrive and she does not think of going to bed until I go, lest she lose these glorious things. And, Oh! I am glad of the letter I had from Mr. Williams, the guard. It gives me great strength to think that so many are praying on my behalf. Last Thursday night in the Society Mr. David Davies called upon me to take charge of the meeting. Now, I was at a loss what to do. I asked the Spirit to lead us. Then I called upon someone to begin the service. John Hughes came forward. Now before Davies had called upon me, I had asked John Hughes to begin without being called by anyone; and I promised to pray for him. My dear Sydney, talk of praying — that was praying. The Spirit was with him in power — extraordinarily so. I then stood up to catechize the children in their verses. Upon this Mr. Jones came in. He had been to the Monthly Meeting. After hearing their verses, I gave the children the message I received from the Spirit. This is the message. The children were to learn this prayer, ‘Send the Spirit to Moriah for Jesus Christ’s sake.’ They soon learned it willingly. I then asked them if they would pray this player night and morning. Answer, “Yes.” “Will you teach this prayer to the children who are absent?” “Yes.” That was a Society, in which silence reigned, boy! There’s attention! There’s effect! And, Oh what a large gathering, and all because the Spirit was working. These meetings are talked of in Brynteg Church. And Thomas Shephard has been convinced. I believe Tommy is to be an instrument in the Spirit’s hand to set Brynteg on fire. I have spoken to him twice. The first time I spoke to him the tears came into his eyes, and he said, “Excuse my crying” “Oh,” said I, “never mind at all. We are familiar with tears.” And last night he was weeping and crying aloud like a child, when I related the account of the work of the Holy Spirit, and at the thought of his own pitiable condition. There were three young men from Brynteg, one from Horeb, and some from Penuel, at Moriah last night, I cannot and desire not to prevent them. I said that this was to be a meeting for young people. But the old people came too. Francis and his wife have been twice, and both have confessed Christ. I called with him on Wednesday. I intended to stay only three or five minutes, but I was obliged to stay over three hours, and the Spirit gave me strength to speak almost without a break throughout this time. Francis is under deep feeling. We had a meeting there. I prayed Francis followed in broken feelings. After this, I asked God to give strength to the sister to pray. Our prayer was answered at once. She engaged in prayer. My dear boy, she prayed gloriously. After this, I gave thanks to God in prayer for the meeting. That night I went to Libanus to speak of this. The people of Libanus came to Moriah, and they continue to come. Oh! yes, I must tell you this now, lest I forget. I had a vision last Thursday morning. Here it is. Near me I could see a candle burning, and casting its light around. Far away in the distance, I could see a sun rising. And, Oh! what a sight it was. Not a winter nor an autumn sun, nor the sun of spring, but the sun of a summer’s morn. Well, there was something divine in it. Its beams were like long arms, extending across the heavens. And the candle continued to burn. There were three or four inches of the candle unburnt. Now, Syd, what is the meaning of this? Turn to interpret. It is quite simple. Day is at hand. This is the beginning of a Revival. But, Oh! the great sun of the Revival is near at hand. Dear Syd, — I have been to Loughor after writing the above. I have been a blessing, and have been blessed since then. I got one boy to promise to pray for his father — he and his two little brothers. The blessing I had was this — A gipsy accosted me with these words, “Good evening, sir.” The word “Sir” went to my heart I answered “Good evening” only, when I ought to have said, “Good evening, madam” I felt a wave of love for my fellow-men flowing into my soul. And now, when I meet them, I address them as “Sir” and “Madam”. Praise God. I passed the football field, and I said, “Oh! that God would thunder over their heads.” A glorious week, the Spirit working with power. This is the plan — We begin by asking someone to read, another to give out a hymn, and another to pray. Then I say a few words. This is what is said every night: — 1. We must confess before God every sin in our past life that has not been confessed. 2. We must remove anything that is doubtful in our lives. 3. Total Surrender. We must say and do all that the Spirit tells us. 4. Make a public confession of Christ. That is the plan that the Spirit revealed to me. Sixty-five have stood up to confess Christ, and the effect in their lives is, some strange joy within them, their lives are purer, and a desire to say more of Jesus, and do more for him. This is the song of the girls now — religion. That is the question, “How do you feel?” Religion from morn till night. Many of the differences that people had between themselves have been removed. I wish I could write more. I am going to see your family. Your mother and three brothers have confessed Christ. Praise God! This, with kindest regards, EVAN. I would I had time to write to Williams, but time is scarce. My best respects to him, and Phillips’s family, and all the boys. I have just been to the post to send a long letter to Elsie, hoping Heaven’s blessing will be upon it. Continue to pray for me. Francis wants me to stay a week in Libanus. What shall I do? Do you feel ready to come to Libanus? If you do, say so. (On the envelope outside —“Pray, Pray”) Island House, Loughor, Nov. 7th, 1904 DEAR SYD, — I know not what to write. I am almost too full. My heart is full, and brimming over with joy. Dear boy, the Holy Spirit descended in power at Moriah Sunday night — or rather Monday morning — between twelve and one o’clock. I am certain of four who have been baptised, and I am not absolutely sure about one other person. It is likely that she, too, has been abundantly blessed. These are the persons — (1) David Jones (Daniel’s brother), (2) Alice Uray, (3) Catherine, my sister; (4) Elizabeth Rees (Phrampton Road), (5) Miss Harries (William Harries’s sister) I am not quite certain about the last, but she said she felt rather full, and that she could not contain more — but many have felt so. It was a wonderful and awful meeting, boy. The service was closed at ten minutes past one. The services finish later and later as they proceed. Monday night, Tuesday night, and Wednesday night, a little past ten. Thursday night, about eleven o’clock, Friday night, half-put eleven, Saturday night, twenty minutes past twelve. Sunday night, ten minutes past one (or, rather, Monday morning). And by the end of this week we shall be staying until daybreak! One thing that gives me great joy is the fact that so many from the other denominations come to us, and some from the Established Church. Very good. Yes, brother, they, too, need the fire (but, remember, last night they started coming). The results of last week’s work are almost incredible. Peace has been made between many. The girls that used to talk in chapel during the service have become serious. All day Sunday everything was a silent as the grave, “the children,” to use Mr. Hammon’s phrase, “as quiet as angels”. Many muddy pools have been disturbed by the flow of this new water. The effects of the confessing are marvellous. Peace has been made between many. A large number have already confessed. And Hugh Jones has confessed. He was backsliding, But I rejoice that he has been caught by the Spirit, “Since fifty years ago,” said Hugh, “I have never seen anything like it. And I hope now that I shall have strength to hold to the end.” Some have stood up to confess Christ for the first time, and they feel they have some joy never experienced before. For instance, at the close of the Sunday morning’s service I asked if any one was desirous of confessing Christ. Two of the sisters stood up, Mrs. Edwards (John Edwards’s widow) and Mrs. Parry Davies (Mary Party). And in the evening service, she said she felt better since the morning service. And last night, I went about asking some if they desired to confess Christ, and trying to help them a little. During this time, Mary Parry was on her feet, handkerchief in hand, leading the singing — the people, it seems, singing too slowly to please her. Before, she was quiet and retired, but she is completely changed. Praise God! I can scarcely do anything now, but praise Him. Some lad stood up last night to confess Christ — a lad who had a marked impediment in his speech. And, Oh! what an effect he had on the congregation. He was asking, “P-p- p-p-p-r-r-r-r-ay-ay-f-f-f-o-o-o-o-r-r-r-m-m-m-m-me.” My dear boy, there’s an effect! The place streamed with tears “Pray for me.” And pray I did that moment that God would answer him and baptise him with the Holy Spirit. After the service had continued until it was twelve o’clock, I said I was not satisfied with it, and that we must get the blessing, even if it were necessary to stay down until daybreak. I said that we would have to “strive with heaven”. Then the people came down from the gallery, and sat close to one another. “Now,” said I, “we must believe that the Spirit will come, not think He will come; not hope He will come, but firmly believe that He will come.” Then I read the promises of God, and pointed out how definite they were (Remember, I am doing all under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and Praise be to Him) After this, the Spirit said that every one was to pray. Pray now, not confess, not sing, not give experiences, but pray and believe, and wait. And this is the prayer, “Send the Spirit now, for Jesus Christ’s sake” The people were sitting and only closed then eyes. The prayer began with me. Then it went from seat to seat — boys and girls — young men and maidens. Some asking in silence, some aloud, some coldly, some with warmth, some formally, some in tears, some with difficulty, some adding to it, boys and girls, strong voices, then tender voices. Oh, wonderful! I never thought of such an effect. I felt the place beginning to be filled, and before the prayer had gone half-way through the chapel, I could hear some brother weeping, sobbing, and saying, “O dear, dear.” “Well, well” “O dear, dear.” On went the prayer, the feeling becoming more intense, the place being filled more and more I then went to see the brother, and who should it be but David Jones! “ What is the matter?” said I, “Oh he answered, “I have had something wonderful.” After this, he said that he felt his heart was too large for his bosom. I told him, “There, you have had the Holy Spirit.” “I hope so.” said he. The prayer had then ended its journey, but not its message. “Shall we ask again for more?” “No,’’ said David Jones. He had had as much as he could hold. But there were others, who had not had enough, and I said that brother Jones had had enough, but that we could go on to ask for more, and that Jones could ask God to with-hold, if necessary. God can give and withhold Then we added to the prayer, “Send the Spirit more powerfully, for Jesus Christ’s sake.” The prayer begins its journey And, Oh! with what effect! The Spirit was coming nearer and nearer all the while. On this journey, the Spirit descended upon two sisters. And, Oh! it descended with power. They were shouting aloud — shouting as I never heard anyone shout before. The prayer was not allowed to end its journey around. The people were in a circle around them. There was a sight! The people looked amazed and terrified, while I smiled, saying, “Oh, there is no danger.” After a few minutes, the two sisters regained their composure, and Catherine said, “Sing now.” And “Praise Him” was sung, but I fear there was but little real praising, for the people were so amazed at the sight. Then some young brother began to sing “May Thy blessing” and the meeting came to a close. And on the way out, Elizabeth Rees broke out into weeping, being filled with the Spirit, and would have fallen had not some of the friends held her. I know not what the end of this week will be. I intend staying here for another week Mr. Francis beseeches me not to go back upon any account, since that would only be leaving good work half done. This will be the plan this week — everyone to pray individually for the Spirit — “Send the Spirit now, for Jesus Christ’s sake.” Could not you make use of this plan and the four things (mentioned in the previous letter) at Bethel? Ask the people to confess Christ. You stand up yam self, then Jones, Williams, Mag, etc. Say that you will have the Holy Spirit down. Very well. A “Young Women’s Prayer-meeting” was formed in Moriah last Sunday afternoon I was alone with them. I would have been glad to have David Jones But the Spirit said I had better not. Every one of them prayed — about 25 girls — asking Him to bless the meeting, or asking for the Spirit, or praising Him. There will be a glorious place here before long. Pardon all the untidiness with the writing. Here is the body, but a ragged dress. Kind regards to you all, and Heaven’s blessing upon you, E.J.R. P. S. — Be resolved to have the Spirit at Bethel, Let the children of Bethel learn this player — “Send the Spirit to Bethel, for the sake of Jesus Christ,” Ask Elsie Phillips to write to you, for you to get her experience. Went to bed to-day at 3:15. It is improving. We believe there is going to be a powerful meeting to-night (On the envelope outside — “Pray, Oh pray earnestly for us.’’) Newcastle-Emlyn, Wednesday Morning, November 9th, 1904. DEAR EVAN, I know not exactly what to write to you after what I have heard from you. I am glad that our prayers are being answered so soon and so completely, if anything, more completely than I had expected. But there, nothing is too much to expect for His name’s sake. And I myself am now expecting to see Wales on fire praising Him. You will pardon me for not writing to you sooner. I have been away since Saturday morning, and I did not return until last night (or one o’clock this morning), and I am going away again until Friday. I went to Cardigan on Saturday, and spoke to the children there. They are praying earnestly for you. From there, I went to Blaenanerch, and there I stayed until Tuesday. I had a never-to-be forgotten service at Blaenanerch on Sunday night, the Spirit was powerful upon me and upon the congregation. I nearly lost myself completely throughout the sermon, but at the close, I lost myself while trying to bring home to the people the importance and consequence of venturing into eternity without Jesus. After the sermon, we had a prayer meeting, and it was a wonderful meeting. There were young girls there praying and clinging fast to the throne. One old man there (about seventy) had quite lost himself by repeating the words — “Here’s a Saviour for the fallen, Healer of those bruised by sin,” and praying. Praise God. Blessed be His name. On Monday night at Blaenanerch, we had a glorious Society. Mr. Morgans spoke very powerfully. As for the Closygraig meeting, it was most wonderful. It lasted from half-past five until eleven p.m. All the band was there, and, as usual, praising Jesus. It was quite a happy meeting, but the devil troubled me a great deal there. But through Christ I got rid of him. Praise God I am to-day going to Blaenanerch. There is a meeting there to-night to prepare with the fight with the evil one to-morrow at the Cardigan Fair. Pray for the movement. I believe all the devils of Gehenna are under marching orders. Their kingdom is to be brought to the dust. I intend coming home on Monday. I can’t get peace with the idea, and after reading your note in the corner of the letter regarding Mr. Francis’s request, I am still fuller of the idea. I heard that my brother, James, is a backslider, and something tells me I must go after him for my Heavenly Father. That is not from the devil. It is hard upon me, in a mental struggle. I have not slept much since Saturday. Oh my dear Evan, pray for me. The brethren here desire to be remembered by you very much. Ann Phillips comes more and more to the light. Sarah Jane Esau, too, is very happy since last night. I intend going to Mr. S. Thomas now to see how things are with them. Florrie says she will write to you soon. They are all coming to Blaenanerch to-day, and to Cardigan to-morrow. I am completing my letter to Mrs. Thomas’s house. Neither Mary nor Mrs. Thomas is very well. They suffer from pains in the head. It is the effect of a cold. I trust they will be all right soon. They are very glad after having received the good news. They continue to pray for you. I asked the brethren at Clos-y-graig to do so too. I am now about to set out for Blaenanerch. Pray for me, and the band of young people. You will get the account next Monday. May God bless you, Your brother in Christ, Syn. Thanks very much to Dan for writing. I shall let you know by what train I shall come. Island House, Loughor, Thursday Morning, Nov. 11th, 1904. DEAR SYD, — Your letter to hand this morning — your telegram yesterday. I am glad you are coming up in order to spread the Divine fire. Here’s a wonderful week, boy! It came down powerfully Sunday night. Tuesday night — O there’s a hard time — praying fervently until four o’clock in the morning with no visible result. But, Heaven be praised for last night’s meeting. The place — at Brynteg — was full to overflowing. The chapel could not contain all the people. There’s a happy meeting! The Spirit was there in power. Daniel Davies, grocer, was filled. And, Oh! there’s a sight. He came down to the big pew to me, and said. ‘‘Something strange has come over me”. I told him that he had received the Spirit. And, Oh! there was a sight after this! He laid hold of me as though he were beside himself, and kissed me. And then he laid hold of me and his wife. The majority of the people were on their feet, singing with spirit “Praise Him,” Davies wanting them to be silent that he might say a word, but it was impossible. Then they ceased. And he said, “Oh, here’s a new man “Mrs. Ann Saunders received the baptism the same time. And in truth I know not how many have had it this week. Miss. Clarke has been bent, and Miss. Watkins (Mrs. Francis’s sister). Francis is about to receive it. Pray for him. Lewis, Libanus, Pontardulais, desires me to come there for a night. But I cannot go there this week. I may be able next week, it the Spirit leads me. A request has come from Ammanford, too, for me to go there for a night. I do not intend coming to school this term. I have no time to do any school-work at home. Tell Mr. John Phillips this. Dear Syd, bring my box home with you. We may possibly have to go through Wales. If we shall, Heaven be praised. This is a jolly time. I am quite contented, perfectly happy, plenty of work from morn till night. I am working nights now: — Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 1:10 a.m. — 16 hours Monday night, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. — 8 Tuesday night, from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. — 9 Wednesday night, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. — 8 Continue to pray for us. The friends at Newcastle-Emlyn must be more fervent, and say that they will have the blessing. Establish revival meetings there. Call all the denominations together. Explain the “ four ways” and at the close of the meeting, let those who have confessed Christ remain behind, and send this prayer around. All must see to it that they pray it: — 1. Send the Spirit now, for Jesus Christ’s sake 2. Send the Spirit now powerfully, for Jesus Christ’s sake. 3. Send the Spirit now more powerfully, for Jesus Christ’s sake. 4 Send the Spirit now still more powerfully, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Pray No. 1 again and again, all together or individually, according as you are prompted by the holy Spirit, and in silence. Then no. 2 in the same way. No 3 again No 4 afterwards. That is the simple instrument of the Holy Spirit. Remember to establish these meetings. It will be worth your while to lose a Sunday for their sake. I have oceans of things to say. My very kind regards to our respected minister’s family. My very kind regards to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas’s family. My very kind regards to the boys at school, and the young people of the church, and especially our Guard. My regards to Syd, Evans. Remember to bring the box and all the things. There’s a good boy. Blaenanerch, Nov. 11th, 1904 DEAR ROBERTS, We are about to start for the Fair, and trust we shall get a wonderful time there. We had a glorious meeting last night. I am staying with David Jones. He tells me that Williams, Llwynbrwydrau, broke down in the Society last night, as he spoke of Calvary. I can prove that God answers prayer. Praise Him! Praise Him! Blessed be His name. I shall write to you to morrow again. Remember Libanus next week. God’s blessing be upon you. Syn. Cardigan, Nov. 11th, 1904. P.S. — We are in the middle at it in the family where I am staying. I am coming home to-morrow. I am not quite certain whether Florrie and Maud are coming. I thank God for your success, and continue to pray on your behalf. If you can, send to tell my parents that I am coming home to-morrow.