Evan Roberts was at the time a pupil of the Emlyn Grammar School, Newcastle Emlyn, a “school of the prophets,” where generation after generation of youths have been prepared for entrance into theological colleges. He had previously worked in a coal mine, and then taken to the blacksmith’s craft. Many who remember him at the anvil at Fforest, Pontardulais, recall his sober conduct, and his sensitiveness to every form of evil. They recall his hurt look when profane was used in the smithy; his love of the Bible, and his constant use of it every available moment; and of his frequent preaching when alone, as he imagined, in the Fforest wood. From here he went to the Grammar School.

The Calvinistic Methodist minister at Newcastle Emlyn is the Rev. Evan Phillips, a preacher of wide fame in the Principality. It is interesting to note that, as a young man he sometimes accompanied David Morgan in his revival tours in ‘59-60; and in His preaching an accent of that radiant season is often heard. When Mr. Roberts came to the town and under his notice some three months ago, he relates that at first there was nothing remarkable in the young preacher except the look of his face, and his way of praying. The face seemed almost transparent, as though one could see through it; and it frequently shone. The earnestness and spirituality of his prayers were felt by all; and many wondered at them, time after time.

Then the Rev. Seth Joshua, the well-known and greatly used evangelist of South Wales, came on a visit to the town — Sir Walter Scott’s “Dinas Emlinn.” Some young women from New Quay were also there, on their way to Blaenanerch. They were all in the minister’s house conversing, when, without knowing how, the conversation changed to tears and prayer, and praising God. As at Bethel, “how dreadful is this place!” was the feeling of all. They went together to Blaenanerch, and at a prayer meeting there Mr. Roberts was in such agony that he fell on his face upon the ground as one dead.