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EVAN ROBERTS D. M. Phillips |
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| XXVI. The Epistles Of The Dawn Of The Revival At Loughor (cont.) | |
The following letters deal again with the history of the fortnight at Loughor; and they are given in full as they were written by Evan Roberts, and also the answers of Miss. Elsie Philips and Miss. Nellie C. Evans. Miss Elsie Phillips resided in London, and Miss. Nellie C. Evans is one of the ladies to whom he wrote the morning he returned home, and whose letter is given in Chapter XXI — Island House, DEAR ELSIE, — Yours to hand this morning. And I am glad to respond to your request to answer quickly I should have answered sooner had your letter come direct to Loughor I have left Newcastle-Emlyn since Monday, and now I am working at Loughor among our young people. The Holy Spirit led me to this place. He has blessed my mission abundantly. We began this mission Monday night, and we hold a prayer meeting every night at eight p in These meetings have been a success Tire young people say that they could sit all night Monday night I explained to them the object of the mission. Then I told them of the work the Spirit was and is doing at New Quay and Newcastle-Emlyn, and urged them to prepare for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Now, this is the plan I have taken under the guidance of the Holy Spirit — There are four things to be right: (1) If there is some sin or sins in the past not confessed, we cannot
have the Spirit Therefore, we must search, and ask the Spirit to search
us Now, let me tell you a word about Thursday. You notice that the number is 20? Well, after we had had 10 to confess Christ, I said I was not satisfied with the meeting, and I asked Jesus for another 10. Now, is it not strange we had 10 and only 10? A direct answer to prayer. Now, you let this enter into your heart, and strengthen your faith, “I know God answers prayer, I can prove God answers prayer; this moment, I believe.” Do you believes? I do with all my heart. Let me give another instance, After that great meeting at Blaenanerch, I have been on fire. I wanted to go through Wales to hold revival meetings. And I asked God to let me have six young people at Bethel filled with the Spirit. Now, is not this again an answer to prayer? We had six, and six only, and as soon as we had these six I had to leave Newcastle-Emlyn, and come to Loughor. God answers prayer. This has been a blessed week. I have been very busy. Off from morning till late at night. We never go to bed this week till about one or two in the morning. I feel it so hard to leave off the things the Lord has done here. Our family has had a grand change. We have had a family altar this week for the first time. This again is the work of the Spirit. And last Wednesday evening, before the meeting, while I was away from home, they held a prayer meeting at home, and father for the first time prayed in their hearing. Another proof of the grand work. My sister, a girl of 16, who before was a sarcastic and peevish girl, has had a grand change, and her testimony is that she is happy now, and that there is some joy in living. You can see the change in her face. Young girls, who were very talkative, have been roused from their indifference, and have begun to be serious. The great feature of this work is that people are being awakened, and learning to obey. Those who have been with religion have had quite a new and blessed experience. They never thought what joy there was in an open confession of Christ. Young people from the Independents and Baptists come to these meetings. Of course, I cannot stop them, and I do not want to stop them. I should like very much if the Spirit was to descend on other denominations. I called these meetings for young people, but old people flock with us. Again, we cannot resist these coming. Last night, we began at 7, finished at 10, and asked all who had confessed Christ to remain. Then the Spirit came close to us. After I had prayed, many of the people rose and went home, but about twenty remained. And we had a testimony meeting — praising the blessed Spirit for His wonderful work. This meeting finished or rather closed at 11:30. And we could stay there all night. Pray for our success. I intend returning to N. C. Emlyn next Tuesday, unless I will respond to Mr. Francis’s desire. He wants me to stay for a week at his Church. I have not had an answer from God yet I must obey His calling. I want to learn my lessons, and prepare for college. And also I want to work for my Friend and Saviour. This fire is burning in me, and I am willing to do His command. I believe a grand revival is close at hand in the near future. E. J. Roberts
DEAR FLORRIE, We had the Spirit with us throughout last week, and last night three girls and one man were baptised by the Holy Spirit. Oh! it was an awful meeting. Every person present was praying this Prayer — Send the Holy Spirit now, for Jesus Christ’s sake. This was a “Circle Prayer” — each one had to pray. Oh! the effect was marvellous. And while the prayer was going on, one of our young men was filled with the Spirit. Praise Him! Yes! yes! When this had gone around, we began again — this time with the addition “more powerfully” — “Send the Spirit now more powerfully, for Jesus Christ’s sake” All our children at Moriah are every night and morning praying this beautiful prayer given to me by the Holy Spirit — “Send the Spirit to Moriah, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Now, you also teach your children this prayer. Do not attempt to make it longer, because it is a prayer given by the Holy Spirit. Also try this plan given us by the Spirit. Convene a meeting of your people. Ask them to stand and confess Christ, and all those present to pray as above, as the Spirit guides you. Now, do not say “perhaps the Spirit will come,” or “we hope the Spirit will come,” but say — “We believe He will come.” Last Saturday at 6:25 you were praying very earnestly for me, ‘‘Oh fill him with the Holy Spirit,” and Maud Davies asking God to bless the place. Now let me know if it was so, for I was filled with the Holy Spirit at that time, and that night I spoke wonderfully on that verse, ‘‘Be not drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit”. The effect was simply marvelous. Strange to say, the first meeting was with the Temperance cause, the second with the “Spirit” — the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Oh! I am quite happy this week and throughout the last. But, nevertheless, it has been a grand fight with the tempter. But, thanks be to God, I am now a conqueror. He tried to destroy my faith — and by saying — What did I want at Loughor while there are so many ministers to be had? Why did I waste my time? And then he said that God’s Spirit was not with me, and that these grand effects were only the results of my relating the signs and visions I had seen. But again, thanks be to God for sending His Spirit upon those dear people. My sister was one of the four. Something moves me to ask you and Maud to come here over Sunday, or as soon as you can. Pray over it (Dear me the wind is roaring fearfully now — and I feel as if God was going by). Yes. Pray I Pray! Oh! yes, let me tell you the visions I have had last week: — I. Thursday morning 2. Friday night in the meeting No more now With love, from EVAN J. ROBERTS Miss. Phillips. The following post-card he sent to Miss Nellie C. Evans, Cardigan, and below is found her answer — Loughor, DEAR MISS. EVANS, We have had a grand week. The Spirit has been working with us very evidently. Last night four persons were baptised. Pray for us and drop a word. ROBERTS
DEAR MR. ROBERTS, I fully intended to write to you to-day, whether I had received the post-card or not. I have been so very busy this last week, or I should have replied sooner. When I read your letter last week, a thrill of joy filled my heart. It was a great joy for me to think that God had given you such a glorious message, and, also, that He had given you knowledge of its true nature, and strength to proclaim it. We have remembered you in all our prayer meetings, and every morning and evening since this day week; and have asked our Heavenly Father to be with you. I believe he has already answered our prayers. Work on my friend, and you will find that each day will bring you more work to do — for that is what we all ask for, is it not? Work! Work! work! I cannot help thinking how wonderful our God is! However great or small is the work which He gives us to do, He never forgets to give us the necessary strength to carry it through. Sometimes I am filled with awe when I think of His wonderful love towards us, and sometimes He is so near to me, that I almost feel this world passing away, as it were, and I am lifted into a sphere where all is rest, peace, and happiness — no strife, no sin, nothing but peace. It does not last long. Oh, no! It is just one of those glimpses of Heaven which help us so much, and make all work for Jesus such a pleasant task. All the work for Him takes us nearer to Him. Every hour takes us along with it, and we know — do we not? — where it takes us. To Jesus, to His home, which he has prepared for us. Good-bye, now, my friend in Jesus, and may He give you work unlimited to do for Him. Pray for me, and ask Him to give me more also, that I may glorify Him on this earth and hereafter. Some of the friends from New Quay have promised to come down fortnight to-morrow. Do you think that some of you from Newcastle-Emlyn will be able to come? Yours very sincerely, NELLIE EVANS. In this letter to Miss. Elsie Phillips he gives a minute account of the preceding four days’ work — Island House, DEAR ELSIE, — I should like to write all the news to you. But I can’t. I have scarcely any time at my disposal I am very busy. Elsie, dear, we have had a most wonderful week. Last night the Spirit fell abundantly. I am working night this week. This has been the order of our meetings: — Sunday night from 6 to I — 7 hours God has done marvellously with us. I do not know how many have been
baptised with the Holy Spirit. I came home to work amongst our young
people, and now I must work under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in
the midst of all denominations. The place of worship is crammed to door
and lobby. Now, the Spirit told me to say that three things show that
God is with us — People come to see and hear “The insane fellow”. Thanks be to God that the “insane fellow,” in the hands of the Spirit, has been the means to throw down many castles of sin. Glory to God! No! I am not insane — but filled with the Spirit. Oh! I wish if you could be here for a week to see and help us on with this glorious work. What a sight? Last night when one of our deacons was filled, he came on to me and embraced me, and kissed me, while many of the congregation stood on their feet and on the benches, and Oh? what joy! He was clapping his hands, and saying, ‘‘Diolch Iddo” (‘‘Thanks be to Him”), and laughing. You could think that he was mad — for he was mad with joy. From ten to twenty were filled last night. And Sydney is coming home next week. Now, we must pray for the spread of this grand Revival. I have been asked to come to Pontardulais, a place four miles away. And also to a place ten miles away, called Ammanford. It was through Mr. Jenkins, New Quay, that the fire was kindled at this place (Ammanford). Now, Elsie, you must make a grand effort to have the Spirit. You must have those who have confessed Christ to remain, and those only. And then say we must have the Holy Spirit. And this is the instrument given us by the Holy Spirit. Every one in the meeting must pray. 1. “ Send the Spirit now for Jesus Christ’s sake.” Now, you, all of you, must pray No. 1 many times together or separately. Then wait and wait a few minutes. Then No. 2 on the same plan. Then Nos. 3 and 4. And you are sure to have it. God be with you, and baptize you with His Holy Spirit this week. Drop a line, and pray for our success. We shall pray for your churches to-morrow night. And we have done so already — between three and four o’clock Wednesday — all of us, young people. With love, Yours in Christ, EVAN JOHN ROBERTS. P.S. — Now, Elsie, have you a secret sin? If so, tell God openly. Open all your heart to Him, tell Him everything. Even the most tiny things. Now, do not be ashamed to tell Him all things. Perhaps you may think it is not decent to do so. But, Elsie, He knows everything. He knows all your thoughts, your desires, your weaknesses. Therefore, tell Him your thoughts. Ask Him to give you good thoughts to make your mind pure I implore you to open all your heart to God. And then you will find that God will come closer to you. I was speaking last night to a young man, and he told me his very besetting sin. He could not and would not tell it to any other person. Now, I can pray God to remove that very sin. And I am sure God will do so. I could not but weep this morning, as your words rang through my mind “Send back quickly.” This last word made me weep. I had to go to the garden, and pray God to give you a line “quickly”. You should be glad that God has done so much work through you — a proof that you are one of His servants. Now, Elsie, you know that I am your friend. Is that clear? Yes? Good! Again, you asked me to write to you quickly? Did you believe I would? Yes! Good! Now, then, because I am your friend, you believed I would respond immediately to your answer. Therefore, think of this. Jesus is your Friend. Now, you want to be filled with the Spirit quickly. Therefore, ask Him, and believe Him, and before the end of nest week you will have it. God is willing and ready to give it. It is a matter of believing God on His word. Ask, and ye shall receive. Please excuse my writing to-day. I can’t have my thoughts on the words. I hope you can understand it. With kind regards and best wishes for your success, Yours in the Lord, EVAN ROBERTS Miss. Elsie Phillips. P.S. — Now, this is a strange thing. I have finished writing
to you. And I went to fetch your letter to have the address, and, strange
to say, I had left one page of your letter unread. You say, “There
is a grand time to come.” Yes! Last Thursday I had a Vision. In
front of me, some few yards ahead, I saw a candle burning, and away
in front of me, I saw a sun rising majestically, throwing its rays in
all directions; something divine in its aspect. Can you comprehend the
meaning? Yes, of course, you can. The grand revival is coming. Now,
it is only as candlelight. But, ere long, we shall have the powerful
light and heat of the sun. Now, if you think you can strengthen the
young people’s faith by relating this, you can do so. It was not
a dream, but a vision. There have been signs also in heaven. And our
bedroom has been flied many times with darkness — God filling
the place. Experience — sometimes cold, sometimes fervent, sometimes
I can weep, some times laughing and crying. Last Monday I could weep
at the words, “Calvary,” “Jesus”. These words
could melt me. Now, I feel rather cool. I don’t feel that Jesus
is very close to me. You see, I went to think and read of His love and
sacrifice, and asked the Spirit to reveal Christ. Last Saturday morning
in bed, I was weeping and sobbing so loudly that I awoke our people.
Now, you ask the Spirit to reveal Christ to you, and you will feel your
heart melting. I want it You want it We all want it. “We need
Hun every hour.” Now, think of this. Once we give ourselves to
God, it will be all right. He can make us love Him. We can never feel
that we love Christ enough. If it were so, we would be out of our place.
Drop a line by return, and I can have it Monday morning. — E.
J. R. 87, High Road, DEAR MR. ROBERTS, Thank you very much for your most kind letters. They were the means of giving me great joy. We have commenced a young people’s meeting in our chapel, and, indeed, I believe the Spirit of God will put this little church on fire some day. A great number of our young people have gone on their knees before their Redeemer. One of these young men has been an Atheist, but all I say is, Thank God, that he has seen his mistake, and joined our holy band, to work for Jesus Christ. He preached for years against God on the corners of the streets. Oh, what joy there was in Heaven when this lost sheep returned to the fold! When I returned here something told me that I had been sent with some message. I asked if we should have a young people’s meeting. We had it, and the results are good. Oh, that we could do more for Him. We, poor wretched creatures, being able to do something for Him! What an honour, after what He did on our behalf! Pray for me I am, Your friend in Christ, ELSIE PHILLIPS, Thus he wrote to Mr. Josiah Williams, a railway guard at Newcastle Emlyn, concerning the meetings — Island House, DEAR WILLIAMS, I do not know how to begin writing in the midst of this divine fire. The whole place has been moved, and my heart burns within me with the Holy Spirit. The time is rushing on, or else you would have received a note from me. Thank you very much for your kind letter. Oh my dear Williams, this is a wonderful and awful week. The Spirit descended on a few Sunday night, then on more Monday night. On Tuesday night He did not seem to have descended upon anyone, but, oh, wonderful! He descended very powerfully on Wednesday night. And what a service last night! The girls and the women shouting aloud, having forgotten themselves. Over thirty were baptised by the Holy Spirit. My dear boy, there’s a band of workers! The meetings go on far into the night — or rather into the day. We came home this morning at 4: 15. Very good. Yes! Yes! Oh yes! The people say that the boy is foolish — that he is insane!!! Nay! Nay! Heaven be praised! The people come to us from a long distance. I am thankful that Christ through the Holy Spirit draws people to Him. Little girls of twelve and thirteen are receiving the Spirit. Remember us during the next week. They want us to come to Ammanford and to Libanus, Pontardulais. I believe the path is open for me to work for my Saviour. The fire is spreading rapidly, and effectually. One of our deacons at Moriah has been baptised by the Spirit. There’s a sight, boy, to see him coming on and embracing, and kissing me, clapping his hands, and praising God that he had found a Saviour. He said that he was compelled to receive. He was prejudiced, but now he understands splendidly. People hold prayer-meetings in the houses, the family altar is erected, testimony meetings are held in the Steel Works. And that was a Society meeting in Moriah Chapel (Loughor)! We had to stop the people from speaking. Praise God! What prejudice there is against the movement, boy. Well, I have to say strange things, I have to open my mouth and speak out. And, thank Heaven, those things are very effectual. The Spirit convicts powerfully. I am bound to speak the truth, be the cost what it may. I must tell you one thing. It is pointed truth, nevertheless it must be said. Now, Williams, have you not to use time wrongly? If I understand rightly you have to do so. If so, God says “Withhold thine hand”. I have prayed God to give you something else, rather than that you should do what is against His pure and holy law. Send a word again that I may understand this correctly “Better a wound from the truth, than a feast from the false.” We have established a “Young Women’s Meeting” at Moriah; there were about twenty five present And everyone engaged in prayer. It is intended to establish a Young Women’s Meeting” at Brynteg Independent Chapel. I saw Rachel Phillips on Thursday, and I went with her to Landore. Praise God for such good news. I am thankful that Williams has been brought into the light. I received a kind letter from Davies. I am thankful for it. I have scarcely any time to correspond. There is so much work. What if you heard the young women praying in Brynteg last night? Mag is good — very good. They were heartrending, boy, and Heaven be praised for them. I am in excellent health; hoping you are the same. I would like to write for an hour or two to you, but Mr. Time moves on continually. Best and kindest regards,
Williams. [These remaining chapters are availible on the CD-ROM which can be purchased shortly] PART III. THE FOUR REVIVAL JOURNEYS. Part III. THE FOUR REVIVAL JOURNEYS XXVII. The First Journey Of Evan Roberts Part IV. THE FIRST SERMONS, PRAYERS, ADDRESSES Sayings And Letters Of Evan Roberts XLIX. The First Sermon Part V. POETICAL PRODUCTIONS I. MISCELLANEOUS Whosoever will come shall not be rejected II. HYMNS Let us work for Jesus III. EPIGRAMS The Mediator |
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