The Rhondda Leader

The Revival. Treorchy in Ecstasy. Hundreds of Conversions. Up to the time of writing, the intense fervour that has characterised the meet- ings held at the various churches during the last week has, writes our Treorchy correspondent, been fully sustained. The Spirit continues to work, and the thoroughness of the appeals always ring with a certainty of replies. And they are immediate, wonderfully soon, and people cannot help wondering. Who can dispute the efficacy of prayer and the blessing of communion of man with his Creator? Not only the prayer inside the building and on the highway, underground or in the household, but that quiet, silent fer- vour solicitation which has escaped un- heard and unnoticed from the hearts of thousands upon thousands for the salva- tion of certain souls near and dear, and also for the downpouring of the Spirit, in an unmistakable manner. Those prayers are being answered, and joy rules through- out the locality. Households formerly domineered by drunkard fathers have now a ray of sunshine gleaming on them; society is being transformed, gamblers are forsaking their former transactions and are now aiding in a better cause; footballers are coming into the fold galore, and have given up the jersey in order to carry the Cross. Some referees have whistled for the last time, old men, some over the fourscore, have found an indescribable joy in the acceptance of the Saviour, while the young have declared the loyalty and given vent to the intensity of their feelings in a most remarkable character. The young converts at Tre- orchy are acting nobly and truly; they have taken to their task without any delay. They have taken up the banner, and it has been raised higher than ever. Indeed, all who have confessed Christ have had an inspiration which nothing could explain save the Holy Spirit, and now each one seems bent, even anxious, to convert another sinner from the error of his way. Thus are the Lord's forces increased, the battle cry is sounded high and loud; the army continue to make nightly assaults on the forts of sin there is no fear, no shame, no disgrace further- more. Christ and Salvation is. the one sole topic. Public-houses Sad Clubs quake in the refrain of a hymn or prayer, and the nightly prayer meetings at the various places of vantage are demonstra- tions of the type calculated to do per- manent good. The churches have long been sleeping. They have contracted germs of an insidious disease by remain- ing indoors so long, and they are now taking recourse to open-air treatment in order to rid themselves of Spiritual con- sumption which had almost waylaid them. And young men once foremost in Satan's host, the staunchest. supporters of foot- ball, are the leaders. They are doing glorious work, and my sincere hope is that its effect will be permanent. It is of necessity bound to appeal to the hearts of men; even these crude, un- polished but mightily sincere supplica- tions of the brethren. And I must not forget the sisters. They have taken a noble part in the revival meetings. Their utility has at last been recognised; God can use them as tender but effective in- struments. And one of the most striking scenes during the whole of last week's demonstrations was the bold and courage- ous interference of two young ladies- born evangelists and advocates—who, imbued with a burning passion for the souls of men and overbrimming with the missionary spirit, venture night after night to approach some of the leading reprobates who frequent. undesirable places. Their solicitations are not always respected; their appeals are too straight. They drive home and prick the con- science. Men retort, but any possible contingency is avoided by a prayer—a fervent, pathetic, beseeching prayer, fol- lowed by a warning note and a solo, then a hymn, then another prayer. And the effect was electrifying, and it was plea- sant, even soul-stirring, to note that two went and gave themselves up on Monday evening last after listening to the young ladies near the Cardiff Arms Square. It is no small effort to attack the enemy in the teeth of scathing denunciation and threats of prosecution, but the proper Spirit nossessed Christ's defenders, and they would not leave until they had con- quered. It has been a glorious time, an epoch-making event to which we may, if spared, look back at with pride and joy. Everything, everywhere, seems to have become subservient to the one all-embrac- ing topic—the revival-and the youth of to-day have been given a certain testi- mony of God's great mercy and His re- deeming grace. It has become an actual and conscious fact, and the thin small voice has not only melted many a heart, but revealed to professors of Christ, and His religion their duty in a new light. It has brought home with an inexplicable vividness the shallowness and super- ficiality of every-day religion; it has re- united the particles of a shattered faith; it has shewn also what the Saviour is in the estimation of the people. His word, His love, are the magnetic forces that fascinate people and attract followers who appear to be lost in amazement. They hardly know whither they go. The pre- sent year is being; clothed with a Spiritual beauty that will never fade from memory; it is reaching a climax, a glorious unfading climax, the news of which will be handed down to posterity as the day in which the Lord appeared unto His people. Mr. Evan Roberts at Treorchy. The missioner, the long-expected evan- gelist, has come, and we have been allowed an opportunity of witnessing the fruits of his initial appearance. As is already known, the field had been rather effectively worked before the advent of God s special messenger. The Almighty does not wait for special occasions; the salvation of souls is not bound down to any time table. Ample testimony of the Spirit's work is afforded by the remark- able meetings that have been continuously held at, each chapel night after night. People of the world wonder at this won- derful constancy; they do not understand the fervency of a gathering assembled to pay their homage to an unseen God. They cannot fathom the depths of a devout heart, nor the joy that accom- panies the bringing of sinners to the feet of the Saviour. Is there nothing in it? Ah! yes, more than can ever be described on paper. At Noddfa, Pastor Morris and his followers have been in a state of ecstasy over the remarkable outbursts of feeling on all hands. Over 160 conver- sions in a week-a glorious harvest—and it would be a sight and study for the angels to know the individuals. Some of the old, yet, the oldest, auditors of the Word, Sunday after Sunday, have come at last; some of the most determined regenerates have found light; they are all now united in proclaiming their peace and joy to others. The Free Churches have also done noble work, and the same can be said of Ainon. In view, therefore, of what has been experienced at Treorchy and Cwmparc, the visit of Mr. Evan Roberts did not, and was not expected to, raise the fervour and enthusiasm to a higher pitch. And we are afraid that the audience at Bethania Chapel on Tuesday contained a big percentage of curious on- lookers; people who wanted to be fas- cinated bv the external appearance of a man instead of being imbued with the Spirit. The evangelist's opening note struck at the root of the matter. "Ymaith a phob cwyreinrwydd" (" Away with all curiosity") he shouted, but it was diffi- cult. The opening hymns were far from being enthusiastically sung. Mr. Roberts declared that the peth byw was miss- ing. Perhaps it would, only be fair to mention that, the chapel, large in all pro- portions but as everywhere else experi- enced inadequate for the occasion, was considerably overtaxed. There must have been 2,000 present, and the standing ac- commodation was so besieged that things went very uncomfortable, and at times distressing. Indeed, the solemnity of the service was seriously interfered with. It handicapped the missioner, it impeded the soloists, it nullified the effects of the many incidents. The meeting opened quite spontaneously with a, short, address, a. Holo and prayer by a Mrs. Peters, Llantrisant, who said that, although quite unaware of Mr. Roberts' programme, the Spirit had, in answer to her prayer that morning, led her to Treorchy. The Rev. D. Rhagfyr J onef; thought the lady had struck, the correct note for the meeting, and de- clared the proceedings to be open. Diolch lddo" was immediately struck up. but lacked enthusiasm. The Rev. Mr. Davies, Llantwit Major, gave a short address, and earnestly wished for the suc- cess of the revival; while a Newport minister, in expressing delight at the meeting which he attended during the afternoon, said he envied them in the Rhondda. He prayed that the same Spirit should visit them at Mohmouth- shire. Then the missioner appeared, and at once the surging mass was all atten- tion. He possesses a. striking appearance, a penetrating look, and a smile that rightly conveys an indication of the in- ward joy which is always his. He imme- diately proceeds to work. He asks them what message had they? If they forgot that God was present, they would lose the blessing. They were to come not to see and hear, but to receive. He then ap- pealed to the audience to sing with a --urpose, conscious of the very words that came out of their mouths. In response to his appeal, "Duw mawr y rhyfeddodau" was sung with increased feeling and fer- vour. Yet there was something missing, he said, but it would come. He was next engaged in a, silent prayer, leaning over the pulpit, and then with a great amount of earnestness and enthusiasm, punc- tuated by timely exhortations and warn- ings, he proceeded with an address that lasted some three-quarters of an hour, and in which he held out that the four essentials of the true Christian life were (1) that their past should be free and clear, (2) that anything questionable and doubtful should be removed, (3) that they should forgive all against whom they held grudges, and (4) that there should be an immediate and complete obedience to the Spirit. He eulogised upon the points at length. He felt that they were awaken- ing to their duty. They had been sleep- ing too late. Yr oedd eisieu plygu yr Eglwys ag achub y byd." He exhorted them to love each other. It was impos- sible to become a member of the Church of Christ if one could not forgive his brother any sins. The only way to receive inward peace was to confess your whole past before God. Every sin should be confessed, and if they did not remember them, they should ask the Spirit to reveal them. A sin not confessed was a_constant burden, a, weight. They should on all occasions be submissive to the Holy Spirit. It was not rhywbeth (something). They should not call the Spirit a mere some- thing. If the Spirit was always obeyed, it would be one continuous revival among them. They had been blaspheming the Holy Ghost. The churches had been in- viting the Holy Spirit, and yet they had kept their doors locked and refused it entrance. They should forget enwad (sect), forget everything hut the salvation of souls. Mr. Roberts then went on to relate some of his expørienees since the advent of the Holy Spirit upon him. He specificallv desired that the meeting should not be interfered with. The Spirit was to lead, every offering was to be im- promptu and spontaneous. Public con- fession Mr. Roberts evidently believes in. He invited all who believed in Christ to get up and confess same publicly. The* Spirit was evidently working the Public Confession. audience to a pitch, and then the refrain of Diolch Iddo," Hallelujah," and "Pen Calfaria" were sung, and sung, and sung. It seemed that there was not to be a stop. The evangelist declared that the public confession had worked the change. I Then came another outburst of declara- tions for Christ—quite a babeL of voices. Then Marchog lesu yn llwyddianus was sung with an indescribable fervour. Then a prayer by one in the pulpit, amidst all the singing, a solo from another corner, then an impromptu recitation from a well-known local, who wound up his per- oration with Diolch am lawn Galfaria." Then came intermediary appeals and panted interjections from the missioner, who asked all who had confessed and be- lieved in Christ to get up. The bulk of the vast assembly raised, but there re- mained a. few seated. A further appeal and a few responded. Yet another ap- peal, and a few more responses. Then suddenly a beautiful voice rent the air, and soon the now familiar words, Dim ond lesu," pierced the building. It was Miss Annie Davies, Maesteg, whose pathetic rendering was touching to the extreme. The singing of the same young lady of "Dyma gariad fel y moroedd" later on was electrifying, but a touching scene was enacted before she concluded. She beheld some people laughing, and ex- claimed in tears her surprise. There was an appeal for converts, but there were only a few. We agree with the missioner that the people they desired to reach were not present. Followers of Christ should sacrifice for those who were out- side and in darkness. Sinners ought to be invited there. It was to them he wanted to talk. An overflow meeting was held at Gosen, where Miss Davies, Gors- einon, and Miss Annie Davies, Maesteg, took part. There were there also a few conversions, but when the total for the week comes to be made up it will reveal amazing figures. It has been a Pentecost week unprece- dented in the annals of Treorchy's his- tory. Even the shops were closed on Tuesday evening at an early hour-the religious wave is too strong, it sweeps everything. Mr. Roberts appeared at Treorchy on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. A Discordant Note. One note of discord has been struck in connection with the revival. In one dis- trict in the Rhondda, frequent open-air meetings have been held, the assembly afterwards continuing their service in an a^acent chapel. However, on a recent evening, after a majority of deacons pre- sent had sanctioned the use of the vestry, a small minority of the jieacons publicly criticised the action of tJtieir colleagues, and on the following Sunday refused the building to the revivalists. To prevent a scene, the gathering sought and obtained admission to a neighbouring place of wor- ship. Among the excuses for the refusal was one that the undesirables" or trash" of the street were not wanted there, and another that the chapel should be used by their own sect only, while one man went so far as to say that in his opinion Baptists only would go to heaven Surely, this is the essence of bigotry and narrow-mindedness! Happily, Baptists in general are more generous in their views of other denominations. It appears to us that the majority of the deacons had a perfect right to grant the use of their place of worship if they so thought fit. If the minority cannot and will not agree, they should, Instead of impeding the progress of the cause, resign their offices, or in the alternative the church should resort to disciplinary measures. Penygraig. There are remarkable manifestations of the spirit of the revival at the different churches in Penygraig and districts. Prayer meetings are held nightly, and there are crowded audiences. At Soar Chapel (B.) there have been 54 converts, 12 at Saron (C.), 8 at Seion (W.), 5 at Nazareth (C.M.), and one at Pisgah (C.M.). Mr. Evan Roberts, the revivalist, will be at Penygraig on Thursday, Decem- ber 22nd. Clydach Vale. The revival has taken a firm hold of the place. The people are in ecstasies. JNever, we believe, has there been such a stir in the religious life of Clydach Vale. The ball was set rolling at Soar on Tues- day of last week, and crowded meetings have been held twice or three times every day since. Thursday night saw the climax reached, when it was arranged that, after the ordinary society meetings, a mass meeting was to be held at Noddfa. The various churches marched from their respective buildings, singing hymns en route, and the chapel was filled to over- crowding. After leaving the meeting, the people again formed groups, and sent forth the melodious strains of some of the dearly loved old hymns, hoping to bring into the fold someone that may have seen the error of his ways. Although the weather was bitterly cold, the singing did not cease until about midnight. A similar meeting was held at Calfaria on Friday, when ten converts were reI- ceived, each to the church he would after- wards attend. On Saturday night a crowded and enthusiastic meeting was held at Gosen, Blaenclydach, which was conducted, as far as there was any con- ducting, by the Rev. Mr. Walters, pastor. A great change seemed to have come over the place on Sunday; one did not notice the ordinary bona-fides in such numbers as formerly, and greater num- bers attended at the various places of preaching. At some of the chapels the ordinary preaching services were dis- pensed with, and meetings on the lines of those held by Mr. Evan Roberts took their place. It is understood the revivalist will visit the place on Monday and Tues- day, the 19th and 20th of December, but a, great amount of work will be done before he arrives, for meetings will be held at all the chapels every night of the week, and we hear that large numbers are being received into the churches nightly. The half-yearly services to be held at Noddfa on Sunday next, when the Rev. E. Williams, Rhos, and Gwili are expec-' ted to preach, will undoubtedly be of an exceptional character, because, together with the hwyl" already existing and the powerful sermons these gentlemen are sure to preach, the result cannot but be remarkable. Tonypandy. The various denominations are still pro- secuting the revival work with un- diminished zeal, and each ,chapel reports good work accomplished, especially at Trinity. Bethania, Jerusalem, Her- mon, and Ebenezer. Highly sue- cessful open air meetings have been conducted, and there is every evidence that they will be maintained with unabated enthusiasm for some time to come.