The revival in this county (Carnarvonshire) is so wide-spread in its extent, and so beneficial in its influence, that a volume of no small dimensions could be written respecting it. A catalogue of the names of the places already favoured with what is believed to be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit would of itself be a monument to the praise and glory of Him who is "the resurrection and the life." Although some of the churches of various denominations had been moved in the spring of the year, it was only in the autumn the movement became so general and powerful that it deservedly obtained the name by which such extraordinary movements are generally distinguished. I have before me the statements of clergymen and ministers of various denominations, and all unite in adoring gratitude to the Lord, who, after a season of comparative darkness and deadness, has again -visited His people. A few extracts will now be given.
The Rev. Mr Griffiths of Bethel writes as follows:— "The first place in which this wonderful religious movement developed itself in this part of the country is a populous neighbourhood, about three or four miles eastward of Carnarvon, generally called Waunfawr. The people of Cod among the Independents and Calvinistic Methodists were eminently blessed with the spirit of grace and supplications.” Deep seriousness regarding Divine things seemed to pervade all minds. As a consequence many were turned to the Lord. Cases of most marvellous conversions continually took place. In the course of a few weeks, about one hundred and twenty new members were added to the Calvinistic Methodists' Church in the neighbourhood, and upwards of fifty to that of our own. A few weeks ago the revival fire broke forth with marvellous power in the picturesque village of Cwmyglo, a place not far distant from the Dinorwic slate-quarries. Soon after this, the whole surrounding country was in a blaze. Scenes resembling those which occurred on the Day of Pentecost were to be witnessed on every hand. Hundreds were pricked in their heart, and cried out in deep agony, as of old, Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ The Lord pours forth His Spirit with an abundance of grace far exceeding our highest expectations. The revival is manifesting itself among all religious denominations, but more especially among the Calvinistic Methodists and Independents, they being the most numerous and influential bodies in this part of the country. A spirit of unity and Christian love has been produced by the revival among the various sections of the Church of Christ, whose effects cannot but tell powerfully on the kingdom of darkness. A spirit of prayer has likewise possessed the Lord's people, which is really wonderful to behold. Our prayer-meetings have become exceedingly popular, and often there is an influence at work which cannot be gainsaid or withstood. The most contrite feelings are made manifest, while some of the most unlikely characters are melted down, and feel constrained to cry aloud for mercy. Our religious meetings now often continue till eleven or twelve o'clock at night, and scores of people retire from them to weep and to pray till the sun of another day dawns upon them. During the silent watches of the night the rocks of our country are to be heard resounding to the voice of prayer and praise, and our majestic mountains testify to the greatness of the work that is being carried on among us. A short time ago, a prayer-meeting for quarrymen was held on one of the mountains between the Dinorwic and Bethesda slate-quarries. About four thousand persons attended, and the Lord graciously met His people. An eye-witness told me it was an occasion to be remembered while memory holds its seat.
" As yet, I am happy to state, there seems to be no abatement of the religious concern thus awakened in our country. It seems rather to advance and spread in all directions. Bethesda and the surrounding neighbourhoods, comprising a most populous and important district, have just caught the sacred flame of revival. A correspondent in the Welsh Standard, or Berner Cymru, thus refers to the grand movement in this district:
"I rejoice in being able to inform your numerous readers that a most powerful revival has just broken out in Bethesda, and the various chapels adjacent thereto. On Saturday, September 3, prayer-meetings were held at two and six o'clock in the evening, and most remarkable meetings they were. God was truly among us. We have felt the Spirit of God at such meetings before; but nothing to what we experienced in these wonderful gatherings. After the meetings had passed away, loud praises were heard in the surrounding fields till midnight—one of the most wonderful things we ever witnessed. Besides the lateness of the hour, it rained heavily; still hundreds of people ran to the place whence issued this unwanted sound. It was found that several of those recently converted had retired to a field in the vicinity of Bethesda, and that, being overpowered by the Spirit of God, they poured out their hearts joyfully before the throne of Divine grace. Some wept; others shouted, "Blessed be the name of God for thus remembering us in mercy." Others cried, "O Lord, save! appear among us as a Saviour to-morrow; an infinite ransom has been found!" Others expressed thanks because God had saved them from the second death. Others, again, repeated some of the most exciting passages of Holy Writ, such as, "Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people;" "Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end." Before long, hundreds had assembled there, and the Spirit of God descended upon them in a wondrous manner, till all testified that God really was in that place. In the present movement we have been greatly struck by the fact that so much of the spirit of prayer has possessed the Lord's people. They draw the heaven of heavens, as it were, into every prayer-meeting; hence such congregations as were never before seen are brought together on these occasions. But, in every one of them, there is something more than a large congregation—the prayers penetrate the hearts of those who attend, whether they be male or female, even persons who never scarcely attended a place of worship are impressed; and the fact that people of this description are constrained to cry aloud, and fall down as if dead, proves beyond doubt that this movement is from God, and truly marvellous it is in our sight. I am happy to understand that the revival is breaking out in other places, such as Carneddi, Llanllechid, and all the surrounding neighbourhoods.'
Later...
Llanllechid,--" Since the commencement of the revival among us, the neighbourhood presents a new aspect. It may be said that we have a new heaven' in the chapel and a new earth' in the roads and the fields. Instead of prowling about the neighbourhood at night, the young men now assemble in the various places of worship to pray. Instead of the oaths and obscene language formerly used in every direction, we now hear the voice of praise all around. The annual fair at this place was very different this year. Formerly the young people attended in crowds at the close of the day, but this year there was hardly anything worth calling a, fair. Prayer-meetings were held in the chapel at two in the afternoon, and again at seven in the evening."— November 1859.
From ‘The Welsh Revival’ by Thomas Phillips.
Would you please contact us if you know where these meetings took place?