REVIVALS IN MONMOUTHSHlRE.
A SIGNALLY great and powerful work of grace has lately commenced, and still continues increasingly to proceed, In the principality, almost every church having, in some measure, participated in its divine and blessed influence.
The cheering result is a general awakening, as well as a vast amount of additions within the last six or seven months. I am happy that notwithstanding the unprecedented stir, the said revivals have not been accompanied with any extravagant enthusiasm, or wild unseemly excitement, as too often is the case when an extraordinary increase takes place. It evidently appears that Divine agency has been, and still continues to be, at work, to a surprisingly great and glorious degree, amongst us. The Lord is doing great things for us, whereof we are glad.
Thousands of immortal souls are snatched from the grasp of the evil one, and brought to the knowledge of the truth; many of whom were notorious in sin, and ringleaders in the servlce of satan, but now are docile and submissive subjects of Immanuel, having willingly bowed to his sceptre, together with hundreds that have been wandering; some of them for years, from the fold of their Saviour, who are returning with weeping, begging to be restored again to the enjoyment of the gracious privileges of God's house.
From, "The Baptist Reporter," February 1850, page 72.
TONGWYNLAS, -This being the first communication ever directed to the Reporter from this place, it may be interesting. On Lord's-day, Sept. 16, a crowded assemblage of persons met on the banks of the Taff, to witness the divine ordinance of baptism administered to twenty-three believers, chiefly young persons, by Mr Lewis. This neighbourhood consists of a very numerous population, and this church being the only Baptist church, the field of useful labour before these young servants of the Saviour is very extensive. Since the settlement of Mr L. there had not been any indication of a revival until now. He has laboured in faith and hope. Many are now inquiring what they must do to be saved. There are many families, besides single individuals, residing here, that are totally ignorant of the Welsh language, and have no opportunity of attending to hear any Baptist preacher except at five miles distant, Mr Lewis, therefore, divides his sermons into Welsh and English, being competent to speak In both languages, which has been the means of increasing the congregation. Several more are waiting to be baptized; almost at the close of every meeting, there are some penitent sinners confesslng their unworthiness, and applying for mercy. Would to God that the whole neighbourhood might be brought to the knowledge of the Saviour! Why not?
From, "The Baptist Reporter," October 1849, pages 390-1.
Mr W. Lewis baptized twenty-four candidates in the river Taff, September 10.
This revival coincided with a very bad outbreak of Cholera, the first since 1832 caused by the awful drainage.