The chief work, however, is in the vast slate-quarries, amongst the thousands who toil in the great excavations and caverns made by their own hard hands and strong arms. From Bethgelert to Waenfawr, Llanberis, Dinorwie, Pentir, Bethesda, Capel Curig, Bettws-y-coed, and Dolyddelen—the villages which surround Snowdonia—the revival has already spread. Like a belt of fire, it encircles the mighty mountains, and whatever natural ice and snow may be found on any of their high peaks, or in their craggy recesses, there is but little moral ice now left which has not felt, in some degree, the melting power of this gracious influence.
The revival in this county (Caernarvonshire) 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.
From ‘The Welsh Revival’ by Thomas Phillips.
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