The Revivalist (David Morgan) came unexpectedly to Bridgend on market- day. The crier's announcement of a morning service emptied the marketplace. Many farmers' wives left their baskets of butter and eggs in the angels' care and hurried to the Tabernacle. One lady, more worldly-wise, loitered to safe bind her parcels and failed to enter beyond the lobby. She told us that the gallery stairs were crowded with weeping folks, though they could hear little of what transpired within. The subject of the discourse was " Elijah on Carmel," and when the preacher proceeded to test the meeting, he said, " We shall now see who are followers of Baal, and who take side with Elijah. Let all who love Jesus Christ kneel, and let all who don't, go out." Many knelt, but not all, and no one went out. Some who were clustered at the top of the gallery stairs started down, but before reaching the bottom step they would invariably burst into tears and fall on their knees. The preacher made another attempt to test and divide the audience, but in vain, for the crowd was a tumultuous sea, and the un-converted would not leave. He prayed again, and endeavoured the third time to *'draw in the net,'' but nothing availed. " Never mind," said he to the nonplussed elders; " if this be the Holy Spirit's work He will complete it; He will not allow them to dwell in the world." It was said that scores were added to the churches as the fruit of this service.
From, 'The '59 Revival', by J J Morgan, pages 93-4.
Bridgend, Glamorganshire.- Mr Cole, pastor of the English Baptist church, has kindly furnished us with the following information: - "I saw in the January number of the Reporter several reports of revivals in South Wales, in which no mention was made of the Baptists, except a complaint.
I thought it a pity that nothing but this should be said of us in such a work, which has not been less saving in its effects in connection with us than others. If you will allow me space I will give you a brief sketch of what my own eyes have seen, and what has taken place in this town, and in connection with the church of which I have been pastor nearly five years. About six months ago Mr Morgan, a minister of the Calvinistic body from North Wales, visited this town and held what was termed a revival meeting in the Methodist chapel. Ministers and members of all the denominations in the town were present. From Mr Morgan's long experience in the spheres of revivals in North Wales, it struck me that he had a peculiar aptness to address poor sinners upon the subject of their souls' salvation.
Other brethren, with myself, attended and addressed the meeting. It was suggested that united prayer meetings should be commenced. That evening we held the first, when the chapel was filled to excess. Many gave themselves that day to the Lord and will remember it as the birthday of their souls. The meetings were kept up for several months, alternating the various chapels with the most perfect catholicity of spirit. Welsh and English hymns were sung alternately, and prayers in the same manner, by ministers and other friends. At the close of each meeting, a society meeting was held, when an invitation was given to any who felt a concern for their souls' salvation to remain; and hundreds embraced the opportunity.
Perfect liberty was given to all to choose in what section of Christ's church they should make their home. Our Welsh brethren held prayer meetings to themselves, and large additions were made to their numbers. Many entertain wrong notions of the object of the united prayer meetings and have refused to unite. The question has been asked - How can a Baptist pray for God to make the people Wesleyans or Independents! But the object was not to pray for any section of Christ's church but to ask God to make the people Christians, and leave it to them to choose what body they should join. I always felt sufficient confidence in my principles as a Baptist to join with others, believing that they would be sooner embraced by my being liberal than if I stood aloof from praying people. I rejoice to state that I have not been disappointed. Our church has increased from forty to nearly a hundred, and the work is as genuine as at any other time, though not attended by any enthusiasm or prostrations, as have been witnessed at other places. Those whom I have baptized vary in age from 15 to 80, and many were from other denominations.
From, "The Baptist Register," March 1860, page 94.
The Church was approximately where indicated. Now called Dunraven Place.