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BiographicaldictionaryofministersandpreacherstheWelshCalvinisticMethodistBody

JosephEvans

PETER WILLIAMS WILLIAM WILLIAMS BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

/ MINISTERS AND PREACHERS -1

WELSH CALVINISTIC METHODIST BODY

PRESBYTERIANS OF .

FROM THE START OF THE DENOMINATION TO THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR 1850.

REV. JOSEPH EVANS, .

CARNARVON : D. O'Brien Owen, C. M. Book Agency.

1907. So- THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 736565 ASTOR, LENOX AND TILDE.N FOUNDATIONS R 1916 L PREFACE.

The material of this volume has been gathered together and placed in order by the writer from the interest he has taken in Welsh Calvinistic and its Ministers from his child hood. His earliest recollections are interwoven with Methodist history. . The home of his parents was always' open to the public servants of the Lord who came to on their preach ing itinerancies in connection with this section of His vine yard, and thus Calvinistic Methodism became a fascination to him early in life. His recollection is fairly vivid of many of the ministers who preached at the Struet Chapel, Brecon, about the year 1837 anc* onward, especially of those who were members of the Breconshire Monthly Meeting, such as Watkin Edward, , Thomas Elias, Evan Harries, Job Thomas, David Davies, , and John Griffiths, who afterwards became a Clergyman, and lived for some years near Ponty pridd. He is one of the few still living who were present at the opening of Trevecca College, and remembers well many in cidents in connection therewith. It occurred to the writer some time since that a volume such as this, would be interesting to many, and would serve to keep in remembrance the names of some worthy men who had served their Master and Methodism well, but who would other wise be forgotten, and are indeed already little known. His chief regret is that so many of the preachers have passed away with little or nothing more than their names recorded. Doubtless several are omitted from this work who should have been included, and possibly more definite information might be given of others than the writer has been able to supply. Where so many individuals are involved, it is more than pos sible, even extremely probable, that notwithstanding every care, many errors have crept in. Th writer will be grateful for any information that may be forwarded him. The book is not sent forth as a work of original research, as the Bibliography supplied will clearly testify. It is the writer's intention, if his life is spared, to bring the work up to date, and as the material required is considerably more accessible than was the case with this volume, he hopes to accomplish the work without very much delay. Should it be the Master's will to summon him home, ere it be completed, he hopes that it will be taken in hand at once by some one else, so that a record may be preserved and placed together of those who have engaged in the work of the ministry in connection with our beloved Denomination, and a brief sketch of their career delineated. There are many no doubt who would prefer were this work written in Welsh, but for many years the writer's associations have been chiefly in the English sphere of Calvinistic Method ism. For considerably more than forty years he has been privileged with the opportunity of working in the main in this section of our denominational field : and one of his chief joys is to observe the position it now holds as compared with what it was in the fifties and early sixties of the last century. From his heart he can exclaim with wonder and thankfulness — "What hath God wrought!" And he is deeply convinced that it is absolutely necessary for this section of the Denomina tion to be encouraged and helped in every way possible, or the Denomination itself will soon be crippled, especially in those districts where the English language is making rapid headway. Would that this work were more complete and worthier, but such as it is, it is with much diffidence sent forth and com mended to the sympathy and appreciation of the circle for which it has been specially designed.

Denbigh, October 30M, 1907. BIBLIOGRAPHY.

"" MethodY Tadau istiaeth Methodistaidd," Cymru," Rev. Rev. John John Hughes, Morgan 3 vols. Jones and

Mr. W. Morgan, 2 vols. "" YDrych Drysorfa," yr Amseroedd," 14 vols. Robert Jones, Rhoslan.

""" EnwogionMethodistiaethMethodistiaeth Swydd Mon," De Feirion," Aberteifi," Rev. John Edward Rev. Pritchard, Davies. John .Evans, Aber- meurig. " Hanes Methodistiaeth Dwyrain Meirionydd," Rev. Wil liam Williams, . " Methodistiaeth Gorllewin Meirionydd," Rev. Robert Owen, M.A., , 2 vols. " Cenhadon Hedd," Rev. William Jones, . " Y Gymdeithasfa," Mr. , Bangor. " Y Traethodydd," several volumes. " Y Gwyddoniadur Cymreig," ten volumes. " The Treasury," first, second and third series. " The Evangelical Magazine," vol. xiv. " Hanes Cychwyniad a Chynnydd Methodistiaid Calfinaidd yn Nhref Dinbych," Owen Evans. """"" EnwogionEnwogionTheMontgomeryshire MonthlyMonthly Mon," ," Tidings,"Herald," Worthies," Gwalchmai. four six Gwinionydd. volumes. volumes. Richard Williams, F.R.H.S.

"Album"""""The" YrYCroniclGweithiauCasgliad Geiniogwerth,"Methodist," Oenig," Record," Williams yr Hen Ysgol Revs.Williams, Rev. Farwnadau Edward Pantycelyn," ThomasSabbothol," vol. William 2. Pantycelyn," Morgan. Levi Cymreig," Howells, vol. andWilliam 1881. David Rev,Rev.2 vols.Morgan, Phillips, Thomas N. Cynhafal Pant. 3 Levi. vols.

Jones, D.D, BIBLIOGRAPHY.

"" BywgraphiadSunday Schools y ofParch. Wales," Hopkin Rev. Bevan," David Evans, Rev. W. M.A. Samlet

Williams. "" ACofiant Memoir John of theJones, Rev. ," David Charles," Rev. Owen Hugh Thomas, Hughes. D.D.,

2 vols. " Cofiant y Parch. Henry Rees," Rev. Owen Thomas, D.D., 2 vols. " The Life and Times of ," Rev. E. Morgan, M.A., Syston. " Life of Howell Harris, the Welsh Reformer," Rev. Hugh J. Hughes. " A Brief Account of the Life of Howell Harris, Esq., from Papers written by himself." " Adgofion am John Elias," Rev. R. Parry. " Memoir of the Rev. John Elias," Rev. E. Morgan, M.A., Syston. " Memoir of the Rev. D. Jones, Llangan," Rev. E. Morgan, M.A., Syston. "Life and Letters of Rev. ," Rev. E. Morgan, M.A., Syston. " Cofiant Jenkin Davies, Twrgwyn." " Bywgraphiad y Parch. ," Rev. D. Hughes, Cross Inn. " Hanes Bywyd y Parch. John Evans, Llwynffortun," Rev. T. J. Williams, . " Remains of Rev. John Rees, Crown Court," Mrs. Walker. " Sweet Singers of Wales," Rev. H. Elfed Lewis, M.A. 1' Cofiant y Parch. Edward Morgan, Dyffryn," Rev. Griffith Ellis, M.A. " Cofiant y Parch. John Jones, Blaenanerch," Rev. John Davies. " Hanes Bywyd Siencyn Penhydd," Rev. Edward Mathews. " Bywgraphiad y Parch. Thomas Evans, Caerfyrddin," Rev. D. Hughes, Cross Inn. " Owen Owens, Corsywlad," Rev. Henry Hughes, Brynkir. " Cofiant Dafydd Rolant," Rev. Owen Jones, B.A. " Cofiant y Parch. Evan Griffiths, ," Rev. John Hughes, . "Cofiant y Parch. Evan Harries," Rev. Thomas Levi. " Cofiant Dr. ," Rev, T, C, Edwards, M.A., D,D. BIBLIOGRAPHY.

" Cofiant a Phregethau John Foulkes Jones, B.A.," Joseph Owen, . " Hanes y Parch. Dafydd Morgan, gan ei Pab," Rev. J. J. Morgan. " Cofiant y Parch. Richard Jones, Bala," Rev. Lewis Jones, Bala. " Cofiant y Parch. Owen Jones, Gelli," Rev. John Hughes, Pontrobert. " Cofiant y Parch. Richard Jones, Wern,'' Rev. John Jones, Tremadoc. " Cofiant y Parch. Thomas Jones, Dinbych," Rev. Jonathan Jones, Llanelwy. " Bywgraphiad y Parch. William Morris, Cilgeran," Rev. George Williams. " Cofiant y Diweddar Barchedig John Parry, Caerlleon," Erfyl. . " Bywyd y Parch. Ebenezer Richards," His sons E. W. Richard and Henry Richard. " Cofiant y Parch. Daniel Rowland," Morris Davies. "Hanes Bywyd a Gweinidogaeth y Parch. Daniel Rowland," Rev. John Owen, M.A., Thrussington. "Memoirs of Rev. John Williams, Pantycelyn," Rev. Maurice Davies. " Hanes Cenhadaeth Dramor y Methodistiaid Calfinaidd Cymreig," Rev. J. H. Morris, . " Byr-Gofiant am naw a deugain o Weinidogion Ymadaw- edig Sir Aberteifi." Gan John Evans, . v Biographical Dictionary

OF METHODIST MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

Abraham, Mr. Rowlant, Ys- was conspicuous. On one occa goldy, Carnarvonshire, was sion when Mr. Richard Bum- born at Nolcwm-brwynog, in ford was poorly, and unable to the parish of , in the accompany the Rev. Henry year 1769. His parents were Rees on one of his itinerances, Abraham and Catherine Math- Mr. Abraham was chosen to ew. In 1784, they removed to take his place. He was well- Brynteg, . The suited for the position, as he people of the neighbourhood was eminent in prayer, and his were steeped in ignorance. Just were usually short. then, Rowlant heard Thomas Though not a lively and popular Evans, Waenfawr, preach, and preacher, his sermons contained was deeply affected by the ser some fine thoughts. On his itin mon. When nineteen years of erancy with Mr. Rees he age he married. Four years preached a new at sev later he joined the church at eral services in succession. This , which at the time con rather disconcerted Mr. Rees as sisted of only twenty members. he had the notes of only a few He backslided for a short select sermons with him. At period, but was afterwards re last Mr. Rees asked him, "How stored. When forty years of many sermons have you with age he was chosen a , and you, Rowlant Abraham?" He soon began to exhort, and replied, "Every sermon I in 1824 permission was given preach is a new one." He him by his Monthly Meeting to would decide upon a text a little preach. He greatly excelled in while before entering the pul ability in conducting church pit, fix upon the main thought meetings, and as a Catechiser of and preach it at once. This was Sunday Schools. His minister his usual custom, and thus his ial gifts were not bright, and sermons were always fresh and his general knowledge was very short. He died August 21, 1841, limited, but no one doubted his aged 72 years, and was buried sincerity ; his faithfulness also in Llanddeiniolen Churchyard. B

S BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Y Drysorfa, vol. xiii., page 39; Tanyrhiw, Nanmor. His preach Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., ing was often accompanied by page 215. much feeling, and great things Anthony, Mr. Samuel, Kid- wefe expected of him. He was wely, , died very active during his brief August 11th, 1850. He had been day. But consumption set in, a preacher of the Gospel for 58 and he was cut down early in years. A letter, addressed by life. He died August 12th, him to his Monthly Meeting, ap 1846, aged thirty-two years. — peared in the Drysorfa for 1848, Hanes Methodistiaeth Gorllew- page 217. Taking into account in Meirionydd, vol. ii., page his humble circumstances, he 210; 'Enwogion Swydd Feirion^ attained to considerable ac page 9. quaintance with the Greek lan Basset, Rev. Christopher, guage. Rev. D. Anthony, M.A., Aberddawen, Penmark, , was his son. Glamorganshire, was the sort of Christopher and Alice Bas Anwyl, Mr. Morris, Bedd- set, who were members of the celert, Carnarvonshire, the son Methodist church at Aberdda of Robert Anwyl, , and wen, and had been converted, it his wife Margaret Owen, was would seem, under the ministry born April 10th, 1814, at Dinas of Howel Harris. The parents Moel, near . On his held a respectable position in father's side, he was descended society. Christopher was born from the family of Dafydd in 1753. It was intended that Nanmor, and on his mother's he should take Orders in the side, from the family of Hafod Church of , and hence, Lwyfog, near Beddgelert. he was educated accordingly. Though brought up in the When young he attended the church, he forsook the paths of Grammar School at Cowbridge„ religion. At the time of a and upon his own decision to revival however at Rhyd Ddu, enter the Church, he proceeded he returned to the fold of God, to College, Oxford. Here and, at the request of the eld he took his M.A. degree. At the ers of the church, he soon be end of his collegiate course he gan to preach in his home dis was ordained by the of trict of Nanmor, and was re to the curacy of St. ceived a member of the Associa Anne's, Blackfriars, under the tion at Carnarvon, September saintly Romaine. But his. 4th, 1839. For a time he studied health soon gave way, and he at Bala, but his health broke was pressed by his parents to do'vn, and he had to return returntook the to curacy the country. of St. Ffagans, So he home sooner than he intended ; so he took a small farm, called near . This was in 1778. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

Whilst here he identified him Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii., self with the Methodists, and page 94; Y Tadau Methodist- hiied a room in the village, aidd, vol. ii., page 129; Hen where he held church meetings. Farwnadau Cymreig, page 53. In this room also the itinerant Beaumont, Mr. James, The preachers of Methodism con Gore, Radnorshire, was one of ducted preaching services. He seven who were acknowledged itinerated himself a good deal, at the first Association held at both in North and . Watford, as public preachers. His stay at St. Ffagans, how He laboured chiefly in Brecon ever, was short. Why it was so, shire and Radnorshire, and was is not known ; no intimation is highly esteemed by Howel given that he was dismissed. Harris : they were great per Notwithstanding his high schol sonal friends. At a Monthly astic qualifications and his per Meeting held at Glanyrafonddu, sonal piety, he received no pre he was appointed with Howel ferment in the Church. The Harris and Herbert Jenkins a likelihood is that his association general visitor to all the So with the Methodists blocked the cieties. At the second Associa way. A little previous to his tion held at Watford, April, death, he removed to Borthceri, 1744, he was appointed super near his parents' home, and, ap intendent of the Societies in parently, he had the curacy of Herefordshire and Radnorshire. the Church. But one Sunday, in He was a bold and energetic the summer of 1783, when man in his work, after the type preaching at Crai, Breconshire, of Harris, and suffered much he took a severe cold which de ill treatment in his zeal for veloped into consumption, and Christ. An instance of the kind it gradually grew upon him. is recorded upon one of his Notwithstanding the best medi visits to Newtown, Montgomery cal skill and a stay at Bath, he shire, when he was in company passed away on February 6th, with William Evans, , 1784, at the early age of 31 seeking to carry on evangelistic years, and was buried at St. work. The treatment he re Athans. In an elegy to his mem ceived was most cruel. He was ory, the Rev. William Williams, fiercely pelted by the mob with writes of him : — mud and dung and stones until his strength was completely ex " Mae ei deitlau heddyw'n uchel. Llawer uwch na theitlau'r byd ; hausted, and his head and Fedd Rhydychain fawr a Chambridtfe clothes were covered with blood. Ddim o'u bath hwy'n awr ynghyd ; As his friends were raising him Brawd i'r addfwyn Oen bendigaid. out of the mud into which he Dyna'i uchel radd a'i fri, had been thrown, a woman came Er mai Athraw Celfyddydau Oedd ef ar ein daear ni " and threw a handful of dung at BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

his mouth, which almost took marthenshire. He was one of away his breath. Such was the four who were commissioned at treatment he received at the a very early period to visit hands of the people of Newtown. , where his services But notwithstanding all suffer were highly appreciated. The ing and hardships he continued revered John Evans, Bala, faithful to the evangelistic spoke of him as a courageous movement that was being carried man, of strong faculties and a on. In 1745, he went to labour good preacher. — Methodistiaeth in the English field. On April Cymru, vol. i. page 487 ; vol. 11th he wrote to Howel Harris, ii. page 3. stating that he intended going Bevan, Rev. Hopkin, - to Bath and London. Before gyfelach, Glamorganshire, was his death, which took place pre born at Cilfwnwr, a farm house vious to 1750, he had embraced in the parish of Llangyfelach, Antinomian views. It is be May 4th, 1765. His parents lieved that he died at Pembroke were Rees and Mary Bevan ; the through having been struck by a former was born at Ffynonlef- stone which had been thrown at rith, Llangyfelach, in Dec., him by the enemies of the Gos 1706, and the latter at Penys- pel, when he was preaching in gallen, Loughor, in April, 1735. the open air. — Y Tadau Method- He was one of five children, but istdidd, vol. i. page 223. the only child of his mother, Belcher, Mr. John, was one who was his father's second of Howel Harris' chief support wife. The Rev. Llewelyn D. ers in his early efforts for the Bevan, D.D., Melbourne, Aus religious of the tralia, is a descendant of his -country. In 1744, he was ap brother Thomas. When but nine pointed his chief assistant in years of age he lost his father. the superintendence of the He was a quiet and thoughtful -early Societies that were formed youth, taking but little delight in various parts of Wales. His in the games and frolics of his name is to be met with fre day and district. His mother quently in the annals of the gave him the best education movement at that period. He within reach, at first in the ;acted the part of a pioneer with neighbourhood of his home, and unflinching courage. Because afterwards at Swansea. He - of his eminent qualifications as then settled down to a farmer's an evangelist he was directed life. When 20 years of age he to free himself from all secular married Mary, the daughter of duties, and devote himself en Mr. William Parry, Gellywren. tirely to preach the Gospel, es fawr, Llangyfelach, by whom pecially in parts of Monmouth- he had thirteen children, six -shire, Glamorganshire and Car boys and seven girls ; two of the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. latter died in infancy. When ies of South Wales, and went 23 years of age he joined the occasionally to Bristol and Lon Methodist Church at Goppa, don. On one of his visits to the which was four miles distant Metropolis — in the year 1812 — from his home. He at once be he induced the friends to hold gan to take a deep interest in special preaching services at the Methodist Movement. In Easter, and these services have 1 791, in company with Mr. Grif been held annually uninterrup fith Morgan, Glynhir, who was tedly ever since. Being a man much his senior and watched of sound judgment, and his per over him as a father, he went sonal godliness above suspicion, to an Association held at Aber he was for many years the ystwyth, to seek permission for acknowledged leader of his the administration of the or Monthly Meeting. As a preacher dinances of Baptism and the he was orthodox in his doctrine Lord's Supper at Goppa. This but slow of speech. At times privilege, which was granted by he had powerful services when the ruling authorities reluctant an unction from the Holy One ly to any church, was, through rested upon the people. Few the advocacy of the Rev. David equalled him in his gift in Jones, Llangan, given. Soon prayer. He was also a con after this, Hopkin felt the de siderable poet. He died Dec. sire to preach, and in this mat 29th, 1839, aged 75 years, and ter he was encouraged by his was buried, according to his de elderly friend, Mr. Morgan. sire at Llangyfelach. Before The result was that in 1793 he he passed away, he wrote a formally entered upon the work. brief history of the beginning of His services soon became highly Calvinistic Methodism in his appreciated, though he never own district. — His Memoir by became a popular preacher, in the Rev. W. Samlet Williams; the usual sense of the word, as y Drysorfa, vol. x. page 64. his style was heavy. In 1809 he Bevan, Mr. William, Tre- took an active part in the erec castle, Breconshire, died in tion of a chapel at Llangyfelach the year 1814. For twelve years where he henceforth held his previous to his death, there was membership. Indicative of the so much bitterness shown by the esteem in which he was held, it clergyman of the parish towards is sufficient to say that he was the Methodists that he would among the first lot of preachers not allow their mortal remains, ordained to the full work of the when being buried, to be taken ministry at Llandilo in 1811. into the church, nor was the So far as is known, he never church burial service read at travelled much in North Wales, the grave. A change, however, but he visited the several count came to pass in 1814, when the BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY old vicar died. His son, who work, according to his circum succeeded him in office, restored stances and attainments. But to the Methodists their rights his health for some time con in this respect : and William fined him very much to his Bevan was the first who was home. He died, having borne buried under the restored order. a clear testimony that he was a During the years of his min child of God, October 10th, istry he rendered much service 1848, aged 78 years. He was not to the churches of Methodism, a man of eminent abilities, but especially in Breconshire. He he always proclaimed the truth visited North Wales, on one oc with clearness and fidelity. — casion at least, in company with Y Drysorfa, 1849, Page 294 ; the Rev. John Williams, Panty- Cenhadon Hedd, page 1. celyn. — Y Tadau Methodistaidd, vol. ii. page 151 ; Methodistiaeth Bowen, Mr. Thomas, Builth, Cymru, vol. iii. page 354. Breconshire, was one of the Bloom, Mr. Milbourne, Llan- early exhorters. Thomas James, the superintendent of the district, arthney, Carmarthenshire, was one of the earliest preachers of reported of him that " he Methodism, and was highly preached the Gospel in his life thought of. At the second As and character, and that he was sociation held at Watford, highly blessed through his April 6th and 7th, 1744, he was preaching." appointed superintendent of Bowen, Mr. William, Swan the churches in his county. At sea, was a native of Aberhen- his house a Monthly Meeting man, Breconshire, and became was one time held which be a supervisor in the Inland Re came well-known through a mar venue. He began to preach when vellous manifestation of the he resided at Trecastle, Brecon Divine presence then exper shire. In the year 181 1, he re ienced. moved to Swansea, where he Bowen, Rev. David, Llan- continued his pulpit exercises. saint, Carmarthenshire, was He is said to have been a good born in the year 1770 at Aber- and sensible man, and a power in the parish of Aber- ful and lively preacher. Were nant, near . He it not that his secular calling joined the church at prevented him from itinerating in early life, and soon felt de as a minister, he might have be sirous of making known to come one of the chief leaders in others the Saviour he had him the Welsh Methodist pulpit. He self found. He was ordained to died at Swansea in the year the full work of the ministry in 1822, aged 60 years. — Method the year 1810, and proved faith istiaeth Cymru, vol. iii. pages ful in all sections of the Lord's 3'i 355- OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

Buckley, Mr. James, Caer- way in which he learnt to read wys, Flintshire, was one of the was peculiar. Jointly with an first who joined the little com elder brother he was in the habit pany of believers at Caerwys. of caring for his father's sheep, During a considerable portion which he got to know through of his life he was a preacher the pitch-mark letters on their also. He had a fine physique, sides, and then he began to dis tall and well formed, and gen tinguish the sheep of neighbour tlemanly in his bearing though ing farmers in the same way. he was but a working weaver. One Sabbath, when his father He excelled as a singer and and mother had gone to Church, rendered much service to the he accidentally took the Com singing of the sanctuary. He mon Prayer Book in his hand, was a blameless Christian, to divert himself in reckoning though not a very talented its pages. In doing so, he re preacher. He died March 24th, cognized similar letters in the 1803, aged 60 years. — Method- Book to those on the sheep. The istiaeth Cymru, vol. iii. page following week, these letters 171. were continually in his mind, Cadman, Mr. Benjamin, Llan and in naming any one he re idloes, was one of the early peated the letters to himself preachers who co-operated with slowly thus;— R O B E R T Howel Harris. He was present and then rapidly joining them at the Association held at together in one word. Within April,Tyddyn, 1745. ,But he soon after two months he learnt to read fairly correctly, without a day's left the Methodists, and is sup schooling. When eleven years posed to have joined the Congre- of age he entered the service of gationalists. — Methodistiaeth a Mr. Wynne, Garthmeilo, with Cymru, vol. ii. page 359. whom he remained six years. Cadwaladr, Mr. Dafydd, During this time he became pos Bala, , was one sessed of a copy of " Y Bardd of the second generation of Cwsg " (The Sleeping Bard), Methodist preachers. At the and also a Welsh copy of " The time of his birth the land was Pilgrim's Progress." He com covered with darkness as regards mitted these two books almost the Gospel, and Dafydd was entirely to memory, so that he brought up in complete ignor could repeat any portion of ance of Divine things. He was them. His services as a reciter the son of Cadwaladr and Cath of varied scenes set forth in erine Dafydd who lived at Erw these books, were often in great Ddinmael, in the parish of demand during the winter Llangwm, Merionethshire, and months, when the people of was born in the year 1752. The different households would meet BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY together of an evening to knit ist Church at Bala, of which he stockings. He was the subject continued a member to the end of religious impressions when of his life. about five years of age, through When 28 years of age, he was hearing his mother pray, in urged by the revered old saint, great agony of mind and man John Evans, Bala, to preach. ner during a terrific thunder He went to for storm. The reading of the two the purpose, but he got so con books already referred to kept fused that he made no further his mind much fixed upon reli attempt for two years. When gious truths. His knowledge he next took the matter in however was very limited. hand — which was at Llandrillo When about 15 years of age, he and Llanarmon, he had such accidently heard of a seiat — a light and unction that he took church meeting — which interest to the work heartily. In about ed him much, for he was told it two months' time he attended was a meeting for reading and an Association in South Wales. prayer and conversation on re To his great surprise he heard ligious subjects. He had never himself announced to preach at previously heard of such meet the early morning service, at 6 ings, and apparently he had o'clock. He felt strongly in never heard of any one preach clined to betake himself quietly ing, except the clergyman of the away, as he was so inexperienced parish, and Jesus Christ and in the work. However, he His Apostles. And strange to thought better of it and re say, though he knew so little mained, although his mind was about preaching, yet he felt a too anxious to permit of his deep desire to engage in the taking any food. Nor did he work. After leaving Garth- sleep the whole of the night, meilo, he was for two years in but spent the hours thereof in service at Nant-y-cyrtiau, four prayer and meditation, with the miles from Bala, and having result that he had a glorious ser his Sabbaths free, on the condi vice — quite a Pentecostal occa tion of providing himself with sion. During his early minis food, at his own cost, he availed try his style of preaching was himself of the opportunity of that of thundering against sin, attending religious services at and warning his hearers of its Bala — fasting from morning to terrible consequences : and his evening. When 19 years of age, sermons were marvellously he entered the service of Wil owned of God to the conversion liam Evans, Fedw-arian, who of his hearers. was a preacher with the Method It is supposed that it was at ists, and about the same time he an early period in his ministry, joined the Calvinistic Method he made the following remark- OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

able covenant with the Lord, of Scripture. He knew almost which reveals his complete the whole of the by heart, surrender to Him, " I, Dafydd and could at once command any Cadwaladr this day, give my passage he needed to illustrate self to be the Lord's for or enforce his point. His ever. I give Him my soul memory was most retentive. He to be kept and saved by was particularly careful to ful Him, my body to be a sacrifice fil all his engagements, however unto Him, my heart to love rugged the roads he had to Him, my tongue to glorify Him, travel or inclement the weather ; my time to serve Him, my mem neither storm nor sunshine bers to be the instruments of would prevent him from pro righteousness for Him : in His ceeding on his journey, and that Person I will believe, in His on foot, as he never rode on blood I will wash myself, in horseback. He often walked His grace I will strengthen my thirty or forty miles on self, in His Word I will medi Saturday, and the same dis tate, upon His glory I will fix tance again on Monday, my thoughts, upon His bosom and possibly, twenty or thirty I will rest, in the ways of His miles on Sunday from one commandments I will walk ; preaching station to another. against sin I will fight, under He was a great walker even to the Cross I will suffer, for all the end of his days. He re men I will pray ; thus I pur peatedly travelled the whole of pose to live to God, and to trust Wales fulfilling his ministry. alone in His goodness for He was a man mighty in prayer, strength and grace to keep my and spent much time in com vow ; and lest I should ever re munion with his Master. Un call my words, God — Father, der no circumstances would he Son and Spirit — the angels of omit family worship, even when heaven, and the devils of hell, obliged to leave home at three and my own conscience shall be o'clock in the morning. the witnesses to my covenant. Nor was he an inconsiderable Isaiah xlv. 5, 1 Tim. vi. 12, poet. He wrote an elegy to the Psalm cxix. 106. Keep me, O memory of the Rev. Thomas God, at all times from every Charles, Bala, which went kind of presumption and error, speedily through four editions, near to Thyself. A blessing and is universally praised. upon me." He continued to labour in the He was a popular preacher, Gospel until the very end of his having a quaint style of de life. Though he lived to the livery, which was attractive and 82nd year of his age, he was effectual. His sermons were not incapacitated from work but proverbial for their quotations for a few weeks. He died, BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

July 9th, 1834, aged 82 years, renowned brother Thomas. Like after 52 years of active service, him, he was from his earliest under many difficulties, as a years fond of books, so much preacher of the Gospel. His so that his father one day re mortal remains were laid to rest marked to his mother, " I don't in Churchyard. — know what we shall do with Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i. David, unless we bring him up page 543 ; Enwogion Swydd a parson." But whilst a re Feirion, page 54. spectable farmer he was of too Charles, Kev. David (Senior), limited means to afford to send Carmarthen, is acknowledged two of his sons to Oxford. So to have been for many years one David, instead of being sent to of the leading men of his Deno College to follow in the steps mination, not only in the town of Thomas, in the study of where he resided, but in the Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Mathe Monthly Meeting of his County matics, and so on, was appren and the Quarterly Association ticed at Carmarthen to a flax- of South Wales. He served in dresser and rope manufacturer. the diaconate for about twenty But this did not serve to alienate years before he entered the ranks him from his books, for during of the ministry. In fact he was his apprenticeship, he commit forty-six years of age when he ted to memory the whole of began to preach, and it was only Young's " Night Thoughts," at the urgent request of the which served him well dnd en leading ministers of the body, tered largely into his own including his brother, the Rev. thoughts during the remainder Thomas Charles, B.A., Bala, of his life. This action revealed that he did so. He was any thing but a man desirous of the bent of his mind and the pushing himself before the pub retentiveness of his memory. lic : but his deep thoughtful- He was not only fond of read ness, wide culture, and exalted ing, but he was also religiously views upon divine things, led disposed. This disposition was those who knew him to urge greatly confirmed through read upon him to become a minister ing the sermons of Ralph Ers- of the Gospel, and thus bring kine which exercised a deep in forth things new and old in the fluence upon him, when he was hearing of the people from the about fifteen years of age. In rich treasury he possessed. deed, the influence of Erskine's He was born at Pantdwfn, writings never left him. He near St. Clears, Carmarthen, continued ever afterwards, amid Oct. 11th, 1762. He was the all the troubles of his secular third son of his parents, and life, to be concerned about the seven years younger than his interests of his soul and of the

OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

Kingdom of Christ. At the complished lady, and remark termination of his apprentice ably sound in her judgment. ship he went for a time to Bris He was chosen early in life tol, to perfect himself in his to the office of deacon by the calling. He remained there church in Water Street, Car four years and found congenial marthen, and soon won for him -society in the company of a self great fame and influence. number of young men of simi Even at the South Wales Quar lar sympathies to his own. terly Associations he would be listened to with greatest respect, He returned to Carmarthen not only when business matters about the year 1784, and started were discussed, but also when "business on his own account. In the topic of conversation would .a few years' time he married a be theological. He always pre -daughter of Samuel Levi Phil pared for the church meeting at lips, Esq., a banker at Haver home, and thus his addresses fordwest. Mr. Phillips was a were most instructive and edify native of Frankfort-on-the- ing. Maine, the son of a Rabbi, and After discharging his duties had been brought up in the faithfully as a deacon for about Jewish faith. He came to Eng twenty years, he yielded to the land, early in life, and was urgent request of the brethren -shortly afterwards converted to that he should enter upon the the Christian faith. His daugh ministry of the Gospel. He ter was won to embrace the delivered his first sermon at -same faith under the ministry Water Street Chapel in of the Rev. Rowland Hill, who 1808, when he was forty- was ever a welcome visitor to six years of age. It was Tier house at Carmarthen, when soon recognized that the step he ever he visited the district on thus took was a wise one and his preaching tours. Through rich in blessing for the church. his marriage Mr. Charles be- He proved a true expounder of .came comparatively wealthy. the Scriptures and threw much He was able to extend his busi light upon many dark passages ness considerably, and to ren of the Word. His delivery was der greater service to the cause not that of an orator, but slow -of Christ. In addition to bring and impressive. In this respect, ing him wealth, Mrs. Charles the contrast between him and assisted him considerably in the the eloquent John Elias was advice given to scores of peo great. At the private gather ple who came to him for coun ings of the brethren when theo sel, for she was a clever and ac logical questions were under dis BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY cussion, and the addresses were dition of the people in the neigh spoken spontaneously, Elias bourhood, and in other parts of was nowhere as compared with Radnorshire, and found that the Charles, whose breadth and people were grossly ignorant of depth of thought, knowledge of divine things, and that their re theology and clearness and pre ligious condition was appalling. cision of language were far sup The having, erior. But on the stage, in completely died in those dis the presence of the thousands tricts, the interest of the people gathered to hear the Gospel in religion had died at the same preached, Elias was head and time, so he determined upon shoulders above him and all his making the attempt to resusci compeers. Charles was not, tate this interest. And in 1813. strictly speaking, a popular he started a Society for the pur preacher, for his style was pose of sending ministers to' heavy, his speech slow, and his those districts, and he exercised thoughts were too weighty to over them a fatherly super catch the ears of the masses. vision. On the other hand, for the He exercised great watchful thoughtful section of his hear ness and care over all the Meth ers, he was a special favourite. odist Churches within a few- He would rivet their attention miles of Carmarthen. He often- and charm their hearts. His went upon his own responsi printed sermons reveal to us the bility to churches in the dis character of his thoughts, and trict, where any fractious mem have ever been considered ex ber caused a disturbance, and ceedingly valuable as regards would administer the discipline- depth and insight into the mys he thought necessary, and the teries of religion. The high es churches would not only submit teem in which he was held is to his decision, but would glad revealed in the fact that though ly and gratefully accept it. All' he had been only three years a his services were gratuitous. preacher, when the first lay Here it may be allowed us to re brethren were chosen to be or late an incident upon this point dained, he was among the num that is reported of the Rev. ber, and was ordained at Llan- John Evans, New Inn, after dilo in 1811. wards of Llwynffortun. When He was the founder of the he was asked why it was that South Wales Home Missionary he received a fee for his minis Society. When a visitor at terial labours, whilst Mr. he made en Charles invariably refused any quiries as to the religious con payment ; he replied in his owni OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '3 humorous way, "Oh, my dear a high, full and broad fore sir, Mr. Charles has had an head, a fine Grecian nose, a ample fortune from the Jews; well-chiselled chin, large dark it is reasonable that I should re eyes and jet-black hair. " It ceive a little from the Gentiles." was no wonder," as one writer During his life, Water Street states, that "the congregations Chapel was in its glory. He looked upon him as an angel fly took great interest in all de ing in the midst of heaven with partments of the work, especi the everlasting Gospel." ally in the Sabbath School. He The last years of his life were composed several short cate spent under a deep cloud, chisms for the annual Sunday which is full of mystery. In School festival on Christmas July, 1828, he was struck by a day, and many of his hymns severe stroke of paralysis which were composed to be sung at deprived him almost entirely of these meetings, when there was the use of his limbs and his no known hymn suitable for the speech. He became utterly help Catechism composed by Thomas less. He continued to find com Jones or some other brother. fort in the hymns which were Some of these hymns, such as sung to him by his daughters, " O Iesu mawrrho'th anian bur" but there was no clear communi have found a permanent place cation between him and his in Welsh Hymn books. He was friends on earth. Family wor not a great poet, but he wrote ship was still held, but at times some of the best hymns in the under very painful circum Welsh language. " O fryniau stances. When there was no one Caersalem ceir gweled " will present to lead in prayer, the never be forgotten or laid aside members of the family would whilst the Welsh language con meet together as usual in the tinues to be used as a vehicle of room where he helplessly lay. worship. After some one would read a He had a fine physique. His chapter, and all would kneel in picture, which appeared in the the attitude of prayer, he would " Drysorfa " some years ago, raise his eyes and, with one was, we have been informed on hand towards heaven, would the best authority, a painful utter in sounds which no one caricature. He was a tall stately but himself and his Father in man, standing six feet high; of heaven understood, the worship massive frame and kingly ap of the home. At such times pearance, somewhat inclined to those present would be com wards corpulence. He had a pletely overcome by their feel splendid head, a classical face, ings. Under these painful con 14 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

ditions he spent the last six ii. page 882 ; Y Gwyddoniadur years of his life, a wreck of his Cymreig, vol. ii. page 324. former self. But no doubt he Charles, Rev. Hugh Ed acted upon the counsel he ward, Tymawr, Anglesea, was one time gave his brethren at a the son of the Rev. John Charles, church meeting before his afflic Gwalchmai. He was born Oct. tion came upon him — " Endeav 4th, 1806. He had all the ad our," he said, " to obtain a vantages of a religious home in clear knowledge of your ac his youth, and grew up to be a ceptance with God now, as it is kind, loving, and godly young possible that the sun will not be man. He joined the church in the firmament when you will when 17 years of age. He was be called upon to walk through brought up to the calling of a the valley of the shadow of dyer, like his father ; and con death." He passed peacefully tinued therein until the time of away on Sept. 2nd, 1834, aged 72 his marriage to Miss Ellen years, and was buried in the Thomas, Carwad, , in graveyard of 1836, when he removed to the Church, a beautiful spot on the district of Tymawr * Chapel. top of a hill about a mile from Here he showed great faithful Carmarthen. ness in connection with the cause In the year 1840 a volume con of Christ. Observing how he taining seventy-one of his Ser was growing in grace and know mons in Welsh, and a few of ledge, the brethren at Gwalch his Hymns, was published un mai urged upon him to enter der the editorship of Hugh the ministry, and when twenty- Hughes, the Artist, one of his three years of age, he yielded sons-in-law. Vol. I. is on the to their desires and commenced title-page, but we are not aware his brief career as a preacher of that a second volume was pub the Gospel. His preaching was lished. In 1846, an English clear, healthy, strong and effec volume consisting of Sermons tive. He was favoured with translated from the Welsh, with many seals to his ministry. One a Memoir by Mr. Hughes, was man who joined the church issued from the press. Still sometime after Mr. Charles' later a small volume of " Select death, declared that it was a Sayings," edited by his son, was sermon preached by him on the published by Messrs. Hughes words, " What will be the end and Son, Wrexham. A Memoir, of those who believe not the by H. Hughes ; Y Drysorfa, vol. Gospel of God?" led to his con xvii. pages 128, 161, 193; Cof- version. The sermon had iant John Jones, Talsarn, vol. seized upon him, and he could OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. IS not escape from it, though he pleasure in hearing Gospel ser did not yield at once. He died mons, and would often walk Dec. 1st, 1839, aged 33 years. alone a considerable distance so. The Rev. William Roberts, Am as to do so. That which was lwch, at his burial testified to most blessed to him was the his greatness, straightforward reading of 's ness, humility, obedience and treatise on "The Two Coven faithfulness. Y Drysorfa, vol. ants." x. page 193 ; Methodistiaeth After a time he became ac Mon, page 201. quainted with Rhys Hugh, a Charles, B.A., Rev. Thomas, pious old man who lived a few Bala, Merionethshire, was born miles away. He called upon in the parish of Llanvihangel him regularly once or twice a Abercowin, near St. Clears, week, and found his conversa Carmarthenshire, October 14th, tion most profitable. Rhys 1755. He was the son of Mr. Hugh was an old disciple of the Rees Charles, a respectable far Rev. , and told mer, who removed to Pantdwfn, young Charles many a stirring soon after his birth. Of his story about him and his work. early childhood nothing is In his Diary, Charles declares known. When from ten to that he looked upon him as his twelve years of age he went to spiritual father, and that he a school at , where loved him as his own soul. Yet the celebrated Rev. Griffith his personal religion, at this Jones, the founder of the Welsh time, consisted very much in Circulating Schools, had lived. holy desires and in the obser His parents purposed that he vance of the outward rites of should be trained for Holy the Church. After becoming a Orders. He continued to at communicant he succeeded in in tend this school, which was troducing family worship at his about two miles distant from his home. home, for three or four years. When about fourteen years of During this period he experi age he went to the Academy at enced deep religious impressions Carmarthen, then under the which, in a measure, passed charge of the Rev. Dr. Jenkins. away. He continued, however, He also joined the Calvinistic to take considerable interest in Methodists in the town, which religion, attending the services shews that he was alive to his of the Church, and reading the spiritual interests. He here met Scriptures, and other books of with some godly friends whose a religious character with much conversation was much blessed diligence. He also found much to him ; but he also fell in with BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

a few others of a careless and place ; and he was fortunate in worldly character, whose in meeting with several truly pious fluence upon him was altogether young men in whose company tad : the Lord, however, graci he found much delight and pro ously opened his eyes and de fit. livered him out of their snare. When he had been here about Early in the year 1773 he two years dark clouds unexpect heard the Rev. Daniel Rowland, edly overshadowed his path. , preach from the His pecuniary aid from Wales text Heb. iv. 15, and it pro became suddenly stopped, and duced a deep and lasting im notwithstanding the utmost pression on his mind. It proved care he found himself ^20 in a complete turning point in his debt. But Providence again spiritual career. He records in marvellously interposed and de his Diary that from this time livered him out of his perplex forth he "lived in a new heaven ity. He had resolved to explain and a new earth. The change his position to his creditors and which a blind man who receives return home to Wales. But a his sight experiences does not door of help opened. A gentle exceed the change I experienced man sent for him to dine with .at that time in my mind." him, and before he left handed He finished his preparatory to him the ^20 he needed, and course at Carmarthen in 1775, at the same time told him that and Providence in an unexpect he should not want during his ed manner opened up the way stay at Oxford. He was for him to proceed to Oxford, brought likewise into contact where he matriculated at Jesus with the Rev. , College on May 31st. He was Olney, Bucks, with whom he fully alive to the temptations of spent the summer holiday of University life for young men, 1777, and found it a great pri .and felt much anxiety regard vilege. Whilst here he had the ing them. Both Oxford and joy of hearing the saintly Ro- Cambridge had at the time a maine and other leaders of the rather bad reputation as to mor Evangelical School preach. als and religion. In a letter to On June 14th, 1778, he re a friend he speaks of the " fiery ceived deacon Orders at Oxford, temptations " of the university, having previously accepted a and how they proved ruinous to curacy in Somersetshire. But many who went there to study as his services were not required for Holy Orders. He looked to before Michaelmas he accepted the Lord for protection against an invitation from his friend the corrupting influence of the and fellow-student, Mr. Simon OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 17

Lloyd, Bala, to spend a month better curacy which he refused, with him at his home. This but when it was lessened the visit proved very eventful. It second time, he felt in great was then he first made the ac straits, not willing to leave on quaintance of Miss Sarah Jones, the ground of pecuniary con "who later on became his wife. siderations, though the reduced She was a step-daughter of Mr. salary would not be sufficient Thomas Foulkes, afterwards of for his support. He was provi Machynlleth. During his five dentially relieved from this diffi weeks' stay with Mr. Lloyd, culty through the kindness of both of them visited several the Rev. Mr. Lucas, a college parts of North Wales, to see friend, who had just come to re for themselves the state of the side in the neighbourhood, and country as regards morals and with whom he went to live at religion. Mr. Lloyd also ac Milbourne Port, as a kind of companied Mr. Charles to Pant- assistant, though he needed no dwfn, calling on the way at one, and he furnished Mr. Llangeitho, where they heard Charles with a horse that he Rowland preach twice. On the might serve his own curacy 17th of August he preached his which was eight miles off. first sermon at Llanvihangel, his In the summer of 1783, he father's parish church. Among resigned his curacy and left -others who were delighted to Milbourne Port on the 23rd of hear him was his old friend June, and on August 20th he Rhys Hugh. He went to his was married. About the same curacy, near Queen Camel, time he resolved to seek a curacy :about the middle of September. somewhere in the neighbourhood In the month of March, 1799, he of Bala. He also attended an look his P.. A. degree at Oxford : Association at Llangeitho, at and on May 21st, 1880, he re which there were present about ceived priest's Orders. twenty clergymen and sixty or He laboured in Somersetshire eighty lay preachers. On this for nearly five years, at what occasion he heard Rowland seems to us an exceedingly low preach twice, three other clergy -salary : but of course the value men once, and several lay of money was much greater preachers, men endowed with then than it is now : the first special ability. Preaching be year it was ,£45 : then it was re gan on Saturday and continued duced to £40, and afterwards to till Wednesday evening. ^30. At the time the first re The troubles which ultimately duction was made he had led to his secession from the through a friend the offer of a became now C 18 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY more acute. He got the curacy I am forced to do so." But it of a church in the neighbour was most depressing to him to hood of Bala, but after the sec be idle, and he felt with keen ond Sunday he received a long force the expression, " Woe is letter politely excusing him unto me, if I preach not the Gos from further attendance. He pel." After a time he obtained then assisted Mr. Simon Lloyd, a temporary curacy at Shaw- whose health at the time was bury, in Shropshire, under an very unsatisfactory, but he was old College friend, a Mr. soon besought by the whole Mason. But Shawbury, was parish, with two or three of the from forty to fifty miles dis principal inhabitants at their tant from Bala, where he con head, who spoke to him in a tinued to reside : going to and very rough strain, not to preach fro to Shawbury weekly, oc in their church again, saying, casionally spending a week or " You have cursed us enough more with Mr. Mason, the in already." For some time after cumbent of the parish. this he had no church where he Early in 1784, he obtained the could preach, and he had not curacy of , four yet fully understood the direc teen miles distant from Bala tion of the Master that he where he still made his home. should go to the bye ways and He travelled to and fro in all hedges and compel all he could weathers, often on foot through find to come in to the prepared frost and snow, and this though Gospel feast. Hitherto he had the road was one of the most continued a steadfast adherent rugged and precipitous, even in of the Established Church, and Wales. But he fulfilled his had no thought of forsaking it. duties with faithfulness, not In a letter dated September withstanding the roughness of 29th, 1783, he writes, " I am the journey, and the little re now waiting to see what the muneration he received for his Lord has to do with me ; mak services. Whilst here he re ing use of every means in my vived the custom of catechising power to procure some employ young people every Sunday ment in the Established Church ; afternoon. This feature in his not for the sake of any emolu ministry was highly appreci ments I might have, but from a ated by some of his flock, and principle of conscience. I can was no doubt instrumental in live independent of the Church ; doing much good : but it gave but I am a Churchman on prin great offence to others, who ciple, and shall therefore not complained of his proceedings, on any account leave it, unless to the rector : they also disliked OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '9 his preaching. The result was them with the bread of life. that the rector sent him a let What shall I do? Christ's ter of dismissal. A counter words continually sound in my petition was drawn up by those ears, — ' Feed my lambs.' I who liked his ministry, but it think I feel my heart willing to never reached the rector — the engage in the work, be the con person to whom it was entrusted sequences what they may. But afterwards acknowledged that then I ought to be certain in my he was prevailed upon to destroy own mind that God calls me to it. He then served occasionally preach at large: This stimu at Shawbury again. Finding lates me to try all means to his services rejected in church continue in the Church, and to after church, he felt quite per wait a little longer to see what plexed as to the course he the Lord will do. I thank the should take. He wrote to the Lord, I want nothing but to Rev. John Newton, Olney, for know His will, and to have advice. Mr. Newton recom strength to do the same. . . . mended him to leave Bala and I tremble lest the Lord should even Wales, rather than that he find me unfaithful, when I see should secede from the Church. so much work to do. I often Mr. Charles, possibly, having think I hear my dear Master placed before him the alterna saying to me — ' Why standest tive of throwing in his lot with thou here all the day idle?'" the Methodists, in view of his Being disengaged on the Sab rejection by the Church in baths, and recognizing the ig Wales. He shrank from acting norance of the young people at precipitately, seeking to know Bala, he invited them to his the Lord's will. In a letter to house for religious instruction one of his friends, dated June on Sunday evenings. His house 1 2th, 1784, he writes : — " I am soon became too small for in a strait betwixt two things ; the number who attended. The — between leaving the Church then and continuing in it. Being offered him the use of their turned out of three churches in chapel. This offer he accepted, this country, without the pros and it proved highly advantage pect of another, what shall I ous for the work he had at do? In the last church I served, heart. Scholars rapidly in I continued three months. There creased in number, and he in the Gospel was much blessed, as structed and catechised them. to the present appearance of In this way his Sunday School things. The people there are practically commenced. This calling on me with tears to feed was in 1784. Others may have BlOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY commenced similar work ere this book : in many parishes, not in Wales, but Mr. Charles even ten could he found cap makes no reference in any of able of reading; and in several his letters to anything of the parishes in Anglesea, not even kind. At these services for re two or three. ligious instruction, he doubt In the summer of 1785, Mr. less delivered many addresses Charles attended the annual As and thus paved the way for the sociation of the Methodists at more formal preaching of the Llangeitho, and took part in Gospel. Towards the end of the services. Mr. Rowland at the same year, or the beginning once perceived that he was a of the next, he entered definite man of no common worth, and ly upon preaching with the remarked in regard to him, Methodists. Writing of it many " Charles is a gift from the years later he said, " it was no Lord to North Wales." At this choice of mine ; it was provid time there was not a single ence that led me to it;" and in clergyman in North Wales the same letter, indicative of the identified with the Methodist fact that he never repented of movement. In taking the course the action he took, he says, " I he did Mr. Charles was fully might have been preferred in aware how humiliating was the the Church ; it has been re position held by the Methodists peatedly offered me ; but I in North Wales. There were a Teally would rather to have few highly-gifted and popular spent the last twenty-three lay-preachers, but the people as years of my life as I have done, a whole were looked upon with wandering up and down our contempt. He knew also that .cold and barren country, than if the remuneration he would re I had been made an archbishop." ceive would be scanty, and in It was now that his active la some places nothing at all. In bours, which proved so great a deed, throughout his whole sub blessing to his country, really sequent career, he depended al commenced. His work was in a together for his support upon great measure that of a mission his wife, who carried on a ary. In many places, especially business at Bala, and whatever in North Wales, little more he received for his preaching 'knowledge of God and His services, he consecrated to the word, was to be found, than in service of the Lord. Notwith heathen countries. The immor standing this, he threw himself ality and ungodliness which into the work with zeal and en prevailed were also intense. The thusiasm. .Bible was almost an unknown In the same year, he com- OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. menced his services as an itiner read their Bible in their native ant preacher, arranging his language, and to instruct them journeys at first in such a way in the first principles of Christ as to be at Bala on the last Sab ianity. By the assistance of a bath of every month, when he few generous friends, to whom I administered the ordinance of communicated my thoughts, the the Lord's Supper in the Meth plan was set on foot, and suc odist Chapel. When on his ceeded far beyond my expecta preaching itinerances, he recog tions. The calls for teachers be nized the alarming ignorance came numerous. The change in and wickedness of the people, the principles and morals of the and was deeply touched by their people, where the school had miserable condition. He found, been held, was evident. All the notwithstanding the good which income from the chapels I serve, had been done by the Circulat I devote wholly to their sup ing Schools of the Rev. Griffith port ; being supported myself by Jones, that much of it had the industry of my wife. I pay been very transient, as there was every teacher £12 per annum. scarcely a neighbourhood in They continue half a year or which one out of twenty of the three quarters, in a place, and population could read the word then they are removed to an of God. So he resolved upon other. Three quarters of a year starting a similar class of are found fully sufficient to Schools in North Wales. In a teach our children to read their letter written by him and dated, Bible well in the Welsh langu Bala, August 5th, 1797, he says, age. I visit the schools myself, "About nine years ago, while and catechise them publicly. I travelling through different have the unspeakable satisfac parts of the country, I found tion of seeing the country most very large districts between the amazingly changed. The wil mountains of North Wales sunk derness blossoms as the rose, in total ignorance of divine and the thirsty land is become things ; few, if any, could read springs of water." He would at all, and they had no himself visit a locality where he in their houses. I anxiously was about to establish a school, began to think how it was pos and seek to induce the parents sible to remedy so great an evil. to send their children for in No practical plan occurred to struction. In another letter he my mind, but that of employing says, — " We have now about a teacher or teachers, as my twenty schoolmasters in differ finances would allow, to teach ent parts of the country. To all freely that would attend, to each we pay ^10 a year. They BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

are removed from place to place done on the Sabbath, it was a and teach gratis all that will at desecration of the day. How tend, rich or poor." Possibly ever, he persisted in his efforts, he had to modify his payments and through his Circulating according to the funds at com Schools he was greatly assisted mand. by the God-fearing and devout Great efforts are made to show men who, for the ridiculously that Mr. Charles was not the small salary of jf10, ,£12 or ^15 founder of the Sabbath School a year, engaged in the work." in Wales. Very likely he was He himself looked upon the not the first who kept a Sabbath Sabbath School as a fruit in a School or arranged for one. It great degree of his Circulating would probably be very difficult Schools. The Sunday School to say who was the first who did catechetical meetings which he so. But whilst he was organized in many districts con not the founder of the in tributed much to its success. He stitution, he was far and would convene a meeting of a away more instrumental in number of schools within a starting schools than any other radius of ten miles, more or labourer in this branch of the less, when every school would Lord's vineyard, and did more be examined on a given subject than any one else in furthering which had been studied at home, the development of the organiza for two or three months pre tion. No one is comparable to viously. At times, as many as him in this respect. Through fifteen to twenty schools would be his efforts and influence and per thus assembled, and marvellous suasion the Sabbath School was results followed. Great excite started in scores, if not hun ment and enthusiasm were dreds of places, and as the Rev. aroused, and crowds of people David Evans, M.A., in his Sun would come together to hear the day Schools of Wales, says, — - public examination, which was "The Rev. Thomas Charles, of usually full of interest and in Bala, was the first to organize struction. The gathering would the system of Sabbath Schools sometimes be summoned to meet throughout the length and at a place and time, where a breadth of the land. In doing rural festivity called " Wakes " this he had to face much opposi was to be held, and in some tion, even from truly religious cases, it was the means of people in various localities, who putting an end to these ungodly considered that the teaching of and degrading gatherings. people to read even the Bible, A prominent feature of the was secular work, and, when Sabbath School as it became de OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 2 3 veloped in Wales was the pre tion of a Society whose special sence of adults as well as child object would be to secure a ren. Indeed, the majority of supply of Bibles without note those present in Welsh Sunday or comment for Wales. The re Schools were usually above the sult was that he laid his plan age of fifteen — fully two-thirds before the committee. After were of this class. This feature some discussion, the Rev. continues even to this day in Joseph Hughes, of Battersea, Welsh Schools, though it is to suggested the extension of the be feared that the English scheme. " If for Wales," he Schools in Wales are following said, "why not for England? after the fashion of those in Why not for the whole world?" England. This was the root idea of the As the Circulating and Sun Bible Society, and it at onca took day Schools increased the de root and grew. Thus Mr. Charles mand for Bibles also rapidly be gained his special object in re came louder. This became a per lation to Wales, and the new So plexity to Mr. Charles, as the ciety formed, resolved on Sep supply was utterly inadequate tember 3, 1804, to print 20,000 to the demand. The Society for copies of the Welsh Bible and the Promotion of Christian 5,000 copies of the New Testa Knowledge issued in 1799 an ment. Some delay took place in edition of 10,000 copies in the execution of the order : the Welsh. But these were soon New Testament was not ready bought up, and the difficulty of for delivery until July, 1806, obtaining a copy of the Welsh when it formed the first parcel Bible is indicated by the famil issued by this grand Society. iar story of " Mary Jones" and The following is a description her visit to Mr. Charles in by an eye-witness, given in the quest of a Bible. The scarcity " Christian Observer " for July, of the supply of the Holy Book 1 810, of the manner these Testa so moved him that he did not ments were received at Bala. rest until he discovered, as he " When the arrival of the cart thought, an effectual plan for was announced which carried its remedy. In December, 1802, the first sacred load, the Welsh he visited London to preach at peasants went out in crowds to the Spa Fields Chapel, and as meet it, welcomed it as the Is a country member of the Religi raelites did the Ark of old — ous Tract Society he attended drew it into the town, and eager one of its committee-meetings. ly bore off every copy, as rapid And the idea occurred to him to ly as they could be dispersed. suggest and plead for the forma The young people were to be »4 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY seen consuming the whole night the Trysorfa Ysbrydol (The in reading it. Labourers carried Spiritual Treasury) which it with them to the fields, that rendered much service to the they might enjoy it during the cause of religion. It was pub intervals of their labour, and lished quarterly from 1799 to lose no opportunity of becoming 1802, price sixpence. It was re acquainted with its sacred sumed by Mr. Charles himself truths." in 1809 and continued to 1813. The Committee of the British He was for years one of Wales' and Foreign Bible Society, at a might greatest be questioned literary forces. if any book, It meeting held March 6th, 1809, showed its appreciation of Mr. excepting of course the Bible, Charles' services by electing has played so important a part in him unanimously to be an Hon building up the religious char orary Life Governor. acter of Wales as his Hyftordd- During the whole of his wr (Christian Instructor), of ministerial life in connection which more than 60 editions with the Methodists, he was in have been published. He also cessant in his labours. He was published a Geiriadur Ysgryth- almost continuously on the yrol (Bible Dictionary), con tramp on his preaching itiner sisting of four volumes, ancies both in North and South which left a wonderful mark Wales, and oftentimes in Eng on the popular theology of land. He was regular in his Wales. This work was pub attendance at the Associations lished in parts, and it would and Monthly Meetings of his appear that he was assisted in denomination. He had the care some degree in the preparation of all the Circulating Schools in of the early pages by Mr. John the various localities. In the Humphreys, Caerwys. In every year 1800 the superintendence of way he was the chief leader of the Rev. P. Oliver's chapels in the denomination, though there Chester and the district de were among the lay preachers a volved upon him. Mr. Oliver few who were more gifted than died that year, and left Mr. he as popular preachers, and Charles a trustee of the places more owned of God in the con of worship he had erected. version of souls. This added considerably to his In the year 1799, in cross labours and anxiety. He man ing over the Migneint moun aged moreover to do consider tain at the time of a severe able literary work. In conjunc frost, the thumb of his left hand tion with the Rev. Thomas was frost-bitten. This caused Jones, Denbigh, he published him much pain and even en OF MINISTERS ANIJ PREACHERS. J 5 dangered his life. Much anxiety regards the administration of was felt by his family and these ordinances. There were friends. In the church at Bala few Clergymen identified with special prayer was made on his the Methodists who would ad behalf. Among others- who minister the ordinances in their prayed was one Richard Owen, chapels ; moreover, many of the who earnestly besought the Lord people were reluctant to attend that Mr. Charles' life should be the Communion Service in their spared for fifteen years. In his parish churches because of the prayer he referred to the exten character of the Clergy. These sion of Hezekiah's life, plead and other matters led to the de ing "Fifteen years, O Lord; mand being made by the people add but fifteen years to Thy ser- for the of a number servant's life. Spare him for fif of the most prominent preach teen years for Thy church and ers to meet the requirements of Thy people, O Lord !" He was the churches. Mr. Charles for spared ; and during these years a time resisted the clamour that he rendered his greatest service arose. But ultimately, at an As to the cause of truth, virtue and sociation held at Bala, June, religion. He referred fre 1810, he yielded to the voice of quently during the last years of the people, and undertook to his life to Richard Owen's draw up rules according to prayer : and he died at the close which the ordination was to take of the fifteen years. place : and in June, 181 1, he One of the most important took the leading part in the ser matters in which Mr. Charles vice at Bala at the first ordina took part during the whole course tion of preachers — eight in num ber. In August of the same year, of his connection with the Meth eleven chosen from the lay odists, and which led to the final preachers of South Wales, were and complete severance of the ordained at Llandilo, Carmar Methodist movement from the thenshire. The Rules he drew Established Church, was that of the ordination of lay preachers up for the occasion are still in to- administer the ordinances force. of the Lord's Supper and Bap During the spring and early tism. By the time of the summer of 1814 Mr. Charles' later years of the eighteenth strength began to fail, and century and the early years though he continued his work, of the nineteenth, the Meth it was not with the energy with odist Churches had increased which he was wont to act. In very much in number, and August, he and Mrs. Charles great inconvenience was felt as went to for change of 26 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

-air and recuperation. From A Memoir, by the Rev. E. Mor here they went to Machynlleth gan, Syston ; Y Tadau Method- to visit their friends, and he istaidd, vol. ii. page 163 ; Melh- preached on Sunday, Sept. 4th ; odistiaeth Cymru, vol. i. page this proved the last occasion of 326. Corrections by the Rev. D. his occupying the pulpit. He E. Jenkins; Y Gwyddoniadur returned home Sept. 10th, and Cymreig, vol. ii. 327. must have felt weak, for he re Charles, Rev. William, marked, " I have now nothing Gwalchmai, Anglesea, was to do but die." On the morn highly esteemed during his ing of his death he was visited brief ministerial career. His by a friend who remarked to father, the Rev. John Charles, kim, "Well, Mr. Charles, the who out-lived him, was also a day of trouble is come." "Yes," minister. So were his three he replied, "but there is a re brothers. William is said to fuge." These were his last have been the most eminent and words, and he passed away that successful preacher of the morning, October 5th, when he family. He was born Oct. 1, was nine days short of com 181 7 at Tynewydd, in the parish pleting his 59th year. He had of Gwalchmai, Anglesea. When been 36 years in the ministry. a lad he was greatly interested Nineteen days later, Mrs. in divine things, and was fond Charles also died. He was of imitating the various preach buried at Llanycil, about a mile ers whom he heard, especially outside the town of Bala. those in whom he took particu His tombstone bears the fol lar interest, or whose style was lowing inscription : — otherspeculiar. he advanced From to imitating preach Underneath lie the remains of the himself, and entered upon his Rev. Thomas Charles, B.A., of Bala. work with great earnestness and Who died Oct. 5th. 1814, aged 59. By originality when he was but his indefatigable endeavours when in nineteen years of age. In about London (A.D. 1804) to procure a supply of the Holy Scriptures for the use of his twelve months afterwards he native countrymen he became the means proceeded to Bala, where he re ofHe The establishing was British the reviver and Foreign of the Bible Welsh Society. Circu mained for three years, enjoy ing the educational training afforded at the Institution which lating Charity Schools, and a most active promoter of Sunday Schools both for had been recently opened by children and adults — and North Wales Drs. Edwards and Charles. (the more immediate field of his minister ial labours for 30 years)will probably re In the year 1841 he married tain traces of his various and strenuous Miss Eleanor Edwards, Bodwr- exertions to preach the Kingdom ofChrist till time shall be no more. og. His preaching was re OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 27

markable for its pathos and pletely melted under his preach freshness. His sentences would ing, many constrained to break take their form from his in forth in praise. A characteris tense earnestness and deep feel tic sermon of his appeared in ing. Dr. Hughes, of Carnar " Lampau y Demi," page 57. von, wrote of him: — "The Y Traethodydd, vol. ix. page beauty of his thoughts, his 290 ; Methodistiaeth Mon, pag'.' happy expositions, and the feel 204. ing which ran through all his Chidlow, Mr. is spoken of as utterances, together with the a preacher at Llandrillo yn Ed- evangelical character of his sub eyrnion. ject and spirit, and the heavenly Cleaton, Mr. Reinallt, Garn, unction which accompanied his , Montgomeryshire, preaching, combined to awaken is spoken of among the exhort- deep feeling in the hearts of his ers who stood up for Christ in .hearers, so that usually he had the earliest period of Method a complete mastery over the ism in the district of Llanid whole congregation." His ser loes. mons were usually full of Dafydd, Mr. Evan, Hafod-y- flowers gathered from the Word rhyg, Waenfawr, Carnarvon of God. His physical constitu shire, was one of the four tion was at no time robust, and preachers who started in Carnar during the last three years of his vonshire, of whom Robert life, his health having almost Jones, Rhoslan, says, that he completely broken down, he had had never seen them. He must to confine his preaching almost have commenced preaching soon exclusively to the immediate after Howel Harris' first visit locality of his home. He died to Carnarvonshire. Preaching Jan. 12th, 1849, at *he early age services were held at his house. of 31 years. His last words He suffered much, not only from were, — "All is well." A sweet the spirit of persecution then aroma still encircles his name, prevalent in the country, but both for his piety as a Christ from his own family, his wife ian and his ability as a being bitterly opposed to his re preacher. He was neither a ligious sympathies and prac learned scholar, nor a keen tices. He died April 24th, 1750, critic, 1 he had the happy aged 45 years, having been a knack or laying hold of the preacher for eight years. Hants hearts of the people, so that his Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. name and ministry are remem page 153. bered with great affection. His Dafydd, Mr. Evan, Rhosy- .congregations were often com gweision, Montgomeryshire, 28 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY was one of the earliest preach For some time he preached ers. Richard Tibbot, in his Re monthly at on the port to the Association in the Church Meeting Sabbath, and year 1743 says of him and two also at Ffosyffin, and Pensarn. others — Dafydd Powell and Da- Methodistiaeth De Aberteifi, fydd Jehu, — " There is reason pages 170, 207. to believe that God has work for Dafydd, Mr. John, Llwyn- them to do in the district. The engan, Carnarvonshire, was one three are walking in love and of the early exhorters. warmth and are very comfort Dafydd, Mr. Phillip, New. able." It is said that he was castle-, Carmarthenshire, unable to read but would preach was a clogmaker by trade, but well. He was one of the laboured earnestly as a preacher acknowledged exhorters at of the Gospel in the early his Tyddyn Association, April, tory of the cause in this district. 1745. He continued in the work Preaching services were often to the end of his life. Method- held in his house. He was a istiaeth Cymru, vol. i. page 132, considerable poet, and pub 403; vol. ii. page 371. lished several Elegies, and other Dafydd, Mr. Evan Thomas, poetical pieces. He died in the- Neath, Glamorganshire, was year 1814, aged 82 years. one of the early exhorters. Dafydd, Mr. Richard, Gareg- Dafydd, Mr. John, Bridgend, lefn, Ang'esea. His name is in Glamorganshire, is spoken of as cluded among the early preach a useful exhorter in his day. ers of Anglesea. Y Gymdeith- Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii. asfa, page 469. page 96. Dafydd, Mr. Richard, Dafydd, Mr. John, Ffosy- Lleyn, was converted under a ffin, sometimes called Sion Da sermon by Jenkin Morgan, the fydd, Llanarth, Cardiganshire, schoolmaster, at Glasfryn was one of the faithful members Fawr. He went to the ser of Ffosyffin church, during the vice with his pocket full of ministry of the Rev. Thomas stones to hurl at the preacher, Grey, who lived at Newquay, a but God pierced his heart distance of seven or eight miles through the truth which the from Ffosyffin. They induced preacher declared, and he was John Dafydd occasionally to obliged to submit to its power hold preaching services at their and point, and he became a homes. Thus the cause at New preacher who was owned of quay was started, and a church God in the conversion of was formed. John Dafydd was many. It is said that usually a lively and Scriptural preacher. he was not much of a preacher,. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. ^9 but that at times he was raised good work both in North and far above himself. South Wales. On one of his Dafydd, Mr. Richard, Pant- visits to Anglesea, he was ycoli, Anglesea, was born at handled roughly in the parish Amlwch about the year 1730. of . The persecu He was a weaver by trade and tors rushed upon him as if he resided at until had committed some great he was fifty years of age. Here crime, beating him mercilessly. he began his religious life and He ran for his life, and when also his preaching career. He he saw that he could not escape was the first preacher who through running from their started at Amlwch. His min hands, he jumped into a deep isterial gifts were only ordin ditch full of water and hid un ary, but he was a true Christ der a gorse bush which grew ian, and when observing upon its edge. They came family worship he would often upon him and began to beat him draw the attention of the sailors as if he were a mad dog. Were of the Port. When advanced in it not for the interposition of a life he removed to Pantycoli. farmer who lived at Tymawr, He seldom went far from home. , he would as At times though he would go as suredly have been killed. He far as , a distance of is said to have been the first twenty miles, walking to and Methodist who preached in fro the same day, and providing Anglesea. Reference is made to himself with a little food in his him in the Trefecca Minutes pocket for his support. He of the Association held at identified himself with Sunday Jeffrey Davies' house Llanddeu- School work at its first start. He sant, in 1743, when he was -was naturally of a gentle dis placed in charge of the Soci position and had pleasing man eties at , Cilcarw, ners. Methodistiaeth Cymru, and Carmarthen. vol. ii. page 505 ; Methodist In 1744, he was appointed to iaeth Mon, page 52. visit Gorseinon and Pembrey. Dafydd, Mr. Richard Wil What became of him afterwards liam, Swansea, was a brother of is not known. Methodistiaeth the Rev. David Williams, Llys- Cymru, vol. i. page 115; vol. yfronydd, Glamorganshire, who iii. page 29. was ordained after the manner Dafydd, Mr. Robert, Bryn- of the Congregationalists at engan, Carnarvonshire, was Aberthyn, near Cowbridge. He born in the year 1747, he had was one of the early preachers no early educational advant of Methodism, and did much ages, and moreover spent his 3" BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY early life in the wilds of sin. Dafydd, Mr. William, Llan- He was born at Cwmbychan, llyfni, Carnarvonshire, was the Nanmor, near Beddgelert. His first preacher that arose in this father's name was Dafydd Pri- locality. He began to preach in chard, who died when Robert the year 1764, and died January was four years of age. When 1st, 1802. He is said to have about 21, he was awakened to a been a gifted man, highly es concern about his soul through teemed in his district and a sermon he heard Sion Robert country. His sermons were Lewis preach. Soon after, usually short and sweet. As a he visited a school conducted by man he was gentle and kind, Robert Jones, Rhoslan, to hear and exceedingly fond of child him catechise the children. This ren. He was devoted to the ser proved the means of his con vice of Jesus and the welfare version. He then joined the of his fellows. For some years Methodists. His relatives not previous to his death he suffered liking the kind of life he was from severe bodily infirmities. now led to live, he left for Bryn- He could neither mount his engan, where he began to horse nor alight without as preach. This was about the sistance ; and indeed before his year 1773. He was a fine look end, he had to be carried from ing man, but his attainments as place to place, and helped into a preacher did not correspond the pulpit. Nevertheless, the with his appearance. He would demand for his service was sometimes speak with a degree great. Once in the pulpit, he of indiscretion. His greatness would discourse with much was not mental but moral. He vivacity and pleasantness, as if was fond of his Bible, and of he suffered from no physical the comments of the Rev. Peter infirmity. What characterised Williams thereon. He was also him chiefly was the gentleness fond of singing. Asa disciplin of his disposition and the arian he was inclined to be unction which accompanied his severe, warning all men, pub preaching. He was beloved by licly and privately, not to be his brethren and was deeply satisfied with a religion without sympathetic with young preach Christ. His death took place ers. Methodistiaeth Cymru, April 17th, 1834, at the ad vol. ii. page 170; Y Gymdeith- vanced age of 87 years. Meth- asfa, page 472. odistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page Daniel, Mr. Daniel, Con 264 ; Enwogion Swydd Meirion, stant, Aberavon, page 19 ; Y Traelhodydd, vol. shire, began to preach in the xlix. pages 113, 284. year 1805. He was a rare good OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 3' man full of zeal and affection. having said too much to anyone In his presence quarrels seemed throughout the period of my to cease. On his way to the ministry." He died in the year sanctuary he would call upon 1794. Methodistiaeth Cymru, his neighbours and invite them vol. ii. page 40. to the service in the words of Daniel, Mr. William, from the prophet Isaiah, " Come ye, the neighbourhood of Saethon- and let us go up to the mountain bach, Lleyn, Carnarvonshire, of the Lord, to the house of the was one of the early preachers: God of Jacob," and his manner of Carnarvonshire. His minis was catching. He was greatly terial gifts were not very con beloved in his neighbourhood. spicuous, but he was faithful, He wrote an Elegy to the mem and his labours were of con ory of the Rev. William Tho siderable service in his day and mas, Tydraw, Pyle, Glamorgan sphere. He was never known shire. He died in the year 1813. to break an engagement. He Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii. had the strange habit, when- Page 39- preaching, of closing his eyes, Daniel, Mr. John Dafydd, and he utterly failed to rid , Cardiganshire, was himself thereof. Drych yr Am- born in the year 1720. He felt seroedd, page 187. the power of the truth shortly after the revival began at Llan- Davies, Mr. Dafydd, Neath, geitho, about the year 1738. Glamorganshire, was one of the- Two years later he began to early exhorters. preach. In the year 1746 he re Davies, Rev. David, Conwil, moved to Camerfawr, near Tre Carmarthenshire, was one of the garon, where he henceforth re clergymen who forsook the sided. He was frequently Methodists at the time of the spoken of as Shon Camer. He ordination of the lay preachers was an active man and rendered in 181 1. During the period of great service to the cause at Tre his association with the Meth garon. He was an earnest, odists, he was hearty in his co plain and faithful preacher of operation and attended their the Gospel in his own neigh Monthly Meetings and Quarter bourhood for 54 years. On his ly Associations with consider deathbed he remarked to the able regularity. He was not Rev. Evan Richardson, Carnar much of a preacher, but his rank von, who visited him, " I con as an ordained Clergyman sec cealed nothing that occurred to ured for him a good standing me from anyone, and I feel no at the Methodist gatherings; uneasiness of conscience through and his services in the adminis 32 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY tration of the Ordinances of the labours, were instrumental, in Church was valuable. the hands of God, in giving Daviks, Mr. David. Lam origin to the religious move peter, Cardiganshire. His ment, which proved to be the career as a preacher was short. birth throes of Welsh Calvin- He died in 1833. istic Methodism, and in superin Davies, Mr. David, New- tending the same during its CASTle-Emlyn, spent many years earlier years, especially in in military life. During this . He was not, period he commenced preaching. perhaps, so eloquent as Daniel Upon his retirement from the Rowland, nor so indefatigable army he settled at Newcastle- and bold in his labours as Emlyn, where his preaching ser Howel Harris, but he was a vices were in considerable de true and worthy yoke fellow, mand. But he died shortly and, considering that he was at -afterwards — in the year 1817. no time in the enjoyment of ro Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. bust health, he did his part page 464. well, travelling hither and Davies, Mr. Enoch, , thither a good deal, and this, it Carmarthenshire, was one of the must be remembered, when tra preachers who frequently sup velling was not the pleasant plied the church at Newcastle- thing it is to-day for weak con Emlyn in its early history, and stitutions, for the roads in also the preaching stations of many places were exceedingly the district. rough, and the accommodation Davies, — Llangattwg, Gla in many places was poor. In morganshire, was the minister his own more particular sphere, of Aberthyn Church when the Pembrokeshire and the western Sabellian section thereof was ex parts of Carmarthenshire, his pelled on account of heretical labours were unceasing, and his doctrines, and then formed a efforts were crowned with suc new church, and built a new cess. So far as is known, he -chapel called Bethesda, in commenced his reforming work which a well-Known preacher entirely independently of Har and hymnist, named Thomas ris and Rowland. He was the Williams, officiated to the end active agent of the Evangelistic of his life. Revival in Pembrokeshire. This Davies, Rev. Howell, Pem county was far away from Har brokeshire. The honour be ris' home, and Daniel Rowland longs to Mr. Davies of having seldom itinerated in its direc been one of the circle of three tion. Davies was thus very who, through their ministry and much single-handed in his own OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 33

county : at least he was the ori power of Elijah. He was not ginator and leader of the move at any time a mere formal and ment ; around him it centred worldly clergyman, but even at and gathered strength. No one the start of his ministerial life stood up to the shoulder with he took a decided position liim during his life-time. against the sinful customs then The precise date and place of prevalent. His first curacy his birth are not known. On was Llysyfran, Pembrokeshire, the basis of the inscription on where he soon drew much atten his tombstone, which states that tion by his bold and eloquent he "departed this life Jan. 13th, preaching. Necessity was laid 1770, aged 52 years," he must upon him to warn and persuade have been born in 1717 or early the thoughtless and reckless of in 1718. He was descended from the danger wherein they stood, a religious and respectable and to unfold to them the family ; and thus he was glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. brought up from early child But his preaching was too bold hood under the sanctifying in and plain to please the uncon fluences of a religious home. verted clergy, and a cry was After he had spent some time soon made against him. At -at a country school near his first, when his fame spread, the home, he was placed under the churches were opened for him on care of the Welsh Apostle, as every hand, and crowds flocked he is sometimes styled, the Rev. to hear him. But an opposite Griffith Jones, Llanddowror, un current soon set in, and his der whose tuition he attained strong denunciation of the evils considerable proficiency in the of the times, both in high and Greek and Latin languages and low circles, among both clerics in other branche's of learning. and laity, awakened a bitter op Under the powerful and heart- position. His evangelical zeal stirring ministry of Mr. Jones, and his strong antagonism to his religious sympathies were the corrupt practices of the pco quickened and deepened ; the ple gave great offence. The Saviour became precious to his pulpits became gradually shut soul. Having tasted that the against him, and he had even Lord is gracious, he solemnly to relinquish his curacy of Llys determined to offer himself a yfran, in about eight months' candidate for Holy Orders in time. But this did not silence the Church of England, and he his voice nor lessen his zeal. He prepared himself accordingly. continued to go where any open Leaving been ordained he went ing presented itself, and fre -forth at D once in the spirit and quently made an opening for 34 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY himself where he could lift up here on several occasions. He his voice against sin and on be was a tender and affectionate half of the Gospel. The enemy man, and a very winning was on the alert and active. preacher." The usual methods of opposition After his retirement from were called into play. Never Llysyfran he for some time theless the good work prospered. itinerated. On August 3, ry4o, He took the bold step of preach he received Priest's Orders, ing on unconsecrated ground. from the Bishop of St. David's, He was the first of the clergy and was licensed to the curacy in Wales who did this. Row of Llanddowror and Llandilo- land had not yet ventured upon Abercowin, under his beloved this course : Harris had, but he teacher, the Rev. Griffith Jones. had not received episcopal or Although these parishes are in dination. Griffith Jones had armarthenshire, yet Pembroke often preached in churchyards, shire continued to form his when the church was too small chief sphere of labour, so that to contain the congregation, but, he is fitly described as the father so far as we know, he did not of Methodism in that county. preach elsewhere. To take this That same year he came in con step required in Mr. Davies a tact for the first time, so far as degree of courage which at the is known, with Howel Harris present time we are hardly able at Haverfordwest, and they at to realise : it formed an im once became fast friends. portant epoch in the movement Though Davies was not present which resulted in the origin of at Watford Association, Harris the Calvinistic Methodist body. consulted him regarding it and In the early part of his ministry the measures agreed upon. Har Mr. Davies was a Boanerges. ris' letter at this time reveals the In his denunciation of sin and high estimate he formed of his the evil practices of his day and ministry, and its marvellous- neighbourhood he employed the success. Prendergast, Haver strongest language, and like fordwest, became the centre of wise in his warnings to hi3 his labour, but his direct re hearers to flee from the wrath lation to the Church is not clear. to come. But like another It is known that he ministered Boanerges, the longer he sat at here, and administered the or the feet of Jesus, he became more dinance with much regularity softened in his character and for years to vast crowds, and mellowed in his preaching. The yet his name is not found on well-known John Evans, Bala, the Register of the Church, writes of him, " He has been either as Rector or Curate. At OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 35 one time he preached statedly in all changes to labour in the four different places in Pem good cause, preaching, attend brokeshire, besides Prendergast ing Monthly and Quarterly — Capel Newydd, Woodstock, meetings, itinerating, looking Moncton, near Narberth and St. after his scattered flocks in Pem Daniel's, near Pembroke. In brokeshire : and occasionally, the year 1746, he informed Mr. notwithstanding his infirm Joseph Williams, Kiddermins health, taking lengthened ter, at an Association held at journeys into North Wales, Trevecca, that he had in Pem where his preaching produced brokeshire 2,000 communicants. lasting impressions. Williams In 1744, he married Miss Cath of Pantycelyn, in his Elegy to erine Poyer, the daughter of him, speaking of the angels as John Poyer, Esq., who was of recounting his labours, says : — Norman descent, and related to " D'wedent i ni fel y teithiodd. one of the most respectable Pan oedd yn ei iechyd jiynt, families in the county. She Mynwy. Dinbych, a Chaernarfon, M6n, Meirionydd a Sir Fflint ; was brought up with her grand Fel cyhoeddodd yr Efengyl parents in a lovely mansion of Gyrfag ysbryd bywiog, rhydd, O Lanandras i Dyddewi, the name of Parke ; but both had O Gaergybi i Gaerdydd." died before she married Mr. Davies. Through this mar A chapel was built for him riage Mr. Davies became at at Woodstock in 1754, which was once a wealthy man, and he the first chapel built by the found a wife of true religious Methodists in Pembrokeshire. sympathies. But Mrs. Davies At its opening in 1755, White- died at the birth of her first field administered the ordinance born, who survived her hardly of the Lord's Supper, and it is two years. Some time after supposed to have been the first this, he married Miss Luce Phil occasion of its administration lips, the daughter of Mr, Hugh in an unconsecrated building Phillips, a wealthy gentleman belonging to the Methodists. in the neighbourhood. She in Another was built at Capel herited the whole of her father's Newydd, for the northern part property. Like his first wife, of the county in 1763. He was she was remarkable for her good the intimate friend of White- sense and fervent piety : she field, frequently accompanying was also a good singer. Their him on his journeys through only surviving child, Margaret, Wales, and assisting him in his was married to the Rev. Nath evangelistic efforts in England. aniel Rowland. He was one of the regular sup Mr. Davies continued amid plies at the Tabernacle, Totten 36 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY ham Court Road ; and in popu last " in the full triumph of larity he stood high in the es faith and with the placid smile teemed circle of eminent preach of conscious victory." His soul ers who gathered around White- had long been accustomed to field and the Countess of Hunt look into eternity with pleasure. ingdon, and he preached in He delighted in contemplating their several chapels in Lon the moment when his spirit, don, Bristol, Brighton, Bath freed from the shackles of flesh and other places. In 1748 he and sense, should enter his was one of a party of minis Father's kingdom. " His faith ters who accompanied Lady was firm and unshaken to the Huntingdon and other ladies of last ; and his hope, as an similar position and religious anchor sure and steadfast, was sympathies on a tour through cast within the veil." He was South Wales. For fifteen days buried with his wife Elizabeth successively two of the minis in the graveyard of Prendergast ters preached in some town or Church, Haverfordwest. The village through which they Evangelical Magazine, Septem passed, and in this way scat ber, 1814, page 377 ; The Trea tered the seed of Divine truth. sury, vol. viii. page 41, 67; Y This visit possibly had some Tadau Methodistaidd, vol. i. thing to do with her Ladyship's page 128. establishment, some years after Davies, Mr. Hugh, Llan- wards, of her College at Tre- beris, Carnarvonshire, began to -vecca. preach in the year 1848. His No doubt he was a very career as a preacher was very powerful preacher, second to no short : he died in December, one excepting Rowland, in the 1850, aged 36 years. Y Gym- esteem of the old people. He deithasfa, page 472. was equally popular in Welsh Davies, Rev. Jeffrey, Llan- .and English. He had a fine gammarch, Breconshire, is re ferred to by the Rev. Maurice presence and a fine voice. The Davies, Builth, in his Elegy to crowds who came to hear were the Rev. John Williams, Panty- oftentimes quite enraptured by celyn, as the only Methodist his eloquence. And he retained preacher in Breconshire, young his popularity to the end with er than himself, when he came out a break. But his life was to reside there in the year 1818. comparatively short : he was He describes him as hut 52 years of age, when he -died, in his mansion at Parke, "Goreu frawd a gwr o fri." January 13th, 1770. His end In his later years he took Or was peace. He breathed his ders in the Church of England. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 37

Davies, Rev. Jenkin, Twr- and preached very frequently. gwyn, Cardiganshire, was born In 1840, he preached, it is said, at Tirgwyn, near Pensarn, June 315 times, and in the following 24th, 1798. His father was year 400 times. Early in 1842 Evan Davies, who took a pro his strength began to fail him minent part, at the Association, through overwork, and on the in bringing to pass the ordina 10th of August, he departed this tion of lay preachers. He en life. His preaching was of a joyed considerable educational high type. The mass of the peo advantages. He was a quick ple, it may be, were hardly able and thoughtful lad, and a- to appreciate his sermons, wakened in the minds of those which were full of beautiful who knew him the expectation thoughts, delivered in a rather of wide usefulness. He was, quiet tone. The late Rev. Dr. in his early years, urged re Lewis Edwards wrote of him, — peatedly to enter the ministry, "Jenkin Davies was one of a but he resisted all appeals, thousand, especially as regards from a sense of unfitness and his knowledge of the Holy unworthiness for the holy call Scriptures and his ability in ing. At last, when about handling them. He could pre twenty-seven years of age, he sent them so orderly in their re yielded to the solicitations of lation to each other that every his friends, and at once took an pearl appeared in increased honourable position in the beauty." As a man mighty in ranks of the ministry. He was the Scriptures he left his mark ordained at Cardigan in the upon the neighbourhood ; his year 1833. From the start of influence too upon the children his ministerial life, which took and young people of his dis place in the year in which the trict was very great. Though gifted Ebenezer Morris died, comparatively young, he was much of the care of the churches appointed to deliver the Charge in the district of Twrgwyn fell at the Ordination service in upon him. His farm duties August, 1842, and he prepared hindered him for some time accordingly, but at the time from doing as much for the the Association was held he was cause as he should like ; but at in the struggle with Death. the urgent request of his The Rev. Henry Rees spoke of friends, he gave up the farm at him as a bunch of genius (swp Synod Uchaf, and removed to o genius). The sorrow a- the neighbourhood of Twr wakened by his death was wide gwyn, where he devoted himself spread and deep. David Jenkin entirely to the work of the min Davies, Chemist, , istry. For the two years prev was his son. Memoir, by the ious to his death, he itinerated Rev. Abel Green, and Mr. John 38 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Hugh Jones, ; Y cause. In conjunction with Traethodydd,436- vol. xlix. page three others, he helped con siderably in the erection of Davies, Mr. John, Capel Pall Mall Chapel. Methddist- Ioan, Carmarthenshire, not iaeth Cymru, vol. iii. page 403 : only preached, but kept a Drych yr Amseroedd, page 181. school, which was attended by Davies, Rev. John, Nant- several young preachers, who glyn, , was born at were prepared by him for the Glythen Uchaf, a farmhouse in ministry. the parish of Henllan, on Davies, Mr. John, Crai, October 1st, 1760. His father Breconshire, was a vigorous was a very ungodly man, given preacher, and laboured with much to drinking, and the use much acceptance for many of bad language ; but his years. He died about the year mother was a God-fearing 1820. woman, who urged him to fol Davies, Mr. John, Dowlais, low the ways of virtue and re was one of the early preachers ligion. When about three and in his district. twenty years of age, he felt a Davies, Mr. John, Liverpool, strong desire to preach the Gos was a native of Cefnmeiriadog, pel, but it was two years later near St. Asaph. By occupation before he engaged in the work. he was a weaver. He first On one occasion, shortly after joined the church at Bryn- he began, he had to sit down bugad, Tanyfron, Denbigh through failing to find a word shire, where he also began to to say. He felt much ashamed, preach. He lived for a time at but he did not faint owing to Henllan, and then removed to this day of adversity : he set Liverpool, where Methodism about the work again, and be was in a very weak state. He came a man of considerable was the first Methodist preacher eminence among his brethren, from Wales who settled there. as evidenced by the fact that he His gifts as a preacher were was one of the eight brethren not bright, but he was acknow ordained at the first ordination ledged to be a devout Christian. of lay preachers at Bala in His constitution at best being 1811. In 1797 he married delicate, his health soon gave Sarah, the daughter of Robert way, and he lived but two and Barbara Jones, of Ben-y- years. He died in the year bryn-caled, Llanddoget, Den 1789, and his remains were bighshire, by whom he had five buried in St. Paul's church children. Soon after his mar yard. During his short stay in riage, he settled at Nant-yr-hen. Liverpool he rendered much goed, . He itinerated service to the young Methodist much through both North and OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 39

South Wales, after the manner Davies, Mr. John, Tre'rhiw- of the preachers of his day, and aedog, Merionethshire, some won for himself much respect. times spoken of as John- Davies, He was a mar; of quick under Llwyneinon, was one of the standing, humorous in speech, second generation of preachers tender and gentle in feeling, in his county. He itinerated and sociable as a friend. His occasionally throughout Wales, sermons were scriptural, evan and was generally known as gelical and instructive. In the Sion Dafydd o'r Bala. He was early years of his ministry a spiritually-minded man, and there were but few chapels in his character was blameless, the country, so the preaching which led him to be highly often took place in the open thought of in his own district. air, wherever a company of peo His preaching abilities were ple could be got together to not great, but he was a sound hear the Word. Mr. Davies theologian and a true Christian, often preached under these cir specially gifted in the task of cumstances, and many a time feeding the saints at church was he compelled by the ene meetings. He kept a close mies of the Gospel to desist — as watch over the church at home. they hurled at him small stones He died May 1st, 1820, aged and any missiles they could lay 71 years. Ilanes Methodist- their hands upon. He perse iaeth Dwyrain Meirionydd, vered in his work until within page 101. a fortnight of his death, which Davies, Rev. Maurice, took place at Denbigh, June Builth, Breconshire, removed 10th, 1843, in the 83rd year of here to reside in the year 1818. his age. His remains were He was a popular preacher, and buriedportrait, atpresented Nantglyn. by Mr. Thos. His was ordained at Llangeitho, August 10th, 1826. In the year Roberts, Denbigh, is at Bala 1830 he published a brief Theological College. — Hanes " Memoir of the Rev. John Wil Cychwyniad a Chynnydd Meth- liams, Pantycelyn," with the odistiaeth Calfinaidd yn nhref consent of the South Wales Dinbych, page r4 ; Y Drysorfa, Quarterly Association. A vol. xiii. page 234. second edition, printed at Pont- Davies, Mr. John, New ypool, was published the fol Chapel, Pembrokeshire, died in lowing year, in which appeared the year 1846, after a few years' a number of verses in memoriam service as a preacher. of Mr. Williams. He and the Davies, Mr. John, Rhyd- Rev. William Havard, were to cymerau, Carmarthenshire, is have preached at Mr. Williams' included in the list of preach funeral, but the difficulties of ers in the Drysorfa, 1844. travelling prevented them from 4o BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY being informed in time. After sadwrn, previously of Cayo, living for a short time at Bryn- Carmarthenshire, was for some mawr, Mr. Davies emigrated to years one of the leaders of his America. Monthly Meeting : indeed, in Davies, Mr. Rhys, Pont- his later years, he was almost rhydybere, Breconshire, was a invariably appointed moderator. native of Pembrokeshire, and He had a marvellous gift of came to Maesmynis, in the speech, and could enlarge al neighbourhood of Builth, to most endlessly upon whatever conduct one of Madame Bevan's matter might be under discus schools. He was afterwards re sion. His one drawback as a moved, at the request of Daniel chairman was that he spoke too Rowland, to Pontrhydybere, much, and usually spiritual where he became of great ser ized almost everything. The vice to Methodism. He began Rev. Thomas Job, in an article to preach in Pembrokeshire describing him in "Y Cylch- about the year 1770, when he grawn," gives an instance of was 20 years of age. He was this feature which would be suddenly and undesignedly led ludicrous, were it not for the to do so through that the ex solemn character of his re pected preacher, at a service an marks. " It was necessary at a nounced to be held, failed to Monthly Meeting, of which he make his appearance, and Rhys, was chairman, to appoint new who was highly esteemed in the trustees to the deeds of a chapel district, was asked to take his which had a hundred years to place. In the emergency he run. He laid it before the consented, and he continued meeting in the following man throughout the remaining 53 ner : — ' Well, my dear breth years of his life to hold forth ren, this is a matter worthy of the banner of the Cross. He our attention — to secure suit made as many as thirty preach able brethren as trustees to the ing itinerancies through North deed to secure the chapel to the Wales. He died at , Connexion for a hundred years. Breconshire, in 1823, aged 72 Such a matter is very import years, and his remains were in ant ! But how insignificant it terred near the chapel. His it as compared with the import son, David, who had accom ance that these brethren who panied him on some of his itin want the names to the deed, erancies, was a well-known and also ourselves, should have deacon at Talgarth for many our names inscribed on the book years, and was eminent for his of life! and that our life should prayers. Methodistiaeth Cym- be hid with Christ in God!' ru, vol. iii. page 339. He proceeded in this strain, Davies, Rev. Richard, Llan- enlarging upon the Lamb's book OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 41 of life, upon heaven and the that calling for some years life in Christ, until all were in after he had entered upon the tears, and had forgotten them work of the ministry. In his selves, excepting the friend who twentieth year he first made a needed the names of the new profession of religion. Six trustees. This person asked the years later he married Mary, Rev. Thomas Jones, Llanddar- the daughter of John Morgans, og, who sat next him, ' Where Glan-frene, Cayo, by whom is the matter of the lease he had eleven children, all of now?' 'Oh,' he replied, 'with whom, excepting three daugh Richard Dafydd in heaven this ters, died in their infancy. In half-an-hour, and when it will the month of September, in the come back I have no idea.' same year, he commenced to Whilst Richard Davies was preach, and at once became very thus discoursing to the delight popular. He was ordained to of his audience upon heaven the full work of the ministry at and the Lamb's book of life, Llangeitho, August 18th, 181 5. Thomas Jones interposed and He was short in stature and in said, ' Dear Richard, come clined to be stout ; and as a man back to the big pew to finish he was sensible, quiet, happy, with the appointment of the and gentle. As regards the trustees.' ' Yes, indeed, Thomas form of his sermons, he re Jones,' he replied, ' we must at sembled the early preachers of tend to the things of this world.' Methodism, they were textual The trustees were then ap rather than topical, without pointed." any divisions or branches, He was the son of David yet not lacking in arrange Richards, Bedwgleision, near ment. He would expound the Cayo, and was born Sept. text and context, and then 21st, 1770. The Methodist cause he would say that he had a in the district of Cayo was first beautiful subject, like the drop started, and was carried on for pings of the honey-comb. He some years at this farmstead, in had a most retentive memory, the days of Richard Davies's and would remember everything grandfather. His mother was he read or heard or thought, Judith, the daughter of David and he always had an abun Evans, Maesglas, in the parish dance of language to set forth of Cayo. Richard had lit his thoughts. He was gentle tle early educational advan and fatherly towards young tages, though he learned to ministers. A bruised reed he read and understand English would not break, and smoking better than many. By trade he flax he would not quench. He was a tailor, and he pursued died Sept. 21st, 1847, aged 77 4"! BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

years, having been a preacher ple was near his heart. His in of the Gospel 51 years. Byw- terest in the Sabbath School grafhiad y Parch. Richard was great, and his Temperance Davies, gan D. Hughes, Cross zeal consumed his soul. He Inn. was buried at Llanwyddelan. Davies, Mr. Rowland, Dyff- In a Galargan, John Hughes, Ryn, Merionethshire, began to Pontrobert, says of him, — preach in 1796, and died in September 1847. He lived for " Davies syml o Lanwyddelan, some time in the chapel house Buan daeth ei daith i ben ; Cadd y brawd defnyddio] hwnw of , and was one of the Angeu chwerw drwy'r frechwen. regular supplies at Salem, Dol- Naw a (U'u.iain o flynyddoedd, Hyny ydoedd hyd ei oes ; gelley, during the years 1812 — Un ar hugain o pa flwyddi 1835. Cofiant y Parch. Edward Bu'n cyhoeddi angeu'r tiroes." Morgan, Dyffryn, page 43. Davies, Mr. Thomas, Closy- Y Drysorfa, vol. xiii. page 14 ; graig, Carmarthenshire, died vol. xii. page 96. Nov. 5th, 1842. Y Drysorfa, Davies, Mr. Thomas, Neath, vol. xiii. page 31. Glamorganshire, was one of the Davies, Mr. Thomas, near early preachers. HAVERFORDwEST.Pembrokeshire, Davies, Mr. Timothy, Dany- was one of the early preachers cerig, Carmarthenshire, the son of his county. He took a pro of Mr. David Thomas, in the minent part in publishing and parish of , was born circulating some of the Rev. June 6th, 1784. He was brought Daniel Rowland's sermons. He up by his uncle, Mr. William succeeded in getting the MSS. David Lewis, Pantllyn. He from the great preacher him was of a religious disposition self, though he profited nothing from a child, and he joined a from the fruits of his pen. . When Davies, Rev. Thomas, Llan- 23 years of age, he began to wyddelan, Montgomeryshire, preach, and continued to do so died January 20th, 1842, aged for four years. In 181 1 he mar 49 years. He began to preach ried Ann, the daughter of Mr. at Llanwyddelan in 1821, and John Davies, Gilfach-goch, was ordained at Bala, June Brechfa, and the following 13th, 1838. It can be said of year he transferred his church him that he was faithful in all membership to the Methodists his house. Like Phineas, he at Brechfa. On December 4th was jealous against sin ; like of the same year he received Timothy, he was careful of the permission from the Monthly flock ; like Elijah, he was re Meeting of the county to markable in prayer ; and like preach, and for nearly 25 years Paul, the salvation of his peo he preached at Brechfa on one OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 43

Sabbath every month. He was Christ and Him crucified. a gentle and loving friend, one Many a time was he pelted who soon won the affections of with stones and dung and rot the people, and his preaching ten eggs. He would often go was pleasing to them. He forth on a Sunday morning preached much on the miracles with a little plain food in his of Christ, and did so because he pocket, and would receive was delighted to think of nothing for his labours but Christ's power to heal and to fierce and violent opposition ; raise the dead. In 1822 he re sometimes he was glad to escape moved to Pantllyn, Danycerrig, with his life. He was one of in the parish of , three who first preached in where he resided during the last rotation in Liverpool at the 15 years of his life. He rendered start of the Methodist cause. much service to the church at When supplying there one Sab Rhydargaue, where he held his bath, an earnest appeal came membership during his later from Manchester for a preacher years, and also to the Monthly who would preach to the few Meeting. After the death of Welsh who began to gather the Rev. Arthur Evans, Cynwil, themselves together for worship he held the secretaryship for in their native tongue. So he -some years. He was a promin volunteered to go, and thus he ent advocate of the Temperance was the first who preached in movement. He died October Welsh in Manchester. He died 24th, 1837, aged 53 years, leav Oct. 18th, 1823, aged 86 years, ing a widow and eleven child after having preached the Gos ren to lament his loss. He was pel for 55 years. Methodist- buried at Llanpumsaint. iaeth Cymru, vol. iii. pages Davies, Mr. William, Golch, 284, 292, 401, 418. near Holywell, Flintshire, was Davies, Rev. William, one of the earliest of those who Neath, Glamorganshire, was joined the Methodist movement born at Stangrach, a farmhouse in his county. He commenced distant about half-a-mile from the habit of exhorting the peo the Methodist chapel, Llanfyn- ple of his district as early as ydd, Carmarthenshire. He was 1767, if not earlier. He was a born about the year 1727. Lit bright Christian, and an earn tle is known of his early life, est though not a great preach but as religious services in con er. He was a weaver by trade, nection with the Methodists .and had no early educational were held at his father's house, training. He was a native of it may be presumed that his Caerwys. He suffered much op parents were in sympathy with position at Holywell and else the Methodist movement. No where when he sought to preach thing is recorded of his having BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARV spent any portion of his early posed him, and petitioned the life conforming with the evil vicar to dismiss him. The practices of the youths of his vicar, however, gave no heed to day and district. His parents the appeal, as he was perfectly must have been in easy circum satisfied with the curate and stances, as they brought him up his methods. But in 1768, Mr. to be a clergyman. Our first Pinkney died, and soon after, definite knowledge of him is as Mr. Davies had to leave. An an earnest and popular Method effort was made to get him the ist preacher, acting as a curate living of Llangiwc, a parish at Neath, about the year 1757. eight miles away : but the As he was at this time 30 years gentry of the parish opposed of age, the likelihood is that his appointment because of his he had previously held a curacy Methodistic sympathies and elsewhere. As his vicar, Mr. zeal. This opposition led him Pinkney, was non-resident in to leave the Church. He gather his parish, the sole charge of ed his Methodist adherents to the church was in the hands of gether, and resolved upon tak Davies. When he came to ing a house where they might Neath, he found the church meet for worship, and he would empty, and religion at a low go forth to the highways and ebb in the district, though hedges to invite perishing souls Howel Harris had been there to the Gospel feast. He also on more than one occasion travelled throughout both preaching. He applied himself North and South Wales. Short with great vigour to his duties, ly after this he married, and for and sought to change the aspect a time kept a day school in addi of affairs. He visited the peo tion to preaching on the Sab ple, and preached in the open bath. About the year 1776, a air a full Gospel to the worst of chapel was built, or an old sinners, with the result that a chapel restored, for him at great change soon came to Gyfylchi, in the parish of Mi- pass, and the people flocked to hangel, a short distance to the the church from the outlying east of Neath. This was a districts. His ministry was great Methodist centre for some accompanied by great power, years, and glorious services and was marked by tenderness were often held. The people and love. Whilst the people who assembled were remarkable came there in crowds to hear for the warmth of their spirits : him preach, there was another they frequently broke forth at class, including, in the main, the services to praise and bless the would-be gentry and the the Lord ; hundreds of times easy-going clergymen of the they literally danced with de neighbourhood, who bitterly op light on the floor of the chapel. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 45

The remembrance of these re great vigour. The Rev. John freshing seasons are still cher Jones, Blaenanerch, would at ished by the people of the dis times find no little innocent trict. The Methodists wor amusement in quoting portions shipped here until the year of his sermons after his pecu 1827, when a chapel was built liar style. He and Isaac at Pontrhydyfen. At an As James, Penygarn, itinerated to sociation held at Fishguard, gether occasionally, and, February 14, 1770, just about neither being very popular, the time Mr. Davies was leav they would sometimes dispute ing the curacy at Neath, it was with each other as to which proposed that he should be ap should have the honour of be pointed to superintend the so ing the last preacher. Davies cieties in Pembrokeshire in suc was a ready rhymist, and com cession to the Rev. Howell posed some lines in which he re Davies, who had recently died. presented this rivalry in a This proposal, however, was humorous style. Neither the not carried forth, and he gave date nor the exact spot of his himself to itinerate, and was of burial is known. Cofiant y great service to the churches. Parch. J. Jones, Blaenanerch, In itinerating he met with per page 77. secution and considerable hard Dunn, Mr., Breconshire, ships. He died August 17th, preached in Montgomeryshire 1787, aged 60 years, and was in the early history of Method huried at Neath. Rev. D ism. Methodistiaeth Cymru, Jones, Llangan, preached his vol. ii. page 372. funeral sermon, and in offici Edward, Mr. Dafydd, Bala, ating at the grave, his feelings Merionethshire, was one of the quite overcame him, and he early preachers of his county. said, "Oh, beloved Davies! oh, He was a true man of God, and Davies, the servant of the very helpful to the cause of Lord ! thou hast died ! thou hast Methodism, according to his fallen to the grave with thy abilities, during the last de crown upon thy head!" Rev. cades of the eighteenth century. William Williams, Pantycelyn, It was he who accompanied composed an elegy to his mem Mary Jones on her historical ory. Methodistiaeth Cymru, visit to the Rev. Thomas vol. iii. page 42. Charles in quest of a Bible, and Davies, Mr. William, Pont- told him her story. rhydfendigaid, Cardiganshire, Edward, Mr. David, Pwll- is said to have been of a gentle clai, , Cardiganshire, disposition, and quaint, both as was one of the early preachers a man and as a preacher. He in this district. — Methodistiaeth would sometimes shout with Cymru, vol. ii. page 52. 4

Edwards, Mr. David, Llan- died in the year 1786. Method gwyryfon, Cardiganshire, was istiaeth Cymru, vol. i. page 294. a preacher of the Gospel for the Edwards, Mr. Evan, Blaen- space of forty-eight years j pennal, Cardiganshire, was the from the year 1769 to 1817. — son of Mr. John Edwards, Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. Esgair-hir, who was also a page 31. preacher, and a better preacher Edwards, Mr. David, Nant- than his son. He was a man garedig, Carmarthenshire. His of general knowledge, a strong name is in the list of Carmar reasoner on almost any sub thenshire preachers, in the ject, but he had not got his " Drysorfa " for 1844, who had father's preaching gift. The passed away. old people used to say that one of his best sermons was on the Edwards, Mr. Ellis, Dar- words — " Unless Thy law had owen, Montgomeryshire, was been my delight I should then one of the early exhorters. He have perished in mine afflic was remarkable for his know tion " (Ps. cxix. 92). He had ledge of the Scriptures. On evidently been at the time sore the Sabbath day, he and his ly afflicted. He was rather dis wife rose early in the morning pleased, like many of the so as to commit portions of the preachers of his day, because Word of God to memory. He he was not chosen for ordina was so diligent and regular in tion ; the churches at the time this matter, it was considered being slow in conferring upon by those who knew him well that preachers the honour of admin he had learnt by heart al istering the ordinance, unless most the whole of the sacred they were eminent for their writings. He was a warm ad vocate of good literature, and preaching abilities. He was so urged his friends to purchase grieved that he did not preach and read good books. He is re at all during his last days. — ferred to as the first who Methodistiaeth De Aberteifi, preached the Gospel at Foel, in page 44. the parish of . There Edwards, Rev. Hugh, Llan- were many present at the ser dderfel, Merionethshire, was vice, some having come to hear, born at Llanercheryn. He re and others to hinder, if possi moved first to Festiniog, and ble, the preacher. His text was, then to America. He was an "Rend your heart and not acceptable preacher, and tra your garments" (Joel ii. 13). velled much through both North Notwithstanding considerable and South Wales. — Methodist opposition, he succeeded in go iaeth Dwyrain Meirionydd, ing through the service. He page 92. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 47

Edwards, Mr. Humphrey, ganders. "The gander," he Bala, Merionethshire, was a said, "may at times be seen in native of Llanllugan, Mont a field in the midst of sheep, gomeryshire, where there was a and anon at the pigs' trough, Methodist Church earlier than and so some professors can live in Merionethshire. He was anywhere, with the godly and brought into the service of ungodly alike." In 1764, he the Gospel early in life. It is accompanied Mr. John Evans to reported of him, when a youth an Association at Newcastle- in service at Pentyrch, near emlyn. He was very hospitable Llanfaircaereinion, that he at his home, and this is sup owned a pony which was kept posed to have influenced some on some special conditions by kind people in Anglesea to pre his master. He was so touched sent him with a pony when he with compassion at the physical was on an itinerancy in that weakness of old William county in his old age. Thus the Harry, of South Wales, who same kindness was shewn him was on a preaching itinerancy as he had in his early days: on foot in the North, that he shewn William Harry. He was resolved to give him this pony. of a very genial and gentle Early on the morrow he went spirit. The late Rev. Hugh to the hill to fetch it, but Hughes, of , was his just as he got there a thick mist grandson — his daughter's son. came down and covered the Hanes Methodistiaeth Dwyrain land, so that nothing could be Meirionydd, page 56. Y Tad- seen. But strange to say, the au Methodistaidd, vol. ii. pony came neighing towards page 25. Y Drysorfa, vol. xvii. him and took quietly to be page 287. caught, as if in haste to per Edwards, Mr. John, Elim, form the service its owner pur Cardiganshire, was one of the posed for it. The old preacher early exhorters. was greatly cheered by the gift. Edwards, Mr. John, Esgair- Some time after this, Humphrey hir, Penial, Cardiganshire, is removed to Bala, where he car spoken of as a substantial ried on the occupation of a preacher, and especially re glazier and tinman. Here he markable for his gift in public began to preach, and though prayer. He rendered great ser his knowledge was very limit vice to the cause of Christ at ed, he would sometimes preach Penial for 43 years. Method with considerable power, and istiaeth De Aberteifi, page 44. make use of some very quaint Edwards, Mr. John, Pen- illustrations. Preaching on one t r e r h e w, Llanddewi-brefi, occasion, he described some pro Cardiganshire. About the year fessors of religion as being like 1794, when this brother was. 4« BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

preaching at Cilgeran, Pem his native district. A clergy brokeshire, so bountiful a bless man then became appointed ing accompanied the preaching Edwards's landlord's agent, that a remarkable revival of re and when this reverend gentle ligion took place. All present man heard of his preaching either wept or prayed aloud, or with the Methodists, his right were deeply impressed, and eous soul was moved with in sang, and the preacher joined dignation, and he resolved to with them. Reference is also put an end to what he was made to him in an Elegy on the pleased to call "his scan Rev. John Williams, , dalous practice." Edwards was by Evan Rees. given the alternative either to Edwards, Mr. John, Plas- discontinue preaching or to yn-Nghaerwys, Flintshire, was leave the farm. With but little born at Ereiniog, Carnarvon delay the notice to quit was shire, in the year 1755. He was given him, though his ancestors converted under a sermon by had lived on the farm from Mr. John Pierce, Llanidloes, time immemorial. Taken quite when he was about twenty years aback, he at once called upon of age. He passed through a this reverend agent to ascertain deeply anxious experience re the cause of the notice garding his soul, and was led sent him, as he had never to throw in his lot with the heard the slightest complaint Methodists, notwithstanding the of his method of farming, great disadvantages inseparable and he knew that he had from such a course at the time. not been backward in pay He had the poetic gift in some ing the rent. To his surprise degree, and before his conver he learnt that his great sin was sion he frequently exercised the that he was in the habit of gift in composing songs of a preaching with the Methodists, rather low type. Indeed, at the and that the only condition on very time when the conviction which he would be permitted to of sin was brought home to retain the tenancy of his farm him, he had in hand the com was to discontinue the preach position of an Interlude. He ing. Edwards did not hesitate at once, however, broke off from as to the course he would take, the practice, and entered with harrowingly painful though it zeal and energj' upon a new was to him. course of life. About the year Failing to get a farm any 1787 his religious friends suc where near his old home, and ceeded in persuading him to ex the home of his ancestors, he ercise his gifts as a preacher of removed, in 1795, to Gelly- the Gospel, and he did so with gynan, near Llanarmon-yn-ial. great results for seven years in He found here a large tract of OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 49 country where but little provis few. He died in 1823, aged ion was made for the spiritual sixty-eight years. — Methodist- wants of the people. He at iaeth Cymru, vol. iii. pages once resolved upon seeking to 204 — 208. supply the need in the best way Edwards, Mr. John, Tre'r he could, and he rendered yeo dryw, near Brynsiencyn, An man service to Methodism in glesea, was one of the preachers the southern part of Flintshire. of the second period in his As a preacher, he was plain native county. Though not and practical, and he raised his endowed with great freedom of voice with vehemence against speech, yet he was an instruc the public sins of the people. tive preacher. Indicative of the His great delight was to preach views of the Sabbath held by the Gospel in districts where the Methodists of the time, it it was seldom or never heard, may be recorded that he was and thus he broke new ground suspended from preaching be for evangelistic efforts. He was cause he started for Lon the first to preach at Bryn- don on a Sunday, so that he engan, Lodge, Llwydiaeth, might reach the city in time to Chwarelau, and Brymbo. These give evidence in a Court of districts he often visited. In Law. Methodistiaeth Mon, 1811, he removed to Plascoch, a page 116. large farm near Gellifor, in the Edwards, Mr. John, Tre lovely Vale of , where he garon, Cardiganshire, was the again found a great dearth of first who began to preach at religious services. When he Tregaron. He did so in 1794, came to the district, not only about six months before the had no Methodist church been death of the old exhorter Shon formed anywhere near, but Camer. He died in 1829. there was no Sunday School or Methodistiaeth De Aberteifi, preaching services held. He page 59. at once sought to remedy this Edwards, Mr. Richard, state of things, and through his Bala, was one of the early efforts, aided by the hearty co preachers of Merionethshire, operation of one Edward and was at times privileged Simon, a cause was started, with having very powerful which proved highly successful. services. When preaching at In 1817 he removed to Plas. Dolyddelen, on one occasion, a yn-Nghaerwys, where he car marvellous outpouring of the ried on the same active and Holy Spirit came upon the con persistent efforts to spread the gregation. The audience was truth as it is in Jesus, and to intensely moved, and many win the country for Christ. His joined the church. The date remaining days, however, were of his death is not known. E 5° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Edwards, Mr. Thomas, Liv needed spiritual instruction, erpool, a native of Llanelian, though he was not a re Denbighshire, was born in the fined English speaker. His year 1756. A blacksmith by fervour as a preacher, and the trade, he spent the earlier beauty of some of his thoughts, years of his life, like the mass made him exceedingly popular of the people of his district, with many of his hearers. For utterly thoughtless and un some years, almost every week, godly. When about twenty he held an English service in years of age, it came to his Bedford Street Chapel. He knowledge that a preaching ser was the first of our preachers vice was to be held at a place who visited the Marches to not far from his home, so he labour for Christ and the sal resolved at once to go and hear vation of souls. He did so what the preacher had to say. sometime before the North This event proved a turning- Wales Home Mission was point in his career. The truth started. He was the pioneer pierced his heart, and he was of the Lancashire Presby led to a concern about his soul. tery. He often visited the For a time he was perfectly neighbourhood of Warrington, wretched. Under a sermon by Runcorn, and Chester, declar the Rev. John Roberts, Llan- ing the unsearchable riches of llyfni, however, he found Christ. He died May 24th, peace. The complete change in 1825, aged 69 years. The Rev. his life which came to pass ex Dr. Raffles, who was very fond posed him to much ridicule, of him, and held him in high both from his old companions, esteem, preached his funeral who were grieved at losing so sermon in Bedford Street genial an associate, and also Chapel. The Treasury, vol. his wife. However, he re xxi. page 4. mained steadfast in his new life, and never swerved for a Edward, Rev. Watkin, De. moment. Ere long his wife fynog, Breconshire, was a man was won to sympathize with very much beloved in his own him and his new ways. About church at Defynog and in his the year 1786 he removed to Monthly Meeting. He was a Liverpool, where, two years short thick-set man, always later, he began to preach, and looking clean and neat. He thus rendered much service was ordained at Cardigan As to the recently-started Welsh sociation, August, 1830. He preachedChurch. in He the English also often lan died Nov. 23rd, 1848, aged 74 years, having been a preacher guage, for the sake of the of the Gospel about 43 years. multitude around him who The Rev. Thomas Elias (Bardd OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 5»

Coch) wrote the following brated as a builder. The ruins englyn to his memory : — of Caerphili Castle were of great interest to him ; he at " Brawdol a siriol mawr eirian — ydoedd tentively studied their construc Ein Edward o anian ; tion and got to understand the O'r drygfyd aeth i'r drigfan Y nef a rodd Naf i'w ran." principle of the arch. About the year 1749, he undertook to At a Monthly Meeting not construct a bridge over the Taff long before his death, in giv at Pontypridd, and though he ing his experience, he said that was in his first attempts foiled, he had not at any time in his he ultimately succeeded, and life been ^5 in debt, nor had his work still stands as an evi he been in possession of £5, dence of his genius in bridge excepting his old mare. building. He was converted Within these financial limits he under the ministry of Howel spent his life, far happier, Harris in his twentieth year, doubtless, than many who could and became an active worker sign cheques for thousands or for Christ at once. Thomas tens of thousands of pounds. Williams, Groeswen, and he Personal Knowledge ; Y Dry- were bosom friends, and when sorfa, vol. xx. page 90. Williams was appointed super Edwards, Rev. William, intendent of the Methodist so Caerphilly, Glamorganshire, is cieties in the eastern parts of well known as the builder of Glamorganshire, he was ap the one arch bridge over the pointed one of his assistants. Taff River at Pontypridd. He He signed the memorable letter was born in a farmhouse called from Groeswen to Cayo As Bryn, in the parish of Eglwys sociation, and, like Williams, Han, between Pontypridd and he took to be ordained at Groes Caerphilly, in the year 1719. wen, because of the unsatis He was the youngest of four factory character of the reply children, and lost his father from the Association. When when he was two years of age. Williams died, Edwards con He had very little education, tinued in sole charge of the hardly enough to enable church, and he held the posi him to read and write in tion until his death, which took Welsh. He early began to de place in 1789. Though a min light himself in building, ister of Groeswen church, he through restoring the stone considered himself a member of walls of the farm on which he the Methodist body. He was was brought up. He closely buried in Eglwys Han church watched stonemasons at their yard. Y Tadau Methodistaidd* work, and soon became cele vol. i. page 228. 52 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Edwards, Mr. William, Edwards, Mr. William, Llanfairtalhaiarn, Denbigh Neuadd-fawr, Cwmdl, Brecon- shire, was born at Pant-y-di- shire, is said to have been a ffaith, in the parish of Ysceif- very godly man, and much re iog, Denbighshire, in the year spected in his district. Indi 1773. He had no early relig cative of his pious habits, he ious education, indeed, his usually carried in his pocket a parents were hostile thereto. Bible, which was a rare thing He grew up a thoughtless and in his day ; and at harvest wild youth. When about time, he would now and again eighteen, he began to attend call the reapers together on the preaching services, and was field, when he would read a won to throw in his lot with the portion of the Scriptures, en followers of Christ. He be gage in prayer, and give a came fond of the Bible, and short exhortation. He was fond applied himself to its study. of poetry, and composed a good In 1794, a considerable revival deal himself, both secular and took place at Caerwys, and he sacred. At his death, an Elegy participated largely in its was Edwards, composed toMr. his memory. William, spirit. The revival continued for two years. During this Rhydygele, Pembrokeshire, one period, the desire arose in his of the early preachers of Meth heart to exercise his gifts as a odism in Pembrokeshire, was a preacher, and permission was carpenter by trade, and was given him to do so. After his one of Howel Harris' personal marriage he removed to Bod- converts. He was full of fire fari, and worked on Geinos and enthusiasm in the work of farm. Having buried his first Christ, and could not tolerate wife, he married a young the lukewarmness and indiffer woman living at Ty'nddol, ence of many of the preachers Llanfairtalhaiarn. This led of his day. As he was a man him to remove to his wife's of considerable passion, his home. Here he spent the last temper would at times lead 26 years of his life, and ren him into trouble. A rather un dered much service to the cause pleasant incident one day took at Ffynoniau. He died May place. In discussion with a 6th, 1833, aged 60 years. fellow workman, he waxed Edward Jones, Maesyplwm, warm and gave him a push, wrote an elegy to his memory. which unfortunately occasioned Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. him to fall upon a stone or im page 177. plement of some kind. The Edwards, Mr. William, matter was brought before the Neath, Glamorganshire, was a church, and as it was said that -co-worker with Howel Harris. he had struck the man on his OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 53

forehead with a hoe, it was re Awake ! Awake ! your house solved to expel him from the is on fire : come forth at church. He emphatically de once or you'll be burnt to nied the charge. Before he left ashes !' " Methodistiaeth Cym- the meeting, he asked permis ru, vol. ii. page 299 ; Y Tadau sion to pray, and through his Methodistaidd, vol. i. page prayer, he so completely over 238. came the opposition of the Elias, Rev. John, Angle- brotherhood that he was per sea, was for many years the mitted to remain. The event, most popular pulpit orator in however, had a sanctifying Wales. No Welsh preacher, effect upon him ; and it is said however eminent his abilities, that he never afterwards lost would be hurt at finding that his self-control. His sermons John Elias was considered his were usually lacking as regards superior by far. Indeed, as a order. On one occasion, when pulpit orator, he stood alone, taken to task by his brethren like Saul, towering " higher for this defect in his dis than any of the people from courses, he defended himself his shoulders and upwards." through describing the differ He will, doubtless, ever occupy ence between him and them in among the preachers of Wales the case of a house being on the pre-eminence which Dr. fire in the depth of night, and Owen holds among the divines whilst its inmates are asleep. of England, and Bossuet among " Your style of preaching," he the orators of France. His said, " is as follows. When name was a charm which would travelling at night, you say, in draw the largest congrega the first place, I saw fire. In tions. On his preaching tours, the second place, I saw smoke. multitudes would gather from In the third place, I under a circle of many miles to his stood that the house was on services. Were it known that fire. In the fourth place, I he was to preach in a town, knew that the inmates were even on a fair day, as was once asleep. In the fifth place, I the case at Carmarthen, people am come to awaken you, and would forsake the fair and all call you forth, lest you should business, and attend his preach be burned. That's your style. ing services. He was the idol My style," he said, " is, when of his day in Wales ; people I have understood that the who heard him once never house is on fire, and that the tired of speaking of his won people are asleep, to shout derful power and charm. with all my might, without He had no early educational first or second ' Hu bwb ! advantages which can in any Hu bwb! Heigh! Heigh! degree account for the ability 54 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY he evinced in after years. In him to read the Bible, and to fact, so far as is known, he avoid bad language and all had not even a day's schooling sinful practices. One Sabbath, in his youth, nor had he more at Pentreuchaf, a number of than a few months' training people were standing about, after he entered upon the work waiting the expected preacher, of the ministry. He must have who was long in making his ap been a born orator, and gradu pearance, so his grandfather ally trained himself by his came to John and said, "It is own observation and effort. He a pity that the people should acknowledged his obligation, be here standing idle, go to the especially to the Rev. Evan pulpit and read a chapter from Richardson, Carnarvon, and the Bible." This was the first Mr. Charles, who cured him of time he entered the pulpit, some faults of manner. though he had on previous He was born May 6th, 1774, occasions read to small knots in a rural district of Carnar of people on the roadside, vonshire, at a place called whilst they were, as at this Brynllwynbach, in the parish time, waiting for the preacher. of , not far from This took place when he was . His parents were of from nine to twelve years of humble circumstances, and had age. He lost his grandfather not much sympathy with re when he was still young ; ligion ; his father was a weav which was for him an irre er, and earned his living parable loss, and it may ex through plying the shuttle. plain how he did not take up He spent the greater part of the yoke of Christ until a later his boyhood however under the period in life than might have care of his grandfather, who been expected. From a sense was a sensible and pious man, of unworthiness and the lack and took special pains in nur possibly of any encouragement turing in him a taste for read in the matter, he shrank from ing, and training him in the seeking membership in the ways of religion. He was thus church of Christ : and thus he taught to read whilst quite a entered upon young manhood child, which was considered a without having joined the rare accomplishment in those church. When sixteen years of days. Before he was seven age, he had a strong desire to years of age he had read the visit Llangeitho to hear the re books of the Old Testament nowned Daniel Rowland consecutively from Genesis to preach. Just then, he went one Jeremiah, which was a wonder Sabbath morning to Pwllheli to ful achievement for such a lad. hear a stranger who had been His grandfather encouraged announced to preach. He got OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 55 there too early for the service smouldering in his bosom, now at which the stranger was to burst into a flame that con officiate, so he went to the In sumed his whole soul and dependent Chapel, where the shone with great splendour in minister, the Rev. Benjamin his character. The weight of Jones, preached from the text, trouble that had pressed heavi 2 Samuel, iii. chap., 38th ly upon him was removed, and verse — " Know ye not that he walked in the glorious free there is a prince and a great dom of the sons of God. This man fallen this day in Israel?" took place about September From the sermon, thus acci 1793, in the twentieth year of dentally heard, he learnt that his age. A few months later, the great preacher of Llan- he began to preach, and at once geitho, whom he had so desired became exceedingly popular. to hear, had passed away. His The demand for his services disappointment and grief were was great. The seriousness of intense. his deportment, the earnestness In the year 1792, he joined a of his ministry, the pathos of band of young people who were his voice, combined to make a about to attend an Association deep impression upon the peo at Bala. They were all reli ple. Sinners trembled when he giously disposed, and the jour spoke. The tokens of his being ney was undertaken for the a servant of the Lord were evi nurture of their religious life. dent to all. The influence for good exer But whilst he was thus popu cised upon him by this short lar and highly appreciated, he pilgrimage was great, and led was himself conscious of his him to resolve upon conse lack of knowledge and training crating himself to God and His for the work he had under cause. He thought could he taken. An opportunity offered find employment, in his trade itself to him just then to go to as a weaver, with a master who Manchester, where, he thought, was a follower of Christ, that he might enjoy some advan a way might be opened up for tages for self -improvement. him to join the church. He The small Welsh churches in heard of such a one — Mr. that city offered to maintain Griffith Jones, Ynys-y-Pandy, him in return for his preach near Tremadoc. After obtain ing services on the Sabbath. ing the reluctant consent of his He was very anxious to accept parents to leave home, he en the proposal. But a strong op tered the service of Mr. Jones, position was raised against the and not long after he joined scheme, on the plea that it was the church. His love of Christ, simply pride led him to wish which had been for some time for the training he desired ; 56 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY and the anti-educational feel preaching of the Gospel. ing, which was widely pre Through the business thus car valent in Methodist circles at ried on, he was lifted up above the time, succeeded in prevent being dependent upon the min ing him from carrying out his istry for his support. This desire. This was a great grief was a great matter, for the most to him. He succeeded, how popular preachers were in those ever, afterwards, in going to days very poorly remunerated. the Rev. Evan Richardson's Half-a-crown was considered school at Carnarvon. Mr. handsome payment for a ser Richardson recognised his abi mon, and five shillings for a lities, and helped him much. Sabbath's services. John Elias, But his stay there was only for during his earlier years, often a few months. He was called received this pittance. The away to the harvest field just as shop, however, made him inde he was beginning to learn how pendent of the remuneration he to sharpen his sickle. The de usually received for his min mands for his services were isterial work : and he was able loud and incessant, so that he also to purchase books. Mrs. had no peace. Elias was a true help-mate. In 1799, he was led to reside She would not allow him to be in Anglesea, through his mar disturbed during the time he riage with Miss Broadhead, set apart for study and prepara Tre'rgof, , on Feb tion for the pulpit : and he was ruary 22nd. Her father, who able to make long preaching was a landed proprietor, was tours through the country. much opposed to the match, and When he removed to Angle- refused to give her a dowry. sea, feasts, foot-ball contests, In the emergency, she opened a cock-fighting, and such like small shop at Llanfechell ; and things, were frequently held on upon his marriage, Elias re the Lord's day. Darkness moved hither, and continued to covered the land, and gross reside there until his wife's darkness the people. Mr. Elias death in 1828. It should be gave himself with much ardour stated, that though his father- to sweep away these evil prac in-law was displeased with the tices, and to induce the people marriage at first, he afterwards to follow after a better life. relented, and became reconciled He went to their feasts, and to his daughter, and was proud preached against the prevail of his son-in-law. She took ing corrupt habits with much upon herself the whole care of vehemence, eloquence, and the business, and thus her hus power. He was bold as a lion, band was able to devote his and he fearlessly raised up whole time to study and the his powerful voice against the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

low, degrading practices pre to listen, and while they lis valent. He laboured hard in tened they trembled as if Sinai this way, and he had the joy itself with its thunder had sud of seeing the works of darkness denly burst upon them. One disappear before the light of man, who had purchased a the Gospel, and the cause of sickle, let it fall to the ground, Christ win its way rapidly in thinking in his heart that the the land. At times, he met arm which held it had wither with considerable opposition : ed, and was afraid to pick it indeed, on more than one up again lest the same thing occasion his life was in im should happen to the other. He minent danger, but he escaped lost his sickle, but on that day from the hands of his foes, and he found salvation. The Sab obtained the victory in many a bath fair was never afterwards hard fought contest. He did not held, and many were brought, confine his efforts to Anglesea. through that marvellous ser " At , in Denbigh mon, to seek the Lord. This shire," says the Rev. Wm. Wil happened in the year 1802, liams, in his History of Welsh when the preacher was only Calvinistic Methodism, "there twenty-eight years of age, and was an annual fair held on the there were many such customs Lord's Day in the season of and such assemblages which re harvest. It was chiefly for the ceived their death-blow from sale of scythes, reaping hooks, John Elias." rakes, etc., and for the hiring Elias thus was a great Re of labourers for harvest-work. former. But his greatest ex Elias went to the place to make cellence was as a preacher of the a determined attack on this Gospel. In this respect no one wicked assemblage. He stood was comparable to him, either on the horse-block by the ' New on the stage or in a chapel. He Inn,' in the very thick of the stood unrivalled among his fair, surrounded by the imple brethren as a master of the as ments of husbandry brought sembly. Dr. Owen Pughe re for sale, and he began the ser marked that he " never saw an vice amid the sound of harps orator that could be compared and fiddles. He prayed with to him ; every muscle was in great earnestness and many action, and every movement tears, and took for his text the that he made was graceful, and Fourth Commandment. The highly oratorical I fear of God fell upon the never heard Elias without re crowd, harps and fiddles were garding him as a messenger silenced, and scythes, sickles, sent from God. I thought of and rakes disappeared from the Apostle Paul when I lis the scene. The people stood tened to him, and as an orator S8 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

I considered him fully equal Wales, which took place two to Demosthenes." His printed years after he commenced to sermons would not now be con preach, he roused the whole sidered profound or remark country : it was felt every able in any way : their power where that a great prophet had evidently lay not so much in arisen who would exercise a the matter as in the manner of mighty influence against the delivery : this was their crown Kingdom of darkness and for and glory. The living voice God. For many years after -and dramatic action gave wards he visited South Wales power to the words spoken. every alternate year, and in This, of course, has to be borne rotation therewith he visited in mind, that much which is London, and seldom missed an familiar and commonplace to Association in his own Pro day was not so in Klias' time. vince. After the death of the The Rev. D. Charles, Car Rev. Thomas Charles, in 1814, marthen, says : — " In all my he became the leader of the As journeys through Wales I have sociation in North Wales. He never heard of any other was supreme in his influence preacher whose ministry has by weight of character, ability, been so widely blessed to the and fidelity. There were pro- conversion of sinners as that of founder thinkers, such as the John Elias. Almost in every Rev. David Charles, Car neighbourhood, village and marthen ; and safer divines town, some persons may be met such as Rev. Thomas Jones. with who ascribe their conver Denbigh; the Rev. Michael sion to impressions received Roberts, also would occasion under one of his sermons." ally have a more marvellous He was among the first batch service, such as at Llanidloes of preachers ordained at Bala in 1819. But take him all in in the year 1811. And if being all, he hardly had a compeer. used of God for the salvation He was a king among the min of souls, and casting out devils isters — a king inclined at times from the hearts and habits of to be masterful and imperious, men, be any proof of a true ser and had to be resisted, as in vant of God, verily John Elias the case of his views on the must be acknowledged to have Atonement, and his strong been such, though no bishop's action in regard to those who hand ever touched his head. petitioned Parliament in favour For, almost from the very start of the Roman Catholics' Eman of his ministerial life, he was cipation Bill. When heard on owned of God in a very mar the stage preaching at the As vellous degree. Indeed, even sociation, all would be for on his first visit to South gotten and forgiven, and his OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 59 opponents as well as support was buried in church ers would say, " Oh, king, live yard, near Beaumaris, amid for ever !" signs of unparalleled mourn His wife died in April, 1828, ing in the island. A handsome .after which sad event he at monument has been erected once retired from all connec over his grave, and a fine tion with business, and devoted memorial chapel has been er himself entirely to the work of ected at , at a cost of the ministry. In February, £5,000. 1830, he married again; his In his death, verily a great second wife being a lady of man and a prince had fallen. lank — the widow of Sir John Wales, throughout its length Bulkeley, Bart., Presaddfed, and breadth, felt the shock of Anglesea ; and he removed to the event : for though he was the Fron, near Llangefni, eminently a man of his own where he resided until his denomination, ever working for -death. Through this change, its prosperity and seeking the the church at Llanfechell development of its institu suffered a severe loss, for he tions, educational and mission -was ever faithful at the church ary, he was also a man of the meetings at his home. These Principality, reflecting honour meetings, as conducted by him, upon the land of his birth, the were oftentimes extraordinary people from among whom he in spiritual power. had sprung and among whom Two years after his second he had laboured. There can marriage, whilst proceeding, be little doubt that he helped on the great day of the Associa materially in imparting to the tion, to the services at Bala, he Association of North Wales met with an accident of a ser much of that dignity which ious character. He was being still belongs to it, and which driven in a gig to Bala, and secures for its decisions the the horse took fright : at this greatest respect from the Mr. Elias leaped out, and re churches ; and he knit in loyal ceived such injuries that his devotion to the denomination life was in danger. After some many families which, as they time, however, he rallied, rose in social status through though it is doubtful whether their increasing wealth and cul he ever afterwards regained ture, would, were it not for his Tiis former energy, strength, influence, probably have wan and elasticity ; but his pulpit dered to other folds, or to the influence remained unabated wilds of the world. He is until his death, which took therefore esteemed highly for place June qth, 1841, in the his work's sake, as well as for -sixty-seventh year of his age. He the fact of his having been the 6o BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

brightest ornament of the ious impressions under a ser Welsh pulpit. Methodistiaeth mon he heard, but his father Cymru, vol. ii. page 596; A. was angry with him for any Memoir of Rev. John Elias, by sympathy he cherished with the the Rev. E. Morgan ; Cofiant ways of religion. He therefore y Parch. J, Jones, Talsarn, left home, and was led to set vol. ii. page 844 ; Y Gwyddon- tle down at , iadur Cymreig, vol. iv. page where in a month's time he 300; Y Tadau Methodistaidd, joined the church, and found vol. ii. page 410; Adgofion am the ministry of Richard Tibbot John Elias, gan R. Parry ; Y rich in blessing to his soul. Traethodydd, vol. i. pages Whilst here he married, and he 3°S. 437- remained at Llanbrynmair Ellis, Mr. Ellis, , seven years. He then returned Montgomeryshire, was a shoe to , and after a short maker by trade, and preached stay removed again to Festin to the people of his neighbour iog, his religious sympathies hood as often as possible, but continually growing in inten he died young. He was one of sity. The friends here encour the early preachers, even before aged him to offer himself to the formation of a church at Mr. Charles for employment as Machynlleth, which took place a teacher in his Welsh Cir in the year 1770. Methodist culating Schools. His applica iaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page 381. tion was accepted, and he Ellis, Mr. John, Barmouth, proved himself worthy of his- was born in the parish of Ys- position, leaving behind him in bytty, Merionethshire, in the every district a sweet aroma. year 1758, and was brought up He had not been long a teach at . His parents er ere he was urged to exercise were poor, and moreover were his gift as an Exhorter. The altogether lacking in sympathy need of Exhorters in this dis with Divine things. He was in trict was very great at the school for a brief period when time, as — in the year 1785 — about twelve years of age, and there was not a single man of was then brought up to the the class from Rhoslan in Car trade of a cooper. Whilst at narvonshire to Machynlleth in Llanrwst, completing his ap Montgomeryshire. He moved prenticeship, he was impressed about as a Teacher and Ex by a sermon which he hap horter for ten years. Durine pened to hear one Robert Evans this time his gifts developed, preach : but its effect was not his knowledge increased, and' lasting. He then resided for a his services became more valu time at Festiniog, where he able, until at last he was urged" again experienced some relig to relinquish his position as a OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 6 1

Teacher and consecrate himself upon the people ; as if a cloud entirely to the ministry of the had burst ; and that he himself, Word. He was obedient to the under the force of the inspira call, and itinerated through tion, fainted. His ministry North and South Wales, at some would be occasionally accom places, such as Oswestry, meet panied with a force as if some ing with much opposition from great reservoir had broken, the mob. He settled at Bar and swept everything before it. mouth, and continued as a But, alas ! he was felled by preacher for 25 years. He left strong drink, and was suspend a deep impression upon the ed from preaching. In after country, and is still spoken of years he was restored, but he in Merionethshire with great never preached with the same respect. He died, after having power. Like Samson, he was served the cause of Christ well, shorn of his strength. Drych August, 1810, aged 52 years. yr Amseroedd ; Y Drysorfa, Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i. vol. Ixxi. pages 394. page 571 ; Methodistiaeth Gor- Ellis, Mr. Robert, Cwm- Zlewin Meirionydd, vol. ii. glas, Llanderis, was one of page 297. the early preachers of Carnar Ellis, Mr. John Griffith, vonshire. Very little, beyond was one of Howel Harris' first his name, is known of him, and converts in Carnarvonshire, and also that he was in the habit of was among the first preachers in exhorting his neighbours to at that county. In some respects, tend to the things pertaining he excelled, it is said, all his to their peace. He was one of contemporaries. Both North four preachers in Carnarvon and South Wales thirsted for shire who had died before his ministry, which was often Robert Jones, Rhoslan, had the accompanied with much power. opportunity of knowing them, Robert Jones, in his " Drych yr lie must therefore have passed Amseroedd," says that it can be away before the year 1760. said of him that none of his Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. contemporaries in North Wales page 146. had been blessed with such a Ellis, Rev. Robert, Mold, fulness of bright gifts as he. spent the greater part of his Most marvellous effects would ministerial life at Mold. He sometimes follow his preach had been for some time a ing. At an Association at Bala, student in Lady Huntingdon's on one occasion, he preached College at Trevecca, and also, from the words, "Awake, afterwards, a minister in her O sword, against my Shep Ladyship's Connexion. He did herd," &c., Zech. xiii. 7, and not hold this position long, but an unusual influence descended joined the Methodists, and BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY proved himself a faithful and else, I will come ; but do your vigorous worker. He itinerated best to secure the services of a good deal both in North and another." He laboured under South Wales, and was well considerable disadvantages. He known in the churches. His had a farm to attend to ; and preaching gifts were not his wife was so close and nig bright, as his delivery was gardly that she would not rather monotonous ; he seldom allow him to have a candle in succeeded in touching the feel the evening to read his Bible ings of his hearers. He was or any other of the few books fond of expounding the Scrip he possessed. tures, and generally expounded Evan, Mr. David, Conwil, the chapter he read at the be Carmarthenshire, may have ginning of the service, and pos been the same man as Mr. sibly also the hymn. At the David Evans, Cayo, referred to same time he gave prominence in the list of Carmarthenshire to the central doctrines of the preachers in the " Drysorfa," Gospel in his preaching, ever 1844, as there is a Conwil Cayo seeking to feed the Church with and a Conwil Elvet in that suitable food, and to lead his county, the former usually hearers to Christ. He had a spoken of as Cayo, and the lat kind of second ordination at ter as Conwil ; or he may have Bala in the year 1814. His chief been the same person as Mr. characteristics were his honesty David Evan, Llanwino, as and faithfulness. He died Cwmbach, where he was Jan. 19th, 1820. Methodist- brought up, is not far from iaeth Cymru, vol. iii. page 283. Conwil Elvet. Ellis, Mr. Thomas, Hafod, Evan, Mr. David, Llan Carnarvonshire, was one of the wino, Carmarthenshire, was early preachers of Methodism born in the year 1750, at a in the neighbourhood of Llith- small farmhouse, Pen'rallt- faen, a district between Llan- fach, Trelech. He spent some aelhaiarn and . He was years with his uncle, Mr. John remarkable for his faithful Davies, Penhenrhyw2 Llan ness and self-denial. He was wino, one of the three mighty fully conscious of his unfitness men of Methodism in the dis for so high a task as that of trict of Cwmbach. In 1775, his preaching the Gospel. When uncle, being taken suddenly so asked to officiate anywhere at a poorly, whilst conducting distance, he would usually family worship, that he could quite sincerely reply, " I am not say a word, David proceed not fit to go so great a distance ed with the prayer, rather than from home," but he would add, allow the service to come to an "if you cannot get any one abrupt end. Though often OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 63 urged by the brethren to be overcame the captain's heart. come a preacher, he resisted That which characterised their appeals for some time. Evan's preaching was the But one night, at a prayer unction which accompanied his. meeting, the Holy Spirit came words, and the effects which down upon those present in so followed. He was enabled by overpowering a degree, that he a kind Providence to be of broke out in praise with such much service to Methodism. enthusiasm that a great revival He was in comfortable circum took place, known afterwards stances as regards this world's as the great revival of Dafydd goods, and he was willing to Evan. He then yielded to the de spend and be spent in the ser sire of the church, and became a vice of the Master. It is diffi preacher, and was ever charac cult for us in this age to real terised by much fire and faith ize the circumstances under fulness in that office to the end which the fathers laboured. of his life. He was pre-emin David Evan and a friend ently qualified to administer often travelled 12 miles to at discipline : he feared no one, tend a church meeting, and and yet he was gentle and then returned home late at kind. Among others in his night, remarking at parting, church was a highly respected " Well, we have returned home gentleman, who had been a this time again, the last will captain in the army, and who, come." He took a leading part when walking into chapel, usu in the discussion regarding the- ally did so with an air of con ordination of lay preachers, siderable importance. One Sab but he died ere the decision- bath morning, he walked to his was finally made. His death- seat in a very irreverent man took place April 15th, 1808, ner. David Evan observed him, aged fifty-eight years. Y Dry- and, at the close of the service, sorfa, vol. xxi. page 73. called him aside, saying, " I Evan, Mr. Lewis, Llan- want a word with you. Please, llugan, Montgomeryshire, was do not think when you are en one of the founders of Method tering the house of God that ism, especially in North Wales. you are leading an army to the He was born at Llanllugan in- field of battle. Such conduct the year 1710, and spent his as yours this morning was an early years in the occupation of insult to the God whom a weaver with his grandfather we serve." By this time the at Crygnant. In 1739, he hap captain was in tears, and earn pened to hear Howel Harris estly asked to be forgiven. preach at , and was The preacher's manner in ad deeply impressed by the truth. ministering the reproof quite He applied himself henceforth

with great diligence to the partee. Though an ordinary reading of the Scriptures. preacher, he rendered great ser This was his chief delight, vice to the cause of God and and thus he became well-versed Methodism. He everywhere in the Word of God. He soon sought to teach the people, began to urgently press upon whether in the house or on the others to read the holy Word, field, on the wayside or in and went from house to house a chapel, and it is thought that to read and to exhort. He a greater number were blessed suffered much persecution in through him than almost any his work, and was often cruelly of his colleagues. treated. At a meeting held at He died in the year 1792, Glanyrafon, Carmarthenshire, aged 72 years, after having March ist, 1743, he was recog served the Master with much nised as an exhorter, and was zeal and success for fifty appointed to assist Morgan years. Some years ago, a Hughes, overseer of the So handsome marble monument cieties at Llanfair, Llanllugan, was erected to his memory in and Llanwyddelan. This ap front of Adfa Chapel, Llan pointment was confirmed at the wyddelan, bearing the follow second Association held at Wat ing inscription : "In memory ford, April, 1743. At a Month of Lewis Evan, Llanllugan, ly Meeting held at Trefecca, it the first preacher in connection was resolved, " that the brother with the Calvinistic Methodists Lewis Evan go as far as he can in North Wales. Born in 1719 into Merionethshire and the A.D. Died in 1792. ' He had North, according to the call trials of cruel mockings and that might be for him." He scourgings, yea, moreover, of travelled almost continually bonds and imprisonments,' for years throughout North and Hebrews xi. 36." Methodist- South Wales, facing many iaeth Cymru, vol. i. page 118; difficulties, braving many Montgomeryshirepage 62. Worthies, perils, and enduring much per secution. On one occasion he Evan, Mr. Richard, Cily- was imprisoned at Dolgelley, cwm, Carmarthenshire, was a and detained for six months contemporary of the well- for no other crime than preach known and eminent preacher ing the Gospel. During fifty John Evans, of the same place. years of incessant labour he had His preaching excursions were many narrow escapes from the not so frequent or so far afield hands of his foes. He was as those of his contemporary, short of stature and lively in but, like him, he was eminently "his movements. He spoke successful in turning many from rapidly, and was quick in re the error of their ways, and in OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 65 leading them to embrace the Some time afterwards he went Lord Jesus as their Saviour. to the Academy at Carmarthen, His name is sometimes given as with the view of becoming a Risiart Ifan. clergyman : but when he applied Evan, Mr. Sion, Carmar for ordination in the year 1780, then. Nothing is recorded of it was discovered that the title this brother beyond that he was was not good, and, moreover, a preacher and a poet. On the bishop observed that in one occasion he was travelling reading he had the tone of the in company with a clergyman Methodists, which was a fatal who was not eminent for his offence : so he was rejected. godliness. When passing a This did not deter him from -wheat field, the clergyman carrying forth his resolve of challenged him to compose a entering upon the work of the verse of poetry regarding him, ministry. He was too desirous taking the wheat field as the of being helpful to the Gospel basis of the composition. After of the Kingdom of Heaven being repeatedly challenged to be silenced in this way. So, ironically to do so, he made after his marriage with Mar the following lines : — garet, the daughter of David and Susannah Williams, Pen- " Mae yma wenith gweddol, rhingmiail, in the parish of Yn tynu'n mlaen yn raddol, Conwil, he, in 1782, began to Ond y degfed ran a a i macs I gynal gwas y diafol." preach with the Methodists. For some years he conducted a Evan, Mr. Sion, , Free School at Conwil. In con Cardiganshire, is spoken of as sequence of the failure of his one of the early preachers who health, he left the school and officiated at Casmael, Pem removed to Waunlwyd, a farm brokeshire. near the village of Conwil. He Evans, Rev. Arthur, Con- was of a remarkably quiet dis wil, Carmarthenshire, was position, and spent a consistent born at Velindre, in the parish Christian life. The Rev. David of Pemboyr, Carmarthenshire, Charles, Carmarthen, was wont Sept. 2, 1755. His parents died to say of him that ' ' he had as when he was young, so he spent much grace as seven of us." As the early years of his life with a preacher, he was faithful and an uncle, following the trade earnest : his sermons were sim of a weaver. When 18 years of ple, scriptural, and short. He age he joined the Methodists, would at times be favoured who were assembling at a pri with very powerful services. vate house called Wern-yr- When asked one time by a hafod — the cause at Conwil friend, "Why was he so had not then F been commenced. short?" he replied, "What 66 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY would you wish me to do — to began to preach. His son, Mr. continue until my sermon, like Benjamin Evans, Aberaeron, the handle of a whip, would was wont to say ' ' that his become smaller and smaller to father was the most like the the end?" His popularity is Apostle Paul he ever knew : he manifest in the fact that he was began to follow Christ, and be one of the first batch of minis gan to preach, and preached at ters ordained at Llandilo, Car the Monthly Meeting of his marthenshire, in the year 1811. county, all within the space of He was for some years secre three months." From the start tary of his Monthly Meeting. of his public life, he gave He died, April 20, 1837, aged much satisfaction to the 82 years, and was laid to rest churches. He was ordained at in the burial-ground at the back Llangeitho, August, 1815. In of the Conwil chapel. Method- addition to being endowed with 465-istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page a strong mind, and favoured with early educational advan Evans, Mr. Benjamin, Pen- tages, he continued through sarn, Cardiganshire, was the life a constant reader ; and thus eldest brother of the well- he became one of the chief or known gentlemen, Stephen and naments of the pulpit in his Evan Evans, Neuadd, but he Monthly Meeting. He chiefly died young, about the year exercised his ministerial gifts 1850. — Methodistiaeth De Aber- in Cardiganshire, though occa teifi, page 230. sionally he went farther afield, Evans, Rev. David, Aber- even to the counties of North aeron, Cardiganshire, was born Wales. He died in August, at Pengareg-isaf, near Aber- 1825, and was buried at Hen- aeron, in the year 1768. He fynyw ; a few days after the was the son of Benjamin and Rev. Ebenezer Morris, Twr- Catherine Evans. He was for gwyn, had passed away. The some time a scholar in Ystrad- death of two such men, so near meurig School, purposing to each other, was a severe blow take Holy Orders, but this in to the churches of Methodism tention was frustrated. He in' Cardiganshire. The Rev. subsequently conducted a Ebenezer Richards, writing of school for some years at Dol- the sad event to the North halog, near his home. When Wales Association at Pwllheli, about 40 years of age, he spoke of the two as "our two joined the Methodist church at wings by means of which we Ffosyffin — the mother church of flied ; our two staffs upon which- the Methodist church at Aber- we leaned ; our two breasts aeron, which was not started which we sucked ; our two eyes until the vear 1818. He soon wherewith we saw ; our two OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 67 arms by which we worked." he was not present. When he Enwogion Ceredigion, page 67. came to die, he was sure that it Evans, Mr. David, Merion was all right with his soul, ethshire, is referred to as a and when in the stream of preacher in 1824. Jordan, he was in the spirit of Evans, Rev. Daniel, Capel praising the Lord. He died Drindod, Cardiganshire, was a June 17th, 1845, ancl was buried native of the district, and was in Llangunllo churchyard. born in the year 1774. His The Rev. Evan Phillips, New- father, who was a shoemaker, castle-Emlyn, is his grandson. and highly esteemed by the Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. Llysnewydd family, died when page 75 ; Enwogion Ceredigion, Daniel was young. He was page 66. then brought up at Llysnew Evans, Mr. David, Newport, ydd, and Mr. Lewis had him Pembrokeshire, occupied the trained for the same occupation position of a sexton in the par as his father. He married ish church, and was at the same Margaret, the daughter of Mr. time a powerful preacher with Griffith Evans, Y Ddol. In the Methodists. At a Monthly 1797, he began to preach, and Meeting held at Trevine, it was was considered one of the best arranged that he should preach preachers of his day. Accord at the same service as the Rev. ing to the custom of the period, Nathaniel Rowlands. After the he itinerated a good deal, not service, a gentleman who was only within the bounds of his present, remarked in the hear own Monthly Meeting, but also ing of Mr. Rowlands — " I have throughout North and South a proposal to make, that the Wales. He was ordained to clergyman be appointed sexton, the full work of the ministry and the sexton clergyman." at Llangeitho, August 10th, The Rev. Nathaniel Rowlands 1826. When on an itinerancy was considered a very able in North Wales, in the Autumn preacher : so Mr. Evans must of 1839, he was taken ill, and have preached with much power never fully recovered his ere such a remark would have health ; yet he lived for many been made. He died towards years, and was able to continue the end of the eighteenth his labours in the ministry century. even to the last Sabbath of his Evans, Mr. David Evan, Ty- life. He was a devout and clai, , Carmarthen earnest Christian, and render shire, was one of the early ed much service to the cause of preachers of Calvinistic Meth Methodism. For some years odism. His home was of the the Association at Bangor was humblest description, construct not considered satisfactory, if ed chiefly of turf : hence its 68 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY name, Tyclai. He was a most though he looked so strange, he quaint man, though often an was received with every mark effective preacher. On his of respect, because of the great itinerancies he usually rode a worth set upon the absence of small pony. His manner of pride in his apparel. At the riding could not fail to awaken appointed hour of service a much laughter. His arms and great number of people came legs were in almost perpetual together. There was no pulpit motion, like a machine. He in the room, nor was there any raised his arms high with the need of one, for Evan seldom regularity of a pendulum, and remained stationary during the his legs were moving with service. His practice was to equal regularity, giving the walk to and fro among his pony serious kicks with his audience, in a kind of peri heels almost unceasingly. On patetic fashion, speaking cease horseback he usually prepared lessly and freely from the be his sermons, and the more live ginning to the close of his dis ly his imagination would be, course. He never began and the more lively would be the finished his sermon in the same movements of his legs and spot. No one could tell when arms, and the more lively he began what course he would would the pony travel. He was take, or where and when he peculiarly rustic in his dress would finish, until he stood and appearance. On his tra and gave out the closing hymn. vels, he usually wore a great On this occasion he began the red handkerchief around his sermon with his face towards a neck, which generally covered small open door, through which his ears ; and as his hat met the, a large flock of geese could be handkerchief, little of his head seen lying down quietly. Be was to be seen except his nose tween him and the geese a num and eyes. Nevertheless he was ber of people were standing. highly respected on account of Before he spoke a word, he his Christian character and his stood silently and seriously for quaintness as a preacher. On some time, looking towards the one occasion he was expected to wall. It seems that there were preach at a respectable farm pictures on the wall of several house in Glamorganshire. It kinds of birds. Evans' eyes was a beautiful summer even were fixed on these, and the ing toward the close of the people were wondering at his grain harvest. The good man long silence. Quite suddenly -of the house went forth to wait he raised up his hands, and and watch for his coming. By- cried at the height of his voice and-bye, behold he comes, in — " Shoo — Shoo — Shoo," with his own peculiar style. And the result that nothing could be OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. bn heard but the cackling of the Evans was a quaint and re geese roused by his shouting. markable man, who, in his own A stalwart man among the way, did yeoman service in the audience rose and cried out — Master's vineyard. Under a " Shut the door, people, that sermon by him, the equally the geese might not disturb the quaint Shencyn Penhydd was service." After a little time converted.Siencyn Penhydd, Hanes page Bywyd13. quiet was obtained, the geese were taken away, and the Evans, Mr. Ebenezer, Llan preacher went on with the ser dovery, Carmarthenshire, was vice. It was soon found that a native of . Here it was upon the birds in the he began to preach, but his picture on the wall he had career was short. He preached shouted " Shoo," and not upon his first sermon at the same ser the geese in the farmyard. vice as Thomas Phillips — after And though he shouted at the wards Dr. Thomas Phillips, height of his voice, not a single Hereford. — Methodistiaeth bird in the picture of course Cymru, vol. ii. page 355. moved. He then shouted Evans, Rev. Edward, Ru- again, "People! people! seek abon, Denbighshire, was one of religion with life in it — seek the early preachers. religion with life in it!" He Evans, Mr. Enoch, Bala, then began his peripatetic was born November 24th, 1779. course through the midst of the He was a peculiar man in many congregation, and had a most respects, and for many years impressive service, urging was looked upon as one of the upon each one of his hearers — characters of the town of Bala. sometimes placing his fist in He was simple yet ingenuous. his hearer's face — to seek re He was unlike everyone else. ligion with life in it. Mr. He was remarkable as a reader. Lloyd, Henllan, once heard People always hastened to him preach on Repentance. In chapel in time when it was reply to the question — "What known that Enoch was to read is Repentance?" he said : — at the beginning of the service. First, Aqua Fortis, which It was a feast of rich things breaks into two what is one. to hear him do so. At a service Secondly, jallo-p powder, at Mold, on one occasion, he which cleanses away the depth began the meeting through of the hurt. Thirdly, tincture reading the first chapter of the of myrrh, which heals the hurt Book of Esther. He became effectually, and not simply himself so interested in the con covers dead flesh with skin. tents of the chapter, that he From what is here said it will proceeded to the second, and be seen that Dafydd Evan on to the third and fourth ; nor 7° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY did he stay until he had read ists, and was publicly baptized the whole book. After praying at Llangeitho by Daniel Row and singing, the time had so land. Three years later, in gone, that the meeting had to 1778, he began to preach. Dur be brought to a close. Those ing the whole period interven who were present, however, ing between this and his death, considered that they had been August 23rd, 1828, he minis well repaid through attending tered almost exclusively in his the service. He was the grand own county, and, indeed, as son of the well-known John already intimated, in his own Evans, Bala. He began to district. He never made but preach whilst staying at one visit to North Wales. He in the year 1801, is said to have been a wise and but he soon returned to Bala. cautious man, to whom manj' He died May 15th, 1847, aged went for counsel in times of 68 years. — Enwogion Swydd perplexity. Rev. Evan Harris. Feirion, page 60. Merthyr, was his sister's son. Evans, Rev. Evan, Ffos, Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii. , Breconshire, must page 332. have been highly esteemed in his own county, as he was Evans, Mr. Evans, Gelligen- i.as, Pensarn, Cardiganshire, chosen to be ordained among had three brothers, John, the first batch of preachers in Lewis, and David Thorne, who, South Wales, though, possibly, with himself, entered upon the he was not widely known, as work of the ministry. His pub he confined his labours very lic career was short. He open much to his own district. ed a school for a time at Maes- Llanwrtyd, situated as it is among the hills, was in his day mynis, near Builth, Brecon difficult of access for ministers shire, and then went to Tre- from other localities ; and it vecca, where he studied for was similarly difficult for any only four months, as his health who dwelt there to itinerate to pave way. He died in 1848. other districts. So Mr. Evans Methodistiaeth De A berteifi, kept himself very much at page 229. home. In that district his in Evans, Mr. Evan, Llan fluence was very great : his geitho, was one of the early word was law. He was born exhorters. He was best known in the year 1758. His parents as Evan the Tanner, because of were Baptists, and thus the rite his secular calling. In North of baptism was not adminis Wales he was also known as tered to him when a child. the little scarred man of the When he was seventeen years South, because his face was of age he joined the Method deeply pitted through having OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 7' had an attack of smallpox. In companions were set apart for conjunction with his brother, South Africa, four other mis he kept a tan-yard in the vil sionaries, including John Wil lage for some years. Method- liams — the Erromanga martyr, istiaeth De Aberteifi, page 95. were likewise set apart for the Evans, Rev. Evan, Mission South Sea islands. The mis ary to South Africa. During sionaries landed at Cape Town, the early years of the nine January 13th, 1817, and Mr. teenth century, the Foreign Evans and his wife reached Mission work of the Calvinis- Bethelsdorp, the station to tic Methodists was carried on which they had been appointed, in co-operation with the Lon towards the end of April. In don Missionary Society. A- November, 1819, they removed mong other Calvinistic Method to Paarl, where they continued ists who went forth to the Mis- to labour until Mr. Evans' ion Field under this arrange health gave way, when he was ment was the Rev. Evan Evans, obliged to return home, and who was a native of Llanrwst, he reached Wales in 1827. He Denbighshire, and born Nov died January 29th, 1828, aged ember 21st, 1792. When four 35 years. The late Rev. Thomas teen years of age he went to Charles Evans, Manchester, Bala to learn the printing was his son. Hanes Cenhad- trade. Whilst here he exper aeth Dramor y Methodistiaid ienced deep religious impres Calfinaidd Cymreig, page 428. sions, and through reading Dr. Evans, Mr. Evan, Waenfawr, Buchanan's work, entitled Carnarvonshire, was the son of " Researches in the East," he Mr. Thomas Evans, Waenfawr, became strongly desirous of en who was a prominent preacher tering upon Missionary work. in his day and sphere. He was With this object in view, he began to preach when he was a young man of very promising twenty years of age, and after ministerial gifts ; but his career being accepted as a missionary was short. He was a burn candidate, he was sent to Gos- ing and a shining light, and port College, then under Dr. many were willing "to remain Bogue. He was ordained at in his light," but this was Bala, August 21st, 1816. He not permitted them. Disease then married Miss Ann Jones, seized him whilst he was yet Llanidloes, and both sailed for young. He removed to Llanid South Africa in the month of loes hoping that his health October, in company with would be improved and his Robert Moffat, and three other strength restored, but the missionaries. At the, meeting change profited him little, and at which Mr. Evans and his within about twelve months he BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

died, Feb. 13, 1797. He took a quantity of flummery — a kind prominent part in founding of food made of oatmeal steeped Sunday Schools. He walked in water until it would turn closely with his Master and had sour, — and place it at the door many indications of His favour. in a saucepan, with a pan of At a service he held at Aber- milk by its side, for the pilgrims bach-awyr, dark clouds gather to the Association to refresh ed, and the rain came down themselves therewith. This heavily ; upon this he prayed, kind deed, humble though the " O Lord, Creator and Gover fare was, cheered the travellers nor of all things, grant us quiet greatly on their march. Meth. for a little while to counsel odistiaeth Dwyrain Mtirionydd, these people who are travelling page 213. to the eternal world," and the Evans, Mr. John, Asgoed, rain at once ceased. Method- Carmarthenshire, was a farmer istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. pages and preacher who lived for 157, 366; Drych yr Amseroedd, some time near the village of page 189. Cenarth, and held his member Evans, Mr. Hugh, Sarnau, ship at Newcastle-emlyn. He Bala, Merionethshire, was one was for many years a faithful of the early preachers, and one and acceptable preacher. Sev of the founders of the cause at eral hymns composed by him muchSarnau. attention He did to not himself draw were in general use among the churches. He is well-known through his preaching exercises, as the writer, in rhythm and yet he rendered considerable ser rhyme, of an account of two re vice to the cause of God in his markable Associations, one held sphere. His name is to be met at Cardigan, in February 1796, with as preaching in the district and the other at Trefdraeth, of Tre Rhiwaedog between the Pembrokeshire, November 15th, years 1790 and 1800. He was of the same year. In these one of Mr. Charles' first batch songs, he gives the names of the of schoolmasters. During the ministers who preached ,and' later years of his life he lived their texts. The song regard in the house adjoining the ing the Association at Cardi chapel at Sarnau. His cir gan was reproduced in Y Dry- cumstances were very humble, sorfa, for 1840, page 47. Both yet, he and his wife were ex songs may be seen in the Traeth- ceedingly kind to the poor and odydd for 1848. A small needy. It is recorded that at volume of his poetry consisting the time of an Association at of 24 pages was published at Car Bala, his wife would prepare a marthen by J. Ross in 1778. He OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 73 died in the year 1807. Y Traet/i- the story of the early fathers odydd, 1848, page 482 ; Y Dry- with much fulness and accur orfa, vol. x. page 164. acy. Evans, Mr. John, Bala, was When he was about four years born at Glanyrafon, near Wrex of age, his parents removed to a ham, October 30, 1723, and died farm owned by them in the at Bala, Aug. 12th, 1817, in his neighbourhood of Adwy'r ninety-sixth year. He is one of Clawdd, where they built sev the most interesting of the eral houses ; and on ground pre fathers of Methodism, as he was sented by them the first Meth 1 witness of its doings and a odist chapel at Adwy'r Clawdd participator therein for three was erected. So far as they generations. He knew the state attended to religion, they fre of Wales when Methodism first quented the Established Church, appeared as a power seeking and aimed at living a good to scatter the darkness of ignor moral life, though they had no ance, to combat the low, de clear conception of the way of graded, sinful habits which salvation through Jesus Christ. were prevalent over the whole of He was given a better education Wales, North and South, to than most of the youths of his quicken the activities of those own circle. He was fond too who were wrapt up in a death of Bible history. But, like like spiritual indifference and many others, upon reaching yet allied with the churches al young manhood, he lost the lit ready existing, and to lead the tle interest he had previously people to seek to become Christ felt in religion, and sought his ians after the standard of the pleasure in the company and Word of God. He saw the ways of ungodly youths. He hardships which the Methodists was apprenticed to a weaver, had for many years to contend but when the term of his ap with, and the gradual formation prenticeship finished he took to of churches and the develop work in lead mines which were ment of their organization. He not far away from his home. lived long enough to see He sought also to enter the churches formed all over the army, but the regiment of country, the old degrading prac cavalry, which he had hoped to tices swept away, and Method join, had left Chester the day ism properly organized as an before he reached there for the independent body. Even in his purpose of enlisting, so he re later years, his memory served turned to work in the mine. He him well, and his faculties were had now left home, but was at clear and strong enough to give no great distance away. 74 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Through an intense sensitiveness he pursued to the end of his -against taking an oath at an life. It became observed from Assize Court, in a case which the first that he conducted his was to be tried and in which he business on upright lines, and was summoned to appear as a thus won the confidence and re witness, he left for Cardigan spect of all classes. And more shire without telling any one, over he was recognized to be a purposing to find work in the man of good sense and sound lead mines of that county. On judgment. his route he passed through When he joined the church at Bala. When he reached that Bala, its members were few and small town, he was weary with of humble station in life. They his journey, and his pocket was often met at five o'clock in the rather empty, so he engaged morning, before the secular himself to a weaver, in whose work of the day began, to house he happened to lodge for avoid being disturbed by the night. This took place in those who were hostile to their 1742. Edward Williams with services. In the winter one of whom he worked and lived was its members was appointed to one of a small circle of truly arouse the others from sleep in godly people at Bala. John time for the service. Each one Evans readily took to be induced fastened a string around his by him to attend religious ser body, the end of which hung vices, and he soon got into throughbrother appointed the window. to the task The of sympathy with them. In 1744 lie married, and twelve months calling the rest would pull the later, he experienced the mighty string, and say, " Come, workings of the Spirit of God brother, to worship the Lord.5" in his soul, and he became a new John Evans had been a mem man. He had not come to Bala ber of this little society for when Howel Harris first visited about 20 years before he began the place, but that historical formally to preach, though he event took place not long prev was in the habit some time pre iously. So, though he did not viously of giving short exhorta witness the cruel treatment tions at Bala and other places. Harris received, he heard the He and some other members of deplorable story from those who the church would go as far as had done so. Penrhyn and Festiniog and Soon after his marriage, he other places equally distant, started business on his own ac walking to and fro, sometimes a count, first as a weaver, then as distance of 35 miles, so as to a bookbinder, and afterwards as hold a prayer meeting, provid a tallow-chandler, which calling ing themselves with a little OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 75

4>read and cheese, as there was able Providence, they turned to no house where they could call have another look at this -with any expectation of receiv friend in need, and to thank ing refreshment. On one occa him for his kindness : to their sion he and another brother astonishment he had disap walked the whole distance from peared though they were at the Bala to Trecastle, Brecon- time on the open mountain .shire, across pathless mountains where the unexpected friend for the express purpose of at could not possibly conceal him tending an Association and to self. Upon this, John Evans, urge upon some of the preach who was invariably a cool and ers of South Wales to visit the sensible man said, "Assuredly North. On the journey a re- it was an angel." The party markable incident took place. found the farm house, as the The way was altogether strange shepherd had stated, where they to them. At Llanbrynmair two were cordially received. They -other travellers joined them, reached Trecastle early next but the country was strange morning and succeeded in their also to them. They managed mission. somehow to reach ; As a preacher, different from and certain marks were given most others of his day, he was them how to proceed. But quiet and instructive, always they missed the way, and the speaking in his natural tone, day soon began to darken, and rather than at the height of his they could not see the marks voice, seeking to awaken in the given them, so they were in minds of the people the fear of great perplexity. But in the hell. emergency, a man in the garb of The fame of John Evans rests a shepherd unexpectedly met not so much upon his preaching them, and asked them, "Are you as upon his sensible conduct not going to the Association at and wise sayings in private con Trecastle?""Yes." And he They said, replied, "You versation and at church meet ings. The Rev. Thomas Charles have lost the way," and added, held him in high esteem, and " go straight on between the almost implicitly accepted any two yonder heights, and then oftenadvice appealed he might to him give. at meet He leaving the mountain you will come to a farm house on the ings of the church at home and roadside. People of the same at Associations for his opinion religion as you live there, and upon whatsoever might be un df you call, you will receive com der consideration : he was so fortable lodgings." As they keen and sound in his judgment. were wondering at this remark At an Association at Bala when BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY he was become old and deaf, the master or a servant ? If he be a. theme of conversation was faith, master, then he can do as he and several of the leading mini chooses ; but if he is a servant sters had spoken. The last who he should obey the call." This- spoke was the Rev. David Jones, settled the matter, and Mr. Llangan, who described faith Charles faced the storm and as a venture — venturing upon fulfilled his engagement. the Son of God for life. Like the Rev. John Evans, Mr. Charles then asked Mr. New Inn, he was full of ten Evans if he had heard the con derness towards those who were versation. He replied that he out of the way and yet seeking had understood very little. to become followers of Jesus : Mr. Charles told him that they he was more gentle towards such had been speaking about faith. than Mr. Charles. A woman at " So, indeed," he replied, "and Bala who was a candidate for what do they say is true faith?" membership in the church was " Oh, their opinions vary, the not quite up to the mark in last, Mr. Jones, Llangan, said, some respects, so the friends that it is a venture — the soul hesitated to receive her. Mr. venturing on Christ." " Quite Charles told Mr. Evans, who true," he replied, " faith is a was at this time very deaf, the venture, but remember this, it is main points of the conversation a venture with its eyes open. with her, and added, " She in Faith ventures, so does pre very dark, John Evans." "Well, sumption, but before faith ven Mr. Charles, it was very dark tures, it must have the word of upon you, when you first came God for its basis." here, it may be that the woman One Saturday, the violence of will nevertheless get on all- the storm was fearful, and ac right, let her at any rate have cording to his engagement for fair play to try." Earlier in Sunday, Mr. Charles was to life, when speaking to a wo preach at a small chapel in the man who sought church mem midst of the mountains of Mer bership at , and ioneth. The storm was growing who was not very intelligent, in fierceness, until it became al as some thought, he said, "Well,, most dangerous to go out of the first step towards entering doors. Mr. Charles hesitated ' the straight gate,' is to turn as to what he should do, so he the face towards it." sent his servant to ask Mr. A well-known instance of his Evans, who lived close by, for keenness and readiness of speech his advice under the circum is that of his reply to his wife's; stances. His reply was, "Ask question as to their knowing Mr. Charles, whether is he a each other in heaven. Like OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 77 himself, she was shrewd and powerful services. His physical thoughtful and remarkable in constitution was at best weak, many ways. It was a habit of which naturally was a great dis hers to keep Caryl on Job open advantage to him. However before her on the vible when he continued to labour with ironing. "Do you think, John," much faithfulness and accept she asked, "that we shall know ance, until he met with a serious one another in heaven?" " Most accident which led to his death, assuredly," he replied. " Do April 21st, 1845, aged 70 years. you think we shall be more fool The late Rev. Ebenezer Evans, ish there than here?" But , was his son. Enwog- after thinking a little while, he ion Mon, page 44 ; Y Traethod added, "but, Margaret, we may ydd, vol. xii. page 408. be quite near for a thousand Evans, Rev. John, Brilley, years without seeing each other Herefordshire, was proverbial because the glory and wonders for his devout spirit and pleas of the person of our Redeemer ing manners. When he left will have so enraptured us." Trevecca College, June, 1847, He was every way a man he at once entered the Home mighty in the Scriptures, strong Mission field, taking charge in Christian doctrines, sound in of three districts, Newchurch, judgment, upright in principle, Brilley and Eardisley. The and he rendered great service services at Newchurch had ' to Methodism for many years. hitherto been held in a private Much of the early history of house, but the room soon be Methodism in Merionethshire came too small for the people would have been lost had it not who came to hear. He there been for him. Methodistiaeth fore at once set about building Cymru, vol. i. page 603 ; Y a chapel, and through his fas Tadau Methodistaidd, vol. ii. cinating manners and genial page 20; Y Traethodydd, vol. spirit got much aid in his en- v. page 86 ; Methodistiaeth Dwy- terprize from outside his special rain Meirionydd, page 59. sphere of work. The chapel was Evans, Mr. John, Bodedern, opened free of debt, and with Anglesea, was born in the year the surplus money he set about 1775. He was the son of Evan building a chapel and manse at Thomas, of Maes, an eminent the Great Oak, Eardisley, Here bone setter. He was chosen a fordshire, which place had been deacon by the church at Holy a great centre of ungodliness. head in the year 1804. Four This chapel was opened May, years later he began to preach. 1849, when he occupied the He was an instructive and lively manse which he had built, fully preacher, and at times had very expecting to spend some years of 7« BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY labour in this his adopted sphere. preachers of Methodism. He But just as he completed his made several excursions tc- second year he was suddenly North Wales, and did much called away to the home above. pioneer work in the face of great There was great sorrow through difficulties and perils. He is out the district of his labours always spoken of with great and the churches of Brecon- respect. He had a sweet voice shire, where he was well-known and a winsome manner. A well- wasand a highly native thought of Pensarn, of. Cardi He known proverb in Carmarthen shire, setting forth a man who ganshire, and was born in the has much charm of manner, was year 1819. He had three applied to him as a preacher — brothers in the ministry, Revs. "one able to charm bees out of Lewis Evans, Pembroke Dock ; their hive." He and Mr. Lloyd, D. Thome Evans, Swansea ; Henllan, Cayo, were on one oc and Evan Evans, who died soon casion announced to preach in a. after he commenced preaching. locality where the vicar of the He spent his young manhood at parish was bitter in his opposi Carmarthen in the service of the tion to the Methodist movement. Rev. David Charles. Here he A number of men were primed began to preach, and then pro with drink for the express ceeded to Trevecca College, purpose of disconcerting the where he remained two years un preachers. John Evans had der the tuition of Dr. Charles. begun to preach before thev aD- He won for himself a warm peared on the scene. His charm place in many hearts, but he ing voice however so conquered was cut down on Sept. 17, 1849, them that they could not, even when but thirty years of age. in their muddled condition, but He was to have been ordained listen, and remain for a time at Llandilo, Carmarthenshire, perfectly still. One of them August, 1849, but the illness, recognizing that much of the which ended in his death, had charm of the preacher was in already commenced its fatal his voice fetched a brass pan work, and hindered him from and began to strike it vigourous- being present. His knowledge ly so as to drown the voice of of the Word of God was very the preacher. A strong man great ; with but little difficulty who was standing by, and had he could have compiled a Con an iron instrument in his hand, cordance. — Y Drysorfa, 1849, held it over the disturber's head, page 358. and threatened to strike him Evans, Mr. John, , dead unless he ceased his dis Carmarthenshire, was one of the turbance. The enemy was thus early, active, and popular cowed, quiet was secured, and OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 19 much good was done. John Church ; and was converted un Evans' doctrine at times dropt der the ministry of Rev. D. as the rain ; his speech distilled Griffiths, Nevern ; but he joined as the dew, as the small rain the Methodist movement at the upon the tender herb, and as the dawn of the nineteenth century. showers upon the grass. Preach He was undecided for a time be ing on one occasion, about the tween the Wesleyan Methodists year 1774, at Ty-tan-y-wal, near and the Calvinistic Methodists : Llanwno, Glamorganshire, on but under the influence of the the words, " For the people Rev. John Rees, Carmarthen shouted with a loud shout, and (afterwards of Crown Court the noise was heard afar off " Chapel.London), he threw in his (Ezra iii. 13), some of his hear lot with the latter. He was soon ers fainted with fear, others urged to exercise his gifts as a wept, and others praised the preacher, and notwithstanding Lord with much joy. He his natural diffidence, he en preached at Mold sometime be tered upon the work with much fore 1768. Where or when he earnestness. There is hardly a died is not known. The Rev. nook on the south side of the John Evans, Llandilo, was his Milford Haven where his voice son. Methodistiaeth Cymru, was not heard preaching the vol. ii. pages 391, 448; vol. iii. everlasting Gospel. He also pages 92, 159. repeatedly travelled through the Evans, Rev. John, Lairenny, various counties of North and Pembrokeshire, was better South Wales. He was ordained known to our Welsh forefathers at Llandilo in 1813. In Decem in almost all parts of South ber, 1818, he was married to Wales, and in the marches of Miss Martha Hall, East Popton. North Wales, as the English In 1 82 1 he removed from Pop- man of Pembrokeshire. In the ton, where he had resided since early part of the nineteenth cen his marriage, to Coedcandless tury, he supplied the Octagon Chapel farm, his birth place. Chapel, Chester, for three or From this time forth until Mich four months annually, for many aelmas, 1846, he lived in the years. He was born at Coed- neighbourhood of Burnet's Hill, candlass Chapel farm, near with the exception of eight Burnet's Hill, about eight miles years' residence at Haverford from Haverfordwest, on the west first, and then for a short banks of the Mil ford Haven, in time at Laurenny. Thence he re the year 1777. His ancestors moved to Pembroke Dock, where had lived there for two hundred he spent his last days, unable years. He was brought up with however to render any active ser his parents in the Established vice to his Lord's work as he 8o BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

was suffering under the effects flocked to the chapel betimes lest of paralysis. He died July they should fail to get room. 11th, 1849, aged 72 years. — The At the appointed time of the ser Treasury, vol. iii. page 105. vice he had not arrived, and Evans, Mr. John, Dderwen, some anxiety was felt lest a Cross Inn, Carmarthenshire, disappointment should occur. was a preacher whose name is in When he drove in sight peo the list of deceased preachers in ple stood at almost every door the Drysorfa, 1844. step looking at him as if he Evans, Rev. John, Llwyn- were a prince. And was he not ffortun, Carmarthenshire, oc a prince? Though not of cupied during many years of his earthly royal blood, yet he was ministerial life a prominent a prince in Israel. When the position among the public ser gig stood at our door, he said vants of Christ in Wales. He to the preacher who drove him, stood in the front rank as a " Thomas, you go and begin preacher. His name was a the service; as soon as I shall charm to secure the largest have had a cup of tea, I will audiences, composed of people follow." We walked with him of every denomination of to chapel, and he bowed to al Christians in the district where most everybody we met. After the preaching service would be reaching the chapel everybody's held. countenance was radiant with We well remember the first joy, and he preached with great time we saw him and heard unction and power, causing the him preach. The event was one people soon to forgive the little of those indelibly fixed in our annoyance felt at the lateness memory. We were young ; but of his arrival. A special fact the stir which the announcement which we remember, too, is that of his coming caused in our on the following morning, there circle of life excited our youth was some difficulty in getting ful minds, always ready to be him out of bed : before he came deeply interested in preachers, down stairs it was near mid whom — thanks to our earliest as day. sociations and training — we This incident is recorded be looked upon with feelings of cause of its representative char deep veneration. We hearkened acter. First : Mr. Evans' visit with avidity to the talk re to a neighbourhood to preach specting his wonderful preach outside the bounds of his own ing, and of course, joined in the Monthly Meeting was an event expectation of the treat in store long remembered by those who for the people. On the even heard him. Not that he was ing he was to preach, people less popular at home and in his OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 81 own county. Far otherwise, he vest Gospel-truth, the unction was of all men the most beloved that accompanied his ministry and honoured at his home and filled the audience with delight. in his county circle, as proved Fourthly : there was no getting by the fact that he often preach him out of bed in the morning. ed at the Quarterly Associations Notwithstanding his great popu held in his own county — an hon larity and the vast influence for our rarely given to any one else. good which his ministry ex It was so difficult to get him to ercised, he would in his heart visit distant places that when ht prefer being left at home than would do so the circumstance go forth to address the multi would be remembered as one tudes which everywhere flocked of those events which become a to hear him. He evidently set standard of dates in respect of little value upon his ministra other circumstances happening tions. In this he was perfectly about the same time, we have sincere. His ingenuousness heard it said of a particular and simplicity were above sus event — " It happened the year picion. John Evans, New Inn, preached Combined with his feeling of here." Secondly : There was melancholy was an absent mind- often considerable anxiety lest edness which often manifested he might not fulfil his appoint itself in most ludicrous ways. ment. Owing to a morbid What is strange and indicative melancholy, it was not always of his simplicity of character is an easy matter to get him to that this trait in his character start from home. Frequently revealed itself time after time in it was only at the last moment, the same facts. It was widely or considerably after the proper said by different individuals, time of starting, and by dint of how. in their respective homes, long persuasion, that he could be he had been in great trouble induced to set out on his journey. whilst dressing in the morning Thirdly : After he would have owing to his inability to find reached the chapel and ascended one of his stockings. After the pulpit, the annoyance felt much tossing about of the bed by the congregation "at his de clothes and searching in every lay, and the trouble experienced corner of the room it would by those whose care it was to come to light at last that he had see that he would fulfil his ap got the two stockings on one pointment were at once forgot foot. The thorough simplicity ten. The flow of his language, and openness of the man pre the grace of his style, the ten vented any suspicion being derness of his appeals, the awakened of anything but beauty with which he would in- simple absent-mindedness. G 82 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Illustrative of the strange those whose ministry leads many freaks which nature sometimes old folks to speak of the preach plays, it should be mentioned ing of the days gone by as far that whilst Mr. Evans was thus superior to that of recent times, forgetful and unobservant in forgetful that all the mini respect to some of the commonest sters of olden times were not facts of daily life, he had a most like John Evans, New Inn, and retentive memory for persons. forgetful, too, that masters of He seemed never to forget a the assemblies whose "words are person's face or name, or that of as goads, and as nails fastened" the members of his family. are still to be found. John Having once spoken to any one, Evans took a leading position he would ever after, notwith for years. It was his by rights. standing the number of people He was placed in the front in he met with on his preaching stinctively and universally. It tours, remember him by name. never entered his thoughts, so Wheresoever and whensoever far as his character is known, they might chance meet, he that he was seeking it or that he would at once address him, and had won it. It was purely enquire affectionately after each weight of character, kindliness member of the household by of heart, and rare pulpit talents name. secured him his position. He This enquiry which he invari had but little administrative ably made reveals the kindness skill, and seldom took a pro of his disposition, and endeared minent part in discussion re him to the hearts of the people. garding the doctrines or the ex He never forgot to ask after the ternal affairs of religion. His absent members of the family. great forte was to preach the Even when an Association was engagedeverlasting in this Gospel. work he was When at being held, and a passage to the stage on the field was opened home. Those who heard him up for him amid the crowd, if will never forget the soft cad he espied any one he knew, ence of his voice, his sparkling, he would at once enquire after brilliant and large eyes, the up the other members of the family. lifting of his hand, and force of He thus knit the people to him his language, which seemed al self, and at the same time knit most to be inspired, when he re them to the cause of God, and velled with his whole soul in to the denomination of which he declaring the message of the was one of the brightest orna Gospel to perishing sinners. He ments. never trifled with his audience, He was a prince among the never sought to create a laugh preachers of his day : one of by any witticism, never shot any OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 8j caustic remark at his brethren, and old from the treasury of never courted popularity. The the Word. solemnity of the work filled his He had a marvellous power of soul and hence he ever sought expressing his gratitude. A to discharge his duty with be unique part of many an Associa coming gravity and dignity. tion was his public acknow Whilst his language in ledgment to the various friends preaching was eminent for its who had shown kindness in con chasteness, elegance and force, nection with the gathering. It he seldom or never prepared his was the gem of the service. sermons in full. The sketches There was something so racy of his sermons that have ap and rich, and scriptural in his peared through the press are way of doing it, that it charmed most meagre and worthless, every one. affording the reader no idea When baptizing a child in the whatever of the preacher ; in presence of a large congrega deed, they do him great in tion, he said, as he was about justice. In preaching he would sprinkling the water on the seldom keep even to the outline child's face, "We consider he had prepared. After ex that sprinkling a little water is pounding the context, he would the Scriptural method of bap sketch the line of thought he tizing, but our brethren the intended to pursue, giving ex Baptists consider that there pression to it under several should be sufficient water "heads." But nothing more wherein to immerse the bap would be heard about those divi tized. But, my dear friends, sions excepting the first. Hav the dawn of the Thousand ing once struck upon a vein of Years is about to break, Gospel truth he would forget all and then if we use too little plan and proceed to unravel water we shall use more, and if freely and flowingly the mys our brethren the Baptists use tery of the cross of Christ, never too much, it will be necessary repeating himself, and yet for them to be satisfied with never at a lack for something to less." say. His words would flow He was bred and born in one like a stream. He frequently of the most out-of-the-way preached from the same text places at that time in South on an itinerancy, but except Wales, and his parents were ing the text and the first few plain, ordinary farmers, who in words there would scarcely be the year 1779, lived at Cwm- two sentences alike : he would gwen, in the parish of Llanfi- soon branch off in a new direc hangel-ieroth, about 12 miles tion, and bring forth things new from Carmarthen. His father 84 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

was a deacon of the Congrega joined the Calvinistic Method tional Church at l'encader, and ist Church at Waunifor, prefer - his mother was a member of the ing this section of the church same Church. His father was of Christ to the Congregatiin- highly esteemed in his circle, alist. His father was dis and his mother was a woman of pleased with him for joining the eminent piety, well versed in Methodists, and therefore John the Scriptures, and took much did not go to Waunifor again. pains in the religious instruc Some time afterwards however tion of her son. In tempera he joined the same body of ment, his father was hot and Christians at New Inn, a place impetuous, but his mother was two or three miles distant. This gentle and mild ; and whilst time his father accompanied the former was prone to be full him, and said to the deacon, of anxiety, the latter was ever " Here he is for you, I have ut trustful. terly failed to make him a Dis John Evans, when a boy, was senter," — the name given the of a quiet, meditative disposi Congregationalists in that day. tion, seldom given much to play. He felt riled that his son should Owing to a difference in tem persist in separating himself perament, his father did not un from his parents and throw in derstand him, and doubtless his lot among the members of a thought him a very worthless different communion. He was youth. His mother, however, now sixteen years of age. recognizing him to be a child of Previous to this he had opened tender feelings and of good a day-school at Pencader, which parts, treated him with more would indicate that he had had -consideration and indulged him more school advantages than the in his whims and fancies. ordinary country lad of his At what age he became a sub class and locality. And this, ject of religious impressions is possibly, because he was of no not known, further than that it use whatsoever on the farm. In was whilst he was yet a child. fact he took so little interest in From his earliest years he mani farm matters that he did not fested the deepest interest in re know his father's cattle. His ligious matters. When but thoughts were upon other things. fourteen years of age, he ac- With his books, and to be left to -companied his father to Waun- himself to think, was John's de ifor to hear the Rev. D. Jones, light. His father had no sym Llangan, preach, and the truth pathy with his studious disposi left a deep impression on his tion, and was often enraged at mind. Not long after, possibly his stupidity in regard to farm :as the result of this sermon, he duties. There was nothing for OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 85 it but to allow him to attend when he entered upon his eigh school, and when he was but teenth year, about twelve fifteen years of age he opened months after his public profes one on his own account. Neces sion of his Saviour, he began sarily, it was of a very element- the public career which was to tary character. What could win him the admiration, love have induced him, with his and gratitude of tens of thou limited attainments, to under sands of his fellow countrymen. take this work, is difficult to say. His first text was, " If any man Possibly his father was unable will come after me ; let him or disinclined to pay for his deny himself, and take up his tuition any longer, whilst the cross and follow me" (Math, bent of his mind was towards xvi. 24). learning, and he saw that by His preaching was from the teaching others he would at the first highly successful and same time teach himself. No caused a great stir. Of course, great qualifications were neces chapels were small, and preach sary for a schoolmaster in a ers were few, great ignorance country district at that time. prevailed on every hand and the But it should be said that he state of the country was exceed . had studied Latin, Greek ingly corrupt. There were a and Htbrew, in some degree, few who sought to spread the under the Rev. Mr. Jones, Maes- light of the Gospel, but their yroni, and that, for a youth un visits to many places were at der his circumstances, he had at long intervals. John Evans' tained considerable proficiency preaching, therefore, character in these branches of learning. ised as it was by great fervour He was no mathematician, and and unction, made a deep im never had any liking for figures. pression upon many of his hear Soon after he joined the ers. Much interest was felt in church at New Inn, he removed him ; it became at once clear to Llanpumsaint, where he that he was destined to occupy again started a school, and here a prominent position in the he entered upon his life work. vineyard of the Lord. His ser He had from a child set his vices were anxiously sought, and heart upon it. When very people flocked to hear him young, he was often overheard wherever he would be an in the fields preaching and nounced to preach. Like all praying, though he was not his brethren he had dark and a professed follower of the Lord heavy opportunities as well as Jesus. Preaching was the dream bright and unctious ones. His of his childhood and the am course, however, was prosperous bition of his early youth. And as the flowing tide. To qualify 86 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY himself still further for his ing people complained because work, he spent some time at the of his practical preaching, and Presbyterian College, Carmar they succeeded in getting his then, conducted by the Rev. D. dismissal. In consequence of Peters. his transgressions through When he was thirty years of preaching in unconsecrated age he received Deacon Orders places, and his Nonconformist from the ; sympathies, he did not receive and was appointed to the curacy priest's orders. In a little more of Mynydd-islwyn, Monmouth than a year from the time he shire. It is not to be in left the Methodists he returned, ferred from this that his love making Llwynffortun, a beauti of Calvinistic Methodism had ful spot in the Vale of Towy, lessened in the least. At this midway between Carmarthen time the Connexion had not and Llandilo, his residence. begun to ordain its own minis From this time forth his ters. His close connection with career as a minister of the Gos the Established Church did not pel was one of uninterrupted last long, — little more than a success. Beloved and ad year : and during this brief mired by all, his presence was period he was stationed succes eagerly sought for the large sively at Mynydd-islwyn, Tre- preaching gatherings of the lalas, and Llanddowror. More Denomination in North and over, he itinerated a good deal, South Wales. As he advanced and preached in many districts in life, the affliction from which in South Wales. When refused he had suffered in a greater or admission into the churches, he less degree from childhood grew would at once mount a tomb upon him : at times, indeed, it stone, and preach to those who stopped little short of in had come to hear. His preach capacitating him completely for ing gave great offence to the public work. His mental de formalists who simply attended pression was at times very church without any true inter great : he would fancy that he est in their soul's welfare. The had committed some heinous simple Gospel was to them an offence, and that it was his duty offence ; to warn them earnestly to deliver himself up to the offi to flee from the wrath to come cers of the law. But however was an impertinence, and the great his depression before en strong denunciation of the sins tering the pulpit, once he was that prevailed was likewise there all would be forgotten, deeply painful to many. Whilst both by himself and everybody the common people heard him else. gladly, the ordinary church-go He was little adapted for the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 87

ordinary duties of life. Whe prayer. " Bury me here," he ther when sent as a boy by his would say, "don't place me near father to look after the cattle, or the wall, lest I be under in after life, his wife would the droppings of the eaves." desire him to see how the work His hope of eternal life men were getting on in the field, was sure and steadfast. A or to attend a fair or market, few days ere he breathed his or to sell some of the produce of last, he said to his wife, " I the farm, there was no cer shall not be lost; no, no." tainty whatever that what he When asked had he enjoyed any had to do would be properly recent pleasant experience. done. Were it dependent upon " Oh, yes, yes," he replied with him that the farm should bring the tears flowing down his in a profit, there is no doubt cheeks, " He that believeth in there would be little chance of the Son shall not be condemned ; its doing so. no one has ever been lost that Some time previous to his believeth in the Son, and I be death, he removed to Pentwyn. lieve with all my heart." Thus, But though his mortal remains the truth which he had preached lie near the chapel at this place, toterial others life through sustained a andlong cheered minis; few think of connecting his name with Pentwyn. Previous his own spirit in his latest indeed to removing to Pentwyn, hours upon earth. He died he had left Llwynffortun for October 6th, 1847, aged 68 years, Cross Inn, where he lost his first after having been for over fifty wife and married his second. years one of the sweetest and When he lived at the latter most popular preachers Wales place his portrait was taken, has ever produced. Hanes lithograph copies of which are Bywyd y Parch John Evans, to be met with in hundreds of Llwynffortun; Y Drysorfa, vol. homes, especially in South xvii. page 353 ; Cofiant y Parch. Wales. John Jones, Talsarn, vol. ii. As his end drew near his page 872 ; Y Traethodydd, vol. bodily infirmities confined him iv. page 504. very much to his home. In Evans, Mr. John, Newcastle- deed, during the last year of his emlyn, Carmarthen, was one of life, he seldom went anywhere the early preachers. — Y Drysor except to the chapel at Pentwyn. fa, vol. xiv. page 181. He chose his burial place in Evans, Mr. John, Pennant, front of this chapel, after which Cardiganshire, was one of the he never attended a service with early preachers. out standing a few moments Evans, Mr. Joseph, Cilfach, upon the spot in meditation and Hendre, Carmarthenshire, is in ss BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

eluded in the list of deceased was not restored to preach. preachers in the Drysorfa, 1844. Methodistiaeth Mon, page 116. Evans, Mr. Josiah, Bwlchy Evans, Mr. Morgan, Glyn- groes, Pembrokeshire, died gynwydd, Montgomeryshire. December 25th, 1839, aged 85 His name is in the list of exhort- years, having been a preacher of ers who were acknowledged to the Gospel for 60 years. Dur be such at the Association held ing this period he had seen at Tyddyn, Montgomeryshire, Bwlchygroes chapel built three in April, 1745. He did not times. He accompanied Rev. however continue any length David Griffiths, Nefern, on sev of time after this in the capa eral of his itinerancies through city of a preacher, though he North and South Wales. Mr. did not withdraw from the Griffiths testified that there was cause altogether. no man more acceptable in Evans, Mr. Rees, Llangwyr- North Wales. His talents were yfon, Cardiganshire, was a not bright, but he stood high preacher of the Gospel for in the esteem of the people be twelve years, and died in the cause of his genuine Christian year 1805. — Methodistiaeth character. " He was faithful Cymru, vol. ii. page 32. unto death." Though so old Evans, Mr. Richard, Cily- at the time of his death, he Cwm, Carmarthenshire, known as preached at Bwlchygroes on Risiart Ifan, was a contempor Dec. 8th, with as much freedom ary of John Evans, Senior, Cil- as ever. He was buried at yewm. His ministry is said to Clychdy. Y Drysorfa, 1840, have been effectual to the con page 95. version of many from the error of their ways, and in leading Evans, Mr. Luther, Neath, them to the foot of the Cross, Glamorganshire, was one of where they found rest for their the early preachers. souls and the hope of eternal Evans, Mr. Manuel, Ty'n- life within the veil. Method llwyn, Anglesea, was one of istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page the early acceptable preachers of 449. his county. He began to preach Evans, Mr. Robert, Groes- at Amlwch, and was a fluent ffordi), Llanrwst, was born speaker.between him Some and one disagreement of the dea about the year 1750, and began to preach when he was twenty cons of the church led to his years of age. He was a weaver withdrawal for a time from the by trade, and preaching services Methodists, when he joined the were often held in his factory. Independents. He subsequently About this time persecution of returned to his old fold, but he the rougher sort had begun to OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 89 cease in the district, but that of audience the magistrate and his circulating base and unfounded rough companions and the few scandals concerning the char members of the society who had acter of the private society come together. Upon descend meetings was yet continued : ing from the pulpit, Evans was these meetings were called highly praised by the magistrate weddi dywell (dark prayer), and was told by him to continue and insinuations of a gross in the work, and placed a character were spread regard sovereign in his hand for his ing them. About the year "capital sermon." This event 1778, reports of this kind were was the end of all persecution made respecting the services of the cause at Llanrwst. Evans held at . A magis is reported to have been a good trate named Mr. Kyffin, living preacher : it was thought that in the neighbourhood, at he would have become one of Manen, came to the service one the brightest stars of North night rather the worse for drink, Wales. He was a great read accompanied by a number of er, mighty in the Scriptures, rough youths. Upon entering, and possessed of bright talents. the gentleman asked, "What are But his early death destroyed you doing here?" the bright hopes cherished of Robert Evans calmly replied, him. Upon returning home " Counselling each other, sir, in from London, whither he had regard to the things of eternal gone to preach to the few Welsh life." who had begun to gather them "Where is 'the dark prayer' selves together for religious with you?" asked the gentle purposes, he was riding on the man. top of the coach which had reached Market Street, 28 miles " Indeed, Sir, it is often dark from London. Whilst they enough upon us, when we try to were changing horses, his at pray," replied Evans. tention was fixed in meditation "Can you preach?" asked the coachlooking suddenly at the started, stars. and The he magistrate. " Occasionally, Sir, I exhort losing his balance fell to the a little," was the reply. ground upon his head and died "Well, you must preach for within ten minutes. This took me now," said the magistrate. place May 25, 1782, when he was Evans excused himself from but 32 years of age. The friends attempting to do so : but the in London buried him res gentleman would not take a re pectably, and collected £(m for fusal. So he was constrained his widow and three orphan to commence, having for an children. Drych yr Amser 9o BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

-oedd, page 181 ; Methodistiaeth wood he had bought. It is said Cymru, page 185. that in the evenings he Evans, Mr. Robert, Llan- gathered the men together and UwCHLLYN, Merionethshire, got them to learn portions of came here from Carnarvonshire. the Scriptures. The elders of Evans, Mr. Thomas, Babell, the church, recognizing his , died October pious disposition and his desire 18th, 1835, in the fifty-second to instruct the people, pressed year of his age, leaving a widow him to enter the ministry. and five children to deplore his For a time he shrank from the loss. In his early years he work, but at last he yielded to was conspicuous for his ungod their request, and went to Car liness, but for the last twenty- marthen to attend the Presbyt eight years of his life, he was a erian College, presided over by bright and beautiful Christian, the Rev. David Peters. In 1816, and for twenty years a preacher he opened a school in the town of the Gospel. He was for some on his own account, and about time before his death a compara the same time married a Mrs. tive invalid, oftentimes going to Morgan, Bridge Street. In 1826, preach when he should have re he was ordained to the full work mained at home. His general of the ministry. He never tra- life was an embodiment of the vellel much, yet he rendered doctrines he preached. As a great service to the Lord's work man and Christian there were in the town and neighbourhood, two features which character especially in connection with ised him — he was no flatterer in the children and young people. a man's presence, and he always In 1830, he lost his wife, and in spoke the best of every man in 1833 he married a Miss Llew his absence. His remains were ellyn, King Street. For some buried at Babell. years he was co-secretary with Evans, Rev. Thomas, Car the Rev. Ebenezer Richard of marthen, was the son of Mr. the South Wales Association, David Evans, Bwlchycoed, near and was appointed in conjunc New Inn, Carmarthenshire, and tion with him and the Rev. D. was born March 15th, 1785. He Charles, Junior, to make a sel joined the church at New Inn, ection of Hymns for the use of when he was 18 years of age. the Connexion in South Wales. For some time he worked with He also published a little book his father on the farm. In for children entitled " Ymborth 181 3 he was appointed by his Beunyddiol," and a Welsh edi father to superintend a number tion of Watt's " First Catec of men whom he had engaged hism." In 1836 he removed to for felling the trees of a large Llanstephan in the hope that OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. the change would benefit his ly acceptable preacher, and died health. He applied himself here about the year 1844. He was to the work of the church with neat and prim in his dress, and the same faithfulness as at Car married a lady from Forest marthen. He got the friends Coalpit, near Abergavenny. "to renovate and enlarge the After his death, his two child «hapel, and he had the joy of ren, a son and a daughter, were seeing the work completed and brought up by their grand paid for. His health, however, mother at the Forest ; and the -did not improve, and he died son became a popular singer. February 6th, 1839, aged 54 Personal Knowledge. years. He was a very genial Evans, Mr. Thomas, - -and loveable man, very punctual fawr, Carnarvonshire, was at all the services of the sanctu among the earliest resident ary, and great in prayer. The preachers of his county, and sphere of his labour was not laboured hard for the further wide, but no one ever was more ance of the cause of Christ un faithful at his home and within der great difficulties and in face -the bounds of his Monthly of much opposition. He was Meeting. — Bywgraffiad y Parch. an able reasoner and very ac Thomas Evans, Caerfyrddin. ceptable as a preacher. In some Evans, Mr. Thomas, Estyn, respects he excelled his fellow near Caergwrle, Flintshire, labourers. When any important opened a school at Estyn when matter of discipline or of any he was sixteen years of age. At other character was under con -eighteen he began to preach, but sideration he was considered to his career was short ; he died be the most honest and out Oct. 5th, 1843, when he was but spoken of the brethren in Car twenty years of age. A well- narvonshire, yet his reproofs written Elegy to his memory, would be taken without offence. -consisting of 22 stanzas, ap Robert Jones, Rhoslan, in his peared on the cover of the Dry- Drych yr Amseroedd, speaks of sorfa, May 1844. him as " a man of a gentle and Evans, Mr. Thomas, Llan friendly disposition, honest and dovery, Carmarthenshire, was sincere, his preaching gifts "bred and born at Llandovery, were clearness and force, very and began to preach about suitable to the ignorant hearers the same time as Dr. Thomas of his day. His growth in his Phillips, Hereford. His career gifts and usefulness were very was Cymru, short. vol. ii. page Methodistiaeth 355. manifest, as he ripened for glory." The fell disease, Evans, Mr. Thomas, Rhym- consumption, took him away -ney, Monmouthshire, was a fair September 4th, 1788, when he 92 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

was but 48 years of age. He date of his death is not known, made one tour of six weeks but he died in the prime of his through South Wales. The life at Gwalchmai chapel - church at Waenfawr was the house. Methodistiaeth Mon, mother church of the church pages 88 and 116. at Carnarvon, and Thomas Evans, Mr. William, Fedw- Evans declared that when he at arian, near Bala, Merioneth first visited Carnarvon there shire, was one of the early was no one who would give preachers, bred and born in the him even a cup of cold water. district of Bala. He was a Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. farmer, living on his own farm, page 155; Drych yr Amseroedd, and thus he was a man of in page 189. dependent means He took a Evans, Mr. William, Aber- most prominent part in pioneer ffraw, Anglesea, came to Aber- work, preaching in out-of-the- ffraw about the year 1780, when way places where the Gospel he was elected by the small had not previously been de church to the diaconate, and clared. He faced dangers and soon after he began to preach. difficulties in a fearless manner He excelled many of his breth and passed through many a ren in ministerial gifts, and at perilous scene. His labours tained to considerable popular were incessant, and his style of ity. He was moreover exceed preaching was impressive. He- ingly faithful in every branch became familiar with the rav of the work. On the Sunday, ings of the mob. At Penrhyn, when Mr. Richard Lloyd, after ,, and other Llanarmon, places, wards of Beaumaris, and his two companions, were suddenly he faced the enemy without and unexpectedly led to make flinching, and the Lord blessed enquiries for a preaching ser his labours in a pre-eminent vice in the neighbourhood on degree His efforts were so bold, the evening of that day, they courageous, and effective, that heard that William Evans was it is a pity his deeds have not to preach at Cemmaes bach. been recorded far more fully. They attended the service and When preaching on one occasion it was a turning point in their at a Monthly Meeting in a loft lives. He was the first who at Brynygogau, as he des preached to the few Welsh in cribed the travail of the Sa the storehouse, York Street, viour's soul in His redemptive- Manchester ; this was in Octo work, such was the power that ber, 1796. The Rev. Robert accompanied the preaching that Evans Missionary in Khasia is two of the most respectable- one of his descendants. The farmers of the neighbourhood OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 93

:fell on their knees, and their Foulk, Mr. Evan, Llanuwch- tears flowed freely. Sometime llyn, Merionethshire, was the before he died he had a par brother of Edward Foulk, Dol- alytic stroke which affected his gelley, who was also a preacher memory, and weakened his in with the Methodists. Evan re tellectual faculties. Some of ceived his first religious impres his poetry was printed : i. sions under the ministry of the " Marwnad i Jane, gwraig Mr. Congregationalists, but he T. Foulkes, o'r Bala, Trefecca, joined the Methodists soon after 1786." (Mr. Foulkes' first wife, they formed a church, which was and Mr. Charles' mother-in- held at his house, the Pandy, be law). 2. " Llyfr Hymnau fore a chapel was built. He was bychan, o waith W. Evans ac E. the first preacher who began at Parry, ." Method- Llanuwchllyn, and soon became istiaeth Cymru, vol. i. page 516 ; popular. He itinerated a good Drych yr Amseroedd, pages 175, deal through both North and 213; Enwogion Swydd Feirion, South Wales. He was a mighty page 64. earlierman on years his knees. he suffered In con his Evans, Mr. William, Nant- mel, Radnorshire, was one of siderable persecution from his the first exhorters in his county, wife, who was embittered ag and had charge of the churches ainst him because of his reli at Llanddewi, Llandegley, and gion. She was a shrew of a Llandrindod. James Ingram woman and would do anything writing of him to Howel Har she could which she knew would ries, says, — " The Lord is bles annoy and provoke him. She sing William Evans wonder would often do things on the fully. The fire kindled by him Sabbath which needed not to at Llanybister is similar to that be done simply to vex his soul. kindled at Llangeitho." We Ultimately she modified her op read of him on one occasion ac position, and he continued companying Thomas James, seeking to serve the Master and Orickadarn, to a feast at Llan- became an effective preacher, vihangel, when his face was be though rather rustic in his ap smeared with dung and filth ; pearance. On one of his itin and both he and James were erancies in South Wales, ac roughly handled by the mob. companied by Dafydd Rolant, He was of humble station in life he was announced to preach on and was aided by the societies of a Fair Day at , Car his district. He was spoken marthenshire, July 15th, 1822. of as a most genial and godly A great number of people came man. Methodistiaeth Cymru, to the Fair from Talyllychau vol. iii. page 318. and the district around, bring 94 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY ing wool in great sacks on their sons. He died April 8th, 1837. horses. The service was an Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i. nounced to be held at 8 or 9 page 614 ; Hanes Methodistiaeth o'clock in the morning, so that Dwyrain Meirionydd, page 135 ; it might be over oefore the Fair Cofiant y Parch. Dafydd Ro commenced. Scores of the lant, page 76. farmers fastened their horses, Foulkes, Mr. George, Mold, with a sack of wool on their joined the church at Mold in backs by the hedge on the road the year 1762, when he was nine side, and went to the service, teen years of age. The so which proved a very glorious ciety at the time consisted of but one. The preachers remained fourteen members. He was with the congregation until mid first chosen to the diaconate, and day, when they left for dinner then in 1806, he became an ex- so as to reach Llanfynydd in horter, though he never con time for the afternoon service. sidered himself much qualified When they passed the chapel, for the office. He seldom went after having had their din from home to preach, and even ner, the people were still re at home he would be unwilling joicing, and their horses were to enter the pulpit, or preach still alongside the hedge with in the hearing of any other the woolsacks on their backs. preacher. From these facts it Rev. Owen Jones, B.A., in his will be seen that he had a very life of Dafydd Rolant, says of low estimate of himself. Yet Evan Foulk that he was as ac he was a pillar of the cause ceptable a preacher in South at Mold for more than 60 years. Wales as John Elias. Both Mr. He died April 8th, 1823, aged Charles, Carmarthen, and Eben- 80 years. One of his last say ezer Morris declared that they ings was, " I would not take the were astonished at the clear whole world for the hope I ness and purity of his theology. have in Christ." Methodist In speaking he had a great iaeth Cymru, vol. iii. page 282. fashion of finishing his sen Foulkes, Mr. Thomas, Mach tences with the expression "i ti" ynlleth, was born at Llandrillo (there for you). He would do in Edeyrn, Merionethshire, in so in the vernacular even when the year 1731. When 23 years preaching in English, which of age he left home for England, caused some perplexity and and resided for some time near amusement to his English hear Chester, where he was converted ers, who were anxious to know under a sermon by the Rev. what this "i ti " was. Revs. . In about twelve Foulk Evans, Machynlleth, and months' time he removed to Robert Evans, Roewen, were his Bala, and at once joined the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 95

Methodist church, which was in ed to the North, and to whom he its infancy and very weak. Ere thought he might render some long he began to preach, and help. The Lord prospered though his preaching gifts him in his new enterprise, and were not bright, he was second his presence at Machynlleth to no one in faithfulness. Like proved a priceless boon to Meth many of his contemporaries, he odism in the town and district. endured much persecution and His generosity to the poor was braved many dangers and hard proverbial. On a certain day ships, through his efforts to every year, as the winter ap spread the Gospel. On one oc proached, he gave flannel, casion when preaching at cloth, &c., to the poor to the he was thrown into value of £40 or ^50, besides his the river by the opponents of ordinary daily gifts. Through the Gospel. He was married his ceaseless kindness and gen three times. His first wife who eral character he completely died shortly after her marriage, overcame the deep prejudice that was the daughter of Griffith Sion, one of the exhorters of existed in many minds against the church at Bala. His sec the Methodists. Whilst dilig ond wife was Mrs. Jane Jones, ent and prosperous in busi a widow who kept a shop at ness, he was devoted to the Bala, and had one child by work of the Master. He often her former husband. This child, travelled from 40 to 50 miles in the course of time, became on the Sabbath to preach the the wife of the Rev. Thomas Gospel in districts where it was Charles. To her, Mr. Foulkes, seldom or never heard, taking having acquired a competency, a little bread and cheese in his gave the business. In two years pocket that he might not burden after his second wife's death, he the poor people of the locality married Miss Lydia Lloyd — a where he held the services. He sister of the Rev. Simon Lloyd, died in 1802, aged 71 years, B.A., Bala. His family in leaving a widow and six creasing, he resolved upon re children — one of whom, Lydia, starting in business, but he was the mother of the late Rev. shrank from doing so at Bala John Foulkes Jones, B.A., Mach in opposition to his step-daugh ynlleth. Methodistiaeth Cym- ter. So he chose Machynlleth, ru, vol. i. page 501 ; vol. ii. page specially because the Method 352 ; Methodistiaeth Dwyrain ist cause was exceedingly weak Meirionydd, page 57 ; Y Traeth- in the town, and it lay on the odydd, vol. vi. page 398; Cof- course of many of the preachers iant y Parch. J. Foulkes Jones* of South Wales as they journey Machynlleth, page 16. ■,6 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

George, Mr. David, Tywen- the Methodists. He then be fro, Pembrokeshire, was one of gan to hold public religious ser the early preachers of Method vices in his own house ; but ism at Glanrhyd and frequently these had to be discontinued for conducted services at Cardigan. a time as his landlord threat — Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. ened to take the smithy from page 324. him. He then started a cause Gibbon, Mr. John, Gelli, at Llaneurwg, and ultimately Pembrokeshire, was one of the formed a church at Castleton ; .early preachers of his county. and yet another at Morfa. He He frequently preached at was looked upon by some as the Cymru,Woodstock. vol. ii. page Methodistiaeth 309. father of Methodism in Mon mouthshire. Howel Harris Gambold, Mr. William, had traversed the county on Woodstock, Pembrokeshire, his preaching tours many years was one of the early, active and previously, but much of the re earnest preachers in the county sults had passed away. For of Pembroke. — Methodistiaeth some years Goslet was the only Cymru, vol. ii. page 309. Calvinistic Methodist preacher Goslet, Mr. Edward, Castle- in the county, and thus he often ton, Monmouthshire, was born said in a jocular mood that in the parish of Machen, near 1 ' he was the greatest Meth Newport, in the year 1750. He odist preacher in the county." was a blacksmith by trade. In At that time it was neces his early life he was perfectly sary that a preacher should thoughtless of his spiritual in have a license from the terests. When about nineteen Quarter Sessions to conduct re years of age, however, he was ligious services, or he would be brought into the service of liable to fines and imprison Christ, and joined the Congre- ment. Goslet therefore made gationalists at Groeswen. Here application for a license. When he soon began to take a lively he appeared before the Magis concern in divine things. When trates, he was asked, " What are 26 years of age, through the you — a farmer or a mechanic?" persuasion of the brethren, he " I am a blacksmith, Sir," was commenced to preach. Soon his reply. " Heaven bless after this he left Machen for thee," said the magistrate in a Castleton, where the people were scornful tone, ridiculing the in greatest spiritual darkness ; thought that such a man should there was no chapel within sev seek permission to preach. Gos eral miles. On Communion let quickly caught up the words Sunday he attended divine ser and added, " Amen ; your bless vice at Llangan, where he joined ing and that of God's will do OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. well." He had an iron constitu had been a fatal accident at the tion, and would often travel on pit, through that the rope of the foot thirty miles after finish bucket whereby his fellow ing his work late on Saturday workmen were let down into night, to fulfil his preaching the pit, had broken, and the engagement on Sunday, and men were all killed. He was then return home again in time so affected by the news that it to start work early on Monday led him to consider his ways morning, as he could not afford and to forsake his old habits. to lose his ordinary earnings by He at once began to attend the his occupation. He was a man of house of God, and soon joined strong will and quaint speech, the Congregational church at and did much good service in Mynyddbach, near Swansea. the Lord's vineyard. He died He moreover took much inter in 1828, aged 78 years, having est in the cause and revealed an been a preacher of the Gospel aptitude to speak for Jesus and for 52 years. Methodistiaeth to convince sinners of the error Cymru, vol. iii 357 ; Y Tadau of their ways. The leaders of Methodistaidd,138 vol. ii. page the churches therefore encour aged him to become a candidate meurig, Gray, Cardiganshire, Rev. Thomas, was Aber- a for the ministry ; and he short ly afterwards went to the Con native of Morriston, near Swan gregational College at Aber sea. He was of humble parent gavenny. Whilst here he heard age, and had no early educa the Rev. Daniel Rowland, Llan- tional training, religious or geitho, preach in a neighbour secular. He spent his young ing church. The sermon had manhood as a collier, and was, a marvellous impression on his proverbial for his ungodliness. mind. Indeed he became almost His drunken habits, apparently, incapacitated for a time to saved him on one occasion from pursue his studies; his mind a calamitous end. It happened was almost unhinged. At the thus : he was sent by the col end of his college course he was liery manager on a message to recommended by his tutor to the Neath. Before his return he Congregational churches of got drunk, and turned into a Abermeurig, Llwynpiod and field where he slept. A person Neuaddlwyd, Cardiganshire, as who knew him passing by awoke their pastor. These churches him, and startled him by the were not far from Llangeitho. words — "What! is it you, Tom After a period of probation he Gray, are here? I thought you received and accepted a call to had been in hell some time!" the pastorate, and he at once be He then explained that there came intimately acquainted with H 98 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

the Rev. Daniel Rowland. He whilst he constantly attended soon entered into an arrange those of the Methodists, and took ment to preach for him once part in their proceedings. The a month on Sunday after members of the churches at noons in Gwynfil chapel, which Abermeurig and Llwynpiod Rowland had erected for him gradually came to conform with self at Llangeitho, after his ex the ways of the Methodists, pulsion by the Bishop from the though some of the senior mem Established Church. This ar bers were slow in adapting rangement continued to the end themselves to the change. Ul of Rowland's life. The Con timately, shortly after Mr. gregational church at Xeuadd- Gray's death, the two churches Iwyd did not remain long unde,r became definitely affiliated with his charge. In consequence of the Methodist movement. Mr. his close intimacy with Row Gray was a very popular land, and his sympathy with preacher at the Quarterly As the Methodist practices, some of sociations, and was looked upon the leading members were dis as a pillar among the brethren. pleased and got his dismissal. At first, his language and fig But others, especially one Mr. ures of speech were a little , Ty'nyporth, course, but under the influence who was a vigorous and inde of Mr. Rowland he became more pendent man, had a chapel built refined and threw off what was for him at Ffosyffin, where his objectionable. He died in the preaching was exceedingly at year 1810, having been a tractive and eminently blessed. preacher for 50 years, and leav It is said that people from thir ing behind him a name and in teen parishes attended his minis fluence of sweetest fragrance. try in this chapel. Two other He was buried in the parish sanctuaries were also erected for churchyard of . him, one at Llanarth, the other Methodistiaeth De Aberteifi, at Llanddewi-Aberarth. These page 202 ; Y Drysorfa, vol. three chapels were from the first xviii., page 86; vol. xxv. page looked upon as Methodist 113; Y Tadau Methodistaidd, chapels. It is not certain vol. ii. page 133. that Mr. Gray formally Green, Mr. Thomas, Aber- joined the Methodists at any aeron, Cardiganshire, the son time : but this is clear, of Mr. William Green, of the he looked upon himself as one same place, was born February of the fraternity. He did not, 22nd, 1815. His parents were even from the first, associate members of the Methodist with the Congregationalists at church. From a child he was any of their large gatherings, of a religious disposition. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 99

When 13 years of age, like many the years of his health and well-to-do boys in South Wales strength, he was one of the lead in his day, he was sent to a ing preachers of South Wales, school at Bristol, conducted by but during the later years of the Rev. G. Pococke. It was his life, he was unable to take observed soon after he returned the active part in the ministry home that his heart was fixed he was accustomed to do. Never upon becoming a preacher ; but theless, he continued to labour he delayed carrying forth his with great acceptance at his purpose until after his mar home and in the neighbourhood. riage, which took place Janu Testimony was borne continu ary 19th, 1836 — his bride being ally to the efficacy of his min Miss Elizabeth Thomas, a mem istry during his active life. His ber of the same church. Shortly praise was not only in the after, at the request of the churches of his own Monthly church, he began to preach, and Meeting, but also in all the his services at once won for him churches of the Connexion in the highest esteem. But his both North and South Wales. He ministerial life was short. In was ordained in the year 1814, June, 1837, he went to London and died June 28th, 1845, hav upon business. On his return ing been a preacher for 40 he felt poorly, but no one sus years, and an ordained minister pected death to be near. How 31.Cymru, years. vol. ii. pageMethodistiaeth 325. ever, he died July 20th, 1837, leaving a widow and one son Griffiths, Rev. David, Ne- to deplore his loss. He was of vern, Pembrokeshire, was one of a kind, gentle, and humble dis the fathers of Welsh Methodism, position, faithful in all sections although he never left the Es of the work of God. Christian tablished Church ; and moreover affability was written on his he was so utterly opposed to countenance. He was not the course pursued by the Meth easily offended, nor did he ever odists when they ordained lay seek to return evil for evil. He preachers to the full work of the died gloriously. An apprecia ministry in 181 1 that he with tive sketch of him by the Rev. drew entirely from the move Jenkin Davies, and also some ment, though he had been pro very fine stanzas by Daniel Ddu minently associated with it for o Geredigion, appeared in the more than thirty years. Drysorfa for November, 1838. Through his pulpit eloquence, The Rev. Abel Green was his devout life and social position, brother. he was for many years one of Grifiths. Rev. David, Lant- the leading spirits among the wood, Pembrokeshire. During Methodists, especially in Pem-

^Qft^A^ BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY brokeshire. His influence was touch with the religious move great. The determined stand ment originated and developed which he and the Rev. David by Howell Davies and his co Jones, Llangan, made against workers. At Llwyngwair he the ordination of lay preachers frequently enjoyed the company delayed considerably the deci of the leaders of Methodism, sion ultimately arrived at. He who were frequent guests. In was a host in himself, and many Oct. 1779, he entered the Church of the laymen did not like to and received Deacon's Orders, oppose him. His ministry had and the following year Priest's been to them a source of delight Orders. About this time he and profit. They highly re married Mr. Bowen's eldest spected his character, convic daughter, and thus became even tions and abilities, but the need more closely connected with this of the churches was too keenly highly esteemed family than be felt, and the tide of feeling fore. and conviction became too He was a most popular strong for him and the clerical preacher. He was blessed with party to resist successfully. a fine physique, and, accord When he saw the purpose of or ing to the custom of the time, in daining the preachers accom the higher circles of society, plished, he withdrew from his he powdered his hair, which alliance with the Methodist gave him a very majestic ap movement altogether, though he pearance. His social position, still continued to itinerate and combined with his noble bearing, preach in the churches of Pem pious character and pulpit brokeshire as he had been wont qualities, gave him considerable to do. At the time of his with influence. Shortly after he re drawal he took with him a num ceived Priest's Orders, the liv ber of chapels in Pembrokeshire ing of Nevern became vacant, of which he was a Trustee. and, through the influence of his He was a native of father-in-law, it was bestowed Velfry, Pembrokeshire, and was upon him by the Lord Chancel born at Felin Lan, near Nar- lor. berth in the year 1756. He re The Rev. Daniel Rowland ceived his early education in a held him in high esteem. He Grammar School at Pembroke. one day addressed him thus — When about 18 years of age, he " My beloved son, I am very became a private tutor in the happy to perceive that you have family of Mr. Bowen, Llwyn- met with the vein, the golden gwair — one of the old aristo vein of the ministry ; take care cratic families of the county, that you keep to it, .giving the and one too which was in full glory to God at all times." He OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. assisted Mr. Rowland a good and placed him on the horse ceal at the large gatherings at block. Feeling that he had no Llangeitho. Although it was thing to do but submit, he forty miles distant, he was pre yielded, and never before had sent almost every month for he such a fine opportunity. many years to assist at the Com Heaven seemed to come down munion service. upon him and the people, and Through his long life, he kept many were saved. He was ever rather closely to the practice of afterwards more ready to preach preaching in consecrated places wherever an opportunity would only. He was a self-willed serve. man, not easily diverted from He was one of the trustees of his course : few indeed would Madame Bevan's money for dare oppose him. On one oc the furtherance of education in casion he was on a preaching Wales. This money, amounting tour with the Rev. D. Jones, to ^10,000, was for 30 years Llangan, officiating in such idle, in consequence of some of churches as were open for them. Madame Bevan's relatives seek One morning, both preached in ing to break the will. When the some church in Monmouthshire. matter was finally settled, the Though the audience was large, money had accumulated to the service was a heavy one. Mr. ^30,000, which was handed over Jones was announced to preach for educational purposes, and in the afternoon at a farm Mr. Griffiths threw himself with house in the neighbourhood. Mr. much energy into the task of Griffiths, out of courtesy, ac carrying out the will of the companied him, without the donor. slightest intention of taking He died Sept. 18th, 1834, part in the service, as the place aged 80 years. Y Tadau Meth- was unconsecrated. The day odistaidd, vol. ii. page 329. being fine, a crowd of people Griffith, Mr. Edward, came together, and Mr. Jones Woodstock, Pembrokeshire, was preached on a horse-block out one of the early preachers in side the house — Mr. Griffiths his county, and frequently sitting near him. When Mr. preached at Woodstock. — Meth- Tones finished, the farmer odistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page brought the Bible to Mr. Grif fiths, saying in an authorita Griffith, Mr. Evan, tive tone — "You, sir, must Chwaen-hen, Anglesea, in his preach — the people are expect early years, was a fierce perse ing you." He at once posi cutor of the people whom he tively refused. Upon this, the afterwards joined in holy man threw his arms around him brotherhood and in hearty co BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY operation for the furtherance of a leading part in the evil cus the Gospel of Christ. He was toms of the time, to the great a tall, strong built man. On grief of his mother. The family one occasion he joined a com removed from Rhosfawr to pany of wild fellows in an at Cefndu, in the parish of Guilds- tack upon a small congregation field. In the agreement which who were worshipping in a was made with the landlord of house in the neighbourhood of Cefndu, a clause was inserted his home. He filled his that none of the family was to pockets with small stones, fully attend Nonconformist services. purposing to disturb the ser However, when Evan was vice ; but he soon became so twelve years of age he experi deeply impressed under the enced some deep religious im sermon that he threw them pressions. He heard John to the floor one by one, and was Ellis, of Barmouth, preach, and himself captured for Christ. the sermon revealed to him the He at once cast in his lot with depth of his corruption. After the religious people of the dis this he heard Thos. Meredith trict and soon took a very pro preach and his ministry minent part in the work. His brought him much comfort, and first wife was the daughter of notwithstanding the clause in William Pritchard, Clwchdyr- the agreement respecting the nog. He was a cautious and farm, he joined the Methodist sensible man, and was consid Society at Pant, a farm house in ered to be the best preacher of the parish of Guildsfield. He his class. His services as an was then fourteen years of age. evangelist were widely and At the time he joined the So eagerly sought in his county. ciety, it consisted of only ten The date of his death is not members. When he was known. Methodistiaeth Mon, seventeen, he lost his father, page 61 ; Methodistiaeth Cym- and the following year he was ru, vol. i. page 112. chosen a deacon of the Society Griffiths, Rev. Evan, Mei at Pant. He began to preach fod, Montgomeryshire, was the when he was twenty-four. In son of Edward and Margaret 1804, he removed to Ceunant, Griffiths, Rhosfawr, Meifod, in the parish of Meifod, and and was born March 12th, 1778. about the same time he married His parents were in the habit of Miss Elizabeth Evans, the attending Church, but his daughter of Mr. Evans, mother stealthily attended Rhosddu, Llansantffraid. His some Methodist services as ministry was affectionate and well. Evan, in his youth, took suitable to the intelligence of OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 103 his hearers : his circum Griffiths, Mr. George, Pen stances, however, did not per ybont, Radnorshire, was a na mit him to travel far beyond his tive of Carmarthen, and was the own position Monthly as a preacherMeeting. is indi His first preacher appointed by the Rev. David Charles, in charge cated by the fact that he was of the Home Mission Station among the first lot of preachers started by him at in ordained in 1811. He died 1819. His constitution was September 6th, 1839. His delicate, and he remained but Memoir was prepared and pub a few months in charge of the lished by the Rev. John Hughes, work, and soon after died. Pontrobert. When at Penybont he preached Griffiths, Mr. George, at a house called Brynmawr, Cefn, Bwlchygroes, Pembroke. about a mile from the village. shire, was one of the most popu The Treasury, vol. iv. page 26. lar preachers of his day. Like Griffiths, Mr. Howell, Tre. Robert Roberts, Clynog, he was feurig, Glamorganshire, was a a small hunchbacked man, but man of considerable education, had a clear and beautiful voice. and was well-to-do in the It happened on one occasion world. His social position and that he and Robert Roberts training enabled him to render preached at the same service at much service to the Methodist an Association at Bala. Both movement at its very begin preached with great power, and ning in the neighbourhood of the Rev. John Jones, Edeyrn, Llantrisant, Tonyrefail, and remarked in his humorous in the Vale of Glamorgan. style— "Would that we were all Griffith, Mr. Hugh, Llan. hunchbacked !" He died from ddaniel, Anglesea, was a na home at Merdy Taliesin, near tive of Lleyn, Carnarvonshire, Talyllychau, Carmarthenshire. and began to preach in the An Elegy to his memory was year 1744. He was compelled composed by one Evan James, to leave Lleyn because of the , and published at severity of the persecution of Dolgelley, jointly with one to those who took an active part the memory of Mr. Thomas on the side of religion. Cross Foulkes, Machynlleth. ing over to Anglesea he found Griffiths, Mr. George, Car protection in the house of Mr. marthen, was a preacher in the William Pritchard, Bodlew- early part of the nineteenth fawr, in the parish of Llan- century. Mr. George Griffiths, idan, who .had himself been Penybont, Radnorshire, was his under the necessity of leaving son. — The Treasury, vol. iv. Carnarvonshire because of his page 27. religion, and who rendered 1 04 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY much service to Methodism at its tive of Lleyn, Carnarvonshire, very start in Anglesea. Hugh and was by trade a carpenter Griffith was one day seized by andmarriagerhiw, sieve in hethe maker. settled parish at After of Bwlchy- Rhiw, his the press gang for the army, but he succeeded in getting out of their clutches, and being and in addition to sieve-mak swift of foot he escaped, though ing he took to the teaching of they tried hard to catch him. singing with the harp. When He afterwards made his home engaged one day at the latter in Anglesea and continued to task, the thought suddenly oc preach to the end of his days, curred to him that, in the and was instrumental in the course he was pursuing, he was conversion of many. Among hardly acting according to the others were two who became command "speaking to your preachers — Owen Thomas Row selves in psalms and hymns and lands and Michael Thomas, spiritual songs, singing and He is said to have been the making melody in your heart to author of the well-known Welsh the Lord." This proved a hymn commencing, crisis in his life. He then took to reading the Bible and " Dacw'r Deg Gorchymyn pur attending preaching services Ar Galfaria." when the opportunity would Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i. offer. He also began to exhort page 82 ; Methodistiaeth Mon, people to escape from the page 50. wrath to come. This was about Griffith, Mb. John, Glamor the year 1744. In about three ganshire, was one of the early or four years a fierce persecu exhorters. tion arose, and one evening Griffith, Mr. John, Lleyn, when returning home from Sarn- was one of the early exhorters folltdeyrn, where he had been in Carnarvonshire. He preach preaching, he was seized by one ed at the first Association held who had got a summons to in the county, which was on the catch him. He was at the road in Clynnog. Drych yr time a widower with two child Amseroedd, page 163. ren, one eight and the other six Griffith, Mr. John, Pen years old. When he was nant, Cardiganshire, com brought before the magistrates menced to preach at Ffosyffin, at Pwllheli, his two children and was a preacher of consider were placed by his side, and yet able ability but died young, in the cruel magistrate ordered the year 1819. him, and a number of others — Griffith, Mr. Morgan, who were seized for the same Bwt.chyrhiw, I.leyn, was a na reason as he, that of cherishing OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 105

heresy — to be sent first to Car Dolgelley, was born October narvon and then to Conway. 13th, 1770. His parents were When they reached Conway, it Griffith and Margaret Roberts, was a fair day, and a crowd of Dolgelley. When twelve years people gathered around them. of age he lost his father. His Morgan Griffith addressed them secular calling was that of a and declared that it was not for hatter. In its pursuit he spent murder, or stealing, or any some time in Liverpool, where, other crime against the laws of in the year 1791, he took up their country they were there, the Christian profession. In but for reading the Scriptures, May, 1793, he returned to his praying and exhorting each native town, and henceforth re other in regard to their soul's sided there. He at once took welfare.their innocence, Having he exhorteddeclared an active part in connection with the work of God, and soon the people with great earnest developed into a preacher. In ness to consider their ways and proof of the esteem in which he turn to the Lord. The result was held in that capacity, it was that he and his companions is sufficient to say that he was were placed on one of his Ma the first lay preacher of his jesty's ships. After a time he Monthly Meeting who was or and one of his fellow sufferers dained to the full work of the came home on furlough. It ministry : this was in June, was thought by some that, had 1815, according to the list of they attended church and re given in " Y Gym- frained from preaching, they deithasfa," but in 1814, ac would be allowed to remain at cording to Revs. J. Hughes, R. home, but this they would not Owen, and G. Ellis, M.A. He do, so they were hurried back never travelled much, though to the ship, when Morgan Grif he occasionally made preaching fith had to choose between be excursions through both North ing shot or relinquish his re and South Wales. It is said ligion. He would not re that he took special interest in nounce his religion and he was the welfare of the young. He shot at with blank cartridges. died July 22nd, 1844, aged 74 He did not live long after this, wereyears. interred His in mortal Salem remains chapel, but languished and died. The Bible he had when he was seized Dolgelley, in front of the pul is still preserved. Methodist- pit — the Rev. Richard Hum iaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page 129 ; phreys, Dyffryn, preached on Y Drysorfa, vol. lxxi. page 394. the occasion from Rev. xiv.c. Griffiths, Rev. Robert, 13. v. Methodistiaeth Cymru, 106 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

vol. i. page 591 ; Methodistiaeth Waenfawr, Carnarvonshire, Gorllewin Meirionydd, vol. i. was one of the earliest preach page 392 ; Y Drysorfa, vol. ers in his county. He and his xvii. pages 33, 65; Cofiant y son Mr. John Thomas, Llan- Parch. Edward Morgan, page beris, were instrumental in 62. founding a church at Llwyn- Griffiths, Mr. Robert, celyn, which became known, Llanwyddyn, Montgomeryshire, after a chapel was built, as was one of the oldest preach . They crossed over ers of the Connexion at the time from Waenfawr for a consider of his death, which took place able period to assist in conduct February 16th, 1850. Y Dry ing the services. The success sorfa, 1850, page 123. for a time was slow : even after Griffiths, Mr. Stephen, five years, the church consisted Penial, Cardiganshire, was a of but sixteen members. He fervent and instructive preach died July 5th, 1781, aged 64 er, a genial man, a bright years. In addition to John, Christian, and exceedingly already mentioned, the well- powerful in prayer. He died known bard Dafydd Ddu Eryri comparatively young. Meth was his son. He kept a odistiaeth De Aberteifi, page 22. small shop, and as he would Griffiths, Mr. Thomas, not receive money on the Sab Llanwyldelan, Montgomery bath, some of his customers shire, died Dec. 4th, 1840, at would meet him on his way Llangefni. He was on an home from church, and offer itinerancy through Merioneth him payment of their debts ; shire, Carnarvonshire and Ang- and as he declined to receive lesea, in company with the Rev. it, they would ever afterwards Isaac Williams, Llanbrynmair. refuse to pay. In this way he On Nov. 22nd, he took a severe was oftentimes defrauded. — cold, but he proceeded on his Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. journey until the 26th, when page 154. he reached Llangefni, where he Griffiths, Mr. William, had to take to his bed. Not Llangollen, was one of the withstanding the utmost care early preachers of Methodism and skill of the physician, he in North Wales. He was a gradually grew weaker until De cooper by trade. On one oc cember 4th, when he passed into casion, when residing at Mold, the joy of his Lord. His re — before he removed to Llan mains were buried at Llan gollen — he made an attempt to gefni. preach at Rhuddlan. He had Griffiths, Mr. Thomas, only just begun when the mob OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 10- pelted him with dung and years, during which period it stones, and treated him in a was removed to Bala. At the merciless manner. So far as is end of the second year, when known, this was the first time he was nineteen years of age, -that any attempt was made to his teacher said to him that he battle with the terrible evils of was gone beyond him in class the district. At Llangollen, ical knowledge. His son, Rev. he gradually drew around him- Humphrey Gwalchmai, in pas :self a number of the inhabitants sing through Bala in the who delighted to hear him year 1809, heard this about preach. him. Whilst at Bala he felt Griffiths, Mr. William, how wrong it was for any one Tanlan, Pembrokeshire, was to become a Minister in the one of the early preachers in Church- without being convert his county, and preached fre ed, so he renounced the inten quently at Woodstock. — Meth- tion of taking Holy Orders, -odistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. and entered the Excise for a page 309. time. In this vocation he re Gwalchmai, Mr. Edward, sided at various places, and then Dolgar, , was born returned to Dolgar, when he in 1758, at Dolgar, in the married. He went to hear the parish of Llanwyddelan, Mont Methodists, at first occasion gomeryshire. His parents ally, and then he joined them, were Humphrey Gwalchmai, and soon became a preacher, and and his wife Susannah. He rendered much service to the excelled his fellow youths in churches of Montgomeryshire. ability and learning. Kept in He died in 1799. Information school until he was sixteen from the family. years of age, he was spoken of Gwalchmai, Rev. Humphrey, at the time as a young man of Llanidloes. This eminent and superior attainments in the or active servant of the Lord was dinary branches of knowledge. the son of Mr. Edward His grandfather, Edward Gwalchmai, of Llanwyddelan, Gwalchmai, urged that he a gentleman of considerable should be sent to Oxford to be property, and also an accept come qualified for Holy Orders. able preacher. He was born at It was arranged to do so, and Dolgar, in the parish of Llan "he was sent to a school at Llan- wyddelan, Jan. 14th, 1788. He uwchllyn, where he might bet was a most loveable man, fa ter qualify himself in Greek voured with a fine physique, and and Latin for the University. was ceaseless in his efforts for He remained at this school two the furtherance of the Lord's 108 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Kingdom. He was trained common talk of the people. Be from childhood in the fear and ing rather unwell at the time, admonition of the Lord, and be many were afraid that he would' gan to preach at the early age die before he had gone through of seventeen. When he was that wonderful Song." twenty-five, he removed to Llan He edited " Yr Athraw " for idloes, and was ordained to the seven years 1830 — 36 with great full work of the ministry in ability. This periodical was a 18iq. He was a popular great help to those engaged in preacher ana a man of wide in Sabbath School and Temperance fluence. In the year 1815, after work, and indeed to all who the death of the Rev. Edward were interested in the social Watkin, it fell to his lot to take and religious welfare of the the chief care of the church at people. He was unceasing in Llanidloes and the district his efforts on behalf of the Sab round about. His field of lab bath School. We remember a our was wide, and his work visit he paid to Brecon in our heavy, but his soul was in his early years. The Superintend work as evangelist and pastor, ent of the Sabbath School was and specially in connection with an elderly gentleman, highly the Sabbath School. In the respected and eminently pious, words of the Rev. John Herbert, but the good old man had be Newtown, in an article in the come infirm and was discharg " Monthly Tidings," Aug. 1888, ing his duties in a perfunctory "He studied to make himself manner to the disadvantage of approved of God, a workman the School. Mr. Gwalchmai that needed not to be ashamed, gave an address on the Sabbath rightly dividing the word of School, and succeeded in in truth, and holding fast the ducing the old Superintendent form of sound words in the to resign his office. Two com faith and love which are in paratively young men were el Christ Jesus. His preaching ected in his place, and the was with power and acceptance, School made a fresh start. so that a great multitude be He was highly esteemed lieved. He travelled much both among his brethren for his zeal, in North and South Wales, and ability, piety, and his tenderness had many very powerful meet in dealing with those who were ings at some of the Associations wounded under the ministry of in both provinces. At one the Gospel. No one could be time he preached a series of found better qualified to heal sermons on texts from the Song bruised and broken hearts than of Solomon, and these were the he, for he had a tender heart OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 109 himself and a gentle hand. As others places ; 48 preaching ser a pastor, he fed the fleck, vices at home ; preached 225 gathering the lambs with his times during the year ; travelled arm, and carrying them in his 2,899 miles ; received 860 letters, bosom, and gently leading the and wrote 405. His great aged ones into green pastures, labours together with anxiety directing them to lie down be caused him by some mining side the still waters, where they and machinery speculations in would find rest at noon. which he was engaged, and He was Secretary of the which did not prove profitable, Xorth Wales Association for no doubt, hastened his end ; for about ten years, during which he died March 29th, 1847, at the time he took a prominent part comparatively early age of 59 in the compilation of the " Con years. His mortal remains fession of Faith." After the were buried at Adfa, Llan- Confession was published, he wyddelan — the Rev. Richard started a young men's class to Jones, Llanfair, preaching on study the doctrines of the Bible the occasion. Y Drysorfa, vol. as set forth in the Confession. xvii. page 158; The Monthly His influence at Llanidloes, Tidings, 1888, page 89; Mont where he spent 30 years of his gomeryshire Worthies, page 81. life, was very great : the moral Harris, Rev. Evan, Wood and religious change effected stock, Pembrokeshire, was the in the town during this period son of Mr. John Harris, Tream- was very marked. In May, lod, one of the most remarkable 1842, he removed to Oswestry, of the early preachers of Pem where he continued his work brokeshire. He commenced with much zeal and constancy. preaching about the year 1784, As an index of his activity the and was among the first lot of following record kept by him lay preachers ordained at Llan- self for the year 1842 is a suffi dilo in 1811. He was a man cient pioof. He attended 7 of considerable mental gifts Quarterly Associations, four and attainments. His charac in one province and three in the ter was irreproachable, and his other ; 10 Monthly Meetings ; 16 influence was great in the special preaching meetings ; 7 churches of his Monthly Meet Sabbath School special meet ing. His style of speaking ings ; 23 Catechising services ; was rather heavy, yet his heart 5 Temperance Festivals ; 16 was brimful of love to the Temperance Meetings ; 45 brethren and his Master. Tn Church Meetings at home; 127 his temporal circumstances he Church Meetings at various was well-to-do, and was there BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

fore able to devote his time to built a large mansion. Had the service of the Lord. He Howell sought earthly honours often went considerable dis and affluence like his brothers, tances to preach or to conduct he would no doubt have suc church meetings on week even ceeded as they did, for he was ings. He died March 22nd, a man of consummate ability. 1819. The Rev. Thomas Harris, At one time his prospects were who was for some time a fairly bright. Had he received minister at Haverfordwest, and Holy Orders as he at one time afterwards became a Clergyman expected and desired, he had of the Church of England, was the promise of a Sub-Tutorship his son. Methodistiaeth Cym- in a great School and a Bene ru, vol. ii. page 307. fice of jf 140 per annum. But Hopkin, Mr. Rees, Creunant, after his conversion, he made Glamorganshire, died April light of earthly honours and 27th, 1850, aged 62 years, hav rewards, esteeming the reproach ing been an acceptable preacher of Christ greater riches than for about eighteen years. Y anything the world could give. Drysoifa, 1850, page 254. Like Daniel Rowland, his Harris, Mr. Howell, Tre- great coadjutor in the Revival vecca, was born at Trevecca movement, he lost his father January 23rd, 1714. His par when he was but eighteen years ents hailed from Carmarthen of age. At the time, he was shire, but settled at Talgarth, wild and reckless in his ways, Breconshire, about the year perfectly indifferent to things 1700. He was the youngest of spiritual and eternal. But three brothers. Joseph, the the Lord visited him in mercy, eldest, held a responsible ap and brought to pass the great pointment under the Govern change which turned the cur ment, and devoted himself to rent of his life, and led him to the study of astronomy and become one of the three prime mathematics. Thomas, the sec movers in the religious re ond, carried on a large tailor formation, known as the Meth ing business in London, and odist Revival in Wales, which made a considerable fortune, materially changed the religious which enabled him to purchase character of the -country. On the estates of Tregunter and the Sunday previous to Easter, Trevecca, and other property 1735, the Clergyman of the near by, which brought in a parish, after reading publicly rental of about ^1,000 per the usual warning for the cele annum. He ultimately settled bration of the Holy Communion down at Tregunter, where he on the Sabbath following, made OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. certain remarks which came this inclined him to withdraw, home to Howell's heart with but with the determination to great force. He urged upon lead a new life, he went to the his hearers to come to the Lord's Table, and received the pledge Table, using arguments to prove of God's dying love. The good the necessity of the Sacrament. work having been begun in him With much warmth and earnest was carried on with marvellous ness, he combated the frequent rapidity. The change in his neglect of the observance of the character became clear. He ordinance, and exclaimed, " If passed through a period of deep you are not fit to come to the anxiety ; but after a severe Lord's table, you are not fit to conflict, he was made willing to come to church, you are not fit bid adieu to all things temporal to live, yon are not fit to die." and to cling to Jesus as his por These words led young Howell tion. Still he had no satis to reflect, and a complete change factory evidence to his own of heart and character followed. mind, of his acceptance with He was so impressed by the God, until at the Sacrament on words that he resolved to con the following Whit-Sunday, form with the Clergyman's ap when he found peace and par peal, and seek to live a new life. don. On going home from Even on his way home from Church he could not help say church that Sunday morning, ing that he knew his sins were March 30th, he called upon a forgiven him. He soon began neighbour with whom he was at to take a bold and decided variance and became reconciled course, reproving and warning with him, forgiving his neigh the ungodly, seeking to induce bour's fault, and making a them to flee from the wrath to frank acknowledgment of his come, and to forsake their evil own. On Easter day he pre practices. He could not hold sented himself at the Lord's silence, and keep to himself the Table, but on repeating the blessing he had found. Confession, " The remembrance In November of the same of our sins is grievous unto us, year, he went to St. Mary's, the burden of them is intoler Oxford, to pursue his studies able," he began to reflect, and and qualify himself for Holy he found no inward grief at Orders. But he soon found the remembrance of his sins, nor himself out of touch with the were they a burden to him at place. The ungodliness was all, so he saw he was going to such, notwithstanding its be the Lord's Table with a lie in ing specially a training institu his mouth. The thought of tion for Clergymen, that he BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY could not remain there. The sacred work of the ministry, majority of the students were especially when it is re utterly thoughtless and wicked. membered that he had re This state of things made him ceived a fairly good education. sad and depressed. Indeed, Hut his great zeal in preaching he was perfectly disgusted at in unconsecrated buildings was the immorality of Oxford life, fatal to his acceptance with the and returned home to work episcopal authorities. Though among the people of his own denied ordination, he did not neighbourhood at Trevecca and cease his ctforts to arouse his Talgarth in the best way he countrymen to a concern about could, holding public services their souls. .every evening, and frequently He continued the work single- preaching three or four times handed for about two years. during the day, in such places During this period he had not as offered the opportunity. His come in contact with Daniel action caused a great stir in the Rowland, if, indeed, he had locality. Many appreciated heard anything about him, what he did ; others were en though both began their special raged with him. He disturbed work for God about the same many a hornet's nest and called time. News spread slowly in forth the most virulent opposi those days. Trevecca and tion. His enemies vilified and Llangeitho were far apart, and persecuted him with great bit there was no direct communica terness. The zeal he manifest tion between the two districts. ed as a lay preacher led to his In the year 1737, Harris heard being refused ordination when that Rowland, a remarkable he sought it. We have his own young clergyman from Llan words bearing upon the point : geitho, was coming to Devyn- " I have often applied for Holy nock, a village about sixteen Ordination and was rejected for miles from Trevecca, to preach ; no other reason but for my he went to hear him and was preaching as a layman." One delighted with his preaching would have thought that the and conversation. On that day spiritual change he had under they became fast friends, and gone, combined with the ear the two streams of Christian nestness with which he applied activity became merged in one. himself to work among his Henceforth, for fourteen years, neighbours for their spiritual the two young leaders took sweet instruction and enlightenment, counsel together, and acted in would have been the best quali concert against the prevailing fication possible for the evils, and on behalf of the Gos- OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. "3 pel of Jesus Christ. They again and again the whole of worked together harmoniously Wales and many parts of Eng and effectually, until an unfor land, often enduring great pri tunate difference of opinion vations and braving greatest arose between them regarding dangers. As soon as he re certain extreme expressions used turned from one itinerancy, he by Harris in setting forth the would start upon another, giv sufferings of our Lord. This ing himself but little rest. difference culminated at an As At the close of the year 1738, sociation held at Llanidloes in he received a letter from White- 1 751, when they separated, each field, who had heard of his taking his own course. The efforts and success, and was de separation was not confined to sirous of an interview with him. the two leaders, but a cleavage They met for the first time at sprang up between the members Cardiff, March 7th, 1739. of the churches : each had his Harris had at this time formed circle of supporters. Thus the 36 Societies in Wales. White- good work which had been go field came to Cardiff from Bristol and Kingswood, where ing on so successfully, and he had been conducting blessed even gloriously, came to a services among the colliers, and sudden stop. A dark cloud Harris had come from a preach overcast the Churches. Christ ing tour in North Wales and ian activity came to a stand Cardiganshire. This meeting still as compared with what it was one of much delight to had been. Gloom took the place both, and was the commence of joy : many hearts were de ment of years of happy co-op pressed. eration in the work of the Lord. In the interval, however, be Whitefield writes of him at this tween 1737 and 1751, Harris and time, — "For three years, he has Rowland worked heartily to discoursed twice almost every gether in their efforts for their day for three or four hours to Lord and Master, organizing gether ; not authoritatively as a the flocks which they had minister, but as a private per gathered in different parts of son exhorting his Christian the country, watching over them brethren. . . . Many ale with keenest solicitude. The house people, fiddlers, harpers efforts Harris put forth were (Demetrius like), sadly cry almost superhuman. He was out against him for spoiling continually travelling about, theirmade business. the subject of He many has been ser preaching and superintending the churches. He traversed mons, and has been threatened 1 H4 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY with public prosecution ; con reluctantly started. But on stables have been sent to ap the way Harris met them, and prehend him. But God has asked with great surprise blessed him with inflexible — "Where are you going?" Wil courage." Harris soon after liams replied — " We are going proceeded to London, preaching to Pantycelyn ; we cannot go in many places on the way. on at Llandovery, for our life After this, he frequently is in danger." "Life! Life!" visited the metropolis, and was replied Harris, "is that all? a great favourite at Whitefield's Here is my life for the sake of Tabernacle in Tottenham Court Christ. Let us go back ; they fieldRoad. went Indeed, to America, when White-Harris shall have this poor body of mine." So back they went, had entire charge of the pulpit with Harris at their head. at the Tabernacle and of the When they got to the platform, work carried on in that great Harris stepped upon it with centre of Christian work. much boldness and firmness, As Whitefield says, he was a solemnly crying out, " Let us man of inflexible courage. He pray," and the crowd were feared no man. He was bold silent in a moment. He then as a" lion. Hundreds of times prayed with such power and he withstood the fiercest opposi warmth that the people were tion, and braved the greatest overawed, and attended to the dangers. An Association was preaching with quietness and in one time to be held at Llan terest. dovery. Rowland, and Wil Magistrates, mayors, and liams of Pantycelyn, and clergymen often took part in the Howell Davies arrived there attempt to put a stop to his before Harris, and began the preaching. Men high in social public service. But when they position rose against him with stood up to preach a fierce op the utmost fierceness. Again position arose : such a blowing and again he went forth with of horns, beating of drums and his life in his hand. When the kettles, ringing of bells, and morning dawned it was quite throwing of missiles at those on uncertain should he live to see the platform took place that the evening, not simply because Williams said — " Brethren, it is of the ordinary uncertainty of impossible to go on here, in the life, but because of the malice midst of so much noise and and determined opposition of his danger ; let us go to my resid enemies. When he stood up to ence at Pantycelyn, and hold preach, missiles of various the Association there." So they kinds were often hurled at him. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. "5

At Machynlleth he found no Nothwithstanding the ill- one disposed to receive him. treatment he received at the He sought to preach from an hands of the Clergy, and the open window to such as might refusal of the bishop to grant assemble in the street, but he him Holy Orders, because of was soon obliged to desist by what was deemed his erratic the noise of the multitude howl method of working for Christ ing, threatening, swearing and and the salvation of souls, yet throwing stones. An attorney he remained loyal to the Es came up to him with as much tablished Church. At the first rage and fury as if he were a Association, held at Watford, messenger from hell. The near Caerphilly, January 5th vicar followed in the same and 6th, 1743, there was a dis spirit and language, leading position on the part of those the mob. One of them dis who formed the Association, charged a pistol at him, but it with the exception of Harris, to did him no hurt. He was com take measures for the adminis pelled, however, to go forth tration of the Ordinances of into the street not expecting to Baptism and the Lord's Supper. escape with his life, but he was Harris steadfastly opposed such miraculously preserved. The a course, and continued through mob pelted him with stones. life to look at himself as a This is but typical of the treat loyal member of the Church. ment he received in scores of Yet he took the most prominent places. During the first years part in forming and organizing of his ministry he was thus fre the churches of Methodism, the quently maltreated. Again and Monthly Meetings and the again he was seriously wound Quarterly Association. He was ed. Magistrates and Clergy for some years General Super men, in towns and rural dis intendent of the whole move tricts, were most persistent in ment. It is hardly possible to their opposition, as if he sought overestimate the part he took in to undermine religion and de developing- the organic life of moralize the people. His visit Methodism. The devotion and to Bala in 1741, was a deplor self-sacrifice he made in fur able event. But his foes were thering the object which he and foiled. The Lord delivered his zealous colleagues had in him out of the mouth of the lion view were marvellous, He and from the paws of the bear : visited North Wales repeatedly, and he rejoiced at being deemed knowing, when starting upon worthy to suffer for his Re his journey, that his life would deemer's sake. be in greatest peril, and his 116 bioc;raphical dictionary hardships severe. Of his pro ceived no hurt. I never saw digious exertions, persecutions such crowds coming to hear, nor and successes, on a tour made by more glory among the people : him through North Wales in many hearts and doors have 1848, a glimpse is given us in been lately opened. We know a letter dated October 20th to a of several who have been a- Mr. Baddington, and inserted wakened lately, and the Lord in H. J. Hughes' "Life of seems to turn His face towards Harris," page 312, — " Are you the rich : several of them have so surprised at my silence? Did been this journey to hear me, you but take a turn with me for and several more speak with two or three months and see my affection of coming to hear Mr. labours and trials, and especi Whitefield when he comes." ally could you take a turn When the rupture took place through my heart, your surprise between him and Rowland in would cease. However, I will 1751, he retired to Trevecca, inform you. It is now about nine where he ministered to those weeks since I began to go round who gathered around him. The South and North Wales, and necessity arose to provide ac this week I came home from my comodation for some of those last journey round North who came from distant places, Wales. I have visited in that so he set about building a large time thirteen counties, and tra house for the purpose. Though velled mostly one hundred and he had no money, he laid its fifty miles every week, and dis foundation on April 14th, 1752, coursed twice every day, and in faith and confidence that the sometimes three or four times Lord would provide the re a. day. And in this last journey quisite funds. He himself I have not taken off my clothes wrote concerning it — " I was for seven nights, and travelled impelled to build by the same from one morning to the next Spirit which sent me about to evening without any rest above preach, and at a time when I a hundred miles, discoursing at was far from being provided midnight, or very early, on with money or friends, for the the mountains, being obliged to latter had deserted me, and I mee* at that time to avoid per had, instead of the former, de secution. ... I had in an mands upon me, and about forty other place, near the town of workmen to pay and maintain ; Bala, where I was formerly and yet I made use of no means like to be murdered, a blow on to get one shilling, but a humble my head near violent enough to pleading and confiding in the slit my skull in two, but I re promise on which I trust my OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. all, both as to temporal and of living near to him for their spiritual things." A part of spiritual edification, he took the building known as the Hall, upon himself the sole care of -was finished by the end of July, their spiritual and temporal and in 1753 a large portion was needs. He was often in great completed, and a number of straits, but he took his diffi people came to reside with him, culties to the Lord, who never forming a brotherhood who failed him. Deliverance often worked for the common good, came in a most unexpected and gave special attention to manner. At the end of 1755, their spiritual exercises, Harris the family had increased to being the superintendent and 120 : besides these, several chief controller. He had at families took farms in the this time a severe illness which neighbourhood so that they threatened to terminate fatally. might attend his ministry. It was no doubt the inevitable An interesting episode in his break down after years of toil life was his military exper and tension, hastened possibly ience. Towards the end of the by the anxiety and sorrow con year 1759, the nation was sequent upon the sore trial alarmed through a threatened which the rupture between him French invasion. He was and his former colleagues ne offered a commission in the cessarily involved. But he was Breconshire Militia. He re mercifully spared, and his plied that he could not accept large house became filled with the offer but upon the condition men and women who looked up that he should be at liberty to to him with feelings of confid preach the Gospel wheresoever ence, veneration, and love. he might go. The officers hav He did not, however, find all ing assented to this condition, things run smoothly under this and his large family, after new regime. Some who had prayer, having given their con come to stay with him returned sent, and he had appointed home, complaining either that Trustees, who were to have the fare was hard, or the dis charge of the Institution dur cipline too strict. But many ing his absence, he received an made their home with him per Ensign's commission on his manently. At the beginning of entrance into the Battalion, and 1754, the family consisted of was soon after promoted to a about 100 persons as permanent Captaincy. He wrote at the residents. Whilst he had no time, "I am resolutely and adequate means of his own for coolly determined to go freely their support, and some of them and conscientiously, and die in were utterly poor, desirous only the field of battle in defence of BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

the precious Word of God, the the unfortunate division which Bible, against Popery." Thus arose between him and the lead he went, leaving at Trevecca ers in Wales who had co-oper above one hundred and twenty ated with him in reclaiming persons in the family. Twenty- the country from its spiritual four went with him ; twelve darkness and degradation, he of them as volunteers main continued faithful to his Lord, tained at the expense of and exercised a mighty influ Mr. Harris for three years. ence for good in his day and In the spring of the year country.separation was Mercifully not permanent. that 1760, the Battalion went to Yarmouth, where an open In the year 1769, the time of door was given him to an Anniversary of Lady Hunt preach every evening in his ingdon's College at Trevecca, a throughoutRegimentals. the three A nd years thus of reconciliation took place be tween him and Rowland, his military service, he availed though they never co-operated himself of every opportunity afterwards as they had done to preach the Gospel. He spent previous to the separation. He the remainder of his life at was held in highest esteem by Trevecca with his large family, Whitefield, the Wesleys, Lady except some few itinerancies he Huntingdon, and their co made now and again to preach workers in England, as well as both in England and Wales. by the leaders in Wales. In Harris was a burning and deed, there is no doubt that shining light. He burst forth Lady Huntingdon founded her into splendour at the very start Theological College at Tre of his religious life. His let vecca so that the students ters reveal the attainment of might profit through the an experience which is simply preaching and inspiration of marvellous. His zeal in the Harris. He was in every way Lord's cause, his vigorous at a man raised up to do a noble tacks upon the prevailing evils work for God and for his of the country, his perfect trust country. in the Lord's care, his thorough His end was peace. He an consecration to Christ and His ticipated with joy the coming Gospel, whilst he was still of his Lord to fetch him home. young in years, and in the face The day of his departure at of most virulent opposition, and length came, July 21st, 1773, the biting scorn of the enemies in the sixtieth year of his age. of the Gospel, mark him as one He was buried in the chancel of the most remarkable men of of the church at Talgarth, the century. Notwithstanding where his monumental stone OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. Ii9

still occupies a prominent posi Glamorgan. He was a short tion. Lady Huntingdon was broad-chested man, with a present at the funeral. She round face, low forehead, and states that the number who at hair cut just above his eye tended the funeral obsequies brows, as if it were well to con was no less than 20,000. Three ceal the forehead from the view stages were set up, from which of his fellows. He was not nine sermons were delivered. considered a gifted preacher, There were fifteen Clergymen but at times he had very power present. God's gracious pre ful services. He never studied sence was very manifest on the much, and consequently, when occasion, more so than was he preached, he would at times ever experienced before, especi be in great straits and dark ally at the administration of ness ; but when he had light the Lord's Supper. The Life and liberty, his words would and Times of Howel Harris, pour forth like a mighty Esq. ; Life of Howell Harris, stream, and his hearers would the Welsh Reformer ; A Brief be constrained to acknowledge Account of the Life of Howell his power. The Rev. William Harris, Esq., from Papers writ Williams, Swansea, heard him ten by himself ; Y Tadau Meth- describe the critical position of odistaidd, vol. i. page 71, 245, the children of Israel at the 282, &c. ; Cofiant y Parch. J. Red Sea. At first, it was rather Jones, Talsarn, vol ii. page 706. dark upon him in setting it Harris, Mr. Jenkin, Dinas forth, " Pharaoh was saying, Powis, Glamorganshire, was a ' I will pursue, I will overtake, native of Neath, where in his I will divide the spoil,' but God early days he often played the looked through the cloud and violin in accompaniment to the said, ' Stop, Pharaoh, you dancing of his wild compan shan't touch 'em to-day.' He ions. But the grace of God struck the wheels of his char found him, and brought to pass iot, which became a wheel-less a marvellous change. He at car (car llusg). He could not once forsook his evil associates, afterwards travel so fast- burnt his violin, and threw in Glory." One who never heard his lot with the people of God. Jenkin Harris shout this word It is not known how or when can have no idea of its force. this change came to pass, but One very dry summer there there is no uncertainty as to its were services held in all the thoroughness. Xor is it known chapels of Methodism at the when or how he began to same hour to pray for rain. preach, except that it was soon Jenkin that night slept at Cow- after he settled in the Vale of bridge, the guest of Mrs. BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Howells — the mother of the year 1827. He had gone to Rev. William Howells, Tre- preach with a brother at i'ont- vecca. During the night Jenkin morlais. But whilst introduc heard something like the pat ing the service he felt poorly, tering erf rain upon the roof, he and hastened to the chapel rose, went to the window, and house, where he died even be found that the earnestly de fore the service in the chapel sired and precious rain had was over." "Oh, it is death," come. He could not contain his he said, " but it is death with joy, but shouted at the height out its sting — without its of his voice, "Well done the sting — Glory ! " — Yr Oenig, old Methodists, Glory! Glory!" vol. i. pages 241, 360. He preached on one occasion before the Rev. D. Howells, Harris, Mr. John, Llan- Swansea. As Mr. Howells pro dilo, Carmarthenshire, was one ceeded, and the truths he de of the early exhorters. clared began to tell upon the Harris, Mr. John, St. Ken- people, Jenkin, sitting behind nox, Pembrokeshire, was one him, declared loud enough for of the earliest and ablest of the the people to hear, "The water preachers of Methodism in his is rising, my lad." In a lit native county. He was ap tle while, he repeated the say pointed in 1743 overseer of ing, " The water is rising, my several of the societies in Pem lad,— the water is rising." He brokeshire, and acted faith then went down from the pul fully and in the face of much pit and stood on the floor be fierce opposition. In a letter fore the preacher, and shouted written to Howel Harris, dated frequently and with much May 12th, 1745, and attributed warmth—" Glory." He lost all wrongly in " Methodistiaeth control of his feelings, great Cymru," Vol. ii. page 304, to joy filled his bosom, and his Mr. John Harris, Treamlod, heart was all aglow. And the who was a different person alto old white-haired man, looking gether, he states that there was at his legs, addressed them no part of the county where he thus — "Well, ye are become had not preached, except Tenby thin and stiff enough, but you and Pembroke. At that time must bestir yourselves and there was but one Methodist leave the floor once again." brother living at Tenby. At Upon this, he proved them, and his request he consented to visit at the same time shouted the town, and hold a service at " Glory," until the place re his house, if a few people could sounded again. He died sud he got together. So he went, denly at Merthyr early in the but whilst the service was be- OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. ing conducted, quite a storm of ward. He was able to devote opposition suddenly arose. A himself thus entirely to the curate, a constable, and four or work through that his wife and five others entered the room, son, who were in full sympathy whilst there was a wild crowd with him, looked well after the outside thinking to see him farm at home, and thus secured taken to prison. He was the means of support for the compelled to appear before family. He was a man of the Mayor, and enter into much ability ; strong, sound a surety of ^200 to appear at sense, and undoubted piety ; the next Assizes. What became and thus acquired for himself of this matter is not known. At great influence in the churches the time of the rupture between and in the assemblies of the Howel Harris and Daniel brethren. Like his fellow Rowland, John Harris sided labourers, he met with con with the former, but he after siderable opposition and per wards joined the Moravians. secution both in North and Y' Cynghorwyr Methodistaidd, South Wales, but the Lord de page 20 ; Methodistiaeth Cym- livered him out of all perils. ru, vol. ii. page 304. The Rev. Rowland Hill was in Harris, Mr. John, Tre- timately acquainted with him, amlod, Pembrokeshire, was and gave it as his opinion that born in the year 1721. When " if any man from this corrupt but twenty-two years of age, he world is in heaven, John Harris was appointed superintendent is." On one occasion, when over many of the Societies of visiting his aged widow, and Methodism which had been re bidding her farewell, he said, cently formed in his native " Should you go to heaven be county. He was one of the fore me, remember me to John earliest officers of the move Harris, and tell him that I am ment in Pembrokeshire, and coming." Harris could never was most faithful in exercising let an opportunity slip of the oversight of the churches. speaking a word for Christ and He was always on his rounds exhorting people to forsake preaching and attending the their evil ways. He would not society meetings. For many hesitate to speak to those whom years he seldom slept at his he met on the road, or to the own home more than one night servants of the families with during the month. All his whom he would be staying over labours, too, were gratuitous, night, regarding their spiritual performed from his love of welfare. It is recorded that Christ, without the least ex when the mistress of a house, pectation of any earthly re whose guest he was, ordered BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY her servant girl in the morning desire soon sprung up in his to take him his boots, she said, heart to become a preacher, and " No, indeed, misses, I won't permission was given him to go." "Why not?" the mistress exercise his gifts. Shortly asked. She replied, "He will after this, he removed to Tre- tell me that I am a sinner." fecca. Here, he had access to This was his habit. In acting Howel Harris' Library, and as thus he led many to consider he availed himself of this privi their end, and prepare to meet lege, he became a good theo their God. After a life of logian and an effective preach faithful work he died in 1788, er. He was one who com aged sixty-seven years. The muned much with the Master Rev. Evan Harris, who was one in secret. " Had he lived, he of the first lay preachers or would," said the Rev. David dained at Llandilo in 1811, Williams, "have taken a front was his son. Methodistiaeth position among his brethren, Cymru, vol. ii. page 301. but his sun set early in the Harries, Mr. William, Tre- afternoon." He died in the fecca, was the eldest brother sure hope of a blessed resur of the well-known Rev. Evan rection. — Cofiant y Parch. Harries, Merthyr Tydfil. He Evan Harries, page I. was a preacher of more than Harry, Mr. William, Blaen- 30 years' standing when he avon, Monmouthshire, was died in 1825. He was in early one of the pioneer workers of life on very friendly terms Methodism. According to the with a youth who became a Trevecca Minutes of an As well-known and celebrated min sociation held at Llanddeusant ister with the Independents — in February, 1743, he was sent the Rev. David Williams, to Carnarvonshire to conduct a Troedrhiwdalar. Both joined school, and also to preach the Congregational Church at whenever the opportunity would Gelynos, Llanwrtyd, at the serve. He at once started for time of a great revival in the Llanberis, and after a most year 1790. He lost, however, perilous journey — much of the the fire ht then received, and last twenty miles being tra cooled down for three or four versed at night over a pathless years, but he afterwards ex route, along the edge of a deep perienced a change of heart precipice — he arrived safely at and became a new man. He the break of day. His safe ar then joined the Methodist rival under such circumstances Church at the Bont, Llan constrained many to think that wrtyd, and soon grew in favour he had been under special with God and His people. The divine protection. So when it OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. "3 was announced that he would siderable gift in prayer, so preach in the evening the peo much so that he was often ple gathered to see and to hear called upon to undertake the liim. It is thought that it was introductory part of the service to him, when he was old and for the preacher. He even went enfeebled, that Humphrey on an itinerancy to North Edwards, Bala, when in service Wales with Mr. John Evans, -at Pentyrch, near Llanfaircaer- Cilycwm, who got him occasion .einion, acted the part of a gen ally to preach as well as lead erous benefactor, and presented in prayer, and thus on his re him with a pony as a free gift, turn home, he was a full- to enable him to proceed on his fledged preacher. He then de itinerancy through North termined to take Orders in the Wales. Methodistiaeth Cymru, Church of England, and for vol. ii. page 145. this purpose he proceeded, in Hopkin, Mr. Thomas, Llan- the year 1778, to a preparatory illtyd Vardre, Glamorgan school at Llanddowror ; and on shire, was converted under a September 2nd, 1781, he was or sermon by the Rev. David dained deacon by Dr. Warner, Jones, Llangan. In after years bishop of St. David's, and the he was one of the preachers who year following he received often preached at Llangan, at priest's orders. His first curacy the early morning service on was at Glyncorrwg, Glamor Communion Sundays, to the ganshire. It is not known how .crowds who gathered there long or with what success he from far and near on those laboured in this place. His Sabbaths. As a preacher, he second curacy was at St. was full of fire and very suc Nicholas, a parish midway be cessful. Methodistiaeth Cym tween Cowbridge and Cardiff. ru, vol. iii. page 03. Here his preaching attracted crowds to the services, but his Howells, Rev. Howell, Methodist sympathies drew up Trehill, Glamorganshire, was on him the anger and opposi born at , Brecon- tion of the gentry. From here shire, May 12th, 1750. Little he removed to Llanddiddan- is known of his parents beyond fach, a parish adjoining that that they were pretty well-to- of St. Nicholas, where his do, and usually attended the preaching drew people to his Chapel-of-ease which was not services on Communion Sunday far off. When nineteen years from a radius of eight or ten of age he was led to be con miles. But Dr. Marsh, upon cerned about his soul, and being made bishop of Llandaff, joined a Methodist society at determined to root out from Palleg. He soon evinced a con 124 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY his diocese the clergy who co preached here by the minister operated with the Methodists, who was to officiate at Penmark and a message was sent to Mr. on Sunday morning, and in ad Howells that he was either to dition to the privilege of hav leave the Methodists or the ing a comfortable lodging and Church of England. There was the utmost kindness, the preach no alternative. Mr. Howells er would receive a half- was not long in deciding the crown, which was considered at course he would take. He at that time an honourable re once left the Church and cast muneration for conducting a in his lot with the Methodists. preaching service. He died This was in the year 1818, January 10th, 1842, at the ad when he was 68 years of age. vanced age of 92 years : He then took a farm, and for a his remains were buried in the time he worked hard for his graveyard of Soar Chapel, Tre- maintenance. It was not long, simon. Mr. Howells was one however, ere he had an abund of the three Episcopal clergy ance of worldly goods through men in South Wales who re the death of a near relative of mained with the Methodists, his wife. His sympathy with after the first ordination of lay the Methodists continued to the preachers at Llandilo in 1811. end of his life, and as long as Y Drysorfa, vol. xiv. page his health permitted he took 161 ; Y Tadau Methodistaidd, part in the ministry of the Gos vol. ii. page 300. pel, though he did not travel Howells, Rev. William, much beyond his own county. Longacre, London, like the His house was a home for Rev. David Jones, Llangan, preachers, and his wife, who was in full sympathy with the was a mother in Israel, was ex Methodists, and co-operated ceedingly kind and hospitable. with them heartily. In the He is described by those who year 1814, when present at heard him preach as "a fiery Llangeitho Association, he took preacher." Whenever he re part at the ordination service, ferred to Llangan or Llan- the first held in that centre of gtitho, where he was often pre Methodist work. Moreover, sent at the great gatherings of Longacre Chapel, where he the fathers, his countenance ministered for the last fifteen would light up with a marvel years of his life, was not epis- lous radiance. Some years be copally consecrated, but its: fore his death, he removed to lease was purchased for him, reside with his brother-in-law and he was dependent for his at Llanplyddeir. Usually, on support upon the free will Saturday nights, a sermon was offerings of his hearers. It OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. "5 was his practice and delight to time he made the acquaintance attend the services of Jewin- of the Rev. David Jones, Llan- street Chapel, when any of the gan, who lived not far away, masters of the Assembly from and they became bosom friends. Wales were present. In the month of June he His father was Mr. Samuel was ordained by the Bishop of Howells, Llumhelig, one of the Llandaff to the curacy of Llan- best farms in the Vale of gan. His vicar and he were Glamorgan, close to Cowbridge. hand in glove in their work, He was born in September, and both were more Methodists 1778, and was the eldest of than Churchmen. They at twelve children. He was a tended with considerable regu thoughtful youth, and loved larity the Monthly Meetings his books more than play. At and Quarterly Associations, that time, Cowbridge was emi and were looked upon as lead nent for its schools, and Wil ers at these gatherings. They liam was privileged with would preach in barns or pri having a good training. His vate houses, or anywhere where father intended him for the they could get an audience, legal profession, but he soon without being troubled as to discovered that his conscience whether the place was conse was too tender to follow that crated or not by the bishop's course. So it was resolved that blessing. Soon after Mr. he should be prepared for Holy Howells had received full Orders in the Church. And Orders, his vicar removed to after due preparation he pro Maenorowen, Pembrokeshire, ceeded in April, 1800, to Ox and thus the full charge of the ford, where his health broke parish fell upon him. He. down, and to his great disap moreover, undertook the charge pointment he had to leave in of two small adjoining par 1803 without having graduated. ishes, St. Mary's and Llandyfr- After his return home, he ap dwy. As a preacher he was plied himself to prepare for or scriptural, orthodox, and dination, and at the same time powerful, and frequently frequently conducted preaching preached with overpowering services in the cottages of the eloquence. In :810, his vicar neighbourhood on week even died, and his curacy at Llan- ings. His father was not gan necessarily terminated. A pleased with him for holding determined effort was made by these services, but his soul was the parishioners to secure the full of desire to do good to vicarage for him, and it would men and to further the interest have been given him were it not of the cause of Christ. At this for his Methodism. " You are 126 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY a Methodist, Howells," said the and see for himself, and was bishop to him, "you are a delighted with the result of his Methodist ; were it not for this, visit, and upheld Mr. Howells I would give it you at once." in his doctrine and work. In "True, my lord," he replied, April, 1816, Mr. Goode died, "and whether your lordship and Mr. Howell became a can will be pleased to grant me the didate for the rectory, which living or not, I am a Method was in the gift of the parish ist." The bishop was prepared ioners. It was fully thought to give him the living if he that as Mr. Howells was so would but dissociate himself deep in the affections of the from the Methodists, but this people he would most assuredly he would not do, and he had to gain the vote. But most vile suffer the consequences. He felt methods were adopted by his keenly at having to break his rivals, and the vote went connection with Llangan and against him. He was then for its pleasing associations. How about a year without a charge. often he had found it good for The chapel of Longacre becom his soul to meet with the multi ing vacant, it was, as already tude who kept "holy day" in said, taken for him, and he the sacred precincts of the laboured here until the end of church, and in the chapel where his life with marked success, the Methodist preachers held attracting great crowds of all their services ! And how re classes, rich and poor, members joiced he would have been to of Parliament and rich mer remain and continue the work chantmen, as well as many of on the same lines as those on the poor of the Seven Dials. which his sainted vicar had Many a Sunday morning the carried it on ! But he had to carriages waiting outside the leave, and in October, 1811, he chapel would form a long row. proceeded to London, where he He was one of the stars of the obtained the curacy of St. An London pulpit. He was a man drew and St. Anne, near Black- of a very meek disposition, gen friars, under Mr. Goode. His erous to a fault, ever ready to preaching soon drew attention, give a helping hand to anyone and people flocked to hear him. in trouble. The beggars of the But whilst many were delight district knew him well, and ed, there were others who did often relieved him of what not approve of his Calvinistic. loose coins he had in his doctrines and fiery zeal, and pocket. His preaching was a made complaint to the bishop, combination of the profundity who consequently wrote to the of the philosopher and the loftv rector. Mr. Goode went to hear imagination of the poet, and OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 127

his hearers were often complete Methodistiaeth De Aberteifi, ly entranced by his eloquence. page 175. When preaching, he was all on Hugh, Mr. William, Llech- the move, throwing his arms wedd, Merionethshire, some about, striking the pulpit, and times spoken of as William occasionally he would shout Pugh, was the first preacher of until the chapel would echo Methodism who rose in the dis again. He was also fearless trict between the two rivers of in his condemnation of sin. Dovey and Barmouth. He was His physical constitution was born at Maesyllan, August 1st, never robust, and he died 1749. When but five years of November 18th, 1832, in the age he was able to sing Psalms 58th year of his age. Y Traeth- in the parish church. He was odydd, vol. v. page 156; Y converted under a sermon by Tadau Methodistaidd, vol. ii. the Rev. Benjamin Evans, page 306 Llanuwchllyn, at Maes-yr- Hugh, Mr. Hugh, Eglwys- afallen, a farmhouse about 3 bach, Denbighshire, was one of miles from Barmouth, on the the early preachers. road to Dolgelley, when he was about 28 years of age. He be Hugh, Mr. Morgan Evan, gan to preach about the year Pennant, Cardiganshire, one 1790. For a time he conducted of the early exhorters of Meth one of Mr. Charles' Free Cir odism, was a hatter by trade, culating Schools. He suffered and carried on a good country much persecution because of his business. On ground presented religion and his preaching by him the first small chapel at practices. In 1795, he was fined Pennant was built, about the ^20 for preaching in his own year 1744 or 1747, and very house and at other places. He much, though not entirely at was a good singer, and at one his own expense. He also time he was appointed pre owned the field at the back of centor at the Association held the chapel, and he offered it as in his county. He was an ac a gift to the Methodists, but it ceptable preacher, and render was rejected, because of the ed much service to Methodism suspicion of one Zacheus in his own district and the Davies, that it was pride led neighbouring localities. Not him to make the presentation. withstanding the hardships he He then sold it for ^20 to was compelled to endure, Richard Lloyd, Penwern, who through the persecution that was a prominent member of the prevailed, he continued faith church. On a part of this field ful to the end of his life, which the second chapel was built. took place September 14th,. ■ 28 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

1829, aged 80 years. Method- to pass their reconciliation. istiaeth Gorllewin Meirionydd, Through his death, the church vol. i. page 55. at Llanrwst lost a careful pastor Hughes, Mr. David, Llan and a faithful brother. He rwst, Denbighshire, was a died March 25th, 181 7, at the native of Dinas , and early age of 42 years. The Rev. was born in the year 1775. His Hugh Hughes, Abergele, was parents lacked all interest in his son. Methodistiaeth Cymru, religious matters, and thus he vol. iii. page 188 ; Enwogion had no early religious train Swydd Feirion, page i11. ing. They died whilst he was Hughes, Mr. Hugh, Bettws- yet young, and he was provid ycoed, Merionethshire. His entially led to Bala, where he name is in the list of early was apprenticed to Humphrey preachers. Y Gy?ndeithasfa, Edwards, who was a tinman. page 478. He was not long in this good Hughes, Mr. Hugh, Eglwys- man's family before he began bach, Denbighshire. His name to attend and enjoy the means is in the list of early preachers. of grace, and to be fond of the Y Gymdeithasfa, page 475. Bible. When nineteen years of Hughes, Rev. James (lago age he married Humphrey Trichrug), London, was born Edwards's youngest daughter, in the year 1778, at Neuadd and shortly afterwards, in Ddu, in the parish of Ciliau 1794, he removed to Llanrwst. Aeron, not far from the Tri In about three years' time he chrug heights, from which he began to preach, and was soon took his bardic name. He spent received by the Association. his early years at home caring His business and family duties for his father's sheep and cattle hindered him from travelling on the hillside and bogs of Tri much beyond the bounds of his chrug. During these years Monthly Meeting, though he neither he nor any of his family occasionally travelled farther had any thought of God or of afield. He visited South Wales their soul or of eternity. They once. His ministerial gifts were without hope and without were highly appreciated by the God in the world. In October, saints. Notwithstanding his 1797, however, he was led to early disadvantages, he gained join the church at Llangeitho. a high position as a citizen, Two years later he removed to especially as a man of sound London, where he pursued for judgment. He was often chos a time his calling of a shoeing en arbitrator between parties smith, and then at the anchor who had quarrelled, and he works, Deptford. Here he re would almost invariably bring mained twenty-one years. When OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 129 he reached the metropolis he time, when listening to some of had but little more religion the eminent preachers from than its name : he knew nothing Wales who visited the metro of its power. It is therefore no polis, he resolved never to marvel that he gave way to the preach again. Yet, he contin temptations which beset him in ued in the work, preaching to his new and strange sphere, the small Welsh congregations and he remained a prodigal in in London from year to year the far country for about two even to the end of his life. years. He then drew nearer to Though deeply conscious of his the brethren in the Welsh lack of ability as a preach Chapel, without much deep er, his preaching was popular concern however about his soul. and rich in blessing, and was When he applied for church most interesting. His language membership, the Rev. John was always pure, as might be Elias, who was present, spoke expected from a man who was to him in rather strong terms a considerable poet. His voice about his past misconduct. At was sweet and his delivery free. first he was inclined to resent In addition to composing much the strong language used, but original poetry, he translated the conversation brought forth several poems of great merit good fruit. The medicine was from English to Welsh. His bitter, but its effect was sancti translations of Grey's " Bard " fying. He was drawn into close fellowship with the Lord's and Blair's "Grave" are con people, and began at once to sidered equal to the originals. take an active interest in the His chief literary work, how Lord's work. Moreover, he ever, was his Commentary on must have won the esteem and the New Testament in two confidence of the church, for in volumes, which became a house 1808 he was called to the dia- hold book in most Welsh Meth conate by the church at Dept- odist families, who could afford ford, and in 1810 he began to to become possessed of such a preach. At this time he was a work. No Commentary was married man, and had three ever more highly appreciated. children. He possessed no For many, James Hughes' opin books excepting a Bible ; nor ion was considered a final had he the means of purchasing authority. He commenced the any. In 1816, he was ordained work in 1829, and published it at Llangeitho to the full work in 1835. Eight thousand cop of the ministry. He had a very ies were sold in a short time, humble opinion of his own which was considered a great preaching abilities. Many a success. This encouraged him 13° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY to proceed with the preparation wertk, vol. ii. page 36; En- of a similar Commentary on the wogion Ceredigion, page 96. Old Testament, and he had pro Hughes, Mr. John, Adwy's ceeded as far as the 35th chap Clawdd, near Wrexham, began ter of Jeremiah when death put to preach in the year 181 3. A an end to his labours. The Wrexham lady was so pleased Rev. Roger Edwards took in with him, because of his beau hand to complete the work. tiful character, that she under Mr. Hughes' Commentary was took to defray his expenses at not so much an original com a school in Shrewsbury, so that position as a compilation from he might become better qualified Matthew Henry, Scott, Guise, for his holy calling. But his Doddridge, Poole, and others. health soon began to give way : It was, however, valued at a consumption set in, and bore high price in Wales, and was him to his grave when he was very helpful to many a child of but twenty-two years of age, God in the study of the Scrip and two years after he had com tures. He wrote much, both in menced to preach. He was of poetry and prose, to the " Seren so devout a spirit that he was Gomer," and in both forms of often spoken of as the godly literature his writings were al John Hughes. Methodistiaetk ways welcome and well-fin Cymru, vol. iii. page 101. ished. He resided in London Hughes, Mr. John, Carnar to the end of his life, and took von, is sometimes spoken of as the deepest interest in the of Bangor. He died July 20th, Lord's work, but he was never 1828, when comparatively an acknowledged pastor, nor young. indeed did he do much of the Hughes, Mr. John, Holy work of a pastor : in this re well, Flintshire, lived for spect he was surpassed by the some time at Bagillt, and be Rev. William Williams. gan to preach in 1804. He was He died in his home at proverbial for his ability in Rotherhithe, Nov. 2nd, 1844, conducting church meetings aged 66 years, and was bur rather than as a preacher. He ied in Bunhill Fields Burial died Dec. 4th, 1849, aged 65 Ground, not many yards years, and was buried at distant from the following Bagillt. celebrities — Dr. Daniel Wil Hughes, Rev. John, Llan- liams, Dr. Watts, Dr. Jenkins, geitho, was a clergyman who Carmarthen, Dr. John Owen, lived at Llangeitho, and co and alongside Dr. Richard operated with the Rev. Daniel Price. Methodistiaeth Cymru, Rowland. He died in the fifty- vol. iii. page 442 ; Y Geiniog- fourth year of his age. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '3'

Hughes, Mr. John, Llan friends. Hoth Harris and Dan gollen, Flintshire, is referred iel Rowland went to the Assizes, to in a list of deceased preach and through their appeal to the ers in Y Drysorfa for 1835. Chairman of the Grand Jury, Hughes, Mr. Thomas, Llan- and the promise that the pro llechid, Carna1vonshire, ac secutor should not be summoned companied the Rev. John Parry, for his conduct, the Grand Jury Chester, on one of his itineran found no true bill, so Hughes cies in Anglesea in 1807. was discharged, and the pro Hughes, Mr. John, Lleyn, secutor had to pay all costs. Carnarvonshire, was one of the On his visits to the lower parts early preachers of his district. of the county, he met with a His circumstances in life were young lady, the heiress of humble, and his gifts were or Cwmhowni, near , dinary ; but his character was whom he married. Here he blameless. Though he had but built a little chapel, in which one talent, he did not wrap it many of the eminent preachers up in a napkin, but used it in of North and South Wales the best way he could in the ser preached. He rendered much vice of his Master. service to the cause until some Hughes, Mr. Morgan, Cwm- cloud darkened his path. The howni, Aberporth, Cardigan date of his death is not known. shire, was one of the early Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. preachers. He was appointed page 32 ; Methodistiaeth De superintendent of the churches Aberteifi, pages 294, 304, and of Montgomeryshire, and after 322. wards of North Cardiganshire. He suffered considerable per Hughes, Mr. Owen, Cefn y secution in the latter district. Dderwen, near Gwalchmai, When preaching on one occa was one of the early preachers sion at , a of Anglesea. He acted the part number of fierce men, with of a pioneer, and sought to up staves, came to the house for root the low and corrupt prac the purpose of disturbing the tices of the people. He thus meeting and punishing the did much to prepare the way preacher, but he escaped out of for the preaching of the Gospel, their hands without much in which ultimately brought to jury. On another occasion he pass so great a change in Angle was seized and taken to Car sea. Methodistiaeth Mon, page digan Gaol. He was refused 60. bail, and so he had to remain in Hughes, Mr. Richard, Bryn- prison until the Assizes. This engan, Carnarvonshire, tra caused great grief to his velled considerably through '3* BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

both North and South Wales, " Ymadael wnaf a'r babell, declaring the unsearchable 'Rwyn trigo ynddi yn awr." &c. riches of Christ. He was a He removed to Llainwen. brave and courageous man which became a preaching sta though his gifts were not tion and a home for the Church bright. He laboured with much of Christ in the district. faithfulness, and was some Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i. times favoured with powerful page 113. services. He died in the midst Hughes, Mr. Robert John, of his days. Methodistiaeth , Carnarvonshire, be Cymru, vol. ii. page 138; gan to preach in the year 1781. Drych yr Amseroedd, page 188. Hughes, Mr. Thomas, Hen- Hughes, Mr. Richard, Llain- llan, near Denbigh, was in his wen, Anglesea, one of the early years an enemy of the earliest preachers of his Month Methodist preachers. On one ly Meeting, at one time lived occasion, when John Thomas, at Mechell and . In Llangwnlle, afterwards of Den company with seventeen others, bigh, was preaching at Hen- he was summoned before Lord llan, a disturbance arose. The Boston's agent, and the vicar of women had been incited to his parish, to hear what they bring out their frying pans and had to say to those who took thus keep a great noise to pre part in the Methodist move vent the preacher's voice being ment. When the conditions in heard. Moreover, the preacher regard to religion were laid had to take to his heels to .down, upon which their future escape from the brutal treat tenancy of their homes and ment of the mob. As he was farms would depend, Richard running he was tripped up by Hughes failed to control him two brothers, Thomas and self, though he was in the , and received agent's parlour, and he began considerable injury. After this, to jump in his wooden clogs, Thomas became a preacher, and and shout, " Indeed, God is to Joshua also became a bright me infinitely kind ; glory to His Christian. Methodistiaeth Cym name for ever : gain a farm ru, vol. iii. page 238. .and lose a kingdom : no, Hughes, Rev. Thomas, Liv never." The agent and vicar erpool, was a native of Bala, were amazed at this conduct. and was born in the year 1758. Hughes had to leave his small He was one of the founders of farm, and when leaving, carry Calvinistic Methodism in Liv ing his box on his back to Bod- erpool, and rendered yeoman afon, he sang, — service in connection with the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '33

cause for many years. His and the firmness of his decision. father was a carpenter, and His preaching aimed more at brought him up to the same the edification of the saints than craft. He was early taught to the conversion of sinners, and read, write, and cipher. He thus his ministry was highly ap also experienced religious im preciated by the churches. He pressions when young, but these died Nov. 2, 1828, aged 70 passed away. When about 24 years. Methodistiaeth Cymru, years of age he occasionally at vol. iii. page 405 ; Enwogion tended preaching services, and Swydd Feirion, page 70. his early religious impressions Hughes, Mr. Thomas, Moch- returned, occasioning him con dref, Denbighshire — sometimes siderable concern about his called Thomas Hughes, Llan- soul. He however found relief llechid, was born in the year through hearing a sermon by 1739. He was 29 years of age the Rev. Daniel Rowland on when he first began to think the words, " God so loved the about his soul. He then joined world," &c. (John iii. 16). He the Methodist church at Tany- thus escaped from his spiritual fron. In three years' time he anxiety as a bird from the snare preached his first sermon at of the fowler, and enjoyed ever Cilgwyn, Llandrillo - yn - rhos, afterwards the peace which through that a preacher from passeth all understanding. He South Wales who had come to at once joined the Methodists at Cilgwyn from Tanyfron was too Bala. In 1787, he went to Liv fatigued, and had to go to bed. erpool to perfect himself in his Hughes had such freedom and craft, fully proposing to return pleasure in preaching on this and make Bala his home ; but occasion that he took to the work that purpose was never carried in real earnest. In a few years forth. He was led to settle per he built a house at Penucha': manently in Liverpool, which Uwchdref. Whilst living here, was a growing seaport. In two he often preached in the streets years' time he began to preach, of Conway, or under the walls, and as Liverpool was far away or wherever he could get an from Wales, and preachers were audience to hear him. But the few, his services, which were clergyman and those who sym eminently acceptable, were in pathized with him were bitter great demand. In 1816, he was in their opposition. One Sun ordained to the full work of the day he was seized and taken be ministry. He was remarkable fore the clergyman, who told for his knowledge of divinity, him that he should be a very the freshness of his thoughts, learned man to go about preach the equableness of his temper, ing, and that he should be able '34 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY to answer deep questions. tween and Conway — Hughes asked him, " What is very remarkable, and reveals questions?" the perils amid which the " Here they are, those which fathers laboured. He had a my Lord Bishop asked me ; let hand also in starting the cause me see can you answer them. at , where he after ' Where was the Apostle Paul wards lived for some years. He born?"' would on a Sunday morning "Tarsus." walk from Mochdre to Llan "Ho! I see you know some llechid, a distance of nearly 20 thing too. Can you say who took miles, and return the same even charge of the Virgin Mary after ing. He also preached fre our blessed Lord's death?" quently at a place near Llan- "John." santffraid Glan Conway — in the " Who wrote the Book of Re district where Moriah Chapel velation? — that's a poser for was subsequently erected. you." Whilst his efforts were thus "The Apostle John." laborious and abundant, his " Well, indeed, you know a knowledge was really very lim good deal." ited. His sermons were of a "Well, sir," Hughes then rambling character, lacking all said, " may I ask you a ques order, yet he was instrumental tion?" in leading many to Christ ; what "Yes, of course, provided he lacked in knowledge he made that it bears upon religion and up through his fervour and godliness." energy. He died in 1827, aged "Well, what is holiness? or 88 years. Methodistiaeth Cym- how are sinners to be justified ru, vol. iii. page 254. before God?" Hughes, Mr. William, Pen- " Oh ! it is not our business to machno, Carnarvonshire, was trouble ourselves about such one of the early preachers. things, and it is no business of Humphreys, Mr. Ellis, Llak- yours to ask such questions to a engan, Carnarvonshire, was man like me. Go away from born at Dolgelley in the year before me this minute." And 1806. When about thirteen he said to those who brought years of age he was employed to him, " Do not bring such people look after a neighbouring farm to me again." er's sheep. This instrumentally So henceforth Thomas Hughes led to his neglecting the means had quiet to carry on his work of grace, until he lost all desire at Conway. The story regard for such services. His health ing the method he took to preach giving way, he took to weaving. at -y-lleri — a place be His thoughts were now led OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '35 afresh to be concerned about his tion. Indeed, the words are : — soul, and in 1825 he joined a " Y mae y Gwaith yn cael ei Congregational church. In ddwyn yn mlaen gan y Parch- 1829 he removed to , edig T. Charles, B.A., a John where, in the year 1830, he mar Humphreys, ac riid ydys yn ar- ried. Two years later he began bed un draul na llafur tuag at to preach. In 1835 he joined the ei wneuthur yn ddefnyddiol." Methodists, and in 1838 permis (The work is carried on by the sion was given him to preach. Revs. T. Charles, B.A., and There was nothing special about John Humphreys, and neither his gifts or his attainments, but cost nor labour is spared, so as he sought to impress upon his to make it useful). Gwilym hearers the ordinary truths of Lleyn, in his " Llyfryddiaeth y the Gospel. He made two itin Cymry," argues that Mr. erancies to South Wales, and Charles had little to do with the several through North Wales. first number of the Dictionary Towards the end of 1846 his beyond editing it, extending health again became impaired, from A to Barnu, covering 88 and he died November 27th, pages. Mr. Charles Ashton 1847. Y Drysorfa, 1848, page agrees with him, and states his 231 ; Enwogion Swydd Feirion, belief that the chief writer of page 131. the first number was the Rev. Humphreys, Mr. John, Bet- John Humphreys. Rev. Jona twsycoed, Carnarvonshire, was than Jones, in his Memoir of one of the early preachers. Rev. Thomas Jones, Denbigh, Humphreys, Rev. John, Caer- page 151, expresses the belief WYS, Flintshire, first joined the that Mr. Humphreys' connection church at Caerwys, where he with the work was simply that lived the greater part of his of proof-reader, he being at the life. He resided for a time in time engaged as proof-reader Chester, and also at Bala. He and editor in the printing-office was ordained at Bala in 1816. in Chester. He took a prominent part in the He is said to have translated cause within the bounds of his Samuel Clark's Bible into Monthly Meeting. He was a self-educated man, and gathered Welsh. At the beginning of the nine considerable information. He was a sensible, though not a teenth century, a great discus popular preacher. His name ap sion raged in Wales between peared on the wrapper of the and , first number of Mr. Charles' when Mr. Humphreys pub " Geiriadur" (Dictionary), as lished an edition of Mr. Eliseus having a hand in its produc Cole's Essay on "the Sover '3° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

eignty of God " in Welsh. At also converted under a sermon least two editions had been by Humphreys. Unfortunately, previously published, one in he had to be suspended, in 1829, 1711, and a second, revised by from preaching, because of his the Rev. Peter Williams, in fondness for drink, which got 1760. Mr. Humphreys was a the mastery over him. He then joint writer with the Rev. John went to Liverpool, where he Roberts, Llangwm, of the first spent three years. Upon his re Memoir of the Rev. Thomas turn to Carnarvon, he took the Jones, Denbigh. Neither of temperance pledge, and spent these brethren wrote much of the the residue of his days as a work, as, out of the 127 pages bright Christian. He was a whichsist of thean autobiography, book contains, 87 and con. 13 preacher for twenty years — from 1809 to 1829. He died October contain letters from friends. Mr. Humphreys died April 9th, 17th, 1845, aged 70 years, and 1829, aged 62 years. Methodist- was buried at Llanbeblig. iaeth Cymru, vol. iii. page 177. Owen Owens, Cors-y-wlad, page Humphreys, Mr. John, Car 41- narvon, was a nailor by trade, Huxley, Mr. John, Carnar and seems to have done con von, was a native of Liverpool, siderable business. He was also but removed early in life to the for some years a successful and neighbourhood of Carnarvon, popular preacher. He delivered and afterwards to the town it seven sermons at self. When he came to this dis during the latter half of the trict he was a monoglot English year 1813. When preaching one man ; but he soon learnt the Sabbath at Brynengan, Owen Welsh language. He began to Owens, Corsywlad, was among preach at Llanrug when he was the hearers, and the truth about 36 years of age, and had pierced his heart. He was so many of the elements of a popu deeply impressed that on his lar preacher, his ministry being way home Owen turned into a acceptable, not only to the sheepfold on the farm Tuhwnt- saints, but to all his hearers. i'r-mynydd, and for the first He had a most melodious voice. time in his life fell on his knees He was a very worthy man, a and prayed, and spent much of good divine, an able critic, a the night in prayer. As is sweet preacher, and in manners known, Owen became one of the a gentleman. He had a fairly most prominent in his good education in early life, district. Another useful and and continued a diligent reader, faithful deacon at Bethel, Mr. devoting special attention to Henry Jones, a blacksmith, was history, both ecclesiastical and OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '37

secular. His sermons were What became of him is not short and interesting. It was a known, whether he died com loss to the denomination that he paratively young, or was he or confined his preaching exercises dained as a Congregational almost entirely to Carnarvon minister in England. However, and the neighbourhood. He he rendered good service to seldom attended even his own Methodism at its start. Y Tad- Monthly Meeting. He was au Methodistaidd, vol. i. page chosen to be ordained in June, 222 ; Life of Howell Harris, by 1834, but for some unknown H. J. Hughes, page 279. reason he declined the honour. James, Mr. Isaac, Penygarn, He was highly respected in Car Cardiganshire, was one of the narvon as a man of sound sense early and well-known preachers. and noble character, deeply re He was contemporary with John ligious, and of refined taste. He Williams (Sion Scubor), and died July 8th, 1846, aged 76 Evan Evans (Evan Tanner). years. Y Drysorfa, vol. xvi. He was born at Llanilar in 1766, page 256; vol. xix. page 217. and was the son of Richard Ingram, Mr. James, Tre- James, who, after his conver fecca, Breconshire, was in the sion, became remarkable for his service of Howel Harris, and piety and his gift of singing. after his conversion at once be He was brought up a shoemaker, gan to exhort. In 1744, he was and when seventeen years of age seized by the press-gang for the he married ; and though he was army, and was taken to the gaol young, his wife was still young at Brecon to await orders as to er, being only fifteen. Some the regiment which he should time after his marriage he set join. Fortunately for him, it up his home at Llanvihangel, was found that he was too short near Penygarn, and ere long he for the army, so it was thought removed to , still he might be sent to the navy. nearer Penygarn, where he con Great efforts however were made tinued to live to the end of his to secure his release, and in life. It is not known when he this, though with great diffi first declared for Christ, or culty, the friends succeeded. where he began to preach. As a Whilst in prison, awaiting his man and as a preacher he was removal, he preached three after his own stamp. By the times every day to those who people generally he was con were brought there like himself sidered a poor preacher, though by the press-gang. Repeated he often gave expression to testimony was borne to the original and striking sayings : efficacy of his preaching, as he but he lacked voice and style went up and down the country. to become popular. The Rev. '38 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Ebenezer Richard thought very company with others. He died highly of his expository powers. April 14, 1840, aged 74 years. The Rev. Ebenezer Morris also When about to pass away the remarked that had Isaac re- clergyman asked him, " How do caived a fairly good educa you think it will fare with you tion he would have been the when you reach the other side?" best preacher of Cardigan "Oh! I leave that to His hon shire. The Rev. Richard Jones, our. I have entrusted myself Wern, had equally high to Him these many years, and I thoughts of him. In a notice of know He will be up to His his death in the Evangelical word." Y Traethodydd, xxviii. Magazine, he is referred to as page 405 ; Cofiant Dr. Lewis the best expounder of the Scrip Edwards, page 2. tures in Wales. Speaking on James, Rev. James, Aber the words — " What hast thou in gavenny, was born Nov. 24th, thy house?" he remarked — "To ask what hast thou in thy 1760, at Penyblaen, in the par house?" would be the same as ish of , Radnorshire, to ask, What hast thou in thine and was known to the end of his heart? There are some young life in Methodist circles as Mr. people listening to me to-night James James, Penyblaen. His who would not for the world re parents were well-to-do, living veal many things that enter on their own farm ; and owning their hearts. I do not find fault property as well. They were with them. I say many things thorough-going people of the to my wife which I would not world, devoid of all sympathy say to any one else. But there with religion. As might be ex are many things coming to my pected from such home influ heart which I would not like her ences, James grew up in the to know. But God knows the footsteps of his parents, and history of the heart altogether took no interest whatsoever in . . . . Take care of thy house divine things. Thus he lived lest the exciseman should come until he was twenty years of and find things which thou age, when a complete change wouldst not like." But though came suddenly and unexpectedly he would give expression to to pass. He was returning home some very forcible and interest from Builth one market day, ing truths, yet his style was when a voice, which seemed to dry, and his ways were pecu come from heaven, shouting liar. He travelled a good deal "Eternity! eternity! eternity!" through North and South Wales fell upon his ears. He had no on preaching excursions, some idea whence the voice came, nor times alone, and sometimes in did he ever discover whose it OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '39 was, but it stirred his soul to Woosman, Trefeglwys, Mont its depths, and caused him for gomeryshire, and he gave him days the deepest distress of self with earnestness to preach mind. He had to take to his bed. the Gospel. He arranged for His body as well as his mind preaching services in his own received a great shock, and he house, and often preached him knew not where to turn for re self. He never travelled much lief. There was, however, a through North Wales, but he pious lady living not far dis officiated occasionally for two tant, a Mrs. Morgan, Celynen, or three months at a time at in whose home Lady Hunting Chester, in Mr. Oliver's chapel. don's students were accustomed He was among the ministers or to preach. He sent for her, and dained at Llandilo in 181 1, and she brought him the consolation travelled a good deal in South of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wales, as a powerful and The result was that he threw in acceptable preacher. The aroma his lot with a small branch of of his name filled the circle of Builth church at, as is sup Methodism, especially in Brec- posed, Llansantffraid. Ere long onshire, until very recent years. he began to preach. He was He lived for seven years at Tre- then 22 years of age. His par fecca. In consequence of his ents were wild with rage. They extreme obesity, which grew considered that he was bringing upon him and rendered it very much disgrace upon the family. inconvenient for him to itin It was a grief to them that erate, he accepted the pastorate he joined the Methodists, of a Congregational church at but that he should become Abergavenny, where he remain a preacher awakened their bitter ed thirteen years. But he never est indignation. His father re broke his connection with the solved to disinherit him of his Methodists. When possible, he property and bequeath it to a would attend the Associations, younger brother. He carried and take a prominent part there out his purpose without delay, at. He had a firm, strong voice, and having died the following and was a preacher of more than year, the brother inherited the ordinary ability. Moreover, he estate. Immediately upon this, was blessed with much sound James entered Lady Hunting sense, readiness of speech, and don's College at Trevecca to great courage. In Chester, he study for the ministry. But in was called " the roaring preach two years' time, in 1786 — the er," a similar phrase to that brother died, so the property which Rowland Hill applied to soon fell to James. In the same Ebenezer Morris. He preached year he married Miss Sarah frequently in the Methodist M° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY chapels of Monmouthshire. He vecca. He was converted, ap was present at Penycae at the parently, under the ministry of opening of the chapel in 1822. Howel Harris, and at once, like Considerable difficulty had to be the woman of Samaria, began to overcome to get him to the exhort others. This was so early chapel, the roadway being so as 1741. In 1742, he wrote to muddy. Indeed, he was carried Harris in London, giving an ac by the colliers and the puddlers. count of a visit made by him, But whilst unable to walk, he accompanied by old William was able to stand up and preach, Evans, Nantmel, to a feast and had a powerful service. He held at Llanfihangel, where died April 10th, 1831. A both were roughly handled by daughter, Mrs. Hall, lived at the mob, but he ultimately , near Brecon, for many preached. Reference is made to years. Methodistiaeth Cymru, him as visiting Denbighshire vol. iii. page 322. at a very early period. What James, Mr. Philip, New- became of him in his later years chapel, Pembrokeshire, began is not known. The last refer to preach in the year 1812. His ence to him, according to Y career was comparatively brief, Tadau Methodistaidd, is in a as he died about the year 1820. letter written by Rice Williams, James, Rev. Richard, Pont- dated Dec. 28, 1748. He must rhydyfen, Glamorganshire, was have died before the rupture be among the second batch of tween Harris and Rowland. He preachers ordained at Llandilo, was of a gentle disposition, yet August, 1813. He began to brave as a lion. One of his re preach in the year 1786. Dur ports as overseer appears in ing the last ten years of his life, Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i his physical infirmities were pages 155, 165. Two affection such that he was unable to ate letters from Howel Harris preach except occasionally at to him from London are in his home. He died March 27th, H. J. Hughes' "Life of Howel 1840, aged 82 years, and was Harris," pages 326, 328. In one, buried in Llanvihangel Church January 4, 1747, he addresses yard. him in the familiar terms, " My James, Mr. Thomas, Crick- dear, dear Tommy," and it was adarn, Breconshire, was ap written " near three in the pointed a public exhorter at the first Association held at Wat morning." ford, and at the second, he was Jenkins, Mr. Dafydd Evan, given the oversight of the Cysswch, Cardiganshire, was churches of Breconshire on the one of the earliest exhorters, same side of the Usk as Tre- and was well-to-do in the world. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 141

The wife of Rev. Ebenezer Church in the metropolis. Richards, Tregaron, on her Jenkins, Rev. David, Car mother's side, was his grand narvonshire, was born in the daughter. He was remarkable neighbourhood of Llanddewi for his piety. He was present Brefi, Cardiganshire. His at one of the earliest Associa brother, Daniel, was a son-in- tions held at Llanddeusant. law of Daniel Rowland. He Jenkins, Mr. David, London, was brought up a clergyman, was a native of Llangeitho, and and was sent by Mr. Rowland married Ann, Rev. Daniel to Lleyn to support the efforts Rowland's third daughter. He that were being made for the removed to London soon after spread of the Gospel in that the erection of Wilderness Row part of Carnarvonshire. It Chapel in 1785, and often was thought that, as he was an preached there and in Gravel ordained clergyman, he would Lane and Deptford. He had a escape the persecution which be- Drother, David, who was a fel the lay preachers, but his clergyman, and of whom Daniel experience was otherwise. He Rowland had a very high opin was promised by the vicar of ion : at his death, which took Tydweiliog that he should place when he was young, preach in his church, but when Rowland said that he had lost the time came, the vicar's cour his right arm. Daniel Jenkins age gave way, and the promise had two daughters, who were was withdrawn. This action not church members. Two did not cause Jenkins to keep young men, who were brothers, silent. He stood on a tomb and members of the church, stone near the church, and had married these young women, an unusually powerful service : and were disciplined by the the arm of the Lord was made church under the direction of bare in the salvation of many. Edward Jones, because the mar His day of service, however, riage was a breach of the cus was short, but it was one into tomary rules of Methodism, — which he pressed much work for though at the time no distinct God. He died when he was rules had been formulated. Mr. only 25 years of age. When Jenkins was so hurt at this pro Daniel Rowland heard of his cedure, that he left the Connex death, he exclaimed with in ion and joined the Congrega- tense sorrow — " My right arm tionalists, taking with him the has been cut off." Enwogion chapel of Gravel Lane, and a Ceredigion, page 11o; Method- large portion of the church istiaeth De Aberteifi, page 25. members, and thus formed the Jenkins, Rev. David, Llan- first Welsh Congregational ilar, Cardiganshire, was or 1 42 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY dained at Llangeitho, August the chapel is built on- the farm. 7th, 1829. He afterwards went If the Bishop is the owner, to America. Methodistiaeth then I am his warden this year. iaeth De Aberteifi, page 25. If the Methodists are the Jenkins, Mr. David, Pen- owners, you, as one of its sarn, Cardiganshire, was the preachers, have the right to use first lay preacher who officiated it." This settled the matter, in Llanllian Chapel, Carmar and Jenkins, a lay preacher, officiated, and henceforth, lay thenshire, and this, under preachers and clergymen rather accidental circumstances, preached therein on equal led to the pulling down of the terms. wall of partition in that sacred edifice, between cleric and Jenkins, Mr. Evan, Llanid lay preachers. This chapel was loes, was a shoemaker by trade. for many years a great centre, He is included among those pre where the saints gathered to sent at an Association held at celebrate the ordinance of the Tyddyn, near Llanidloes, Aug Lord's Supper. It was one of ust 22nd, 1745. Richard Tibbot, the few unconsecrated buildings as overseer in Montgomeryshire, where the clergy administered in his report to the Association, the ordinances. Mr. Jenkins speaks highly of him as one had come to the locality to who was very acceptable to his preach. So he went to the ser hearers. In another letter he vice at the chapel, where a speaks of him and Lewis Evan, clergyman was expected to Llanllugan, as being successful officiate that morning : but the in their ministry under the bles clergyman failed to make his sing of God appearance. In the emergency, Jenkins, Mr. Herbert was Mr. Philip Walters, who had a one of the seven acknowledged, lease on the land on which the at the first Association held at chapel was built, pressed Mr. Watford, as public exhorters. Jenkins to preach, but as he was He was born in the parish of not in Holy Orders he shrank Mynydd Islwyn, Monmouth from doing so and refused, as shire, in the year 1721. His it would be at his peril as a parents were religious people preacher. Mr. Walters persist and well-to-do in the world. He ed that he should preach, say was for a time in school in ing, " If my Lord Dynevor (his Bristol. Apparently, he was landlord) is the owner of the converted under the ministry land, I have full authority to of Howel Harris, and soon be permit you to go there, as I gan to exhort others to come to have a lease on the farm, and Jesus. His name is the first in OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. M3 the list of exhorters received at bath Schools. He died in 1836, the first Association at Wat aged 40 years. He is referred ford. And at the second he to in Evan Rees' Elegy to the was appointed to assist Harris Rev. John Williams, Liedrod, in the English section of the in the following terms : work. Harris thought very " Ein brawd Thomas Jenkins aeth highly of him. He joined adre', Wesley's societies for a time. Trwy rydau'r Iorddonen yn gref ; Shibboleth yn helaeth lefarodd, He also assisted Whitfield. He Trwy foroedd fe nofiodd i'r nef ; sought ordination at the hands I'w gartref trag'wyddol diangodd, Fel miloedd o'i frodyr o'i fla'n ; of the Bishop of Bristol, but Er gorfod cyfarfod ft marw, because of his association with Mae heddyw'n bur groew ei g&n." the Methodists his request was Jenkins, Mr. John, Blaen- refused. In 1749, he threw in anerch, known for some years his lot with the Congregation- as of Blaencefn, Cardigan alists, and was ordained the shire, at which place he was minister of a Congregational born. His parents were John church at Maidstone, where he and Esther Jenkins. He had the laboured for 24 years. He died misfortune when a lad to suffer Dec. 11th, 1772. He was an from an attack of small pox, earnest and able man, and followed by an affection of the would not have left the Method spine, which led to his be ists could he have been or coming considerably deformed. dained. Y Tadau Methodist- He was ever afterwards debili aidd, page 220. tated in body, but his mental Jenkins, Mr. Joshua, Llan- faculties were strong. He was faelog, , Cardigan a great reader and a clear shire, was one of the early ex thinker. He began to preach horters. He had a special at Talgarth, Breconshire, gift for conducting church whither he had gone, at the re meetings, which was of great quest of the Rev. William worth.Aberteifi, page Methodistiaeth 95. De Havard, to open a school. From here he removed to the neigh Jenkins, Mr. Thomas, Pen bourhood of Carmel Chapel, uwch, Cardiganshire, was the Llanelly, Breconshire, and son of John Jenkins, who kept rendered much service to the a Welsh school in various places amongstyoung church. the first batchHe was of for three months at a time. Thomas was known as an able students who entered Trevecca preacherdivine, and composed He was a several great College at its opening, October, 1842. His stay however was Catechisms for the use of Sab short, and he resided during his 144 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY few remaining days upon earth Thine agony and bloody sweat, at Hlaenanerch, where he died hear my cry ! Thy servants on on January i9th, 1844, aged 41 the past evening sought to use years ,and was buried at Peny- the fan, and so also this morn bryn. He was a charming ing again, but all in vain : preacher, having a fine voice, they can do nothing, Lord ; not a popular style of delivery, and a breath of heavenly wind has was moreover a man of pro come upon the services." He found thought. A sermon, then repeated again and again taken from his own manuscript, — " The breath, Lord ! the appeared in the Drysorfa, Octo breath gracious Lord ! It was ber, 1849. Methodistiaeth De Thy gift formerly, it is Thy Aberteifi, page 319. gift still !" Upon this a shower Jeremiah, Mr. Sion, Rhiw- of tenderness and weeping bwys, Cardiganshire, was one came over the hearers at once, of the early exhorters. — Meth and Rowland preached with odistiaeth De Aberteifi, page much unction and eloquence. .50. The Rev. William Williams John, Mr. Dafydd, spoken of wrote an Elegy to his memory, in "Y Tadau Methodistaidd " and in one verse he says : — " 'Mhlith pregethwyr p'un mor syml ? as Dafydd Hugh, Pwlly- P'un mor onest, p'un morblaen? march, Cardiganshire, one of P'un mor isel, p'un mor ddifri ? P'un oedd mor felused sain ? the early preachers of Method P'un bregethai heb astudio, ism, was proverbial for his gift Fry a'i lygaid tua'r nen ? in prayer. At an Association Ildiwchiddo, weinidogion, held at Capel Newydd, Pem Pwllymarch ei hun oedd ben " brokeshire, the preaching ser From other portions of the vice on the first evening was Elegy, it is evident that he was rather dull and heavy. At the well-known throughout South ten o'clock service on the fol Wales, and that he had a fine lowing morning, when the first treble voice. — Y Tadau Method clergyman preached, it was istaidd, vol. i. page 59 ; O very similar. The Rev. Daniel Farwnad Dafydd John, gan Rowland was to follow, but be Williams Pantycelyn. fore he stood up he called upon John, Mr. Griffith Lewis, Dafydd John to engage in a Llangeitho, Cardiganshire, brief prayer, in the hope of one of the early exhorters, was breaking the dark cloud that of a very warm temperament. seemed to hang over the congre When holding a meeting at gation. He at once rose and Parcrhydderch on one occasion, prayed with great fervour — " O the house was so filled with the Lord Jesus ! for the sake of spirit of praise that the service OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '45

continued for some hours, and Joshua Hughes' " Life of Har at last finished without the ser ris," page 270. mon. Jones, Rev. Abraham, Llan- John, Mr. William, Glan- fyllin, Montgomeryshire, was cothi, Carmarthenshire, was born at Trefeglwys in the year one of the exhorters present at 1775. The fiery ministry of Llanddeusant, at the first Rev. Robert Roberts, Clynnog, Monthly Meeting held in 1743, in 1796, was the means of his and was appointed superin conversion. Two years later he tendent of the churches in Car was chosen a deacon of the marthenshire, when Milbourne church, and in 1802 he began to Bloom resigned the office. He preach. In 1807, at his mar found the cause in the town of riage with Mrs. Jones, a widow Carmarthen very weak ; in the lady who carried on a thriving year 1745, he reports that it was business at , he re impossible to obtain quiet there moved to that town to reside. to preach. He laboured for a He was ordained at Bala, June time at Talle (Talyllychau?) 12th, 1822. He was well-known, There were two others of the and his ministry highly accept name of John labouring in ad able through the two provinces joining districts — Morris John of the Principality. He was at and Llanfyn- considered a sensible, faith ydd ; Joseph John at Llansawel. ful, and kind man, truly de Possibly, they were brothers. voted to the Lord and His Most probably, William John work. The Rev. John Hughes, is the same person as is spoken Pontrobert, speaking of him at of as William Jones, GlancotKi, Denbigh Association, soon after of whom, and two others who his death, said, that "his ripe visited Bala to officiate in the ness for heaven was very evi early period when Bala was de dent ere he was taken away. pendent for its ministry upon The essential elements of the preachers from South Wales, doctrines which are according Mr. John Evans relates, "These to godliness were the themes of three were sensible, unpreten his ministry, and the comfort tious, and godly men." He of his thoughts. He preached laboured with the Methodists three times on the Sabbath pre with much diligence and faith, ceding his death, and said to fulness until his death. A re the friends that night that he ference to William John and was about to go to heaven : the Milbourne Bloom was made in following Sabbath he went a letter from Harris to Rowland there almost unawares to him in 1743, and inserted in Hugh self." The Rev. John Elias L I4

rain, nor cold nor heat would every way well qualified to be sufficient to prevent him. He meet every class of hearers. — often attended the Monthly Drych yr Amseroedd, page 180. Meetings of the county, at Jones, Mr. David, Bedd- which he would preach. gelert, Carnarvonshire, was According to the Tadau Meth- one of the early preachers in odistaidd, vol. ii. page 337, he Carnarvonshire. passed away before the ordina Jones, Mr. David, Cardigan tion crisis in 181 1, but accord shire, was a nephew of the Rev. ing to Methodistiaeth Cymru, Daniel Rowland, and was vol. iii. page 95, he died in the esteemed a popular preacher by year 1821 — possibly a clerical a section of his hearers. He error, the figure 2 being in itinerated for some years serted instead of 1. The Rev. through both North and South Hezekiah Jones was his brother. Wales, but ultimately he went Jones, Mr. David, Adwy'r astray in doctrine and char Clawdd, one of the most popu acter. He sought to become the lar preachers of North Wales, leader of a party but failed. was a native of Bala. He came He fully expected to induce a to the Adwy to work in a lead large party to follow him in the mine in the district. He was adoption of Antinomian views, born in the year 1723, and died but he was grievously dis in 1774, aged 51 years. His appointed. Method- stiaeth Cytn remains were interred in the ru, vol. i. page 409. Nonconformist burial ground, Jones, Mr. David, Coedy- Wrexham. In his early years, cymf.r, near Merthyr Tydfil, he was a bitter persecutor of was one of the early preachers the Methodists. About the year in his district. 1748 he attacked Lewis Evan, Jones, Mr. David, Derlwyn, Llanllugan, when he sought to Carmarthenshire, is referred to preach at Denbigh. In after as a preacher who took part at years, when David Jones had an Association held at Dar- himself become a preacher, both owen, Montgomeryshire. Revs. met at Bryn-bugad, and David Peter Williams, William Wil Jones asked him if he had for liams, and Mr. David Morris given him. " Oh, yes, long were likewise present. This since," replied Lewis Evan. was about the year 1770. When he died he had been a Jones, Rev. David, Llangan, preacher for 25 years. His gifts Glamorganshire, though not as a preacher were clear and one of the original founders of "unctious, his spirit was brave, Methodism, legitimately takes and his disposition gentle : in rank among the fathers of the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 149 movement. He laboured hard the elder son upon the farm, for the spread of Methodism and David was consecrated to both in North and South Wales, the service of the Church. and was its pioneer in many Little is known of his early districts. At the peril of his life except that he was taught life, especially in North Wales, the Scriptures. One recorded he often stood up to unfurl the incident in his childhood banner of the Cross ; but he evinced the same readiness and never lacked courage to face the raciness of speech which char foe, and usually bore away acterised him through life. with him the honours of vic One day, in his weak and tory. It was also at the peril sickly condition he pressed of episcopal wrath that he went upon his mother to take him on beyond the bounds of his parish her lap. But she jocularly in his co-operation with the pushed him away, at the same Methodist fathers ; but his time saying, possibly humour known piety, loving disposi ously, "Poor fellow! get tion, and firmness, won for him away, I am tired of nursing the esteem and tolerance of His you." He looked up straight diocesan. in her face, and said, — " When He was born in the year 1738 my father and my mother for at Aberceiliog, a farm house on sake me, then the Lord will the banks of the Teifi, in the take me up." Upon this, his parish of Llanllueni, Cardigan mother, touched by his words, shire. His parents are sup clasped him to her bosom, and posed to have been well-to-do said, " For this saying I will people, as they purposed to gladly nurse you as long as you bring up the elder of their two live." sons as a clergyman. Provi He received his collegiate dence however interfered with education at Carmarthen Col this arrangement, as David lege, and was ordained to the was not the elder but the curacy of , younger son. When quite a lad, Breconshire, about the year he one day fell accidentally 1758. His stay here was short, into a pan of scalding milk, and he removed to Tydweiliog, which nearly proved fatal to Lleyn, Carnarvonshire. Here him. For some time after this again his stay was similarly he was a weak and sickly child, brief. Why, is not known, as and indeed, he bore to the end he had not at this time exper of his life the marks of his mis ienced the spiritual change fortune. This compelled the which afterwards so completely parents to retain the services of moulded his ministerial career. BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

From Tydweiliog he removed spiritual state of the people of to the curacy of Trefethin and the district was at a low ebb Chaldicot, Monmouthshire, in when he came there to labour. the year 1760. Whilst here, he Feasts, wakes, drinking, fight came into contact with Dr. ing and gambling formed the William Reed, an eminent order of the day. His prede physician, who lived at Ponty- cessor in office had literally moile, and with whom he taken no interest whatsoever in formed a close and loving the spiritual welfare of the peo friendship. Dr. Reed was in ple. A new epoch in his own deep sympathy with the Meth career and in the history of the odist movement, and was on district now came to pass. terms of intimacy with Wil Llangan became very quickiy liams of Pantycelyn and other a great centre like Llangeitho, leaders of the evangelical re though, of course, on a smaller vival. Whilst here, under the scale. Here the tribes, who had influence of Dr. Reed, and the been roused to a concern about reading of one of Havel's their souls in the neighbouring works, he experienced a change districts, assembled to hear the of heart which soon revealed it Gospel preached, and to parti self in his public ministry. cipate in the privilege of be This change was not to the ing present at the administra taste of his rector, so he re tion of the ordinances of the moved to a curacy near Bris Gospel. A marvellous change tol, and thence again to a cur took place in the character of acy in Wiltshire. Here he for the services as compared with tunately came in contact with what had been the custom in the Lady Huntingdon, who had time of Mr. Jones' predecessor. been instrumental in the con Nor did Mr. Jones confine his version of Lady Charlotte ministrations to his own par Edwin, who owned a large ish. Indeed, he looked at estate in Glamorganshire. The Wales as his parish, and he tra living of Llangan was in her velled through both North and gift, and when it became South, unfurling the banner of vacant, Lady Huntingdon in the Cross — sometimes in the duced her to present it to Mr. face of considerable persecu Jones. This made him hence tion, and always to the advan forth independent of the whims tage of the Methodist move and fancies and prejudices of ment. He settled at Llangan any vicar or rector. Llangan in the year 1768, when he was is a small village lying between 33 years of age : and he held Cowbridge and Bridgend. The the living until his death, OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 15' though after his second mar up for the first time in districts riage he spent much of his time where the spirit of persecution at the house of his wife in was predominant. He usually Pembrokeshire. met his opponents with a smile, In the year 1775, jointly with and often disarmed them by the friends at Pencoed, about kind words. His life was at three miles distant from Llan- times in peril, but no injury be- gan, he took a prominent part fel him. His position in the in the erection of a chapel, church was also imperilled which was named Salem, and through complaints lodged a- which is on the main road from gainst him by clergymen who Bridgend to Llantrisant. In were enraged with him be proof of the liberality of his cause he preached in their par views in relation to this place ishes without their consent and of worship, it might be stated in opposition to their wishes. that he buried his first wife in He was spoken to at least on the graveyard adjoining the two occasions by his diocesan chapel, rather than in the because of these irregular pro churchyard of Llangan. When ceedings. Both Bishop Bar- he was at home, Mr. Jones al rington and Bishop Watson ways preached on Sunday took him to task for his meth morning in the church, and in ods, but he continued firm in the afternoon at the chapel : his course, with the exception here also he held his monthly of avoiding two parishes, in church meeting on the Satur obedience to the wish of his day afternoon preceding Com Bishop. munion Sunday. From time to Besides his ministerial efforts time he took part in the erection at Llangan, and his itiner of other chapels, of which he ancies in Wales, his services was invariably one of the trus were much sought after and tees, and as he was a rare col highly appreciated as a preach lector he assisted much in er in connection with the liquidating their debts, through chapels of Lady Huntingdon the aid of the wealthy people in London and other places. of the congregations to which Indeed, he was a great favour he ministered occasionally with ite with her ladyship. He great power, in London and attended upon her as chap other cities and towns in lain in her last illness, and was England. called upon to preach her Mr. Jones was a natural gen funeral sermon. He was very tleman. This was of great ad popular as an Anniversary vantage to him when he stood supply. In addition to his '5a BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

charms as a preacher, he had a was converted. Soon after special gift to touch the hearts Roberts had begun to preach of the people when a collection he was arranged to do so was required. Indicative of his at the same service as Mr. popularity, it may be stated Jones at an Association held in that he was chosen one of the South Wales. At a church four preachers at the second an meeting on the following morn niversary of the London Mis ing Mr. Jones testified that sionary Society, May, 1796, Roberts, whom he styled as two months before the first " Little Robyn from the North, batch of ministers went forth had far surpassed him." to the islands of the South Sea. He spent the last sixteen His text was Judges vii. 2, and years of his life at Manor- his subject, " Great effects from owen, about two miles from feeble means." This sermon Fishguard, Pembrokeshire. He was published in the first had married a lady, named volume of Missionary Sermons, Parry, who lived here. He con and afterwards separately. His tinued to officiate at Llangan on preparations were in the form the first Sabbath of every of fairly full notes. We have month, and he also lived there one before us as we write, on during three months every sum Galatians ii. 22, on paper of a mer. Though living at Manor- small fold — 5 J inches by 3, and owen, he loved Llangan, where consisting of 15 pages. On the he had enjoyed so much spiri back of the last page are the tual delight, and had succeed names of 12 places where the ed so marvellously in his work. sermon was preached, and the dates are given. The first date He did not busy himself was Llangan, July 24th, 1785, much in the movements of the and the last, Bristol, July 20th, Association, though he attended 1788. His popularity as a many of its meetings. He was preacher in London, Bristol, a preacher more than a man of and other English cities, was affairs. He confined his efforts very great. He had a sweet to the department of the work and pleasing voice, and a ready for which he was best qualified. flow of speech, which had a Influenced no doubt by the two great charm for his hearers. leading clergymen of Pem His sermons were remarkable brokeshire, who were identified for the unction which usually with the Methodist movement, — accompanied them. the Revs. Nathaniel Rowland and David Griffiths, Nevern — Under his preaching, the ser he was rather opposed to the aphic Robert Roberts, Clynog, important innovation of or OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '53

daining lay preachers to ad trict of Llangan. Methodist- minister the sacraments of the iaeth Cymru, vol. iii. page 53 ; Lord's Supper and Baptism. Y Tadau Methodistaidd, vol. i. But he was taken away before page 459 ; Cofiant y Parch. J. the final step was taken in this Jones, Talsarn, vol. ii. page matter — in 1811. He died 809 ; Y Traethodydd, vol. vi. August 12th, 1810, aged 76 page 141 ; The Treasury, vol. v. years, and thus he escaped the page 197 ; Memoirs by Rev. E. predicament of having to de Morgan, M.A., Syston. cide what part he would take Jones, Mr. David, Llanvi- in the final issue upon this hangel, Carmarthenshire, was question. From his first identi one of the early preachers. fication with the Methodist Jones, Mr. Edward, Llan movement he continued to the gollen, Flintshire, was one of end of his days a firm adherent the early preachers. thereof, and an active worker Jones, Mr. David, Llanilar, therewith. He stood shoulder Cardiganshire, was the son of to shoulder with the brethren, Mr. William Jones, Aberffrwd, and of the clergymen who con who had come hither from tinued to hold office in the Flint. The father opened his Church, he was probably the house for preaching services in most progressive. the year 1796. David was a He had three children by his very devout Christian and a first wife, two sons and one serious preacher. daughter. One of his sons be Jones, Mr. Edward, Lon came a respected clergyman, don, was one of the first who and the other had a business sought to gather the Welsh peo at Bridgend, but was not suc ple together in the metropolis to cessful. The daughter married form a Welsh church and con a respectable farmer named gregation. He was a native of Llewellyn, and the late Rev. Llansannan, Denbighshire. He Dean Llewellyn, St. David's, was for some time a soldier in and Principal of Lampeter Col the Lifeguards, and subse lege, was her son. quently, for a time, he kept a An interesting paper on Mr. ginshop. Yet, he became deeply Jones and his Times appeared interested in religion, and took in Y Traethodydd for 1850, a prominent part in the early written by the Rev. William history of Welsh Methodism in Williams, Swansea, who was a London. He annually visited native of the Vale of Glamor his native country, and succeed gan, and well versed in the his ed in inducing several minis tory of Methodism in the dis ters to visit London and preach 154 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY the Gospel to their countrymen. of his life he never broke a He often preached in the room preaching engagement. Meth- rented in Cock Lane, Smith- odistiaeth Mon, page 59. field, and the chapel in Wilder Jones, Mr. Edward, Traws- ness Row. He was a severe dis fynydd, Merionethshire, is re ciplinarian, arising, possibly, ferred to by the Rev. Robert in a degree from his military Griffiths, Dolgelley, as one of experience. But in consequence the preachers in Merioneth of a marriage he contracted shire when he came to Dol with a rich widow in Carnar gelley. vonshire, a breach of promise Jones, Mr. Ellis, Plasgwyn, action was brought against him Carnarvonshire, was one of by a young woman in London, the early preachers. to whom, it seems, he was Jones, Rev. Evan, Coedy- engaged to be married, and the cymer, near Merthyr Tydfil, Law Court accorded her was one of the early preachers damages of ,£100. This led tc in this district, and became a considerable confusion in the minister of an endowed chapel church, and he was prohibited in Lewes, Sussex. for a time from preaching. Ere Jones, Mr. Evan, Lledrod, long he returned to Wales. Cardiganshire, was one of the Jones, Mr. Edward, Pendre, early preachers of Methodism — Ty'n-y-maen, Anglesea, was a a contemporary with Daniel truly godly preacher, in whose Rowland. Under a sermon by house preaching services were him, Mr. William Llwyd, Hen- held before Ty'n-y-maen llan, Cayo, who became a Chapel was built. His preach popular preacher, first found ing talents were very ordinary. peace, and then became an His sermons were usually of the active worker for Christ. He historical order, based on the had two sons, who received heroes of the Bible, such as their education at Ystrad- Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, meurig — William, who became and others. He would begin a minister with the Congrega- his sermon by saying — " I have tionalists, and Theophilus, who heard of " one or the other of was well-known as a quaint and the Bible characters whose story able preacher with the Method would form the basis of his ex ists. Y Traethodydd, vol. ii. hortation, and he would enforce page 292 ; Methodistiaeth Cym- the lessons which the story ap ru, vol. ii. page 29. peared to him to teach. Al Jones, Mr. Griffith, Lon though he lived beyond 80 years don, was a native of Tremadoc. of age, it is said that to the end He began to preach in the met OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. «55 ropolis about the year 1799. because he held religious ser But his health soon broke down, vices in his house : he did and he returned to the country his best to get his landlord, in the hope that the change Mr. Price, Rhiwlas, to turn would prove beneficial. He him out, on the plea that he was came to Wrexham for a short causing a disturbance in the time, where he occasionally neighbourhood. And he re preached. But the change of ceived notice to quit. But air and scenery and company Griffith sought an interview did not produce the desired with his landlord, and com effect. He grew gradually pletely conquered him, and won weaker, so he returned to his his deepest respect. At the close native district, where he short of the interview, Mr. Price said ly died. to him, " Go home, go home, Jones, Mr. Griffith, Sarn- thou shalt stay in thy place. au, near Bala, came thither And when thou dost come to from Ynysypandy, Carnarvon the Association at Bala, bring shire, where he had lived for thy horse to Rhiwlas." And so many years. He was a well- it came to pass. He became inown weaver by trade, and more highly respected by his was at the same time one of the landlord than ever. Indeed, early preachers of his native later in life, when Mr. Price -county. John Elias, in 1792. heard that the old man went before he was a church mem on his preaching engagements ber, worked with him, and en on foot, he presented him with tered his service, so as to profit a white mare, which became through his religious sym well-known to the Methodists pathies : it was whilst with him of North Wales for a long per he joined the church, having iod. Drysorfa, May, 1837, page been repeatedly urged to do so 154; Hanes Methodistiaeth by Griffith Jones, who was pre Dwyrain Meirionydd, pages eminently a godly man, of a 209 — 213 ; Methodistiaeth Cym- meek and gentle disposition, yet ru, vol. ii. page 194. -of great force of character. His Jones, Mr. Griffith Lewis, preaching gifts were not bright, Coedmoruchaf, Cardiganshire, yet it is said that he was the better known it may be as means of conversion of a Griffith Lewis Shon, was one of greater number of people than the early exhorters at Llan- -any other preacher that rose in geitho. He was a fervent and Carnarvonshire. He suffered joyous Christian, and was read much persecution at the hands ily moved to sing the praises of the clergyman of his parish of the Lord. When conducting 156 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY a service at Parcrhydderch, " Boed eich ysgafn, gwedd Feirdd, ; eich sang a sobr near Llangeitho, at a time of Tywarchen gysegredig danoch sy ; spiritual quickening, a marvel A thi yr awel. Oh. na chwyth mor hy ! lous influence came over those Llwch bedd. sant, brynedig lwch, gysegra'r- present, and Mr. Jones went in to their midst. The meeting was Henry ! mor ber dy hun, A'th hedd mor felus yw ! prolonged for hours in prayer Ac Oh, mor hapus fry dy ysbryd cun. and praise, and was brought to Yn nhrigle pob hapusrwydd, monwes. a close without the usual ser Duw! mon. Methodistiaeth De Aber- Ni faidd y byd dy hawlu ; y byd Erioed ni'th hawliodd di; teifi, page 95. Rhy fychan oedd ei oil i lanw'th fryd, Jones, Rev. Henry, Llan- Y nef ei hun oedd nod dy ymgaisgu. eurwg, Monmouthshire, was a Bri, cyfoeth, maw], dirmygit hwy i gyd 1 native of Risca, where he be Ac uwch yr haul, nef-dueddedig fod, Cyrhaeddai dy uchelfryd : uchel fryd gan to preach in the year 1801. Am fri uchelach fyth ! Yr oedd dy n&d He was a religious lad from the Na'r ser yn uwch : na fyddai uwch y ser twelfth year of his age, and I ti nid uchel fyddai. Buost fyw Y penaf fywyd, yn nhwrf eilfydoedd ter. won the esteem of the church, Y nef yn d'ymyl, ac yn dy ymyl — Duw ! so that he found no difficulty to Myfi ni'th folaf. Arall sydd a'th fawl — enter the ranks of the ministry, Yr Eglwys ! ac a'th fawl yn well na mi I especially as there was in his Gwasanaeth i enwogrwydd rydd yr hawl. Anfarwol, yna, yw'th enwogrwydd di, day a great dearth of preachers Pwy yn fwy gwasanaethgar yn ei oes ! in Monmouthshire. He was or A phwy ymdrechodd gymaint i fawrau dained at Llandilo, August, Yr Hwn,groes, dros ddyn, fu'n gwaedu ar y- 1813. He did not itinerate Dros ddyn yn gwaedu, a thros ddyn yn- much, but confined his labours yfed gwae. chiefly to his own county, and Henry ! yr wyt yn ddystaw : dystaw fel dv feddrod du was seldom absent from the Sydd hyd ei waelod yn ddystawrwydd Monthly Meeting. His preach Mae pur eraill ! yn llefaru droset ti, ing gifts were not bright, but Oes, eraill gawsant drwot farwol gur, his faithfulness was remark A balm iachaol hefyd drwot ti ! able. Preaching on one occa Y balm a lif fel afon lawn dros lethrau Calfari. sion at Merthyr Tydfil, a powerful influence came upon Jones, Rev. Hezekiah, the congregation, such as had Glamorganshire, was a bro never before been experienced, ther of the Rev. Daniel Jones, and many were added to the Radyr, near Cardiff. Both church. He died October brothers were evangelical cler 24th, 1843, and was buried in gymen, and in sympathy with- Llaneurwg Churchyard. Is- the Methodist movement, and lwyn, on visiting the church co-operated with the brethren. yard, wrote the following Hezekiah is known to have vis beautiful lines : — ited North Wales. Whert OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. iS7 preaching at Holywell on one near the Dark Gate he saw of his itinerancies, he expati light in a window, and having ated very much on the wicked approached it, he listened and ness of the children of Adam. heard a voice which he soon re Many of the colliers' wives of cognized to be that of a man the district were listening to praying. Upon this, he felt him — possibly having never be bold to enter the house, and, fore heard a sermon of the to his joy, found that the per kind — and observing the earn son who lived there was one of estness and minuteness with the few Methodists in the town, which he depicted their wicked and was known as "David the ways, shook their heads and weaver." At the time Ishmael exclaimed to each other, "Good came to his house, he was con God ! these children are worse ducting family prayers thus than the children of Bagillt." early to avoid being interfered Y Tadau Methodistaidd, vol. with by the persecutors. David ii. page 337 ; Methodistiaeth and Ishmael became fast Cymru, vol. iii. page 286. friends for the remainder of Jones, Mr. Isaac, Wrexham, their lives. Ishmael died Feb was one of the early preachers. ruary 26th, 1831, aged 74 years. Methodistiaeth Cymru, Jones, Mr. Ishmael, Llan- vol. ii. page 61. dinam, Montgomeryshire, be gan to preach at a farm house, Jones, Mr. Jacod, Bettws, Ty'nllwyn, in the parish of Carmarthenshire, came to Bet- Darowen, in the year 1785. He tws as a schoolmaster. He had did not remain in this district been for some time a student long after beginning to preach. in Lady Huntingdon's College He spent the later years of his at Trevecca. Shortly after life at Llandinam. On his coming to Bettws a branch first visit to Aberystwyth he Methodist church was formed trembled a good deal when he in the village, and he threw in drew near the town. He had his lot with the few friends been informed that the inhabi who interested themselves tants were very bitter and therein. He became a very fierce against the Methodists : acceptable preacher. Towards the likelihood was that if the end of his days he removed they recognized him as one of to Hendre Chapel House, the party they would surely at where he died. He wrote an tack him. He therefore ar Elegy, consisting of 24 verses, ranged to enter the town early in memory of the Rev. Wil in the morning before the liam Williams, Pantycelyn. Y break of day. When he came Drysorfa, vol. xiv. page 181. i.ss BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Jones, Mr. James, Rhoses- 34 years. When present at a MOr, Flintshire, began to Monthly Meeting he was in preach in the year 1814, but variably called upon to pre his public career was short. side. He was the bishop of He died July 20th, 1823. He Methodism in Anglesea in his was considered to be a very re day. When he first came to the ligious man and a substantial island the spirit of persecution preacher. It was thought that was very fierce, and he exper he would become a man of con ienced some of its forms, such siderable influence in the de as being pelted at with small nomination : but he was called stones and filth when he stood away just as he began to open, up to preach. But he heeded like a flower, and adorn the it not, deeming it an honour to ministry. suffer for the name of Christ. Jones, Mr. John, Afon- He usually went to his Sabbath fechan, Llanuwchllyn, Mer engagements in a gig, and was ionethshire, was one of the looked upon as a gentleman in early preachers. Cronicl yr comparison with many of his Ysgol Sabbothol, 1881, page colleagues. He was proverbial 216. for his faithfulness to all his preaching engagements, and Jones, Mr. John, Bodynol- also his punctuality. He had a wyn, Anglesea, was a native of musical voice, and was exceed Cardiganshire, where he was born in the year 1747, and ingly popular as a preacher. where also he began to preach. He set his face like a rock At the earnest request of some against incurring debt in the lady he removed to Carnarvon erection of chapels, and thus shire to conduct a school and he no doubt often hindered the also to preach the Gospel. In extension of the Cause. He his new sphere he married. died November 3rd, 1814, aged About the year 1780, he re 67 years. An Elegy to his moved to Anglesea, where, memory was written by the jointly with one Evan Thomas, Rev. Richard Lloyd. Beau a friend who had been ejected maris. Methodistiaeth Mon, from his farm in , pages 70 and 113. Lleyn, because of his religion, Jones, Mr. John, Carmel, he took Henllys farm. After near Holywell, Flintshire, be two years he left the farm, and gan to preach in the year took up his residence at Bod- 1826. He died young. ynolwyn. He was looked upon Jones, Mr. John, Cayo, Car as the leader of Methodism in marthenshire, was one of the Anglesea for the long space of seven public exhorters appoint OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '59 ed at the first Association held could with ease lift a man of at Watford. At the Monthly considerable weight from the Association held at Llanddeu- ground with one hand. This sant, February, 1743, he was was of much advantage to him appointed to reside near Neath, in relation to the disturbers of and to visit fortnightly, in con public services, who were junction with John Richard, rather numerous in his day. the societies of Creunant, He soon made them afraid of Hafod, Neath, Palleg, Cwm- him. He was quite a char amman, Llandilo FacTi, Llan- acter sui generis : he took no gyfelach, Llansamlet, Llan- man as his model, nor was it ddeusant, Blaen , Loug- possible for anyone to resemble hor, , Pembrey, ani him. Defynog. Methodistiaeth Cym- He was born at , ru, vol. iii. page. 44. Carnarvonshire, in the year Jones, Mr. John, Cefnber- 1 761. His parents removed to ech, Carmarthenshire, was one Carnarvon when he was yet of the early preachers. He young. He had sufficient married the widow of Mr. education to enable him to read John Thomas, Llanvihangel. and write in the English Jones, Mr. John, Chester, language with ease and accur was a preacher in that city in acy. In his early life he '837- totally lacked sympathy with Jones, Rev. John, Edeyrn, Divine things, and was notor Carnarvonshire, was for many ious for all kinds of wicked years a prominent and success ness. His natural wit made ful preacher, holding a high him extremely popular with position among his fellow- his fellow youths. Through labourers, especially in North- his pertinacity in seeking to Wales. No man surpassed or enter a ball-room without per even equalled him in the mission, he received a thrust abundance of his humour, by the door-keeper with a sharp which revealed itself both in instrument, which endangered his private conversation and his life. For some time it was his pulpit exercises. He had a feared that he would never be wonderful power of influenc able to undertake any very ing those who heard him hard work again : so his par preach, causing them alter ents sent him to Mold to be ap nately to laugh and weep. He prenticed to a barber and hair was moreover a man who had a dresser. He was then about commanding personal presence seventeen years of age. He re and great physical power : he mained there for two years, !(i<\ BIOGRArHICAL DICTIONARY

and then left for Amlwch, years later he married Miss Anglesea, whither his parents Mary Williams, a rich young had removed. He was still a lady in Edeyrn, Carnarvon leading spirit among the shire, whither he removed and thoughtless and gay, full of where he subsequently lived to fun and frolic. When about the end of his days in comfort twenty years of age he was able circumstances. He made asked, by two men who were go frequent preaching tours ing from Amlwch to Lledrod through both North and South to a preaching meeting, if he Wales. As a preacher he soon would accompany them. He won considerable eminence : was at the time engaged in his wit and humour making some sport though it was Sun him exceedingly popular. His day morning. Mercifully he acquaintance with the Scrip complied with their request, tures was thorough, and he and the effect of the sermon had a peculiar tact in bring upon him was such that he at ing forward illustrations from once and for ever forsook his the Word of God in proof former evil ways. But he did of his teachings, and to give not at the time find peace them point : he did this in a through believing. This came very homely and lively fash to pass some time afterwards ion, at times too, it must be -under a sermon by the re confessed, in a manner utterly nowned David Morris, Twr- out of character with the dig gwyn, during one of his nity of the pulpit, quite a preaching excursions in Angle- burlesque, if not buffoonery. sea : to him he ever looked as In preaching about Peter's his spiritual father. But even fall, he would imitate the during the time he was under crowing of the cock ; or if it conviction, and before he had came in his way to speak of thrown in his lot with the fol the heifers fastened by the lowers of Christ, he was in Philistines to the car which strumental in the conversion of bore the ark of the Lord to Katrin Rondol, a woman who Bethshemesh, he would imitate afterwards became very cele the lowing of the cattle. But brated in Anglesea in connec he had a wonderful knack of tion with the work of God. converting the people from ex She was proverbially demon treme laughter to tears. No strative in her religion, and doubt he was in frequent dan her genuineness was beyond ger, like most men endowed doubt. He began to preach at with his gifts, of bei-ig carried Amlwch in the year 1784. Two too far. But he was fully OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 161 aware of his danger, and often this morning, Mr. Jones?" restrained himself with much asked the ferryman, with a sly self control. In the earlier thrust at his teaching the prev years of his ministry, he was ious night. " Not in your in the habit of making His ricketty old boat," was his journeys on foot. He described quick and pertinent reply. his first attempt to ride in a His ministry was eminently rather ludicrous way. " When blessed of God. The Rev. I lived at Amlwch," he said, Robert Jones, Rhoslan, relates " I was promised a horse to the following incident which carry me to the Monthly Meet took place near Trawsfynydd. ing at Niwbwrch. Before I John Jones was on his first had gone the distance of a rood preaching tour in the district, from the place where I had and it was in the middle of hay mounted the animal, that is at harvest. A farmer leaving his the Gwelon, on the way to hay-field to attend the service, Llanerchymedd, I observed told his servants that he was him holding up his head and going to the chapel, and urged bending it like a serpent, and them to do their best while he I was as unsteady on his back was away. He had not gone as an egg on a post; in a short far when he returned and bade time where should I find my the haymakers cease their work self but on my back in the and accompany him to chapel, ditch, and on leaving me there as he had heard that the he gave me a kick in the calf of preacher was a remarkable my leg, and I don't think that man. They went at his word, from that time to this, any two and the six were converted at were more willing to part the service. It is also record company with each other." ed in a brief memoir, written One night he preached in a by Mr. Griffith Solomon, that, country chapel on trust in God, at the first service held by him and he urged with great force at Aberffraw, a hundred and that men should put their trust eighty-nine were savingly in Him under the varied cir affected under his preaching. cumstances of life. The fol The number given being so lowing morning he had to cross large, it was disputed by some a ferry, and he was rather parties. An enquiry however hesitating to enter the ferry was made, and it was ascer man's boat, the night having tained that the correct number been stormy, and there was was a hundred and ninety. considerable water in the Thus he was a mighty man in river. " Where is your trust the pulpit, and would, possi M I 62 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

bly through his known humor was felt that he had a message ous style, draw crowds to hear for the people. He continued him, many of whom were led to labour in the ministry to the into full decision for Christ. end of his days. Hanes Meth He was ordained in the year odistiaeth Dwyrain Meirion 1814, at the same time as Mr. ydd, page 144. Michael Roberts and Mr. John Jones, Mr. John, Hafoi> Jones, Tremadoc. He died Ifan, Merionethshire, was born August 9th, 1822, in his sixty- in 1755, and identified himself second year. Memoir by Mr. with religion at Vsbytty, when Griffith Solomon ; Methodist- he was twenty-one years of iaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page age. He shortly afterwards 267 ; Copant y Parch. J. Jones, began to preach. It is known Talsarn, vol. ii. page 825. that in 1778, John Williams, Jones, Mr. John, Froncys- Dolyddelen, went to Penmach- yllte, Flintshire, was a son of no to hear him. He had much Mr. Edward Jones, Glyn, near to do with the start of the cause Bala. He joined the church at at Dolyddelen. He was also Glyn at the time of a revival, one of the first Nonconformists and began to preach in 1819. who preached in the neigh He then went for a time to the bourhood of . Rev. John Hughes' school at Through his enterprising Wrexham. From there he pro spirit he took a larger farm, ceeded to Froncysyllte, where Ynysfor, , in addi he opened a school. He was a tion to Hafod Ifan, and he re very godly young man, and a moved to the larger tenement. substantial preacher, but his But the undertaking was not a- preaching career was short, as success, and his circumstances he died July 28, 1826, aged 29 became entangled, and in years. Hanes Methodistiaeth volved him in considerable Dwyrain Meirionydd, page trouble. He ended his days 120. keeping a turnpike gate in the Jones, Mr. John, Hafod- neighbourhood of Brymbo, fawr, near Bala, Merioneth where he died in 1834, aged 84 shire, began to preach with the years. Hanes Methodistiaeth Congregationalists at Llan- Dwyrain Meirionydd, page uwchllyn. But at the time 532 ; Cofiant y Parch. Edward: of some unpleasantness, early in Morgan, page 60. '822, he joined the Methodists. Jones, Rev. John, Holy He is said to have been a useful well, was one of the quaint and acceptable preacher. He preachers of Methodism dur was rustic in his dress, but it ing the early years of the nine OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 16.? teenth century, a class which, purpose. Whilst his father whilst not remarkable for their would be conducting family preaching gifts, were owned of worship, he would, through his God in their evangelistic lack of sympathy therewith, be labours to the salvation of cursing in his heart. However, many. at last, he escaped from the He was born at Caergwrle, power of the evil one, and his Flintshire, December 18th, own wicked heart, under a ser 1763. His parents were of mon by the Rev. Richard Tib- humble station in life, and, bot, Llanbrynmair, who en though they had ten children, couraged his hearers, however succeeded in keeping John in bad they were, to believe in an English school for some Christ. John hearkened to the years, and his father taught word of exhortation, and re him Welsh. He had no early ceived help so to believe that he religious training. The people never afterwards sought salva of his district were wholly tion but in Him. This took given to do evil in the sight of place in 1787, when he was 24 the Lord. The Sabbaths were years of age. That same year spent by old and young in he married. For some time he singing and dancing, foot-ball desired to preach, but found and hand-ball playing, pitch much difficulty in obtaining and toss, drinking and fight permission. At last, however, ing. Amid such an environ he succeeded. This took place ment he was brought up. Thus in #793, and that same year he he spent his early years in the buried his first wife. In 1794, counsel of the ungodly, and he he travelled through portions stood in the way of sinners. of Merioneth, Montgomery, During this period he had and Carnarvon, oftentimes many wonderful hair-breadth much cast down through what escapes, but none of them he considered his lack of suc awakened in him any grati cess, and at other times con tude to Him who ruleth over siderably elated. In 1796, he the affairs of the world. Yet, visited Anglesea, and the year at times, he was greatly dis following he travelled through turbed in his mind : his con the six counties of South science accused him, and he Wales, in company with Mr. would resolve upon a new life. Ellis, Mold. He was ever His father, who had been won watching for souls, and would to follow the Lord, got him to be very dissatisfied when he attend preaching services occa had no seals to his ministry. sionally, but it was to little It is sad to read how humble ifi4 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY his circumstances were, and much larger chapel, was erect through what straits he passed, ed, and Mr. Jones was highly during the early years of his pleased with the progress ministry. In 1804, he removed the church made. He was a from Caergwrle to Llaneur- man rather under the medium gain, where he resided four height, strongly built. His years. He would often preach eyes were small, dark and in English on the Goror, but bright, and his countenance it is said that his English was revealed that a storehouse of so imperfect that the people wit lay at the back of it, which would laugh boisterously at his explained his quaint and ludicrous blunders, but the humorous expressions in the next moment he would con pulpit and elsewhere. Preach strain them to weep, through ing on one occasion on the his pathetic remarks. In the solemn question, " What shall year 1808, he married Ann, the a man profit if he gain the daughter of Mr. David Owen, whole world and lose his own Trefedwen, , Den soul?" he said, "There's a bighshire ; and shortly after pig grazing in a field near a wards he removed to Holywell, river, and behold a great flood where he henceforth lived to comes as a deluge and sweeps the end of his life. By his the pig away. The owner second marriage he had four shouts at the height of his children, one died. in infancy, voice, ' Come all to render the remaining three — two spns what help you can, the pig is and one daughter, survived being borne away by the him. When he removed to stream.' " " Oh man," he add Holywell he opened a shop, ed, " thou wilt venture thyself which his wife chiefly con to thy neck in the water to save ducted, and by which he was your pig, but thou art perfect able to support himself and ly indifferent as regards saving family, and was enabled to go thy soul !" With such sayings about preaching. The cause at his sermons would be spiced ; Holywell was very weak when and he would get on good he settled there, and it con terms with his audiences. tinued so for some time. In A remarkable incident in his the year 1817, a revival took life, whatever we may make of place, when many were added it, was his escape from a man to the church. He was or who evidently was bent upon dained to the full work of the doing him mischief, if not up ministry at Bala in 1820. In on taking away his life, so as 1826, Rehoboth, a new and to rob him of some money he OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. I65 had with him. He was at the anyone in sight. As Mr. Jones time living at Caergwrle. A approached, the stranger be Collection had been made in a gan to unstring the reaping few poor churches of a half hook. Observing this, Mr. penny a week from every mem Jones began to be in great ber towards the erection of bodily fear. He was in much new chapels for the Connex perplexity as to what to do. ion : and he was entrusted He turned to the Lord in earn with taking £14 of this Col est prayer for his life and the lection to an Association at safety of the money which be Machynlleth. His course lay longed to Him. As he was over the lonely mountainous thus praying, he suddenly district of -y-groes, be heard the tramp of a horse tween Llanuwchllyn and Llan- coming at full speed behind ymowddwy. Before he took to him, and he turned to look and the hill, he turned to an inn at saw a gentleman on a white Llanuwchllyn to obtain re horse coming at a good speed : freshment for himself and his this rider overtook him and horse. As he entered, a man, came alongside of him at the who was already there accost moment he overtook the man ed him and entered into con with the naked reaping hook. versation with him, and learnt Spurring his horse he sought from him whither he was going to keep up with the gentleman and what was his mission. on the white horse, and the After a little time this man man with the hook suddenly quietly slipped away. After changed his course and began having had rest and refresh to wrap the hook again in the ment, Jones slowly wended his string of hay. Mr. Jones tried way up the bleak, barren moun to enter into conversation with tain. When he had gone be the gentleman, and asked him yond any human habitation, if he was going far? but he got and without any living crea no reply. He asked again, ture in sight, whom should he How far was it to Llanymow- see in the distance but the man ddwy? Yet again no reply. who had spoken to him at the By this time he thought the inn. He recognised him at stranger might be an English once, and this the more readily man and did not understand as he had a reaping hook Welsh, so he remarked in wrapped up as usual in a English, " It is very cold, sir, string made with hay. The man on the mountain, is it not?" was walking leisurely, looking But he failed to elicit any an around as if to see if there was swer : the stranger did not take 1 66 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

upon him to understand either 2nd, 1839, in the 66th year of Welsh or English. However, his age, and was buried at they travelled together silently Holywell. A long apprecia until they passed the Bwlch, tive sketch of him, to which we and drew near to an inhabited are much indebted, appeared district. The stranger then be in the Traethodydd, vol. ix. came suddenly lost to Mr. page 91 ; A Memoir, by Rev. Jones. Thinking upon this J. Hughes and W. Pierce : and strange deliverance, he was edition. persuaded that the Lord had Jones, Mr. John, Birch- sent an angel to deliver him hill, Llangeitho, was one of from the man who had de the many preachers who re signed to perpetrate some crime sided at Llangeitho during Mr. so as to get the money he had Rowland's day. He accom in his charge. panied several preachers on His latter end was in charac their itinerancies, both in ter with the quaint spirit he North and South Wales, and had manifested through life. generally preached with his He died as he had lived. As eyes closed. Upon his return his end approached, one friend from an itinerancy, he would asked him, " What were his preach with more power than thoughts now regarding the usually. Methodistiaeth De doctrines he had preached?" Aberteifi, page 95. And he replied, " The valley Jones, Mr. John, Llansant- of the shadow of death was not ffraid-Glan-, was one the place to change substantial of the early preachers of Den things for dross ; the market bighshire. He was born at value of good things rises Pwllheli. It is supposed that here." One of his last say he was brought up a shoe ings to a friend who visited maker. He removed to Pen- him was— "On Calvary death's machno about the year 1787, or sting was extracted. Praise for earlier. He was known in ever for that which was done Carnarvonshire as John Jones, on Calvary! Calvary to live! Llanon. He lived for a time Calvary to die ! and Calvary at Llansantffraid. He was bet for Ever." To those around ter educated than the majority him, just as he passed away, of Welsh preachers of his day, he remarked, " I am going be as he was trained for the min yond the reach of your arms, istry in Lady Huntingdon's but underneath me are the College, Trefecca— but he died everlasting arms." Truly he young, about the year 1796. died triumphantly, August He was a very fervent preacn-. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 167

-er. — Methodistiaeth Cymru, ists were called, in search of vol. iii. page 253; Hanes Meth another preacher named Evan odistiaeth Dwyrain Meirion- Williams. Whilst they were ydd, page 509. in the house carrying on their Jones, Mr. John, Llansan- search, John Jones quietly NAn, Denbighshire, was one of stole away, and escaped. At the early exhorters in his dis the time of the rupture between trict. He was for a time with Harris and Rowland he sym Howel Harris at Trefecca, and pathised with the former, and was an enthusiastic supporter of for a time resided with him at his cause. He was reckoned Trevecca, and continued ever among the good and faithful in after to cherish very high Israel. The present Rev. Isaac thoughts of him. His son, who Jones, Nantglyn, is his grand was known as John Jones, of son, and like him he was quaint Lleyn, was a well-known in his conversation and preach preacher both in North and ing. He would soon get on South Wales. good terms with his audiences Jones, Mr. John, Rehoboth, by his pleasant homely humour. diedLlanberis, June 4th, Carnarvonshire, 1844, aged 27 Jones, Mr. John (Junior), Penrhyn, Llaniestyn, Lleyn. years, having been a preacher His father was of the same for about six years. At the name and place, and like him time of his death he was re also a preacher with the Meth siding at Clynog with Eben odists. He travelled consider Fardd, with whom he was in ably both in North and South school. He was a young man Wales for many years, and was ct gentle disposition, and knit known in the latter district as to himself every one with whom John Jones of Lleyn. He be he came in contact. His gan to preach in the year 1781. style of preaching was simple Jones, Mr. John (Senior), and unpretentious. During Penrhyn, Llaniestyn, Lleyn, the last month of his life, he was one of the first preachers was recognized as making in the part of the country much progress in his sermons. where he lived. He was one His public career was short day seized by the press gang but bright. Y Drysorfa, vol. because of his preaching prac xiv., page 222. tices. After he was caught the Jones, Mr. Llewellyn, gang went to Tyddyn-Mawr, a Llwynbrwydrau, Glamorgan farm house which was known shire, was a native of Resolven to be a hiding-place of the in the same county, and was an Roundheads, as the Method acceptable preacher. He died K.S BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY suddenly from an attack of aeron, Cardiganshire, was one cholera, September 16th, 1849, of the early preachers. aged 47 years, having been a Jones, Mr. Joseph, Seinied, preacher for twelve years. He near , Denbighshire, was considered a genuine was a large and influential Christian, and his ministry farmer, and at the time of was very acceptable in the Harris and Daniel Rowland he churches of his Monthly occasionally preached. In the pageMeeting. 361. Y Drysorfa, 1849, unfortunate division which took place between these two Jones, Mr. John, Wood good and great men, he ad stock, was one of the early hered to Harris. Rev. Joseph exhorters, and was also a Jones, , was his schoolmaster. In an account great-grandson. Monthly Tid he wrote of an itinerancy he ings, 1890, page 207. made in Radnorshire, he says, Jones, Mr. Morgan, Cayo, " After we were driven out Carmarthenshire, was a preach from the town of Hay, and had er in the year 1777. been pelted with dirt and filth, Jones, Rev. Morgan, Goe- we came to , where we tre, Monmouthshire, was one found protection ; a delightful of the overseers of the follow meeting was held at which we ing societies in the year 1743, prayed for our persecutors." — Goetre, Glasgoed, St. Bride's, He also preached at Glas- Mynydd Islwyn, Llangatwg combe. Methodistiaeth Cymru, and Trefethin. He was a vol. iii., pages 315, 316. joint overseer with Morgan Jones, Mr. John, Ysbytty, John Lewis in 1744. He evi Cardiganshire, was a very dently was abler than the or earnest student, and full of the dinary exhorters. John Evans, spirit of preaching the Gos Bala, speaks of him as a wise pel. He entered upon the and gifted man. He travelled work early in 1841, but his through portions of North career though bright was short. Wales.- The Lord blessed him He had a pleasant style, and exceedingly, especially in his was fervent in spirit. He was own district. He was ultim called away suddenly, Janu ately ordained by the Congre- ary 9th, 1849, and was buried gationalists, and he spent the at Tregaron. Hanes Dafydd later years of his life as a Morgan, page 8 ; Dyddiadur minister of that body. Methodistaidd, 1850. Jones, Mr. Morris, . Jones, Mr. Joseph, Aber- Merionethshire, was the son of OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 169

John and Elinor Jones, Bryn- Jones,; Rev. Owen, Gelly, twr, , Carnarvon Montgomeryshire, was one of shire, and was born January the Apostles of the Sabbath 13th, 1806. In his early years School in Wales. Rev. Tho he lived a rather wild life. For mas Charles was its founder ; a time he resided in Cardigan but the Rev. Owen Jones took shire. In January, 1828, he a very active and prominent removed to Aberllefeni, where part in securing for it the hold he worked in the quarries. In and position it soon came to oc the January following he cupy in the Principality ; es married Miss Roberts, the pecially in connection with Garn, Carnarvonshire. Under Calvinistic Methodism. The a sermon by the Rev. Thomas former placed the plough in Owen, Anglesea, he was the ground and turned up the brought to consider his ways, first furrows ; the latter fol and a great change took place lowed with a bold hand, an in his life. He was chosen a eager spirit, and consumnate deacon of the church in 1835. skill. In some districts, Mr. His first public addresses were Jones succeeded in establishing as a Temperance advocate., and schools, in others he inspired he was able to speak with those already started with new much power from his own ex life ; and he was eminently suc perience of the evils of strong cessful in removing away the drink. In August, 1836, he prejudice of those who viewed began to preach, continuing at the rise of Sabbath Schools with the same time his work as grave alarm, looking at them as quarryman. On January 27th, a desecration of the Sabbath. 1840, whilst working in the He imparted such interest to quarry a portion of rock fell school meetings, that he drew upon him, and killed him in many to be in full sympathy stantly, aged 36 years. He with them. was buried at Talyllyn. His He was born at Towyn, Mer life, work, and death pro ionethshire, Feb. 14th, 1787. duced in the locality a great His father was Mr. John Jones, influence for good, which con motherCrynllwyn, was Elinor Towyn. Owen, His the tinued for some years. Y Dry- orfa, 1841;, Hanes Methodrst- daughter of a respectable far iaeth Gorllewin Meirionydd, mer at Aberllefeni. His par vol. i., page 166. ents so far appreciated educa Jones, Mr. Morris, Llan- tion as to secure it for their gybi, was one of the early son. His first school was at preachers. Penypark, near Towyn, he was K° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY then sent to Shrewsbury to com at Aberystwyth, who promised plete his studies, and there he to look after it. Mr. Davies displayed much zeal and ability induced Owen Jones, who was in the acquisition of knowledge. his cousin, to join him in the He was quick of apprehension enterprise. Neither of them and had a retentive memory. was at the time a member of He also had much sympathy any Christian Church. Nor with religion, but the impres was their faith strong that the sions he experienced at this work in which they were about time, whilst deep were trans to engage would be a success. ient, and left no permanent Almost as a forlorn hope they effect upon his character and took it in hand. Instead, how life. When he returned from ever, of their fears being real Shrewsbury, he was apprenticed ised, the School soon showed at Aberystwyth to a saddler. signs of vitality. Its members Here he began the work of Sab increased : interest therein bath School teaching, which in spread ; Mr Jones applied him subsequent years engrossed his self to it not only on Sunday soul, and for which he pos evenings, but also on every even sessed special qualifications. ing through the week, excepting The way he was led to under Saturday. Being fond of sing take it would seem to have ing, he awakened and sus been purely accidental. Yet tained the interest not only of how great the results ! A the young, but also adults, clergyman on a visit to Aber through holding singing ystwyth, observing on a Sunday practices. Blended with this evening in a part of the town was his catechetical method of called Trefechan, a number of imparting instruction, which men, women and children col fascinated many. He was lected together for gossip and still young, about his eigh amusement, he at once attempt teenth year ; and he had not yet ed to form a Sabbath-evening openly declared himself on the School. But his stay at Aber Lord's side through joining the ystwyth was only for two Sab church. The consciousness of baths after opening the School. this inconsistency led him to He therefore sought for some join the Tabernacle Church at one who would be likely to carry Aberystwyth, though he was it on after he would have left. not at the time under any deep He succeeded in finding a religious impressions. When young man named Robert Da- he finished his apprenticeship, vies, who afterwards became a he left Aberystwyth. Just then prominent deacon of the church a spiritual quickening began, OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. I7I which, strange to say, com however, frequent excursions menced in the Sabbath Sshool into the interior of Wales to with which Owen Jones was proclaim the ever blessed Gos connected, and at a service pel and to help forward the intended as his farewell meet good work he had at heart. ing. The flame spread. These itinerancies were so fre Hundreds were added to the quent that it is said he was at church of Christ. Joy and home little more than half his gladness were heard in the time. He was ordained at Bala land. in 1819. As a preacher, From Aberystwyth he went he attained to consider to Llanidloes in 1805, where he able eminence. His sermons remained two years, and ap plied himself heart and soul to were invariably substantial, Sabbath School work. In the and his delivery impressive, autumn of the year 1807, he reaching at times to real elo took up his residence at quence. His earnestness was Shrewsbury to work at his felt by all. He gave great trade : the same enthusiasm in prominence to the cardinal the Sabbath School possessed truths of the Christian reli Tum here as at Aberystwyth gion, proclaiming them with and Llanidloes. In 1808 he the greatest simplicity. Whilst returned to Towyn, where he strong in his own theological ,opened a business on his own sentiments, he was thoroughly account and shortly afterwards liberal towards those who diff he began to preach. He con ered from him. His great tinued to the end of his life to forte, however, upon which his manifest the same interest in fame rests, was in Sabbath Sabbath Schools and helped School work. In this depart much to secure their develop ment, he stood almost alone ; ment and prosperity. It was a few equalled him, none surpas passion with him to extend and sed him. His life was short. perfect this branch of Christian His sun set while it was in its work, looking upon it as the meridian splendour. He died best remedy for the prevailing December 4th, 1828, in his ignorance. In the same year forty-second year. His last that he entered upon the work words were, " All is well ! All of the ministry he married Miss is well!" A Memoir, by Rev. Mary Jones, the only daughter John Hughes, Pontrobert ; En- -of Mr. John Jones, Gelly, near wogion Swydd Ferrion, page Llanfaircaereinion, where he 136 ; Montgomeryshire Worth -henceforth resided, making, ies, page 153; Cronicl yr Ysgol 1/2 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Sabbothol, 1881, pages 229, 262, Jones, Mr. Rees, Conwii., 296, 340. Carmarthenshire, was one of Jones, Rev. Owen, New the early preachers. port, Pembrokeshire, forms the Jones, Mr. Rees, Dowlais, subject of an Elegy by John Glamorganshire, was one of the Evans, Argoed. He started early preachers in the district upon his Christian life when where he lived. eighteen years of age, and died Jones, Rev. Rees, Pen- about the year 1777-8, when he clawdd, Glamorganshire, was was thirty-three. The likeli a native of Anglesea. His hood is that he was a Clergy father was Mr. John Thomas, man of the Church of England, the first deacon at Llanfwrog. and was at the same time con Mr. Thomas Jones, Amlwch, nected with the Methodist was his brother. In 1813, movement. He came to New Lady Barham, mother of the port from Cardiganshire, and Hon. and Rev. Baptist W. having been well educated, he Noel, was led to reside in a. conducted a school, as is in benighted and neglected dis dicated in the following verse trict of Gower. Her ladyship of the Elegy : — was a God-fearing woman, and resolved upon making an effort " Chwi blant fu yn ei ysgol a gafodd trwyddo ddysg, to bless her new neighbourhood Cwestiwno'r wy a welwch ei fath ef yn with the light of the Gospel. eich mysg ; Bodd bena', Duw a'ch dysgo i rodio fel By the advice of the Rev. W. efe, Kemp, minister of Lady Hunt I gadw'r deyrnas ffordd ne'." yn gywir sy'n myned i ingdon's chapel, Swansea, she applied to the Association of It is 'equally clear from the the Calvinistic Methodists of following verse, that he did South Wales for a minister to not itinerate much to preach labour in Gower. In compli the Gospel, though he was a ance with this request, Mr. capital preacher : — Rees Jones, then of Anglesea, was chosen for this new field, " Fe anfoddlonodd llawer nad aeth e' 'n fwy i ma's and he settled at Penclawdd. Trwy Gymru i gyhoeddi am iechydwr- This was about the year 1815. iaeth gras ; Sawl wyddai ei amgylchiadau na allsai In the year 1818, he was or e'n f ynych fyn'd, dained at Llangeitho. For a Pwy bynnag wrtho ddigiodd fe gafodd time he preached and held a- Iesu'n ffrynd." Sabbath School in a dwelling- Y Traethodydd, 1888, page 487 ; house in the centre of the vil Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i., lage, and then a chapel was- page 468. built for him. He was a man OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 173 well-versed in the Scriptures, preach three times on the second seldom requiring a Concordance Sunday after he had been for reference : indeed his ab awakened to a concern about ility was chiefly shown in his his soul. exposition of the Word of God. Jones, Mr. Rhys, Rhyd- He was a man of strong at lwyd, Lledrod, Cardiganshire, tachments and deep convictions. began to preach at Conwil El- That which he believed he be vet, Carmarthenshire, and re lieved firmly ; that which he op- moved in the year 1808 to Lled posed he opposed determinedly ; rod, where he died. He was a that which he hated, he hated lively preacher, full of fire and intensely. He was highly re vigour. Methodistiaeth Cym- spected, and by no one more ru, vol. ii., page 29. so than by Lady Barham Jones, Rev. Richard, Bala, whilstFebruary she 18th, lived. 1829. The He Rev.died was born at Tafarntrip, Fes- tiniog Oct. 17, 1784. He was William Griffiths, Gower, one of twelve children, and as wrote of him in his journal the his father was a working man, day after his death, as fol he could not give him much lows : — " ' He was an Israelite early education. When six indeed in whom there was no years of age he attended one guile.' One well instructed in of Mr. Charles' Circulating the oracles of truth, and more Schools, which was started in than a match for the ministers the parish of Maentwrog — the of Satan who wickedly wrest parish adjoining where he the word of God to their own lived. In a few months he damnation. None of these learnt to read Welsh well, and cared for his company, or also a little English. In the wished more than once to enter year 1800, he came to Bala, the lists with him. He knew where he pursued his calling as the nature, scope, and connec a tailor. He had not as yet ex tion of the holy Scriptures perienced any deep religious better than most men of my ac impressions, but he attended quaintance. He was bold in the means of grace and the reproving sin, but tender in Sabbath School, and thus recommending the Saviour." gradually became concerned Memoir of the Rev. W. Griffiths, about his soul, and embraced Barry Green, pages 64 and 161 ; the Gospel as the way of life. Methodistiaeth Mon, page 204. He joined the Church when he Jones, Mr. R., Penycaerau, was 21 or 22 years of age. Carnarvonshire. Mr. Richard Shortly afterwards, Mr. Lloyd, Beaumaris, heard him Charles sent him to '74 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY to qualify himself to become a Feirion, page 75 ; Hanes Meth- country schoolmaster, and he odistiaeth Gorllewin Meirion- studied there for nine months. ydd, vol. ii., page 175; Metk- In 1808 he opened a school at odistiaeth Cymru, vol. i.r Bala, and after that at Tre- page 617. rhiwaedog, and Parc, near Jones, Mr. Richard, Coed- Bala. In 1814, he removed to CAEDU, Merionethshire, came to Trawsfynydd, where during this county from Carnarvon the year following, he com shire. menced to preach. He was or Jones, Rev. Richard, Garn dained at Bala in 1825, and in , Carnarvonshire, 1829, at the earnest request of was born August, 1799, at Hen the church at Bala, he came Shop, in the parish of Dol there to reside, and continued benmaen. His parents were to do so until his death, April Richard and Janet Jones, who 17th, 1840, aged 55 years. kept a small farm, and were Through his decease the Tem members of the Calvinistic perance cause lost one of its theMethodist ninth of church. ten children He — was the most ardent supporters, and the Churches of Wales one of its Rev. Morris Jones, Dinas, being most highly respected minis one of his brothers. When ters. The Rev. Richard Hum fourteen years of age, he was phreys, speaking of him at the apprenticed to a shoemaker at Association following his Garn. Four years later he death, held at Denbigh, said went to Manchester, where, In his discretion as a man, his god two years' time he joined the liness as a Christian, his rare Welsh church. In another two gifts as a preacher combined years, he began to preach. to make him exceedingly use Through his confinement, in ful in connection with the separable from his calling as a cause of Christ. He directed shoemaker, his health began to the Monthly Meeting of his suffer, and under medical ad county with much meekness vice he returned to his native and wisdom. He was buried district. Here he was recog at Llanycil, where the remains nized by the Carnarvonshire of many eminent Methodist Monthly Meeting as a preach ministers make the graveyard er, and was received a member sacred to Methodism. His of the Association. In 1832, Memoir was written and pub he married Miss Mary Evans, lished by the Rev. Lewis Jones, Glanygors, by whom he had pageBala. 160; Y Drysorfa,Enwogion vol. Swydd x., three children — one son and two daughters : the son however OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '75 died, when he was but a few the preacher gave out a hymn weeks old. He itinerated both to sing, these low fellows be through South and North gan to blow their horns, and Wales. He was ordained at thus caused the greatest con Carnarvon in 1845. His soul fusion. Some also began to was in his work, but his dis throw small stones at him, ease grew upon him. Early so that he was obliged to in 1847, he became confined to take to his heels, and was fol his home and his bed ; and he lowed by his enemies like blood died November 6th, of that year, hounds. One of them hap aged 48 years.. He had been pened to tread on the heels of a wise pastor and a fervent one of his boon companions who Christian. was so enraged that he turned Jones, Mr. Richard, Llan- upon him with much fierceness engan, Carnarvonshire, was of and a fight took place, which at a gentle disposition. He be once attracted their compan gan to labour publicly for the ions' attention. In the mean Lord, but his day was short, while Richard Jones, succeeded and the night wherein no man in escaping, wading through can work came upon him the river Malldwch, which was early. in full flow. Methodistiaeth Jones, Mr. Richard, New- Cymru, vol. ii., page 506; borough, Anglesea, was the Methodistiaeth Mon, page 51. son-in-law of Mr. John Davies, Jones, Rev. Richard, Wern, Ty'n-yr-allt, near Newborough, Llanfrothen, Merionethshire, who was the grandfather of the was a leader among his Rev. David Jones, . He brethren. He was not a brilli preached for a period of 40 ant speaker but a deep thinker, years or more, and thus must and thus he invariably spoke to have commenced doing so in the edification of his hearers. 1748, as he died in 1788. On Whilst slow of speech his one occasion his life was in thoughts were bright and imminent danger. This took sparkling. His hearers often place in the district where hung upon his lips, and at times Bethel church was subsequently would be borne away by the built. The service was in the force of his stirring thoughts. open air, and the preacher stood He spent much of his time in on a rock. The leader in the his study, and wrote much for attack was Chancellor Lewis, the press, contributing fre who had induced a number of quently to the Goleuad Cymru, low fellows to accompany him, and afterwards to the Drysorfa. bringing with them horns so as He generally wrote under the to disturb the meeting. When cognomen of Cymro Gwyllt. A BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

number of articles from his pen alone. When he gave himself were published under the title to the Church of Christ, it was of Drych y Dadleuwr (The Con. feared by some that he had troversialisfs Looking Glass). not experienced a true conver He was also a writer of sion, as he did not seem to be hymns, which were published in deeply troubled by the convic a small volume. In his liter tion of sin. Even his love of ary work, as in his preaching, poetry was looked upon by some he proved himself to be a man in his circle with considerable of considerable intelligence, suspicion. But whatever pre profound convictions, and judices existed in the minds of breadth of thought. the ignorant against him, he He was the son of John Prit- bore all opposition patiently chard, Coed-cae-du, in the par and meekly. He began to ish of , in the preach in the year 1794, and re neighbourhood of Brynengan, moved to the Wern, Llanfrothen and born in 1773, and was fair in 1819. In 1832 he removed ly well-to-do in his social cir again to , but con cumstances. He received his tinued to be known as Richard early education under the Rev. Jones, Wern. There was no Evan Richardson, who, in that great charm in his ministry at day, kept a school in the neigh first, but he gradually develop bourhood of Brynengan. He ed, and took a high position was thus early privileged with among his brethren. He was an elementary knowledge of ordained in the year 1814. In English, Latin and Greek, and 1832, his health began to de a taste for learning was cline, and on February 26th, awakened in his soul. After 1833, he passed away, aged 60 leaving school he con years. His Memoir was written tinued his studies, and made by the Rev. John Jones, Tre- so much progress that a gentle madoc. Methodistiaeth Gor- man living in the neighbour llewin Meirionydd, vol. ii., hood, a barrister by profession, page 196. -offered to prepare him for the Jones, Mr. Robert, Carnar bar. For some reason unknown vonshire, called by some Ro to us, the offer was declined. bert Sion Hughes. He was He did not in his early years faithful and much beloved by show much leaning to religion his friends. He is said to have though he lived a strictly moral been as suitable for his age as a life. He was of an independ mould for its cast. ent turn of mind, taciturn and Jones, Mr. Robert, Mold, reserved, and lived very much Flintshire, lived for some time OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '77 at Denbigh. He died October that, from a sense of modesty 30th, 1831, aged 49 years. A and of his personal unfitness sermon preached by him ap for so holy an office, or from peared in the Drysorfa, Febru the fact that the infirmities of ary, 1844. age were growing upon him, he Jones, Mr. Robert, Plas- must have declined to allow drain, Merionethshire, was one himself to be nominated for -of the early preachers. He the honour. Of the high es lived for some time at Fedw'r- teem in which he was held by gog, near Talybont, but after the brotherhood there is no "his marriage he resided at Ty'n- doubt. It was pre-eminently ddol, Cwmtirmynach, and af so in Lleyn and , terwards at Plasdrain. He where he was a shining light -was an acceptable preacher, but and a leading spirit. As a died in the midst of his days. preacher he was not as eloquent Methodistiaeth Dwyrafn Meir- as some of his brethren ; nor ionydd, page 177. was he as vigorous and Jones, Mr. Robert, Rhos- demonstrative in his style : he lan, Carnarvonshire, was one of was rather a calm and conclu the best known and most wide sive reasoner and teacher. He ly-respected of the preachers of took much interest in the his Tiis denomination in his day, tory of the Methodist move especially in North Wales. The ment, and kept a record of the service he rendered Methodism most notable events that came and his country, as a school within his observation. His master, reformer, preacher of " Drych yr Amseroedd " (The the Gospel and historian, was Mirror of the Times) is a re great. He did much in the pertoire of information bearing -way of instructing the people, upon its history. He travelled improving their morals, and much in the two sections of the furthering the interests of re Principality, and was a keen ligion. It is rather surprising observer of men and events. He Tiow he was not ordained to the wrote several other useful works full work of the ministry at in Welsh, and translated the the time the first batch of lay first volume of Gurnal's preachers was set apart to ad " Christian in his Complete Ar minister the ordinances at mour." He went on several oc Bala, in 181 1. But as he him casions to Llangeitho in com self was honoured with the posi pany with the pilgrim bands tion of giving the" charge to who flocked thither from Car the newly-ordained ministers on narvonshire to hear Daniel that occasion, the likelihood is Rowland preach. He was pre N BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY sent at more than fifty of the the Gospel and solemnizing his annual meetings of the North spirit. About the same time, he Wales Association at Bala. was converted by a sermon He was born at Suntur, in which he heard preached by one the parish of Llanystumdwy, who accompanied Lewis Evan, Carnarvonshire, in the year Montgomeryshire, on a preach 1745. Like most of the youths ing itinerancy in Carnarvon of his period and circle, he shire ; and he at once joined had but little educational ad the church at Brynengan. At vantages : indeed he never had this time he was engaged in his but six weeks' school training : occupation as a carpenter ; but but through his own determined he soon became possessed by the and persevering efforts he ac passionate desire to benefit his quired more general knowledge fellow countrymen, especially than the majority of people of the rising generation. And one his day. He was a great read of those facts took place, which, er of such books as came within were it recorded in the Bible in his reach. He lost his mother regard to any of the good men when he was eleven years of whose history is to be found in age, which was for him an ir the Holy Book, would be de reparable loss, for she was a clared to be legendary. Though good, sensible woman, fond of quite a young man he under her Bible and the Book of Com took, without being helped or mon Prayer : she also attended urged to do so by any one, a Church frequently and took Ro journey on foot to , bert with her. She was anxious Carmarthenshire, a distance to train her children in the ways considerably over 100 miles, of virtue and religion. Thus a to see Madame Bevan, to taste for knowledge was quick urge upon her to have com ened in his soul early in life, passion upon the poor child and he never lost an opportunity ren of North Wales through of improving himself. The few sending teachers to instruct weeks' schooling he had was them. On the way he prayed with one Thomas Gough, who continually for the prosperity was in the habit of instructing of his self-imposed mission ; his scholars in Griffith Jones, but unfortunately, when he Llanddowror'sWhen he was 17 years Catechism. of age, he reached Laugharne, the good lady was not at home, and it became possessed of a copy of seemed as if his mission would this Catechism, and he was able end in complete failure. How to master it. It proved of great ever he left for her a pathetic value to him, widening his appeal, and resolved, as he was knowledge in the doctrines of already in South Wales, and' OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. "79 had heard much of Howel move from place to place, as a Harris, to visit Trevecca, and few months were considered get an interview with him. This ample to teach the children and involved another walk of 60 others who might attend to read miles. Having seen Harris he the Welsh Bible. Thus he lab returned to Laughame, en oured successively at Capel couraged possibly by him to do Curig, Rhuddlan, Brynsiencyn, so. This time he succeeded in Beddgelert, Llangybi, Bryn- having an interview with engan, Llanbadarn. In all Madame Bevan. She was these places, and possibly in loth to yield to his ap others, he not only taught the peal, as she had been, young, but preached the Gos after the Rev. Griffith Jones' pel. He often had much op death, disappointed in several position to contend with, es of the teachers. However, see pecially because of his evangel ing his great earnestness in the istic efforts, and this opposi matter, she resolved upon grant tion in the main arose from ing him his request, on one con clergymen of the Established dition, that he would undertake Church. One of these, the the work himself. To this he vicar of Brynsiencyn, who was acquiesced, though he had not bitter against the Methodists, previously thought of anything compelled him to close the of the kind. He commenced school. Robert, when leaving, his work at , a dis remarked to the Clergyman, trict between Bangor and Bet- " Remember, sir, there will be tws-y-coed. Here also he com a reference to this matter on the menced to preach. Like many day of judgment." This same others, he was led to do so quite clergyman and his wife visited accidentally, though, possibly a Mrs. Lloyd, of Cesail, Pen- the purpose had been in his morfa, Eifionydd. Whilst there mind for some time. A stranger he called upon a friend, who had been announced to preach told him that a tenant of Mrs. at Capel Curig, and Robert went Lloyd's living at Hendre to the service. But the preacher Howell, not far from her palace did not make his appearance. had been in the habit for some In the emergency Robert was years of permitting preaching urged to address the people who in his house ; " and I am a- had come together. He did so, fraid," remarked the friend, and thus began his preaching "that no one has been honest services, which he continued to enough to inform Mrs. Lloyd." the end of his days. As was Upon hearing this, the clergy customary with Madame Be- man was enraged, and remark van's teachers, he had to re ed, "Can it possibly be true?" iSo BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

" True enough," was the reply. which were regularly held ; a "Well," he said, "I won't sit church was also formed. When to dinner to-day before inform the lease, however, was up, he ing her." And away he went should not remain on the farm towards her home. But before unless the preaching services he had reached the palace, his were discontinued. To these mouthservants was were all frightened, askew. Theand terms he refused to comply, so he had to leave, and the church could get no answer from him which had been formed was to their questions. His wife scattered. He then took a farm, was hastily summoned, but she named Ty-bwlcyn, near Garn- could not get a word from him. fadryn in Lleyn, where he re He had been struck with palsy, mained till his wife's death. and he remained dumb to the After that he gave up the farm, end of his life. He was thus and for a time lodged here and prevented from reporting to Mrs there, devoting his time to liter Lloyd what he proposed to do, ature and preaching the Gospel. and the preaching continued at Ultimately, a chapel house was Hendre Howell as before. After built in connection with Dinas his dismissal from Brynsiencyn, chapel, and here he made his Robert Jones went on an itiner abode during the remaining ancy through Anglesea with a days of his life. He died clergyman whose name is not re April 11th, 1829, aged 84 years, corded, and his preaching is and was buried in Llaniestyn said to have been superior to graveyard.Cymru, vol. ii., page Methodistiaeth 186; Meth that of the ecclesiastic. When at Brynengan he married Mag odistiaeth Mon, page 60 ; Y Tad- dalen, the daughter of Richard au56. Method? staidd, vol. ii., page Griffith, Cae'rtyddyn, in the parish of Llangybi, who proved Jones, Mr. Rowland, to him a very worthy wife. TkawSFynYdd, Merionethshire, When he was away on his was one of the early preachers. preaching tours, she conducted Jones, Mr. Theophilus, Tre family worship with her garon, Cardiganshire, was a children, morning and even man of peculiar temperament ing. . After a time he gave and considerable genius. At up the school, and took, times he was extremly un upon a seven years' lease, couthner, but and in blunt the in inner his man- cir a farm, called Tirbach, Rhos- lan, Llanystumdwy. He built a cle of his acquaintances he house on the farm, one portion was gentle and kind. If mat of it as a residence, and the ters did not go well with other for preaching services, him, he would not hesitate to OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. iSl give expression to his feelings daughter. William became a in rather strong language, Congregational minister, and which might give offence to one for some years had charge of who did not know his ways. a Congregational church at He was right at heart, though Trawsfynydd. Theophilus re at times rough in his tongue. ceived his early training at the He was equally sharp and Ystradmeirig School, which was straight with all classes. He conducted at the time by the was often quaint and original, Rev. Mr. Williams — father of witty and humourous. Had he the eminent scholar, Arch been trained for the English deacon Williams. His teacher ministry, and had his pecuniary was his cousin. The lad took circumstances been more fav well to his education. Indeed ourable, he might have been their cousin offered the two classed with John Berridge, lads to prepare them for the though doubtless he would not Church, but both refused, pre have been always so affable. His ferring to throw in their lot poverty and the poor remunera with the Nonconformists. Just tion he received for his ser then a revival took place in their vices, and this whilst he had immediate neighbourhood ; and a wife and nine children de notwithstanding the contempt he pendent upon him for their sup drew upon himself through do port, entered very largely into ing so, Theophilus threw in the cause of his expressing him his lot with the Methodists. self in the soured tone which When about twenty years of was so characteristic of him. age he entered Lady Hunting Underneath the rough ex don's College, then at Trevecca ; terior however, which he and three years later he began sometimes manifested, he had to preach. In 1806, he mar a soft and tender heart. ried Anne, the daughter of No doubt he was a true Edward and Anne Davies, genius and often gave expres Rhydlwyd, Lledrod, by whom sion to very beautiful thoughts. he had nine children, all of He was born in a small farm whom, excepting one, survived house named Rhyd-yr-efail, him. Sometime after his mar Lledrod, Cardiganshire, in the riage he removed to Tregaron, year 1762. His parents were where he continued to reside Evan and Jane Jones, who were until his death. He travelled of a deeply religious disposi much as was the custom of the tion. Indeed, his father was Methodist ministry in his day. one of the earliest exhorters of The pecuniary remuneration Methodism in Cardiganshire. given at that time, even to There were two sons and one ministers who had no other 18i BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY source of maintenance, was As a preacher he had a style shamefully small, and placed of his own, sometimes very curt, men like Theophilus Jones in a especially if he were at all de very difficult financial position. pressed. And very little, such He was no doubt often very as a slight change of weather, a hard pressed and in great little cold or wet, or some dis straits. This at last led him appointment, would put him out in the year 1820, when he was of humour. He would vary 58 years of age, to seek admis much in his moods. At times sion into the ministry of the his ministry would be cheerful Established Church, hoping and flowing : at other times it thereby to be better able to sup would be quite the reverse. port and bring up worthily his Should it be at all dark upon large family. He presented him, he would cut his ser himself to Bishop Burgess, fully mon short. Apart from his expecting to be received as he moods, his gifts as a preacher was no mean scholar. But to were considerable, but never his disappointment and chagrin secured him the appreciation he he was rejected on the ground deserved. of his age. The Bishop told It is said of him that when him, " You are too old." Na he was preaching one afternoon turally, he was taken to task at Beaufort, a colliery district severely by his brethren at the on the borders of Monmouth Quarterly Association, when shire, the colliers, according to what he had done became their custom at the time, came known ; and it was only by the to the service unwashed and in skin of his teeth he escaped their working clothes. After suspension, if not complete ex taking his text, he addressed communication. Had it not them in these words — of course been for the earnest interces in Welsh — " People, I am sion of his great friend, the afraid of you — I am in my Rev. Ebenezer Richards, whose heart afraid of you — the Lord influence was almost supreme, knows I am afraid of you. The he would no doubt have been devils themselves cannot be dealt with severely. His po blacker than you are. But a verty and consequent hardships fount has been opened to wash were doubtless the main reason away all filth ; and possibly you which led him to seek perfer- may become washed as white as ment in the Church, as he sel the angels of God." dom received more than ^20 a year for his preaching services, He died May 29th, 1829, aged whilst, as already stated, he had 67 years, and was buried in Tre a large family to provide for. garon churchyard. Y Traeth OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 183 odydd, vol. ii., page 286; En- earnest preacher, and in his wogion Ceredigion, page 144. earlier years in the ministry he Jones, Mr. Thomas, Amlwch, consecrated every Friday, so Anglesea, was born at Frondir- far as circumstances would per ion, in the parish of Llanfwrog, mit, to fasting and prayer, June 23rd, 1777. His parents pleading for the help of the were John and Margaret Thom Spirit in his work. He took as, Ty'n-yr-efel, who walked in much interest in the prophecies the fear of the Lord, and of the Scriptures, looking for sought to train their children ward to the years 1849 and 1926 for His service, with the result as periods when great changes that of their eight children, would come to pass in the reli three devoted themselves to the gious world. He entertained ministry of the Gospel — Thomas great confidence as to the re and Rees with the Methodists, turn of the Jews to Palestine, and Robert with the Congrega- and frequently prayed that the tionalists at . Thomas event might be hastened. He was brought up in the same died suddenly, July 6th, 1847, calling as his father, that of a aged 70 years, and was buried blacksmith. He did not ap in Llanfwrog churchyard. Y preciate the educational advant Drysorfa, vol. xviii., page 205; ages within his reach until Y Traethodydd, 1880, page 53 ; he began to preach. He then Methodistiaeth Mon, page 197. applied himself with much Jones, Rev. Thomas, Car constancy to reading and study. marthen, was among the first He mastered the English langu preachers ordained at Llan- age so thoroughly that he trans dilo, Carmarthenshire in 1811. lated several standard theo In his early years he lived at logical works into Welsh. Trebedw, Capel y Drindod, Car Among others the following may diganshire. He removed thence be mentioned — " Am y Pryned- to Llanpumsaint, a few miles igaeth ;" " Scott ar y Proph- from Carmarthen, and ulti wydi ;" " Yr Arweinydd Crist- mately he resided at Carmarthen. ionogol." In 1802, he mar His chief object in removing to ried Margaret, a daughter of the latter place was to super Mr. John Griffiths, . intend the publishing of an edi He was chosen a deacon of the tion of Peter Williams' Bible. church at , and in He was a busy man and an 1807, he began to preach. He ardent student. Notwithstand changed his residence once or ing his itinerancies through twice, and ultimately settled at North and South Wales, he Llainlwyd, near Amlwch, where found time to prepare and pub lie opened a school. He was an lish Commentaries in Welsh on 1 84 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

the Pentateuch, the book of Job, open a school. In 1824 he had Solomon's Song, and the epistle taken to the business of a gro to the Hebrews — works which cer. His name is to be found in were exceedingly popular for 1827 among the preachers who many a year. Through his in officiated at Parc. He was a pop dustry and ability he succeeded ular preacher during his brief in mastering the English langu day. On one occasion he preach age and becoming an acceptable ed at the same service in Angle- preacher in the pulpits of Lady sea with the Rev. John Elias. Huntingdon's chapels. He The Rev. R. Parry (Gwalch- was a sound divine, a popular mai) was present, and intro preacher, and highly respected ductory to a fine sketch of the in the town where he dwelt ; and master preacher, he says, " One by the denomination of which he Thomas Jones, Corwen, preach was a minister. He died Jan. ed before him, and though he i8, 1831, aged 70 years. His was but a comparatively young eldest son was for a brief man he had a wonderful ser period the minister of Lady vice. He got a complete mas Huntingdon's Chapel, Swansea, tery over the congregation : the and afterwards became Classical crowd was deeply affected, and Tutor at Cheshunt College, some were on the point of where he died in the year 1825 bursting forth in praise when at the early age of thirty-three he sat down. Some were years. His second son, John, almost inclined to say ' that was also a minister of Lady it would be useless to have Huntingdon's Connexion. Meth- any further preaching that odistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., evening. It would be better to- page 472. close the service.' Indeed some Jones, Mr. Thomas, Cilcain, quietly made the remark." Fol Flintshire, began to preach in lowing upon this reference to the year 1839, and was received Jones, Gwalchmai wrote his by the Association at Mold in grand description of John the year 1842. He died April Elias whose preaching soon ec 13th, 1847, aged 42 years. He lipsed that of his predeces was an acceptable preacher and sor. Jones died about the year a considerable writer. He 1830, and had been suspended translated Thomas Watson's from preaching a short time " Body of Divinity " into previously. — Methodistiaeth Welsh. Y Drysorfa, vol. xvii., Dwyrain Meirionydd, page 332. page 159. bigh, Jones, took Rev. a very Thomas, prominent Den- Jones, Mr. Thomas, Corwen, Merionethshire, came to Cor part in the history of Welsh wen, about the year 1820, to Methodism ; indeed he hardly OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

ranks second to the renowned solved upon identifying himself Rev. Thomas Charles of Bala. with those whom he deemed to be He and Mr. Charles were for the people of God, rather than many years co-workers, fre secure earthly position and quently taking sweet counsel riches through following the together, and deeply attached desire of his father. He there to each other : working hand in fore remained at home and was glove for the furtherance of the obliged to take part in all kinds cause of Christ in the Meth of menial work on the farm, ac odist fold, and also for the edu cording to the requirements of cational and spiritual welfare farm life. of their countrymen. His early deep religious im He was born at Penuchaf, pressions continued for about Caerwys, Denbighshire, in the seven years, during which time month of February, 1756 — the he found but little relief. He precise date is not know,n. His passed through much anxiety of parents were Edward and Jane soul. He was deeply pained Jones. The estate of Pen and heavily laden by his sense uchaf had been in the family of sin and unworthiness. He for nearly five centuries. From felt drawn to the preaching of his earliest years Thomas had the Word of Cod by the simple the best education within reach, preachers of his day, and to the and this was continued until he small circle of God-fearing peo was sixteen years of age. His ple with whom he worshipped. health not being satisfactory he Notwithstanding his father's left school. He was at the coldness and resentment, he time deeply concerned about his was most diligent in his at soul, and was led to throw in tendance at the means of grace, his lot with the Methodists, a oftentimes going long distances step which displeased his father to hear the few humble preach considerably ; the Methodists at ers who held forth the Word of the time being a despised peo truth. The record of his re ple, few in number and humble ligious experience, as recorded in social position. It was his in his autobiography, rev.ials father's wish that he should re through what darkness and turn to school and prepare for agony of soul he passed. For Orders in the Church ; but he these seven years he was in would not entertain the idea for much doubt and sorely depres a moment. The character of sed. He yearned for light and the clergy in his day was so low joy but found none. But at the and depraved, that his soul close of this period, the clouds shrank from allying himself began to disperse, his bonds be with them. Tike Moses, he re gan to loosen, and he entered 1 86 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

upon the glorious liberty >f the identified himself with the sons of God. He became a new Methodist movement, and he man with new joys and new was the first clergyman in aspirations. From this time the northern province who forth he found the abundant life did so. There were, how which Jesus has to impart. ever, nine or ten preachers — Though he persistently re farmers, or workmen engaged in fused to become a clergyman, daily toil, who had enjoyed no the desire arose in his heart now special training, and but little and again to speak a few education beyond what they words for Jesus to the humble received through the study of people with whom he associated the Holy Scriptures. It was no and worshipped ; and one Sun light thing for a young man like day evening when he was at a Thomas Jones to identify him service at Caerwys, the expect self with a cause which was ed preacher did not make his thus humble. appearance, so the friends pre As soon as it became known sent urged him to speak a few that he had begun to preach ap words. He yielded to their re plications for his services be quest. In this simple fashion came frequent, and he found he began and entered upon his but little rest. As his health ministerial life — a life which was far from strong, he was became bright and full of bles often laid aside and had to re sing to the cause of Christ. strain himself from manual Methodism was at this time — work on the farm. He took the year 1783 — exceedingly weak advantage of these occasions to throughout the whole of North pursue his studies and qualify Wales. The churches were few himself for future ministerial in number and small as regards duties. membership. There were but In 1785, two years after he twenty places, at most, in the began to preach, he first met counties of both Flint and Den with the Rev. Thomas Charles, bigh where services were held between whom and him sprang with anything like regularity. up a deep and abiding friend In these twenty places, there ship. They assisted each other in were but six chapels, and these every way possible, and work were small, plain, insignificant ed harmoniously and effectually buildings. There was not one together for the furtherance of ordained minister in connection the cause of Christ, until separ with Methodism throughout the ated by the stream of death. whole of North Wales. It was They became close and fast two years subsequently to this friends, comforting each other that the Rev. Thomas Charles in their trials, and encouraging OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. .87 each other in their efforts for the at Mold, and he did so even welfare of religion and their after his father's death in 1803, -country. Both were young and when the Penuchaf estate fell about the same age. Both into his possession. His whole were animated by similar sym thoughts were taken up with the pathies and ambitions. Both service of the Lord. Earthly were consumed by their fervent gain and earthly ambition zeal in the cause of the same formed no element in his life. Master. Nothing like their He consecrated himself to united influence is to be found preaching and literature, send elsewhere in the annals of Meth ing forth through the press odism. Through the pulpit and works designed to be helpful to the press, they did an amount the spiritual and intellectual of work which entered largely life of the people. into the life and character and In 1804, he married again. form of the Denomination to His new partner was an English which they were attached. It lady of the name of Maysmor, ought to be recorded that Mr. who lived in the parish of Lian- Jones was in London supply elidan, near Ruthin. This led ing the Welsh church in Wilder to his change of residence from ness Row, during the time Mold,Mold so to at Ruthin. Ruthin, he applied As at when Mr. Charles was busy seeking to stir up the friends of himself with energy to the work the Religious Tract Society to of the ministry and the produc make a special effort for a larger tion of religious literature. His supply of Bibles for Wales, and second matrimonial experience, which led to the formation of like his first, was of short dura the British and Foreign Bible tion. Mrs. Jones lived but six Society. There can be no teen months after her marriage. doubt that, as the two friends In about twelvemonths he mar were together in London, Mr. ried a third time : this took Jones aided Mr. Charles con place October 6th, 1806. The siderably in his successful ap lady of his choice was Miss peals for the attainment of his Mary , Lloyd, Tanypendist, object. Llanrwst. He was more for In October, 1795, through his tunate in this case in the partner marriage with Miss Elizabeth he found as regards her health Jones, of Mold, he removed and strength : she even outlived from Penuchaf to Mold. His him for the long space of matrimonial life, however, in twenty-eight years. this instance was short, as Mrs. His stay at Ruthin was not Jones died in November, 1797. very long, for in the year 1809, He continued however to reside he removed to Denbigh, where BIOGKAPHICAL DICTIONARY he henceforth resided, with the (The History of the Martyrs), exception of a brief space of two and his translation of Gurnal's years when, for the sake of his " Christian in his Complete health, he lived at Syrior Goch, Armour," in four volumes, were near Bettws, Abergele. His large and important works. He physical health was at no time was moreover a considerable vigorous. He suffered almost poet, many of his odes and through life from a most pain some of his hymns being of no- ful affliction which necessitated mean order. There can be no on two occasions his undergoing doubt that through his writings a dangerous operation. In the his influence upon the spiritual hope that he would be better life of the country, especially of through a stay in the country, his own denomination, was very he went in May, 1816, to Syrior great. Goch, but finding that his ex pectation was vain, he returned The part he took in connection to Denbigh, where he ended his with the first setting apart of days June 16th, 1820. preachers to the full work of Notwithstanding his physical the ministry in his Connexion sufferings, his life was ever a was very prominent and unique. busy one. Besides preaching, cryFor arosesome years in many before circles 181 1, thefor he always had some literary Ruthin,work in he hand. even set up When a print at the ordination of some of the leading preachers of the Meth ing press so as to facilitate the odist movement. The three or bringing forth of his writings. four more prominent facts that For this undertaking he secured led to this were, first, the few the services of Mr. Thomas Gee, ness of the Clergymen who were whose son was the well-known identified with the movement, Thomas Gee, preacher, politi and who would administer the cian, printer and publisher, ordinances elsewhere than in the Denbigh. When he removed parish churches, and hence the from Ruthin to Denbigh, he administration of the ordin took his printing establishment ances was painfully infre with him. His whole writings quent in some districts, though consist, it is said, of about chapels were increasing in 5,500 pages of printed matter. number ; secondly, the reluc The Rev. Jonathan Jones, in his tance of many of the Method Memoir, gives a list of thirty- ists to commune in the parish three works written by him : churches because of the low and some of these were small depraved habits of some of the volumes or mere tracts ; others, Clergy, at whose hands they such as " Hanes y Merthyron " could not accept the sacred ele OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 189

merits : thirdly, because indi the northern province, relative viduals who were excommuni to the extent of our Lord's cated from the Methodist atonement for sin. A large Societies, in consequences of number of ministers and deacons their ungodly ways, were al held with great persistency that lowed to commune in the parish the atonement made was simply church : and fourthly, the ma equivalent to the debt due by jority of the members in the the Lord's people to the Law of Methodist Societies had been God through their transgres converted under the ministry of sions. The value of the Atone the preachers ; and through their ment was thus set forth as preaching received their spiri limited. Thomas Jones was for tual instruction and nurture : a time almost single-handed in and they could not see why they opposition to this limited and should not receive the ordinance commercial view. In the pul at their hands. The episcopally pit and through the press he re ordained clergy in the main sented the mercantile character were strongly opposed to any of the doctrine as taught and action being taken. It was a urged by the High Calvinistic time of great strife. Even the school. He set forth in strong Rev. Thomas Charles was un est terms the infinitude of the yielding in his opposition until propitiation, and he did so with he found that Mr. Thomas Jones such skill and force that he was strongly in favour of the gradually silenced and com movement, and he had heard pletely overthrew his oppo that, at the request of the church nents. No doubt he took at Denbigh, he had adminis the chief part in setting the de tered the ordinance of Baptism. nomination right on this vital His regard for Mr. Jones and question. He fought hard, his opinion of him were so high and though at first he was that this action finally led him vilified and reviled, he ultim to yield to the demand. Ar ately won the day. There can rangements were then made to be little doubt that he was an carry the decision into effect, able and skilful debater, and a which was done first at Bala, man of great force of character. June 19th, 181 r, when Mr. Jones Having once taken up his posi and seven other lay preachers tion, he was not easily moved. were set apart for the adminis He thus contributed largely in tration of the ordinances. the making of Methodism, both a fierceDuring theological the years conflict 1814 — 1820, took as to its theology and its ecclesi astical order. Cofiant y Parch. ' place in Wales, especially in Thomas Jones 0 Ddinbych. I 9o BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Jones, Rev. Thomas, Llan- endued with great ministerial ddarog, Carmarthenshire, was gifts. Dr. Owen Thomas, who born at the Foel, in the parish once heard him, records that of Llanvihangel-rhos-y-cwm, in few preachers in his day were the year 1771. He joined the more popular and successful church at Llanpumsaint early in than he. He was blessed with life. He commenced preach much intellectual power. His ing at Llanddarog, when thirty- style of preaching was pathetic. five years of age. He was weil- Through a sermon preached by known and highly esteemed, es him, the Rev. John Hughes, pecially within the bounds of Pontrobert, when a young man, his own Monthly Meeting, was converted. He died June where he almost exclusively la 19th, 1835. boured. He was ordained at Jones, Rev Thomas, Khassia, Cardigan in 1830, and was a Assam, the first Missionary of preacher of the Gospel for forty- the Methodists to Khassia was four years. His faithfulness the second son of Edward and to his Monthly Meeting was Mary Jones, of Tanyffridd, in most exemplary : he was seldom the parish of Llangyniew, absent, unless he would happen Montgomeryshire, and was born to be on a preaching tour, which January 24th, 1810. He was was very exceptional. His brought up a wheelwright and name was fragrant for many carpenter, but he afterwards" be years after his death. It is came a miller at . Here said that he never broke a he experienced deep religious preaching engagement, and that impressions, and began to preach his punctuality was 'proverbial. about the year 1835. He soon He was faithful in his whole after resolved upon becoming a house, and his presence was a missionary, and was among the joy to the brethren. His spirit first students who entered Bala was lovely and his counsel was College at the time it was open wise. Many of his sayings at ed in 1837. In 1838 or 1839, he church meetings were treasur offered himself to the London ed by those who heard them. Missionary Society, with a He died August 12th, 1849, strong predilection in favour of in the 78th year of his age. — India. But he was rejected, Cenhadon Hedd, page 7. upon the report of Dr. Con Jones, Mr. Thomas, Llanwn- quest, on the ground of his og, Montgomeryshire, accord health. The Directors subse ing to the testimony borne of quently accepted him on condi him by those who heard him tion that he would consent to preach, was a man who had been labour in South Africa, but this OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. igi he declined, and the negotia Dramor y Methodistiaid Calfin- tions with the Society fell aidd, page 429. through. For some time pre Jones, Mr. Thomas, New- vious to this, the desire had borough, Anglesea, was born in arisen in some circles of Meth the year 1792. His father who odism to form a Missionary So was a religious man, died ciety apart from the London young, through having taken a Society, and now that this young chill when out at night at a re man of their own denomination vival meeting. Thomas was was ready to take up the work, then brought up by his grand it was decided to accept him as father — his mother's father — at its first missionary. He was ac Ty Croes. He was not only cordingly ordained at Bala, godly but exceptionally so, fre January 1st, 1840, and after a quently spending considerable few months' medical training in time in prayer in an old quarry Glasgow, he was sent to the in one of the fields of his grand Khassia Hills, November 25th, father's farm. He joined the 1840. He reached Cherra- church when fourteen years of poonjee, June 22nd, 1841. He age, and in 1817 began to was a man of considerable ab preach. Shortly afterwards he ility, and of a strong will, well went on a preaching tour suited for pioneer work. He through South Wales in com buried his first wife in 1845, and pany with the Rev. David Elias, circumstances arose, in con and was very much liked. On nection with his second mar his return journey, he was taken riage which led to the termina suddenly ill at Carnarvon, and tion of his connection with the in three days, May 18th, 1820, Society in 1847. He did good he died, at the early age of work, and his successors no twenty-eight years. Method- doubt profited considerably istiaeth Mon, page 198. through his labours. He died Jones, Mr., Twyn, Glamor at Calcutta, Sept. 16th, 1849, ganshire, was one of the early aged 39 years. His daughter preachers of Methodism in his — Mrs. Brownlow — continued to county. He is referred to as live in Assam, and her step having come to Aberthyn one daughter, Miss Brownlow, was Sunday morning to preach, engaged in connection with our when he found the door of the Mission in Sylhet. Monthly chapel closed against him and Tidings for 1893, page 69 ; those who had come to the ser Montgomeryshirepage 162; Y Drysorfa, Worthies, vol. x., vice, by the section of the Aberthyn church which held the page 53 ; Hanes Cenhadaeth doctrines of Sabellius. One of 102 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY two courses was open to him zealous Churchman was dis and his friends — either to con pleased with him for doing so, duct the service in the open air and prohibited him from con or break open the door of the ducting family worship in the chapel and enter by force. The house, until he offered to read latter course was taken, and prayers from the Prayer Book. those present rushed in, shout Without the knowledge of his ing, " Success to the truth." father, however, he often Mr. Jones then entered the pul blended with the prayers of the pit, and preached the truth as Prayer Book, petitions and accepted by the orthodox Meth praises of his own. But one odists. night the candle went out, and Jones, Rev. William, Dol-y- William, in no way discon fonddu, Montgomeryshire, was certed, went on, until his father born in 1770. His father was shouted, "What art thou doing, a respectable farmer and cattle- Willie?" — an uncle also, who dealer, living at Nant-fudr, and was living with the family, Afterwards at Coedcaedu, in the held up his fist at him, threat parish of Trawsfynydd, Mer ening to strike him. ionethshire. He was privileged When 24 years of age, he with receiving a better educa married Mrs. Watkins, a widow tion than most boys of his day lady living at Mathafarn, near and district; but his delight in Machynlleth, and removed there the days of his youth was in the to live. About eight years after way of vanity and sin, totally he began to preach, and he con unconcerned about the salva tinued to do so with much zeal, tion of his soul. He occasion ability, and faithfulness to the ally attended religious services ; end of his life. A determined and gradually his spiritual in and successful attempt was made terests began to press upon his by the Vicar of the parish to get mind, especially after his him ejected from his farm, be mother's death. But he did cause of the preaching services not for some time identify him he conducted, but in the good self with any particular deno providence of God the Vicar was mination. He was led by his thwarted in his efforts to get him -calling occasionally to visit driven out of the parish, as London, where he heard the just then, he inherited some pro pious Mr. Romaine, whose perty therein. From this time preaching produced a deep im forth he dwelt at Dol-y-fonddu. pression upon him. Upon his He took a prominent part in the return home he joined the Meth affairs of his Monthly Meeting, odists. His father who was a and became one of its chief pil OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 193 lars. He did not travel much absenting himself if he was at beyond the bounds of his home. Moreover, he enter own Presbytery, though he tained all the preachers who paid an occasional visit to the visited the place from time to churches both of North and time on their itinerancies. He South Wales. In proof of the was frequently present at the high esteem in which he was Monthly Meetings and Quar held, it may be said that he was terly Associations of the De one of the eight lay preachers nomination. He was not con sidered a great preacher, but ordained at Bala, in 1811. He he was thoroughly evangelical, died March 1st, 1837, aged 67 and hence the Methodists every years.written and His published Memoir by was the where gathered to hear him. He was considerably under the Rev. John Hughes, Pontrobert. influence of the Rev. David Enwogion Swydd Feirion, page Griffiths, Nefern, and like him, 29; Y Drysorfa, vol. x., page when he left the Connexion, re 212. tained possession of the chapel Jones, Mr. William, Llaeth- which he had been the means bwlch, Montgomeryshire, was of erecting. He died Oct. 31st, a respectable farmer, and at 1825, aged 76 years — fourteen the same time a preacher of the years after he had left the Gospel of considerable ability ; Methodists. — Y Tadau Method- Tjut he did not go far afield istaidd, vol. ii., page 336. from his own county. He died Jones, Mr. William, Llan- July, 1818, aged 77 years. gyndeyrn, Carmarthenshire, Jones, Rev. William, Llan- was brought up at Cilycwm, dudoch, Pembrokeshire, was where he began to preach. He one of the clergymen of the removed to , and Church of England who dis in the year 1809, he was instru sociated themselves from the mental in the erection of a Methodists at the time of the chapel. first ordination of lay preach Jones, Mr. William, Llwyn- ers in 181 1. He came to Llan- brwydrau, Glamorganshire, dudoch from Glamorganshire died September 16th, 1849, aged about the year 1776, and co 48 years. He had been for operated with the Methodists some years an acceptable for 35 years ; and he did so preacher within the bounds of lieartily. Through his instru his Monthly Meeting, but he mentality the first chapel was was suddenly cut down by an erected at Llandudoch, and he attack of cholera. was exceedingly faithful in at Jones, Mr. William, Kid- tending all the services, never wely, Carmarthenshire, is re O K)4 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

ferred to as having had on one physical frame, his voice, his occasion a memorable service popular gifts, he was cut out to near Llandovery. be an and a Jones, Rev. William, Rhudd- revivalist of no ordinary lan, Flintshire, died Oct. 10th, merit. The sound of battle was 1844, having been a preacher in his spirit and ministry. He for more than 30 years, and ever aimed at striking severely ordained in June, 1831. He the corruptions of the people ; was a sincere Christian, and a and though at times his lively and popular preacher. natural disposition might lead His chief ability was in the him a little astray, on the pulpit. Indeed, he was but lit whole, his aim was serious. tle besides a preacher in his re At times he would go to low lation either to the church or and corrupt gatherings here the world, but he was a preach and there in the country, such er, who drew crowds to hear as feasts and cock-fightings, him. " It is rarely," says Dr. and would raise his banner in Owen, quoted by the Rev. the name of his God : he would Henry Rees, in an article on face the enemy on his own Rev. Thomas Lloyd, Abergele, ground in the lowest circles. in the Traethodydd, vol. ix., And in some places he was "that the two kinds of gifts, not altogether unsuccessful. those of ministering in the Preaching on one occasion at Word of God and the doctrine a Wake, one lad more than or of the Gospel, and those of dinarily jocular drew his at successfullychurch, meet in managing the same per a tention, and he remarked to him, son : those who are born lead " You had better, my lad, take ers in church affairs have sel it a little more easily, possibly dom great preaching gifts." that some blow may be nearer Mr. Jones belonged to the class you than you think ; but I hope endued with the preaching that you will not descend to gift. Mr. Rees adds, " Mr. hell." Strange to say, that Jones had but little ability in night the lad broke his leg be the management of a church. fore he reached home. He had He was not the -man to be sent a very earnest, yet suitable to Corinth, to smooth the dis manner, of setting forth his agreements that at one time ex thoughts. The people under isted there, nor to be left at stood him, listened with a Crete, to settle matters, and ap smile, and what he said seized point elders in every church. their conscience. He one time And yet he had a word to say said, " I would not give four- to sinners." The pulpit was pence (a groat) a dozen for his place. As regards his those religious people, that con- OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. '95

tinually require a whip, like a the same time. "We remem top. There must be principle." ber well the way he treated When the unction accompanied the words in Zech. xii. 8, iri his preaching it was pleasant to setting forth the glory of the listen to him. He was popular, Church and its officers under laborious, and useful. Y the outpouring of the Spirit in Traethodydd, vol. ix. page the last days. ' David,' he 259 ; Methodistiaeth Cymru, said, ' was a remarkable man, vol. iii. page 259. he was a remarkable singer, he Lewis, Mr. David, Llan- was called the sweet singer of gwyryfon, Cardiganshire, was Israel. But at the time of one of the early exhorters. — which I am now speaking, the Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. poorest shall be like David, page 32. and David's house as God, as Lewis, Mr. Evan, Denbigh, the angel of the Lord, going was a man who read much and far ahead of them again.' It was of considerable service to came from his lips suddenly as the cause in Capel Mawr. The a gun shot, as if he had Rev. Henry Rees, in an article through his fussiness and im on the Rev. Thomas Lloyd, pediment of speech, failed to Abergele, in the Traethodydd, shout, the effect upon us was the describes Mr. Lewis as one who greater at the end." Before he " had studied Dr. Owen and lived at Denbigh, he had lived the Puritans with diligence, at Mochdre, and afterwards in and was a greater divine than Liverpool, where he died. — Y many who were far more Traethodydd, vol. ix., page 258. popular." If he could not make his thoughts clear, yet he Lewis, Mr. James, Llan- ever had some worthy object in wyddelan, Montgomeryshire, view, and would aim at it with was a brother of Lewis Evan, vigour. In treating his sub Llanllugan. He was not so jects, he reminded Mr. Rees of prominent a pioneer as his an " ant, as he had sometimes brother, nor did he suffer as seen it seeking to draw some much at the hands of the object which was too heavy for enemies of the Gospel, yet he it. The little creature goes was a faithful and earnest min round about it with much fuss, ister of the Cross of Christ. seizing it and laying it down, Lewis, Messrs. John and trying once again and failing, William, Bancyfelin, Carmar and sometimes it gains its object thenshire, were brothers. Both sooner than might have been were brought into the church expected," until we would be at the time of a Revival in the compelled to cry and laugh at vear 1828, and both also died i96 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

in the same year, 1837, just odists ordaining their own after they had entered upon the ministers. He took a pro work of the ministry. minent part in the discussion Lewis, Rev. John, London, between Rowland and Harris, died Nov. 12th, 1829. He be at Llanidloes, siding with the gan to preach in the year 1809, former, possibly inclined there and was ordained at Bala in to because of Harris' strong the year 1826. He was a quiet leaning to the Established and loving man, of a meek and Church. After the rupture, he gentle spirit ; but not of re confined his labours in the markable gifts as a preacher. main to New Inn. In conse He met with an accident whilst quence of the difficulty arising on a visit to South Wales through the lack of ordained through that the strap of the ministers, a message was sent stirrup broke when he was to the Rev. Daniel Rowland, alighting from a horse : he fell asking his advice as to what on his back, and received a had better be done, and he re serious injury from which he plied that the church should never recovered. call Morgan John Lewis to be Lewis, Mr. Lewis, Peny- its minister. A meeting was garn, Cardiganshire, was one then held, at which Mr. Lewis of the early exhorters. made a declaration of his Lewis, Mr. Morgan, Creu- faith, and one of the deacons, nant, Pembrokeshire, was one in a most earnest manner, of the early preachers. stated, that the church at New Lewis, Rev. Morgan John, Inn called upon Mr. Lewis to New Inn, Monmouthshire, was become its minister. This took one of the seven appointed at place, according to Methodist- the first Association held at iaeth Cymru, on Whit-Sunday, Watford to be public ex 1756. This simple ordination torters. He was a native of caused a great stir : both Blaenau Gwent, and was con Congregationalists and Church verted under the ministry of men taking exception to the Howel Harris at his first visit course pursued. The church in 1738. At the second Associa remained a Methodist church tion, he was appointed super as long as Mr. Lewis was its intendent of the churches of minister ; and during this same Breconshire that lay on the period it was eminently pros -other side of the Usk from Tre- perous. People came there to vecca, the whole of Monmouth worship from a distance of shire, and Llanddeusant in fifteen miles. Mr. Lewis' end Carmarthenshire. He was was most tragic. On the last :strongly in favour of the Meth Sunday that he preached at OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 107

New Inn, he held a service in lived at the time in Monmouth the evening at a farm house shire. At one of his services, near Pontypool, where he also his preaching was effectual to slept. Early on the morrow, the conversion of Joshua Pros- before he awoke, the owner of ser, who became a prominent the farm came there, accom deacon at Dowlais and in his panied by a military officer. Monthly Meeting. Methodist The two men madly rushed up iaeth Cymru, vol. iii. page 84. to Mr. Lewis' bedroom, refus Lewis, Mr. Sion Robert, ing to wait until he came Holyhead, was one of the down. Standing at the bedside, early preachers of Anglesea. the officer drew his sword from He preached at the first Month its scabbard and held it above ly Meeting held in the County. the preacher's head, exclaim This took place at Cerrigllith- ing at the same time in a loud wr, in the parish of Penrhos, voice, " Heretic, awake !" At Lleugwy, in which parish Sion the shout he awoke, and the Robert then lived. Mr. Robert sight he saw caused such a Roberts, the astronomer, was shock to his nervous system his son. He was a native of that he never rallied so as to Carnarvonshire, and was born be able to preach. And in in the parish of Llanael- about twelve months' time, he haiarn. He was so deeply sank to his grave. He died affected under a sermon by about the year 1771, after serv Howel Harris that he resolved ing his Denomination for to leave his native district and thirty years. Methodistiaeth reside at Trevecca. He did not Cymru, vol. i. page 448; vol. however remain there long, but ii. page 442. returned to Llanaelhaiarn. He Lewis, Mr. Rees, Llangwyr- one time went to Bangor, and yfon, Cardiganshire, was one saw the Bishop, who received of the early exhorters. Meth him kindly; and who, recog odistiaeth32- Cymru, vol. ii. page nizing that he knew something about astronomy, asked him Lewis, Mr. Richard, Me- where had he studied that Cheli., Anglesea, was one of the science. His reply was, " On early preachers of his county. the banks of Clynnog, when Methodistiaeth Mon, page 60. watching my father's sheep." Lewis, Mr. Richard, Coed- He composed several hymns, ycvmer, near Merthyr Tydfil. and published some small Reference is made to him as tracts on theological subjects. coming to Dowlais to preach, His chief work was his Alman just when the Cause was com ack, which he called " V Cyf- menced in the district. He aill " (The Friend), and which BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY was printed at . He " Dy fedd di also commenced to publish a Oh. pridd, Gwilym ! Trysor mil rhy ddrud i'r Scriptural Dictionary, under Ac i'r rewedig fonwent. mil rhv gu. the title " Geiriadur Ysgryth- Dy seren deg fachludodd cyn i'th ddydd Braidd gyrhaedd y cyhydedd! Aeth i lawr yrol." He died Sept. 19, 1806. Yn danbaid dros orllewin amser prudd, — Enwogion Mon, page 75 ; Ac a'nfarwoldeb yn tegau ei gwawr ! Machiudodd ! ond i godi'n decach fry Y Traethodydd, vol. xii. page Yn nwyrainpell! hawddgar tragywyddoldeb 464. O dan orllewin mwy ni cliuddir hi — Lewis, Mr. Thomas, was one Nid oes orllew in i'r ffurfafen well." of the seven exhorters appoint ed at the first Association held Lewis, Mr. William, Glas- at Watford, January 5th and infryn, Anglesea, was one of the 6th, 1743, and was placed in early preachers of the island. charge of the cause in Brecon- His family lived at Ty'nllwyn, shire. Twelve months later he Llanwen-llwyfo, near Llys- was appointed overseer of the dulas. A stranger, who was a district from the Passage (the religious man, happened to be Ferry where people crossed the engaged on the farm at harvest Bristol Channel to and fro be time one summer when William tween Bristol and South Wales) was a youth. This stranger to the . He was ulti had permission to conduct mately transferred to the Eng family worship, and a deep im lish section of the work. Meth- pression was produced on the odistiaeth Cymru, vol. i. page lad's mind. When he left home 164 ; Y Tadau Methodistaidd, he lived for a time at Llan- vol. i., page 239. rhyddlad, where he revealed a Lewis, Mr. William, St. fondness for music, and was Mellons, Monmouthshire, was, admired for his gift in prayer. for some time previous to his He also began to preach, and death, a weak and sickly man, exercised his talents on Sun and was thus prevented from days and weeknights, and be taking the position in the min came one of the most popular istry which he otherwise would preachers of his period in have done. He was pre-emin Anglesea, though his circum ently careful of the religious stances whilst at Llanrhyddlad services in his own neighbour were exceedingly humble. He hood. He died Sept. 23rd, would preach on weeknights in 1850, aged 44 years, having his smock-frock. From Llan been a preacher fourteen years. rhyddlad he removed to Glas- His remains were interred in infryn, where he cultivated two St. Mellons Churchyard. Is- or three small fields, digging Iwyn, on visiting his grave, the same with his spade. He wrote the following lines : — was a bold and courageous OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 1 99 man. When John Harris, Pem and I have remained faithful brokeshire, was preaching on to the Lord ever since that one occasion at Pwllheli, he day." "Well," replied Wil was obliged to desist because liam Lewis, " I have been the of the opposition of a number means of bringing many a fish of men who had come to the to land, but I never felt a service, purposing to stop the heavier one than you." In preaching. Lewis at once 1774 he removed to Adwy'r- stepped forward, and spoke clawdd, near Wrexham, where from the same text as John Har he remained for some years, ris, to the complete discom continuing to labour with fiture of the enemy. He per much faithfulness in the Mas formed a similar part in con ter's vineyard. After this he nection with Mr. David Morris was for a time at Denbigh, at a service at Beaumaris. He where he succeeded in inducing .would at times have very the people to give up some un heavy services. On one occa worthy practices. He then, sion, when preaching before about the year 1813, returned Mr. Charles at an Association to his native county, where he held at Pwllheli, he could not spent the remainder of his make much headway, the days. He had a fine physique, wheels of his chariot dragged and a powerful voice. He tra heavily, and he continued velled as a preacher through rather long, hoping every min North and South Wales, and ute that the light would come, was highly thought of by Dan and that all barriers would be iel Rowland, David Morris, swept away, but in vain ; and and their contemporaries. Rev. he went home from the Associa William Roberts speaks of him tion in a depressed mood. Years in very high praise. He died after, a gentleman on horse at December 30th, back called at his door, and 1824, aged 80 years, and was asked, " Is it here William buried in church Lewis lives?" " Yes, I am yard, and not at Llanfair- William Lewis," he replied. llwyfo, as said in Methodist- .' Do you remember," asked the iaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page 584 ; rider again, " preaching be Methodistiae.th Mon, page 57. fore the Rev. Mr. Charles at Lewis, Mr. William, Cwm- Pwllheli Association?" "Oh, hafod-y-meirch,Montgomeryshire, was darowen, a faith yes, well," he replied, feeling that the old wound was being ful and honest preacher, opened afresh. "Well," said though not of great abilities. the stranger, " that was the ser He had one great fault, which vice at which I was converted, tended to make his services BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

rather unpopular — his sermons vice that evening, if they could were unusually long and ascertain that there would be a wearisome, and at the same" sermon preached anywhere in time not well-arranged. the district. It proved a turn Lindop, Mr. John, Wrex ing-point in the career of the ham, died May 14th, 1841, aged three young men. Richard for 26 years. He was a devoted a time attended church more and promising preacher. * His regularly, but failed to find services were rendered chiefly peace through so doing. He on the Marches among the then made it a habit to fre English. He was buried at quent the preaching services of Wrexham. the Methodists in the district, Llewelyn, Mr. William, and ere long he joined the Llansawel, Carmarthenshire, small company of believers at was one of the early preachers. Gwalchmai. This took place Lloyd, Rev. Richard, Beau in the year 1789, and was maris, Anglesea, was born at looked upon as a great event Nantdaenog, Llantrisant, in for Methodism, as the little the year 1771. His grand flock was not only few in num father, William Pritchard, ber, but poor in circumstances. Clochdernog, was one of the In twelve months after he pioneers of Nonconformity in joined the church he was Anglesea. He lost his father elected a deacon, and four early in life, but his mother, years later, in 1794, he began though not a church member at to preach. For six years after the time, brought him up care this he remained at home with fully, and trained him in his mother and stepfather, but morals and religion. He had in the year 1800 he married a a fine physique, and was well- daughter of Mr. John Roberts, to-do in the world. In young , Llanfair P.G., manhood he formed compan and removed to Beaumaris, ionship with those who sought where he henceforth resided. their pleasure in folly and As his early educational ad vanity, giving but little heed vantages were fairly good, and to the sanctity of the Lord's his social position above the day. One Sabbath after average, he became a consider noon, when it rained heavily, able power among the Method two of them with him ists in the island and through self were sheltering under a out North Wales. His ser rock, and they began quite sud mons were substantial, well denly to speak about religion, arranged, and in good taste. with the result that they re He was also a man of influ solved to attend a religious ser ence at the Association. He OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. was of a cheerful and lively near the Town Hall. As he disposition, exceedingly fond was dressed in gown and band of a joke. Though not an elo he had a more respectable ap quent preacher he had many pearance than the majority of powerful services. The old the early Methodist preachers. people spoke much of a remark Nevertheless, a crowd of oppo able sermon he preached at an nents gathered near the spot to Association at Mold, on the prevent him from preaching. words, "And that day was the They began to throw stones Sabbath." He described in a upon the roof of the house near vivid manner the redeemed in which he stood, and these fell glory telling each other of the in a shower on the spot where gracious influence they exper the preacher stood. But he ienced whilst journeying bravely held his ground, calm through the wilderness below, ly saying that he had before closing each incident with the that stood under showers far words, "and that day was the more dangerous than showers Sabbath." He was among the of stones. His opponents were first batch of preachers or fierce, but no harm befel him. dained to the full work of the In 1799, when the Greenhill ministry at Hala in the year Chapel was erected, and pre 1811. He died May 25th, sented to the Methodists, he 1834, aged 63 years, and his re transferred his membership to mains were laid to rest in the the church formed there. He quiet churchyard at Llanfaes, was a fervent and faithful and alongside of them the re preacher, both in the English mains of his great friend, the and Welsh languages. He died Rev. John Elias, were laid. — in 1804, aged 62 years. Meth Methodistiaeth Mon, pages 92, odistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page 126, 185. 350, vol. iii. page 31. Lloyd, Mr. Samuel, Swan Lloyd, B.A., Rev. Simon, sea, was a native of Cardigan Bala, was one of the few shire, and was born in the year clergymen in North Wales who 1742. After being for a time sympathized with the Methodist in the army, he settled at movement, and co-operated Swansea, where he joined the with it ; and one of the still Countess of Huntingdon's Con lesser number who continued nexion, and also became a their alliance therewith after preacher with that body. On one the ordination of lay preachers occasion during that period he in 1811. visited Machynlleth, purposing He was the son of Mr. and to preach in the street. He Mrs. Simon Lloyd, Plasyndref, stood on the steps of a house Bala, a family highly respect BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

ed in the town and district, and Bristol, and had a curacy and whose ancestry is traced in the neighbourhood of Bris hack to a period long before tol. In three years' time he re the invasion of Britain by the ceived full priest orders. His Romans. His father, when a mother being a widow, he then young man, went on a visit to returned to Bala to reside with Trevecca to see Mr. Howel her in Plasyndref, and served Harris, and joined the family. as curate in the following par Whilst there, he fell in love ishes successively — with a young lady, Miss Sarah and Bryneglwys, Llangwm, Bowen, Tyddyn, who had Llanycil and Cerrigydrudion. opened the door of Mr. Harris' His stay in these places was house for him when he first ar short, arising in a great mea rived there. They were soon sure from his sympathy with married. Both had given to the Methodists and his evange Mr. Harris their patrimony, lical preaching, which was not but upon their marriage it was in accord with the feelings of returned to them. The subject those who generally attended of this sketch was their eldest the church services. In 1789, son, and was born in 1756. he married Bridget, the daugh He was a quiet well-behaved ter of Mr. George Price, Rhyd lad, brought up in the fear y Colomenod, near Llangran- and admonition of the Lord. og, Cardiganshire. When a youth he was sent to For about twenty years his the Free School founded by Sir position in the Church was any Thomas Powell at Carmarthen, thing but pleasant and satis where, it is quite likely, he factory. Matters came ' to a came first into contact with crisis about the year 1800, when Thomas Charles. He then went the incumbency of Llanuwch- to Bath, where he met with llyn became vacant through the several Welsh youths who, like death of the incumbent, Mr. himself, were religiously in Hughes. The presentation was clined, and at times held ser in the gift of Sir Watkin W. vices together in their rooms Wynn, and he was petitioned for their spiritual edification. by the churchwardens on be On April 8th, 1775, he proceed half of the parishioners to con ed to Oxford, where he again fer the position upon the Rev. met with Thomas Charles, and Simon Lloyd. For some un they became fast and lifelong known reason he delayed grant friends. He took his B.A. de ing their desire, but at the gree in 1779, and received same time gave Mr. Lloyd per deacon orders the same year mission to officiate until he from the Bishop of would arrive at a final de OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 203

cision. Things continued in Holy Orders permit your child this unsettled condition for ren to listen to these hot-head two years, when Mr. Lloyd re ed men? You are a hot-headed ceived the appointment. It man yourself !" Mr. Lloyd was, however, still necessary sought to defend himself, say that the sanction of Bishop ing, that there was some dis Horsley of St. Asaph should tance to Llanycil, the nearest be obtained. The appointment church, and that it was impos was not in accordance with the sible for them to go there in desire of some of the Bishop's stormy weather. " Why not advisers. So Mr. Lloyd was keep them at home, and direct summoned to appear before him that they should be taught the to explain his conduct in his Catechism, rather than allow relation to the Methodists. He them to go to the meeting-house went to St. Asaph November of the Schismatics?" The re 2nd, 1803, and was closely in sult was, after further talk, the terrogated by the Bishop. He Bishop refused to sanction his was asked — ' ' Are you not in appointment to Llanuwchllyn, the habit of attending the and prohibited him from offi chapels of the Schismatics?" to ciating in any of the churches which he calmly replied, that within his diocese. Had he his parents were Methodists, he been in the habit of attending was himself brought up among races, theatres, hunts, and these people, he believed the places of that kind, not a word Lord had owned them in their of blame would have been efforts to do much good in uttered, but because he sym Wales, and that he had been in pathized with the Methodists the habit through life of at the severest judgment was pro tending their services, but that nounced upon him. The pro he had not done so for the last hibition, however, did not three years, lest he should give occasion Mr. Lloyd much con offence to the clergy. The Bis cern ; fortunately for him, he hop then asked, " Did not his had the means of living per wife and children go to hear fectly independent of the Thomas Charles, who had for Bishop, so from that day forth saken the Church of his he laboured altogether with the fathers, and had joined the Methodist brethren. He was heretics?" To this question he not a very popular preacher, replied, that his family attend but his ministry was exceed ed Mr. Charles' preaching. ingly useful, and his services Upon this, the Bishop got into were of much value, especially a towering passion, and said, in connection with the ad " What ! And you who are in ministration of the sacraments, -°4 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY before the Denomination had in the year 1776, and died July ordained ministers of its own. 15th, 1848, having been a He travelled much and ren preacher of the Gospel for 50 dered invaluable service to years, and an ordained minis many of the churches. He was ter 29 years. He was born at a close and careful student Plas Meredydd farm house in throughout his life, especially the parish of Gyffylliog. His in Biblical matters. He pub parents were John and Ann lished two works of consider Lloyd, and the well-known able merit : one, entitled " Am- bard, Edward Jones, Maesy- seryddiaeth Ysgrythyrol" (A plwm, was his cousin, on his Scripture Chronology) ; the mother's side. He was born other, " Esboniad ar Lyfr y with a maimed right arm, and Datguddiad" (A Commentary his hand lacked two fingers, on the Book of Revelation). He and was weak. This proved to also edited the Drysorfa for his advantage in one respect : two years after the death of it led his parents to give him a Mr. Charles. He was a man of good education, thinking that fine parts, most meek and gen he might be able to enter the tle : he never engaged much in legal profession or the Church : controversy, still, he had his as regards any manual occupa convictions, and was prepared, tion, it was seen that he would if necessary, to defend them. never be able to engage therein. He is supposed to have been In the year 1794, he opened a favourable to the ordination of school at Llansantsior, near the preachers, earlier than Mr. Abergele, which at once became Charles, but he did not take a great success. A school-house part in the first ordination was built for him. In the year at Bala : he did so later on. 1799, he removed to Abergele, He was in much physical weak where he lived and laboured ness during his later years, and for nearly 50 years. About this, died November 6th, 1836, aged time he began also to preach. 80 years. His remains were He was a schoolmaster by buried in the family vault at nature, and experience per Llanycil. Hanes Methodist- fected him. A most apprecia iaeth Cymru, vol. i. page 597 ; tive article, concerning him in. Y Tadau Methodistaidd, vol. this capacity, appeared in the ii. page 321 ; Hanes Methodist- " Traethodydd," for the year iaeth Dwyrain Meirionydd, 1853, occupying 30 pages, pages 352 — 360 ; Y Traethod- written by the Rev. Henry ydd, vol. lv. page 353. Rees, who had been one of his Lloyd, Rev. Thomas, Aber. pupils for some time, and was a gele, Denbighshire, was born great admirer of him. He was OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 205 of a quiet and retiring disposi Oxford, and took Orders in the tion, rather taciturn, especially Church of England, at the in the presence of strangers. hands of the Bishop of Ban He was highly respected and gor, in 1 801, when he was 30 beloved. His school was well- years of age. He was the son known, and children came to of Mr. Robert Lloyd, Peny- him from distant places. He maes, Nefyn, Carnarvonshire, not only taught his pupils in and was born in the year 1771. the elementary branches of He commenced his ministry at knowledge, but sought to de Rhosgolyn, near Holyhead. velop in them a high moral But he was at this time utterly character. His weak health lacking in the main features of prevented him from itinerating a true minister of the Lord much as a preacher. For the Jesus. His delight was alto last twenty-five years of his gether in the ways of the life he preached at home every world. He looked at himself Sunday, his sermons consist as a properly authorised minis ing very much of expositions on ter because the Bishop's hands the chief events of the Old had been placed on his head, Testament, and the history ot and he had done well in the Christ and His Apostles. His University. He was at this hearers were not tired by these time a great favourite with the disquisitions, but were ever gentry, and joined with them anxious that the Sabbath might heartily in all their sports. He soon come round when they was likewise much esteemed by might hear him again. John his Bishop. In this manner Elias was heard to say that he he spent his first years as a envied Mr. Lloyd's ability and clergyman. But his eyes were practice in this respect. He did opened to see the iniquity of not take much interest in the the life he was spending. His outward affairs of the church : trouble on this account became he left these to the deacons, and great. He tried in various confined his attention to his ways to shake off the deep school and his preparation for anxiety which grieved his the pulpit. His godliness was soul ; but he could not get free beyond dispute : the enemies of from its grip : it accompanied the Cross of Christ as well as him everywhere. Through con its friends bore testimony to versation with a good old man his guilelessness and godliness. at Rhosgolyn, he was led to the He was buried at Abergele. P Saviour, and thus found rest Traethodydd, vol. ix. page 231. and peace. He then became a Li.oyd, B.A., Rev. William, new man, both in the pulpit Carnarvon, was educated at and in his general life. He 200 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY preached now as a dying man Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. to dying men, and drew crowds page 242 ; Y Drysorja, vol. to hear him . Soon after this xiv. pages 193, 224, 256. change he joined the Methodist Lloyd, Mr. William, Forge, church at Caergeiliog. Hither Machynlleth, Montgomery to he had not preached any shire, was a native of Llan where outside consecrated idloes, and entered the Civil buildings ; but now he went Service as an Exciseman. forth to the highways and Whilst stationed in Montgom hedges, and his fellow clergy eryshire, he heard, at New men began to complain of him town, some Methodist preachers to the -Bishop. He however had from Pembrokeshire, who so fully counted the cost which charmed him that he applied to the course he was taking would the authorities in London to be entail upon him, and he never removed to that county. His hesitated as to what he would object was that he might fre do. He resigned his position quently enjoy the ministry of in the Church, and after a the brethren who had delighted time retired to Carnarvon, him so much. He was conse where he lived for a while with quently transferred in 1823 to his brother, who was a mercer. the district of Hegelley. When He then removed to Nefyn, to he got there he found, to his live with his mother and sis dismay and great disappoint ter, assisting them on their ment, that there was no Meth farm, and preaching on the odist chapel within eight Sabbaths. In 1817, he returned miles. He at once established to Carnarvon, where he opened a Sunday School in the dis a school, and conducted it for trict, and also induced the nine or ten years. In 1826, he Rev. Thomas Harris, then of married Miss Jane Roberts, Haverfordwest, and some and soon after discontinued the others, to start holding preach school, and gave himself more ing services : and he had him thoroughly to the ministry of self commenced to preach in the Word. He was not a great Montgomeryshire in 1822. The preacher, but a very godly result was that Bethesda chapel man, and was spoken of very was erected in 1826. For seven frequently as the godly Mr. years he bore the burden of the Lloyd. He died April 18th, Cause in a great measure him 1841, aged 70 years. He was self : he entertained all the one of the three clergymen who ministers. He loved Method were allied with the Method ism with his whole soul. ists in North Wales before and Ere long he had another after the ordination in 1811. chapel erected at Begelley. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 207

But his stay in the district was Llwyd, Mr. John, Fagwyr- short, as in the year 1830 he goch, Glanrhyd, Pembroke was removed to , shire, was one of the early Cardiganshire. Here he con preachers. Services were held tinued to exercise his preach in his own house in the year ing gifts, and succeeded in 1764. forming a church. In two Llwyd, Mr. John, Tref- years' time a chapel was built, eglwys, Montgomeryshire, was. and Mr. Lloyd was the first to one of the early preachers. preach therein. It was he also Llwyd, Mr. John, Llansan- who started the cause at Pant- nan, Denbighshire, was born ybwlch, a little chapel con in July 1 75 1, and died January nected with Newcastle-emlyn, 7th, 1826, having been a preach Carmarthenshire. From Llan er of the Gospel for about 56 dyssil he was removed to Aber- years. When a lad he was in porth, and was known as clined to be wild, though his " Lloyd yr Exciseman o Aber- mother and three of his. porth." After this he was set brothers were members of the tled for a time at Llangadock, Methodist church at Bryn- Carmarthenshire. He died at bugad. When however about Forge, Machynlleth, December 14 years of age, accompanied nth, 1849. — The Treasury, vol. by a number of thoughtless ix. page 50. lads like himself and bent upon Llwyd, Mr. Evan, Adwy'r fun, he attended a preaching Clawdd, came to Llanrwst in service on the wayside near 1783, where he conducted a Dafarn-newydd, between Llan- school for ten years. From sannan and Nantglyn. His at here he removed in 1793 to the tention was at once arrested by Adwy, where he spent the re the preacher, and his thoughts mainder of his life. He hence were sobered, with the result forth spent much of his time that notwithstanding the ridi itinerating throughout North cule and scorn of his compan Wales, preaching the everlast ions he forsook them and their ing Gospel. He was a sensible ways. He began to preach man of a very quiet and calm about the year 17O9. Though disposition. His sermons were the severe treatment which the weighty in matter but not sen early preachers received at the sational in their character, hands of the mob had in a and for that reason perhaps he measure ceased, yet the enemies was not as popular as many in of the Gospel were still bitter the esteem of the general pub and determined in their oppo lic. He died at Adwy in the sition. Llwyd suffered at year 1820. their hands on more than one: 208 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

occasion. His sermons were of called " Ty Modlen," a small little merit as compositions, straw-thatched house. This nor was he gifted, as some was the beginning of Method preachers, with the power of ism in the Vale of Clwyd. rousing his hearers. He had About the same time he began however a pleasing voice and to preach and labour in the was a free and natural speak Gospel as a preacher : he con er. He had also a smack of tinued to do so with great humour, which was of much faithfulness for 40 years. He service to him. His sayings had the honour of being in were often striking, and would strumental in bringing Mr. be repeated at the Church Edward Williams, Glanclwyd, Meetings for months by those who became known as Dr. Wil who heard them. He was very liams, Rotherham, to seek re familiar with the Scriptures, ligion. It is said that Mr. Wil and was apt at making use of liams was a member of the Scripture stories, facts from Methodi3t church in " Ty Mod nature and the habits of domes len " for two or three years. tic animals to illustrate his Mr. Llwyd died in the month themes. The Rev. John Parry, of November, 1792, aged 77 Chester, thought so highly of years, repeating with his last him that ,he usually took him breath, " I know that my Re as a companion on his itiner deemer liveth," &c. Method- ancies in Anglesea. Method- istiaeth Cymru, vol. iii. page istiaeth Cymru, vol. iii. page 135 ; Cofiant Thomas Jones, 1 20. Dinbych, page 31. Llwyd, Mr. Robert, Plas Llwyd, Mr. William, Hen- Ashpool, Flintshire, was born llan, Cayo, Carmarthenshire, in the year 1715 at a farm is fitly classed among the house called Tarthydwfr, in fathers of Methodism, for he Cilcen parish, Flintshire. It entered upon the work of the is not known when he was con ministry in 1763, shortly after verted, but it is recorded that the breach between Daniel he was known as a religious Rowland and Harris had been man in his own district in the healed ; a wide-spread revival year 1747 : indeed, he had to had taken place, and all the leave his farm because of his first founders of Methodism religion. In 1749, he removed were still in the field. He at to Plas-ashpool farm, between tained at once to great popu the Waen chapel, Bodffari, and larity, and took rank with the the Dyffryn chapel, Llandyrn- leaders. His zeal was fervid, og. He soon began to hold re and his pulpit gifts were con ligious services at a place spicuous. He travelled re OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 209 peatedly the length and breadth the fowler, and he entered up of the Principality, seeking to on the glorious freedom of the convince men of their sins and sons of God. He at first joined lead them to Christ. On several the Independents — possibly at occasions he visited North Crugybar ; but he did not re -Wales, where the churches were main long in their communion, few and the opposition to the considering that it was through preaching in many places was the ministry of the Methodists still active. Thus he helped he found freedom, light, and forward the work very mater life ; he therefore joined a ially. He was born in the year Methodist society, which was 1741 at Blaenyclawdd, near apparently being re-started at .Cayo. His father, Dafydd Cayo, after a period of com Llwyd, was connected with one parative deadness and inactivi of the most respectable families ty, following upon the evil days in the district. Little is known of the breach between Rowland of his early years, except that and Harris. He began the he experienced religious im practice of going regularly to pressions when quite a lad, and Llangeitho on Communion that he received a better educa Sunday for his own spiritual tion than most youths of his good — a practice he continued day. For some time he attend to the end of his life, so far as ed a school conducted by the circumstances would permit. Rev. Owen Davies, a Congre He began to preach when he gational minister. When about was 22 years of age, and at 18 years of age, he heard the once became, through the fer Rev. Peter Williams preach, vency of his spirit and his min and the sermon made a pro isterial gifts, exceedingly po found impression on his mind : pular. He aimed at reaching indeed, he became greatly con the hearts of his hearers more cerned about his soul. "What than enlightening their minds ; must I do to be saved?" was at times his ministry, like a for him no mere formal ques flood, carried all before it. He tion, but one that arose from is said to have been more super Tiis heart, and for several ficial than Rowland and Har months occasioned him deepest ris, but evangelical, sweet and perplexity and distress. De pathetic : as a crown upon all, liverance however at last came his preaching was often owned through a sermon he heard by of God to the salvation of Evan Jones, Lledrod — one of many souls. He had a fine the exhorters of Methodism. physique, winsome manners, JHis soul then escaped like graceful movements, a musical -a. bird from the snare of .oice, and a lively delivery. BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

During the period of his min start to the Cause in many a istry, Wales was favoured district. He visited Bala as with several revivals, and his early as 1744, where he preach style was peculiarly suitable to ed early in the morning, even such times. No one was more before daybreak, to avoid dis popular than he in his own turbance through the opposition county : a sufficient proof of of the enemy. He was in the which is to be found in the fact habit at Llangeitho of preach that he was chosen to preach ing in the barn arranged for the Bard of Pantycelyn's that purpose. He is said to funeral sermon. His popular have been more highly gifted ity continued to the end of his than the majority of the life, and when he died there preachers of his own class ; this was not the slightest stain upon is evidenced by the fact that his character. His last illness he had to preach at an Associa was short : he preached even tion held at Trefecca in the year on the Sunday previous to his 1746. His ministry was great death at Llanddeusant and ly valued through both North . He died on and South Wales. His name Friday, April 17th, 1808, aged was on the first lease of Llan 67 years, and was buried at geitho chapel, 1760. — Method- Cayo. In his death he rested istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page altogether upon the merits- and 80. faithfulness of the Saviour, Like, Mr. Phillip, Carmar whom he had preached to then, was received as a preach others. Methodistiaeth Cymru, er by the Association at Car vol. ii. page 431 ; Y Tadau marthen, July, 1826. Methodistaidd, vol. i. page Marc, Mr. Charles, Bryn- 400. croes, Lleyn, was one of the Llwyd, Mr. William Rich early preachers of Methodism ard, Pendysgwylfa, Llan- in Carnarvonshire ; it cannot geitho, was one of the first ex- be said with precision when he horters in Cardiganshire. He began to preach. On the night was one of the six who were of his marriage he was obliged present at Mr. Jeffrey Davies' to escape for his life, as it house, Rhiwiau, Carmarthen came to his knowledge that a shire, in 1743. His name is number of persecutors had re frequently to be met with in the solved upon attacking the house early history of the Methodist where he intended to sleep. movement in Cardiganshire, The timely information given and other counties both in him enabled him to foil his North and South Wales. He foes. Early in his career he was instrumental in giving a settled on Tymawr farm, and OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

whilst here, he was the chief years of age, and he had means of erecting Tymawr preached with considerable chapel, which was the first regularity until within three Methodist chapel erected in years of that event. One Sab Carnarvonshire. He excelled bath morning, within three many of the preachers of his months of his death, he was day in ministerial gifts, and present at the service in the he was pre-eminently godly. chapel, and the expected For some years he was the most preacher having failed to at important person in connection tend, the service was commenc with Methodism in his county. ed, and the venerable old man For some time before his death rose up and delivered ex mem- he was afflicted with blind oriter a portion of an old ser ness, but he continued to mon with more than his usual preach, and looked quite plea energy. sant in the pulpit with the Meredith, Mr. Thomas, Bible open before him. His Mochdre, Montgomeryshire, blindness did not depress his was a native of Llanbrynmair, spirits. Whilst in this condi where he began to preach about tion he composed the well- the year 1745. Rev. R. Tibbot, known Welsh hymn, in one of his reports to the "Teg wawriodd arnom ddydd," &c. , Association, speaks of him as He died May 17th, 1795, aged being acceptable to the society 75 years, and was buried at at Mochdre, and adds, " I hope . The date of his that he receives strength from death and his age are taken God to be of service among the from the headstone on his people." At the time of the grave. Drych yr Amseroedd, rupture between Harris and page 185 ; Y Drysorfa, vol. Rowland he retired for a time lxxi. page 394. to Trefecca with Harris. He Mathias, Mr. James, Llan was a courageous and zealous idloes, Montgomeryshire, was workman for Christ, and, like a builder by trade, and was his contemporaries, suffered also an acknowledged preach much at the hands of the work er. In the year 1779, he super ers of iniquity. In seeking to intended the erection of the stop some vain sports one day first Methodist chapel in the at Mochdre he was badly treat town. ed, but he had the joy of being Mathias, Mr. James, New- instrumental in the conversion castle-emlyn, spent a long life of the leader of the attacking in the ministry of the Gospel. party. In company with one At the time of his death, which Evan Roberts, he approached took place in 1833, he was 93 him, and put to him the ques- BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

tion — "Will you be as happy, Morgan, Mr. J e n k 1 n , think you, as you are now, at Schoolmaster. There is con the day of judgment?" The siderable uncertainty in con question pierced his heart, and nection with this good man's he replied in a serious tone, history, though there is no " Indeed, sir, I do not know." doubt that he rendered signal But the companions of this man service to Methodism in its battered Meredith severely. It earliest years in North Wales. is said that at Trefecca, he took Dr. Rees, in his " Pro up Antinomian views, and testant Nonconformity in joined one Thomas Sheen in Wales," in a note, page 423, advocating them. Later in life says that he was a native of he conducted one of Thomas Glamorganshire, and origin Charles' Free Circulating ally a member of the Presby Schools, and was for some time terian church at Watford, near at . He died, ac Caerphilly, and that he re cording to " Y Gymdeithasfa," moved with William Prit- in the year 1811, aged 54 years : chard, Glasfryn-fawr, Lleyn, but as he began to preach in to Anglesea, where he succeed 1745, either he must have been ed, notwithstanding the most much older, or the year given cruel persecution, in gathering as that of his death must an Independent Church at Rhos- be wrong. Montgomeryshire ymeirch, near Llangefni. More Worthies, page 195 ; Methodist- over, he states that Morgan was iaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page 341, ordained in his mother church 373. 377- at Watford to be the pastor of one Meyi.er, of the earliest Mr. Thomas, exhorters was in the congregation in Anglesea.

Pembrokeshire. At a Monthly Mr. Richard Williams, Meeting held at Long-house, F.R.H.S., in his " Montgom in that county, he was appoint eryshire Worthies," page 202, ed to take charge of four soci states that he was a native of eties — Weschurch, Newman, Cardiganshire. He represents Morfil and Llysyfran. He was him as a master of one of one of the three preachers Madam Bevan's Circulating most helpful to the Rev. Howel Day-schools, and also a lay Davies. preacher with the Calvinistic Morgan, Mr. David, Cily- Methodists. For a time, he CwM, Carmarthenshire, was one says, he kept a school at Ty'n- of the early exhorters. yfron, near Crowlwm, Llan Morgan, Mr. Evan, Lled- idloes, 29 years after he had rod, Cardiganshire, died in stood by Howel Harris at Bala, the year 1805. and shared his ill-treatment by OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 213 the mob in that town, when Lleyn, who had been converted Harris barely escaped with his under a sermon by Howel Har life. When at Ty'nyfron, he ris. He ultimately became the conducted a Sunday School, minister of a Congregational -which was at least 12 or 13 church in Anglesea. J. Hughes years before the establishment says that he died in 1824. But of Sabbath Schools by Mr. in this matter, the likelihood Raikes at Gloucester. is that he confounds him with Rev. John Hughes, in Jenkin Morgan, Lledrod, who " Methodistiaeth Cymru," vol. died in that year. i. pages 91 — 94, says that he Morgan, Mr. Jenkin, Lled -was a native of Carmarthen rod, Cardiganshire, was born shire. in the year 1742, and joined Evidently, he was sent by the the church at Lledrod in 1761. Rev. Griffith Jones, Llanddow- Two or three years later he be ror, to North Wales to conduct gan to preach, and continued one of his Free Circulating to do so until his death, which Schools, and he at the same took place in 1824. He was time exhorted from house to thus a preacher for 60 years, house. He settled somewhere and during the whole of this near Bala, before Howel Har time he was a faithful servant ris first visited the town, and in his Master's vineyard. aided him in escaping from the Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. fierce wrath of his persecutors. page 29. At the request of William Prit- Morgan, Mr. Jenkin, Peny- chard, he removed to Lleyn, carreg-fawr, Llanilar, Car and at his house conducted a diganshire, lived and preached school — the clergyman suspect towards the close of the ing Morgan's Methodistic prac eighteenth century. He had a tices, having refused permis brother — William — who was al sion to hold the school in the so a preacher, and died in 1787. church He also preached Morgan, Mr. John, Llan- there, and one of his converts s a w e l , Carmarthenshire, was Richard Dafydd, who had preached in connection with the come to the service for the pur church at this place, when it pose of disconcerting the was first started in 1749. preacher. In his ministry he Morgan, Mr. Rees, Taly. was a Boanerges, and the Lord llychau, Carmarthenshire, was gave him many seals. He was the son of Mr. Morgan Rees, bold and courageous : nc Talyllychau, who was a re amount of opposition daunted spectable farmer and in full him. He married one of the sympathy with religion. Rees, daughters of Tyddyn Mawr, when a lad, attended religious, *i4 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

services with his parents and which the early preachers of experienced deep religious im Methodism experienced. On pressions, but during his one of his visits to Monmouth young manhood these passed shire his life was in danger : away, and he sought his plea a number of ungodly fellows sures along forbidden paths. came one night to the house But he was visited by a severe where he was staying clamour illness which sobered him, and ing that he should be sent from brought his sin home to his the locality ; their language heart. Shortly afterwards he was most insolent. However, heard the Rev. William Llwyd, he was preserved from being Henllan, preach, with the re harmed. He died April 6th, sult that he found peace and 1847, aged 82 years, having joined the Methodists at Llan- spent 62 years as a preacher of sawel. When a church was the Gospel. He was buried at formed at Talyllychau, he Talyllychau. Y Drysorfa, vol. threw in his lot with the xvii., page 197. brethren and continued with Morgan, Mr. Rhys, Glan- them to the end of his long cledau Fawr, near Llanwrtyd, life. He often accompanied Breconshire, was converted un Mr. Llwyd, Henllan, on his it der the ministry of the Rev. inerancies, and commenced the Isaac Price, the well-known services for him. On one of Congregational minister of these occasions, at Bridgend, Llanwrtyd and Troedrhiwdal- Mr. Llwyd got him to preach. ar. He was one of the first in He soon became popular, and his district to join the Method became intimate with the lead ists, who had formed a Society ers of Methodism. He accom in a farm house called Glanyr- panied Rev. Rowland Hill on afonddu. He was a farmer's some of his preaching tours in son, and soon began the practice South Wales. One day, riding of exhorting his neighbours. with him in his carriage, he This was in ^43. He lived remarked, "You have a pair until he was nearly 80 years of of very fine horses, Mr. Hill." age : and came to his end in a " Yes, Mr. Morgan," was his sad manner. He lost his way reply, " they are noble horses, in the snow on his return home and what is more in their from visiting his daughter, favour, they have done more Mrs. Price, Panteulu, and was for the Gospel of Christ than in the morning found dead on many of the ." Mr. the roadside. He is spoken of Morgan, though not a great by Thomas James, the overseer preacher, was faithful, and of the district, as a kind, hum endured some of the hardships ble, and faithful friend. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. "5

JHethodistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii. men, who whilst very eminent page 328. warriors did not come up to the Morgan, Mr. Thomas, Pen- three mighty men, so these lat tre'rhen, Llanddewi-brefi, ter did not, as regards personal -Cardiganshire, was one of the size, come up to the three three best exhorters of his dis mighty men — David and Eben- trict, and was very much op ezer Morris, and Lewis Morris. posed to Sabbath Schools : he These three were the giants, considered such schools to be a and chief of the three, as re desecration of the day. The gards corpulency, was David late Rev. Thomas Rowlands, Morris. Aberdare, was his grandson. But it must be remembered Morgan, Mr. William, Lled- that even in the early history rod, Cardiganshire, was a of Methodism all were not brother of Mr. Jenkin Morgan, giants. There were men then, Llanilar, who was also a like now, small in stature and preacher. He died in 1797. insignificant in appearance, Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. who whilst weak and puny in page 2d. body were mighty in spirit and Morris, Mr. David, Twr- power when they stood up fcr gwyn. The description given God before the people. Robert of many of the early preachers Roberts, Clynog, was a notable of Methodism in Wales is example, — deformed in body, strongly suggestive of the and diminutive in size, yet he words, "There were giants in caused havoc among the ene the earth in those days." As mies of the Lord when he went compared with the majority of forth to the battle. the preachers of the present David Morris's fame though day, they were men of a does not rest upon his corpu far more robust and stalwart lency; something far higher physique. Some years ago and nobler may be boasted there were a few who were fit of him. He was one of successors. William Havard, the most honoured instruments Breconshire; the three Jones's, of the Lord in the conversion ; Richard Humphreys, of souls. His power as a Dyffryn ; John Jones, Blaenan- preacher was something mar crch, and others. John Hughes, vellous. When we read of the Liverpool ; John Phillips, Ban great results which followed gor ; David Howells, Swansea ; his preaching, we cannot less Job Thomas, Breconshire; Dr. than ask, How is it that no Phillips, Hereford, were also thing like the same results are worthy of their line. But still, to be witnessed in the present like David's thirty honourable day? Of course, the mass of BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

the people were more ignorant As a preacher, he soon at then than they are now, and tained great popularity, and were therefore more suscepti his services were highly appre ble of being moved by the ciated. His fine physique was powerful oratory of the preach possibly helpful to him, espe er. Nevertheless, were the cially among strangers. In his preaching of the Gospel ad later years his corpulence be apted to the new condition of came excessive, and he must things, as it was to the times of have been a burden to himself. the fathers, might not the same It is said that when riding on results be expected ? horseback, it was necessary Mr. David Morris was a na that he should have a pillow in tive of Lledrod, Cardiganshire, front of the saddle whereon he where he was born in the year might rest himself ; and it was 1744. His father's name was often only with great difficulty Morris Morgan. It is not that he got in and out of the known under what circum pulpits because of his great stances he was brought to size. He had a powerful yet Christ, nor at what age. All persuasive voice, excelling even that is recorded is that he com that of his celebrated son, menced preaching when he was Ebenezer. He was moreover a twenty-one years of age. Lled fine thinker, and often gave rod, not being far from Llan- expression to very beautiful geitho, it is probable that he thoughts, although his constant was in the habit of frequenting peregrinations throughout the services in that renowned North and South Wales could place, where he would enjoy not have allowed him much the ministry of the seraphic leisure for close study at home. Daniel Rowland ; and it is The Rev. Dr. Owen Thomas, in likely that it was at these ser his memoir of the Rev. John vices he was brought to " the Jones, Talysarn, relates how, obedience of Christ." How on one occasion, when he was ever, he must have been con going from Llanllyfni to Taly verted to God when compara sarn, he was accompanied by tively young. It is not known one of the older brethren ; what educational advantages when they reached a certain he had, if he had any, when a spot on the road, the old friend youth. But it would seem stopped, and asked, " Do you that he was able to avail him see that stone? Do you know, self of English authors, and I heard David Morris preach also to write well, and thus he on this spot, and it was on surpassed many in his own that stone he stood." When day. asked if he remembered the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 2I7 text, "Yes, well," he replied, Christ, the sacrifice of the " it was the words in the Christian's body, the sacrifice Psalm, ' The earth is full of of a broken heart, the sacrifice the goodness of the Lord.' " of praise, and the sacrifice of " Do you remember anything liberality." of the sermon?" "Yes, I re " How was it that Christ did member that he referred to not ask Peter before dinner, God's goodness in creation, ' Lovest thou me?' Because if and goodness in providence, he had done so, Peter could not and goodness in redemption ; have swallowed one particle of and in referring to His good food." ness in creation, I remember No doubt the great charac that he imagined some one rais teristic of his ministry was its ing objections against it, be vigour and unction, and thus cause that so much of the earth his preaching was often over seems waste, so much is barren powering. The people were deserts, fruitless seas, and wild spell-bound. The effect at mountains." When asked how times was so great that it Mr. Morris met these objec would seem that all present tions, he replied that he could were converted. It was so at not remember how he overthrew Llanarmon, in the vale of Ceir- the objections respecting the iog, where he preached from deserts and the seas, but that the words, " Give an account he remembered well how he of thy stewardship, for thou met the objection respecting the mayest be no longer ." mountains, — " 'The mountains, Such a scene was never wit friends,' he said, ' are God's nessed before or after in that boxes which are full of trea country. The cries and tears sures ; and as He sees His of the people were such as if children in need, He will the great day of judgment had throw the key to some one to come. But, as Mont Blanc open them.' " And as Dr. towers among the mountains of Thomas remarks, this saying in Europe, so the sermon of which itself is sufficient to prove that the greatest talk has been was there was thought in Mr. Mor one he preached at Pont Rip- ris' sermons. pont, Anglesea, on the words, The Rev. , " For what is a man profited who frequently heard him if he shall gain the whole preach, sent the following, world and lose his own soul? among other remarks made by or what shall a man give in ex him, to the Seren Gomer. change for his soul?" This " The five great sacrifices of sermon was long spoken of as Scripture are the sacrifice of " the sermon of the great loss." s18 BIOGKAPHICAL DICTIONARY

When describing in touching some parties who had suffered and tender words what it was a greater loss than she; and for the soul to be lost, he would following the voice, she reach now and again shout with over ed a convenient spot where she whelming effect, "Oh, ye people could see and Lear the preach -of the great loss !" until er. That day her soul was they stood in fear and trem saved. bling. Two very remarkable instances are recorded of per It was thus powerful his sons who were not present at ministry at times proved. His the service, but heard the words, under the blessing of shout, " Oh, ye people of the heaven, were sharper than any great loss!" and were drawn to two-edged sword dividing be the spot where the service was tween people and their sins. being held, and were led to de His ministry was a savour of cide to follow the Lord. One life unto life to many. Not was that of a young girl who withstanding his great corpu had lost her apron, and was lency, he itinerated very much searching for it. Whilst thus both through North and South searching she heard a voice Wales, preaching the unsearch shouting, " The great loss! the able riches of Christ to those great loss ! the great loss !" In who were perishing through her simplicity she thought the their spiritual poverty. He man was referring to her made three or four tours every apron ; so she followed the year in North Wales, visiting voice, and found a large num Anglesea, Carnarvonshire, Den ber of people gathered together bighshire, and Merionethshire, listening to a man preaching and this at a time when the from the words already quot whole journey had to be made ed. She soon found that she on horseback, and much incon was in danger of losing some venience had to be put up with. thing of infinitely greater In many places he was exposed worth than her apron ; and on to much peril, and on many that day she began her reli occasions he was almost mirac gious life. Another woman ulously preserved. He often was in search of some pigs preached the Gospel in dis which had gone astray; and tricts where its joyful sound while she was at some distance had never before been heard, from the preacher, and out of and in man)' he met with a cold his view, she heard the shout, reception. He knew, through "Oh, ye people of the great experience, what it was to loss!" On hearing this, she spend the night without any said to herself that there were door being open to receive him OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 219 in. Nevertheless, he would go sympathize with those in dis forth again and again. tress, and afford to such a Besides being a popular helping hand. His furrow was preacher, he was a considerable short, but a very fruitful one. poet. In 1773 — not 1778 as — Cofiant y Parch. John Jones, .stated in the Gwyddoniadur, Talsarn, vol. ii. page 812 ; Y he published a work, entitled Gwyddoniadur Cymreig; Meth- " Can y Pererinion Cystudd- odistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii. page iedig ar eu taith tua Seion;" 82 ; Y Tadau Methodistaidd, and in 1783, he published an vol. i. page 483 ; Enwogion Elegy on the death of Llewelyn Ceredigion, page 181. Dafydd, of Trecastle, Brecon- Morris, Rev. Ebenezer, .shire, who died March 20th. Twrgwyn, Cardiganshire, oc This last work explains in a cupies a conspicuous place measure how his son Ebenezer among the luminaries of went shortly after this to Tre- Calvinistic Methodism during .castle to open a school. He the closing years of the removed from Lledrod to Twf- eighteenth century, and the gwyn at the invitation of the first two decades of the nine -church to undertake the pastor teenth. At the start of his pub ate, in the year 1774, and here lic career he was favoured he subsequently dwelt until his with advantages which but few death, which took place at the enjoy. His father, David Mor -early age of forty-seven years, ris, Twrgwyn, was a leader in -on September 17th, 1791. the Methodist movement. Thus, Several hymns of his composi when Ebenezer came forth as a tion were very popular, and preacher, he was given a posi rsome of them are still favour tion which would not be accord ites. One of the best known is ed to the son of an unknown one on Heaven, the first stanza person. People had confidence -of which is — in him, expected much from him, and respected him for his " Mae brodyr ini aeth yn mlaen Yn holliach a chytun; father's sake. But he must Deng mil o filoedd yw eu can, have been himself a man of Er hyn nid yw ond un." rare ability and character to His death, at so early an age. sustain through life the posi :awakened intense sorrow tion he held. As the quaint throughout the whole circle of Siencyn Penhydd once remark Methodism, both in North and ed to him, " Ebenezer Morris, South Wales ; for he was not the first time you came through -only a great preacher, and a the country, you rode your .considerable poet, but withal a father's big horse, but now kind and genial man, ready to your own horse is as big as his. BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Beware, lad, lest you fall." words, spoken with much sim However, whilst he was the son plicity, saved him a flogging. of a very eminent minister, Being himself an expert swim Ebenezer, if anything, out mer, perhaps he forgot that all shone his father in ability and boys were not like him. influence. His education must have been looked after tolerably He was born in the year 1769, well, for when he was 17 years. when his father was a preacher of age he left home for Tre- of but five years' standing : lit castle, Breconshire, to open a. tie is known of his early child day-school. In religious mat hood and youth. It would seem ters he was at best at this time- however that he was a boy of a but " almost a Christian." Al very lively disposition, taking though brought up in an emin the lead among his playmates ently religious family, where, in their usual pastimes. It is it may be certain, his religious - known that he was a good instruction was carefully at swimmer, and generally when tended to, when he left home - a lad takes the lead in one he was not decided for Christ. thing of this kind, he is not There was nothing immoral in. far behind the leader in other his habits : he was simply un things. He was full of fun concerned about his spiritual and frolic. On one occasion welfare. He had not however this was nearly fatal to one of been long at Trecastle before- his playmates, who was bathing the great change came to pass. with him and others in the Under the preaching of David river Ceri. In the bed of the William Rhys, one of the early river there was a rock on one lay preachers of Methodism, side of which was a deep pool the truth as it is in Jesus pierced into which no one would jump his soul and brought him into - unless he could swim well. subjection to Christ. He at Ebenezer' came suddenly be once joined the Methodist soci hind this lad, who was stand ety at Trecastle, and was re ing on the rock, and gave him ceived with great joy. He soon an unexpected push into the began to make himself useful pool. The boy could not swim, at the prayer and church meet so he was nearly drowned. ings. The friends, recognizing When the clergyman of Troed- his gifts, urged him to exercise yraur, in whose school he was, them in preaching, and were heard this, he was about to the more earnest perhaps punish Ebenezer severely, when through knowing his father, he excused himself by saying, and being persuaded that he- " How did I know but that he would be a preacher of the- could swim like a fish?" These right stamp. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

.age.and He when even was butat he this begannineteen early to years preach, age heof whilst they had to suffer many hardships and apply themselves to much toil. Ebenezer made was not without seals to his his first visit to North Wales . ministry. a successful A blessedcareer was earnest given of in his twentieth year, in com pany with David Parry, Llan- him at the first. Through the wrtyd, a man of a gentle spirit mercy of God his preaching who still lives in the traditions was not in word only but in of the people. How long the demonstration of the Spirit and itinerancy was, or what events . of power. What joy this must transpired, is not recorded. have been to the Church ! And There can be little doubt that what an encouragement it Parry's touching, tender, and must have been to him ! Of effective preaching, had a deep .church five-and-twenty at Trecastle who on joined the same the influence on the young evangel ist's mind. evening shortly after Ebenezer Upon his return from the began to preach, twenty-four North, he betook himself home acknowledged that it was to his father at Benyffos, Troed- through the ministry of their yraur, and he discontinued the young preacher they had been school at Trecastle. In Octo Ted to consider their end, and ber, 1790, he officiated at Llan- to dedicate themselves to Christ geitho on the Saturday evening .and His cause. preceding the last Sunday of His preaching being thus Daniel Rowland's life. This blessed, his fame spread was a high mark of the esteem abroad. A new light had in which he was held by the com sprung up which it was felt munity of which Rowland was would assuredly become bright the head. Llangeitho, at the er. It was not long before he time, was the centre of Meth was urged to go beyond his im odism. Thither the people went mediate neighbourhood to from all parts of the country, preach the unsearchable riches in readiness for Communion of Christ. The country at that Sunday every month, as the time was in great spiritual tribes of old went up to Jeru darkness. The churches were salem to the feasts of the Lord. few and small, and the preach - Ministers and people went .ers of the Gospel were not thither in pilgrim bands from many. Those who engaged in distant places of both North the work of the ministry had and South Wales. Rowland al to do so from pure love of the ways preached at noon on the .any work, pecuniary receiving remuneration, but little if Saturday preceding the Com munion. In the evening, one BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

of the strangers officiated, and brother. The young couple it was deemed a high honour to thus had to spend the early be chosen to do so. Ebenezer years of their married life was but twenty-one when the without much competence. At choice fell upon him. her uncle's death, however, her brother acted the part of a true In about twelve months after brother, and gave her a goodly this, his father died in the sum, which enabled her hus prime of life, and the zenith of band to purchase a small farm, his fame. He was but 47 years on which they built a new and of age when he was called comfortable house, which they upon to lay down his armour, called Blaenywern, and which and to wear his crown. This was their home during the was a great shock to the young rest of their days. preacher's mind, yet it brought home to him with great force His ministry being powerful, the fact that if he would be of his character upright, and his any service to the Master, it judgment of men and affairs was necessary that he should sound, he soon found himself set about it with speed and in the front rank of the minis earnestness. At his father's ters of Cardiganshire, and in death, he was invited to take deed of Wales. Daniel Row the oversight of the church at land, who had been the chief Twrgwyn and the neighbour centre of action and influence, ing churches over which his had died. Ebenezer's father, father had exercised pastoral the next to Rowland in influ care for some time. ence in Cardiganshire, was also gone " the way of all In the following year he flesh," so that a great gap had married Miss Mary Jones, been opened among the leaders Dinas, Bettws Ifan, Cardigan of Methodism. There were shire, a pious and intelligent many eminent men still re young woman who proved to maining, among whom were him a true helpmate. She was Mr. Grey, Abermeurig ; Mr- an orphan who had been adopt Williams, Lledrod ; and Mr. ed by a rich uncle and aunt. Thomas, Cardigan, with whom The uncle, however, was sorely the subject of this sketch lived displeased with her at her mar on the most cordial terms, ancT riage, as she had rejected the co-operated on all occasions. offers of a young man well-to- He never pushed himself to the do in the world. She had front, yet found himself there. therefore to leave Dinas empty- The position was accorded him handed, and her intended by the common consent and de dowry was bestowed upon her sire of the brethren. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 223

As the years passed by, Mr. the idea of placing the lay Morris kept at his work, preachers on a footing of labouring with great accept equality with them. The ance and success. He often thought was considered mon made prolonged tours through strous, and not to be enter the Principality. His preach tained. No ordination would be ing revived and cheered the valid but that administered by hearts of the children of God, a bishop. Whilst the churches and brought many of the wan were languishing through the dering ones into the fold of the lack of the administration of Saviour. Among other im the sacraments, there was no portant connexional matters thing that could be done to im which he had a hand in bring prove their condition. Stormy ing to pass, was the ordination meetings were held when the of lay preachers to administer question was discussed. Some the sacraments of the church. of the clergymen were almost It was in the churches under wild with rage at the proposal, his care the subject was first and would hardly tolerate any publicly mooted. It was felt to one to say a word about it. For be contrary to all reason that the preachers themselves, it was the minister, under whose rather a delicate matter to take preaching so much good was much part in the discussion, done, whose pulpit ministra lest it should be said that it tions were so powerful and was personal ambition moved brilliant, and whose general them. Ebenezer Morris, how conduct in the management of ever, and others, advocated church affairs was so wise, the measure with calmness and should not administer the persistency, A few simple ordinances. This feeling was words from him at an Associa conveyed to him, and he tion held at Bala finally won responded that the matter rest over the Rev. Thomas Charles ed with the churches : if they to the side of the innovation. were in earnest about it, it was At length, in 1811, the Associa for them to lay the matter be tion both of North and South fore the Association. This was Wales ordained several of the done ; and it was the beginning most conspicuous preachers, of the agitation which was fin among whom Mr. Morris was ally settled in 1811, through prominent. The event proved the ordination of a number of the final severance of the Meth preachers of North Wales at odist movement from the Es Bala, and of South Wales at tablished Church. Llandilo. Many a hard battle He was a mighty preacher. was fought. The episcopally- In the words of an apprecia ordained clergymen resented tive sketch in the Evangelical' 224 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Magazine for April, 1826, a be listened to, equally intelligi few months after he died : — ble as were his to the obtuse " Those natural advantages and vulgar, that were at once and qualifications which seem so theological, so replete with to render a public speaker sentiment, so free from truisms, popular, Mr. Morris enjoyed and so accordant in imagery in extraordinary variety and and diction with good taste. amplitude. His voice was re He was happy in familiarly il markable for its power, capa lustrating the passages of bility of modulation, and mel Scripture he quoted to bear on ody. His style of speaking his point, without perversion never failed to rivet the atten or sophistry. His mode of tion by its diversity, eloquence paraphrasing was clear, appo and energy. His retentiveness site, and highly interesting. If of memory, and his readiness he could be esteemed more ex and copiousness of expression cellent in treating one subject -often appeared to astonishment, than another, it was when ex in carrying him through sen patiating upon the person of tences of great length, compre Christ, and when he proceeded hension, and vehemency, with with closeness and pathos, perfect perspicuity and pre cision. His ardency was un ' To prove loss, that without Christ all gain is common, but seemed fully justi All hope cross.' despair, " that stands not on His fied, and, indeed, demanded by the obvious importance of that which he inculcated. His Although he had but little action was considerable, but at opportunity of speaking Eng all times dignified and becom lish, as he lived and laboured ing ; and his countenance gen chiefly in a district where the erally wore a striking expres English language was seldom sion appertaining to the topic or never heard, yet he is known he might be treating. to have preached and prayed with very great power in that " He was no pulpit trifler. tongue. About the year 1818, From the beginning of his dis he and the Rev. David Charles, course to its conclusion, he Carmarthen, were delegated by strove with all his ardour, to the South Wales Association to awaken the conscience, and to attend the ordination service, affect the heart. He discovered at Wotton-under-Edge, of the much skill in accommodating his Rev. Theophilus Jones, who ideas to every capacity : plac had been selected as minister of ing them in various aspects be the Rev. Rowland Hill's fore the mind with admirable chapel. As Mr. Jones had been readiness. Few sermons could brought up a Methodist, Mr. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 225

Hill desired that brethren of ed the place, and found the this body should take part in people cold and unconcerned, it his ordination. For some time is reported that he would say, previous to the service, Mr. " Well, we must have again the Hill, in his humorous way, fat minister from Wales, that had informed the people of the noted preacher, to rouse you." amusement that was awaiting As stated in the extract from them through the broad Welsh the Evangelical Magazine, he accent of Mr. Morris. The had a marvellous voice, of great day came. Mr. Morris was compass, sweetest melody and called upon to offer the ordina unparalleled power. He would tion prayer, which he did with sometimes be heard two or three great propriety and unction. miles away. Generally, he There was hardly a dry eye in began his sermon in a low tone, the place. Mr. Charles then but as he proceeded his voice gave the charge to the minister rose higher and yet higher. He in his usual fresh, cogent, and had an inimitable way of lay exhaustive style. Mr. Morris ing stress upon and repeating a followed with a sermon to the single word in a short sentence, .church. His text was, " Gather such as Eternity, Day of Judg my saints together unto me ; those that have made a coven ment, until it would thrill the ant with me by sacrifice," Ps. hearts of his hearers and com 1. 5. He soon had the people pletely subdue them. These -completely in his hands. From single words and short sen the context, he led their tences were often instrumental thoughts, in his own peculiar in plucking many a brand from way, to the Day of Judgment, the burning ; and would re-echo shouting " The day of judg in the souls of men long after ment, the day of judgment," other parts of the sermon would ;again and again, until many be forgotten. felt that the day of judgment In his general character he had already come. Several was a man of great influence at ladies fainted under the power home as well as at the Associa -of his preaching. Mr. Hill, tion. All classes paid him sitting in the pulpit behind the much deference and placed in preacher, was moved to tears, him the greatest confidence. his characteristic humour, how One of the chief magistrates of ever, betraying itself even then, the neighbourhood where he for he involuntarily cried out, dwelt, one day said to him, " Amen, go on my brother, give " Mr. Morris, I am extremely it them right well." Ever af thankful to you for your efforts terwards, when Mr. Hill visit- and success in keeping every Q 226 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY body throughout the district in iant y Parch. J. Jones, Talsarit, peace with each other. You vol. ii., page 834 ; Enwogion are worth more than a dozen of Ceredigion, page 183 ; Method- us magistrates." On another istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., page occasion when he was sum 91. moned to appear before the ses Morris, Mr. Risiart, Llan- sion in Cardigan, with regard fair, Anglesea, was born at to some legal matter, it was told Myfyrian Isaf, in the parish of him that " there was no need , Anglesea, January for him to take the oath, his 13th, 1749. His parents, both word would be sufficient." of whom died when he was; These facts reveal the respect thirteen years of age, were in which he was held outside Morris Prichard and Margaret the denomination of which he Williams. He was the third was so honoured a member and of four children. His mother minister. was a religious woman and took fect He peace. died as He he knew lived, that in per- the her children with her to church twice on Sunday. After her time to leave his earthly taber death, Risiart took to a prodigal nacle was at hand. This how life and lived accordingly until ever, caused him no anxiety. he was twenty years of age. At About nine days before his the time of his conversion he death he said with greatest calm experienced a deep conviction ness, " My greatest desire now of sin, and joined a small so is that I may depart and be with ciety of Methodists in the Christ." In his last hours, he parish of Llanddaniel. Four rested solely on the atoning years later, at the time of his merits of Christ, and resting marriage, he took a farm in the here, the troubled waters of Jor same parish, but shortly after dan caused him no alarm. He wards he took another at Llan- died worshipping and rejoic goed, whither he removed, and ing, Monday, August 15th, remained there about ten years. 1825, in the fifty-sixth year of Providence did not seem to fav his age ; and was buried in our him in his agricultural pur Churchyard. suit ; indeed his life was a con A lengthened and interesting tinual struggle. When a sketch of Mr. Morris' life ap chapel was built at Llanfair peared in the Gwyddoniadur, in 1785, he took up his abode and was afterwards published there, and for a time conducted' in a separate form for private a day and night school. He circulation. Y Tadau Method- began to preach in the year istaidd, vol. ii., page 338; Cof- 1794, and devoted the last OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 227 twenty years of his life entirely deacon of the Methodist Church to the ministry of the Gospel, at Brecon, and was a most itinerating through both North gifted man on prayer. Thomas and South Wales. Very many Morris was blessed with many were converted under his qualifications which made him preaching. During the year popular. When his son William he died, fifty-five persons began to preach, he was often joined the church at Llan- announced as "William Morris, fair, and of these fifteen were son of Thomas Morris." His received on the night of his religious character was highly funeral, eleven of whom testi esteemed in his own locality. fied that it was through his The Methodists at Cilgeran in preaching they had been led to his day had no chapel and held decide for Christ. He died all their services both on Sun April 12th, 1814, aged 65 years. days and weekdays at his house. He was a faithful preacher, a Bywgraffiad y Parch. William keen disciplinarian, and severe Morris, Cilgeran, page 16. in his condemnation of sin. Morris, Mr. Thomas, Pont- Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., robert, Montgomeryshire, was page 577 ; Methodistiaeth Mon, a member of the church at Pont- page 117. robert at its earliest period. He Morris, Mr. Robert, Llan- was an earnest and lively nefydd, Denbighshire, was the preacher, and itinerated a good son of Richard Morris, and was deal, chiefly however in com baptized July 23, 1769. He pany with some other preacher. was a farmer and preacher, and He was a pioneer of the work rendered good service to the in some districts. He died in Lord's cause in his district. He 1841. was buried at . Morris, Mr. William, Car-, Morris, Mr. Thomas, Cil- mel, Flintshire, is included in geran, Pembrokeshire, was a the list of preachers in the Dry- lively and highly respected sorfa for 1836. preacher in his sphere, but Moses, Mr. Evan, Bala, nothing like so eminent as his Merionethshire, wfas a black son, the Rev. William Morris. smith by trade, and a native of He was a shoemaker by trade, Cardiganshire. Before his con and through his skill and suc version he was thoughtless and cess in his calling he was en gay. The patriarchal John abled to bring up his family re Evans of Bala, speaks of him spectably. One of his sons, as the most wonderful man he David, entered the Civil Ser bad ever known. His conver vice, and for many years was a sion brought to pass a com 228 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

plete change in his spirit and preached near Capel Coch, life. No one ever saw him Anglesea, about the year 1751, afterwards in a trivial mood, or Robert Dafydd, Hen Siop, who in a bad temper. Nor was he became an eminent Christian, ever heard to speak a waste was converted. Robert had word. He ever kept at hand, in come to the service for the ex his smithy, pen and ink and press purpose of causing a dis paper to note down the hymns turbance, but the reading of his which he sometimes composed text by the preacher completely whilst engaged at the anvil ; a subdued him, and won him number of these were sung at over to the side of the Gospel. the religious services held in A letter from him to Howel his day. He and his brother Harris, dated September 17th, John were among the earliest 1755, appeared in Cymru, vol. exhorters in the district. He i., page 31, in which he gives undertook to conduct a religious an account of an itinerancy he service every morning at 5 was making in North Wales. o'clock, to secure quiet from the Its language indicates clearly enemies of the Methodist move that he was from Glamorgan ment ; he called at the homes of shire. He was a comparatively those who usually attended to illiterate man, but in the pre arouse them from their sleep, cision of his ways, the energy saying, under their window, — of his character, and in his de I" Rise, brethren, to the Lord's votion to the interests of his service and do not listen to the chief, he was a man after Har flesh." Robert Jones says of ris' own heart, and after the him that he was a man of ster death of the latter he continued ling character : his godliness to preside over the Institution was conspicuous, his counsels till his own decease in the year were blessed, his prayers were 1805. He was one of the two many and fervent, and his zeal or three exhorters, who, hav for God's cause intense. The ing survived Harris, published date of his death is not known. his first biography in the year Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i., r791. The Rev. Daniel Rowland page 480 ; Hanes Methodistiaeth meeting him one day at Swan Dwyrain Meirionydd, page 52. sea in 1759, asked him why Mr. Moses, Mr. Evan, Trevecca, Harris did not go out to preach Breconshire, was a native of as of old. " I told him," he Aberdare, and removed to Tre wrote, "that if Mr. Harris vecca that he might be near were to come again amongst Howel Harris. It is recorded you, you would pull down what that, through a sermon he he put up, and put up again

> OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 229 what he would pull down. And terposed, he would have been I told him that I believed God more maltreated than he was. would show him that he had John and his mother and some sinned in the Rupture, because others were summoned before he did not strike in with the the magistrates for the part they Lord against the carnal spirit took in relation to Harris. John that had come into the work, was fined five shillings for be and because he had opposed the ing among his hearers, and his preaching of the death of God." mother twenty shillings for har When Harris entered the Bre- bouring him. He and his conshire Militia, in the early brother Evan were among the part of 1760, Evan Moses and first to espouse the cause of one or two others were appoint Methodism in the district, and ed ' to assume the command of to go forth as exhorters in con the Institution at Trevecca dur nection therewith. He con ing his absence. Harris evi tinued faithful to the end of his dently placed in him the ut life. He died in the year 1787, most confidence and thought after having been a follower very highly of him as a faith of Christ for 42 years. loan ful and trustworthy man. Life Tegid was his grandson. — of Howel Harris, pages 381, Drych yr Amseroedd, page 175 ; 386, 389 ; Manes Methodistiaeth Hanes Methodistiaeth Dwyrain Cymru, vol. ii., page 558; Meirionydd, page 53. Methodistiaeth Dwyrain Meir- Moses, Mr. John, Llan- ionydd, page 53. gwyryfon, Cardiganshire, was Moses, Mr. John, Bala, one of the early preachers. Merionethshire, was the brother Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., of Evan Moses of the same town. page 32. Both were blacksmiths by trade, Moses, Mr. John, Trecastle, and rendered much service to Breconshire, was a preacher Methodism in the district of who lived and laboured about Bala at its very start. John the end of the eighteenth and had a greater gift of speech the beginning of the nineteenth than Evan, and was of a freer century. and more lively disposition, Moses, Mr. Thomas, Nant- though he was not so prominent garedig, Carmarthenshire, was with the cause of Christ. one of the early preachers. Howel Harris was his mother's Nathan, Mr. Thomas, New guest on the occasion of his Chapel, Pembrokeshire, was a visit to Bala when his life was native of Carmarthen, and re ill greatest peril : indeed had it moved to New Chapel to reside, not been that John Moses in where he died in 1848. 2i° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Newell, Mr. Robert, Llan- a stone, and threw it into the DDEwi, Radnorshire, was con middle of the pool. Upon verted under a sermon preach this a lad came there on ed by Howell Harris, one Sun horseback, who seized the day afternoon, in the neighbour preacher by his shoulder hood of Llandegley, and he be and drew him to and fro in the came an earnest preacher of the water. Some of the spectators Gospel in his native county. He also diverted themselves with lived on a small farm named pelting him with stones and Pantyffin, and rendered much filth. For still further amuse service to the Methodist move ment, a dog was got from a tan- ment. When he died, the dis yard near by to drive the tricts where he had laboured preacher into fhe water. But were left almost destitute of as the dog snapped at and bit preaching, possibly through the mouth of the boy's horse, that the Methodist itinerant causing considerable excite preachers were chiefly Welsh. ment, the preacher was able to Moreover, at the time of the escape. rupture between Harris and On another occasion, Oliver Rowland, the Rowland section took advantage of a crowd of left Radnorshire and the ad people gathered together at jacent districts of Breconshire, Ruthin to witness the public to Harris, whilst Harris con execution of a man condemned fined his labours very much to to be hanged, and preached to his settlement at Trevecca. them from the words of Christ Oliver, Mr. Edward, was a to the thief on the Cross — "This bold and courageous preacher, day shalt thou be with me in who experienced-much brutality Paradise," and a deep impres at the hands of the enemies of sion was produced on many the Gospel. When preaching minds. Methodistiaeth Cymru, on one occasion at Denbigh, in vol. i., page 153. the house of Thomas Lloyd, be Owen, Mr. David, Penmorfa. fore a church had been formed Cardiganshire, was the son of in the town, the foes of the David and Mary Owen, Troed- Methodist movement drew him yrhiw, , and was from the house to the Lenten born in 1793. He was brought Pool, where it was customary to into the Lord's vineyard at water horses and cattle. As Pensarn, Cardiganshire, when his enemies found it difficult to 19 years of age, and soon get him into the p"ol without evinced considerable interest in getting wet themselves, they the Sabbath School and other took his wig, and placed therein sections of the work of Christ. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 231

He removed from Pensarn to year 1725. He was the brother Penmorfa, where, in the year of John Owen, who was a very 1823 — or according to the Rev. eminent worker in the early his John Evans, in 1821 — he began tory of Methodism in Flint to preach. He was a great shire. Indeed, the two bro reader, and was also remarkable thers were the first preachers of on prayer. The sum and sub the Connexion in this county. stance of his preaching was, Both endured much persecution Christ crucified is everything and many hardships because of for a sinner who has nothing. their alliance with the Method He earnestly urged his fellow ists. The following instances sinners to escape for their life will illustrate the kind of treat to the appointed Refuge from ment they received. On one the wrath to come. He itiner occasion when Humphrey was ated through all the counties of praying at the commencement of South Wales, and through por a service at Gronant, some one tions of North Wales ; but his threw an owl in his face, pur sun suddenly set whilst he was posing to put an end to the ser in the prime of life. He died vice, and though he failed in August 21st, 1837, and was his object, yet the preacher was buried at Llangrannog. Meth- considerably hurt. Dung and odistiaeth De Aberteifi, page rotten eggs were frequently 266. thrown at him to disconcert and Owen, Mr. Hugh, Cemmaes, annoy him. One Sunday morn Anglesea, was called to the dia- ing when preaching in the conate before he began to street at Conway, and before he preach. He lived at Gorslwyd had quite finished, a constable for some years. He never at came and ordered him at once tained to much influence in the to appear before a magistrate, pulpit, but he was highly re the vicar of the parish, who had spected as a Christian. He had sent him with a summons for his the unfortunate weakness of try capture. The following con ing to imitate the Rev. John versation took place between Elias in the peculiar use of his him and the vicar. forefinger when preaching. He " Why," asked the clergy died September 9th, 1844. — man, " do such as you come Methodistiaeth Mon, page 193. through the country to disturb Owen, Mr. Humphrey, Ber- the people?" then-gron, Flintshire, was the " Most assuredly, sir," re son of Owen Thomas, Lleyn, plied the preacher, "there was Carnarvonshire, who removed to perfect peace in our midst until reside in Flintshire about the the constable sent by you came BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY to us : it was he alone, sir, that 1796, aged about sixty, and disturbed the people." twenty years after his brother, "Do you understand Greek?" alongside whose remains in Vs- the clergyman asked. geifiog churchyard he was '.'Indeed, sir," Owens replied, buried. — Methodistiaeth Cymru, " I am exceedingly glad that vol. iii., page 146. Jesus Christ understands Welsh Owen, Mr. John, Berthen- well, and it was in that langu gron, Flintshire, one of the age I spoke." pioneers of Methodism in his The clergyman then said to county, was born in the year the constable, purposing to 1727. He was the son of Owen frighten the preacher, " Pre Thomas, Murcwd, in the parish pare to take this man to Car of Ysgeifiog, Flintshire. His narvon to hand him over to parents were natives of Lleyn, the press-gang." So the clergy Carnarvonshire. He was an man and the constable left the able and talented man, careful preacher, fully expecting that of his morals and in the habit he would crave for pardon and of attending Church. He was promise never to transgress in moreover a considerable poet. the same way again. But after His conversion took place under waiting a long time, without a sermon by the Rev. Daniel any such request from the Rowland, Llangeitho, in Ty preacher, the clergyman thought Modlen, Llandyrnog. When 25 that it was best to let him go ; years of age he married a pious so he sent the constable to say, young woman of the name of " My master says that you may Mary Edwards. Having set now go your way." tled at Berthen Gron, he ar Humphrey replied, " Go to ranged that preaching services your master and tell him that I should be held in his house. will not leave unless he comes This was the start of Methodism himself to release me." in Flintshire. Four years later So he had to come and let he began to preach — twenty Humphrey go honourably, and years before the chapel at away he went to Llanrwst to Berthen was erected. He en fulfil an engagement to preach dured much persecution on ac there that evening. count of his religion, and was In the face of much insuit dispossessed by his landlord's and opposition and pecuniary steward of a lead mine solely sacrifice he continued faithful because he would not discon to his task as a preacher of the tinue his connection with Meth Gospel to the end of his life. odism. By this act he had to He died at Holywell in the year sacrifice about ^3,000. In about OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 2ii twelvemonths afterwards the The exact date of his death is steward came upon a fearful not known. death ; five men who witnessed Owen, Mr. Owen, Amlwch, his ravings were led to join the Anglesea, was one of the preach Methodists. John Owen labour ers of Anglesea of the second ed hard for Christ and His period. He was considered a cause. In 1775 he built a chapel sensible preacher, but rather at Berthen Gron, almost entire dry. He enjoyed in early life ly at his own cost. The follow more educational advantages ing year, when he was about than the majority of those who forty-nine years of age, he died engaged in the Methodist min at , near Llanidloes, istry in his day. For some on his way home from Llan- reason or other he discontinued geitho, whither he had gone to preaching before the end of his invite Mr. Rowland to come days. Methodistiaeth Mon, to the opening of the chapel he page 115. had erected. His mortal re Owens, Mr. Owen, Gwy- mains were brought home and therin, Denbighshire, com buried in the presence of an im menced to preach towards the mense crowd in Ysgeifiog close of the eighteenth century, churchyard. — Methodistiaeth about the same time as Mr. Da Cymru, vol. iii., page 130; vid Hughes, Llanrwst, the fa Cofiant y Parch. Thomas ther of the Rev. Hugh Hughes, Jones, Dinbych, page 24. Llanrwst. He had a daughter Owen, Rev. John, Llanbryn- — Mrs. Hannah Griffiths — who mair, Montgomeryshire, was a lived at St. Asaph for many native of Llanbrynmair, where years, and who, though an he began to preach. He was octogenarian, won several prizes ordained at Bala, June 14th, at literary meetings. 1837. In 1841 he went to Owen, Mr. Robert, Bryny- America, and resided at Rem- gadfan, Llithfaen, Carnarvon sen, where he died on October shire, was one of the early 4th of the same year, aged 53. preachers of Lleyn. Preaching Y Gymdeithasfa, pages 124 and services were held in his house. 482 ; Methodistiaeth Cymru, In 1769, even a Monthly Meet vol. ii., page 341. ing was held there. There was Owen, Mr. John, Rhos- no chapel built in the district ixanerchrugog, Denbighshire. until the year 181 1, fully fifty Little is known of this brother years after the start of Meth beyond that he was for a short odism in the district. At the time in the ministry of the Gos time of the rupture between pel and that he died young. Harris and Rowland, he sided 234 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

strongly for a time with the Gospel, and continued faithful former. His views on some in the service of the Lord to the Biblical texts were rather con end of his life. When quite a fused, but he held firmly to the lad, he frequently went great fundamental doctrines. distances to hear the Gospel Owen, Mr. Robert, preached, and for some years Uchaf, Lleyn, was one of the went regularly every month to early preachers of Methodism the Communion service at Llan- in Lleyn. He had a fine pre geitho. When but eighteen he sence, and was well-trained in entered upon the work of the the true faith. His preaching ministry, and at the same time ability was clear and his ser proceeded to Lady Hunting mons were Scriptural. He died don's College at Trevecca to in the prime of life from con quality himself the better for sumption. Drych yr Amser- his work. His friends at home oedd, page 189. pressed him to throw himself at Owen, Mr. Robert, Tygwyn, once into the work of preach Lleyn, was one of the early ing, as the labourers were few, preachers in his circle, and and the work that needed to be faithfully rendered what little done was great, so he remained service was possible to him to at Trevecca but three months. the Lord's cause whilst he lived. Mr. W. Llwyd, Cayo, an emin Parry, Rev. David, Llan- ent lay preacher, and a man wrtyd, Breconshire, was a of great influence, joined in bright and shining light in his urging him to pursue this day, reflections of which still course, and even drew out for flicker in some of the villages him a short tour through the and valleys of the county where county. There was a powerful he resided during the later revival going on at the time, years of his life. Though so and Parry imbibed much of its long a time has passed away spirit, and feared to return to since he left " the land of the Trevecca, lest he should lose the dying " for " the land of the opportunity of serving Christ living," his name is still fra and saving souls. Whilst at grant in many circles. Trevecca he was induced on He was a native of Carmar one occasion to attempt preach thenshire, and was born at ing in English, but he felt so Llwyndiriad, in the parish of much in shackles that he said Cayo, Feb. 13th, 1760. When it would be better for him to he was but twelve years of age give up as, possibly, no one un he threw in his lot with tho=e derstood him. The Countess who were on the side of the herself was present and full of OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 235

sympathy with him, replied, that " it seemed as if the Lord "Go on, go on, we understand had covenanted to bless what you perfectly," and he then David Parry would say." went on with his discourse. He travelled much both in About the year 1798 he re North and South Wales declar moved to Llanwrtyd, where he ing the unsearchable riches of henceforth resided. Christ, and warning sinners to During his whole public life, flee from the wrath to come. he was a popular and success In his death he found much ful preacher, labouring in comfort and support from the and out of season in the cause truths he had preached in his of his Master. He was one of life. When he was in the the first batch of lay preachers deep waters, he said, that the - chosen for ordination at Llan- Rock was firm under his feet, dilo in 1811. His ministry and he repeatedly shouted was chiefly such as to touch the "Hallelujah, Hallelujah." He conscience. The most callous slept in Jesus, April 27th, 1821, were often compelled to feel aged sixty-one years. Method- deeply under his ministry. An 335-istiaeth Cymru, vol. iii., page elderly sister one day said to a very hard and ungodly man Parry, Mr. Edward, Bryn- who seemed utterly thoughtless bugad, Llansannan, Denbigh of his soul, " There is one shire, was an eminently success thing you never think about — ful worker for Christ and that is the welfare of your Methodism. He was born at soul." " You make a great Llysbychan, in the parish of mistake," he said, "whenever I Llansannan, in 1723. He had hear David Parry preach I am but little educational advant compelled to think about it." ages, yet he could read and Much unction and power fre write Welsh, and had some quently attended his preaching. measure of the poetic gift On one occasion at an Associa which secured for him the tion held in Glamorganshire, friendship of the Welsh bard there were present many of the " Twm o'r Nant." He com most gifted and popular minis posed in his early years several ters, and some of them had had Interludes. Until he was very glorious services. Before eighteen years of age he worked the close, David Parry was with his father on the farm, -called upon to preach, and the Llysbychan, Llansannan. He power of the Lord was so' mani was then apprenticed to a car fest that the Rev. Ebenezer Mor penter, and he pursued that ris, who was present, remarked craft for some years. In 1746, 2j6 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY he married Owen, the daughter which has become well known of Mr. David Hughes, Plas- in the Methodist world of North bigad, Llansannan, and took Wales. About the year 1749. the small farm of Cefnbyr, at he began to preach. But when the same time working at his the rupture between Rowland trade as a carpenter. In com and Harris took place in 1751, pany with ten or a dozen others, he took it to heart and lost much he attended a preaching service of his Methodist zeal ; indeed, at Henllys, in the parish of he went back for a time to the Llanfairtalhaiarn, when Da- tinuingEstablished his labours Church, against still conT the fydd William Rhys, from South Wales, was the preacher, ana evil practices of the country. the truth as it is in Jesus reach About the year 1761, he took ed his heart. Up to this time Brynbugad farm. In 1763, he he had lived after the fashion buried his first wife, and after of the world, but now he about two years he married passed from death unto life, Ann Roberts, the widow of and became a new creature in Henry Roberts, Arllwyd. She Christ Jesus. He got Dafydd and her first husband had been William Rhys to preach at his to Trevecca to see how matters house, which was the first were conducted, purposing, if opened in the parish of Llan they were satisfied, to remain sannan for the Methodists. Thi:- there, but they thought best to awakened the rage of the return to Arllwyd, and shortly clergyman of the parish, and after, the husband died, and also his landlord, who threaten later she married Edward ed that unless he discontinued Parry. By this time he his connection with the Meth had begun a second time to odists, he should leave the farm. preach. In the year 1767, To this threat he calmly re church meetings began to be plied, " Your land, sir, is but held at Brynbugad, which be for a season, but religion is to came very popular. People as last for ever." Before he left sembled there from eight or ten the farm, he met with Mr. parishes to hear the Gospel Foulkes of Wenallt, another preached, and many were those landlord in the neighbourhood, who were led to believe. Parry to whom he told his trouble, himself went forth to preach in and who gave him a plot of new districts, pioneering the ground on which to build a way for other and less courage house for himself, and attached ous men. Thus, Methodism to it some fields. He called spread and rooted itself in the this house Tanyfron — a name country round about — at Hen OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 237

llan, Llannefydd, Abergele, Fedw Arian, gerllaw y Bala, yn I.lanfairtalhaiara, Gwytherin, Sir Feirionydd. Argraffwyd , and other places. dros ddyn tlawd a elwir Wil He was pre-eminent for his liam Ellis trwy ganiatad y ability in opening new dis brodyr ynghymanfa Caerwys." tricts for the Gospel. He Some of his hymns are still was a natural speaker, a sung, such as great reader of Welsh books, " Blant afradlon, at eich Tad, and thus a man of wider know Dewch mae croeso," &c. ledge than the majority of the "Caned nef a daear lawr people. He did not travel much Fe gaed ffynon, &c." through distant parts of the A memorial stone to his mem country, but occasionally visit ory was put up by public sub ed Anglesea, Carnarvonshire, scription in front of the chapel and Flintshire ; and on one oc at Llansannan, in 1904, on casion he went to London. Ere which is the following inscrip long Brynbugad became too tion : — small for the congregations which assembled, so a site was DiwygiadPregethwr Er Cof Methodistaidd1722 yr amBryn Efengyl Edwardhyn. —Bugad. a 1786 Seren yn Parry, y parthau Fore y given him by the landlord of Tanyfron on which to build a chapel. This took place in 1773. After ten years of earnest work, he resolved to retire from CodwydPlannodd gan a dyfrhaodd Clwyd, Gyfarfod 1904. winllanoedd Misol Dyffryn Duw. Brynbugad, purposing to con secrate himself more entirely to itinerate in connection with the Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. 1., Gospel, but ill-health overtook page 142 ; Cofiant y Parch. him, and a fever set in which 33-Thomas Jones, Dinbych, page proved fatal on September 16th, 1786, when he was 63 years of Parry, Mr. Elias, London, age. He published several was a native of Chester. small books which did much to Parry, Mr. Follk, Oswes dispel the darkness which over try, was a native of Llanuwch- hung the district. Among llyn, Merionethshire, where he others was a small collection of began to preach. He pursued Hymns, entitled " Ychydig o his vocation as a preacher for Hymnau na buont yn argraff- 24 years, and was remarkable edig erioed o'r blaen, o waith for his faithfulness in the Edward Parry, o blwyf Llan- Lord's vineyard. He died Janu sannan, yn Sir Ddinbych, ac ary 14th, 1842, aged forty-five hefyd o waith Wm. Evans, o'r years, after a long and painful 238 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

illness, which he bore with the Marches near Chester ; much patience. Rev. John where the people were in gross: Hughes, Pontrobert, says of him ignorance of the Gospel, and in a Galargan, — utterly indifferent to their soul's welfare. He also had a hand " Cofio 'rwyf am Parry duwiol O Groesoswallt aeth i'w fedd, in the composition of the Con Ffyddlon a defnyddiol ydoedd. cession of Faith in the year Cariodd genadwri hedd. Pump a deugain o flynyddau 1823, and of the Constitutional Hyny ydoedd dyddiau 'i oes, Deed three years later. When O honynt pedairbiwydd ar hugain he died, it was felt that a Bn'n pregethu angeu'r Groes." prince in Israel had fallen. Y Drysorfa, vol. xii., page 64; He was born at -gru- vol. xiii., page 14; Cronicl yr gan, in the parish of Llandwr- Ysgol Sabbothol, 1881, page og, Carnarvonshire, May 7th, 216. 1775. His father was Owen Parry, Rev. John, Chester, Parry, who was a blacksmith was in his day a man of con by trade, and the son of Henry- siderable importance in connec Parry, a farmer and gardener tion with Methodism, both as living in Tyddyn-Heilyn, in a preacher and as a litterateur. the parish of Llanwyndaf . His For some years he was the lead mother was Jane Morris, who, er of the Flintshire Monthly previous to her marriage, was Meeting, and a favourite supply in the service of Lord New- in the churches of Liverpool, borough, as house keeper, at London, Manchester, and daughterGlyn-Llifon. of Morris She and was Elin a other important circles. He never travelled much in Williams, of Gegin-fain, near South Wales, but made Dinas, in the parish of Llan several excursions through the wyndaf. Soon after their mar churches of North Wales. He riage, his parents went to live had the bearing of a dignified at Llanfair, near Plasnewydd, ecclesiastic : in his later years, Anglesea, where they remained he invariably wore a velvet cap about eighteen months, and then at the services he attended, and removed to Groeslon-grugan. his appearance was most vener They had six children, of whom able. In his speech he was in John was the third. The first clined to be slow, and his tone school he attended was one of was rather in the minor key. Mrs. Bevan's Circulating Welsh He took a prominent part in Schools at Bryn-yr-odyn. In 1813, in the formation of the June, 1787, he went to a school Home Missionary Society for founded by Lord Newborough the evangelization specially of at Ffrwd-yr-ysgyfarnog. The OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 239

teacher was Mr. David Wilson, the Borough, and Deptford. a near relative of Wilson, the During his stay in the city, he landscape painter. He was for assisted the Rev. Thomas a time also in a school at Llan- Charles, in Tevising the proof llyfni, conducted by John Ro of the first edition of the Welsh berts — afterwards of Llangwm ; Bible published by the British and also in Mr. Evan Richard and Foreign Bible Society. He son's school at Carnarvon. In remained in London on this September, 1793, he went to visit 22 weeks and preached 109 Liverpool to learn navigation, times. He then resided for a and upon his return home, he time at Caerfallwch with his opened a school at Brynsiencyn, wife's parents. In the summer Anglesea, and conducted it for of 1806, he started a Drapery five years. He had previously, business in Chester — in the when seventeen years of age, Row, near St. Michael's Church, joined the church at Brynyr- Bridge Street. He carried on odyn. He began to preach De this business for nearly four cember 25th, 1797. In Novem years, at the same time making ber, 1798, he left his school for preaching excursions to several Manchester to study Greek and parts of Wales. But early in Hebrew. He remained there 1810, he discontinued the dra but a few months, and, re pery business, and started as opened his school at Brynsien a bookseller, which was far cyn. He had been here but a more congenial to his taste ; this short time, when he made a business he carried on to the preaching excursion through the end of his life, though he re greater part of North Wales. In moved his residence once or February, 1800, he opened a twice. On May 2nd, 1811, he school at Holyhead, making at had the great sorrow of losing intervals rather long preaching his wife. In August of the excursions. On August 15th, following year he married Miss 1804, he married Miss Bellis, Langford, a native of Chester, Caerfallwch, in the parish of who was a pious and sensible Llaneurgain, Flintshire ; she lady, and aided him much in was a niece of the well-known his business. In 1814, he was preachers John and Humphrey ordained at Bala. Whilst Owen, Berthen-gron. On Octo serving the Welsh churches in ber 5th, 1804, he finally discon London in 1817, his portrait tinued his school, and accom was taken for the Evangelical panied by his wife, went to Magazine, in which periodical London to supply the Welsh the portraits of several Welsh churches in Wilderness Row, Ministers from time to time 24" BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

appeared. In Nov., 1S18, he from deafness, through a cold began to publish a monthly which he took when preaching periodical entitled Goleiad in the street at an Association at , price threepence, and Llanfyllin. His multitudinous at the beginning of 1821, at the labours - told upon his health request of friends in South and strength which gradually Wales, its named was changed waxed weaker, and resulted in to Olelad Cymru, and its price his death April 28th, 1846, aged raised to fourpence. These peri 71 years, after having been a odicals were strictly undeno preacher of the Gospel for near minational. In 1827, he start ly 50 years ; and a resident at ed publishing a Commentary on Chester for 40 years. He was portions of the Bible, but the buried in St. John's churchyard. only part completed was the He left a widow and three book of Isaiah. Though con children to deplore his loss — siderable information regard one son, Elias, was a minister ing the Methodists appeared in in London, having the charge the Oi.Eiad Cymru, the friends of one of Lady Huntingdon's of Methodism felt the need of a churches ; his second son carried periodical devoted entirely to on the business in Chester, and the interests of their own deno his daughter, who was married, mination, so Mr. Parry was lived at Abergele. asked to discontinue the OLeuad His literary works were the Cymru, and publish in its stead following : — i. " Cofiant am y the Drysorfa, which was to be diweddar Barchedig John a Methodist Connexional Maga Brown, Gweinidog yr Efengyl zine. He acceded to the re yn Scotland." ii. " Drychau quest, and on January 1st, 1831, Cywir : yn dangos Athraw- the new series of the Drysorfa iaethau Mr. Owen Davies yn yr appeared, which has been con Ymddiddanion rhwng dau tinued ever since. He edited Gymmydog, Hyffordd a Ber- it until his death. His minis ead." This was printed at terial, literary, and commercial Bala. iii. " Gorph o Dduwin- labours were abundant. He yddiaeth, yn ofynion ac ateb- preached much in English on ion, gan y Parch. John Brown the Goror, and in the chapels of o Scotland." This was pub Philip Oliver in Chester and lished in 1811. iv. " Rhodd the district. He took an active Mam i'w Phlentyn." In 1813 part in the work of the vVVlsh it was translated into English. church in Chester and vas a v. " Gweddillim Petholedig tower of strength to it. In his J. Mason." vii. " Gramadeg later years he suffered much Hebraeg, er cyfarwyddid i'r OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 24I

Cymro Uniaith i ddysgu dar- died rather young. In the sec llen a deall Hebraeg yn gywir ond part of the EJegy, the poet a rheolaidd, heb gynorthwy urges Parry's friends even to Athraw." vii. He begaa to rejoice at his early death. publish " Goleuad Gwynedd." " Cyfeillion a pherth'nasau Parry, viii. Rheolau Ysgolion Sabboth- Molwch Iesu am ei dynu ol Sir Fflint." ix. " Cof nod- O dreuni'r byd mor gynar, au Byrion am y Brenin Sior A chael nefoedd yn He daiar." III. x. " Pedwar Cyflwr Dyn" Casgliad o Hen Farwnadau o waith y Parch. T. Boston, xi. Cymreig, page 55. "Gramadeg o'r iaith Gymraeg." Parry, .vIr. Thomas, Llan- xii. " Esboniad ar Lyiv y sug, Carnarvonshire, died In Prophwyd Esaiah." xiii the year 1844. He was a pro " Rhodd Tad i'w blant." xiv. mising young preacher, and "Peroriaeth Hyfryd, neu Gasgl- had entered Bala College to iad o gant o Donau." xv. "Per- qualify himself the better for ygl a Dyledswydd, neu ychydig the life of a minister. He at -eiriau ar Babyddiaeth a Phusey- tended to his studies with a aeth" (a translation). xvi. closeness of application be "Bedydd ac Ail Enedigaeth, ar yond what his health and ddull o Gatecism." strength would allow, with the His Memoir entitled " Cof- result that he was cut down iant y diweddar Barchedig John early in life. Y Drysorfa, vol. Parry o Gaerlleon," written, as xiv., page 222. is supposed, by his great friend Peters, Rev. John, Traws- Erfyl, was published in 1849. fynydd, Merionethshire, was Parry, Mr. Sion, Carmar born in the parish of Llan- thenshire. In an Elegy writ gower, near Bala, November ten by Morgan Rhys, the fol 20th, 1779, but he was brought lowing lines are found : — up chiefly at Bala with his " Sion Parry fu ini'n fuddiol iawn, uncle, David Rowland, the Yn llawn_o ddawn nefolaidd, father of the Rev. David Row Egniol yn llefaru'r gwir, Sef geiriau pur y maw redd ; land, . He had a Tros fynyddau mawrion Cymru, fairly good elementary educa O Gaerdydd i dre' Caergybi, Nes i ryw afiechyd fagu tion, according to his station in Tan ei fron a'i ddwyn i'w wely, life, and he became able to Diangodd ef yn llawen iawn, Cyn y prydnawn i fyny." speak English freely. He spent many of his early years after From these lines it is evident the fashion of worldly youths, that Mr. Parry travelled much finding his chief delight in foot in Wales as a preacher of the ball. When he came of age, he everlasting Gospel and that he was apprenticed to Mr. John 242 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Davies, Saddler, one of the eld twenty-one years at Bala, from ers of the church at Bala, by where he made frequent preach whom he was led to attend the ing tours through both North means of grace. He was often and South Wales. In 1823, he deeply impressed by the ser married Catherine, the widow of mons he heard, but found it Mr. Thomas Roberts, Trawsfyn- difficult to break away from ydd, and at the same time re his evil habits. When he heard moved there to reside : he Mr. Robert Roberts, Clynnog, spent the last twelve years of announced to preach, he would his life at Trawsfynydd. He strive to live well until the ser was ordained in 1827. In 1832 aphic preacher came, and then a stone fell upon his foot, giv he would be preserved for some ing his system a great shock weeks from yielding to and confined him to his house the temptations which fre for many months : indeed he quently beset him. One Satur never preached much after this day evening he was led to hear event. He died April 26th, the Rev. John Evans, New Inn, 1835, aQd was buried in Traws preach, and the Spirit of God fynydd churchyard. — Hanes blessed the sermon to his con Methodistiaeth Gorllewin Meir- version. He then joined the ionydd, vol. ii., page 161 ; 432 ; church at Bala. When he was Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i., about 23 years of age, he began page 167. to preach, and soon attained to Phillips, Mr. George, considerable popularity : his Neath, Glamorganshire, is re fine physique, geniality of dis ferred to as a co-worker with position, sweetness of voice, Howel Harris. and the importance of his theme Phillips, Mr. John, Mydrim, contributing to this end. His Carmarthenshire, sometimes sermons would often contain spoken of as John Phillips, short, crisp sentences, which Conwil, was one of the early went home to the hearts of his exhorters of Methodism in his hearers, such as when preach county, and although not a ing on union with Christ, he great preacher, his ministry drew the attention of the people was very acceptable. He was through the following words, — considered a very good man, " My hearers, there is a way and was greatly esteemed on ac to hell from everywhere except count of his godly character. from Christ ; but if you become The Rev. Joshua Phillips, Banc- united to Him, you will lose yfelin, was his son. He died for ever the way to that un February 17th, 1842, aged 92 happy place." He spent years, after having been a OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 243 preacher for 59 years. Y Dry- 258; Drych yr Amseroedd, page sorfa, vol. xii., page 128. »75- Phillips, — , Llangrallo, Popkin, Mr., Swansea, was was a preacher in 1777. one of the early preachers of Pierce, Mr. John, Llanid Methodism in Glamorganshire. loes, was a native of Carnar He is said to have been a mart vonshire. He lived for some of much intellectual power, and time in service at Llangeitho, to have exercised considerable where he first began to draw influence in furthering the in attention to himself as a Christ terests of Methodism. After a ian, and also began to preach. time he embraced the doctrines Notwithstanding his many dis of Sandemanianism, and did advantages, he succeeded much harm to the infant cause through his earnest application of Methodism at Swansea and' in acquiring much general its neighbourhood. knowledge, and in learning Powell, Mr. Dafvdd, Mont sufficient English to translate, gomeryshire was one of the in conjunction with Robert earliest supporters of Howel Jones, Rhoslan, a portion of Harris in his county. But his Gurnal's works into Welsh. On day was short ; he passed away the occasion of his marriage he before he lost his first love. He removed to Llanidloes and was was truly devoted to his work, enabled to itinerate without hav and gave much time to visit the ing any worldly cares to oc sick in his neighbourhood, in cupy and harass his thoughts. structing and comforting them He was naturally of a rather in their day of trouble. He low-spirited disposition, taking was highly respected by all a pessimistic view of affairs. classes. Reference is made to His companion on his itiner him in the Trevecca Minutes as ancies usually was Edward an earnest and active preacher. Watkins, Llanidloes, who, was Powel, Mr. William, Twvn, fortunately, of an opposite cast Crickhowel, Breconshire, was of mind, cheerful and sanguine, a devout and godly man, though and who readily succeeded in not a great preacher. A rather overcoming Pierce's fears. The remarkable story is related of tales told of the two are many him in connection with a solici and ludicrous. Pierce died tor who resided at Crickhowel, Eeb. 1, 1703- He is said to have with whom he one day walked been a very powerful preacher, from Abergavenny. Talking and unusually able in conduct about religion, the solicitor ing church meetings. Method- openly avowed himself an in istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., page fidel who believed neither in 244 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

God nor the devil, nor heaven in disposition : almost too shy nor hell. Powel was greatly to speak to any one. But he was shocked at this, and told him a sincere Christian, and it was that he would come to believe, found, during the short period and that speedily. E.re long he exercised his gifts, that he the solicitor was taken seriously was better qualified for the work ill, and began to feel how base of the ministry than was at first less his principles were. He thought. His period of ser urged upon his friends to send vice terminated just as his for William Powel ; and when course at Trevecca came to an he came to his bedside, the dy end. He was taken ill and died, ing man said : " Your words, August, 1846, aged 36 years, and William Powel, are verified. his mortal remains were buried Oh that I had two hours to live ! near the Methodist chapel at Oh for one hour '. For half-an- Talgarth. Methodistiaeth Cym. hour ! ! for a minute !" With ru, vol. iii., page 342; personal the word he died. Powel did knowledge. much for the cause of Method Price, Rev. John, Trefeg- ism in the district of Crick- lwys (formerly of Llandinam), Tiowel. He died when fulfilling Montgomeryshire, was the son an engagement at Troed yr of Richard and Ann Price, harn, near Brecon, where re Cefn-carnedd, in the parish of ligious services were held, and Llandinam. He was born May where the few Methodists in 10th, 1808. He was brought Brecon at the time attended on up in the Methodist church, and Sunday evenings. This was in his conduct from a lad was most 1797. His remains were buried praiseworthy and exemplary. in Crickhowel churchyard. He was received into full mem llanerchrugog, Gymdeithasfa,is preachers Powell, included ofMr. in Flintshirethe page William, Denbighshire, list 477. of Rhos- inearly V bership in his seventeenth year, and started upon the work of the ministry in his twentieth. After his father's death, he re moved with his mother to Caer- Price, Mr. David, Llangam- sws, and was of great service to arch, Breconshire, was one of the little church in the village. the first batch of students, un In the summer of 1836 he mar der the Rev. D. Charles, B.A., ried Ann, the daughter of Mr. at Trevecca. No one thought Daniel Jerman, Glyngwdan. -when he began to preach that He was ordained to the full he would make a mark as a work of the ministry at Bala, preacher. He was slow of June, 1837. The following year, speech, and retiring and humble he removed with his wife to OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 245

Birchin Home, near Trefeg- Builth, Breconshire. Usually, lwys. But his health soon be he was a very ordinary preach gan to give way, and, rather er, but at times he had most unexpectedly, on March 23rd, powerful services. On one oc 1839, his immortal spirit took casion when on an itinerancy its flight to the heavenly land. with the Rev. William Havard, His last words were, " no one he had at the beginning of his shall pluck them out of my Fa sermon much freedom and ther's hand." His mortal re unction, but as he proceeded he mains were buried in Llan- lost both features, and began to dinam churchyard. His physi flounder in the dark. At the cal constitution was weak, but close of the service, he asked his mental faculties were Shenkyn Penhydd, who was pre strong, and adorned with the sent, how was it so? " Oh, I'll graces of the Holy Spirit. A tell you," he said, " at the be short appreciative sketch of ginning of the service, when all him and an Elegy to his mem went well with you, the devil ory by the Rev. John Hughes, came and patted you on the Pontrobert, appeared in the back, saying, ' Well done, Tom Drysorfa for July, 1839. One Price, you are doing it splen of his sermons, which appeared didly;' and you responded to in the Drysorfa, Sept., 1839, re him and said also, ' Well done, veals him to have been a very Tom Price.' You thus offend superior preacher. ed your Master, and he with Price, Mr. Rhydderch, drew the light from you." Gorwydd, Breconshire, was a About the year 1800, he re humble exhorter of the earliest moved to Aberdare where he period of Methodism. He did conducted a day-school, for not go far afield in his lab- about three years, whence, as bours. Until a chapel was built already said, he removed to at Gorwydd, the services were Greunant. MethodistSaeth held in his house, and were con Cymru, vol. iii., pages 88, 335. tinued for some years. Price, Mr. Thomas, Wat Price, Mr. Thomas, Creu- ford, Glamorganshire, was the nant, Glamorganshire, was father-in-law of Grace Price to born in the neighbourhood of whom William Williams com Gorwydd, Breconshire, but posed one of his most famous spent the later years of his life elegies. He was called " justice at Creunant, after having con Price." The likelihood is that ducted a day school for three he was converted under the years at Aberdare. He began ministry of Howel Harris. His to preach either at Gorwydd or house thenceforth became a 240 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY great centre of the Methodist upon a religious life and be movement. He left Watford came of great service to the chapel when its minister, David cause of God throughout the Williams, embraced heterodox district. He is supposed to views, and he joined the Meth have been converted at Berthen odists at Groeswen. He was Gron Chapel. He was a man appointed, jointly with Thomas of very limited education and Williams, superintendent of a of small abilities. His voice number of societies in Glamor shook, and his style of delivery ganshire. He was one of the was monotonous. Yet, it is five preachers at Groeswen who stated, that he would occasion signed the letter to Cayo Asso ally preach with great power : ciation, and continued his mem at a service conducted by him bership at Groeswen after the at Tanyfron, Llansannan, it is ordination of a minister ; yet he recorded that thirty souls were considered himself a Methodist, converted. He was hardly able and the leaders continued to to handle any doctrine except meet at his house from time to the fall in Adam and salvation time. As he suffered consider through Christ. In his manner ably from asthma, he discon he was rough and uncouth, yet the Lord blessed his ministry tinued his preaching exercises to many. He was the first some time before his death. Methodist who preached at Pritchard, Mr. Griffith, Chester. This was in 1789. He Lleyn, and his brother Charles, was among the earliest also through their ministry in the who preached in Liverpool. He early years of Methodism, were often preached on the highways made a blessing to many, and hedges near his home, and though their ministerial gifts also in his own house. He died were not of a high order. Both August 13, 1809, aged 71 years, had grace to continue active and having been a preacher for 53 faithful to the end of their years. Methodistiaeth Cymru, days. vol. iii., page 148. Pritchard, Mr. William, Prys, Mr. Rowland, was one Pwllheli. His name is in of the earliest preachers in Car the list of deceased preachers of narvonshire. He was one of Lleyn and Eifionydd in the the first to preach at Llan- Drysorfa for 1836. llechid. Prys, Mr. Robert, Plas- Prytherch, Mr. John, Tre- winter, Flintshire, was a na castle, Breconshire, was a na tive of Carnarvonshire, and tive of Cardiganshire, and was was providentially led to reside born at Cwmtowy ,in the parish at Plaswinter, where he entered of Dewi, in the year 1742. His OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. *4- father intended that he should of Pentrefelin, Breconshire. He be a clergyman, and had him then removed to a small farm educated accordingly at the Ys- named Ffosddu, near Tre- tradmeurig School until he was castle. In five years' time he 20 years of age. About that removed again to a small farm time, in company with a friend, named Pantcrafog-ucha, where "he went to Llangeitho to hear he remained until his death, and see for themselves the ex which took place in the year citing scenes that were reported 1802. He was highly thought as taking place there, and to of as a preacher, and suffered make sport thereof. They heard considerable persecution when Rowland preach, and the truth on his preaching tours, both in pierced Prytherch's heart. A North and South Wales. Many complete change took place in a time he was pelted with stones his aim and life. He soon and rotten eggs. On one occa joined the Methodists at Bron- sion his life was greatly en yr-helm, a place not far from dangered through the severity his home. His father was sore of the treatment which he re ly grieved with him for doing ceived. So bitter was Mr. so, arid resolved that he should Evans, the vicar of Llywel, no longer remain in school, but against him, that he refused his come home to work on the farm. corpse burial rites, though This did not check John in his these rites were never refused resolve to follow the new course to drunkards, adulterers, or in of life he had entered upon. fidels. — Methodistiaeth Cymru, When he was twenty-one years vol. iii., page 352 ; Enwogion of age he began to preach. His Ceredigion, page 195. father, shortly after this, quar Pugh, Mr. Ebenezer, Dow- relled with his brother regard lais, Glamorganshire, was the. ing a sheep walk, and therefore son of Rowland Pugh, who re removed to Blaensawdde, in the moved from Montgomeryshire parish of Llanddeusant, Car to Merthyr Tydfil, where he marthenshire. The people at was a deacon in Pontmorlais Llanddeusant, hearing that church for many years. Eben John had received a good educa ezer was a member at Dowlais, tional training, induced him to where he began to preach. He open a school in the parish was of a lovely spirit, and had church, which he conducted for a winsome style in preaching. some years. He did so, in ad He won the esteem of all dition to preaching, until he classes, rich and poor, and the was forty-six years of age, followers of Christ of all de -when he married Miss Win- nominations. He died in the stone, from the neighbourhood prime of life, when he was but 24S BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

40 years of age. Two of his again preached at Dolgelley sons entered the ministry — one Sabbath evening. He only Revs. John Pugh, B.A., Holy escaped from being fined a well, and Ebenezer Pugh, second time, which would have Llwydcoed, Aberdare. — Meth- been £$o, through hiding him odistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii., self until after the Sessions. page 86. He died September 14th, 1829, Pugh, Mr. William, Llanfi- and was buried in the church iiangel, Merionethshire, was yard of Llanfihangel y Pen born August 1, 1749. He ex nant. — Methodistiaeth Cymru, perienced considerable persecu vol. i., page 568; Enwogion tion because of his preaching Swydd Feirion, page 149. practices. At the time he com menced preaching, about the Rees, Rev. David, Capel year 1789, no Methodist preach Garmon, Denbighshire, was a er, at least in North Wales, had native of Gwytherin, where he taken the oath and secured a began to preach ; but shortly license to preach according to afterwards he removed to Capel the Toleration Act, for the Garmon. He was ordained at reason that the leaders of the Bala in June, 1841. His sin Methodists were reluctant to cerity as a Christian was above take any action which would suspicion. He was no formal indicate a renunciation of Christian, but " an Israelite in their connection with the Estab deed, in whom was no guile." lished Church. After he had Humility was a conspicuous been a preacher for five or six feature in his character. years, he arranged to hold a Though he was not remarkable service one evening at Towyn, for oratorical powers, he was Merionethshire. A magistrate very acceptable as a preacher. in the neighbourhood having His Biblical views were clear, heard of it, ordered a dozen sensible, and original. His dav soldiers, whom he kept, to seize in the vineyard was short, but him. Eleven of these went he worked whilst it was day, armed to William Pugh's house and availed himself of every early one Friday morning in opportunity of serving his Mas the summer of 1795, and got ter. He died April 7, 1842, there whilst he was yet in bed. having been a preacher for He at once accompanied them twelve years. He was buried to the magistrate, and he was in the Methodist burial ground, fined £20. Having paid the Llanrwst. Hanes Methodist fine he was let free. This led iaeth Dwyra-in Meirionydd, him to withhold from preach page 550; Y Drysorfa, vol. xii., ing for a few weeks, but he I page 223. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 249.

Rees, Rev. David, LlAnfyn- to much influence among his ydd, Carmarthenshire, was the brethren. Many a time he son of Rees Rees, Gymrig, visited Bristol and London to Llanfynydd, and was born in fulfil pulpit engagements. H& 1751. His parents being deeply was also honoured with being religious, he had the privilege chosen among the first lot of of receiving early religious lay preachers ordained at Llan- training. He was a thoughtful dilo. After this he lived but and meditative youth, of a seven years. When at Ponty quiet temperament, and not pridd, on his way home from easily excited ; indeed, some of Bristol, he was suddenly seized his more lively associates were with some severe pains, which inclined to consider that he was led to his death a few days exposed to the woe pronounced afterwards, on Sept. 10th, 1818. upon " those who are at ease in His mortal remains were borne Zion." But he rendered yeo by the friends at Pontypridd to man service in His Master's Merthyr, thence by Merthyr Kingdom. It was through much friends to Trecastle ; thence entreaty he entered upon the again by friends at Trecastle to work of the ministry, and he Llandovery, whence he was yielded at last rather accident borne to Llanfynydd, where, ally — through the non-appear after a funeral service conduct ance of an expected preacher. ed by the Rev. David Charles, This was in 1782. Henceforth Carmarthen, he was interred in he preached with great fre the parish churchyard. Y quency, continually itinerating Drysorfa, vol. xiii., page 235. up and down the country. On Rees, Mr. Ebenezer, Neath, one occasion, before he had Glamorganshire, was one of the taken a license to preach, the early preachers. lot fell upon him to enter the Rees, Mr. Evan Jenkin, army, and notwithstanding Llangeitho, was one of the every appeal, he was compelled early preachers. to go. He was a fine, tall, Rees, Rev. Evan, Llanon, handsome man, and hence the Cardiganshire, was born at military authorities would not Ffynonnau, not far from Rhiw- listen to a substitute being ac bwys, in the year 1776. When cepted. After some time, how comparatively young, he was ever, through the persistent in apprenticed to a hatter at Rhiw- tervention of some magistrates, bwys, and in course of time he he had his release, and at once became celebrated for his hats, received a license to preach the and carried on a large business. Gospel. He soon became ex At twenty years of age he mar ceedingly popular, and attained ried, and five years later he be -J 50 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONAHY

gan to preach. He was ordained the Lord's people ; then he at Llangeitho, August, 1826. proceeded to London, where he At one time he had a magni worked at his business, and, ficent voice, and was known as like thousands of other youths the Association Precentor, for in that great city, he took to the whenever he was present he was ways of the ungodly. But even appointed to this office. But at this time his conscience made on one of his preaching itin- him very uneasy. Quite acci -erancies he had a damp bed, dentally, he was led one Sab and ever afterwards his voice bath morning to attend a ser suffered from its effects. vice in Providence chapel. The Through the calls of his busi preacher was the celebrated ness, he had not much time for Mr. W. Huntingdon. The reading and study, but he was truth as it is in Jesus seized a strong and fresh thinker : him, and brought him into His his sermons always contained service. In 1789, or thereabouts, food for thought. He was also he was married to his first wife an able Sunday School Cate- at St. George's Church, Han chist. Moreover, he was a over Square, London ; by her considerable poet, and pub he had four children. Two lished, at the request of his years later he left London for Monthly Meeting, elegies to the Bristol, where he took an active memory of the Revs. Ebenezer part in Christian work and be Morris, David Evans, Aber- gan to preach. About the year -aeron, and John Williams, 1796 he returned to his native Lledrod. He died, February r, town, and joined the Calvinis- 1834, aged 58 years. tic Methodists, and was re Rees, Rev. John, Crown ceived as a preacher. In 1804, Street Chapel, London, was a in consequence of his wife's ill native of Carmarthen, and was ness, he removed to the neigh born April 20th, 1770. His bourhood of Laugharne, and mother was a Wesleyan, and rendered much service to the sought to train him up in the churches of Pembrokeshire. In fear and admonition of the Lord. 18o7, Mrs. Rees died. That At the age of eleven he lost his same year he visited London, father, and though he was then and preached for some months young, he conducted family to the Welsh in Wilderness worship regularly. His mother Row. In the year 18 10, he re being poor, and having other ceived a call to the pastorate of children to provide for, he left the Welsh church at Newport, home, first for Bristol, where Monmouthshire. His ministry he continued his religious prac here was partly in Welsh and tices and loved the company of partly English. Under his OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 25" ministry, the renowned Morgan Rees, Rev. Joseph, Pont- Howell was converted. In RHYDFENDIGAID, Cardiganshire, 1811, he was ordained at Llan- was a popular and useful min dilo. During his stay at New ister, highly esteemed in his port he was married the second own Monthly Meeting. He was time. In 1814, he accepted a born at Tygwyn, near Capel call from the Tabernacle church, Drindod, on January 27th, 1785. Roxborough, Gloucestershire, His parents were Thomas and where he continued eight or Mary Rees. He was brought nine years. He was now in his up by his mother's father, who prime. His biographer (his was a deacon with the Congre- daughter, Mrs. Walker), de gationalists at Horeb Chapel, scribes him as "tall and very Pembrokeshire. When eleven robust, of a dark complexion, years of age he lost his grand full and strong features, his father, and he then returned to eyes fixed and piercing, and a his parents' home. His trade brow indicating much thought, in the first instance was that of care, sorrow, and firmness, yet a weaver, but in consequence of benignant. His voice was not failing health, he sought to favourable to him as an orator, enter the excise. Being unsuc it being very deep, and always cessful, he took to carpentering. hoarse." In 1823, he received He was about twenty-eight a call to the pastorate from years of age when he first took Crown Street Chapel, Soho, up the yoke of Christ, and six London, where he laboured years later he began to preach. with great success for nearly He at once attained much in ten years, supplying also fre fluence among the better class quently the largest chapels in of his hearers. In the year 1839 London — Spa Fields, Zion, he accepted a call from the Tottenham Court, the Taber church at Pontrhydfendigaid, nacle, &c. These spacious and in 1841 he was ordained at buildings were frequently too Llangeitho. He was a constant and hard worker, a great read small for the multitudes who er and a good thinker, and thronged to hear him. How especially able as a Sunday ever, his health gave way, and School Catechist. He com he departed this life Jan. 6th, menced gathering material for 1833, aged 62 years. His re a history of Methodism in Car mains were deposited in Crown diganshire : but in 1845 he took Street Chapel. "Remains of the a severe cold, which ended in Rev. John Rees," by Mrs. Walk consumption setting in, which er; Y Drysorfa, vol. xvii., proved fatal to him on Septem page 1. ber 20th, 1847. Two of his *5a BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY sons became ministers : one Williams, Cardigan, was his with the Methodists and the grandson. He is sometimes other with the Congregational- confounded with Dafydd Wil ists — the former was the Rev. liam Dafydd — known in later Thomas Rees, Taff's Well, and years as the Rev. David Wil the latter the Rev. John Rees, liams, Llysyfronydd. Both Treherbert. Y Drysorfa, 1850, travelled much through North 65 ; Enwogion Ceredigion, page and South Wales in the early 199. history of Methodism. Both Rees, Mr. William, Dow- too were of the four preachers lais, Glamorganshire, was one appointed by the South Wales of the early preachers in this Association to visit Bala in district. rotation for some years : the Rhydderch, Mr. John, Hall, other two were John Belcher Pembrokeshire, sometimes spok and Benjamin Thomas — who en of as John Prytherch, died was a Congregational minister, July 18th, 1846, aged 46 years. but closely identified with the He was not much known outside Methodists in their work. On his own Monthly Meeting. His one of these visits, — in the year ministerial gifts were not con 1742, — he preached at Henllys, sidered bright, yet his know in the parish of Llanfair-tal- ledge of the Scriptures was haiarn. At this service Edward thorough, and he was highly re Parry, Brynbugad, Tanyfron, spected by those who knew him, was converted, and afterwards on account of his faithfulness became an eminent worker in and usefulness. He was able the Lord's vineyard in the dis to preach both in English and trict of Tanyfron, Llansannan, Welsh, and for that reason he and other parts of Denbigh rendered signal service to the shire. Parry was accustomed to cause in the district where he re speak of him as his spiritual sided and laboured. Two of his father. He was likewise the sons, John Rhydderch, Cerbyd, spiritual father of the Rev. Treffynon, and Thomas Rhydd Ebenezer Morris, who was con erch, Hall, were deacons. verted under a sermon preached Rhys, Mr. Dafydd William, by him at Trecastle, where Swyddffynon, Cardiganshire, Ebenezer was at the time con was a native of Lledrod. It is ducting a day school. It is said believed that he was a black of him, that when preaching at smith by trade, and that the Carmarthen on one occasion, he Rev. J. Williams, headmaster was seized by the press-gang, of Ystradmeurig School, was but was soon released. He con his son, and the still better tinued to preach to the end of known and eminent Archdeacon his life. Methodistiaeth Cym Or MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 253 ru, vol. i., page 143; Drych yr yard. On the parish Registry Amseroedd, page 174. of Deaths it is recorded that he Rhys, Mr. Morgan, Capel- died (or was buried) August hir, Talyllychau. Carmarthen 9th, 1779. It is supposed that shire, laboured with much faith his poetical gifts were develop fulness as a preacher for more ed rather late in life. His than 60 years. His gifts were first poetical effusion was pub not great, but he performed his lished in the year 1760. All day's work to the advantage of his hymns are of a deeply reli the Saviour's cause and the gious character, and reveal a furtherance of the welfare of rich Christian experience. His his fellows. He died in 1847, chief work was " Golwg o ben aged 83 years. Methodistiaeth Nebo " (A view from Nebo's Cymru, vol. ii., page 424. height), which has run through Rhys, Mr. Morgan, Elan- several editions. He com fynydd, Carmarthenshire. The posed at least two Elegies. fame of Morgan Rhys is far Some of his hymns, translated better known as a hymnist than by the Rev. William Howells, as a preacher. Many of his appear in the English Hymn- hymns, are still sung, by the book of the Methodists. Casgl- evangelical churches of Wales, fad 0 Hen Farwnadau Cym- and will be sung whilst the reig, page 54. Welsh continues a living lan Richards, Mr. David, Dow- guage. He was born some lais, Glamorganshire, was born where in the neighbourhood of at Cwm-y-cae-bach, in the Llandovery, but no particulars parish of Llanfair-ar-y-bryn, are known as to his parents, or Carmarthenshire, in the year the precise date or place of his 181 1. He was the youngest of birth. He is said to have been seven children. When but nine converted under the preaching months old he lost his father. either of Daniel Rowland or He joined the church at Cily- Howel Harris. It is believed cwm in the sixteenth year of his that he was for a time one of age. In 1839, he removed to Griffith Jones' itinerant school Dowlais, where he began to masters, though It is not known preach, and soon attained to in what districts he laboured. considerable popularity. He He afterwards opened a school made.three itinerances through on his own account first at North Wales — two in company Capel Isaac, near Llandilo, and with the Rev. Evan Harries, then at Llanfynydd, where he Merthyr, and one with the Rev. died, and his remains were Evan Morgan, Cardiff. Though buried in the parish church he did not reach a high posi »54 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

tion as a preacher, his aim was period in the history of Method, right, his spirit gentle, his lan ism, many of the members were guage plain and simple, and his reluctant to do anything which sermons sensible and profitable. would seem to indicate the His career however was short. slightest opposition to the Es He died May and, 1847, aged 36 tablished Church. But Richard years. YDrysorfa, vol. xvn., was bent upon his object. One page 328. landholder to whom he applied Richards, Captain David, for a site, said that " he did not Solfa, Pembrokeshire, often wish to see the hot-headed peo preached in Methodist chapels ple in his neighbourhood," and when his ship was in port, and added that if "he would pursue he was highly esteemed. Strange his object, I will send people at to say, he and Captain Wil night to pull down the walls." liams, Chester — who was like " Sir," said Richard, " that wise a preacher — preached at would be the devil's work, but Milford Haven on Sunday, De in defiance of you and the devil, cember 12th, 1819; he in the I am determined to build a morning, and Captain Williams chapel through the aid of the in the evening ; and both cap Lord." And it was done. The tains were overtaken by a ter late Rev. Robert Simpson, Car rific storm on the following Fri marthen, was, on his mother's day, and the ships and crews side, his great-grand-son. Meth of both captains sank beneath odistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., the billows — one man only from page 487. each ship escaping to tell the Richard, Rev. Ebenezer, story of the disaster. Tregaron, Cardiganshire, had Richards, Mr. David, Lxan- more to do with forming GwYRYFON, Cardiganshire, was Calvinistic Methodism into a a preacher of the Gospel for compact and organized body eleven years, and died in the than almost any other man of year 1781. He is said to have his age. He had a rare oppor been an acceptable preacher. — tunity of perfecting the consoli Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., dation of the churches into one page 39. complete body, through that he Richard, Mr. Evan, Glan- held the Secretaryship of Car towy, Carmarthenshire, suc diganshire Monthly Meeting ceeded in the face of great op for over a quarter of a century, position in erecting a chapel at and that of the South Wales Nantgaredig, four miles from Association for nearly an equal Carmarthen. This was about length of time ; and this at a the year 1762. At that early period when churches had been OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 255

fairly generally established much attention to the training throughout the country, but yet of their children, seeking to were loosely united together. bring them up in the fear and He was specially qualified for admonition of the Lord. And the task, and his personal influ they had, especially in the case ence was great. His spirit of of their two sons, Ebenezer and order was pre-eminent. The in Thomas, a rich reward. teresting, accurate, complete, At a comparatively early age, systematic reports which he pre Ebenezer left home for Bryn- sented at every Association of henllan, a country-place be the remarks made upon the sub tween Trefdraeth and Fish jects discussed at the previous guard, where he opened a day- meeting, illustrate this suffi school, by which he secured the ciently. In this department he opportunity of furthering his stood alone. Others surpassed own education. When here, he him in pulpit eloquence and as experienced religious impres divines, but in his own par sions of an extraordinary char ticular department he had no acter. He had from his earliest rival. In connection with the days felt the power of the Gos Sabbath School, also, he ex pel. Being of a naturally ten celled his fellow-labourers in der disposition, he was very im the ministry, especially in pressible to truths of a touching South Wales : in North Wales, character. The story of the it may be, there were two for Cross, pathetically told, seldom whom the palm may be claimed failed to draw tears from his — Revs. Owen Jones, Gelli, and eyes. At Brynhenllan he became Humphrey Gwalchmai, Llan rather depressed. A sense of idloes. However, the interest he sin awakened in his heart the took in this department of the deepest concern. He was on the Lord's work was intense, and brink of despair. Indeed, for the ability he displayed was a time, he had to relinquish his pre-eminent. school duties. At length, how He was born at Trevine, Pem ever, deliverance came to him brokeshire, Dec. 5th, 1781, of through the words, " Wherefore pious parents, Henry and Han he is able also to save them to nah Richards. His father was the uttermost that come unto in the ministry of the Gospel for God by him, seeing he ever liv- sixty years ; and though not a eth to make intercession for great preacher, he was eminent them " (Heb. vii. 25). ly useful and acceptable. His On June 20th, 1802, he mother was a thoroughly good preached his first sermon, at Christian, and of good sound Dinas, near Brynhenllan. It sense. Both parents devoted was only at the earnest request jq'i BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

of the elders of the church he Mr. Richard's stay at Car ventured upon the work. Had digan was a great blessing to he listened to his own feelings the town and neighbourhood. he would have held back ; but The Lord blessed his labours being urged repeatedly, he at abundantly, and many were last yielded, and the issue added to the churches. Towards proved the wisdom of those who the close of the year 1809, he -constrained him to enter upon married a young lady from Tre the work, and justified himself garon, Mary, the daughter of in the course he had taken. His Mr. W. Williams. This event pulpit talents came to light at led to his removal to Tregaron, once. People flocked to hear where he henceforth dwelt. him, and he was eminently suc And the good he was instru cessful in winning souls to the mental in bringing to pass, Saviour. especially in the upper part of the county, revealed how great His health at this time was a work the Lord had for him to not satisfactory. Many of his perform. Had he remained at friends thought that, like some Cardigan, it is possible that the other shining lights, his career lower part of the county would in this world was to be short. have become possessed for Meth This induced him to remove to odism, and that its chapels Cardigan, where he might enjoy would have more thickly -constant medical care. Whilst studded the county than they do, here, J. Bowen, Esq., after for it was a principle with him, wards of Llwyngwair, a man of according to which he invar great piety and much influence, iably acted, to establish a new engaged him as a private tutor cause and build a chapel in for his children. This proved every district where it was pos of advantage both to Mr. sible. He was no advocate cf Richard and the cause of large churches, if it were possi Christ. The young preacher ble to form a church at a little found in Mr. Bowen a noble distance as a new centre for -coadjutor : they were in perfect Christian work. He aimed at sympathy on divine things, and taking the Gospel as near as worked well together. Gener possible to people's homes. Act ally, Mr. Bowen and his family ing upon this principle, he pos accompanied Mr. Richard on sessed the upper part of the his Sabbath journeys, to enjoy county of Cardigan for Christ his ministrations and to en under the banner of Methodism. courage him in his work ; and Chapels are thus to be found in Mr. Bowen did so even on his every vale and in most unlikely first visit to North Wales. nooks. As soon as he saw the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 257

chance of a branch being ant ministry of the day. The formed, he at once counselled fierce persecution of the prev its being availed of, and de ious age had come to an end. spatched those best suited from There was no more danger from the mother church to hold ser an infuriated mob. But the vices, form a church, and erect arduous and incessant duties of a chapel. an itinerant ministry remained, Before the end of the same and Ebenezer Richard was not year he was appointed secretary the man to shirk them. His life of the Monthly Meeting, an was eventful only in the sense office which he retained to the in which a first class minister's end of his life, and the duties life ever is — plenty of hard of which he discharged to the work, the joy of popularity with great advantage of the churches. those who love and admire his His fidelity was beyond all ministry, the delight which suc praise. In storm and sunshine, cess in saving souls affords. His he travelled over hill and dale, preaching was eminent for its along roads of the most primi sweetness and pathos. Its prac tive character, so as to be pre tical character too was pro sent at the meetings. In the verbial. His hearers expected earlier part of his ministry, he food for their souls through him had most able coadjutors in the and were seldom disappointed. Revs. Ebenezer Morris and His power of imagery was con David Evans, Aberayron. They siderable, and by his fresh, were his seniors in age and in abundant,trations, he and touched Scriptural the hearts illus. the work of the ministry. And heing eminent for their piety of the people. He was himself and preaching talents, he looked a man of deep emotion : tears up to them with filial respect flowed readily and freely from and affection. He was honoured his eyes. He was a man of with being set apart to the full ready speech, and invariably work of the ministry at the first spoke well on the usual subjects ordination service held by the under discussion. He had also Connexion in South Wales : a facile pen. and he was the youngest of In his family life he was those thus honoured. Two most happy. As a parent he was years later he was appointed judicious and tender. He con secretary of the South Wales stantly made his children thc Association, and he held the subjects of prayer, and gave -office until his death. them the wisest counsel. His From this time forth his letters to his sons, Edward and labours were more abundant, Henry, are models of what par after the fashion of the itiner- ental epistles should be. It is s 258 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY no marvel that under the care the high honour of bringing up and counsel of so wise and lov two sons in the Methodist min ing a father, his son Henry, istry whose pulpit talents and who became Member of Parlia denominational activity placed ment for Merthyr Tydfil, rose to them in the front rank of Meth the eminence he attained. odist ministers — the Revs. For several years he suffered Thomas Richard, Fishguard, more or less from the disease and Ebenezer Richard, Tre which proved fatal to him, on garon. He lived to a long age March 9th, 1837, aged 54 years. and continued his labours in He had only the evening before connection with the ministry to returned home from a visitation the end. He preached on the he had made to some of the last Sabbath before his death, churches in the lower parts of which took place Dec. 6th, 1813, the county. His mortal remains when he was 83 years of age. were laid to rest in Tregaron Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., churchyard, and a monument page 332. has been erected to his memory. Richards, Mr John, Bryniog Bywyd y Parch. Ebenezer Ucha', near Llanrwst, Den Richard; Methodistiaeth Cym- bighshire, was one of the first ru, vol. ii., page 45 ; Y Tadau and most eminent of the early Methodistaidd, vol. ii., page exhorters of Methodism in <«86; Cofiant y Parch. J. Jones, North Wales. He was a fine, Talsarn, vol. ii., page 890. broad-chested, stalwart young- Richard, Mr. Henry, Trefin, man, highly respected by the Pembrokeshire, was one of the rich and poor in his immediate earliest exhorters of the Method neighbourhood. Before his con ist movement in Pembrokeshire version he took a prominent and the southern parts of Car part in all the games in which diganshire. He was not gifted the people delighted. He was, with any of the great powers moreover, a considerable poet. which characterize the popular Through an illness which befel preacher, nor was he much of a him, he was led to forsake his scholar. Yet many were pleased evil ways, and through a ser to hear him, especially as he mon which he shortly after was known to be an eminent wards heard in the open air, Christian. His faithfulness in near Dafarn-y-fedw village, his sphere could not be sur about a mile to the east of Llan passed. His ministry was sweet rwst, he was led into full de and comforting to the saints, cision for Christ. In the year though the unconverted among 1749, when he was 29 years of his hearers did not find much age, he began to preach. He was delight in his sermons. He had so highly respected in his dis OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. =59 trict that no one dared to per himself from his secular occupa secute him. As a preacher, he tion, and devoted himself alto was a strong reasoner, a free gether to preaching and the care speaker, and had a winsome of the societies. The service he manner. It was his habit, be rendered to Methodism was of cause of the difficulty to get great value. Methodistiaeth people together to hear the Gos Cymru, vol. iii., pages 4, 12, 45. pel, to preach near the parish Richards, Mr. John, Rhudd- church, and at the time the peo lan, Flintshire, was a native of ple were leaving church when South Wales, and was appoint, ever it was possible to do so. ed superintendent over Madame But his day was short. He died Bevan's schools in North Wales. in 1763, aged 44 years. About In his capacity as superintend the year 1880 a good stone was ent of these schools, he was placed on his grave to mark his from home a good deal, so that resting-place. Drych yr Amser- his residence at Rhuddlan was oedd, page 95. not of much advantage to the Richard, Mr. John, Llan- cause in the place. Nor was he samlet, Glamorganshire, was a very popular preacher. In one of the earliest exhorters in his later days he was accused of connection with the Methodist holding rather Antinomian movement. He was also entrust views. He died at Rhuddlan, ed with superintending some of at a good old age, in the year the societies. Many of his re 1809. Edward Jones, in Y ports to the Association during Gymdeithasfa, gives 181 2 as the the years 1742 — 5 are extant. At date of his death. Methodist a meeting held at Glan-yr-afon- iaeth Cymru, vol. iii., page 268. ddu, Carmarthenshire, March Richards, Mr. William, Cil- 1 st, 1743, he was appointed to ycwm, Carmarthenshire, was take charge of the society at one of the early preachers. Y Creunant, near Neath, and to Drysorfa, vol. xiv., page 181. preach there. At a meeting held Richard, Mr. William, Llan- at Llandremor, Llandilo-fach, ddewibrefi, Cardiganshire, May 10th, 1743, he was appoint sometimes spoken of, it seems, ed to superintend the societies as William Richard, Llan- in the following places — Neath, geitho, was one of the early con Creunant, Palley, Cwmaman, verts of Daniel Rowland. He Llanon, Loughour, Llandafen, soon became an exhorter of Llandilo-fach, and Llansamlet. others to repent and to look to He composed a number of Jesus for life. At the first hymns, which were known as Monthly Association held at " Hymnau Short Tvim." Dur Llanddeusant, he was appointed ing this period he had freed overseer of the churches of the 26o BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY southern part of Cardiganshire, young people who had a desire and the churches along the coast for learning. His school at of Pembrokeshire, as far as St. Carnarvon was for many years David's. Very little is known deservedly popular, and the ser of him, except that he was an vice he thus rendered to re earnest worker. His reports, ligion and learning, and to some of which are still extant, Calvinistic Methodism and his reveal him to have been a country, was great. spiritually-minded man. He He was a native of Cardigan died at Llanddewi-brefi in the shire, and was born about the year 1770. Morgan Rhys, in an year 1758, at Bryngwyn Bach, Elegy in memory of the Rev. Llanvihangel - genau'r - glyn, Howell Davies, Pembrokeshire, about five miles distant from Mr. William Richard, Car Aberystwyth. His parents in diganshire, and Sion Parry, tended him to be a clergyman of Carmarthenshire, says of him — the Church of England, and educated him accordingly at " William Richard aeth yn llawen Yn ei gerbyd trwy'r Iorddonen." Ystrad-meurig. Whilst yet young he felt considerable con Richardson, Rev. Evan, Car cern about his spiritual welfare, narvon. Mr. Richardson held and could not find peace. He for many years a prominent attempted many things, such as position among the laborious, kneeling on his bare knees when self-denying, earnest, popular praying, thinking that such an Calvinistic Methodist preachers attitude would render his ser of his day. His sermons as vice more pleasing to God. In compositions were not great deed, after reading the words, either as regards eloquence of " without shedding of blood diction or freshness of thought, there is no remission," he but oftentimes great unction thought that it would be impos accompanied his preaching, and sible to find peace unless he thus his services were highly es would shed his own blood. teemed and his visits anxiously But through hearing the preach expected. He was himself a ing of the Methodists he came genial hearted man, much be upon " the more excellent way," loved by those who knew him and ultimately found peace and had to do with him. He through believing. had a fine personal appearance, When he was yet in darkness of and he always dressed well. soul, he discontinued his stud Besides his great services in the ies at Ystrad-meurig, because he pulpit, he was for some years could not tolerate the thought of the teacher of the preachers of entering upon Holy Orders North Wales, and many other whilst he was himself not a OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 261

Christian. His parents, who Whilst on this journey, Mr. had no higher thoughts of the Robert Jones, Rhoslan, asked ministry than as a means of the clergyman with whom livelihood, were greatly dis Richardson travelled if he knew pleased with him. His father's of any young man in Cardigan anger was so great that he shire, qualified as regards learn threatened to take away his life, ing and piety, to open a school and had it not been for the in at Brynengan, Carnarvonshire. terposition of his mother, it is The clergyman at once recom likely that he would have done mended Richardson, and the re so ; one day he held up a sult was he removed thither as hatchet to strike him whilst he soon as he had made the neces was asleep, but his mother, see sary arrangements. This took ing what was about to be done, place about the year 1779. stopped him. Matters having He kept school successively at come to this pass there was no Brynengan, Pwllheli, Llangybi, place for him at home. He Brynengan a second time, and therefore left, and as he had afterwards at Carnarvon, where had a tolerably good education he spent the greater part of his he opened a school near Llan- life. Wherever he lived his ddewibrefi, where he joined the great point was to serve his Methodists, after hearing a Master. His constant battle was sermon by David Morris, Twr- with ignorance and sin. He gwyn, and availed himself of was ever ready to speak for every opportunity of attending Jesus and reprove men for their their services, going frequently wickedness. The Methodists to Llangeitho to hear the great were at this time people of very Daniel Rowland, especially on humble stations in life, and Communion Sundays. greatly persecuted, yet he con He soon won the esteem of the tinued steadfast in his adher people, so much so that one of ence to them and energetic in the evangelical clergymen took his efforts on behalf of their himing touras a companion through North on a preach, Wales. cause. About the year 1787, at the He had not then begun to earnest request of the Monthly preach : he simply introduced Meeting and of a few friends, the services. Ere he returned he settled at Carnarvon, where home, however, he had entered the Methodists were few and upon the work of the ministry. poor. He had, previous to this Where he first preached is not time, preached in the town. known, but it is known that he Excepting Mr. Jones, Llangan, preached at Dolgelley on his who had visited the place, he homeward journey. was the first Methodist who had

/ 2U2 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY quiet to preach there. It took he would be at full speed, so place in the following manner. different from the method usu According to a previous ar ally pursued by Welsh preach rangement with the Rev. John ers in his day. Roberts, Llanllyfni, they met in Like many others in that age, the town one Sabbath day, and he often stood up alone among both preached in the open air. strangers to preach Christ at the They fully expected opposition, peril of his life. On one occa but the service, which was held sion at Corwen he had a narrow in a part of the town called escape. He stood upon the steps Tre'rffynon, passed off peace of a horse-block. A goodly ably, and it was the beginning number came together, fully de of the permanent work of the termined upon pouring upon Methodists in the town. him a volley of stones and dirt. Mr. Richardson's school at When he was praying, an elder Carnarvon soon became a great ly woman shouted out, " Strike success. Young preachers and him ! strike him ! let some one others from various parts of strike him !" But he proceeded North Wales came to him for in with his prayer, expecting every struction. But he did not con moment to feel the stones or dirt fine himself to his educational coming upon him, but no one work. He applied himself with touched him. He preached from much faithfulness to the preach Luke xix. 41, 42, "And when ing of the Gospel, and the gen He was come near, He beheld eral oversight of the work of the city, and wept over it, say Christ. His school duties of ing, If thou hadst known, even course hindered him from itin thou at least in this thy day, erating as much as many of his the things which belong unto brethren. But he attended all thy peace ! but now they are hid the Associations in North from thine eyes." It so happen Wales, and during the vacations ed that there was a magistrates' he would give a hasty visit to meeting in the town that day, the South, where his ministry and some of the magistrates was anticipated with delight. were present listening to him At home he was ever active, and with much attention. This fact, would often preach two or three no doubt, quieted the opponents, short sermons the same evening and from that day forth the in different parts of the town. opposition to the Methodists Though short, he often preached gradually grew less. with great power. He would at On one of his tours in Angle- once, with but few introductory sea, he and his companion — one remarks, enter upon the theme f Daniel Evans — as they drew his discourse. In ten minutes near to a place called Pentref-y OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 263 bwau, could see before them in About the year 181 1 there was in the middle of the road a number Anglesea a terrible drought : no of men stript to their shirts, rain fell from the time of seed- playing at some game — and it sowing to the month of June, was the Sabbath. and the country was in a terri "Well, Daniel," asked Mr. ble condition. There was no Richardson, " shall we be faith grass in the fields, and in the ful to God if we pass these un month of June there was but godly people without reproving little prospect of a harvest. them?" The usual June Association was " It would seem not," replied held that year at Llangefni, his friend. and at the two o'clock service " What then shall we say to Mr. Richardson preached. At them?" the close of his sermon he " Preach to them, my dear prayed for rain, and he would Mr. Richardson, as you would seem to have been more than to any other sinners." usually possessed by the Both went forward, and when " spirit of prayer." He re they came to the place where ferred to the case of Elijah on the men were playing, Mr. Mount Carmel, and the young Richardson drew up his horse man whom he sent again and and gave the reins to his com again to see if there were any panion, and also his hat, and signs of rain. At last, the then slowly pulled a Bible out young man said that there of his pocket. By this, the men was "a little cloud," and then looked amazed, not knowing Richardson shouted in a man what to make of it. Mr. ner peculiarly his own : Richardson then with a clear "There is a sound of abund voice read the words from Ex ance of rain!" With the word, odus xx. 8 : " Remember the there was a flash of lightning Sabbath day to keep it holy." and a roll of thunder, which When the men heard these greatly agitated the vast con words they scampered away in gregation ; and the rain soon different directions, wild with fell in such abundant measure fear. It is likely that they as if the windows of heaven thought him to be a magistrate, had been opened. The effect as he had a fine personal ap upon the people was something pearance, and that he had come wonderful. All left the place upon them to summons them for with the conviction deep in breaking the Sabbath. their minds that God verily is The following remarkable in a hearer of prayer. It is said cident of the efficacy of a prayer that the weather at the time offered by him is recorded. was extremely hot, and that 264 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY previous to the minute when gave way, and he died July the rain fell there was no sign 3rd, 1845, aged 23 years. His of it in the sky. great ambition was to do some For some years previous to thing for Jesus : this was his his death his usefulness was constant topic of thought and greatly curtailed through a conversation. The night before heavy stroke of palsy with his death, he said that he knew which he was afflicted. But he should not go to hell, even in his later years he was though he had oftentimes fear sometimes clothed with great ed it. The merits of the great power when he would address a Surety brought him perfect congregation. He died March peace. He had a considerable 29th, 1824, when he was about poetic gift. Enwogion Swydd 65 years of age, and after Feirion, page 86. preaching the Gospel for about Roberts, Mr. David, Bangor, 45 years. Methodistiaeth Cym- was born in the year 1782, and ru, vol. ii., page 231 ; Cofiant whilst young began his relig y Parch. J, Jones, Talsarn, vol. ious life at Cerrig-y-druidion. ii., page 29; Enwogion Cer For some years he conducted edigion, page 210. one of Mr. Charles' Circulating Roberts, Mr. Daniel, of Schools in various places. He Lleyn, was a blacksmith by began to preach in the year trade, and was one of the early 1808, and continued in the work preachers in his district. He for 41 years. In 1809, he re was a young man of consider moved to Bangor, where he able gifts, and of winsome henceforth resided. He was al manners. He went early in life ready married when he came to to America, where he died. the city. Methodism at the time Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., was exceedingly weak in the page 138. district. There was but one Roberts, Mr. David (Dewi chapel, and this was a very Glyn Tegid), Bala, was born plain, unadorned structure ; it in 1822. He commenced to was moreover small, but yet preach in 1843, after he had sufficient for the congregation been for some time a student in which assembled there for wor the College. He was a young ship. His removal to Bangor man of wide information and was a great blessing to the varied gifts, and received the small church which had been appointment of Home Mission formed, and also to the Month ary to the Marches, upon which ly Meeting of the county, as he had set his heart. But to the there were but few preachers great grief and disappointment within its bounds. He was a of his many friends, his health cautious and sensible man, OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 265 eminently suited for the sphere clined, and he was obliged to wherein his lot was cast. He discontinue his studies. He was gentle, kind, and full of passed away December 27th, sympathy with the troubled. 1840, aged 26 years. Hanes Though not great as a preach Methodistiaeth Gorllewin Meir- er, he was mighty in prayer, ionydd, vol. i., page 220; Cof- and took much interest in the iant y Parch. Edward Morgan, Sabbath School. He was very Dyffryn, page 72. skilful also in conducting church meetings. During his Roberts, Mr. Edward, Pan- later years, he preached much dy-y-Ddwyryd, Merionethshire,, on the historical portions of the was a weaver by trade, and was Scriptures. He died Sept. 17th, bred and born near the Craw- 1849, aged 67 years. The Rev. gallt Mountain, about three Samuel Roberts, Bangor, was miles from Trawsf ynydd ; and his son. — Methodistiaeth Cym- in contempt, he was styled by ru, vol. ii., page 250; Y Dry- the opponents of the Gospel sorfa, vol. xix., page 364. " Hen Vicar y Crawgallt " (the Roberts, Mr. Edward, Cil- old vicar of Crawgallt). He was cain, Flintshire's name is in the one of the eight who at the first list of deceased preachers in the formedfynydd. the This church was at about Traws- th& Drysorfa, 1836. Roberts, Mr. Edward, year 1770, and he soon after be Maethlon, Merionethshire, was gan to preach. He was the first the son of John and Catherine Methodist preacher who started Roberts, Dyffryn-glyn-cul, in in West Merioneth. In 1772 a the parish of Towyn, and was house was built for him at born in the year 1814. He Pandy-y-Ddwyryd. He never joined the church when about travelled much, but acted in his 15 years of age. Self-denial, small church at home in the humility, gentleness, and faith dual capacity of a deacon and fulness, were conspicuous fea preacher. He was a Christian tures in his character. He was of the old stamp, genuine and chosen a deacon of the church straightforward, taking special when he was but 20 years of care of the church under his; age : and, soon after, he was charge, and he did much to urged to exercise his gifts as a further the interests of the Gos preacher ; he was received by pel in his circle. He died the Association in the year September 24th, 1827, aged 81 1835. In '^37 he went to the years. Hanes Methodistiaeth College at Bala, which had Gorllewin Meirionydd, vol. ii.,. been recently opened, but after page 33 ; Methodistiaeth Cym- eight months his health de ru, vol i., page 528. 266 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Roberts, Mr. Edward, near Roberts, Mr. Evan, Sarnau, Pwllheli, was one of the early Bala, was one of the early preachers of Lleyn. His gifts preachers. were not bright, but his Chris Llanwddyn, Roberts, Montgomeryshire, Mr. Griffith, tian character was most exem plary, and he was faithful in died February 16th, 1849, aged his Master's service. Method- 74 years. He had been a istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., page preacher for fifty years. Roberts, Mr. Henry, Ban Roberts, Mr. Evan, Peny- gor, was a native of this graig, or Lonfldr, Lleyn, was cathedral city, and lived there one of the first preachers in his throughout his whole life. He district. Upon becoming a co-operated for many years Christian, he at once began to with Mr. David Roberts, and, exhort and strive against the like him, laboured under many evil practices of the people, and disadvantages. He was the almost unawares to himself de first preacher connected with veloped into a preacher. His the Methodists in his city. He opposition to the prevailing began to preach with the Con- «vil habits was determined, and gregationalists, but left them his devotion to the Lord Jesus through a disagreement on a fervent ; consequently, he ex question of discipline. His perienced much of the enmity chief chasacteristic was his -of the world. In his day, the godliness. He spent his time people of Lleyn were fierce to from early morning till sunset wards those who sought to re among the sailors who visited press their vicious practices, so the port, and thus he came in he suffered considerably at contact with English, Scotch, their hands. A determined Irish, and French sailors. He effort was made to seize him was a reader and thinker, and and hand him over to the press- fished for thoughts whilst en gang, which was a frequent gaged at his calling. His method of the enemies of the preaching gifts were not Gospel in their efforts to rid the bright, and as he was of a country of preachers like Evan slightly melancholy disposi Roberts. Even his brother one tion, he keenly felt his in day joined in the attempt to lay sufficiency and lack of quali hold upon him. But the enemy fication for the work of the was foiled. And in 1760, the ministry ; and was often in Lord took him, like Enoch, to clined to keep in the .back himself. — Methodistiaeth Cym ground. His sermons were ru, vol. ii., page 279. very much in the form of para OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 267 bles. He died in peace, after a Meeting. He was ordained Tather long and painful illness, among the first batch of preach December 3rd, 1831, aged 58 ers at Bala, in 1811. Though years. small in stature, like his Roberts, Mr. Hugh, Bangor. brother Robert, he had a strong His name is found in the list constitution, and a vigorous -of deceased preachers in the mind. His freedom of speech Drysorfa, 1836. surpassed that of most of his Roberts, Rev. John, Llan- colleagues. He itinerated a gwm, Merionethshire, was a good deal through North and native of Llanllyfni, where he South Wales, declaring the un -was born in the year 1752. His searchable riches of Christ parents were Robert and wheresoever he went. He con -Catherine Thomas, Ffrith-bala- tinued this work for more than deulyn, Llanllyfni. He was 50 years, during the last 25 of the eldest of 13 children. One which his home, through his -of his brothers was the seraphic marriage, was at Llangwm, preacher, Robert Roberts, Clyn- and he was Secretary of Mer nog. His parents were relig ionethshire Monthly Meeting. ious people, and sought to He was an able and faithful "bring up their children in the labourer for Christ, starting fear and admonition of the Sabbath Schools, erecting Lord, and had the reward of chapels and planting churches, seeing some of them attain to wheresoever he found it possi great eminence in the Lord's ble to do so. After a long day's service. They kept a Sunday work, he died in peace, Nov. School in their house long be 3rd, 1834, aged 82 years. Meth- fore there was any talk of such odistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., page an institution in any part of the 259 ; Methodistiaeth Gorllewin -country. John, being the eld Meirionydd, vol. ii., page 431. est of the children, and more Roberts, Rev. Michael, over religiously disposed, was Pwllheli, was one of the of much service to his father in brightest and most remarkable carrying on the school. He preachers of his day. Several also opened a day school, of his sermons are to be found through which he did much to in the Drysorfa of the period dispel the ignorance of the of his ministry, and reveal him people. When he was 27 years to have been a man of vigorous of age, he began to preach, and and original thought and much -soon became one of the most force of expression : they well eminent men of his day and repay a perusal. He was the -country. He was the Secretary son of Rev. John Roberts, Llan of the Carnarvonshire Monthly gwm, and was born in the par 268 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY ish of Llanllyfni in the year vice like it was ever known in 1780, and began to preach when Methodism. Full notes of the but sixteen years of age. In marvellous sermon, taken down the year 1802 he removed to by the Rev. Humphrey Gwalch- Pwllheli, where he henceforth mai, appeared in the Drysorfa, resided. Like many other March, 1902, page 126. He had preachers of his day he opened the disadvantage of a small, a school, whereby he served his weak physical frame. Strange generation and earned his live to say, that for twelve years, lihood. He took to himself a when his asthma left him, he wife in the year 1806, and be was sorely afflicted by a cloud came the father of fourteen ed mind, which hindered him children, whose support was de completely from taking part in pendent entirely upon his own the ministry or in his school earnings. Doubtless he often duties. This affliction came found it difficult to obtain the upon him in the year 1836. He ordinary comforts of life, as survived the return of his. school fees were low, and the faculties but a few months. pecuniary remuneration for The churches were rejoiced preaching was very paltry. His when it was found that he was health too was in a very pre able to retake his duties and ta carious state, as he suffered discharge them with his wonted much from asthma. He would power and brilliance, and it often return home in time for was hoped that he would be school on Monday morning, spared for many years to break, though he had not slept a wink bread for the people of God the night previous. He soon and to lead many from the won for himself a prominent error of their ways into the ser position among his ministerial vice of Jesus. But God's pur brethren, and was ordained to poses were otherwise. He died the full work of the ministry in rather suddenly, from an attack 1814. He was second to none — of asthma, on January 12th, not even the seraphic Robert 1848, in the sixty-eighth year of Roberts, Clynnog, in his ac his age, the news of which quaintance with the Scripture, caused much lamentation or in its elucidation. His throughout the churches of preaching at times was mar Methodism. He had several of vellously effective. At an As the characteristics of a popular sociation held at Llanidloes in preacher — a clear voice, forci 1819, he is said to have preach ble language, original thought, ed with such power that it was considerable knowledge, a re computed that about a thousand tentive memory, a rich imagina people were converted. No ser tion, and a fertile mind. He OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 269 was, moreover, of a gentle and twenty years of age. Shortly tender disposition, ever ready after, a revival took place at to defend the weak against any Tanyfron, and Peter snared in Tiarsh treatment, which some of the quickening. The desire the senior brethren might be then sprung up in his heart to disposed to manifest towards enter upon the work of the min them. Everyway, he was a istry. As he was encouraged bright star in the firmament of by the brethren in this aspira Methodism. tion, he commenced forthwith. In 1797, he married Miss Mary " Machludodd ar y ddaear hon I godi yn y nefoedd Ion." Edwards, Llangollen, by whom he had nine children. He set In 1829, he published a Mem tled for a time at Denbigh, oir of his celebrated uncle, Mr. where he opened a shop, but he Robert Roberts, Clynnog. soon discontinued the enter- Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., prize, took up his residence at page 184; Cofiant y Parch. J. Llansannan, and joined the Jones, Talsarn, vol. i., page church at Tanyfron, about two 109, vol. ii., page 879; Y Dry- miles distant. He soon after sorfa, vol. xix., page 94. commenced a cause at Llan Roberts, Mr. Moses, Mer sannan. Seeing the ignorance ionethshire, was a preacher in and ungodliness that prevailed, 1824. he opened his house for the Roberts, Rev. Peter, Llan- preaching of the Gospel, and SANNAN, Denbighshire, spent ere long a church was formed fully 35 years in the service of and a chapel erected. In the the Gospel, and did much for year 1815 he was ordained to its furtherance, especially in the full work of the ministry. his native county. He was His sermons were superior in horn at Bryn-an-llech, Tany- composition to those of the fron, March 11th, 1770, and majority of the preachers of his was the only child of his par day, and considerable unction ents, John and Ann Roberts, usually rested upon the services who were members of the he conducted. Though not re church at Tanyfron. Peter was markable for the depth or early taught to read Welsh, and breadth of his mind, yet he felt was then sent to an endowed much interest in his subject, school at Llanfair-Talhaiarn. and he would put it before the He was a well-behaved lad, re people with much clearness and fraining from the evil practices force. He died April 23rd, of the young people of his 1829, aged 58 years. Drysorfa, neighbourhood, but he did not 1837, page 257 ; Methodistiaeth join the church until he was Cymru, vol. iii., page 122. 270 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Roberts, page 19. Mr. Robert, Bryn- preach in the year 182i, and bugad, Tanyfron, Denbigh died in 1828, aged 49 years. shire, is said in the " Method- Roberts, Mr. Robert, Clyn- istiaeth Cymru," not to have nog, Carnarvonshire, occupied been a preacher. But in a brief a front position in the ministry history of Methodism in Den of Calvinistic Methodism dur bigh,* he is referred to as hav ing his brief day. There were ing been the officiating preach many more cultivated than he, er at Capel Mawr on a Sunday many that did more for the ex when three young people had tension of Methodism, yet there to appear before the brother is a charm in his name equal hood for daring to go on the to that of any other that can be Sabbath down Park Street, at a mentioned in connection with time when some amusements Methodism. The known facts were carried on in the Park. of his life are few, and, ex In the Cymdeithasfa, page 475, cepting the great power which by Mr. Edward Jones, he is attended his ministry, what is also ranked among the preach known is simple and in a great ers of Denbighshire. He was degree uninteresting. There born at Cefn Forest, in the par were no stirring events in his ish of Llansannan, in the year ordinary life. He took no pro 1755. When 24 years of age, he minent part in any important was appointed an elder. Upon administrative work. And yet his marriage with a step the charm in connection with daughter of Edward Parry, his name exists. The universal Brynbugad, he went to Bryn- testimony respecting him is of bugad to live. He was remark the same character. The writer able for his faithfulness during heard the late Rev. David the remaining years of his life, Jones, Treborth, tell of a con and was the chief means of versation he once had with the starting the Sabbath School in celebrated Christmas Evans re the district. This was about garding him. Mr. Evans had the year 1790. He died in the heard him preach many times, year 1825, aged 70 years, high and had the special gift of be ly esteemed by all people in the ing able to recite what others district. said, in their own tone and Roberts, Mr. Robert, Moch- manner. After much pressure dre, Denbighshire, began to he gave a specimen of Mr. Roberts' style of preaching, but at the same time added that ' Hanes Cychwyniad a Chynnydd there was a something in his Methodistiaeth Calfinaidd yn Nhref ministry, especially at times, Dinbych." Gan Owen Evans, which it was impossible to re- ^^H OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 27I produce. Mr. Jones, in relat taking for their surname their ing the incident, added that the father's Christian name. He specimen of Roberts' preaching, was born Sept. 12th, 1762, at given by Mr. Evans, was one of Ffrith-bala-deulyn, in the par the finest things he had ever ish of Llanllyfni, Carnarvon heard. Speaking to an elderly shire. His eldest brother, John, Congregational minister some became an eminent minister, years ago, he stated that he had and is known as John Roberts, heard the renowned Williams Llangwm. His parents were of Wern repeatedly say that he of humble station in life, and considered Roberts to be one of thus he had no educational ad the most marvellous preachers vantages whatever beyond what he had ever heard. And the he obtained from his father in Rev. Ebenezer Morris, we are the evenings when the day's informed by Dr. Owen Thomas, work was over, and in a Sab told his father-in-law, the Rev. bath School held in his father's William Roberts, Amlwch, that house. Thus he learnt to read " had he died without hearing Welsh. His parents were emi Robert Roberts, Clynnog, nently pious, but Robert did preach, I should have died not at first take after their without having the conception ways : his delight was rather in I have of the glory of the min the company of the thoughtless istry of the Gospel." This was youths of the neighbourhood, the testimony borne to Robert and in the pursuits they fol Roberts by one of the greatest lowed ; in this manner threaten preachers of Wales, and one ing to break loose from their who had heard Mr. Daniel rule and to wander as a pro Rowland many times, and all digal in the far country of sin. the old celebrated preachers. At this time, it was with diffi Yet, withal, his life for the culty he could be got to attend present generation of people is the means of grace and to have more a dream than a reality — anything to do with matters of a dim spectre in the past a serious character. In the rather than a flesh and blood mercy of God he was brought, reality. when about sixteen years of He was one of thirteen child age, to a sense of his spiritual ren, the offspring of Robert condition, under a sermon by Thomas and Catherine Jones — the Rev. D. Jones, Llangan, his mother retaining through from the words, "Turn you to life, after the Welsh fashion, the stronghold, ye prisoners her maiden name ; and Robert of hope" (Zech. ix. 12). With and his brothers and sisters, much reluctance he attended the again after the Welsh fashion, service, and at its commence BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY mcnt gave little heed to the ser was confined to his home and mon : he was taken up more bed for several weeks : his with his companions, and agony was fearful. The result seemed intent upon treating the was that he became a mere holy things with levity. But wreck of what he had previous -ere the service closed the truth ly been. As a young man, he preached seized him and made was tall, and strong ; he had a him captive. In company with noble, manly appearance, but many others, he experienced a his disease so worked upon him change of heart, and returned that he became a weak, puny, to his home a sadder though a hunch-backed little fellow — the wiser young man. He at once shadow of his former self. In separated himself from his old this painful condition he spent -companions, forsook his former the remainder of his days, and habits, united himself with the the whole period of his minis Church of God, and entered terial life. How far this upon a religious life. affliction had to do with his en He was at this time working tering upon his public career is in a slate-quarry near his par not known. This is clear, his ents' home, but it was thought disease incapacitated him for prudent that he should change his previous occupation. Who his calling and become a farm- knows but that this was the servant. He remained in this method his Heavenly Father em occupation about seven years, ployed to break him off from during which time he had but the ordinary pursuits of life, little opportunity for reading and to lead him into the course and seeking to cultivate his He would have him pursue. mind. He had his Bible, and, Doubtless the fiery furnace having a retentive memory, he through which he passed exer treasured much thereof in his cised an important influence in mind, which proved of price qualifying him for the work less advantage to him later in that lay before him. It was after life. During this period, it is the church had been visited said, he had many narrow with a powerful revival that he escapes, which served mater finally decided entering upon ially to solemnize his thoughts the work of the ministry. This and stir up the desire in his took place when he was about soul to serve his Master. He twenty-four years of age. He saw that his opportunity of was himself very deeply im helping forward the Kingdom pressed. His soul became pos of Christ might soon be gone. sessed by the most fervent zeal A severe attack of rheumatism in the cause of God, and the -completely prostrated him. He most earnest desire to save OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 273 souls. Soon after this he began and rendered them perfectly to declare to sinners the way ot helpless. He was never happy peace through Jesus Christ. in preaching unless it were evi His quiver was full of arrows dent that the unction from the sharpened at the throne of Holy One accompanied the grace, and well-fitted to pierce truth. When he stood up to the hearts of his hearers ; and preach his anxiety was deep he soon got to take a steady, that God's quickening influence straight aim, and to draw his should be felt. When the peo bow with the arm of a spiritual ple were listless, he would giant. sometimes suddenly stop in the During the first years of his middle of his discourse, then ministry, he coupled with the raising his eyes to Heaven — his ministry of the Word the duties tears flowing freely — he would of a schoolmaster, which he dis utter in the most solemn man charged in Welsh. But his ner the prayer, " O Lord, re health gradually gave way, so move the veil ! remove the veil !" that he was compelled to re Upon this the people would be linquish the school, and he took subdued. Then, with the great up his residence in the chapel- est self-possession, he would re house at Clynnog, where he commence with his subject, and henceforth resided. His career proceed with warmth and now began to be encircled with energy as if refreshed after a great glory, and he shone forth wearisome journey. A mani suddenly as a brilliant meteor. fest change would now be seen. His deformed frame, his sickly All would be life and interest : constitution, his limited educa some would be praising, others tional training, one would have fainting, and all weeping : thought, would have told many would be calling for effectually against his ever at mercy, others thanking that taining to any great eminence. they had found it, whilst he But notwithstanding these dis himself, overcome by the powers advantages, he rose rapidly to of the world to come, would be the highest position as a preach compelled to pray a second time er. Crowds were attracted to but with a different prayer. hear him declare God's mes Now it would be, " O Lord, sage of love to the world. He withhold ! withhold ! draw the -was a perfect master of the curtain a little, else we shall Assembly. At times the influ not be able to bear the light." ence of his preaching would be Though, as already stated, he most profound : the congrega was a man who had no educa tion would be panic-stricken : tional advantages, he was a his words pierced their hearts master in the art of oratory — T =74 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY not by training, but by nature, it in a listening attitude, and as the birds are perfect in song then with great solemnity said, and on the wing. His sen " Hush! hush! hush! What is tences, short, pithy, pointed, the sound I hear?" Then, amid went straight as a sunbeam to breathless silence, he shouted the heart of his hearer. There aloud, " Uppn the wicked he was something too in the tone shall rain snares, fire, and of his voice, and the earnest brimstone, and an horrible ness of his look — enhanced by tempest ; this shall be the por his bodily weakness, which tion of their cup." The effect made him speak as one from that followed is said to have the confines of the spirit world been indescribable. One re — that were favourable to a markable incident is recorded of good impression being pro him in Merionethshire. He was duced. At times, a thrill would preaching near Gwynfryn in pass through the audience as he the open air. The place where read his text, especially if it he stood was carved in a rock, were of a pathetic character. and was called " Ffoulk's pul He had an impressive manner pit," and the congregation, of addressing the people, say which was very large, stood be ing, " People! people!" (Bobl! fore him. About the middle of bobl!), the force of which can the sermon a storm arose, which not be expressed in writing. On threatened to bring the service one occasion, having read his to an abrupt close. But as it text, ' 'Great is the mystery of began, the preacher raised his godliness — God was manifest in hands towards heaven and the flesh," he burst forth in the prayed, " Oh, my God, grant us most solemn manner, " People! an opportunity for a moment to people ! people ! here is a sea speak and to hear about Thy without a bottom; through the Son." In less than five minutes. strength of God, I'll venture the wind ceased and the atmo upon its borders. Keep your sphere cleared. The people were eye upon me, People !" Such surprised beyond measure, and. brief, terse sayings, put in the many broke forth praising God, most striking manner, told with confident that it was the finger great effect upon an audience of God. The testimony of all deep in sympathy with the who heard him sets forth the speaker. On another occasion, brilliancy and power of his when preaching with great ministry : it is described as in power, seeking to persuade the comparable. He was doubtless ungodly of the folly of their endued with great natural ways, he suddently stopped, and powers, and these powers were bending down his head, he held sanctified by grace for the ser OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 275 vice of the Gospel. He also ers, and an Introductory Essay worked diligently in his pre by the Editor. Drych yr Am- paration for the pulpit. He was seroedd, page 188 ; Cofiant y inspired by a deep passion for Parch. J. Jones, Talsarn, vol. souls, and he had a lively ii., page 817 ; Y Tadau Method imagination. The greatest ist aidd, vol. ii., page 34; His peculiarity and glory of his Memoir. preaching after all was the . Roberts, Mr. Robert, Mold, heavenly influence that accom was by trade a weaver, and panied it. The Lord blesses the early in the history of Method good soil, the soft showers, and ism in Flintshire, he was in the the sweet sunshine of spring habit of exhorting. His minis and early summer, and thus pro try was pointed and severe, and duces an abundant harvest, so in dealing with the members of it is those whose gifts are most the church he was a great dis eminent are signally blessed in ciplinarian. In illustration of the salvation of souls. this feature in his character, the When appointed to visit Lon case of one David Jones, Myn- don to preach, his friends re ydd y Fflint, is recorded. When marked that he would see many this person was under deep re wonderful things in the great ligious impressions he thought city, and desired him to send of joining the church at Mold, them a description of the most as it was the nearest to his home. wonderful he would come upon. But ere he did so, he was in After being in the city, he wrote formed of the strict discipline home, and remarked that the which Roberts enforced, so that most wonderful thing he had he became afraid of carrying seen in London, was the fifty- forth his purpose, and went third chapter of Isaiah. with John Williams, Llaneur- At the early age of forty gain, to Berthen, though the years, and after a public career distance was considerably of only fifteen years, his Mas farther. The date of his death ter took him from his labours on is not known. Methodistiaeth earth to the rest that remaineth Cymru, vol. iii., page 282. for His people. This occurred Roberts, Rev. Robert, Rhos- Nov. 28th, 1802. A brief Mem llanerchrugog, Denbighshire, oir was published in 1830 by was a native of St. Asaph, and his nephew, the Rev. Michael was born about the year 1774- Roberts, and in 1884, it was re In his early years he was a lead published by the Rev. Griffith er in all manner of wickedness, Parry, D.D., together with more but one day he accidentally than 50 of his Sermons, appre- heard Mr. Robert Prvs. Plas- ciatory sketches by several writ winter, preach, and he became a BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY changed youth. His father was tion because of his views on this bitterly opposed to the course of question. He died Aug. 14th, life he now entered upon, but he 1849, having, just before, en held firmly thereto. He forsook joyed in a marked uegrec the his old companions, identified light of the Lord's countenance. himself with the cause of Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii., Christ, and at once associated page 108 ; Y Drysorfa, vol. xix. with religious people. He took page 294. a bold step at his home through Roberts, Mr. Thomas, Ty'n- setting up family worship, in fron, Cynllwyd, Merioneth the face even of rather fierce shire, was the first Methodist opposition. He was a man of preacher in his county. Between considerable natural abilities, the years 1740 — 50, he visited and had a fair educational Llangeitho twice to hear Daniel training. He obtained some Rowland preach. He preached knowledge of Greek and Latin ; frequently in private houses at and became well acquainted Llanuwchllyn and Llanymaw- with the history and language ddwy long before a chapel was of his native country. After erected. During this period he serving for some time as a usually communed in church. deacon at St. Asaph, he began, Preaching one Sunday morning about the year 1813, to preach, at the Bryn Chapel on the and was ordained in 1832. At words, " Go ye also into the the time of his marriage with vineyard," he said at the close Mrs. Clark, Tan-yr-clawdd, of the service to Mr. Edwards, near Rhos, he removed to her Penygeulan, "Well, uncle home, where he henceforth re Edwards, it is time for you also sided, and showed much hospi to go to the vineyard." He had tality to the preachers of Meth a well-formed body, but he odism, as he had previously hardly did justice to it. Rather done at St. Asaph. His mind than shave properly, he simply was of a philosophical turn : cut his beard with a pair of or this possibly led to his taking a dinary shears, and allowed his very prominent part in the dis hair on the back part of his head cussion which raged for some to grow in flowing lengths. His years in the churches of Meth clothes too were made of home odism as regards the extent of spun, so that, every way, he had the Atonement. In this discus a rustic appearance. Hanes sion he was closely associated Methodistiaeth Dwyrain Meir- with the Revs. John Jones, Tal- ionydd, page 128; Cronicl yr ysarn, and John Hughes (the Ysgol Sabbothol, 1881, page 88. first), Liverpool. Indeed, he Roberts, Mr. William (the narrowly escaped excommunica first), Amlwch, a shoemaker by OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 277 trade, was one of the early when they started their self- preachers of Anglesea. In his denying efforts not one of them early years, he is said to have had it in view to form a new been wild and reckless, impul denomination. Their whole sive and hot-tempered. But he concern was the revival of God's experienced a thorough change work. The ignorance and cor of heart, and became a bright ruption that prevailed, both in Christian. His preaching ta the Church and out of it, dis lents were not eminent, but tressed them greatly. They through his lovely character he could well employ the Psalm adorned the Methodist church ist's words, "Rivers of water and advanced its interests in the run down mine eyes because town : no one dared doubt his they keep not Thy law " ( Psalm word or honesty, or the sincerity cxix.). Priests and people alike of his effort for the Gospel. were given to all manner of evil The Scientific Hall, Amlwch, is ways. Gross darkness covered built on the site of the house the whole country with the ex where he lived. One night, ception of a few places. The after preaching at Pantycoli, he one desire of these three earn was taken ill, and died there. est, godly, able men — Howell The date is not known when he Davies in Pembrokeshire, Dan began to preach or when he iel Rowland in Cardiganshire, died. Methodistiaeth Cymru, and Howell Harris in Breck vol. ii., page 556. nockshire, unknown to each Rowland, Mr. Dafydd, Cyn- other at first, but subsequently on, Cardiganshire, was a gift co-workers, was to stir up the ed preacher of the Gospel, and people to forsake their corrupt also a skilful physician. ways, and to love and serve the Through his professional abili Lord. They desired and sought ties, his careful Christian walk, to carry on their work within and his gifts as a preacher, he the lines of the Established won very great respect among Church. The quickening of his fellow countrymen. He died spiritual life, leading people in 1843, aged seventy-four from darkness to light, further years. ing the cause of Christ, and Rowland, Rev. Daniel, Llan- bringing men to the Saviour for geitho, was one of the three their eternal salvation were the men to whom the honour chiefly exalted objects they steadfastly belongs of having started the re aimed at. They set themselves ligious movement in Wales, to work with great ardour, and which led to the rise and forma as they proceeded their efforts tion of Welsh Calvinistic Meth were covered with abundant suc odism. There is no doubt that cess. The work grew under 2/8 BIOGKAPHICAL DICTIONARY their hands. The light of truth stone suddenly fell down the and holiness burst forth amid chimney upon the very spot of the surrounding darkness. Sin the corner of the large fire-place ners were aroused, and societies where he had been sitting of men were formed who pro but a minute or two before, and fessed a concern about their which, had it fallen upon him, souls' salvation, and their hope would have inevitably killed of securing it through Jesus him. He received his education Christ. Almost all the clergy, at the Hereford Grammar both in towns and rural dis School. But when he was tricts, were bitter in their oppo eighteen years of age his father sition to the movement thus be died : this, it is supposed, ex gun. But the work spread, and plains why he was not sent to a the dawn of a better day had University to complete his edu broken upon the people. These cation. He was, however, a three good men got to hear of young man of noble parts, and each other — and of each other's had made such progress in his work. A few others co-operated studies, that he received dea with them, until the movement con's orders when he was but became widespread like an in twenty years of age. He was flowing tide. ordained in London in the year Daniel Rowland, whose life is 1733, having obtained letters here sketched, was the second dismissory from the Bishop of son of the Rev. Daniel Row St. David s. He had, however, land, incumbent of the parishes to walk the whole distance to of Llangeitho and Nant-cwnlle, the metropolis in consequence often called Llancwnlle, Car of the humble pecuniary cir diganshire, and was born at cumstances of his friends. The Pant-y-Beudy, in the parish of title on which he was ordained Nant-cwnlle, in the year 1713. was that of curate to his brother. His father was a man of earn But, like Dr. Chalmers, he was est piety, especially in his later for some time in the ministry years. He died in the year before he was himself convert 1731, at the advanced age of 72 ed. He undertook the ministry years. At his death, his son of the Word simply as a pro John, who, like Daniel, was fession, without any conception brought up for the Church, was of its proper character, and instituted to the livings he had without any fitness for it beyond held. that which arose from his Little is known of Daniel dur natural abilities and his schol ing his early years, except that astic training. The burden of when a child he had a narrow souls was not yet upon him. escape for his life. A large Indeed, once the morning ser OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 279

vice was over in church, he ly aroused : they saw the end readily took part in the games of the world as it were at hand, frequently carried on in the and hell prepared to receive churchyard or a neighbouring them.ful preaching The news spread, of his and wonder, peo field on the Sabbath day : being nimble and strong he was fore ple came from all parts to hear most among the company. him. The churches were too In about two years after his small to accommodate his ordination a complete change audiences, and numbers were took place in his character and completely overcome by the in his ministry. It came to pass terrors of the world to come as thus, he was grieved and preached by him. Under the humiliated by the fact, that, direction however of the Rev. notwithstanding his abilities as Philip Pugh, who was delight a preacher, few came to hear ed at the change wrought in him at Llangeitho, whereas the the young clergyman, his people of the neighbourhood ministry became modified. went to hear a pious and earnest The aged minister advised him Congregational minister of the to preach more of the Gospel, name of Philip Pugh at Blaen- and to apply to the spiritual pennal, a place not far distant. hurts of his hearers the balm of Having ascertained that this Gilead, urging them to believe good man urged his hearers to in the crucified Saviour. " But flee from the wrath to come, he I am afraid," replied Row resolved to adopt the same style land, "that I have not got that of preaching. He at once began faith in its full vigour and to choose texts such as ' ' The worth myself." " Preach it," wicked shall be turned into responded the old man, " until hell"; "These shall go away you feel it." Rowland did so. into everlasting punishment." His acquaintance also, which The plan succeeded beyond any soon came to pass, with Howel thing he had anticipated, and Harris, Howel Davies, George it is said that fully a hundred Whitfield, and Griffith Jones, people were under deep impres Llanddowror, influenced him sions through his preaching be much, and he became in his fore he was himself converted. preaching more eminent for the He must though have given up sweet strains of the Gospel his conformity with the evil herald than he was previously practices of his day, espe for the terrors of the law and of cially before his preaching hell. would have had the effect it had It was sometime during the upon the people. Crowds flock year 1737 that Howel Harris ed to hear him and were deep first had the opportunity of a8o BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY meeting with him and hearing surrection and ascension, and him preach. This was at De- by the coming of the Holy vynock, Breconshire. They at Ghost, good Lord, deliver us," once entered into full sympathy a deep feeling possessed the with each other, and co-operat people until they were com ed together heartily for four pletely subdued. The congre teen years, esteeming each other gation was bathed in tears, and highly for his work's sake. a wonderful work for God com Religious societies were first menced, which resulted in mul formed by Harris about the titudes being brought to the close of 1736. Early in the fol Lord and to forsake their evil lowing year, Rowland, before ways. he had met with Harris, had He did not confine his labours likewise begun to form similar to Llangeitho and the neigh meetings for the nurture of re bouring parishes, but itin ligious experience and the erated throughout the country, divine life of the converts. always endeavouring to be at These societies formed the germ home on Sundays, especially on of the new denomination which Communion Sundays. His ser grew up alongside the Church mons were generally short, sel of England, and which was dom prolonged beyond forty ultimately formed as the result minutes, excepting at times of the religious movement com when the Divine influence menced and carried on by these would be very manifest. He good men. They served to pre preached on one Sunday at serve and further the impres Llangeitho for four hours, so sions awakened under the min possessed was he and the people istry of the Gospel : and by the subject of his discourse : through them the work became he did not recognize how long consolidated. he had been until he observed In 1740, he had seven hun the sun's rays streaming in dred communicants — a marvel through the window on the lous number for such an outly western side of the church. ing district as Llangeitho. In In 1742 so many Societies had that year a great revival, which been formed that an Association spread far and wide, began one was held at Watford, near Sabbath morning at Llangeitho. Caerphilly, in the month of When Rowland, in reading the January, 1743, at which Whit Litany, came to the words, field was present and presided. " By Thine agony and bloody At this meeting, Harris, who sweat, by Thy cross and pas was not in Orders, and simply sion, by Thy precious death an Exhorter — his application and burial, by Thy glorious re having been refused by the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS.

Bishop, because of his reputed who had held the curacy so irregularities as a preacher — long, and had done the work of was appointed General Super the parishes so effectually, but intendent of the Societies. Both his lordship refused because he and Rowland went, wherever of his reputed irregularities a door of usefulness opened for in preaching the Gospel. What them, pushing their way, often was the salvation of souls and at the peril of their lives, into the furtherance of the work of districts where the spiritual the Lord, in comparison with darkness of the people was in the orderly working of the par tense. ishes, though the people might In 1 75 1, at an Association thereby be left in ignorance and held at Llanidloes, an un sin, and lie at hell's dark door fortunate rupture took place without the slightest voice of between them, which continued warning being uttered ? So for about eighteen years, and Daniel had to suffer the keen greatly hindered the good work humiliation of being refused which had been carried on with the livings which were given to remarkable success. By far his eldest son. With a wonder the greater part of the workers ful breadth of liberality how kept with Rowland, and Harris ever the Bishop permitted him retired to Trevecca, where he to continue for a time to hold erected a large building for the the curacy. Thus, after being accommodation of a number of for twenty-seven years his people who came to live with brother's curate, and doing him so as to enjoy his ministry. more real work for God than Rowland held the curacy of all the other clergymen of Llangeitho, and carried on his Wales put together, he was noble work for twenty-seven allowed to be his own son's, years, when his brother, John, curate ! What a comment upon the incumbent, known as the a Church in league with the wild parson, was accidentally State ! The greatest preacher of drowned at Aberystwyth. It his day in Wales, if not in the seems that he was an expert world, according to some high swimmer, and one day he authorities, permitted, because made a wager that he would of his apostolical fervour and swim a certain distance from eminent abilities in the service the shore; but during the per of the Lord, to occupy no high formance he was seized by er position than that of a curate, cramp, and met with his end. first to his brother, and after At his death, the Bishop was wards to his own son ! Is it any asked to give the incumbency to marvel that the people who had his renowned brother Daniel, been awakened into sympathy

S 2S2 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY with Divine things through God in the salvation of sinners, Daniel's ministry should have and that as his labours had been become alienated from the Es so much blessed he could not tablished Church ? Clergymen desist." What was this declara who were fond of the hunt, fre tion but the echo of the words quented races, played cards, of the Apostles to the council in took part in sports on the Lord's Jerusalem, when they were com day, revelled in all manner of manded " not to speak at all nor iniquities, and of course took teach in the name of Jesus." no interest whatsoever in the Is was for a short time only he spiritual welfare of the people, was a curate to his son, for in were appointed to rich livings, the year 17G3 his license to and held them unchecked by any preach was revoked. This took warning voice from the Bishop ; place at Llanddewibrefi, a but here was a clergyman who church which was held by his was alive to his spiritual son as well as Llangeitho and duties, his character irreproach Llancwnlle. One Sunday morn able, his pulpit eloquence pro ing, on entering the pulpit, the verbial, crowds flocking to hear document was handed to him by him preach and bearing testi a clergyman who had come there mony to the power of his minis for the purpose. After reading try, refused a living in which it Daniel informed the people of he had been a curate for twenty- the nature of its contents, and seven years, and compelled, if that he had nothing to do but he wished to serve his Master submit, adding, " Let me beg within the pale of the Estab of you to go out quietly, we will lished Church, to do so as a conclude the service by the curate to his young and inex church gate." The scene was perienced son ! And even in one of intense sorrow. All eyes that capacity the threat of sus were filled with tears, and all pension was hanging over his hearts with indignation. An head unless he would desist other report states that this took from his reputed irregularities ! place at Llancwnlle, Christmas, Drunkenness, Sabbath-breaking, 1763. Both churches were un gambling, and such like things, der his charge, as well as Llan might be overlooked and winked geitho, and the name of the one at, but to preach the Gospel out may have been mis-stated for the of his own parish was an offence other. Rowland was at this time on the part of a clergyman in his prime and in the full which could not be tolerated. swing of his popularity, but he To the Bishop's threats however had nothing for his support be Rowland replied, " that he had sides the produce of two small nothing in view but the glory of farms which he held. A chapel OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 2*3

was at once built for him at a Wales. They would travel in distance of about half-a-mile bands, starting on Thursday or from the church at Llangeitho, Friday evening, according to and was called Gwynfil Chapel, the distance, so as to reach from the plot of ground on Llangeitho on Saturday after which it stood. The building noon in time for the preparatory was 45 feet square, without a service invariably held previous gallery, and without seats, ex to the Communion Sunday. cepting a bench alongside the Then they would start home wall. The people all stood, and after the Communion Service on the place was generally densely Sunday, holding religious ser packed, Rowland getting into vices here and there on the way, the pulpit at its back, through and would reach home on Mon -a door in the wall. day evening. It is said that It has often been stated in there would often be as many as proof that Daniel Rowland was fifteen hundred taking part in never ejected from the Church, the Lord's Supper, though Llan that no record thereof is to be geitho was a most out-of-the-way found in the Register of the place. The hospitality of the diocese. But before the passing people of the district must have -of the 1 and 2 Vic., C. 106, the been great, the strain upon it at bishop could revoke licenses to times would be immense, though curates mcro motu, without the visitors generally brought making any record thereof. See their simple food with them. Wales, by Sir Thomas Phillips, They slept in barns or anywhere page 141. where shelter could be got. Llangeitho became more than Two or three ministers would -ever the centre of the religious usually assist Mr. Rowland on movement which had begun these occasions, and no one was about thirty years previously, allowed to commune excepting and which in the meanwhile had those who were members of the experienced two or three ebbs Societies at their homes. The and flows. People flocked congregations on these Sabbaths thither from all parts of the would often number four or five Principality. Many came every thousands. Hundreds came Sunday a distance of ten or there on horse-back, and the fifteen miles. On Communion horses would be tied in ranks Sundays very many were pre on the roadsides or in fields sent from a distance of forty or during the service, making the fifty miles, and large partdes place seem like a fair. It was came from the extreme points of on these occasions arrange North Wales, as well as from ments were generally made for 'Glamorganshire in South the visit of preachers to North 2S4 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Wales and the different parts of Churchyard, near the window South Wales. Preachers and at the east end of the church. deacons would meet, and itin Eleanor his wife outlived him erating tours agreed upon. six years, and at her death was He laboured for twenty-seven buried in the same grave. years after he was expelled Only twelve of his sermons from the Church, his popularity were printed ; these have come continuing undiminished ; he down to the present day : and was looked upon as the chief reveal him to have been a man among his brethren, and was in of much freshness of thought. variably elected Moderator of He prepared carefully for the the successive Association Meet pulpit, though he did not usu ings. As the years advanced ally write his sermons in full. his strength gradually waxed He would generally take his weaker, and he prayed that he notes with him to the pulpit, might not be allowed to lang and would make use of them. uish long in sickness or weak His sentences were short, strik ness. His request was granted ing, and full of fervour, as him. He was allowed to con also were his public prayers. tinue his work to the very end His power and chief excellence of his life. He preached on the as a preacher, however, are not last Sabbath he lived, and he to be found in his printed ser prepared for the following mons : as in the case of Whit Sabbath ; but he was taken field and many others, his ex dangerously ill on Friday, traordinary pulpit excellence October 15th, 1790, and on the was incommunicable to paper. following day, when people had His voice is said to have been come together for the Commun surpassingly musical and ten ion preparatory service, and the der, his language chaste and service had been commenced, beautiful, his thoughts fresh the news was brought that he and inspiring, his animation had taken his flight to the better and fervour great. But there world above. He thus died, was something else as well — October 16th, 1790, in the 77th something which penetrated the year of his age. His mind heart, quickened the conscience, was unclouded to the last, and subdued the soul, and was to the great joy of those around blessed of God to the spiritual him he was able to bear testi welfare of his hearers. Christ mony to Him who had saved mas Evans, the eminent Baptist him by His grace, and Whom preacher, in an appreciative he had served with such faith sketch of him, says, — " Row fulness, ability and success. land's doctrine was Calvinistie He was buried in Llangeitho in the proper sense of the word. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 285

He cut his words short ; his sen The foregoing saying, " O tences were compact, substan heaven ! heaven ! heaven ! Thy tial, and full of sense. He corners would be sufficiently preached in a style peculiarly empty were it not that Zion is his own, and which was inimit nursing for thee children upon able. I see him as it were now, the earth " was a saying of Dan in his black gown, entering into iel Rowland, as remembered by the pulpit through the small an old worthy deacon, Mr. door at its back, and thus sud David Jones, Dolau-bach, Llan denly appearing before the con geitho, who died but a few years gregation. His countenance was ago, and who knew Rowland in every way adorned with well, but remembered no other majesty, and revealed him to be saying of his. a man of strong sense, elo The monument is in the form quence, and authority. His of a marble statue, and has been forehead was high and promin set up in the square on the east ent; his eye keen, lively, and ern side of the present chapel — penetrative ; his nose aquiline the very spot where Rowland's or Roman ; his lips were seemly, first chapel, it is said, stood. It Iris chin projected a little, and represents Rowland in the act of his voice was musical, sweet, preaching in the open air, with and commanding." Christmas his gown on : an open Bible in Evans was of opinion that he his left had, and his right hand was the star of greatest magni extended. The likeness is said tude that appeared in the to be a more correct representa eighteenth century, and that per tion of him than the portrait in haps there had not been his like the Memoir published by the in Wales since the days of the General Assembly. It is life Apostles. size. From an artistic point of A monument was erected to view, the statue, designed and his memory on September 7th, executed by Mr. Edward 1883, at Llangeitho, chiefly Griffith, Sculptor, Chester, is through the effort of the Rev. considered a perfect success. Thomas Levi. It bears the fol Dr. Lewis Edwards, Bala, un lowing inscription : — veiled the statue, and spoke as follows : — Died Daniel Born October A.D. Rowland, 16th, 1713, 1790. " He considered that Daniel Rowland was the greatest preacher Wales had ever pro O nefoedd ! nefoedd ! nefoedd ! duced. In some things Howel Buasai dy gonglau yn ddigon Harris excelled him, but taking Gwag oni buasai fod Seion Yn magu plant i ti ar y ddaear. all things together, no one had D. Rowland. done more than Rowland. Men 28C BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY of learning and genius, and — if we shall be filled with the poets of great fame lived at the sameland. spirit It is as not possessed sufficient Row. that same time as Rowland, but they effected little, if any, in we should have his name, al fluence for good on the morality though we respect his name — we, of Wales. They did much to must have his spirit. And what wards the promotion of general kind of spirit had he ? The education, but Wales continued spirit of preaching — it was this; as before in great religious had full possession of his soul. darkness. At last Rowland ap There is abundant evidence that peared—God raised him, and a it was a difficult thing to get great change came to pass. He him from his study. Rowland filled Wales with religious peo was great in prayer. And thi& ple. There was in him an at is the way for young preachers traction which drew people — to pray much, to read much, from all parts of the country. to think much: — give their whole Think of people coming from souls to preaching." the remotest parts of Wales to Dr. Owen Thomas was next Llangeitho : some coming called upon to speak. He held monthly, and others occasion that the statue was a correct ally. Years ago it was scarce likeness of Rowland from in ly possible to meet with anyone ternal evidence — it was not an of religious note but had been imaginary statue. He had met to Llangeitho some time ; and with a daughter of Rowland 47 they took home with them the years ago at Llandilo, and he- religious influence they receiv recognized her as his daughter ed. They took the influence of from her likeness to her father, Rowland's preaching with them, whose picture he had previously and that filled the land with seen at Llangeitho. This Methodists. The influence Row daughter, then from 75 to 8c land left behind him is still on years of age, told him that he the increase. There is no in was a short man, quick in his dication of its becoming less. movements, and also of a quick- There is abundant evidence that temper. The influence of his God is with the successors of ministry must have been marvel Rowland as He was with him. lous, making such a place as- What will become of our Con Llangeitho a centre for people nexion in the future it may be from all parts of Wales. Arid difficult to say ; we look to God it was not for a year it was so, for its success, and it will cer but for fifty years. At that time tainly succeed if the Ministers farm servants of a religious dis of Methodism will continue to position would, in making their- look to God as our fathers did engagements, stipulate that they- OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 287 were to go to Llangeitho once forth from their lips ; and it during the term of service ; and was evident that minister and those who were very religious people understood each other would stipulate to go there four well. At the close of his re times during the year. And marks on his second division he this to such a place as Llan would descend in the tone of his geitho ! He had been making voice — descend, not fall. He many enquiries about him of old would gradually descend, and people who had heard him many then gradually rise higher, times, and in this way he had higher, and higher still. He got some idea of him as a would do so once again, and rise preacher. Some other preacher higher than ever, until the con would generally introduce the gregation would be one scene of service for him : whilst this joy, and the shouts of " ben- would be going on Rowland digedig," " gogoniant," and would be walking to and fro in " diolch" would be heard over a room behind the chapel, then the whole building. The whole he would enter the pulpit sud congregation would be moved, denly through the door at its and would rise to a high pitch back ; he would then give out a of joy and excitement. He hymn to sing. David Jones, would close his sermon in a way Dolau-bach, used to say that he that no one seemed hardly to was not willing for the hymn to know how he did it, and he be sung more than once. Hav would hasten out through the ing announced his text, he door at the back of the pulpit, as would at first speak in a low he came in. He would then re tone, but rapidly. When he tire to bed to regain a little of would come to his second divi the electricity which he had lost sion, he would shake himself in during the hour he had been in a rather wonderful manner, the pulpit. Such a man should which all his old hearers remem be honoured — a man who did bered well. He would again be such a work, and a man who gin slowly and thoughtfully, was almost always blessed by but would speedily quicken his the Lord. speech, and speak with great Rev. Joseph Thomas, , ease. He would give a penetra when called upon to speak, re tive look over the chapel, and ferred in his own inimitable raise his voice and become manner to several features in fervent in his spirit, until it was Rowland's character ; and Prin felt that the truth laid hold up cipal Edwards drew several im on the people. The tears would portant lessons for the young flow down their cheeks freely, men of Wales from the life and and warm Amens would break work of the great man whom 28S BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

they were that day honouring. Rev. Howell Davies, who had Y Traethodydd, vol. vi., page been the founder of Methodism 269 ; Cofiant y Parch. D. Row in Pembrokeshire. Upon his land; Hanes Bywyd a Gweini- marriage he removed to Parke, dogaeth y Parch. Daniel Row his wife's home. He was the land; Cofiant y Parch. J. Jones, Duke of Gordon's chaplain, Talsarn, vol. ii., page 800. and also that of the Countess Enwog'on Ceredigion, page 214 ; of Huntingdon. He was for Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i., rather more than twenty-five ii. ; Y Tadau Methodistaidd, years identified with the Meth vol. i. odists, taking a leading posi Rowlands, Mr. Evan, Liv tion among them. His rela erpool, a young man of earn tion to Daniel Rowland and est piety, good education, and Howell Davies would readily superior talents, was chosen by account for this. But he was a number of friends to qualify moreover a man of consider himself to conduct a seminary able abilities and a popular for young preachers. He was preacher. Unfortunately, he a native of Cardiganshire, and got to put on airs, and to as went to Belfast to complete his sume much authority. He was studies ; but his health broke utterly opposed to grant to down, and, to the great grief chapels built for the conven and disappointment of a large ience of the worshippers, the circle, he died December 8, privilege of having the ordin 1828, aged twenty-three years. ances of the Church adminis Aiant biography, o Fywyd entitled a Marwolaeth " Cof- tered therein. This authority which he presumed to exercise Mr. Evan Rowlands, Liver was at last greatly resented by pool," was published by New- the best men of the Connexion. ett, Castle Street, Liverpool, And when it was found that he in 1829. had become the victim of strong Rowland, M.A., Rev. drink, he was cut off from Nathaniel, Parke, Pembroke membership in the denomina shire, was the son of the emi tion at an Association held at nent Rev. Daniel Rowland, Neath in 1807 : the vote was Llangeitho, and was born in unanimous. It is said that he 1749. He completed his educa subsequently conquered the tion and took his degree in habit to which he had unfor Christ College, Oxford, after tunately become prone, but he which he was ordained by the never returned to the Methodist Bishop of St. David's. He fold. He continued to preach then married Miss Margaret in a chapel in Bridge Street, Davies, the only child of the Haverfordwest, which had been OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. erected for him, the deed of at one time a terrible fight which, it is said, had been with a large snake which near drawn in his name. He died ly proved fatal to him. He at Parke, March 8th, 1831, went forth with a pitchfork in aged 82 years, and was buried search of the reptile, which had at Henllan Amgoed. Method- been for some time the terror istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., page of the district. In the contest 307, vol. i., page 418 and 445 ; he had a narrow escape for his Enwogion Ceredigion, page life. However, the circum 539- stance sobered him consider Rowlands, Mr. Owen, Am ably. This took place when he lwch, Anglesea, was the son of was 24 years of age. About Mr. Rowland, Ty-fry. He four years later he heard for was apprenticed to a chemist the first time a sermon by a -at Amlwch, and about the year Nonconformist preacher — Hugh 1 831 he began to preach, pur Griffiths, of Llanddaniel. A posing to become a missionary. deep impression was produced He offered his services to the on his mind, and he was led to London Missionary Society, follow Jesus. In about five but they were rejected. This years' time he began to preach, rejection was one of the causes and then persecution arose. He which led the Calvinistic Meth and seventeen others of Lord odists to think of starting a Boston's tenants were summon Mission of their own. He then ed to appear before his agent went to Dundee, Scotland, for and the vicar of the parish to business purposes. He became answer for their religion. highly respected in his new They were asked to promise sphere, but he had an attack of never to listen again to the cholera, from which he died. Methodists, and were told that Methodistiaeth Mon, pages 135, upon this condition they should 199. remain quietly in their homes . Rowland, Mr. Owen and on their farms, but if they Thomas, Holyhead, was born refused, they would be obliged in the year 1735. During the to quit. A strange scene fol first twenty-eight years of his lowed : the tenants began to life, he was foremost among praise the Lord and shout the ungodly people of his dis " glory " in the agent's par trict. He neither feared God lour. One Richard Williams, nor respected man. Playing Tyddyn-bach, let his hat fall, cards and drinking beer were clapped his hands, and began his great delights. On one to leap in his clogs, shouting, occasion he drank two quarts " Blessed be God ! Hosannah -of beer at a draught. He had to the Son of David !" How u

2f)0 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY ever, fifteen of them ultimate Cymru, vol. ii., page 539, 540; ly yielded, but Owen and two Methodistiaeth Man, page 52. others refused, and had to Sion, Mr. Richard, Rhiw- leave their farms. Moreover, a bwys, Cardiganshire, was a na determined effort was made to tive of Four Crosses, Carnar boycott Owen, who was a black vonshire, and was one of the smith by trade. Notice was early exhorters. He was highly given the farmers not to give respected as a Christian, though he was not much of a him work, under peril of losing preacher. — Methodistiaeth De their farms. So bitter were the Aberteifi, page 150. measures adopted against him Sion, Mr. Risiart William, that even his mother, on peril South Wales, was one of the of losing her farm, was forbid early preachers of South den from harbouring or even Wales, who visited North seeing him. He therefore went Wales. He was full of deter for a time to Liverpool, but mined vigour. Under a sermon could not rest there. Having preached by him, in Anglesea, returned to his native county the quaint Owen Thomas Row he married. The persecution land first enjoyed freedom from Tie had to undergo was fierce. his spiritual bondage, and In passing through Llanerchy- found great peace of mind. medd stones were thrown at Methodistiaeth Mon, page 53. him, falling around him al Sion, Mr. Thomas Dafydd, most like hailstones. " Preach Brechfa, Carmarthenshire, was ing there on one occasion," he one of the early exhorters. Y says, " I was struck on my ear Drysorfa, vol. xiv., page 181. and other parts of my body, un Sion, Mr. William, Glan- til I lost much blood." It is cothy, Carmarthenshire, was not known when he removed to one of the early exhorters. Y Holyhead, or the precise date Drysorfa, vol. xiv., page 181. of his death : but it is recorded Solomon, Rev. Griffith,, that he fought hard to the end , Carnarvonshire, of his life against the iniqui was the son of Solomon Jones, ties of the land, and bore a and was born at Bryn-yr-odyn, faithful testimony to Christ un in the parish of Llandyrnog, der circumstances of great per Carnarvonshire, about the year sonal danger. He had consid 1774. His father was a quarry- erable preaching gifts, and man, and gave him a fairly would produce alternately good education. He exper much laughter and great ser ienced when young the power iousness. Drych yr Amser- of the truth acting as a restraint oedd, page 182 ; Methodistiaeth upon him and preserving him OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 291 from the evil ways of the young the time of the rupture between people of his neighbourhood. Rowland and Harris, he sided He was specially moved by a with the latter, and assisted sermon preached by the Rev. him in seeking to make arrange John Jones, Edeyrn. He served ments to carry on the work. the cause of Christ well ; first, But in a few months he with through conducting day schools drew from Harris and joined in various districts, and after the Moravians, who had a wards through the ministry of church at Haverfordwest. After the Gospel, in which he was en the healing of the breach be gaged for more than forty tween the two great leaders, years. About the year 1800, he Sparks occasionally took part removed to Llanbedrog, Lleyn. in their gatherings again. He itinerated much, according Stephens, Mr. Stephen, to the custom of his day, visit , Cardiganshire, when ing the churches both of North he started forth as a preacher and South Wales. He excelled was a young man of consider many of his brethren in the able promise : great expecta ministry as a reader of the tions were awakened regarding Scriptures, in his chaste and him, but to the deep disappoint suitable language, and in his ment of the churches, he died in earnestness in prayer. His 1812, when he was twenty-eight main characteristic as a preach years of age. He was an uncle er was his exposition of the of the Rev. David Stephens, Scriptures. He was received by who took a prominent part in the Association as a preacher at the start of Methodism in Am Carnarvon, in the year 1798, but erica. Methodistiaeth De Aber- was not ordained until the year teifi, page 347. 1837. When on an itinerancy Thomas, Mr. Abel, New- two years later in South Wales, Castle-emlyn, Carmarthenshire, he was taken ill at Merthyr was a man greatly beloved in Tydfil, and had to hasten home, his circle, and was very active where, after only three days, he in connection with the work of died, November 9th, 1839, aged Methodism in the town and 66 years. He was buried at neighbourhood. When preach Llanbedrog. Several of his ser ing at Fagwyr-goch one Sab mons appeared from time to bath afternoon, a revival com time in the Drysorfa. Method- menced, the result of which was istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., page that thirty new members were 274. added to the church. He died Sparks, Mr. John, Haver in the year 1799, aged 48 years. fordwest, was one of the early Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., exhorters in Pembrokeshire. At page 325. 2g3 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Thomas, Rev. Benjamin, tinued to co-operate with him. Pembrokeshire, is included Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i., among the unordained preach page 488; Drych yr Amscroedd, ers present at the first Associa page 89. tion held at Watford. At the Thomas, Mr. Dafydd, Llan- Association held at Trevecca, lluan, Carmarthenshire, was June, 1743, and at Abergavenny one of the early preachers, and in March, 1744, he is spoken of is said to have preached fre as a Congregational minister. quently at Cwmamman, Car His heart was in full sympathy marthenshire. with the Methodists, and he co Thomas, Mr. David, Carmar operated earnestly with them. thenshire, was for some years At an Association held in a soldier. During this period October, 1744, he was appointed he often preached in the towns to assist Howel Harris in the and districts where he would superintendence of the work be stationed from time to time. over the whole of Wales. He When he retired from the army travelled much both in North in 1808 he was given permission and South Wales, and like his by his Monthly Meeting to con brethren he suffered much hard tinue to do so. ship. On one occasion in An- Thomas, Mr. David, Llan- glesea, April, 1744, he was gwyryfon, Cardiganshire, be preaching at , a gan to preach in the year 1782, chapel which William Prit- and died in the year 1825. chard, Plas , had Thomas, Mr. David, Tre erected and had registered ac degar, Monmouthshire, died cording to the law for preach March 25th, 1846. ing purposes, and a crowd of Thomas, Mr. Evan, Groes- opponents appeared, with great wen, Glamorganshire, was one staves in their hand, to disturb of the five exhorters living at the service. When he began to Groeswen, who signed the his preach, the opponents poured a torical document addressed to quantity of water upon his the Association at Cayo, be head, and caused a great noise seeching the Association to take with their staves. But Mr. action towards ordaining min Thomas, being a strong man isters. What became of him is and swift of foot, he escaped not known. without receiving much harm. Thomas, Mr. Evan, Neath, He was a pathetic preacher — his was a co-worker with Howel tears often completely subdued Harris. his hearers. In the rupture be Thomas, Mr. Hugh, Aber- tween Rowland and Harris, he daron, Carnarvonshire, is pro sided with the former, and con bably the same man as is spoken OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. *93 of as of Rhosddu, Llaniestyn. rough-looking, and in manners He had to leave home to avoid uncouth. As for refinement of being captured by the press- language or dress he knew no gang, who, under the directions thing. He was brought up in of the opponents of the Meth one of the roughest districts of odists, sought to seize him and Glamorganshire, not far from some others of the early ex- Pontrhydyfen, where the horters. He had to reside for ravines are narrow and deep, a time at Llanberis, making his and the inhabitants, in Jenkin's home in a cave, where he slept day, knew but little of the out at night, and crept forth in side world. He knew nothing the day, until the fierceness of of the fear of men. The de the persecution had passed : he scription given of him by the then returned home. He was a Rev. Edward Matthews in a thresher by calling. He lived Sketch of his life and sayings until he became old, and was is something to remember. He looked upon as a very godly was born Sept. 16th, 1752, at man, and of a tender con Penhydd. He spent his early science. He often went forth to years in cultivating the soil and preach, taking a little bread looking after the sheep on the and cheese in his pocket, not rough headlands where his expecting anyone to give him farm lay, altogether thoughtless even the barest fare. He is said of his soul and eternity. In by Michael Roberts in his the mercy of God, he was con father's " Memoir," to have verted and led to forsake his commenced preaching in 1781, evil ways, though he never be but this is supposed to be in came changed in his natural correct, as he is said to have idiosyncracies, or softened by been among the first preachers the refining influences of of Lleyn, who were of a consid Christianity. He was convert erably earlier date. For some ed under a sermon preached by years before his death he lost Evan Evans, Tyclai, a man his eyesight, but yet continued as quaint as himself. Hearing to exhort with much faithful of a strange preacher coming ness. — Drych yr Amseroedd, to his locality, he thought he page 109. would go and hear him. Evan Thomas, Mr. Jenkin, Goetre, Evans denounced sin in un Glamorganshire, better known measured terms, and made as Shencyn Penhydd, was a Jenkin feel that he was a fear well-known preacher in South fully bad man. His conscience Wales, especially in Glamor accused him so deeply that he ganshire. His ways were very could not find peace either day quaint. In appearance he was or night. His soul roared 294 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

within him. Whilst in this un pened, he shouted, " Shenkin is happy state of mind he heard a in the quarry praying, mark sermon by Mr. David Morris, you." He ran home and found Twrgwyn, which brought him that the ox broke its leg at the much comfort but not complete time Shenkin was praying. rest : he found it however a lit Upon his marriage he re tle later through a sermon by moved to Aberavon, and short the Rev. William Davies, ly after he took a farm, called Neath. The change he under Goetre, not far distant, where went was complete as regards he spent the remainder of his his pleasures and the attention days. He held membership in he gave to his spiritual welfare the old chapel, or rather barn, and the Kingdom of Christ. at Dyffryn. It is not known Henceforth he spent much time when he began to preach : the in prayer, and was known to re likelihood is that he gradually tire frequently for the purpose developed through giving short to a quarry at the back of his addresses at the church meet house. Here he would often be ings and on other occasions as found if he was required. One was necessary. As a citizen he remarkable incident is recorded was honest, open, plain, and illustrative of this practice. hardworking. He rose early, His brother, who had no sym his clothes were home-spun, and pathy with his religious habits, rarely brushed. As for his determined, notwithstanding hair, it would seem that a comb Jenkin's protest, to start on had never passed through it. Sunday with a number of oxen His hat was exceedingly broad- for Llandaff fair. Jenkin want brimmed, pressed down in front ed him to start on Saturday, but almost to reach his nose. Quaint the brother considered it would under all circumstances, he was be too costly. " Believe me," he peculiarly so when on horse said, " it will be more costly back. He usually had a long for you to break the Sabbath staff, which he raised up almost and sin against God." How continually, at the same time ever, the brother persisted, and working his legs as if they were started with the oxen for the a piece of machinery, digging fair on Sunday, and away them into the poor animal's side Jenkin went to the quarry, with with much vigour. His appear his soul full of zeal for God ance in the pulpit was equally and His day. The party had rustic, and his language was not not gone far from the house remarkable for its chasteness. when one of the oxen fell and His illustrations were numerous broke one of its legs. As soon and homely. He was preaching as Thomas saw what had hap one night at Creunant upon OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 295

" Christ as the light of the ably coming off conqueror, and world," and gave a practical inflicting upon the devil's king illustration of the value of dom a severe blow in retaliation light. The only source of light for some subtle attack of his foe. in the chapel was a half-penny Multitudes of his sayings float candle, placed close to the ed in society long after his preacher. To illustrate there death, and many of them are fore what the religious world treasured in Mr. Matthews' his would be without Christ, he tory of his life. Notwithstand pressed the flame of the candle ing his rough exterior and with his fingers, extinguishing ways, he suited his age, espe the light, and then asked, cially as he was known to have "There, what can you see now?'' many good qualities, such as In the interval, whilst some one perfect innocency and straight fetched a light, he improved the forwardness, fiery zeal for God occasion to show how helpless and the salvation of souls. He men would be without Christ. died Dec. 3rd, 1807, aged 61 He seemed at times to be in y;ars. Hanes Bywyd Siencyn spired with superhuman insight Penhydd, neu Mr. Jenkin Tho into men's character. He was mas, Penhydd; Y Traethodydd, present at a church meeting vol. vi., page 67. away from home, when a young Thomas, Rev. John, Car man was a candidate for church digan, was held in high esteem membership. He did not much by the Churches of Methodism like him : so when he rose to to the end of his long life. He speak he told him, " You are a died Feb. 3rd, 1849, aged 89 kite, seeking a mate." And years. He was the last of the strange to say, the event proved batch of preachers who were or the truth of his remark : after dained at the first Methodist or securing the hand of a young dination at Llandilo, August, lady who was a member of the 1811. As a preacher, he was not church in marriage, he forsook one of the masters of the Assem the church and took no interest bly. His natural gifts were not whatsoever in religion. Shencyn conspicuous, nor had he en was famous throughout the joyed any early educational ad -churches for his ability in set vantages. Yet his sermons were tling discords. He had peculiar well composed, and he had the and original methods in much power of expressing himself that he did, but the object de with much clearness. He spoke sired was usually attained. The more to the intellect and the con devil was a very real person to science than the heart. Rev. him : and he had with him Owen Thomas says of him, — many a pitched battle, invari that his sermons were composed 2q6 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY so carefully and orderly that trade as a tailor. After a tune they appeared like " apples of he returned to Cardigan to bis gold in pictures of silver." family, and remained here to None of the old preachers took the end of his days. After a so much pains in writing their revival which took place in the sermons. He wrote all of them year 1792, he desired to become several times — not so much to a preacher of the Gospel, and improve them as to impress them expected to be urged to do so by on his memory. His sermons the officers of the church, but were, as Rev. Ebenezer Richards they were silent in the matter. declared at an Association at One Sabbath evening however, Bala, " yn efrau pur heb ddim the expected preacher did not us yn gymysg ag ef," and come, so John Thomas was specially suited for the nurture asked to read and pray : he did of his hearers in the fear and so, and at the same time took admonition of the Lord, and, advantage of the opportunity to for the times, remarkable for expound some of the verses of their order and minuteness. He the passage of Scripture he was inclined to be reserved and read. He did this with such silent, but was a warm and sin propriety and unction, that it cere friend in his circle. He proved the start of his minis was precise and orderly, and terial life, which soon de thus few faults could be found veloped into a career of great in him. He was born in 1760, usefulness. He rapidly be in the parish of Ferwig, near came a pillar of the cause, espe Cardigan, and was 34 years of cially in Cardiganshire, few age when he began to preach. surpassing him as a man of Previous to that event, his wise counsel. For some time social circumstances were hum ere he passed away, he was con ble, and his fare, and that of his fined to his house, lingering on family, was oftentimes hard. the banks of Jordan, but he was He began his religious life quite at his ease in the prospect when 15 years of age with the of departing to " the beautiful Baptists. Four years later he land on high." When the joined the Methodists at Cwm- time came to enter within the howni. He married young in veil, he was prepared for the life, and experienced much of Master's call. He was buried the hardships of bringing up a in Cardigan churchyard. His family when the earnings are Memoir and Sermons, by the small. In the hope of being Rev. Dr. Phillips, Hereford ; able to provide more satisfac Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., torily for his family needs, he page 103; Enwogion Ceredig went to London to work at his ion, page 229. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. *97

Thomas, Mr. John, Denbigh, Gwr gwlftdig oedd. nid gwael ei ddawn. Darllenydd, athrawiaethydd llawn ; was a native of Nantcwnlle, Etifedd mawr heb feddu tir, sometimes called Llancwnlle, Pererin ttawd mewn cyfoeth gwir ; Tros Gymru teithiodd dri ugain gwaith. Cardiganshire. He was one of Er amryw boen a llafur maith ; the early preachers of his na Tan gurfa ffodd o gyrraedd cur, tive county : and according to Trwy farw aeth i fywyd pur. one of the lines on the head stone of his grave, he must have Drych yr Amseroedd, page 181 ; been a great itinerant. Late Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., in life he removed to Denbigh. page 133, vol. iii., page 185,. He was clear and strong in the 237 ; Y Goleuad, Chwef ror 27, declaration of the doctrines of 1907. grace, and earnest and courage Thomas, Mr. John, Llan- ous in the service of Christ for beris, Carnarvonshire, was the a lengthened period. He ex son of Mr. Thomas Griffiths, perienced very severe treatment , and the brother of on several occasions at the hands Dafydd Ddu Eryri. In con of the opponents of the Method junction with his father, he ist movement : once, in the year started the cause at Llwyn- 1769, when preaching at Hen- celyn, alias Capel Coch. He Han, near Denbigh. Occasion was a rather timid, though for ally, he would reveal that he the saints, an edifying preach had not perfect control of his er. On one occasion he was temper : this led him at times preaching in a house near Plas- into difficulties. He died at yn-Mhentir, when he was con Denbigh, October 2nd, 1807, siderably frightened. His aged 84 years, having been a audience consisted of only preacher of the Gospel for 62 seven people. But there was in years, and was buried at Llan- a field near by a crowd of rhaiadr, Dyffryn Clwyd. On reckless men met together for a one occasion, when seeking to game of football. Mr. Thomas preach in the centre of the town and his little company were of Llanrwst, the old hostile afraid to sing lest the foot spirit against the Methodists ballers should hear, and be was awakened, and when he moved to rush in upon them. began the service, the oppo However, they timidly ventured nents pelted him with dung and to start a tune, and, as they mud, so that the meeting had to feared, the attention of those be adjourned to the Groesffordd, outside was attracted by the where the Methodist preaching singing of the little company, services were usually held. On and they rushed in with oaths the headstone of his grave the upon their lips, threatening to following lines are inscribed,— pull the house down upon their --.,8 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

heads unless Thomas would and went on preaching itiner come out to preach to them. So ancies. He dropt his father's in fear and trembling he yield, surname and was known sim ed. However, they listened to ply as John Thomas. Evan him in quiet, and afterwards re Thomas, who is said to have turned to their sport. He be had to do with editing the Eur- gan to preach in 1768, and con grawn Cymreig, the first Welsh tinued to do so until Feb., 1831, periodical, in conjunction with when he died, aged 83 years. the Rev. Peter Williams, was Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., his son. Both father and son page 209. were poets. Thomas, Mr. John, Llan Thomas, Mr. Michael, Garn- idloes, Montgomeryshire, was an-wen, near , Angle- one of the early exhorters, and sea, was one of the earliest was at the same time a school preachers of Methodism in An- master. glesea. At great personal Thomas, Mr. John, Rhos- danger, he re-started preaching fawr, Montgomeryshire, was at Beaumaris, after it had been one of the early preachers of discontinued for some time in Methodism, and began to consequence of the persecution preach at Llanwyddelan. He it had provoked. There were visited Llanfyllin in 1778, pur but two good women in the town posing to start a cause there, who made a profession of re but the noise made by the ene ligion. He informed them that mies of the Gospel was so great he would come there to preach that he and his companion, on the following Sunday. William Jones, had to desist, When they heard this they were and he was moreover severely troubled and hardly knew what treated by the mob, so much so to do. However, they prayed that he narrowly escaped with and prepared a place for the his life. — Methodistiaeth Cym service, and got the co-opera ru, vol. ii., pages 394, 421. tion of a strong man, who pro Thomas, Mr. John, Tre- mised to preserve the preacher fecca, Breconshire, lived for 21 from being molested. In com years at Bantllefrith, near pany with five or six brethren, Brecon. He spent the remain he started on Sunday morning der of his life at Trefecca, for Beaumaris, but when he where he died in 1823. approached the town his heart Thomas, Mr. John, Wtra- well-nigh failed him. After wen, Llanfaircaereinion, Mont united prayer, however, his gomeryshire, was the son of courage revived, and having Thomas Abel. He was one of reached the town, a successful the disciples of Howel Harris, meeting was held, and from OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 299 that time forward the preach honesty so unmistakeable, that ing was regularly continued. his neighbours were disposed tie died Oct. 18th, 1784, aged the more readily to hearken to .40 years, and was buried in him, and his ministry was Llanddaniel churchyard, in the blessed to many. He resided :same year as Hugh Griffith, at Llanfechell. According to who had been the means of his an article in the Drysorfa, .conversion. Drych yr Amser- Nov., 1813, he resided at Llan- oedd, page 184; Methodistiaeth feches, where he followed the Mori, page 59. occupation of a butcher. But Thomas, Mr. Rhys, Rhyd- the Rev. John Pritchard, in his -FENDigaid, Cardiganshire, is Methodistiaeth Mon, page 27, referred to by the Rev. Wil states that there is no such liam Williams, Pantycelyn, in place as " Llanfeches " in the ,one of his reports to the As island, and that the "s" must sociation, as superintendent of be a printer's blunder for some of the churches of Car " 11." Drych yr Amseroedd, diganshire in 1744. He repre page 182. sents him as preaching once a Thomas, Mr. Sampson, week to the church at Tre- Caerfarchell, Pembrokeshire, .garon. was a native of Trelech, Car Thomas, Mr. Richard, marthenshire, and was born a- Li.anfechell, Anglesea, was bout the year 1739. In his early .one of the first, if not the very years he spent a rollicking life, first, of the preachers of Meth fond of drink and pugilistic odism in Anglesea. In his practices. When 21 years of .early years he was thoroughly age, he underwent a great worldly and ungodly. Dur change. At the time of his ing this period, he involved marriage with a widow living "himself heavily in debt, and near Solva, thirteen years later, fled to South Waes to avoid he removed there to reside, and his creditors. Here, he heard for the remainder of his life he the Gospel, and became a new laboured chiefly as a preacher man. He at once forsook his in Pembrokeshire. It is known -old habits and succeeded in that he preached at Llanllyfni, making a little money. He Carnarvonshire, in 1792. He afterwards returned to his na was well-versed in the Scrip tive county, paid his old debts, tures, and excelled in his .and began to preach the Gos ability in conducting church pel to those who were perish meetings. He died in 1807, ing through lack of knowledge. aged 68 years. His wife also The change in him was so died on the same day, and both :great, and the proof of his were buried at the same time. 3°° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., Sunday. After his conversion, page 20.8. his house was ever open for Thomas, Mr. Thomas, Lon God's servants, and he became don, was one of the early himself a preacher of the Gos Welsh Methodist preachers in pel from house to house. He the metropolis. In consequence was often treated, like others of of a case of discipline in which his brethren, with a shower of he felt much interest, and to rotten eggs, when he would which he was strongly oppos stand up on the village green to ed, he left the Methodists joint, proclaim the glad tidings of ly with Mr. Daniel Jenkins — a salvation. He had faith and son-in-law of the Rev. Daniel patience to persevere, and he Rowland — who was also a lived to see a great change in preacher. Under the joint in the attitude of the people. The fluence of these two, almost the Lord prospered him in his. whole church in Gravel Lane secular calling, so that he be Chapel went over to the Con- came a great helper to the cause gregationalists, and at the same of Methodism in his locality. time held possession of the He was more renowned for his chapel. It is not known praying than his preaching : whether was it in London or in on his knees he was a prince the country that Thomas began with God. He died August to preach. 22nd, 181 1, aged 88 years. In Thomas, Mr. William, Bet- consequence of failing health, tws, Merionethshire, was a he had not taken part in min preacher in the year 1824. isterial work for some time Thomas, Mr. William, Pyle, previous to his death. — Y Dry- better known as Pil, Glamor so'rfa, 1849, page 33. ganshire, was born in the year Tibbott, Mr. Richard, Llan- 1723, at Dyffryn Uchaf, in the brynmair, Montgomeryshire, parish of Margam, Glamorgan was born at Hafodypant, Llan. shire. He was one of the early brynmair, January 18th, 1719. workers of Methodism, having He was the youngest of five been converted when he was sons, all of whom were brought sixteen years of age, under the up to fear the Lord from their powerful ministry of Howel youth. He was received into Harris in 1739. In 1760 he re membership at Llanbrynmair moved from the Dyffryn to Ty- when but fourteen years of age : Draw, Pil. He travelled fre and in the year 1738, when but quently to Llangeitho, a dis nineteen years of age, he be tance of sixty miles or more gan to preach. He was a great from his home, to be present reader, and acquired consider with the saints on Communion able knowledge of Greek and OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 301

Latin. In the year 1741, he upwards he visited each of the went for a time to Llanddow- Societies once in three months, ror, to attend Rev. Griffith and every question of import Jones's school, and subse ance was submitted to him for quently, for a short time, he decision. Time and again he conducted a school himself in suffered much at the hands of the neighbourhood. He joined the enemies of the Methodist the early Calvinistic Method movement. When the rupture ists, and became intimately as took place between Harris and sociated with them. He was Rowland in 1751, he was in present at their first Association tensely grieved. At first he at Watford, January, 1743,. and hardly knew which side to take, was appointed overseer of the but ultimately he joined Row Societies of Radnorshire and land and his co-workers, and Montgomeryshire. At a Month continued to labour with them ly Meeting at Glanyrafonddu, until the year 1762. In that Carmarthenshire, March 1st, year, he accepted the call of the 1743, it was resolved that he Independent Church at Llan- should open a school in Pem brynmair to become its pastor, brokeshire. At a Monthly in succession to the Rev. Lewis Meeting held at Nantmel, Rad Rees, who had left for Glamor norshire, April 18th, 1744, he ganshire ; and in November, was appointed to visit all the 1762, he was ordained as such. Societies in Montgomeryshire For the remaining 35 years of -once every week. But in the his life he laboured with much following autumn it was re zeal in that capacity, still solved that he should go to preaching with the Methodists brother John Richard to learn and attending their Associa book-binding. It is not known tions as before, when circum how long he was with this stances would permit, making brother, who superintended a no difference between the one section of the Societies in Car denomination and the other. He marthenshire and Glamorgan was the first to preach at Car shire. He was however back in narvon, in 1770, when he was Montgomeryshire in 1745, and severely treated. He and his carried on his former work of horse were imprisoned in the visiting the churches. As the castle over night. Though not work spread, his diocese ex a great orator, he was a most tended, and he was appointed successful preacher, and a to superintend all the Societies broad-minded man : he loved the in the counties of Merioneth, essential doctrines of religion Carnarvon, Denbigh, and Mont far more than those which are gomery. For fifteen years and peculiar to the several denom 3°a BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY inations. He was widely known Watkin, Mr. Edward, Llan and gladly welcomed through idloes. This good man was out the churches of all denom born at Trefeglwys, Montgom inations. He died March 18th, eryshire, but lived the greater 1798, in the eightieth year of part of his life at Llanidloes. his age, and was buried at the He travelled much as a preach parish church of Llanbrynmair. er of the Gospel throughout the — Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i., whole of Wales, and was fairly page 118; Montgomeryshire popular. He was remarkable Worthies, page 298. for his witty and pithy say Walters, Rev. Thomas, New ings, which seldom failed him. Inn, Monmouthshire, began his Preaching at Dolgelley Associa ministerial life with the Meth tion at the early morning ser odists, and lived at Mynydd- vice, he was preceded by the islwyn. His abilities were of venerable Robert Jones, Rhos^ the brightest, and during the Ian, whose text was Exodus early years of his ministry he xvii. 42, and he preached upon was reckoned among the popu Moses smiting the rock. His lar preachers of his denomina own text was the third verse of tion. Under a sermon by him, the same chapter, and he began the Rev. Ebenezer Morris, ac by saying, " My brother has cording to his own testimony, been smiting the rock, and X received very deep religious im shall open the sea : and accord pressions. He was ordained a ing to all order I should have minister of the New Inn been first." Speaking of believ Church, near Newport, Mon ing, he said that the believer mouthshire. At first, his minis frequently knew of three fail try here was highly esteemed, ures in the great matter of be but gradually his popularity lieving. 1, Unable to believe. waned, through that he became 2, Unable to be at peace without a prey to a worldly spirit believing. 3, Unable not to be which greatly affected his min lieve. He sometimes finds be istry, and the aspect of affairs lieving as difficult as were he to changed for the worse. He held try to create a world, and yet bis position in this church for he cannot possibly remain at 3S years. He then resigned and ease in the condition of not be rejoined the Methodists, and lieving, and yet in this condi continued for four years to tion, when the Christian gets a preach, wherever his services clear view of God's testimony, would be required. It is said to believe is as easy as to that during this brief period he breathe. Preaching on another was renewed in the spirit of his occasion from the words, " Look mind. He died in the year 1819. unto me and be ye saved, all the OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 303. ends of the earth, for I am God Rowland hearing of it, resolved and there is none else," Isaiah to visit the congregation the xlv. 22, he remarked, "that following Sabbath. He did so, man's face is in the wrong and he marvelled at what he direction (o chwyth) ; in the witnessed. When he returned direction his back should be ; home on Monday, he said, " It and his back is in the direction is a heath fire and will spread." his face should be, and God So it did. A general revival of calls upon him to turn about. religion took place throughout You must understand, friends, the country, and continued for that God takes no one to heaven four years, and spread through backwards." In this style he out both North and South would usually discourse, and Wales. Methodistiaeth De Aber- hence he readily won the atten teifi, page 50. tion of his hearers. On his last Williams, Mr. Benjamin, itinerancy he went as far as Pontypridd, died August 5th,. Holyhead, where he was over 1844, aged 71 years, after hav taken by man's last enemy, and ing preached the Gospel for died, November, 1815, aged 71 forty-five years. He was well- years, after having been a known throughout North and preacher of the Gospel for 47 South Wales. He itinerated al years. Y Drysorfa, page 248 ; most more than any of his Drych yr Amseroedd, page 175. brethren, and his ministry was Watkin, Mr. John Edward, of much comfort to the saints. Llanddewi, Cardiganshire, was It may be said of him what usually a very ordinary preach cannot be said of any other in er, but, in his case, as that of dividual, whether ministerial many others, a revival, which or lay, that he was present at spread far and wide, began un every ordination service in der one of his sermons. This connection with his denomina was in 1779. It came to pass in tion, both in North and South this way. He was preaching one Wales, until the time of his. Sabbath afternoon at Soar, a death : he did not miss one. lonely place in the midst of the Indeed, he had just returned mountains that lie between home from Bala Association Llanwrtyd and Tregaron. Dur when he was seized by the ill ing the sermon, a deep feeling ness which proved fatal to him. came over his hearers, which led Though he spent so much time them to rejoice in an unusual de itinerating, he died at home in gree, and they continued sing the midst of his family, and ing, praying, and rejoicing, un was buried at Radyr, near Car til the break of dawn on Mon diff. Y Drysorfa, vol. xiv... day morning. Rev. Daniel page 288. 3°4 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Williams, Mr. Benjamin, Williams, Mr. David, Cem- Gyfylchi, Glamorganshire, maes, Montgomeryshire, came kept a school at his home, and to Cemmaes as a teacher in con preached frequently at Aber- nection with Madame Bevan's dare at the beginning of the school. He was also stationed Cause in the district. for a time at . At Williams, Rev. Daniel, Tre- these places and elsewhere he gynon, Montgomeryshire, was often preached. Among his a native of Llanwyddelan, converts was one Owain Sion, where he was born, October who took a prominent part in 20th, 1785. He was early im the early history of Methodism pressed by Divine truth, and in his district. began to preach when he was Williams, Mr. David, Llan quite young. His preparation dovery, Carmarthenshire. His for the work of the ministry career as a preacher was short. embraced, not years of collegi Williams, Rev. David, Llys- ate training, but whole nights yfronydd, Glamorganshire, spent in prayer at Dol-y-gaer Wood, near New Mills, in was, according to the author of Methodistraeth Cymru, a native company with his " comrade of Llandyfeilog, Carmarthen through the wilderness," H. Gwalchmai, and with whom he shire ; but according to the laboured much as a pioneer in author of the " Tadau Method- istaidd," he was a native of the establishment of English Tregaron. However, he was causes throughout the Goror, among the early preachers of and this for scant remunera the Methodist movement. He tion. He was also a popular travelled much through the Welsh preacher, and was or northern as well as the southern dained at Bala, June 8th, 1842. province of the Principality, He died September 25th of the same year, aged 56 years, and and was spoken of frequently was interred in the graveyard as Dafydd William Dafydd. of Adfa Chapel. He was mar At the second Association held ried to a daughter of Mr. Is- at Watford, in April, 1743, he was appointed Superintendent mael Jones, Llandinam. The of Lledrod and several other Rev. Moses Williams, Aber- churches in Cardiganshire, b'lt avon, is his youngest son. The there is no reference to any re Treasury, vol. xxi., page 333. port having been received from Williams, Mr. Daniel, Llan- him. He was also one of four dovery, Carmarthenshire, appointed by the South Wales preached at Cayo in the year Association to officiate at Bala in rotation, when the cause was OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 3°5 the very church. weak, and This there course was was no pursued under the advice of the preacher resident anywhere in Rev. Daniel Rowland. He ad North Wales. The few who form ministered the ordinances here ed the church were so poor that regularly every month to the they could hardly afford to give end of his life, and the service the preacher lodging accommo was attended by many from dation, much less any financial districts round about. Though support ; but the friends in thus ordained, he continued his South Wales were full of sym connection with the Methodists, pathy with them, and rendered frequenting their Monthly all the help they could. Mr. Meetings and Associations, and Williams was so highly thought also itinerating more or less of at Bala that he was invited through Wales like other and urged upon to settle there. preachers. He was well-versed John Evans, Bala, speaks of in the Scriptures. His minis Tum as being meek and gentle try was characterised by gentle in disposition, and his ministry ness and tenderness ; he was a as accompanied with much unc Barnabas, a son of comfort, tion. After travelling for some rather than a Boanerges. He years, and suffering much per died May 5th, 1792, aged 75 secution, many hardships and years. Drych yr Amseroedd, reproaches, he married Miss page 103 ; Methodistiaeth Cym- Prichard, Talygarn, and set ru, vol. iii., page 20, 51 ; Y tled at Llysyfronydd. His life Tadau Methodistaidd, vol. i., was endangered at Caergwrle, page 232. Flintshire, on one of his visits to North Wales, through the Williams, Mr. Edward, violence of his opponents. Buckley, Flintshire, was born Through the lack of clergymen in 1799. When about twenty to administer the church or years of age he began to think dinances to the numerous little in earnest of his soul, and flocks in the Vale of Glamor joinedgwrle. the He Methodists was a young at Caer-" man gan, David Williams was or dained a minister of the church endowed with strong and clear at Aberthyn, near Cowbridge, faculties. In October, 1827, he where in 1749 a chapel had been was given permission to exer "built — the first built by the cise his gifts as a preacher, and Methodists in Glamorganshire. for the five years that follow His ordination was similar to ed, he was most earnest, and at that of Morgan John Lewis, at tained to considerable popu New Inn, Monmouthshire, in larity. But his days came to simple response to the call of an end before he had time to become known outside the limits 306 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

of his own Monthly Meeting. Bunyan's booklet, entitled He died March 10th, 1833. " Come and welcome to Jesus Williams, Mr. Edward, Christ." He was so taken up , Cardiganshire. by this book of Bunyan's that Nothing is known of him be he committed it to memory, yond the fact that he was a and it was of much service to preacher. him as a preacher. Shortly Williams, Mr. Edward, after his conversion, he joined Meifod, Montgomeryshire, was the Methodists, and visited the an acceptable preacher during Rev. Griffith Jones, Llanddow- the latter half of the eigh ror, who, on February 27th, teenth century. He was the son 1742, sent him to Lleyn to open of Robert Williams, a miller one of his Free Schools. But at Meifod. He died February the persecution he met with was 13th, 1806, aged 82 years. so fierce that he fled for his life. Williams, Mr. Evan, Guils- The press-gang came to Tyddyn field (Cegidfa), Montgomery Mawr farm to seize him, but as shire, was converted under the the family had been warned ministry of George Whitfield of their coming, they hid him in London. When he returned under lock in a large cupboard. from the metropolis, he settled After searching everywhere and down at Fegin, in the parish failing to find him, one of them of . He was the first came to the cupboard, exclaim who preached in the Mardy ing, with an oath, at the same Mill, where the cause, which time kicking it with his foot, became that of the Tabernacle, " Possibly, he may be here." was begun. He was a very However, they did not find him. godly man and devoted to the and he hastened away under Methodist movement. He cover of night. Amid many preached at the first Associa hardships, he found his way tion held at Machynlleth a back to South Wales. He con powerful sermon on the words tinued about two years with the "The judgment sat and the Methodists, and then took books were opened." He mar charge of a Congregational ried a sister of the Rev. Evan church. Griffiths, Meifod's, mother. Williams, Mr. Griffith, Williams, Mr. Evan, Ystrad- Bwlan, Carnarvonshire, died gynlais, was the child of re February 27th, 1844. He had ligious parents. He was him not been long a preacher before self converted partly through he was cut down. He worked the ministry of one Lewis whilst it was day, but the night Jones, a Congregational minis came upon him quickly. He ter, and partly through reading was full of fire and energy. OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 3°7

His ministry was very effective, singing Psalms and praying, a and he was himself much re justice of the peace with his spected. He was the means of servants came upon them, and doing very much good. He was he who was at the time lead summoned in mid-life to dwell ing in prayer was taken into in the country of which he loved custody. A report of the state of to speak, both in the pulpit and the Societies under his charge, in private conservation. Y written by him and presented to Drysorfa, vol. xiv., page 222. the Association in 1743, is in Williams, Mr. Griffith, the Trevecca Minutes. Meth- Trefriw, Denbighshire. His odistiaeth Cymru, vol. i., page name is included in the list of 169. deceased preachers in the Dry Williams, Mr. Jeremiah, sorfa, 1836. Llanwyddelan, Montgomery Williams, Mr. Henry, Ban shire, was converted under a gor, began to preach in the sermon by Howel Harris in the year 1814. He was a brother parish of Llanllugan. There much beloved, but his career as were many others converted at a preacher was short. He died the same service. He began to in 1823, aged 52 years. preach in the year 1760 and con tinued to do so for 54 years, Williams, Mr. Hugh, Llan- oftentimes enduring much hard rug, Carnarvonshire, was one ship. He lived for some time of the early preachers. successively at Llanidloes and Williams, Mr. James, Lam Llanbrynmair. Through his peter, Cardiganshire, was one faithfulness, he occupied a pro of the early overseers of the minent place in his Monthly churches in Carmarthenshire, Meeting, though he was but a and the southern parts of Car very ordinary preacher. He diganshire. Of these churches exercised much care over the he speaks in his Report in the cause in his sphere. He wars highest terms ; he considered anything but meek and gentle that they excelled all other in his treatment of his young churches known to him, in their brethren, both lay and minister love of God and the Gospel, in ial. He considered that it was their earnest desire to walk well to be a little severe to worthy of their vocation, and wards them, and keep them un also for their loving fellowship, der foot, when they were being free from persecution or any received into office. He was disturbances from without, ex wont to say, " if he is a dog he cept some little opposition at will bite, but if a sheep he will Lampeter. Whilst the members suffer." He died in 1814. of the Society were together Drych yr Amseroedd, page 174. 308 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

Williams, Mr. John, Ban accomplish. Y Drysorfa, vol. gor, was born at Carneddi, xviii., page 33. Carnarvonshire, in the year Williams, Mr. John, Cae- 1794, and died Nov. 21st, 1845, athraw, Carnarvonshire, was aged 51 years. His father was one of the early preachers. a deeply religious man, but Williams, Mr. John, Dol- died when John was seven years gellal's name is included in of age. He had no early edu the list of deceased preachers in the Drysorfa, 1836. cation, and was twenty-one Williams, Mr. John (first), years of age before he knew Dolydoelen, Merionethshire. the alphabet. But he ap His name is frequently met plied himself with such ardour with in the history of Method and constancy to the attainment ism, in North Wales ; he was of knowledge that he soon came for 52 years a preacher of con to read and to master the ele siderable note. He was born ments of the Welsh Grammar in the year 1757, at Fedw-deg, and to acquire considerable in the parish of . He general knowledge, and an ac was one of the thousands who quaintance with theology ; at beuefited through the Circulat the same time pursuing his or ing Schools of the Rev. Griffith dinary avocation. He was Jones. When sixteen years of twenty-six years of age when age also he was for twelve he joined the church, and re months in a school in England. ceived shortly afterwards per Soon after his return, he left mission to preach. He was an his father, who was a widower, earnest and resolute man. As a and went to reside with his Christian, his chief features grandparents at Dolyddelen. were his respect for the Bible, By this time he had taken to his faithfulness to the means of evil ways — card-playing, wakes, grace, his consistent Christian drinking, and all manner of character, and nis desire to do corrupt practices. Though his good to others. As a preacher grandfather had some good he was not popular his style be books in his house which John ing heavy, but his sermons al read, and by which he was ways contained solid matter for pricked in his conscience and attentive hearers. He worked slightly checked in his deeds, hard under considerable disad yet he had not much sympathy vantages to prepare worthily for with the Methodists or religion the pulpit. He was fond of of any kind, and resented any poetry and wrote much himself. enquiry from those who were His early death thwarted some able to direct him as regards his literary work he had hoped to soul's salvation. However, OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 300 about the year 1778, he heard But Rowland began to preach. one John Jones, Hafod-Ifan, His text was ' And in this preach, and got a promise from mountain shall the Lord make him to come and hold a service unto all people a feast of fat at Dolyddelen. As a result things, a feast of wines on the the cause there was commenced, lees .... of wines on the lets a church was formed, and John well- refined.' And you never Williams joined it. In 1786, he heard such a thing . He set to married Margaret Richards, tapping the barrels of the co Bertheos. It is supposed that venant of grace, and to let the he began to preach about the pure wine run, and break the year 1787, when he was 30 thirst of the people therewith. years of age, and his preaching Indeed, it seemed to be pouring during the subsequent years of through the chapel. I drank his life was exceedingly ac thereof until I was as drunk as ceptable throughout the Princi a fool, and there I was, and pality. He was of a gentle scores with me, thinking no and kind disposition, ever seek thing of our fatigue, shouting, ing to win the hearts of the and some of us jumping, for people rather than command and hours." — Method-istiaeth Cym- drive them. During the years ru, vol. i., page 529. of his ministry he was never Williams, Mr. John (second), absent from the Association held Dolyddelen, Merionethshire, annually at Bala, nor was any was the eldest child of William thing, except illness, or a great and Mary Jones, Ty'nllan, Dol depth of snow, allowed to hin yddelen, and a nephew, the son der him from fulfilling his pul of a cousin, of Mr. J. Williams, pit engagements. He spent first, Dolyddelen. He was the last three years of his life born in 1804. He had the mis at Conway, with his daughter fortune of losing his father and her husband, Mr. E. Rich when he was six years of age. ardson. He died March 27th, His parents were members of 1839, aged 82 years, and his re the church at Dolyddelen, so he mains were buried at Doly had the privilege of being ddelen. Dr. Owen Thomas re brought up under religious in cords of him the following in fluences, and when he reached a cident which he heard him re suitable age he was received peat. On one of his visits to into full communion. He was Llangeitho he had walked the fond of attending religious whole distance from Doly birthday services. onward, From he his annually twelfth ddelen. " I was so tired," he said, " that I was more fit to go attended the Bala Association, to bed than to attend a service. though he had twenty miles to 3'° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

walk. Towards the end of the festivities of the occasion. 1817, Dolyddelen was favoured Just as he had completed his with a great revival which left preparations, he opened a Bible a deep impression upon his which was near him at the 50th mind, and called forth his acti Psalm, and read until the 21st vities with the work of God, verse — "These things hast thou especially in the Sabbath done, and I kept silence; thou School. In the year 1829, he thoughtest that I was altogether was chosen a deacon, and in such an one as thyself." The that same year, in the month words pierced his heart. He of December, he began to did not however forsake his evil preach. In 1S34, he married ways at once. He was for Anne, the eldest daughter of months under considerable dis the Rev. Cadwaladr Owen, Dol tress of mind. Hearing that yddelen, who bore him two a stranger — the Rev. D. Jones, children. As a preacher he was Llangan — was to preach in evangelical and popular : his Anglesea, he went to hear him, style was lively and his themes with the result that he de were plain and pleasing. But clared — "these people shall be his career was short : he died my people henceforth and for Oct. 26th, 1836, when he was ever.'' In 1787, he succeeded but 32 years of age, and had in getting preaching in his own been a preacher but 6 years. house at Felinisa : and services Williams, Mr. John, Hen- were held here for about 8 llan, near Denbigh, joined the years. By occupation he was a church at Brynbugad, and be blacksmith ; and in the year came a very fervent preacher. 1800, he began to preach, and He died at Aberffraw whilst on continued to do so with great an itinerancy, in Anglesea. faithfulness until the year Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii., 1816, when he passed to his re page 122. ward. He rendered much ser Williams, Mr. John, Llan- vice in '.he district of Llan degai, Carnarvonshire, was born degai. Methodistiaeth Cymru, in the year 1756. He is said vol. ii., page 246. to have been the first Method Williams, Mr. John, Llan- ist in the parish of Llandegai. fachreth, Anglesea, came here In his early years he was a namefrom is Carnarvonshire. included in the list His of thorough man of the world, but he underwent a complete deceased ministers in the Dry- change of heart and life quite sorfa, 1836 accidentally. He was prepar Wtlliams, Mr. John, Llan- ing to attend a baptismal feast, geitho, Cardiganshire, died at which he expected to join in September 6th, 1839, aged 100 OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 3"

years, having been a preacher 1747, and was educated at the for 60 years. At first, he only Ystradmeurig school, purposing accompanied other preachers, on to take Orders in the Church. their itinerancies, and intro He was even then a wild and duced the services for them. thoughtless youth, and took On one occasion when he ac part in all the ways of young companied William Richard men of the world. During the Llwyd on an itinerancy, Llwyd, same period he felt some lean for some reason or other was ing towards the Methodists, and obliged to return home before occrsionally attended their ser he had completed his tour. But vices. This last fact placed John Williams proceeded on the him in danger of being refused jcurney, and delivered a ser ordination. Indeed, the old mon at each place where W. R. clergyman, who had promised Llwyd was to have done so. to present him, refused for a Thus he first developed into a time to do so on the plea of preacher, and he continued to havi.ig heard a rumour that he exercise the gift to the end of was in sympathy with the Meth howeverhis days. was His his excellencechief feature in odists. This old gentleman took no exception to his wild prayer. He was locally known esc;i Lades, of which he could as " Shon Scubor." After a hardly have missed hearing : chapel was built at Llangeitho but his sympathy with the Meth he lived in the barn in which odists was an insuperable services were previously held barrier to his being presented and which was converted into a for Holy Orders. But Williams dwelling house for him. He assumed the role of one who held for years the position of did not know who the Method steward of Rowland's two farms ists were, and asked the clergy — :Gwenallt and Meidrim. man who were these people ? In Williams, Rev. John, Lled- reply, he described them in very rod, Cardiganshire, was one of strong terms as people who tra the few clergymen who adhered versed the country to deceive in to the Methodist church after nocent people, spreading seeds its complete severance from the of poisonous heresies. To this, Established Church in the year Williams replied that he knew 1811. He had been in co-opera no such devils. He offered tion with the Methodists since also to get testimonials from the year 1781, when he was re respectable persons as to his in ceived a member by the church nocence of having anything to at Swyddffynon. He was born do with such miserable miscre at Pengwenhir, a farmhouse ants. Hearing him speak near Pontrhydfendigaid, in thus, the clergyman was satis 312 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY fied and at once fulfilled his markably bright, but he was an promise, and the young candi earnest preacher, a true friend date was ordained deacon on of Methodism after his con August 19th, 1770, and priest, version, a man of peace, and of September 1st, 1771. For some an humble mind. The age in years after, Williams continued which he lived was dark ; ignor his wild habits, often taking off ance covered the land and gross his coat, immediately after darkness the people. One Sab reading prayers in Church on bath evening at Lledrod, his Sunday, to play ball with soul was exceedingly anxious young men of a similar class to about the salvation of the peo himself. But a change came ple, so he announced that he to pass. He was converted un would be in the Church on a der a sermon preached in his specified evening of the week, own Church at Lledrod by a and would be glad to have a clergyman named Williams of word of conversation with any Llanfaircludogau. He then one distressed about his soul. joined the Methodists, as al When the evening came, there ready stated at Swyddffynon in were two women and one man 1 781, when he was thirty -two who acted upon the invitation. years of age. From this time After reading and prayer, he forth he became as conspicu asked one of the women what ous for his zeal in the ser was her trouble? She re vice of Christ as he had plied, " I have a nasty pain, previously been in sin and sir, in my side, so that I can folly. His sermons poured not sleep at night, or walk, or forth wrath upon the wicked do anything else, and so I have until they quailed with fear. come here, sir, to ask you for He continued to officiate in a word of advice." He at once the Church at Lledrod after asked, if she was troubled at all this great change came to pass, about her soul? "Oh, no," she and also travelled through the replied, "I am perfectly at country preaching in all ease as regards my soul." He churches that were open to him. then asked the other old woman It is said that he spent 62 years — " What was her special in the ministry, during the last trouble?" "I am come here, 50 of which he was heart and sir, to ask you to plead with soul in co-operation with the the overseer on my behalf ; he Methodists. He took part at has lowered my small pittance, the first ordination service held and I cannot possibly live on at Llandilo in 1811. He died the small sum given me." Mr. in 1831, aged 82 years. His Williams was much distressed ministerial gifts were not re at seeing how earthly their OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 313.

thoughts were, and how uncon Williams, Rev. John, Panty- cerned they were about their celyn, was the second son of spiritual welfare, and spoke to the renowned sweet singer of them in a serious manner about Methodism, yea of Wales — Rev. their spiritual state, seeking to William Williams, Pantycelyn. bring home to them as to how He was born May 23, 1754. He they would fare in the world to received his early education come, and telling them how with his father at home ; and there was a deep river to cross then for some time at a school in going from this world to the at Coed-cochion, conducted by next. Upon hearing of the a Mr. J. Williams, who after deep river, the old man who wards became a clergyman of was present jumped up and the Church of England, and at said, " Do you know, sir, I had the same time co-operated free an old horse which would swim ly with the Methodists. When any river in the world, but alas ! fifteen years of age, John was I have sold it." Such were removed from the school of those who first responded to his this godly man to the Grammar invitation to meet him for pri School at Carmarthen. Through vate conversation as to their his ability and diligence, he spiritual interests. Methodist- soon outshone his schoolfel iaeth Cymru, vol. ii., page 88; lows, and indeed he became a Enwogion Ceredigion, page 254. match even for his teachers. He Williams, Mr. John, New was at this time too young to town, Montgomeryshire, was receive Orders in the Church, born at Machynlleth in the year and hardly knew what to do. 1773. He was converted at the One evening, looking out first Association held in the through the window of his town. He began to preach apartments, he saw the Bishop when he was nineteen years of and his wife. He at once a%e, and continued to do so un went out, and ventured to ad til he reached the end of his dress his Lordship in these earthly course, which came to words : — " My Lord, will you pass at Newtown, April 26th, kindly allow me to have a word 1847. He was one of the faith with you?" His request being ful ones in Israel. In his granted, he proceeded — "My preaching he made much use of Lord, it is known to your lord the Scriptures, in his general ship that I have learnt every conversation he was edifying, thing that can be taught me in and in his method of conducting this College, and as I do not Church Meetings, he was lively. wish to waste any of my time Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., in idleness, I should be glad if page 398. you would kindly direct me 314 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY what course I had better pursue lish and he in Welsh. Hav until I become of age to be or ing obtained the curacy of dained. What I earnestly Builth and Llanddewi-cwm, seek from your lordship is a Breconshire, he removed to word of advice under ray pre Builth in August, 1782. sent circumstances." It was a It would seem that when he bold step, but the Bishop kindly entered upon this curacy he replied, " You may expect to had not been truly converted, hear from me, John Williams, though he was the son of so about this time to-morrow." The godly a father. Indeed he had Bishop, true to his word, in contracted a fondness for strong formed him that he was ap drink, which brought him pointed assistant-master in the trouble and disgrace. A pain school. ful scene occurred at a funeral He received Deacon's Orders at which he was officiating, and from Bishop Warren, Oct. 17th, it served effectually to change 1779, and on Sept. 3rd follow his heart and life. It brought ing, he was ordained Priest. him great shame and sorrow, The only theological questions and proved a turning point in asked him on the occasion were, his career. He became a new — " 1, What was justification? man. He earnestly sought for and 2, What did he understand giveness from the Lord, and by faith only?" Having sat strength to overcome what had isfied his lordship on these two prayerbeen his was besetting heard, sin. and strong His points, the only advice given him, was " Go on, my son, and drink never afterwards proved a prosper. Guard against being temptation to him. He com on intimate terms with the menced a new life, devoting Methodists, and then you will himself to his duties as a min doubtless be a comfort to your ister of the Gospel, preaching self, and an ornament to the three times on the Sabbath in Church." Following upon this, the Established Church, and as he, for a time, under the dir sociating during the week with ection of the Rev. David Jones, the Methodists in Alpha Chapel Llangan, kept a school at Llan- who became very dear to him. grallo, Glamorganshire, at the The news of his conversion same time preaching in some of spread through Breconshire, the neighbouring churches. and Lady Huntingdon at Tre- Indicative of his popularity, he vecca heard of it. From her was honoured on one occasion, great regard for his father, with having to preach at the and her knowledge of his own same service with Bishop Ber- scholarship, she pressed him to rington — his lordship in Eng undertake the charge of her Col OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 3'5 lege at Trevecca, during the he threw himself heartily into necessary absence of the Princi the work of the ministry with pal, for some months. He ac the Methodists, though he did cepted the invitation and had not itinerate so continuously as charge of the Institution from his father and the fathers of August to December, 1784. He Methodism. He was not how fulfilled his duties with much ever idle, when his health per .acceptance, and was greatly be mitted him to leave home. He loved by the students and her several times visited all the Ladyship. In January, 1786, churches of South Wales, and .circumstances led to the dis made two lengthened visits to missal of Mr. Phillips, the North Wales. Writing to his Principal of the College, and brother, upon his return from Mr. Williams was at once offer one of these visits, he says, — ed the post, which he accepted " I have just returned from a and occupied for five years, re journey of 600 miles in North signing the same in April, 1791, Wales. I did not throughout much to the sorrow of the Trus the whole of it hear of a single tees and her Ladyship. He re awakened Clergyman in the Es tired for two reasons ; first, his tablished Church." Thus, at father having recently died, he the beginning of the nineteenth felt it his duty to return to century the whole of the clergy Pantycelyn to be a comfort to of the Established Church in his mother in her widowhood North Wales were apparently and old age : and, secondly, spiritually asleep. that he might devote himself He willingly assisted at the more thoroughly to the preach first setting apart of lay preach ing of the Gospel. Whilst at ers to the full work of the min Trevecca, the whole work of istry at Llandilo in 181 1, and tuition devolved upon him. continued his connection with His labours were ceaseless. He the Methodists after this event. usually rose at 4 o'clock in the Writing to his brother in 1812, morning, and often slept but he says, "There is no Clergy two out of the twenty-four man but myself connected with hours. After labouring thus the Methodists in the county hard for six days, there was no (that was Breconshire, for he rest for him on the Sabbath, as retained his membership as a he usually preached three times minister with the Monthly on that day, and often travelled Meeting of that county to the ten, twenty, and sometimes end of his days, though he held forty miles, to and fro, to his his church membership in the appointments. small Methodist church at Llan After retiring to Pantycelyn, dovery). The rift between us

S' 3'6 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

and the Established Church is friends, he would say, " I am. daily becoming wider, and the but an unprofitable servant." young people are taking it for Vet, he was strong in his as granted that the Church is only surance of eternal life as a free- a kind of national Christianity. gift through our Lord Jesus Though the old people continue Christ. The last words he- to feel a kind of prejudice in wrote in his Diary were : "Into favour of the Church, the Thy hands I commend my- younger section of us would spirit." This was on May 11th,. not care a straw were all the 1828, and on June 5th, follow Clergymen transported beyond ing, he departed this life for the Ganges. Notwithstanding the life beyond. His mortal this, the clergymen of South remains were buried in Llan- Wales have not published any nearfair-ar-y-bryn to those of his Churchyard, far-famed thing against our denomina tion ; and, on the other hand, father. In our early days, we no one among us has said a heard much of Mr. W illiams. word, publicly or privately, dis from an old lady named Mrs. respectfully of the National Walters, who knew him well, Church." He did not wish to when he and his students at be considered an enemy of the Trevecca frequently preached at Church, though he was not Brecon. In the chapel, which blind to her faults. Writing was in the Struet, there were at again to his brother, who was the time two preaching desks- From the one Williams and a little sensitive at the course ordained clergymen alone pursued by him, he says, " You would preach : whilst the lay- will understand that I have a great regard for the Church, not preachers and students preached" only for persons in the Church, from the other. She often said that Mr. Williams was remark but its constitution, when I tell ably shy and retiring. On his you that the first thing I do every morning is, read the way to or from chapel he would' Psalm appointed by the generally walk on the other Church." side of the street from the peo ple of the congregation, so as In his last illness he was to avoid being spoken to. Ap ceaselessly praying, repudiating parently, he was a little mel altogether his own righteous ancholy and sad. As he ad ness as the basis of his accept vanced in life, he often thought ance with God. He would not himself far more ill than he tolerate any reference to the really was. He was extremely- good he had done in his life. generous to his poor brethren To all the kind words of his in the ministry, and to all good' OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 3'7

Societies which commended only during the later years of themselves to his judgment. his life, he dwelt at Swansea. His Memoir was published by He lived for a time at Llan- the Rev. Maurice Davies, •di, where the preaching ser Builth, by permission of the vices were held in his house. South Wales Association in Whilst a popular preacher, he 1830. A second edition was was rather careless of the Rules published the following year, of the Denomination. On one printed at Pontypool. Meth- occasion, he got himself into odistiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., page considerable trouble through 452- baptizing an infant, whilst he Williams, Mr. John, Rhydy- was but a lay preacher. This gele, Pembrokeshire, sometimes was in the year 1807, or there -spoken of as Williams, the abouts, and the Clergy, who Student, because he had been were identified with the Meth for some time a -student at Lady odist movement were indignant Huntingdon's College at Tre- at his action, and would have vecca. He is said to have been stopped him from preaching a strong advocate of the princi had it not been for the inter ples of the Christian religion. ference of some influential His gift of speech was not friends. On another occasion, equal to that of some of his he got the Rev. Henry Rees into -brother preachers, but his stay trouble, when he was just be at Trevecca had been of much ginning to preach. Williams advantage to him as regards his was on an itinerancy in Den general knowledge and refine bighshire, and got young Rees ment. He lived for some time to accompany him for a fort at St. David's, but his later night until he reached Bala, years were spent at Rhydygele, where he died. His ministry whereHenry an Rees Association had not at was the held. time - "was of great service throughout the county, especially as he received the permission of his preached both in English and Monthly Meeting to preach be Welsh. Methodistiaeth Cym yond his own district, but Wil ru, vol. ii., page 302. liams induced him to do so, Williams, Mr. John, Swan though in starting it was un sea, was a native of Meidrim, derstood that he was only to in Carmarthenshire, where he be troduce the services. Williams gan to preach, and where he re was so delighted with Rees' sided for many years. In preaching, that he got him to deed, as John Williams, Meid do so repeatedly, and this rim, he is best known in the brought Rees into hot water. "history of Methodism. It was Rev. John Roberts, Llangwm, 3'8 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY happened to be at the Monthly disposition, and his piety was Meeting in Denbighshire short beyond dispute. He acquired ly afterwards when Rees was knowledge rapidly, and be examined on being received as came proverbial for his ability a member of the Monthly Meet as a teacher. So the leaders of ing, and he came down upon the denomination ia North him very heavily for his breach Wales sent him to Hoxton. of the Rules of the Connexion. Llangollen was fixed upon as- Dr. Owen Thomas in his life the most suitable place for the of the Rev. Henry Rees says school for young preachers. that John Williams, whom he But the purpose of the friends, was foiled. Owen's health had heard preach, was a very succumbed, and in the month acceptable preacher and occa of April, 1819, he passed away, sionally had very powerful ser aged 24 years. His funeral vices. In 1805, he was the sermon was preached by the supply in London for some Rev. John Elias, in Wilderness months. He died in the year Row Chapel, London, on April 1823, aged 61 years. Method- 17th. Previous to going to istiaeth Cymru, vol. ii., page Hoxton, he had conducted a 472 ; Cofiant y Parch. John school for a time at Tremadoc. Parry, Chester. He was remarkable for his god Williams, Mr. Jonathan, liness, his delight in literature, Talybont, Denbighshire, began and his ministerial gifts. Meth- to preach in the year 1829, and odistiaeth Mon, page 349. died November 2nd, 1834, aged Williams, Rev. Peter, Llan- 42 years. defeilog, Carmarthenshire — Williams, Mr. Owen, Capel usually spoken of as Rev. Peter Coch, Anglesea, was sent at the Williams, Carmarthen, was one cost of the denomination to of the fathers of Methodism, Hoxton College, near London, though the movement had been to pursue his studies, and thus in the field some eight or ten qualify himself to conduct a years before he joined it.. seminary for young preachers, Through his conspicuous abilit which it was designed to es ies and earnest efforts, he quick tablish. He was the son of ly rose to the front rank of Mr. William Williams, Tynew- those who laboured for its ydd, Rhosymeirch, near Llan spread, through preaching the gefni. His parents were of Gospel and seeking the over rather humble circumstances but throw of the prevailing low rich in faith and of a noble and wicked habits of the peo character among the saints. ple. In many parts both of Owen early revealed a studious North and South Wales, he act- - OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 319 ed the part of a pioneer. As the night, and on the morrow he had no personal charge, he he accompanied him for three was able to travel hither and miles on his journey, so as to thither continually, and make make sure of his safety. even long excursions. In his At Kidwely, he stood up one early visits to several districts, Sabbath afternoon, on a horse he suffered most severely at the block near the house of one hands of fierce persecutors. Let John Rees, to preach. Upon two or three instances suffice, this, a number of men, primed one at Llanrwst, North Wales, by the clergyman of the parish and one at Kidwely, South with drink, appeared on the Wales, a few miles from his scene for the purpose of dis own home. turbing the service. They were In the year 1746, he visited headed by a man named Deio Llanrwst, purposing to preach Goch, and another. Mr. Wil near the Town Hall. When liams had read a chapter from he began, a young woman pelt the Bible, and was about to ed him with rotten eggs, until lead in prayer, when this ruff his clothes were in a pitiful ian jumped at him, seized the condition. She only desisted Bible, and drew Mr. Williams when she observed a near re from the horseblock on which lative of hers standing by his he stood. They beat him merci side, and that some of the eggs lessly with sticks, and, having hit him. When she ceased her placed him on his horse, drove game, a number of rough men him along the marsh, compell seized him and took him to the ing the horse to jump across river, where, whilst some held broad and deep gullies, ex up his arms, others poured pecting that the horse would water down the sleeves of his break its legs, and the rider coat. As the weather was frosty, his neck. They then took him his life was endangered through to the tavern, and, if possible, the drenching he thus got. compel him to drink and make Were it not for the deliverance him drunk, in the hope of bring brought him through the inter ing him into contempt. They ference of a strong man who got the drink, but he managed happened to be passing at the to pour it into his top boots se time, no doubt his life would cretly, until they were full. have been in greatest peril. Seeing that he was late in re This stranger compelled the turning home, his wife sent a ruffians to desist from their in number of servants in quest of human work, and took Mr. him. Through their timely Williams to his own house, arrival, he was delivered from where he had every comfort for the hands of these barbarians. 32° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

These are but typical instances quietly endured most inhuman of the treatment he suffered treatment at the hands of the many a time at the hands of enemies of the Gospel. the enemies of the Gospel, as Apart from the persecution preached by the little band of which he and his co-workers Methodist preachers in Wales. suffered, it must l>e remembered His usual course was to that he had to put up with suffer quietly the severest treat much hardship in the form of ment, and that without having accommodation and fare. When recourse to the revenge of the starting forth upon his itiner law of the land. But on one ancy, at the beginning of his occasion when he had returned labours, he had no fixed plan home, and related to his friends as to where he would preach, how he had been maltreated at and no idea whose hospitality Denbigh, and his pockets more- he should receive. All was -o . er rifled of what money he uncertainty and he knew not had, it was resolved to appeal whether he should be welcomed to the law. The chief oppon. or rejected and reviled. ents in this case, eight in num He was born in a farm ber, were summoned to appeal house named the Morfa, near in London to take their trial. Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, One of the eight was the son of January 7th, t722. His par a most Respectable family in ents ^ere respectable people. the neighbourhood, and was Peter was the eldest of three able to secure the best legal children, two boys and one girl, -advocate. The eight however and was a great favourite with were found guilty, and were his mother, who frequently proclaimed outlaws. Some of took him with her to Llan- them it is said, died soon after ddowror church on Sundays to -of despondency ; others with hear the renowned Rev. Griffith drew from ordinary society and Jones preach. Her intention no more was heard of them. was that he should be trained And the wealthy young man for the ministry. But she died "was in exile until his relatives suddenly, when Peter was only purchased1 his freedom, when eleven years of age. His father he returned to the protection of also died the following year. the laws of his country. The A complete change therefore -action of the Court in London took place in his environment. in this case, exercised an abid He was taken by his uncle, his ing influence for good on the mother's brother, to live with "treatment which the Methodist him. preachers received. For some From a lad he was fond of years, however, Peter Williams reading, and took but little in OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 321 terest in the games of the could join, but he was recog youths of his district. His nized as a Methodist and was studies occupied all his forsaken by his former compan thoughts and he made consider ions. able progress i.i the acquisition When about twenty-one years of knowledge. When seventeen of age, he left the College, years of age he entered Car and opened a school at Con- marthen Grammar School, then wil, a village about five under the charge of the Rev. miles from Carmarthen, on the Thomas Einion. He remained road to . At here three years, paying special the same time he carried on his attention to the Classics. Dur preparation for Holy Orders in ing this period he began to be the Established Church. In deeply concerned about his this he was successful, and was spiritual welfare, but his ordained by Bishop Burgess, of thoughts concerning the essent St. David's, to the curacy of ials of religion were vague. Cymmun, a parish on the bor Just then George Whitfield ders of Carmarthenshire and "visited Carmarthen. When it Pembrokeshire, where he had was known that he was coming, the whole charge of the parish, Mr. Einion prohibited his as the rector lived in England, scholars from attending the ser and visited the district but once vice. Peter, however, and a year, to receive the tithe-rent. three of his fellow students, Shortly after entering upon his managed to be present, attracted duties, he started a prayer- by the great fame of the preach meetings which was held in er, and the excitement which his various places in the parish. proposed visit awakened in the At these he usually gave a brief town. The doctrines of the address, seeking to stir up the fall of man, and the necessity people to a new and holy life. of regeneration by the Spirit of His efforts of this kind soon God and justification by faith awakened a suspicion in the to which Whitfield gave pro minds of the people of his minence in his preaching, were Methodist sympathies, especi distasteful to the Clergy. The ally as he sought to repress service was blessed to Peter's some popish practices customary soul. It was for him the be in the district in connection ginning of a new life. From with funerals. The suspicion this time forth he was a Meth was confirmed through that he odist in spirit, though he did dared one Sabbath morning to not join the Methodists at once. reprove sharply a number of Indeed, there was no Method young men who behaved in an ist society in the town which he unseemly manner at the church y 322 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

service. This drew down upon preacher of the Gospel with him the wrath of the gentry. the Methodists. This -took The rector's wife happened to place when he was about be present at the service and twenty-four years of age. First informed her husband of what of all he went to a service con had taken place. And, not ducted by the Rev. Howel Da- withstanding the blamelessness vies, at Castell-y-gwair. Mr. of his character, the faithful Davies on the morrow took him. ness of his preaching, and his to a Monthly Association held efforts for the moral and spiri somewhere on the borders of tual welfare of the people, he Pembrokeshire. Here his name was summarily dismissed. He was written as a member of the appealed to the bishop, but Methodist body. Shortly after from him he received scant he went to Chapel courtesy. In his hour of need, to hear Daniel Rowland, who the Rev. Griffith Jones proved made him preach, and after the to him a true friend, and in service took him to Llangeitho, formed him of a curacy that where he again preached with was vacant at Swansea, which much fervour and success. He he secured. But his stay here then went on his first itinerancy was short, as he gave offence to through what was at that time the Mayor, Corporation, and an almost untrodden territory Member of Parliament for by the pioneers of Methodism. Swansea, who were present in Such an enterprise involved him Church one Sabbath morning. in many hardships and much On that occasion he presumed danger. He had but little wel to deliver a sermon, whilst these come anywhere, and in some officials had not been accustom places he had to escape for his ed to any such thing, and he life, for his opponents were actually presumed to lecture the passednumerous through and fierce. Montgomery He authorities upon their duties. His presumption cost him his shire, Carnarvonshire and Ang- post. He was at Swansea only lesea. He paid a visit to Ang- one month. He then obtained lesea in 1746. It appears that a curacy at Llangrannog and he was on this journey perse , Cardiganshire. But cuted at Llanerchymedd. At his stay here again only lasted , the clergy two months — his Methodist pro man of the parish, a school clivities giving great offence to fellow of his, said to him, his patron. "Ffei! Ffei! Peter! how can Upon this he resolved to quit you dare to preach on unconse- the Establishment, and seek crated ground." Peter replied, his sphere of work as a " Forgive me my ignorance, I OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 323 am under the impression that when he resided in the town of the whole earth has been con Carmarthen. secrated since the first day the After casting his lot with the Saviour of sinners placed His Methodists, he at once took a feet thereon." At Newborough, high position among the breth the vicar and his clerk and ser ren. His intellectual powers, vants came to him when he was his learning, his unceasing lab in the middle of his sermon and ours, his undoubted piety, and asked him for his license to his clerical orders contributed to this end. The main points preach. In reply Peter lifted up the Bible and said " Here is of his preaching were the fall of man in Adam, his helpless my license to preach the Gospel, and it is signed by three per ness in himself, and his restora sons, the Father and the Son tion through Christ. At the time he joined the Methodists, and the Holy Ghost." The the unfortunate dispute between clerk and the servants had brought their pockets full of Rowland and Harris, which ended in a complete rupture be cockle shells to throw at the tween these two leaders, and in preacher, but the vicar pre a wide cleavage between them vented them from carrying forth their design. He returned and their respective followers, had not begun. Though he at through Denbighshire : and had tended some of the Association a rough experience, sufficient, meetings at which rather warm one would think, to damp his debates took place, he, appar ardour, and lead him to break ently abstained from taking with the movement which he had part in the discussion. Pos so recently joined. But his sibly, he considered that it hardships only served to weld would ill become him, a new him more firmly with the noble comer into the circle, to take men who yearned to enrich the country with the Gospel of Jesus sides in the matter. So far as he spoke, it was, so far as is Christ, and sweep away the known, for peace. However, evils that were rife. when the cleavage took place, Upon his return, it became a he co-operated with Rowland question where should he re and his party. By the time side. Ultimately he settled the two leaders became recon upon Llandefeilog, about five ciled, after a separation of miles distant from Carmarthen, about eighteen years, Mr. Wil on the Kidwely road. Here he liams was in the front rank of dwelt at a farm called, Gelli- the leaders. Throughout this llednais, to the end of his life, period he made frequent itiner except during a brief period, ancies, confirming the believers 324 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY and seeking the conversion of Biblical Concordance, which the ungodly. He was physical must have entailed upon him ly, mentally and spiritually immense labour, and proved eminently qualified for the of much service to Biblical work. It seemed as if he were students. In 1770 also, he pub specially prepared for it. At lished the first Welsh periodical the peril of his life and at the Magazine, entitled " Trysorfa cost of much hardship as has Gwybodaeth, neu yr Eurgrawn been said he acted the part of Cymraeg." It was issued fort a pioneer in many a district. He nightly, and its price three was instrumental in founding pence. He also edited and pub many a church. At Carmar lished in Welsh, an edition of then, in a great degree at his John Canne's Bible. own expense, he built the Water But whilst he created a new Street Chapel. epoch in Welsh literature, he The work he did for Method brought upon himself much ism and his country through worry and painful trouble the Press was important, es through certain expressions in pecially, through the Bible with his expository notes regarding notes at the end of each chap the Holy Trinity. His so- ter, which he prepared and pub called heresy, became a topic lished, and is known as Peter of discussion at several Quar Williams' Bible. This was terly Associations. His views the beginning of a new epoch in were considered to be rank Welsh literature, and exercised Sandemanianism. And at an a deep and wide spread influ Association held at Llanidloes ence upon the religious welfare in 1791, it was resolved that he of many. It was widely circu. should no longer be considered lated and widely read. Eight a minister of the Connexion un thousand copies of it were sold, less he would retract his views, and this at a time when the and promise that he would no population of Wales was not a more teach them. Retract and third of what it is to-day, and promise accordingly he would the families of Methodism were not, so at the following As in the main poor. It became sociation held at Llandilo, he a great success, and successive was finally expelled, though he editions were published. It occasionally afterwards preach was looked upon as a house ed in Methodist chapels. It is hold treasure in religious famil not for us to enter upon the ies — the notes being looked at discussion between Mr. Wil by many as almost equally in liams and his friends. Suffice spired with the text itself. He it to say, that there were those also prepared and published a who were opposed to drastic OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 325 measures being taken against Drych yr Amseroedd, page him, though it must be admit 86, 102 ; Methodistiaeth Cym- ted that his views on the Son- ru, vol. i., page 84, 86; Y Tad- ship of Christ and the Holy au Methodistaidd, vol. i., page Trinity were utterly opposed to 433; Y Traethodydd, vol. xlix., those accepted and taught by pages 304, 415. the Connexion. It was a sad Williams, Mr. Richard, affair, and caused much grief Brynengan, Carnarvonshire, to many. The end of his life was one of the early preachers -was not far off, for, at the time of Methodism in his county, and of his expulsion, he was 71 rendered yeoman service to the years of age. It is most pain cause of Christ in his district. ful to think that one who had He was a son-in-law of the well- been so pure in life, so faithful known Robert Davies, Bryn and successful a labourer in engan. Y Traethodydd, vol. the Lord's vineyard for so long xlix., page 118. a time, and had suffered so much Williams, Mr. Richard, through his work, should be Henwaliau, Carnarvon. His sent adrift in his old age. preaching career was short, as It should be recorded that he was called away early in shortly after he settled at Gelli- life. His godliness was be llednais, Llandefeilog, he mar yond dispute. He was present ried Miss Mary Jenkins, the at the church meeting, when daughter of a gentleman who John Huxley, Carnarvon, join lived near Llanlluan, not far ed the church. Drych yr Am away from his own home. He seroedd, page 189 ; Y Drysorfa, had six children — three sons and vol. xix., page 48. three daughters, — the daughters Williams, Rev. Richard, were Deborah, Margaret and Liverpool, was the second son Betty. Two of his sons, Eli- of Richard and Mary Williams, ezer, and Peter Bayley, became of Winllan, afterwards of clergymen of the Church of Weeg, Llanbrynmair, Mont England : his son John died gomeryshire, and was born when young. One of the January 31, 1802. His father daughters married Mr. David was a flannel manufacturer and Humphreys, the father of the farmer, and also a preacher. Rev. David Humphreys, Llan- His mother was a sister of the dyfeilog, and grandfather of Rev. John Roberts, Llanbryn Mrs. R. J. Davies, Cwrtmawr, mair. He received his early Cardiganshire. education at a school kept by He died August 8th, 1796, his uncle. When twenty years aged 76 years, and was buried of age, he began to preach, and in Llandyfeilog churchyard. laboured in the ministry twenty 3*> BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY years, the last fifteen years of tion entitled "Y Pregethwr" which he spent in Liverpool. (The Preacher). He worked His purpose in going to Liver with great energy on behalf of pool was to prepare for Ches- all Connexional movements, hunt College, but his funds and was one of those who had failing him he opened a school a great hand in founding the on his own account. In the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist summer of 1830 he married Foreign Missionary Society. Mary, the daughter of the Rev. His strength gradually gave Thomas Hughes, Liverpool. In way, but he enjoyed much of 1834 he gave up the school, and the consolation of the Gospel. the following year he was or To an old dear friend who dained at Bala. For some called upon him and remarked time, until the removal of the "there are many very wonder Rev. Henry Rees to the town, ful things to be seen in heaven," he was the only resident min he said. "Yes, yes, one very ister of the denomination in remarkable thing will be to Liverpool. He had a weak see a man who has never sin constitution but a strong mind, ned, for not one of us has ever and he was well versed in the seen such a man, and another ology. He not only laboured will be the Blessed Man in in the ministry of the Word whom the fulness of the God with much acceptance, but wrote head dwells bodily." To an a good deal to the periodical other old friend who asked him press. He wrote one book en " How it fared with him?" he titled "Y Pregethwr a'r Gwran. replied, " I have been endeav dawr " (The Preacher and ouring to gather together all Hearer), which had a large sale the sermons I have preached, at the time and continued for and all the essays I have writ many years a work considerably ten, and all the sins I have com sought after and read. The mitted into one bundle to throw work appeared first in a series them at the feet of my forgiving of articles in the Drysorfa, in Jesus for pardon and accept- the form of a dialogue between tance." He died August 30th, a preacher and his hearer. He 1842, aged 40 years, and was commenced another series in buried at Sion Hill Cemetery, the Athraw entitled "Y Meth Liverpool. 1? Drysorfa, vol. odist a'r Llanwr" (A Methodist xii., page 318; Methodistiaeth and Churchman) on ecclesias Cymru, vol. iii., page 4ro; tical questions. He was also Montgomeryshirepage 313. Worthies, joint editor with the Rev. Joseph Williams of a Welsh Williams, Mr. Richard, Hymnal, and a serial publica Winllan, afterwards of Weeg, OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 3^7

Llanbrynmair, Montgomery yard connected with the chapel shire, was a flannel manufacturer at . Mr. David in rather a small way, to which Williams, a preacher at Mer business he added that of a far thyr Cynog, was his son. mer, some years after his mar Williams, Rev. Thomas, riage to Miss Roberts, a sister Groeswen, Glamorganshire, of the Rev. John Roberts, Llan was one of Howel Harris' con brynmair. He began to preach verts, when he visited the after removing to the Weeg, and parish of Eglwys Ifan, Gla continued to do so until his morganshire in 1738. At the death, November 11th, 1819, Monthly Association held at aged 68 years. He was a man Glanyrafonddu, March 1st, of high moral character and 1743, he was appointed over deep piety. Rev. Richard Wil seer of the societies in the east liams, Liverpool, author of " Y ern parts of Glamorganshire, as Pregethwr a'r Gwrandawr," far as Llantrisant, comprising was his son. Montgomery those of Groeswen, Dinas shire Worthies, page 313. Powis, Llanedeyrn, Newton Williams, Mr. Robert, Nottage, St. Nicholas, Aber- BwLCHDERwYn,Carnarvonshire, thaw, Bfcrthyn, Llanharri, began to preach in the year Llanilid Cynfig, Hafod, Llan 1840, and was received by the trisant and Pentyrch. In his Association at Pwllheli, Sept. report in September of the 7th, 1843. He died March 11th, same year he gave a description 1846, aged 32 years. of the spiritual state of the sev Williams, Mr. Robert, eral members in the churches. Drewen, Lleyn, was one of the Of the church at Groeswen, early preachers of Lleyn. He which consisted of 63 members, was weak in health, but yet he he reported that 48 "were justi was not idle in the Lord's vine fied," and that the remainder yard. Through his serious were " under the law." An deportment, simplicity and accusation was brought against meekness he commended his him at an Association held at ministry to his hearers. Watford, Sept. 27, 1744, of hav Williams, Rev. Thomas, ing spoken against the gown Merthyr Cynog, Breconshire, and cassock worn by the clergy. was a popular preacher and was After some discussion, and Mr. ordained at Llangeitho, August Williams had an opportunity 8th, 1822. One of the revivals of defending himself, it was at Gorwydd, Breconshire, broke found that he had not spoken out at a service conducted by anything derogatory of the gar him. He died in the year 1833, ments in themselves, but simply and was buried in the grave spoken against any undue and 3a8 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

idolatrous conduct towards shoutings of the audience were them. He was one of five who fearful as if "the stream of signed the historical letter to brimstone " was already being the Cayo Association in 1745, whenpoured he over turned the to field. declare But the and as the reply was not con sidered satisfactory, he took to Gospel as the old remedy — not be ordained as the minister of something "since yesterday," course,Groeswen. however, In he taking did not conthis but " from everlasting," to save the lost from going to Tophet, sider that he was breaking en the shoutings of the people were tirely with the Methodists. But so great that the preacher could he did not live long after his not proceed any further. The ordination : he died in the Rev. Ebenezer Morris reluctant midst of his usefulness, and ly preached after him, the ex was buried in the parish church citement being so great, but as of Eglwys Elan. Methodist- he proceeded he had one of the iaeth Cymru, vol. iii., page 3. most powerful services he ever Williams, Mr. Watkin, Pem had. (See Appendix ) . brokeshire. The Rev. Owen Williams, Captain William, Thomas, D.D., in a letter in Chester, began to preach in the the Rev. Robert Owen (Eryron year 1798, and did good work Gwyllt Walia) of London's especially among sailors, and Memoir, page 30, relates how also at home. When at home Mr. Owen had told him of a he took an active part in church service at an Association at Car work, co-operating heartily with narvon, at which his mother the Rev. John Parry. He was was present, and at which Mr. warmly welcomed by Welsh Watkin Williams preached on sailors as a messenger from God the field with very great power. in whatsoever port he might be This was in 1818. The Bedd- met. His knowledge was crude, gelert Revival was at its height yet he would speak to sailors at the time. Mr. Williams' with much effect : he knew their sermon was based on Isaiah habits, their weakness and vir xxxch. 33v. — " For Tophet is tues, and would preach to them ordained of old ; yea, for the in their own familiar sea-far king it is prepared : he hath ing language. They would made it deep and large : the listen to him more readily than pile thereof is fire and much to any other preacher. He wood ; the breath of the Lord, laboured for more than twenty like a stream of brimstone, doth years as a true reformer when kindle it." The feeling pro ever he had the opportunity. duced under the sermon was He continued to work in his most intense : the groanings and Lord's vineyard with unremit OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 3*9-

ting zeal and earnestness until Mr. Robert Davies and Mr. his last voyage, when on Decem Owen Jones to carry on at its ber 17th, 1819, his ship was start the Sunday School at Aber wrecked on the Carnarvonshire ystwyth. When he returned to coast, and all lives on board Cilycwm, he started a School were lost excepting one. The in the house of Mr. David Elias Rev. John Parry and other — the father of the Rev. Thomas brethren frequently quoted his Elias, : he also- sayings at the church meetings. succeeded in starting one at Drych yr Amseroedd, page 178; Llanwrtyd. He was a quiet, Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii., unassuming and religious man, page 427 ; Coftant y Parch. John having in view the religious Parry, Caerlleon, page 70. welfare of the people and the Williams, Rev. William, glory of God. Methodstfaeth Llandilo'rvane, Breconshire, Cymru, vol. ii., page 340. was a clergyman who co-oper Williams, Mr. William, ated with the Methodists, and Llanfachreth, Anglesea, died preached in their chapels. September 11th, 1843. He had Williams, Mr. William, been a preacher for about six l.lywelan mawr, Carmarthen teen years. He was not blessed shire, preached in connection with great preaching gifts, but with the church at Llansawel, the best fruits of religion were when the cause was first started. conspicuous in his life : he held Williams, Rev. William, the position of a steward in Glangwenlas, Cilycwm, Car Llanfachreth Mills and he per marthenshire, was the son of formed his duties with honesty Mr. Rhys Williams, of the and faithfulness. His ser same place, who was a mem mons were well composed, bear ber of the first Methodist chnrch ing evidence to much care and at Cilycwm. He was trained effort. His aim and endeavour for the Church, and was away were to do good, and his char in England as a clergyman for acter shone with greater brilli 37 years, but in consequence of ance towards the end of his ill-health he returned to his days. His remains were in native home in the year 1785. terred in the graveyard of Tref- He then joined the Methodists. draeth. Y Drysorfa, vol. xiii., Before this, he had sought to page 352 ; Methodistiaeth Mon, start a Sunday School at Car page 200. marthen, but the prejudice Williams, Mr. William, against the movement was so Merthyr Cynog, Breconshire, fierce that the effort had to be was one of the early exhorters. given up at the time. It was Thomas James, the superintend he who succeeded in getting ent of his district, reported of

33° BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

him that he was an amiable and full work of the ministry at humble Christian, clear in his Carnarvon, September 10, 1845. conception of divine truth. His career, however, was Williams, Rev. William, brought to a sudden close on London, died January 13th, June 2, 1846, when he was but 1847, aged 70 years. He had 41 years of age. Methodist been a preacher forty years, and iaeth Mon, page 200. was ordained at Llangeitho, Williams, Rev. William, August, 1827. He rendered Pantycelyn, Carmarthenshire. great service to Welsh Meth The precise date of Mr. Wil odism in London, and this un liams' birth is not known, but der considerable difficulties. it took place towards the end He was exceedingly faithful. of the year 1717, at Cefnycoed, In his death the churches lost in the parish of Llanfair-ar-y- one who did the work of a good bryn, near Llandovery. His pastor. He was eminently parents were John and Dorothy qualified to lead the flock of Williams, both of them members Christ, and his prayers on be with the Congregationalists at half of the hearers of the Gos Cefnarthen : his father was a pel were frequent and fervent. deacon in the church. But a Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. iii., dissension having arisen page 442 ; Y Drysorfa, vol. through the introduction of Ar- xvii., page 94. minian doctrines, both parents Williams, Rev. William, seceded with others, and erect Manchester, previously of ed a chapel at Pentretygwyn, Bryndu, Anglesea, was born on a piece of ground given by about the year 1805. He was Williams' mother. William endued with considerable pulpit was the fourth of four brothers, gifts, and was at the same time but the only one who reached a good man of business. He years of maturity. He had removed from Anglesea to Man two sisters, but these also died chester to take charge of a young. The parents purposed business concern ; and in this William to enter the medical capacity he was often under profession, and he was sent ac the necessity of travelling much cordingly as a lay student to and lodging in hotels, but not a Llwynllwyd, a farm house, near breath of suspicion was ever Hay, Breconshire, where the uttered of anything in his con College, known as the Car duct unbecoming his position as marthen Presbyterian College, a minister of the Gospel. He was being conducted at the time, was an acceptable preacher, in by the Rev. Vavasor Griffiths, creasing continually in useful minister of Maesgwyn, Radnor ness, and was ordained to the shire. When Mr. Griffiths was OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 331

appointed tutor, he refused to was moved to its depths. And remove to Carmarthen, and so ere the service closed a com the College was shifted to suit plete change came to pass in his convenience. his heart, as sudden as in the During William's stay at case of St. Paul on the way to Llwynllwyd, no doubt he heard Damascus. His course hence much of the wonderful preach forth took a direction very diff ing of a young layman named erent from anything he had Howel Harris at Talgarth, previously thought. He had about six miles away, and in become a new man in Christ other places in the county. But Jesus. He left the place un for some reason, whether was it der feelings very different from Teligious indifference, or his ap what he had in coming. A great plication to his studies, or some crisis had been reached, destin other cause, Is not known, he ed to change the whole course took no particular, interest in of his life, and result in price this young layman's proceed less blessings for the church of ings, though his preaching had Christ for generations. With -caused so great a stir in the out much delay he resolved upon -country around. But one morn casting aside his purpose of en ing, in 1738, when on his way tering the medical profession, home from Llwynllwyd, and and become a messenger of the passing through Talgarth, it Cross. Under the counsel, no happened that Harris was doubt, of Howel Harris and preaching at the time in the Daniel Rowland, who were churchyard to a crowd of peo Churchmen, he resolved upon ple who had come to hear, and taking Orders in the Established he went and stood among the Church, especially as the Con- -crowd who were listening at gregationalists — his father's tentively to his powerful words. people, — were not at that time The preacher, keenly alive to evangelistic work. After two years prepar "O flaen porth yr eglwys eang Heb un twmpath dan ei droed," ation for Holy Orders, he was ordained deacon in 1740 by poured forth with burning elo Nicholas Claret, Bishop of St. quence the message given him David's, and was appointed to to declare. He rivetted the the curacy of Llanwrtyd and attention of all present. His Llanddewi, Abergwessin ; a words were as nails fastened thinly populated district in the by the master of an assembly. midst of the mountains, in the Among those into whose heart northern parts of Breconshire. the arrow of conviction pierced He never resided here, but con -was young Williams. His soul tinued to live at Cefn-y-coed, 332 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

about twelve miles distant, with dom, teaching and admonishing his mother who had recently one another in psalms and become a widow. He held this hymns and spiritual songs, curacy for about three years. singing with grace in your But having been refused hearts to the Lord" (Colossians Priest's Orders because of his iii. 16). He struck thus upon practice of preaching with the a vein of wealth for the Methodists in unconsecrated churches which has proved, for places, he withdrew, upon the more than a century and a half, advice again of Harris and of richest value for the people Rowland, from the Established of God, and will be so yet again Church, and threw his whole for untold ages. In the Welsh soul into the Methodist move language, he had no worthy ment, assisting Rowland at predecessor, nor has there been Llangeitho, and travelling up his equal since, though many and down the country preach have done well, especially in a ing the Gospel. But as he had few hymns. His resources not received Priest's Orders, he seemed endless. He wrote and never administered the ordin wrote until he provided the ances of Baptism and the Lord's church with a variety of hymns Supper. which will bear comparison It was soon discovered where favourably with the production lay his great forte. No doubt of any hymn-writer of any age he was an excellent preacher, or country. Of course, they and gave himself with great are of unequal merit, many at zeal and energy to the work, but taining to the highest altitude he was not equal to Rowland of sacred verse both in concep and Harris in this. They were tion and language, in rhythm his superiors in pulpit elo and rhyme ; the words flow as quence. His great service to the natural as a stream, and the revival movement and to the thoughts expressed are of the church of Christ, was the sa finest character. Others are cred hymns he composed, and not above mediocrity, and still which became the vehicle of others are slip-shod. Several praise and adoration and prayer of his hymns, too, it should be for the crowds who gathered to observed, are translations from hear the Gospel, and to talk Watts and Doddridge. But about their spiritual welfare. taken as a whole, his hymns He helped on the work pre-em hold the pre-eminence by far inently along the lines pointed over all other hymns in the out by the Apostle in the words, Welsh language. — " Let the word of Christ He was present at Watford, dwell in you richly in all wis Glamorganshire, January 5th OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 333

.and 6th, 1743, in company with The two sons became clergymen Rowland and Harris, and some — one, John, left the Church ,other lay preachers, when the and joined the Methodists, but first Welsh Methodist Associa William, the eldest, held his tion was held. Whitfield was position as a clergyman to the also present, and was Modera end of his life. tor. Up to this time, the efforts His life was most active : he of the fathers of Welsh Method was never idle. His labours ism were spontaneous and ir were often carried on to the regular without order of any small hours of the morning. kind. But henceforth an or He was a prolific writer. His ganization existed, alongside pen was ever in his hand. In that of the Established Church, the depth of the night he would and the leaders met at stated often call upon his wife to light intervals for counsel, prayer a candle at once that he might and the preaching of the Gos commit to writing the thoughts pel. It was at one of these that were passing through his meetings, held also at Watford, wakeful mind. His fault pos April 6th and 7th, 1743, Wil sibly was that he would at liams, as already stated, was times let his hymns go forth advised to leave his curacies frcm his hands, as they came and assist Rowland. He thus at the moment of inspiration, seceded from his official posi without exercising that care in tion in the Church, and was the diction, which he ought to first clergyman who did so. have done, and was able to do. In 1749, he married Miss Francis, Llanfynydd, Carmar In the unfortunate separation thenshire, who had been for between Rowland and Harris some time a lady-companion of which came to pass at Llanid Mrs. G. Jones, Llanddowror — loes in the year 1751 and which widow of the eminent evangel continued for many years, Wil ist, the Rev. Griffith Jones. liams sided with the former, Miss Francis was a sensible and and kept true to him to the piously disposed young lady, end. It would be out of place and moreover of considerable for us to enter into the discus -culture. Living in a retired sion here. No doubt there was part of the country, away from fault on both sides. The two society, she had to sacrifice great men, whilst men of God, much of her own comfort showed themselves to be but through his frequent long ab men. But it can hardly fail sence from home on his preach to be observed that some of ing tours. Two sons and five Williams' hymns express the daughters were born to them. very form of Harris' views, with 334 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY which Rowland and he profess " Heb saeth, heb fraw, heb ofn, heb ofid ac heb boen, ed to disagree. Yn canu o flaen yr orsedd, ogoniant pur Excepting the English yrOen. Hymns, numbering 123, and Yn nghanol myrdd myrddiynau yn canu. oil heb drai. two Elegies on the Rev. Howel Yr anthem ydyw cariad a chariad i bar- Davies and , hau." Williams' whole published writings were in Welsh. In a These two books have passed memoir of him by the Rev. N. through several editions, and' Cynhafal Jones, D.D., pre have been of greatest help and fixed to a collected edition of a priceless blessing to many a. Williams' poetical works and weary pilgrim on his way to some of his prose writings, a glory. list of fifteen prose works His death took place at Pant- written by him is given, of ycelyn, on the 11th of January, which three are translations and 1 791. The following note of the remaining twelve are origi this event appeared in the nal. The Welsh Hymns found Gentleman's Magazine for in this collected edition number 1791 : — At Pantycelyn, near 993, and English Hymns 123. A Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, few of the latter, but not many, died the Rev. W. Williams* are translations from the aged 74, a clergyman of dis former. He published one col tinguished talents and char lection of Welsh Hymns under acter. In early life a pious the title of " Gloria in Excel- but amiable enthusiasm induced sis," but they are not the same him to adopt the itinerant but as the Hymns published under Apostolic mode of Methodism, the same name in English. A and uniting a talent for poetry few of the verses would seem to an insinuating and captive to be free translations, but they eloquence, he contributed great are few and far from literal. ly to its prevalence and support. Besides his Hymns, his two He is perhaps the last lyric- chief poetic effusions are his poet of South Wales, the lan " Golwg ar Deyrnas Crist " (A guage of the country giving view of the Kingdom of God) ; way. His muse was wholly re and his " Bywyd a Marwolaeth ligious, yet many of his hymns Theomemphus " (the life and have the property of the ode, death of Theomemphus) in true poetic fire, striking im which he traces the course of agery, and glowing expressions, the Christian before and after united with the plaintive muse his conversion, until he reaches of the country. Their effect on the better land above, where he the people is astonishing ; and leaves him. the veneration in which they OF MINISTERS AND PREACHERS. 335 were held is little short of de conviction and conversion of votion. Of this veneration the many thousands. After lan author greatly participated, and guishing some time, he finished it will not be wondered at, his course and life together, when it is known that for fifty Jan. 15th, 1791, aged 74." A years he continually traversed handsome monument has been the Principality in the ardent placed recently on his grave, discharge of the duties of his and a memorial chapel has been ministry. His imagination erected at Llandovery. Gweith- gave variety and interest to his iau Williams Pantycelyn; Al orations, his piety was warm, bum Williams Pantycelyn, yet candid and charitable, his Methodistiaeth Cymru, vol. i., manners simple, yet affectionate page 72 ; Y Tadau Methodist- and obliging ; and his moral a-'dd, vol. i., page 141. conduct without blemish or im Williams, Mr. William, putation." Tyhen, Carmarthenshire, was He was buried in the church born in the year 1769. His yard of Llanfair-ar-y-bryn, and mother left him when he was his grave is still visited by but three months old, and was many pilgrims who with un never afterwards heard of. covered heads and throbbing Kind-hearted people in the- hearts read the following in neighbourhood of Meidrim took scription : — charge of him until he was able " Sacred to the memory of the to go out to service. Ungodly late Rev. William Williams, companions for a time led him Pantycelyn, in this parish, au partly astray, but he had trea thor of several works in prose sured up in his memory some and verse. He waits here the of Williams of Pantycelyn's coming of the Morning Star, hymns which exercised a good which shall usher in the Glories influence upon him. He joined of the First Resurrection, when the church at Bancyfelin. For at the sound of the Archangel's some time he held a large farm Trumpet, the sleeping dust shall near Cwmbach, which however be re-animated, and Death for he had to leave through that he ever shall be swallowed up in failed to make it pay. At the Victory. He laboured in the earnest request of the church service of the Gospel for near at Meidrim he entered upon the half-a-century, and continued ministry, and continued therein incessantly to promote it both for the thirty-four remaining by his labours and writings ; years of his life. He died and to his inexpressible joy he Dec. 6th, 1840, aged 80 years, beheld its influence extending, and was buried at Tyhen, where and its efficacy witnessed, in the he had held his membership for 336 BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY

some time, and had been of After commencing to preach he much service to the church and proceeded to Lady Hunting cause of Methodism in the don's College at Trevecca, but Hedd,neighbourhood. page 11. Cenhadon he died in the year 1779, aged 31 years. During his brief Wood, Mr. Abraham, Llan- day, he preached the Gospel brynmair, Montgomeryshire, with much zeal and success. was the son of Mr. Richard The Rev. William Williams, Wood, Bron-derw-goed, who Pantycelyn, wrote an Elegy to was a deeply religious man. his memory in 1781.

MM APPENDIX.

Davies, Mr. Jonathan, was that he lived at Newport, Pem born in the parish of Llywel, brokeshire. He came there Breconshire in the year 1796. from Breconshire, and was a When twenty-three years of age White-smith or Bell-hanger by he began to preach, according trade, but whether was he a to Isaac Foulkes in his "En- preacher when he removed to wogion Cymreig," with the Pembrokeshire is not known. It Calvinistic Methodists. No is possible that he came to New reference however is made to port in connection with his him, so far as the present calling. He was however sus writer knows, in any Methodist pended from preaching some work. Nor does the Rev. Tho years before he died. Mr. mas Rees, D.D., of Cefn, Williams writes, " I remember Merthyr Tydfil, though born meeting him once. It was in and bred at Devynock, four the year 1833. During a part miles from Trecastle, remember of that summer I was at my his name ever spoken of. Ac aunt's house (my mother's sis cording to Isaac Foulkes, he ter) Velindre not far from soon enjoyed great popularity, here. The late Rev. David his method of expounding and Griffiths, of Llantood, Pem., applying texts of Scripture be preached one evening at Velin ing exceptionally clear and dre — a crowded house. As soon practical. He received his as we went to the other room, ministerial training at Neuadd- Mr. Griffiths asked, ' Where is lwyd, under the Rev. Dr. Watkin?' He had noticed him Phillips, and then settled in in the crowd. He was sent his native parish. He was a after, brought back, and he re considerable essayist, many of mained to supper. In the con his productions being published fusion at Newport, on Watkin's in " Lleuad yr Oes " : he also account, Mr. Griffiths had taken left many others in manuscript. his part, and held to the last He died in 1831, when but 35 that he was more ' sinned years of age. against than sinning ' ! and from all I have ever found Williams, Mr. Watkin (see this was the case. The best page 328) Rev. George Wil description of him is ' Pregeth- liams, Llys Bran, informs us wr tanllyd ' (a fiery preacher), n« BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY but generally overdone. He James said to him ' Xothing once visited in prison a man shows the folly of Xewcastle- under the death-sentence. For emlyn people more than your months he went about the coming here, and having the country relating the experience, chapel crammed, and when Mr. and frightening the people, tel Charles, of Carmarthen (sen derling the them death-sentence, that they were etc. all One un. ior), comes the chapel is empty, and all you say is not worth a evening he came to Newcastle- pipe of tobacco.'" These par emlyn, and the deacon, old Mr. ticulars help us in forming our John James, who was very out estimate of him as a man and spoken, took him in hand. as a preacher. Through all ' Now, Watkin,' he said, ' you changes there was much respect are to say nothing to-night for him. Mr. Williams re about the prison and the man, members Dr. Owen Thomas at etc., — not a word, mind what I an Association at Dowlais in a tell you.' In the sermon Wat- sermon referring to Watkin kin said, that he had intended Williams " pregethwr hynod o to say so and so, but he had Sir Benfro " (a remarkable been charged not to do so ; and preacher from Pembrokeshire), again he had intended to say preaching from the text — " For this and that, but had been told Tophet is ordained of old ; yea not to do so, and thus he man for the king it is prepared" aged to say all. Old Mr. (Isaiah xxx. 35).

ERRATA.

Page 6, First column, 2nd line from the bottom, 1810 should "be 1830. Page 70, Second column, 20th line from the top, Evans Evans should be Evan Evans. Page g8, Second column, 21st line from the top, course should be coarse. Page 141, First column, 8th line from the top, David should "be Daniel. Page 173, Eirst column, 5th line from the bottom, Barry should be Burry. Page 196, First column, 2nd and 3rd lines from the bottom, Llanddeusant in Carmarthenshire to be deleted. Page 234, Second column, 14th line from the top, quality should be qualify. CARNARVON Printed by the Welsh Publishing Co., Ltd.

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