King's Business - 1913-05

THE KING'S BUSINESS

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seventeen good eases of conversion and several of definite blessing. All those who have followed revival meetings know how these vary greatly in spiritual temperature and intensity, and often in the one and the same meeting the spiritually sensitive can perceive the difference and feel the changes that come over the gathering. A hard meeting sometimes melts quickly into a most tender one, and vice versa. There are often conflicting currents and opposing forces, without any visible causes, confusing and apparently spoiling some of these meetings. The true revivalist, susceptible of these sudden changes, is able to guide helpfully by getting a volume of united prayer to clear the atmosphere and steady the meeting. These earnest brothers seem to be experienced already in dealing with different phases of revival symptoms. This is most important, and if they are to be used in guiding a general awakening in Wales, they must sternly refuse to be exploited for the advancement of any sect or movement.' Spiritual power needs the most careful and delicate handling. Paul tells us that those to whom this power is entrusted may be the savour of death unto death, as well as a savour of life unto life. No wonder he asked, “And who is sufficient for these things ?” It is certain that Wales, today, is ripe for another revival; but as certain as that there is a general feeling of fear of revival. Although there is a genuine deep desire for a spiritual awakening in the hearts of both the best churches and ministers the great question is anxiously asked, “And who is sufficient for these things?” Whilst there are ominous signs of spiritual declension, in the principality, as elsewhere, there are also encouraging signs of a great expectation of a wonderful time of'Spiritual quickening and activity at hand.

AN ECHO OE T H E LAST REVIVAL. The Brothers Jeffreys have received and accepted a pressing invitation to conduct revival services in the center of the Rhondda Valley, the largest and most important of the “fire valleys.” They go there direct from Radnorshire. Stephen Jeffreys, as a working collier, is likely to be used still mightier among the miners. Most likely he will hold meetings in the mines, and the results of the last revival may be repeated if not excelled. As the Rev. Elvet Lewis, M. A., in his book, “With Christ Among the Miners,” observes, “Coal mines had their sanctuaries, where prayer meetings were regularly held. And these prayer meetings had their tale of conversions. It was a wierd but winsome scene when the solemn question was put, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side?’ and the safety lamps went up, one by one; and when a new lamp was held up, in token of a soul changing sides, it was to the music of the far-echoed refrain of hundreds of meetings: Diolch ido Byth am gofio llwch y llawr. It was no figure of speech, but the literal fact that the horses underground were sensitive of the difference which those days made. They were obliged to learn the meaning of a new and milder language than they had been accustomed to. The prayer of Ebenezer Elliot, ‘The people, Lord, the people!’ was so grandly answered then, as to make still more desired the day of its universal answer.” Let us pray for this now. It may be interesting here to refer to the remarkable article which appeared in The Times, a few days ago, on “A New Wales.” After dwelling upon the rapid changes going on in all departments, the writer says: “This review of the situation would

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