Collene, near Trefeurig, Sunday, 9 January 1739
“Woke early. Rose after eight. Dull in family worship, but feeling a desire to be on my own, holding fellowship with God. Lifeless also while at family prayers. About ten, went to Llanharry Church; and thought on the way over what I would speak; but afterwards had thoughts that God had made me for his own glory. Felt indifferent as to what would become of me, as long as I am helped to glorify God. O Lord, wilt thou not allow me this? I do not ask for anything else in life. If it were granted I would be the happiest man in the world. The deep desire of my soul is to be nothing in my own sight, and to live for God. But Oh! When I speak, I generally cannot discern from where the words flow. Do they come from grace and love towards God, or from the habit of speaking? Reached Llanharry Church after eleven (closer to twelve). Felt sleepy at first; then I was filled inwardly with pity for the souls of those around me. After three, I went out, saw the blind people polluting the Lord’s Day everywhere, in their ignorance, and was filled with compassion for them. I was drawn out to pray, ‘O Lord, send faithful men to thy vineyard! O Lord, art thou not a God of mercy? O, was it not thy love that first sent thy Son to the world? O, dost thou not still remain a God of love? O, dost thou not see thy poor creatures ignorant of thee in every place? Send labourers!”
Extract from his diary, The Calvinistic Methodist Fathers of Wales, 133-134.
“In the all prevailing darkness,
From Trefeca, burning bright,
Came a man of fierce passion,
Blazing fiery sparks of light.
In the thundercloud he sojourned,
Midst the storm-clouds, far above,
(Only bruised and broken spirits
Know the King of Heaven’s love);
From the skies he sent forth lightning,
Fearful, powerful bolts from high,
Piercing hearts, convincing sinners,
Making them afraid to die.
Vain the attempt to avoid the summons,
Such the authority of heaven;
If the sinner hardens to it,
Heavier still the burden given;
Blow upon blow rains down upon them,
Till their hearts, made willing now,
Fall in faith before the Savior,
Now at last by grace brought low.
At such times, great hordes of sinners
First received a thirst for grace,
Which, while breath remains, their spirits
Still with joy, will e’er embrace;
All his words, severe and solemn,
Though not studied beforehand,
Had been given by the Spirit
To fit the case of every man.”
William Williams on Howell Harris, Ibid., p. 122-123.
“Go on dear Brother, go on, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might… There have been, and will be, many adversaries; yet be not afraid, He that sent you will assist, comfort, and protect you, and make you more than conquerer, through his great love… My dear Brother, I love you, in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and wish you may be the spiritual father of thousands, and shine as the sun in the firmament; in the kingdom of your heavenly father. My heart love to Mr Jones; Oh how shall I joy to meet you, at the judgment seat of Christ.”
Letter from George Whitefield to Howell Harris, 1738. Ibid p. 132.
Martyn Lloyd Jones – “Howell Harris and Revival” (from The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors)
Edward Morgan – The Life and Times of Howell Harris
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