Daniel Rowland - Revival comes to Wales Part 1

Daniel Rowland by Eifion Evans, available from Heath Christian bookshop.

Introduction (Rev. Dr. Alan C. Clifford).

Those aware of the religious history of the British Isles will know that Wales has been a 'land of revivals'. That said, too few are aware of the greatest preacher of the Gospel Wales has ever produced - Daniel Rowland. The greatest son of 20th century Wales not Mr David Lloyd-George, ( the Liberal Prime minister), Dr D Martyn Lloyd-Jones used to say that 'George Whitefield was the greatest preacher England ever produced. Notwithstanding Whitefield's fame, Dr. Lloyd-Jones considered that Daniel Rowland was the greater of the two. He is not alone in this judgement. In 1773, one reliable witness declared of Rowland, 'Surely he is the greatest preacher in Europe'. We are then considering a most remarkable servant in Christ, whose fame and influence have been largely locked up in the Welsh language. The astonishing truth of what God did in 18th century Wales through Daniel Rowland is now accessible to all through Dr Eifion Evans. masterly biography, Daniel Rowland and the Great Evangelical Awakening in Wales (1985 Banner of Truth ).

One reason for Rowlands oblivion is that his ministry was conducted almost entirely in the village and vicinity of Llangeitho in West Wales (old Cardiganshire. new Dyfed) Unlike Whitefield and John Wesley, he did not travel widely. Another reason is that he was an exceptionally self-effacing Christian This fact lies behind the rather solemn. even miserable looking picture of him It is based on a portrait taken late in life, commissioned by, Lady Huntingdon. The aged saint did not like his portrait taken "I am only a bit of clay like thyself", Rowland said to the artist. Then he exclaimed "Alas! Alas! Alas! taking the picture of a poor old sinner! Alas! Alas!" On saying this, Rowland's countenance fell, hence the rather miserable expression. Pride was the least of Rowland's problems. He knew he possessed the gospel treasure in an earthen vessel' (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Rowland's birth, education and ordination

Rowland's birth is shrouded in some uncertainty, The latest research puts the year at 1711 He was born at Nantcwnlle, mere three miles from where he spent his entire ministry. His father - Daniel Rowland Senior - was the vicar of Llangeitho, Like John Wesley, young Daniel experienced a remarkable deliverance when a large stone fell down rom the top of the chimney, landing directly on the spot where he had been sitting by . the fire only minutes before. Rowland's early education was at Llanarth. where tie learned Creek and Latin He later attended Hereford Grammar School, He was extremely alert intellectually and also very athletic, His whole personality' was very energetic and he always moved and spoke with great rapidity he was short in stature but blest with an iron constitution He was also deeply passionate. Not surprisingly Rowland followed his father into the ministry almost as a matter of course. There were no special spiritual considerations in this Thus he was ordained deacon by . the Bishop of St David's in London on March 10th, 1734. One indication of Rowland's physical fitness is that he walked the entire distance from Llangeitho to London, a journey of some 200 miles!

From darkness to light

After his father's death in 1731, Daniel's brother John - who also entered the ministry - obtained the livings of Llangeitho and Nantcwnlle. Daniel thus became his brother's curate. At the end of 1734, Daniel married Elinor Davies of Caerllugest, just two miles from Llangeitho. When brother John moved to Llanddewibrefi a year later Daniel, Into the Elinor and baby John moved rectory at Llangeitho.

Let it be realised that the two brothers were a pair of unregenerate clergymen! John was notorious for his drinking, Daniel for his levity and worldliness. One can only imagine what their sermons were like! However, God was wonderfully at work in the life and ministry of the Revd. Griffith Jones of Llanddowror, famous for his charity school movement. Despite the spiritual decadence of the times - Wales was quite as bad as England - Griffith Jones maintained a faithful and fervent evangelical ministry in Camarthenshire. He was the 'morning star of the Welsh revival' In a sense, he was the father of Welsh Methodism. On one occasion, Griffith Jones was preaching in the vicinity of Llangeitho when Daniel Rowland was in the crowd. Noticing the restless expression on Rowland's face, the compassionate preacher said, "Oh for a word to reach your heart, young man!" This sermon preached in the winter in 1734It was the occasion of Rowland's conversion to Christ. Although Llangeitho and Llanddowror were 30 miles apart, Rowland sought Jones's fellowship and counsel as often as he could. Thus Rowland became established in the truths of the evangelical faith. On August 31st., 1735 he received priestly orders from the Bishop of St. David's at Abergwili, near Carmarthen. More importantly, it was clear that Rowland had been set apart by .the Holy Spirit for the preaching of the Gospel of Christ with power.

Revival comes to Wales

Quite unknown to Daniel Rowland, remarkable movements of the Holy Spirit were evident elsewhere. 1735 saw the preaching of Jonathan Edwards being attended by great power and many conversions. In the same year, George Whitefield was converted at Oxford Rowland's fellow-countryman Howell Harris was also brought to a saving knowledge of Christ He too was to be an important instrument in Gods hands in the Welsh revival. Another Welsh minister named Philip Pugh (16791760), renowned for his theological balance and a fervent evangelical ministry, helped Rowland towards a mature understanding of gospel truth As well as instructing Rowland in his grasp of evangelical Calvinism, Pugh was to influence Rowland's preaching.

Rowland's early sermons earned him the nickname of 'the angry clergyman' He preached the terrors of the law and the wrath of God against sinners with such overwhelming power that his hearers were gripped with fear and alarm None could doubt Rowland's sense of urgency. Some of the most stubborn and arrogant gentry were smitten with conviction of sin when they heard Daniel Rowland preach. However, there was little compassion and comfort in his preaching. Many were wounded but not healed. Wise Philip Pugh took Rowland to one side : " Preach the Gospel to the people, dear Sir, and apply the Balm of Gilead, the blood of Christ, to their spiritual wounds".Rowland felt a deficiency in his understanding and experience at this point. Pugh urged him to preach faith in Christ until he felt its power personally, adding, "If you go on preaching the law in this manner, you will kill half the people in the country, for you thunder out the curses of the law, and preach in such a terrific manner, that no-one can stand before you".

Now the preaching of Daniel Rowland was to be accompanied with great blessing He continued to warn sinners of the wrath to come, but he lovingly called them to a compassionate Saviour Crowds in their hundreds and thousands came to Llangeitho to hear Rowland's preaching. The distances many were prepared to travel indicated the depth of spiritual concern. It is related that the souls of the people 'were often filled with the joy of salvation, and seemed irresistibly led to prolong the time of divine service by singing and praising God. This gave rise to those rejoicings among the Welsh Methodists which have often called forth the censures of some and the apologies of others . . . , On one occasion, an entire afternoon was occupied in worship Time seemed to stand still as preacher and people were wrapped up in the glory and grace of Christ. 'They were surprised to behold the sun from the western door of the church, in consequence of which the congregation was suddenly dismissed'

Howell Harris has left behind in his letters a description of Rowland's preaching which conveys the great power with which his ministry was blessed.

"I was last Sunday at the Ordinance with Brother Rowland where I saw, felt, and heard such things as I can't send on paper any idea of The power that continues with him is uncommon. Such crying out and heart-breaking groans, silent weeping and holy joy and shouts of rejoicing, I never saw. Their "Amens" and crying "Glory in the Highest" etc, would inflame your soul were you there.'Tis very common when he preaches for scores to fall down by the power of the Word, pierced and wounded or overcome by the love of God, and sights of the beauty and excellency of Jesus, and lie on the ground, nature being overcome by the sights and enjoyments given to their heaven-born souls that it can't bear, the spirit almost bursting the house of clay to go to its native home Some lie there for hours, some praising and admiring Jesus, free grace, distinguishing grace; others wanting words to utter". (p 217).
( Reproduced in the Heath Evangelical Church Newsletter by kind permission of Rev. Dr. Allan C. Clifford, Minister of Great Ellingham Baptist Church, Norfolk).

Go to Part 2