Evan Roberts was not the author of the Welsh Revival. The author of the Welsh Revival was none other than the Holy Spirit of God, Himself. Although Evan Roberts became the popular figure in the movement before the press and the public in November 1904, it is well to note that the great Awakening inWales had its beginnings two years before this time in many parts of the principality. And when the river of God was at full spate in the latter part of the year 1904, it was found that the Spirit was using for His instruments at least a hundred pastors, evangelists and so-called "lay people" for His work. While the Spirit's workings in revival spread into almost every nook and corner of the country, the ministry of Evan Roberts was in the main confined to one of its 12 counties. The fire of God burned in towns and villages which he did not visit. And in many of the places which he did visit, he found the fire was already there. His visit only fanned the flame.
Another characteristic of true revival is that the Lord Jesus Christ,
Himself, is the center of the attraction: -- "It was noised that HE was
in the house." If the evangelist or the evangelistic party is the
center of the attraction, then the work is of the flesh and not of God.
Every outpouring of the Spirit is preceded by earnest, agonizing
intercession, accompanied by a heart-brokenness and humiliation before
God. This is followed by a recognition and honoring of the blessed
Spirit. Pastors and flock alike in their churches are deeply concerned
about the terrible discrepancy between the heart-stirring in the Book
of Acts and the present-day condition of the church. So it was in the
little principality ofWales before the month of November 1904.
The first known outburst of the work of God in connection with the
revival in Wales took place, strange to say, in Scranton, Pennsylvania,
where a Welsh pastor with a thriving church was thrilling his audiences
with his fine oratory and intellect. Suddenly, this popular preacher
was broken down before God to see that he was not a true prophet of the
New Testament type.
