The gambling and alcohol businesses lost their trade, and the theaters closed down from lack of patronage. Football during this time was forgotten by both players and fans, though nothing was mentioned from the pulpits about the evils of football. In this country which had the general reputation of being "football mad," the train for taking the crowds to the international trial match was found to be almost empty! The people had a new life and new interests.

The famous singing festivals of Welsh culture, which were always so popular in the land, somehow in these wonderful days sickened and died. The trained professional vocalists of Wales became singing "Sankeys" and "Alexanders" who came forth now with such hymns as "Throw Out the Lifeline" while the glory of God filled their souls. Even the few concerts which remained usually closed with both singers and audience singing together the songs which had become popular during the revival, such as "Tell Mother I'll Be There," "Ride in Triumph, Blessed Jesus," "Who is a Pardoning God Like Thee," etc.

Political meetings were cancelled or abandoned. They seemed completely out of the question since nobody was interested. The political leaders, even from the parliament in London, abandoned themselves to the revival meetings.

One of the most significant results was that the old church prejudices were broken down. The man-made denominational barriers completely collapsed as believers and pastors of all denominations worshipped their majestic Lord together. The quarrels of local Christians were healed. One of the outstanding features of the revival was the confession of sin, not among the unsaved alone, but among the saved. All were broken down and melted before the cross of Christ.

The revival and the effects which followed in its wake could not be kept local. Revival is like a prairie fire which carries all before it. It breaks out here and there in the most unexpected places, to the amazement of everyone. It's not surprising then that the mighty fire which engulfed the nation of Wales soon spread to different parts of the earth. Visiting preachers and ordinary believers who had come to see the sight of "the burning bush" returned home to start fires in their own church, mission field and city. God's people all over the world began to shout for joy.

This is copyrighted material from James Stewart's book Invasion of Wales by the Spirit through Evan Roberts, available from Revival Literature, PO Box 6068, Asheville, NC 28816.