and majesty pervaded his sermons to arouse a sleeping world; that thousands were enabled to perceive distinctly the matchless excellencies of Christ, and the glorious perfections of God, under his ministry, also to soar aloft unto the 'regions of uncreated light and beauty.' The passions of thousands, by God's blessing on the word, were released from the bondage of corruption,' and the venom of the old serpent,' and were thus prepared for glory.

That great success which crowned Rowlands' labours, was then entirely owing to the peculiar favour and blessing of God. It is accounted for on the same principle which rendered the ministry of the first preachers so renowned, namely, the divine agency. If Paul planted and Apollos watered with success, it was "the Lord who gave the increase." If a great multitude at Antioch turned to God, it was because "the hand of the Lord was with them." If Lydia believed in consequence of giving attention to the things that were spoken, it was because "the Lord opened her heart."-All those blessed ministers knew well that their sufficiency was of God, and that they could do nothing of themselves. Rowlands was in general in the same frame of mind, giving the glory of all his success to God, and acknowledging his own weakness. The depreciating thoughts he had of himself may be perceived by the following observations he made when a backslider had been pointed out to him, who had once been an eminent follower of his. "It is to be feared," he said, "that he is one of my disciples, for had he been one of the Lord's followers, he would not have been, most likely, in such a state of sin and rebellion now."

Being sensible of the constant need of the divine influence upon his ministry, he sought it with the greatest earnestness, as it has been already observed. How often did he bow the knee to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would grant him and his people the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. Ephes. i. 15-19. Such was his humility, his sense of his own nothingness and depen

dance on the Lord, that he would, upon seeing such a vast concourse of people coming to hear him, frequently exclaim in prayer, saying, "O may the Lord have mercy on me and help me, a poor worm; yea, sinful dust and ashes." We are often reminded, by his spirit, of David's devotional aspirations and piety. Rowlands' heavenly-mindedness, great compassion for souls, and waiting on the Lord, were no doubt very conducive to his preaching so persuasive and effectual. We will conclude this chapter with a quotation from Charles's Treasury, summing up briefly what has been so much dwelt upon,-the Lord rendering Rowlands' qualifications so beneficial and useful.-"From Llangeitho," says he, "did the fructifying streams flow over all the country in those blessed days. The sermons heard there, being repeated by many persons on their return, to the country people, and being related again by them to their neighbours, were wonderfully blessed; divine truth was gaining ground and spreading through all the country; many were consequently stirred up and induced to go and hear the extraordinary preacher at Llangeitho for themselves. Indeed the gifts and success of Rowlands were such, that the professors of this age can form no adequate idea of them. None but those that have heard him, can conceive any thing worthy of those wonderful powers and effects.-The authority, light, and splendour that accompanied his ministry were most extraordinary, and the effect of it on the vast concourse of people was equally surprising. The multitude, having heard a sermon or two from him, would go their various long and tedious journies with great gladness, praising God for his unspeakable gifts received at Llangeitho." How striking and remarkable an instrument! The blessings of salvation attending the ministry of this highly-gifted preacher were not confined to Llangeitho, but flowed far and wide over the country. And what endless treasures were conveyed through this extraordinary vessel, when he moved through the country on his grand commission!

CHAP. XII.

The excellencies and usefulness of Rowlands' private life.

His private life was suitable to his extraordinary public character. This may be concluded from what has been already said of him. What a firm and intrepid mind, what a kind and affectionate heart, and what a meek and humble soul, he possessed! How entirely and delightfully was his heart engaged for the good of mankind, especially for their eternal interests. His thoughts, his words, his actions, seemed to be employed about nothing else but the wellbeing of man in time and eternity. Thus he was actuated in private as well as in public life.

A few notable traits in his private character, that are still recollected even at this distant period, shall now be introduced.

There was something exceedingly intrepid in his character, as may be collected from what has been already stated. Otherwise how could he lead and manage such a large body of people as the Welch Methodists, and form and conduct such noble institutions as the association and other societies? How could he encounter and withstand such barbarous and dreadful persecutions, and how could he oppose and resist such torrents of heresies and hosts of bad spirits as poured into the church in his days? He must have been a man of extraordinary firmness of mind, to confront and resist all these difficulties. As we think of his wonderful, strong, unyielding, and firm mind, in all these respects, we cannot but be amazed at him, and are even led to compare him with the great Luther. This firm, unyielding, and noble trait of character, was one of his greatest excellencies. No doubt the Lord had given a right direction to this as well as to his other natural endowments, and had endued him also

with strength and courage from above. Indeed there was something very powerful, dignified, and majestic in his very appearance. In consequence of his manly and exalted mien, and his moral and religious character, he had a wonderful influence over the people, such as no other person possessed in his days. Frequent opportunities occurred to render this feature of his character manifest, as already stated.*

There was moreover such an energetic vigour in his mind, and such forcible eloquence in his looks, countenance, and words, that he could breathe courage, under the Spirit's influence, into people even on the point of despair. How often did instances of this kind occur in his intercourse with spiritually convinced, wounded, and distressed persons. His words, so lively, energetic, and kind, conveyed life, strength, and vigour to them. This may be concluded from his public speaking, which inspired the most gloomy souls with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Some instances of his thus animating the dejected and the fainting, were of a temporal as well as spiritual nature.†

* Rowlands saw on the sabbath day a man behaving in an unbecoming manner near the chapel. He went to him immediately, and spoke to him in his authoritative manner, thus,-"Man, what! do you come to tempt God by sinning before his temple? The man was so alarmed and terrified, as if a spirit had spoken to him from the invisible world.-It is scarcely to be conceived how commanding and powerful were his words and presence at all times. † He met a funeral coming from a great distance in the country. The bearers were exceedingly fatigued and ready to halt, especially as the way was very dirty, and the weather very wet. He was coming towards them on his horse with great speed; and when he saw them weary and nearly spent, he cried out in his energetic manner thus,-"O Llangeitho lads take courage, you are near your journey's end." They all felt instantly as if they were inspired with life and vigour and one that was present said, that they were all evidently so aroused and awakened, and united as one man, as if they had been addressed by a voice from heaven. They went on the three remaining miles to Llangeitho with as much vigour, speed, and ease, as when beginning the journey.

No less remarkable were his affection and tenderness of heart. These kind qualities were particularly manifested in his conduct towards young ministers. His wise and excellent advice, given in love, proved most beneficial. They were invigorated and encouraged to go on, notwithstanding all infirmities, fears, and obstacles. Their trials and discouragements were peculiar;—all the world frowning upon them, and up in arms against them. We shall notice some instances of his affectionate treatment of young ministers, one of them was the Rev. G. Griffiths of Nevern, already mentioned. His conduct towards him was that of a most kind father. He observed his peculiar ministerial gifts and great excellency with the warmest love and thankfulness. He felt no envy at the rising fame of this or any other young minister. He rejoiced greatly that God was raising up more instruments for carrying on his great cause in this wicked world. Rowlands one day addressed thus his young friend" My beloved son, I am very happy to perceive that you have met with the vein, the golden vein of the ministry; take care that you keep to it, giving the glory to God at all times." He thus knew when to speak a word in season, and it was kindly and properly received by this young preacher. But he was very cautious, and even backward in general, to say any thing that was likely to foster pride. He never failed however in his tenderness to the humble and meek. It is indeed a great mercy when young ministers meet with such an affectionate father in Israel to stir up, by the aid of the Spirit, the grace that is in them, in order to be more useful, faithful, and laborious. There is a vein indeed, a talent, in the possession of every minister of God, and it is their bounden duty to cultivate it. Those that are commencing their ministerial career, should seek such fatherly aid, and be most thankful for it.

The following most useful, appropriate, and excellent advice he gave another very popular preacher at the commencement of his ministry, encouraging self-devotedness to the