1969 Eifion Evans's Welsh Revival 1904-5

Eifion Evans on The Welsh Revival of 1904/5
Foreword

I am very happy indeed to write this Foreword to, and to recommend, this study of the Welsh Revihave known those who had been prominent in the revival and the many who had benefited by it. I amval of 1904-5.

This is something which has been badly needed for years, and should be of especial value to people like myself, who were too young to remember the revival itself, but who  particularly pleased by the way in which this study has been written; for it is not a mere recital of facts, but truly a study. This is good because certain features of the revival had always posed problems - theological and psychological. Dr. Eifion Evans has dealt with all this in a thoroughly satisfactory manner, indeed, in a unique manner. What was needed was a writer who was a trained historian, able to take an objective view, and yet at the same time one who was able to deal with the subject theologically. Moreover, it called for a writer with spiritual insight, understanding, and sympathy. Dr. Evans combines these qualities in an exceptional way with a result that his book is invaluable, not only as a study of this particular revival, but also as a study of the phenomenon of revival in general.

This is particularly important at the present time for the following reasons:

First, the great need of revival in the churches. This is surely the only real hope; but it is essential that Christians should be clear as to the difference between revival and organised evangelism. Here is a reminder of what is possible, and especially for those whose whole doctrine of the Holy Spirit really leaves no room for revival.

Secondly, this book is most opportune because of what is known as the "Charismatic Movement" and a new interest in spiritual phenomena. It helps to show the danger of passing from the spiritual to the psychological and possible even the psychic. There are undoubtedly many problems in connection with the Revival of 1904-5 - certain tendencies to extreme mysticism in Mr. Evan Roberts himself, the general difference in character between this revival and previous revivals, and the and the lamentable failure of the preachers to continue preaching and teaching during the revival, etc. All these are dealt with in a most judicious manner by Dr. Evans. All revivals have produced problems - life always does so - and the danger is to dismiss the entire phenomenon because of certain excesses that often accompany it.

No one can read this book without coming under judgement. It will reveal whether our ultimate faith is in "the power of God" or in human ability and organisations". It is my prayer, and my hope, that it will lead many so to realise anew and afresh the glory and the wonder of the former that they will begin to long and to yearn and to pray for another "visitation from on high" such as we experienced in 1904-5.

June, 1969. D M Lloyd-Jones