The Praying Preacher

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 22, 1857

The Praying Preacher.

The godly Welch preacher, Mr. Williams, of Wern, said, "The old ministers were not much better preachers than we are, and in many respects they were inferior; but there was an unction about their ministry, and success attendant upon it, now but seldom seen. And what is the cause of the difference? They prayed more than we do. If we would prevail and 'have power with men,' we must first prevail and 'have power with God.' It was on his knees that Jacob became a prince; and if we would become princes, we must be oftener and more importunate upon our knees."

He loved to tell an anecdote of Rev. Mr. Griffith, of Cærnavon, who was to preach one night in a farm-house, and some time before the service began, wished to retire to a private room. He remained there some time after the congregation assembled. As there was no sign of the preacher making his appearance, the good man of the house sent his servant to request him to come, as the people had been some time waiting. On approaching the door, she heard what she supposed to be a conversation carried on between two persons in rather a subdued tone of voice. She stood listening at the door, and heard one say to the other, "I will not go unless thou come with me." The girl returned to her master and said, "There is some one with Mr. Griffith, and he tells him that he will not come unless the other accompany him. I did not hear the other make a reply, so I conclude he will not come from there to-night." "Yes, yes, he will," said the good man; "and the other will come with him if matters are as you represent them. We shall begin the service by singing and reading till the two come." At length Mr. Griffith came, and the "other" with him, and they had an extraordinary meeting that night. It proved the commencement of a powerful revival in the neighborhood, and many were converted to God.

Nothing, brethren, Mr. Williams would say, is necessary to render our ministry as efficient and successful as that of our fathers, but that we should be brought to the same spirit and mind.