Anecdote 4

This is from Edward Morgan's original memoir of 1844 with an introduction by J K Foster

Rev. E. Williams, of Radnorshire, favoured me with the following anecdote respecting Elias's increasing renown from the commencement: “I heard my father, one of the heavenly pilgrims in those days, who went to glory about the same time as Elias, say, that when the report of his popularity first reached South Wales, the church sent him and another leader to the Bala Association, under strict orders to prevail on him to visit them in that country. My father arriving there, met with one of the first preachers, Mr. John Roberts, of Llangwm, and asking him, will it be agreeable that we should solicit Elias this year to preach in South Wales? He answered, “Pray, don't attempt that now, leave him alone that we may see what the Lord means to do with him. It is probable that he will be raised up very high, or permitted to come down greatly. Our opinion of him is, that he will be a great minister, if he should not be spoiled as he is reared up.” Such was their fear lest young preachers should be injured, by being puffed by popularity.”