Quotation Temper

A portion of a letter by the Welsh pastor, John Elias, to his son John who was away at school. Edward Morgan said of Elias, “How few professors and ministers pay so much attention to the spiritual interest of their children as Elias did!” Elias’s son was 16 years of age when this letter was written in 1819.

Take great care of thy temper; learn to be master of it now in thy youthful days; yea, if some laugh at thee, or despise thee, or offend thee, receive it mildly, and take care that thou dost not suffer thy self to be under the dominion of an angry, surly, and revengeful temper. It is not manly, much less Christian-like – nay, it is Satan-like. Therefore, my dear son, beware of this temper; it is a disgrace to the human nature; it is a great defect in the moral character of man, to say that he is of a rash, angry, and revengeful temper.

John Elias: Life, Letters and Essays, by Edward Morgan, first published in 1844, reprinted by the Banner of Truth, 1973, p 204. See here. (Thanks Dean Olive).

Quotation Bible Reading

From here

A selection of a letter by Rev. John Elias, written to his daughter, Phoebe. He always encouraged her in the things of the Lord in his letters. This letter was written on August 8, 1834:

I am moreover glad that you have pleasure in reading the Bible. It is the tree that sweetens, under God’s blessing, the bitter waters of Marah. The consolation had in the Scriptures, is far superior to any other; there is a well of joy that never fails like others. Strive to look up to Christ by perusing the Bible, in hearing sermons, and in prayer; and run, as the chief of sinners, to him.

John Elias: Life, Letters and Essays, by Edward Morgan,

the Banner of Truth Trust, 1773, p. 201.

Letters 04

(Same source once more)

(To Miss Rogers, later mrs Davies)

SPIRITUAL DECLENSIONS

Shrewsbury 16 February 1805
I was glad to receive a letter from you, though you complain of bad news. The world consists of a great mixture of things; we cannot therefore expect good news always; and praised be God, all is not bad which we hear. There is much room to fear that the bad tidings of many falls will be heard, because many have been received into the Church without evident signs and proofs that a gracious change ever took place in them. It is therefore to be feared that some event will soon shew them to the world in their true colours.
The children of God themselves have become very lethargic and unguarded, and have grieved and provoked the Lord greatly, therefore they are weak and unstable under temptations. When I consider the .lumbering state of the Church, I wonder that so few shameful falls occur. The infinite goodness of God hath preserved us hitherto, though we were very often deficient in the duty of watchfulness. No doubt it was for His name's sake He led us through many and great dangers, and He will guide us till death. I think, as you have mentioned, that the Lord permits some to fall into open sins, by way of punishment for trifling with secret sins. O that we may hate sin yet more, because it is sin and so odious. If we detest one sin because it is an offence against God, we hate every sin on the same ground; for all sins are alike in their nature against a holy God.
I often apprehend that at the present time the true fear of God is scarce amongst us. The fear of the Lord is a most valuable treasure in the Church: the dread of sin is in its very nature, and a renunciation of it is sure to follow it always. 'The fear of the Lord is clean.' Those that truly fear God, do not allow themselves the things that others are pleased to indulge in. 'But so did not I,' said Nehemiah, 'because of the fear of God.' (Chapter 5.15.) And the true Christian cannot live as the hypocrite, on account of God's fear in his heart. He fears grieving and offending Him, and bringing reproach on His name and cause here in the world. Besides, the man that truly fears the Lord not only takes care that his conduct is becoming before men, but also that his spirit should be in a suitable frame before God. He is not only anxious to fulfil outward duties, but also that his soul should act properly in them. The corruption of his heart distresses him more than all the infirmities of his life; for when his conduct is tolerably fair, the depravity of his soul is then the same; yea, it is with him wherever he goes; and there is no hope of full deliverance till death. This corruption grieves the Christian in two ways:
1 Its inclinations to sinful actions. It is true the merciful Lord keeps believers all their lives from falling into them; yet inclinations to them are a continual source of grief and uneasiness to Christians, and they cannot be perfectly happy and comfortable until their sinful inclinations are entirely destroyed. Praised be God for preventing our evil inclinations from breaking out into deeds, and thanks be to Him for implanting in us a nature and dispositions that are contrary to them! And indeed those holy inclinations which oppose corruption bear through the infinite mercy the sway now, and they shall have full possession of the soul presently. Thanked be the Lord, the morning is drawing near when we shall be free from all corruptions for ever, and come forth as conquerors into the mansions of bliss! Welcome, delightful morning!
2 The sinful attitude, frame, and disposition of our souls towards God is a constant cause of sorrow to us. Our sinful, narrow, or hard thoughts of God; a cold heart towards Him; inability of abiding in His fellowship, are very painful. O that we had more free and elevated thoughts of God, and more warm and tender affections towards Him! And O that our spirits would cleave more to Him in every condition, and would abide longer in communion with Him! O that we had more of His holy, lovely image on us in the world! We shall have it perfect before long.
The way to obtain these inestimable mercies is by communion and intercourse with the blessed Mediator. Saving virtues and effects come from Him to the poor soul that obtains a believing view of Him. If the woman that had the issue of blood was healed in her body by touching the hem of His garment, how much more shall a poor soul be saved and healed through embracing the Saviour by faith! O what influences go out of Him to such! There is an unfathomable ocean of all grace, virtue, and glory in Him. Even the angels of heaven never saw the utmost of them. Yea, saints and angels never can have an insight into the whole of these mysteries. Even a view of Christ has already turned death back. There is no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus. The sight of Him will at once make us perfectly whole. He can keep you from falling and present you faultless before the throne. To be faultless! O! infinite wonder! sinful dust faultless! Will it not be wonderful, dear sister, that such as we who are, as it were, oceans of corruption, should become altogether pure! Doubtless He that loved us and washed us should have the praise for ever.

Letters 03

Found here

(To Thomas Owen again)

ANXIETY FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE GOSPEL
Llanfechell 28 March 1828
I feel anxious to send you a few lines, observing that Easter and the yearly meetings are drawing nigh, remembering that I had the privilege of being with you at each Easter of the last three years. I should be happy to hear that the Lord has rent the heavens, and descended among the Welsh in Jewin Street,3 and that the mountains have melted before him. May the preaching in your Association this year, be in 'manifesation of the Spirit, and with much power'! May the weapons of the warfare be powerful through God to the pulling down of strongholds'. The castles there are strong, and stand up yet against the Lord and His Christ! Satan, the strong man armed, stands up against the Gospel, and keeps his possession of sinners! Ignorance, thoughtlessness, carnality, worldly-mindedness, and a legal spirit, are like strong castles, and it is by these that Satan, the world, and sin keep possession of men, and stand up against the success of the Gospel.
Ministers of the Gospel are the soldiers employed by Christ, the King of glory, to fight against those powerful enemies, and to attack the strong fortifications. The Gospel succeeds by no carnal weapon; it is by no earthly sword, neither by any human learning, gifts, or reasons that the castles are to be cast down, and men to be taken out of the possession of these enemies. The Word of God is the sword, the bow and arrow in this warfare. And it is through God that the weapons are strong, effectual, and successful to cast down the towers, and to deliver men out of the power and possession of their strong enemies. It is by the secret and powerful operations of the Spirit.
Satan is not afraid of the soldiers, though they are armed, or of the knowledge or gifts of any preacher; but he is afraid of the presence of God, the leader of the true army. As the Philistines cried out, 'Woe to us, God is come to the camp', so a cry would be made in hell, and a great alarm in the regiment of Satan, if God should be pleased to appear among you at the Association. 'The weapons are strong through God' only. The sermons are powerful when He speaks and manifests Himself: the Word goeth forth with power. Then the castles -thoughtlessness, unbelief, carnal reasons, love of empty pleasures -will come down, as the strongholds of Jericho formerly. And sinners that are kept in bondage by sin and Satan will come out of their prisons - 'the snare is broken.'
O that God would manifest Himself among the hundreds that hear the Word there, who have hitherto lived in their sins and in the possession of Satan! Dear friends, are you free from the blood of the ungodly multitude that hear the Word in your chapel? Do you pray as often and as earnestly as you should for the presence of the Lord in your assemblies, that He would own and bless His Word? Let every one in the church examine himself, and see whether there be anything in him that grieves the Spirit, and causes God to withdraw far away from His people? May you that grow old in age and profession take care that you do not wax rusty and stiff in your experiences, living in a backsliding spirit, strangers to communion with God, unconcerned about divine things, and indisposed to glorify Him! It is very painful that any that profess that they are going to heaven, and as they think draw near the much-desired haven, should become more worldly-minded, and as they approach the confines of the world of spirits, should become more carnal! O strive that you may in your old age bring forth fruit, and be fat and flourishing,' Psalm 93.14! Oh! young people, take care that ye be not light and trifling in your religion, spending the morning of your age, the summer of your life, without the power of religion and the fellowship of God. O strive that ye may experience the peace and joy that are in true religion, and enjoy the feast of the Gospel! If you should but have these blessings, you would not feel any disposition to taste the poor enjoyments of worldly people, and you will not be buried in the graves of lust and sin. Let every one of you be laborious in the vineyard if the Lord, according to his state and situation, during the period of his life. Let each examine himself. Is there anything I may do for God that is not attempted? If so, let his hand lay hold of it immediately, for there is no work nor device in the grave.
Teachers of the Sunday School, is there anything more that ye may do? Is there no room for you to be more spiritual in your conversation with those that are under your care? Could you not say a few words respecting the evil of sin, the miserable state of a person without Christ, the dreadful situation of those that die in their sins? then of the glory of Christ, and the great privileges of those that believe in Him? Leave off every conversation that tends to excite curiosity, or leads to pedantry or self-conceit. Let all your conversation tend to the salvation of souls, to their sanctification and consolation. Remember the little children, for few parents bring up their children as Christians ought to do. Have compassion on the rising generation, and give them a religious education in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, until their parents are awakened to a sense of their duty. O that they may be soon aroused before their death cometh! May the glory of the Lord appear among you all! and when you draw nigh to God, remember me, the poorest of your brethren, and your servant for Christ.

Letters 02

Found here

(To Mr Thomas Owen, prisoner in France)

Llanfechell 26 October 1822
I am going to Dolgelley Association today. I am very glad to hear that you go on so comfortably in the new chapel. I hope all things will continue pleasant till it is finished; and that the Lord will shew His approbation of the work, pouring His Holy Spirit on the means of grace, blessing the preaching of the Gospel for the salvation of many sinners.
The revival goes on very delightfully in this island. The kindness of the Lord towards us is wonderful. His visits and the convictions under the Word are truly powerful. Very wild and hardened sinners are alarmed and converted; multitudes are made willing in the day of Christ's power. I have had the privilege of receiving hundreds into church-communion. I received one hundred at once in a certain place; in another place fifty, in another thirty, and in another thirty, and many in several other places. Besides, other ministers have received a great many into the church. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Indeed the church in our country is ready to cry out in wonder, asking, 'Who begat these? and from whence came these?' Let not my brethren in London be discouraged; God is the same with you.

(To Phoebe Williams - his married daughter)
Fron 10 February 1832
The news I have to communicate now is delightful and heart-cheering, especially in these evil and perilous times, and when so much bad news comes from every part of the world. I am very happy to inform you that there is a very great revival at Nebo, near Amlwch; more than fifty have been already added to the church there, in a short time. The most ungodly in the neighbourhood have been alarmed and soberised. The pillars of the kingdom of Satan have been thrown down and shattered, not by the pestilence, but through the Gospel. Now, instead of the laughter and idle talk in the corners of the chapel, the sighing of the penitent, the groans of the convinced, are heard; yea, most earnest prayers and hearty thanksgivings ascend to heaven. O! most delightful change. O! may it enhance and spread throughout all the Principality. The glorious work of grace in converting sinners is going on in other places; souls were added to the church at Pare, Gorslwyd and Pen-gorffwysfa,' and many were received to the society at Bethesda, and some at Llanfechell. Great rejoicing took place one night at W. Parry's premises at Llanfechell, when Mr. W. Roberts of Llannerch-y-medd, was preaching there: W. Morris and Ellen, formerly of the old shop, as well as others, entered the church. Very powerful revivals are carried on in several parts of Caernarvonshire, such as Llanystumdwy, Brynengan, and other places! It will be a wonderful thing if Wales should be favoured with such gracious operations as these, instead of the awful judgments that afflict many countries these days!
Oh may we long more earnestly and ardently for the gracious visitations of the Lord to our country and neighbourhoods, but especially to our own souls. I hope, my dear Phoebe, that you, my dear child, are not destitute of these delightful visits of heaven these days. May the Lord speak to your precious soul as you read His holy Word, and as you hear the preaching of the Gospel; and may you draw near to Him as a Father, through the blood of Christ; yea, may you come boldly to the throne of grace, to receive grace and mercy to help you in the time of need: help in need as wanted, according to circumstances and necessities, and in time, that is quite enough; no more is required. It is most profitable to take every trial and burden unto the Lord, to set before Him all your complaints, and to cast all your care upon Him, for He careth in a very kind and tender manner for us. We may safely entrust Him with the concerns of our bodies and souls, our temporal and eternal interests. He is very kind and pitiful, and ready to hear different cases of distress; able to bear all our burdens, to relieve all our wants, and wise to lead us through the intricate wilderness, and guide us safely to the end of the journey.

Essay 03

(Same source)

On hearing the Gospel

As the preaching of the Gospel is an ordinance of Christ, so the hearing of it is the duty of all that can attend. What is the use of preaching if none will hear? But it is necessary to 'take heed how we hear;' Mark 4.24. Luke 8.18. There never was, at any time, in any country, greater opportunity and liberty to hear the Word of God than there is in Wales at this time (1841); yet hearing is hitherto unprofitable to thousands! Hebrews 4.2. Many after hearing offend God, and are likely to fall under His wrath. Hebrews 3.16,17. But there is a great benefit to be obtained by hearing the Word of God; 'faith cometh by hearing;' Romans 10.17; yea, souls receive life thereby. Isaiah 55.3.
There are unprofitable hearers. Many go to a place of worship with unworthy motives, and in a very improper frame of mind. Many go from habit, without considering the purpose of preaching and hearing the Gospel; they hear unconcerned, and regardless of God and His Word. Some go, whose end in doing so is extremely vain and sinful - to see and to be seen - and because many others go! The conversation of many in going to, and returning from, a place of worship, is very frivolous and corrupt. It is respecting dress and fashion, neighbours and their failings, or concerning some other worldly or vain thing. Few converse about the Bible, Christ, the soul, and the eternal world. Such persons are not anxious for the blessing of God, neither do they pray for communion with Him in the means of grace. Some in a place of worship will look about, and then they will fall asleep; they appear as if they needed nothing. They consequently leave without any benefit to their souls, or sorrow for their loss.
There is another sort of hearers who appear to be greater professors than the above. They will talk much about sermons and preachers in a very improper manner; they will make comparisons between them, extolling the one and slighting the other. These are often unfair judges; they generally judge according to their own taste and opinions, and not according to the Word. They do not understand what are the qualifications of a minister of God. It might be asked them, 'Are ye ripe in knowledge, judgment, and experience, to judge these things? Would it not be more proper in you to learn, than to become the judges of teachers?' Ask these persons concerning their own eternal affairs; they will appear blind and confused. Ask them, 'Do you know themselves? Is Christ in you, the hope of glory? Or else are ye reprobates?' If they cannot discern their own case, what suitability have they to judge the ambassadors of God? The scales of these men are not correct to weigh ministers, being their own opinions and tastes, and not the Word of God. No wonder then, if the most scriptural, experimental, and godly preachers are too light in their balances.
The proper qualifications in the opinions of those hearers are these - boldness, fluency, eloquence, excellency of speech, enticing words, human wisdom, and a pleasant voice. And the ministers that please them are such as do not speak very plainly of man's miserable state, nor press things too keenly on the conscience of man, nor say much of the total corruption of man by the fall, and his inability to save himself. Such ministers exalt but little of the sovereign grace of God; they speak but little of the Spirit's work in changing the sinner; and they do not state too minutely the signs of hypocrites, and false professors. Their manner of preaching accords with the carnal ideas of their hearers, to support their selfish confidence, touching slightly their pride, worldliness and carnal lusts. Then they are pleased with the preachers and with themselves likewise under them. Doubtless they will say that they receive benefit under their ministry, but they mistake gratification for profit, excitement of feeling for support, the satisfaction of their taste for spiritual edification. Hearers of this kind are likely to idolize the preachers they admire; they will depreciate other preachers, in order to exalt these. They become angry with all that doubt the excellences of these ministers. They speak more of them than of Christ; of their views than of the Bible. They plead that there is need of eloquence and talents to draw the attention of the people. It is possible for a preacher to draw the mind of the hearers by his gifts to himself and not to Christ. He may increase professors for a sect, disciples for a preacher, natural religion without the spirit; but neither gift nor eloquence, nothing but 'the preaching of the cross,' is 'the power of God,' to draw the sinner to Christ. It is God only that gives benefit and blessing by His own ordinances. 'God giveth the increase.'
Preachers, yea, those that are truly good and pious, are too light in the scales of these hearers. They are not eloquent and gifted enough; their sermons, they say, are too plain, clear, and void of ornament. They imagine they speak too openly against sin, and that they humble and degrade man too much, and that they exalt free grace too highly, giving all the glory to God, in the salvation of man. So many godly preachers who live near to God, being often at the throne of grace, under great distress of mind for man's salvation, and whose sermons are scriptural, and administer 'the sincere milk of the word' are nevertheless despised by these hearers, as their discourses are not adorned according to their taste. A 'pearl of great price' is often found in a mean shell. The food that is cooked in the plainest manner is the most wholesome and gives the greatest nourishment. It is indeed easier for these godly ministers to endure reproach than others, because they seek not their own things nor 'preach themselves.' Yet none are more distressed than they, because their communications are despised, their Master slighted, and free salvation neglected.
There are other sorts of hearers that receive no benefit by hearing. One kind is very numerous, and contains thousands of our youths. They come to places of worship, but retain nothing of what is heard. They have some pleasure in the sound of the Gospel and gifts of the preachers. Christ sets forth four kinds of hearers in the parable of the sower; one kind only received benefit. However, this was not owing to his being under a gifted ministry. The seed and sower were the same; it was because he understood, received, and kept the Word. This is the gift of God.
Next we shall observe the manner in which we should receive the Gospel; or what end and state of mind in hearing tend to the glory of God and good of souls. The greatest gain has been obtained by hearing the Gospel; 'faith and everlasting life,' have come by hearing, as observed already. 'It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.' 1 Corinthians 1.21. We should consider preaching and hearing the Gospel as divine ordinances, and we should use them with great soberness and reverence, 'keeping our foot, being ready to hear' considering ourselves as 'present before God, to hear all things that are commanded by God', through his ministry. Acts 10.33. Ecclesiastes 5.1. We should not consider a preacher less or more than a messenger from God to us. If we view him less than such, we degrade the ministry of the Gospel, and represent it as a human and a mean thing. If we consider him more than such a one, as able to administer some benefit to us himself, then we place preaching above and superior to the means of grace, and cease to wait on God. As to imparting any spiritual benefit, one minister is not superior to another; neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth. The benefit, the increase is from God. 1 Corinthians 3.6,7. We ought to pray more before we go to hear the Gospel, and look up more to God when we do hear. It may be said to many that complain they receive nothing under sermons, 'Ye have not because ye ask not.' James 4.2. Much is said about having blessings under sermons. But if you should ask many what is meant by a blessing, they cannot answer; perhaps they imagine that it is some pleasure in hearing.
However there are hearers that receive real profit by hearing. They have found a treasure of immense value in the Gospel field. They have exercised faith in Christ whilst hearing. The preaching of the cross has been 'the power of God to their salvation.' As by hearing they had spiritual life, so by the same means they receive nourishment and support. 1 Peter 2.2. They have benefit by means of sermons, when they come to see more of the evil of sin and the plague of their own hearts, until they hate and detest themselves more as sinners, and humble themselves more in the dust. Also, when they have a clear view of the glory of Christ, and greater aid to make use of Him, and more communion with Him. Also, when they are sanctified; when some sin is mortified, and the image of Christ is made more visible on and in them; when they are brought to love God, His law and Gospel more, and to be more obedient to Him. And lastly, when they are made more spiritual and heavenly, their affections being raised above the things of the flesh and the world, and set upon those that are heavenly.
This is the time they have blessings under sermons, and true benefit, being fed with spiritual food. Then God shall have the praise; they will speak but little of the preacher; they will forget him in admiring his Master; they will forget the cleverness of the sermon, by viewing the wonders of the Gospel. The excellence of the preacher in the judgment of these pious hearers is that he is a godly, sober, humble, self-denying, conscientious, and zealous minister. His fluency and gifts are but secondary things in their esteem. Those that are of God delight to hear those that are of God. 1 John 4.5,6.
Ye hearers, pray for the spirit of hearing, for hunger and thirst after real benefit; in hearing, pray for your minister instead of judging him. After all, ministers are but instruments; you must have the blessing from God Himself, through them. Pray for a humble, broken, meek, obedient spirit to hear the Word of God.
Use the Bible often; go to the throne of grace often; pray that the truth you hear may not be unprofitable to you. Thanks be to God for the Gospel.

Fron, April 1841

Letters 01

Found here
(This from a letter to Mr John Jones at liverpool on the death of a fellow-labourer in 1828)

On the Loss of a Pastor

1. Pray for more of the Lord's gracious presence among you, and a more copious out-pouring of the Holy Spirit upon you. Jesus Christ promised His Spirit to comfort His disciples after His departure from them; and He doubtless can comfort His church upon the loss of a faithful minister.
2. Resolve one with another that all of you in person, family and church, will strive to walk in the paths you were taught, and earnestly encouraged to pursue, by the brother that is fallen asleep in Christ.
3. Persevere and labour to preserve church union among you. 'Let brotherly love continue among you, endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.' Let each resolve, by the help of God's grace, that nothing on his part, either in judgment, words, or conduct, shall be the means of disturbing the peace of the church, or weakening her union. Christ did not pray so earnestly for anything, neither did He seek anything so frequently in His last prayer, as the union of His people, that they might be one. The Apostles, in their letters to the churches, earnestly exhorted them to maintain brotherly love and union, to be of 'the same mind, of the same judgment,' agreeing together, thinking the same thing, and having the same love together; and thus they taught them that this is the way to obtain edification and consolation and the presence of God. He is the God of love and peace. And He dwells where these excellences reign. The union of the church is the true minister's fulness of joy; 'Fulfil my joy by thinking the same thing.' It will be easy to be peaceable if we have grace to be humble and self-denying. The contentious and quarrelsome loves himself more than Christ and His church. He would, for the sake of name and opinion, destroy, as far as his influence goes, the church for which Christ died! I think better things of you.
4. Pray much for growth in spiritual, experimental, and evangelical religion, and for spiritual taste, that you may love the Gospel for its sound doctrines, and not on account of the gifts or delivery of any minister. And endeavour to come to hear the Word as the hungry man comes to the table, to satisfy his craving appetite; not as the glutton at the end of the feast, undecided out of what dish he may eat, but like the little children, desiring the sincere milk of the Word.
5 Let every member of the church be careful as to their expressions, that their conversation be always seasoned with grace, tending to administer grace to the hearer. Real grace governs the tongue: the professor whose tongue is ungovernable, deceives himself. The tongue has injured flourishing churches often. Let us use our tongue for the glory of God.
6 Let the churches be very careful as to their young ones. Let them feed the kids near the Shepherd's tents. Take care of the lambs that belong to Christ's fold. The good Shepherd bears them in His bosom. And the church officers who love Christ are commanded to feed them. One of the signs of the foolish and false shepherds is this, 'Neither shall seek the young one.' Zechariah 11.16. O brethren! care for the young, for out of them God will raise up for you priests and Levites. Some of them will be princes in all your land presently. Now I conclude -but say to the elders (as Israel did to Joshua, in chapter 1.17,18), Pray for me also.

Iain Murray 03

Part 3 of the article

It is not possible in an article of this size to give a chronological account of Elias's life, but surely enough has been said to cause us seriously to attend to the following questions. Wherein lay the power of this man's ministry? Why has such power departed from us today? What was there in his life and doctrine which led to the great usefulness of his preaching? Where is the contrast between him and us most evident? In an understanding of such questions lies the only hope for the visible church to-day. We can answer them by looking at Elias first in terms of his private life, in reference to his doctrine.
Elias obtained his strength and authority from very close communion with God. "Satan is not afraid of the soldiers," he writes to a fellow minister, "though they are armed - of the knowledge or gifts of any preacher; but he is afraid of the presence of God, the leader of the true army. As the Philistines cried out, 'Woe to us, God is come to the camp.' So a cry would be made in hell, and a great alarm in the regiment of Satan, if God should be pleased to appear among you." Elias was well acquainted with 'appearances' in his own home. His daughter said of him "To live in his family was to a great degree heaven upon earth. I can never forget the light that followed our family worship. And never can I forget the tears I saw on the chair in his study by which he bent on his knees; though nothing was heard, we were well aware that he was pouring out a profusion of tears in his secret prayers. Many times did I observe him coming out from his chamber, like Moses coming down from the mountain, with so much of the image of God upon his countenance that no one could look him in the face."
Sentences like the following recur throughout his letters, and illustrate what was uppermost in his heart - "The ministers of the Gospel are under great necessity of being experimentally acquainted with the work of the Holy Ghost ... Oh, that we might have more of the communion and fellowship of the Holy Ghost!" "O, may each carefully observe that nothing separates or darkens between his soul and God. Cherish a tender conscience, and a broken heart avoid an indifferent spirit, a hard heart, and a sleepy conscience. Press on for more intimate fellowship with God in private" "O, brethren, be not easy without his presence. I often fear that many are now in the churches that know no difference between the hiding and the shining of his countenance. O, be not satisfied with anything instead of him. Let us cry earnestly that we may be made more heavenly continually; we shall be here but a short time." "The greatest loss I feel, is that of the Spirit, and earnestness of secret prayer." "If private prayers were more frequent and earnest, the public ministry would be more effectual." There is room to give only one instance of the remarkable answers which attended Elias's prayers. Once at Carnarvon, he found some mountebanks were corrupting the place with their sinful amusements. On their refusing to desist, Elias in a Chapel meeting prayed to the Lord to put a stop to their proceedings. "Many," says Morgan, "were struck with the fervency, and power of his prayer, as being extraordinary. The next day, awful to relate, three of the players came to an untimely death; the wagon in which they travelled was overturned, and they were killed! Two others, in the act of dancing on the rope, fell and broke their necks!""Elias's character," writes Morgan, "was composed of determination, perseverance, and mental energy, to a high degree ... The character of pious gravity was stamped on all he did. He reflected Christ's image upon the world. He was never known to have cast off the livery of his noble calling upon any occasion. The seriousness of his appearance would repel any disposition in others to levity and frivolity." Owen Jones truly comments, "The strength of his character as a preacher lay in the hold which the great truths of the Gospel had taken upon his own spirit." This was in no small measure due to the high value Elias placed upon study. He never allowed his constant preaching and long itinerant journeys to lessen his deep conviction of the relationship between hard study and powerful preaching. Although he never had any regular schooling, he not only mastered the English language (having been brought up to speak only Welsh), but studied sufficient Greek and Hebrew to he able to consult the original Scriptures. Such writers as John Owen, and Jonathan Edwards were his constant text books; in his letters we find him recommending such Puritans as Brooks and Flavel. Dr. Jenkyn said of Elias "that he had collected more of the Puritan theology into his mind than any man of his age." Reflecting on his early ministry Elias wrote - "I was enabled to persevere day and night at my studies without fatigue and delay. I am now even in my 67th year, learning; and see greater need of knowledge daily." Again he writes "It is not in an easy, careless manner, that we get learning, understanding, and knowledge; no, it must be by labour, industry, and toil. Prov. 2: 3-4. "Those who knew him best," says Morgan, "testified that his sermons cost him many a tear, many an earnest prayer, yea many a sleepless night! His chief delight was in his study, and he would even bring his Bible down with him to his meals."