LET IT RAIN!

In the last week I have read several books by James A. Stewart. Yesterday I finished “Invasion of Wales by the Spirit through Evan Roberts.” The long title implies that the Spirit of God, not a man, was the author of the Welsh revival. (see "Welch Revival" blog of January 5, 2008)
The author explains, “When the river of God was at full spate in the latter part of the year 1904 it was found that the Spirit was using for His instruments at least a hundred pastors, evangelists, and so-called ‘lay-people’ for His work.”

As I read on the beach in Florida yesterday, awaiting Hurricane Fay (hopefully only Tropical Storm Fay upon arrival), I was impressed by the author’s use of language that describes the might of rushing wind and water. Of course, in the Bible as well, these are emblems of the Holy Spirit. Below are some excerpts from the book. I added bold type to note the water references.

The mighty tidal wave swept through the land. The Spirit of God found his own channels …. I have before me, as I write, my cherished copies of some newspapers of that day in which were posted each week a tabulated form of the lists of converts in each town for that week. Over 70,000 names of converts are reported just two months after the lifestreams broke out.

A spiritual cyclone has already swept the town even before the revivalist’s visit. Thirteen hundred newborn souls are rejoicing in their great Redeemer. The service has been going on for three hours without any human leader. Nobody can say who started the service and nobody can say even at this point how the service is going to continue …. Someone suddenly commences a hymn. The scene is suddenly changed. The whole crowd is on its feet now, swayed by intense spiritual enthusiasm, and pouring out its feelings in various ways --- a word of praise, a hymn of spiritual worship, a Bible message from an unknown person.

Visitors who have come from all parts of the world to see this amazing sight and who have never been in a revival meeting cry out, “Hush!” They have come to hear Evan Roberts. But what is the good of saying “Hush”? It would have been as well to say “hush” to the ocean’s swelling tide. The deepest emotions of the people have been liberated and they rush forth like a mighty flood.

Stewart quotes a famous reporter of the London Daily who visited the meetings to describe to the people in London the amazing scenes.

Tier above tier in the crowded aisle to the loftiest gallery sit or stand as necessity dictates, eager hundreds of serious men and thoughtful women, their eyes riveted on the platform or UPON WHATEVER PART OF THE BUILDING IS THE STORM CENTER OF THE MEETING.

Repentance, open confession, intercessory prayer, and above all else this marvelous musical liturgy --- a liturgy unwritten, but heart-felt --- a mighty chorus rising like the thunder of the surge of the rock-bound shore, ever and anon broken by the flute-like note of the singing sisters whose melody is as sweet and as spontaneous as the music of the throstle in the grove or the martin in the skies. And all this vast quivering, throbbing, singing, praying, exultant multitude intensely conscious of the all-pervading influence of some invisible reality --- now for the first time moving palpable though not tangible in their midst. They call it THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

I say and pray, “O, Lord, let it rain!”