The spacious chapel of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists in Fitzclarence street, Liverpool, was the principle scene of activity to-night in connection with the revival. Owing to the presence of a large number of non-adherents enthusiasm was at a low ebb for the first hour or so, and the singing was spiritless. Evan Roberts soon after his arrival declared that there was too much singing and not half enough praying. “Don’t quench the spirit of prayer,” he urged; “the fight is hot to-night, and the enemy is at his best. There are many souls here to-night held in the devil’s fetters. We may sing all night without saving. It is prayer that tells, that saves, and that brings Heaven down among us. Pray, friends, pray.” The appeal had an almost instantaneous effect. Men and women, Welsh and English, joined in a great outburst of simultaneous prayer on behalf of the unconverted, and above the confused sounds could be heard the cry of the evangelist’s sister, “Achub, Arglwydd, achub” (“Save, Lord, save”). A young woman prayed with startling power and sustained eloquence, and her appeal to send “the shafts of deep conviction into the hearts of the people” brought tears to many eyes. The world-wide interest in the revival was once again demonstrated in a short address by the Rev. L. Ton Evans, of Pennsylvania. The Rev. E. L. Hughes, of Rome (N.Y.), was also present, having crossed the Atlantic especially to see the movement. At the end of an hour and a half, during which Evan Roberts maintained absolute silence, the Rev. John Williams proceeded to call for converts. Evan Roberts who was now in a buoyant mood joined in enthusiastically, and converts were found in considerable numbers. The scene was one of the most joyful yet seen during the Liverpool mission, and in the midst of it the congregation was startled to hear a loud, angry voice from the gallery. Looking up, they saw the figure of a slim, pale-faced, badly-dressed young man, who was pointing dramatically towards the pulpit. “Halt,” he cried in English, “thou dreamer of dreams; let thy dreams cease, thou deceiver of the nations; the hour has come; the Master of the house has risen up.” Then, as though making his charge more general, he added: “You are no longer ministers of the Gospel, but ministers of tradition. No longer is the Word of God your guide---” The evangelist cast one glance at the interrupter, and then asked the people to sing “Diolch Iddo.” Later on the man spoke again: “You. Non-conformists have gone from the truth from the first.” Mr Williams then ordered his removal. “No, no,” said Evan Roberts, “leave him alone. Don’t argue with him.” The Interrupter: (speaking now in Welsh): I am telling them a bit of truth; that’s more than they can tell me. Evan Roberts: Will not someone pray for him? The Interrupter: No; don’t pray for me. You cannot deceive me, you blind hypocrites. “Out with him,” cried a voice. “No, no,” said Evan Roberts; “let him alone. Let us go on with the work. We’ll take no notice of him. Everything is going on blessedly.” Before the service closed, the young man in the gallery shouted, “I am speaking the truth.” “Ah,” replied Mr Evan Roberts, “the devil can speak the truth – (a pause) – sometimes,” he added. “God has tolerated this man for many years. Let us tolerate him a short time.” He further stated that millions of prayers in all parts of the world had been offered up for that meeting, and that was why it had been so successful. The incident then ended, and the young man remained seated and silent. Prayer was offered on his behalf and on behalf of others. Many more converts were found, and the total reached about 120.
From, 'The Western Mail', 13th April 1905.
Now a park.