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EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE

AND

MISSIONARY CHRONICLE.

AUGUST, 1816.

MEMOIR

OF

THE LATE REV. ARNOLD DAVIES,
OF RHOSMARKET, IN THE COUNTY OF PEMBROKE.

Mr. ARNOLD DAVIES was born in the parish of Hays-Castle, in the county of Pembroke, in the year 1772. His parents being in humble circumstances, and losing his father in his infancy, Mr. D. did not enjoy the advantage of a regular education. At an early age he was therefore devoted to the labours of husbandry; and while thus engaged, appeared remarkably thoughtful and serious; so that he was united in society with the Calvinistic Methodists at Woodstock when only 18. He was generally observed to have some book with him, and to be engaged in reading at every convenient season. His attention was peculiarly devoted to the holy Scriptures; for which he had a good opportunity where he resided, for some time, in the capacity of a shepherd. Here he made himself a hut in the fields, with such arrangements as were suited to the turn of his mind :-and thus, by persevering industry, he acquired, with but little assistance, the different branches of common learning.

In his 22d year Mr. D. relin

XXIV.

quished this employment in favour of another, more congenial with his studious inclination. He opened a school at Spittal, near Haverfordwest, where he continued only one year.

His removal was occasioned by the kindness of a worthy clergyman, who recommended him, as a religious school-master, to the Rev. Mr. Williams of Begelly. This was done in such a manner as to give no mean idea of his worth; his friend having added, in the words of Paul to Philemon, "If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself." Under the patronage of this zealous servant of Christ, he opened a school at Templeton; which, being not far from Begelly, gave rise to an intimate acquaintance with Mr. Williams, whose ministry he regularly attended. This gentleman being well satisfied with his piety, and finding him not only possessed of considerable acquaintance with divine things, but of ability to instruct others, encouraged him to give a word of exhortation at the prayermeetings that were held in his parish. Thus the Lord seemed to Pp

prepare him for those scenes of usefulness through which he was afterwards to pass.

Mr. D. soon found the confine ment of a school injurious to his health; and his frequent indisposition appears to have been, in some measure, the effect of it. While in this state, his mind was much impressed with the value of immortal souls, and the honour of being instrumental in their salvation. The more he thought on the subject, the more it appeared in the light of a reasonable service, in which he ought to engage. He therefore solemnly dedicated himself to the Lord; purposing that, if restored to health, his future life should be spent in calling sinners to repent

ance.

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With this view he formed a connexion with the late Mr. Morgan, of Henllan, and the Rev. Mr. Jones, of Trelech, under whose direction he went out as an itinerant. These worthy ministers, feeling for the English parts of Pembroke shire, had made frequent exeursions, and were the means of form ing churches in different places. In this work Mr. D. was found a useful auxiliary. There were, perhaps, few better qualified to introduce the gospel into dark places. His firmness was such, that no opposition could intimidate,-his natural disposition calculated to enothers in his favour,-and his easy simple way of conversing with the common people, such as at once to please and instruct. So indefatigable was he in his work, that there was scarcely a village in those parts of the country to which his labours did not extend. He was, therefore, as "A voice crying in the wilderness." And it may be justly said, that, in patience, in perseverance, and in an humble dependence on the Divine presence and blessing, there was a striking resemblance between him and the holy Mr. Brainerd. With such qualifications he was set apart,

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by the concurrence of his brethren, at Manasbeer-Newton, in the year 1802, that he might regularly discharge the whole work of the ministry wherever he should be called to it.

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In the same year Mr. Davies visited the district of Gower, in Glamorganshire; and under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Davies, of Swansea, preached in many different places, excited much attention, and was the means of producing some good effect; but it was chiefly at Manasbeer-Newton, and the neighbourhood, that his ministry was evidently owned of God. Here a small church was formed, which afterwards assembled at Lampley, and now in the town of Pembroke, under the pas toral care of the Rev. Thomas Harries. Respecting Mr. D. this gentleman observes, His ministry was blessed to many, some of whom have quitted this vale of tears; and have, no doubt, hailed, with unutterable joy, the instrument of their conversion on his arrival in glory." His occasional labours in Tenby, for the space of four years, were not without effect; and have been respectfully noticed by some strangers who visited that watering-place. One of these writes in the following manner: "I trust, my visit into Wales was not in vain. I look back with great pleasure to some happy seasons I was favoured with, particularly the Sabbath I was permitted to sit down with the good people at the Lord's Table." Another says, "The little Meeting at St. Florence, and the last evening we spent together, when Mr. Davies prayed with and for us before we sailed for Bristol, I shall ever remember. I believe I may date the first dawning of the knowledge of my lost estate by nature, and the joyful views of grace and truth by Jesus Christ, from the preaching in that Bethel." With the correspondence and kind attention of these respect

able friends, Mr. D. was honoured to the day of his death. A pious lady from the metropolis appears to have been also edified by his ministry while at Tenby; and not only presented him with a handsome copy of Henry's Commentary, but afforded him much assistance in various ways.

His itinerant course, however, was nearly finished before his ordination; for in the year 1803, he accepted a call from the Independent church at Rhosmarket, over which he was immediately settled; and was soon after united to Miss Mary Hurlow, of Market-Gate, in the parish of Jefferson. By her he was blessed with two children, who both survive him, being left with a disconsolate widow to feel the loss they have sustained.

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While incessantly seeking the best interests of his flock, Mr. D. continued his excursions in different parts of the country; and occasionally visited his friends in Glamorganshire. In the year 1811, he was called to London, as a supply at Guildford Street Chapel, Southwark. Here he continued about five months; during which time he neglected no opportunity of doing good, or of seeking his own improvement. His journals abound with the heads of discourses which he heard, and such remarks as evince a sagacious and inquisitive mind, united with a solid judgment and correct taste. In whatever manner his ministry might have been received at the Borough, it appears, from the account he has left of the sermons delivered there, that he never occupied their time in a trifling manner; but endeavoured to edify his audience with truths of the greatest importance. He doubtless enjoyed the esteem, therefore, of the wise and good, if he did not secure the applause of the multitude. On this subject the following passages are transcribed from his own papers: :-- "It is rather singular, but very true, that

the English are, in general, fond of plain, experimental, and practical discourses; while too many of my countrymen are fond of something noisy, doubtful, and mysterious. To obtain their approbation, a minister might possibly feel himself under a temptation to preach in that manner; but we are not to please men by offending God; we must not charm their ears, and gratify their passions at the expence of their present peace and final salvation. It is not the pleasing of men's fancies, but bringing them to deny themselves and sin, so as to live unto God, that is the grand end of the gospel ministry. Perhaps, in the midst of so much respect from my superiors, it is needful for me to experience a little coolness from others; yet I trust the Lord will bless my plain and honest endeavours; and that he will not permit me to quit London without some evidence of it."

The ministry of Mr. D. among his own people, though productive of no sudden or very remarkable. effect, was nevertheless a blessing to many. Like the gentle rain which falls unheeded, yet fructifies and refreshes the ground, it has produced a pleasing alteration in the moral aspect of things in that neighbourhood. The Christian spirit he exemplified, the unblameable conversation he maintained, have had the most salutary influence on the people in general.

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Even those who despised all profession of religion, allowed him to be a good man ;" and consequently they must have thought well of those principles upon which he acted, so far as they knew them.

Under many difficulties, arising from narrow circumstances and continued illness, he discovered exemplary patience and resignation, united with a firm reliance on the divine goodness. In this frame of mind he would frequently express himself in the language of Job: "Though he slay me, yet will I

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trust in him.” He had no regular salary; and as the small sum he received from a congregation, consisting mostly of poor people, seldom exceeded £ 10. a year, his family chiefly depended on the profits arising from a small farm, taken at a dear rate. Being called, while deeply afflicted in body, to suffer many losses in cattle and other property, he would say to Mrs. Davies, "These things were given us from above to possess for a season. Let us not murmur, perhaps the Lord may make up our losses; but for my part I shall not be long here; I shall soon remove to a better inheritance; and then farewell to all these pains and sorrows!"

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His last sickness was occasioned by a scrofulous disorder, which brought him rapidly to the grave. About a month before his death, he seemed to apprehend that the time of his departure was at hand. Under this impression he manifested some distress of mind in the prospect of another world; and while Mrs. D. was preparing some medicine for him, said to her, in a very impressive manner, - My dear, I have a soul as well as a body!" And while she endeavoured to administer some consolation, by reminding him of the promises of God, and of his ability and willingness to help his people, he repled, that he knew the promises to be sure and certain, but was unable to lay hold of them,-his hand was withered. For some time he appeared to struggle hard with the enemy, but was much in prayer; when he would often repeat these appropriate lines:

"In the world of endless ruin
Let it never, Lord, be said,
Here's a soul that perish'd, suing
For the boasted Saviour's aid?"

And from that view of the divine faithfulness they are calculated to promote, together with the Lord's gracious promise to be with those who love him when they pass

through the waters, he obtained consolation, and a good hope through divine grace.

On the following Sabbath he found himself considerably free from pain, and unusually happy in mind. He felt a strong desire to preach, had not bodily weakness rendered that impossible. “I would sound aloud in their ears,” said he, "the glories of Christ; and tell them of his power to save to the uttermost." Several friends being come to see him, he exhorted those who had talents, to use them for God. The young he entreated to seek the Lord betimes, and devote their early days to his service. On being told that more people were desirous of seeing him, he said "Let them come in; perhaps something may fall from my dying lips that will do them good when I am in a world of spirits: and though my feeble frame should be hurt by exertion, I had rather wear out than rust out." An intimate friend observing him in tears, enquired if he felt much pain. “No, no,” said he, "these are tears of joy. The greatest pain I have felt was occasioned by a dark cloud, which came between me and my God: but, blessed be his name! the Sun of Righteousness has risen again; and this has been a precious Sabbath morning to me,-far more so than I am able to express! This is a foretaste of that Sabbath I hope to enjoy in the kingdom of my dear Redeemer." Then desiring a friend to read a passage of Scripture to which he had alluded, he began to enlarge on it with singular energy and pathos, until all present were bathed in tears. Being evidently exhausted, he was desired not to speak so much; when he replied, "This is probably the last Sabbath I shall spend with you; and I am willing to hope, that what I now say will have more effect than many a sermon in times past.”—In this happy state of mind he spent the whole day; and in the course

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