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FROM 
 
 Mrs. E.B.Titchener 
 
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 R.W. Sailor 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029452319 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 
 
 I N 
 
 WALES, 
 
 5ROM THE YEAR 1650, TO THE YEAR 1790, 
 
 S H E W.I N G 
 
 T«E TIMES AND PLACES OF THEIR ANNUAL MEETINGS, 
 
 WHETHER 
 
 JN WJLES, LONDON, OR BRISTOL, f^c. 
 
 INCLUDING 
 
 SEVERAL OTHER INTERESTING ARTICLES. 
 
 BY JOSHUA THOMAS 
 
 OF LEOMrNSTER,. 
 
 L O.N DON: 
 
 4old by Meffrs. Dilly, Button, and Thomas, London ; Brown^ James,, 
 and Cottle, Briftol ; Ogle, Edinburgh ; Allein, Dublin ; and may be 
 ' had of the Bapift Miniften in New York, Philadelphia, Sod»llj| 
 Kicbmond, Savannah, and Charlefton, in America. 
 
; This Hiftory was printed in. the Bap^ift Regiiler, pnly 
 ft flieet at a time occaiionally, as the Editor of that work 
 found room. This accounts for ^e appearance of the firft 
 flieet of^it in 1791, and for the publication of the laft, not 
 till 1795— the date which is in the title page. Several Sdini-r 
 fiers who were alive when the iirft fheet came out died before 
 the laft was printed, 
 
A » 
 
 ADDRESS 
 TO THE READIER. 
 
 X HE Hiilory of the Baptift churches in Wales was putliflied 
 in WellTi in 1 778. There was a motion made to the Author to un- 
 dertalce it near 30 years before. He then had very little idea of it. 
 Not long after, it occasionally engaged his attention. About 1752, 
 he began to pick ap'afaw hints j as they fell in his way. In 1754, 
 he removed to Leominfter, in Herefordfliire. Thus leaving the 
 Principality he almoft gave up every thought of (hefubjeft ; but 
 judged it proper to put the few fragments he had obtained into 
 fome order, and then fend them into Wales to be circulated and 
 improved in the beft manner they could. He did fo. One looked 
 over them and faid, he could add nothing : another did the fame. 
 The Author being at the Affociation in Wales, in i-770j was 
 reminded of the Hiftory. He related what he had done,^ and was 
 urged to refume the work. He made a kind of a promife to do 
 4b if no body elfe would undertake it. 
 
 -About that time Mr. Thbmpfon of London was collefting 2 
 brief account of the Diffenters of the three denominations through 
 England and Wales. A letter was fent to' the Author at Leo- 
 minfter on the fubjeftj which induced him to fet about this long 
 fufpended article. His-mind bent to it with a degree of refolu- 
 tion, he thought — he recollected — wrote letters, and in fliort, 
 did all that his confined fituation, preaching four or five times a 
 week, E^nd teaching a fchool, would admit. In 1776, hetooka 
 fhort tour through South Wales. He made the Affociation in his 
 round ; was from home about fix weeks, and collefted materialsi, 
 On his return, jjerufing his papers, deficiencies foon appeared. He 
 wrote to one place and another for additions and explanations^ 
 clofely, purfuing the bufinefs. In the fpring 1777, a few advel'tife..i 
 irients were printed off, and circulated among the churches, in» 
 forming them of the ftate of the work, and defiring them to confult; 
 among themfelv.es whether it ftiould be profecuted or dropped-j 
 and to give him their opinion at the Affociation. Accordingly he^ 
 found that every church wiflied to.have the Hiftory printed. The 
 number agreed to be taken amounted to about 800, and i s. a 
 book fubfcription money was paid, and 1 2po were printed. 
 
 In a (hort Epiftle to the Reader, the Author obferved, ^that a^ 
 the work was the firft effay upon an obfgurefubjeft, no body 
 could well expeft it to be perfefl; ; but that if any mlftakes were 
 difesvered he would gratefully receive information. When the 
 Book was circulated, rejjjarks were vaa,ie, forn§ right, and fome 
 
 * 2 wrjng j 
 
<<h ADDRESS TO TlIE READER, 
 
 wrortg; fome in a friendly way, others not quite fo; but the 
 Writer availed hirafelf all he coidd of every information, not re- 
 garding whether it came from a friend or a foe. In about twenty 
 months 1 8 pages of Addenda and Cirrigenda were prmted off, of , 
 the fame fize as the book, itld circulated gratis, that thofe who 
 '^hofe it might bind them.with the book. Thus farthe Writer 
 aid 'wkfii he ioula. , , 
 
 In 17,81, Mr. Backus's Church Hiftory of New England, fell 
 into his hands. There he found an account of Ilfton church, near 
 •^wanfea,, of which he had no hint before, but what appeared in an 
 old book of church records in Abergavennv. By the New England 
 Hiftory, it appeared, that a neat church-boolt had been carried 
 ¥rom jjfton to America, containing a particular account of the 
 'JBaptift churches in Wales, about the year 1650, and that the 
 tbook was ftillin being. It is eafy to conceive, that tKe Author 
 of the Welih Hiftory mCtch wifliedto fee#»at Wok. But the Ame- 
 rican war, and a number of other hindrances, feemed to render 
 lit impoffible. He wrote to Mr. Backus in 1783. He very foon, 
 and very obligingly anfwered, and wrote large Extrafts out of 
 it, of what he judged moft -to the purpofe. Thefe caft confider- 
 able light upon what was before impenetrably dark. In Page 5, 
 (Bf the Hiftory, thofe Extradts are referred to. They came in 1 784; 
 and now it was ftrongly concluded, that, on this fubjeft, there' was 
 ftill more light to he. derived from the Ilfton book, than could be 
 had-any where elfe upon earth. Irtipelled by hope, feveral queries 
 .'jnore were frame^, and a fecond application made in 1785. But 
 for three years no anfwer came. The Author had mentioned 
 in the Welfti Hiftory, his defign to draw up a fliort account of 
 the Welfli Aflbciation, if life and health continued. He was not 
 Vfilling to fet about it till the fecond ExtraAs arrived. In 1788, 
 ,Jie wrote again. Age coming on, a Baptift Regifter being likely 
 ^o appear, and other things confpiring, the Writer fet about thg 
 Hiftory of the AJJhciation, without the advantage of the fecond Ex- 
 tracts, He finiftied it and fent the Manufcripttb London for the 
 iR.egifter. But ftiH lamented the difappointment of further intel- 
 ligence; which he was confident might be had in the book. One 
 iheet was printed in the fecond Number of that work, Aug. 1791; 
 This happened to be the very part which chiefly wanted the ad- 
 ditional infoi-raation. In that year Dr. Rippon writing to Mr. 
 Sackus obligingly mentioned the difappointment. Mr. Backus 
 tyas ftruck, and replied, that the letters of 1785 and 1788 had 
 duly come to hand, and that he had fent large Extradls, and a 
 iong letter in 1787 ; but fays, he never could learn whether they 
 were received or not, till Brother Rippon's letter came in Ofto- 
 ber. 1791. He took the firft opportunity and made large extradl* 
 «otitaining fixty-four quarto pages : and his letter fays, " I got 
 the book, and now fend you all the light I can get from thence, 
 jtbout the hiftory of your country." Yet before it came, a fe- 
 «;ond Iheet of the Hiftory of the Aflbciation was printed off, in 
 
ADDRESS TO THE READER, V 
 
 the Regifter, fo that it was impoffible to reftify miftakes but by 
 fome fuch addrefs as this. And thefe are the chief reafons for it. 
 
 There were two circumftances that occafioned fome midakes, 
 which muft have- remained for ever, in all probability, had, not 
 the fecond Extradls arrived to reftify them. One happened 
 thus. About 1752, the Writer found fome old loofe papers at 
 Abergavenny, out of which he tranfcribed what appeared to his 
 purpofe. But tHere happfened a miftake of a fingle letter either 
 in the original Writer, or the Tranfcriber. The proper word 
 was Llanaran, and it was tranfcribed Llana'oan. The Writer 
 well knew a place of the latter name near Builth, in Brecknock- 
 ftiire, and that there were Baptifts there about the year 1650, but 
 had not the leaft idea of a place of the former name in the whole 
 world ; fo the laft was taken to be right without any hefitation, 
 ^nd it was printed thus thro' the Welih Hiftory and thro' moft 
 of the Englifli Hiftory of the Aflbciation. Bui what was faid cjf 
 the Baptifts in Llanavan remains tnie, yet there are fome little 
 miftakes in connexions. The fecond Extrafts ftiew plainly, that 
 there was a place called Llanaran, there written Llauharan. Hence 
 the Author wrote to a friend in MOnmouthftiire, defiring him 
 to enquire whethci' there be a place of the name in that coun- 
 ty, or in Glamorganftiire. He was informed, that Llanharan, 
 or properly Llanaran, is about three miles from the town of 
 Llantrifaint, in the county of Glamorgan. Thus the diiRculty 
 was quite cleared up. 
 
 The fecond miftake was about the town of Llantrifaint, juft 
 now mentioned. .There is a parifli of the fame name in Mon- 
 mouthftiire. The Writer knew very well that there had been- 
 Baptifts that way ever fince 1640, but never had heard of any 
 in the former place. Yet the fecond Extrafts evidently prove, 
 that the fame church which was formed at Llanaran \a 1650, 
 met foon after in the town of Llantrifaint. But before that in- 
 formation came, the place in Glamorganftiire was taken for that 
 in Monmouthftiire. "All this is no great injwy to the real 
 Hiftory, as what is faid of the Baptifts in Monmouthfhire ftill 
 remains true. Yet, as better light came, and as it pleafed 
 God to continue life and health, tlie Writer thinks it' a duty he 
 owes the public and himfelf to give the reafons of the miftakes, 
 and to confefsand reftify them with his own hand. He likewife 
 has written out, in £»g-/2/?>, the hiftory of the churches concerned, 
 and affsfted in the fifft and fecond Extrafts, and tranfcribed the 
 fubi^anceof tha two Extrafts, in their proper places. That hiftory 
 may not be printed in the Author's life time, yet he is glad that 
 the Extrafts are diftributed to the beft advantage he was capa- 
 ble q{, that Mr, Backus 's labour of love may not be in vaia. 
 
EXPLAWATIONS. AND ADDITIONS, 
 
 (WITH ERRORS OF THE'PRESS RECTIFIED,) 
 
 Made from Second Extra^s fent by the Rev. Mr. Backus of 
 
 Mlddleborough, after part of this Hlftory was printed. 
 
 Page- 4, line 7, &c. from the bottom, fir •' a petition was fent to th* 
 King ftiewing, humblj^ and truly, by many refpeftable perfons to the 
 King and Parliament.f read, " it was humbly and truly prefented in » 
 petition, by iiiany refpettaible perfons, to the King and Parliament. 
 
 P, 5, /. 17. /or Mr. P. r. Mr. Powell. 
 
 P. 6, /. 4. dele very probably. 
 
 Ibid. /. 7. after 1650, r. or rather about the middle of the rzth months 
 
 Kfr49i- 
 
 /. II, fir Llanafan, r. Llanaran, and Je/« pronounced Llanavan. 
 
 ""■ '• '3) 3>) fii" Uanafan,^r. Llaparati. 
 
 P. fi. after t. ii,r. thus, out of Mr. Backus's fxtraas, " Thefe three 
 .thurches being thus fettled, the Lord's goodnefs is ftill extended to us, 
 iinfomxich that they are very much increafed, both with gifts and 
 members to the praife of, his great namec and being thus fettled 
 through grace, they bethought themfelves how to carry on the work in 
 Wales.; and therefore mutually agreed, that upon the 6th and 7th days 
 ef the 9th month, ihey would have a general meeting at JlftQti, of the 
 merabers of each church. So accordingly it was performed." This para- 
 giaph will explain page 7, three firft" lines. Ac'd further, " A xhurch, 
 was conft'ituted at -Carmarthen on the 2jd of tne nth month 1650." 
 The fecond extrafts give no exaft date when any church was formed bu? 
 this: yet it is plain enough, that lUton, Hay, and Llanaraa were formed 
 before Carmarthen. 
 
 P. 7, t. 17, fir Llanafan', r. Llanaran. 
 
 ibid. /. 22, fir three Months,, r. foijr Months. 
 
 /. 40, add, the fecond Extrafts mention, that at a meetingon the 
 
 t6th of the 5tInTionth, 1651, reference was had to a general meeting 
 at Llanaran as then 'part. But the Extrafts contain no full account of 
 any other general meetings, though they give hints of a few. It does 
 not appear that the minutes in 1650 and 1651 were figned by the Affo- 
 eiation. 
 
 P. 8, /. 14, /or Monmouthfhire,- r. Glaraorganihire. And there dele 
 " and was," with t\ii two lines 15, 1 5. Then add, " It feems they foun^ 
 a more convenient place at Llantrifaint than at Llanaran, as the latter 
 uccnrs no more." 
 
 P. 8, all, from line 16 ti; the bottom, but the two laft, lines, is th* 
 tSe£i of the miftake about Llanafan. But the narrative there is true, 
 nmderftood of Llanafan in Brecknockihire. Now it appears plain enough 
 By the fecond Extraiis, that Llanafan was not in connexion yvith th» 
 Affociation in the time of the Coramomv^ealth ; nor is there any hint of 
 tliat church in the narratives of the London ACfemblies of -1689, &c. 
 
 And to the Note in that,page, add. There are two more of the family 
 in the miniftry, Mr, John Evans, a General Baptift in London, andMf- 
 James Jarman, a Conformift in the Eftabliihment. 
 
 P. 15, /. 25, by the fecond Extradls, and the letter fent with them, i( 
 does not appear that any account is recorded in llfton book of the Hay 
 Meeting, nor ra\ich iiifeited of any thing after 1653, except fome letters, 
 and their own church afTairs. Not a word, it feems, of 'the General 
 Meeting at Aberafon, a branch of iheil" CWn tlivirejj, not oi yif meetings 
 ,»t ^Untrifitint <(n4 Erecknocli. 
 
 V. 17, 
 
EXPLANATIONS AND ADDITIONS. *n 
 
 T. 17, &c. Names feveral minifters in Wales. The foUomni;, tmlefs 
 0)ie or two who died before the Reftoration, are ftippofed to have finifhed 
 tjieir courfe during the peifecutions from 1660 to 1688. Meffis. Vavafor 
 Powell, lenkin Jones, Henry Williams, John Myles, Hugh Evans, An- 
 thony Harry, Morgan Jones, Morgan Jones, Thomas Proud, fhoma* 
 Tofeph, Til omas Jones, Howel Thomas, Walter Proffer, William Tho- 
 mas, David Davis, Howel Vaiighaitt Several more are menlioned ia 
 the fecond Extrafls, as very iifeful helps; particularly Evan Llewelyn 
 and David Thomas. Evan Bowen of Llanafan alfo was a noted mini- 
 fter. Dr. Wallier fays he had 4000 fouls under his care : his large pa- 
 rilh is meant. The following worthies furvived tlje. grievous perfecu- 
 tionsj Meffrs. Chriftopher Price, Thomas Watkins, William Prichard, 
 lewis Thomas, Robert Morgan, Griffith HoweUs,"Williara Jones, Tho- 
 jnas Quarrell, Thomas EvaJW, Henry Gregorys Francis Giles, Thomas 
 David Rees, Thomas Parry, John Eclwai-ds, William Milraanj Robert 
 Morgan, &c. It-is probable that moft of thefe had begun to preach lae- 
 fore 1660, but they lived till the year 16S8, and feverai of them long after. 
 A confiderable number of eicellent men entered upon the ininiftry before 
 the perfecution ended at the Revolution, as Meffrs. James James, George 
 tones, Samuel Jones, John Jenkins, Nathaniel Morgan, Evan DaviS, 
 Richard Williams, Jofeph Price, &c. Here are above forty minifters of 
 the Baptift denomination in the Principality before 1688, moft of theia. 
 men of worth and note in their day. 
 
 P. 18, /. 35, By the fecond extraSs, we learn that Lewis Thomas wa 
 ^aptized in 1650, and was a ftated minifter in 1657. 
 
 P. 20, /. 17, dele all of it after Kelligar, and all' line 18 wholly. 
 Ibid. /. 3P, add Thomas Evans. 
 
 P. zt, /. 31, Francis Giles is put wrong in the printed narrative oF the 
 Xondon Affemhly of 1689. He ftiould have been inferted there for Liao-: 
 ^enarth, and Robert Morgan for Swanlea. The latter then complained 
 of that error in a letter to London, which was feen by the Writer of 
 t^is hiftory. Thus there were feven meffengers from Wales at the Lon- 
 don Affembly that year. 
 
 Ibid /. is, for thirty-eight, r. thirty-feven. 
 
 P. 22, /. 9, after met, put a femicolon. Llantrifaint is the name oF the 
 place in Monmouthfliire.' The church there at that time met in three 
 different places, Llangwm, Llantrifaint, and Abergavennyj 
 P. 23, /. i8, for church r. churches. 
 
 Ibid. /. 35, &c. The arrangement of tjie churches here is not quite ac- 
 curate, it would be better thus ; Ilfton, then called Swanfea ; Hay, re- 
 fuming the old name Olchon ; Craig-yr-allt inflead of Llantrifaint, and 
 Llanaran, Glaraorganfhire ; Llanwenarth inftfead of the former Aber- 
 gavenny ; Carmarthen broke up, and the remaining members joined to 
 the Carmarthenfliire part of Swanfea church ; Llanfaohes in Monmouth- 
 ' Ihire, was formed in 1639, but was a mixture of Baptifts and Independ- 
 ,fBnts, therefore not in the affociation of t65i, Sec. But fometime after 
 the Baptift part formed a fociety by themfelves, and met to worlhip in 
 the three places above named. The names of the churches in 1690 
 ftood thus ; Swanfea, Olchon, Craig-yr-allt, Llanwenarth, and Llangwm, 
 ifive, as in 1655 : but the names all changed. Carmarthen was diffolved, 
 and Llangwm brought in ; the church weft of Carmarthen met in three 
 jplaces, that made the number fix. But Blaenau was a branch of Llan- 
 ivenarth, yet fo diftant that it was called a church, though, not then 
 properly incorporated. They fent a feparate letter to London in 1690. 
 And in a letter of that year, fent by Mr. Robert Morgan to London, he, 
 fays, they were then feven churches in tKe connexion, wliich are to be 
 nnderftood.in the above order, not yeC reckoning Llanafan and Radnor. 
 Ibid. /. 4^, fir 1687, r. 1689, andv/.-46, for M. r. Mr. 
 N. B. The paragraph at the foot of page 23, and at the top of p. 24, 
 is true in fadl^ with this exception, that the church never had been 
 )n the Affociation, fo had never left it, Frobably it was alfo then a 
 
 nii« 
 
^i EXPLANATIONS AND ADDITIONS; 
 
 mixt fociety, and had been loae fo. The feventh church was numUered as 
 above, and .omitting Radnor as in that paragraph. 
 
 P. i4, /. 32, The narrative of the London At[em\>ly, of 1689, mentions 
 •nly fix, but there ftiould have been feven ininifters inferted from Wales, 
 as already noted, and five in 1692. 
 
 P. 25, /. 22, /!»• many, r. feveral. 
 I, P. 29, /. 9, urt^trjlanj Llantrifaint here in connexipn with Llangwm, u 
 arid fo in any following place where Llantrifaint may occur. In this page, 
 and the preceding, we have the firfl proper account of Llanafan and ^ 
 ^ Radnor joining the connexion. 
 
 P. 31, /. 30, for Thomas David, r. Thomas David Rees ; of whom fee 
 p.-27. .^ , 
 
 P. 32, /. 30, after country, r. " Mr. David Davis, born in the pariih of 
 Whitchurch, and county of Pembrok.e, 1708; went to America, 1710, 
 took, the care of Welfli Trail May 27th, 174S, and continued it till ha 
 Jied in 1769," 
 
 P. 33, '. 9, from the bottom, for Landils r. Landilo. 
 
 P. 34, /. 30, after forty, r. three. Mr. Rees was paftor at Limehoufe 
 in 1705. ' 
 
 P. 43. /. 5, after Blafinau, r. and Mr. Joihua James of Abergavenny. 
 
 Ibid. /. II, after beginning, r. fince the Revolution in 1688, 
 
 P. 48, /. 35, after had been in this pradlice, r. and much encouraged it 
 Jmthe Principality. 
 
 Ibid. /. 36, after little, r. public. 
 
 P. 50, /. 12, from the bottom, dele a comma before Richard, 
 
 P. 55, /. 2, dele after. 
 
 !■■ 56. /• 33, for vi. r. iii 
 
 P. 57, /. 41, for Devon, r. Somerfel. 
 
 p. ^3, /. 29, Rev. Mr. RowleS pi Chard, fays, thai Mr. William Wat- 
 <kips died tpfpre 06lob.er 1767. 
 
 P. 64j /. If, from the bottom, obferiie, Mr. Watkin Edwards died in . 
 ^ 794, which was ilftgf the copy of that flieet was written . There are other 
 iliftances in this Tradl in which a fimilar remark ftiould be made. 
 
 Ibid. /. 10, from the botto.m, remark, Mr. Rowles fays, that Mr. Peter 
 Evans died iii 1772. ' 
 
 P. 65^ /. i , after church, t. fairmed, and/or of, r. in, and the fame after 
 Vflt, in the fara? line. 
 
 ibid. /. 3, put a comma, or femicolon after plae6 ; and a, before brancH. 
 
 P. 67, /. 12, /or Carleon, r. Caerleoti. 
 
 P. 68, /. iSjfor the church, r. the Meeting-houfe- 
 
 ,?• 7J> /• to, /or Gabriel, »■ Gfcorge. 
 
 P. 74, /. 2i, 33, $4, for Chapel-y-ffm, t. Chapel-y-ffi'n. 
 
 ■Pf 7J> /• *» Sj fro™ the boWom,/or Appendix, r. A,ddt?fe, 
 
A 
 
 HISTORY. 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ^TELSH ASSOCIATION, ^c. 
 
 'T'HAT there were Baptifts in England, in the days oT Henry tie 
 -^ Eighth and bsfore, needs not be proved now : bat the fury 
 of perfecutian was fo great in thofe times, thathai they attempted 
 to form a regular Qofpel Church, it muft have been done without 
 any profpeft of its continuance. Therefore this denomination was 
 generally included among thofe called Purit ins and Nonconfrmijis. 
 But our prefent concern is chiefly with ths principality of Wales. 
 It is fuppofed from circumftancps, that a fmall Baptiil Churclj 
 was formed at Olehon', about 1633. If there ever were any writ- 
 ten accounts of its regular conflitution, itfeeras they are irreco- 
 verably loft, like many more valuable papers of thofe times: Mr. 
 Ho-well Vaughan, was the minifter there ; it is probable he preach- 
 ed mpftly among his own fmall congregation, and not much 
 abroad. After repeated inveftigaiions of this fubjefl, it appears 
 that Mr'. Wroth, Beftor of Llanfaches, (pronounced Llan'vaches) 
 in Monmouthpire, was the firft Nonconformift'vim\\&&r in the Prin- 
 (fipaiity. It is fuppofed he began to pr;each the Gofpel, in a very- 
 different way from the common clergy, about 1620, or foon after. 
 While he thus preached, and his fame was fpreading round the 
 cpuntry, Mr. Walter Cradock, a young man of a reputable family 
 in that vicinity, t\itn zx. Oxford, and defigned for- the miniftry, 
 coming home to fee his friends, and hearing of this remarkabls 
 preacher, had. the curiofity to go himfelf to hear him. The 
 confequence was, that he was fully convinced that Mr. Ws 
 preaching was right. Not long after, Mr. Cradock began to 
 preach the,Gofpel himfelf, with life and concern for the ialva- 
 tion of his hearers. Mr. Wood, in his Jfi>. Oxon. fays. Vol. II. 
 Col. 175, Ed. z. Mr. William Erhury, became ftudent at Oxford 
 in 1619, " took one degree in arts, retired into Wales, took holy 
 orders, and was there beneficed." But further fays, " that he 
 preached in conventicles, and refufing to read the King's decla- 
 ration for paftimes after divine on the Lord's-day, he was 
 fummoned divers times to the high commiflion court at Lambeth, 
 where he fuffered for his obftinacy." He then cites a paffage 
 out of Laud's Annual Account of his Province for the Year .163^ 
 
 A 2 page 
 
4 ,A IJ I STORY OF THE 
 
 P^S^ 533' which runs thus. " tJemdaf DioceCe : The Biftiop of 
 La/i/iaff'cenihes, thit this year (1634) he vifited his Diocefe, and 
 foundthat ff^. Eriury, VicSr of 5^. Marft in Cnrdiff, ahd Walter 
 Cradock his Curate, have been veiy difobedient to his Majefty's 
 inftruftions, and have preached very fchifmatically and danger- 
 oufly to the people. For this he hath given the Vicar a judicial 
 admonition, and will furthef proceed if he do not fubmit. As 
 for his Curate Walter Cradock, being a bold, ignorant, young 
 fellovif, he hath fufp«nded him, and taken away his lisenc-e, \\ hich 
 he had to ferve the Cure." 
 
 Mr. Veate, in his Hiftary of the Puritans, Vol. II. Page 253, 
 275, fays, that Wroth, and Erbury, wete (tited and fum- 
 moned to London, and there condelnned as the chief renders of 
 the church in Wales. He fays this was done in 1633, and 1635. 
 Thus it appears how the ReiScr, Ficar, and Curate, were perfe- . 
 cuted by Laud's influence and approbation, while they were iji 
 the efljiblifliment; and one of the chief crimes laid to their charge 
 was, refufing to read the declaration for the book of fports on 
 the Lord's-day. Being thus harraffed and troubled, it may be 
 truly faid, that they were compelled to leave the Eilablifliment in 
 order to enjoy the liberty of publlftling the Gofpel in it native 
 fimplicity. So they went through ihe country and preached 
 where they could, in the churches or out, as it happened — where 
 they had hearers there they preached. It does not appear that 
 Mr. Wroth went far ; he had a gathered church conftituted in the 
 parifh of Llaa/aches, in 1639. Some fay that Mr. Eriury was a 
 confiderable itinerant in Wales. But the chief of the three was 
 Mr. Cradock, he was the youngeft.and at that time in his vigor 
 and ftrength — He preached through South and North Wales with 
 no fmall acceptance and fuccefs. The author of thefe papers 
 recoUefts that when he was young, between the years 1730 and 
 1740, the aged people among the Diflenters talked much of 
 Walter G-aa'ofyt. Not long after Mr. Cradock, Mr. Va<vaJor Potuell, 
 anotlier. young clergymkn began to preach in the fame itinerant 
 way : being a popular minifter, he was foon perfecuted with nxt, 
 fmall feverity. He was a native of Radnorjhire. Thefe two were 
 Univerfity men and able preachers^ and were very laborious 
 through the Principality. The former was in fentiments an In« 
 dependent, and the latter a Baptift. 
 
 As yet the people in Wales knew little of fpiritual tilings. Mr. 
 V. Poivell, in his Brief Narratinje, prefixed to his Bird in the 
 Cage, fays. That about 1 641, the profeflors of religion were 
 very few in Wales, except in the corners of two or three counties 
 and th:it abo ut th at time t p rrtirinn iv i ri fc nt ta the K ing li hew in g, 
 diu nbly and~truTjS. by many rcfpeiflable perfons, ro the King and 
 Parliament, that, upon diligent fearch, there were fcarcely to be 
 found, as many confcientious refident preachers, as there were 
 counties in' Wales; and that the few who "were there, were 
 eiihcr filepced or much perfecuted. Soon after that, the war 
 broke. OQt, and the country was left, not only without relief, "but 
 " ' the 
 
, WELSH ASSOCIATION, Sff. 1649. % 
 
 the few preachers and profeffors in it were obliged to flee and 
 quit their habitations. Their property was taken away by vio- 
 knce, and their wives and children reduced to great ftraits. 
 This was theftate of the Principality in thofe afflictive- years. It 
 was above fifty years before, that Mr. John Penry, a native of 
 Wales, and a Baptift, publillied two Trafis, one to the parlia- 
 ment, and the other to the governors and people of Wales, la- 
 menting the ignorance of the people, and how deftitute diey were 
 of the means of true knowledge. ' , That very year in which he 
 publifhed thofe trafts, the firft Welfi Bible that ever was printed, 
 came out in folib, for the churches.- The flrft oftavo Bible for 
 the public, came out in 1630, fo it was no jgreat wonder that the 
 common people were nearly as ignorant in 1641, as they were in 
 1588, when Mr. Penry publiftiedl' his b,ooks. But through all 
 the troubles, and wars' of tliofe days, Cradockzr\A.Po'well,\v\t\i 
 a few inferiors, exerted themfelves much, and the knowledge of ^ 
 the Gofpel greatly increafed. Though Mr. /"/was obliged, by 
 the violence of perfecution, to quit the country for a time, yet he 
 returned as foon as things would adn.it. He had then a teftimo- 
 nial certificate from London to Wales, fignsd by eighteen leading 
 minitters, moft or all of them Independents or Prelbyterians, dated 
 the nth of September 1646, as related in his life. Though 
 Powell and Cradock differed in the article of Baptifm, yet iri 
 doflrine and difcipline they agreed heartily in the general, and fet 
 up free open communion in jl^a/^j, maintaining the independency 
 of churches. They both agreed in affedlion, and exerted them- 
 felves much in behalf of their countrymen, and their labor was 
 not in vain in the Lord. Now the light of the Gofpel ^ftione fo 
 clearly ^among the people of tlie country, that they have never 
 fince' been fo dark as they had been long before. Thus the peo- 
 ple were united together in a mixed communion confifting of 
 Paedobaptifts and Baptifts. . Though- many of the latter were 
 fcattered through the country in a few years, yet there were no 
 proper Baptift Churches, except Olchon was fo, which it is be» 
 lieved was the cafe. 
 
 The firft Baptift Church in Wales, after the reformation, w^s 
 formed at Iljion, near Siuan/ea in Glamorganjhire, in 1649, which 
 was'lefs than twenty years after the Bible came among the com- 
 mon people in their own' language. But we had no account of the 
 formation of this Church, 'till it was given in 1777, by the Kev. 
 Mr. Ifaac Bcickiis, in his Hiftory of New England. There we find 
 that Mr. John Mj/Z^j, the Paftor of /^oh, left his native country when 
 perfscution fo raged here, and took the Church 'Book with him 
 to Ne--vi England, where it is to this day. After that hiftory 
 came out, Mr. Backus, being requefted to procure a copy of cer- 
 tain parts of Mr. Myles's records^ was fo very obliging as tq fend 
 large extrafts, written carefully with his own hand. Thofe ma- 
 nufcripts have been very ufeful, as will appear below. ' 
 ■^ Mr. Myles feems to have been the firft Baptift Minifter in tVales, 
 who defended ^nd maintained unmixed comrnunicn among the 
 
 4 3 Bapf.ile 
 
Baptlfts in die Principality, in a public open way. {Old an ffiJ- 
 iiifter, of the fame fentiment ^nd praftice, was,3-fflan little known 
 abroad.) After ihe Iljlon church was confiittited, Mr. Mjies was, 
 very aftive in other places. ¥eiiy mefewyj^Jnis Church Bools; 
 gives a more particulartcppuntofthelorih/iifeonof otiier Ci"«ichesi 
 . loon after. From the extrafts, we may cj -chr'e_thy the Hay 
 church, including Olchon, was formed in 1 65dVSs: leveial were"bap-< 
 tized in that year at Llauigon and the Hay ; it is probable th < t they 
 all and OJchon made one Church formed anew, under the di- 
 reftion cf Mr. A^/fj, there were alfo baptized Brethren, then 
 at Llanf^n, pmr nnr ij r rl- J;^?|iif*^- more of thcfe things fplbw. 
 /The above mentioned extraijls (hew, ' Th-t irenihers of ihetwq 
 churches of the Hay and ' laiiLif- n aflemble - at lljhn, the fixth and 
 feventh days of the ninth month ib;o, who were fent ihiih^r by 
 the faid chjrches to the' Brethren at Ilfton, to confujt concerning 
 fuch bufine(s as was then by God"s affiftar.ce dettrn.ined and cx- 
 prefled as follows. 
 
 " The Brethren, prevloufly weighing th^ great fcarcity of 
 minifters that will fdundly hold forth the word of truth^jn Cwtr- 
 marthenjhire, and thefeafonable oppprvunlty now aftorde^Tyy tlia 
 Providence of God for the propi^gation of t;ruth in thofe parts, 
 do judr:e that brother Da-vid Da-vis fhall hence orth endeavour 
 to pre ch two firft days of eve^'y' two moiiths at Caern.artheji 
 town or thereabout : and that brother Myles fhall preach tli.t 
 way pile firft day in every two months ; and that brother Pr £er 
 fhill preach these pne fi fl day in every two mon'hs; and theie 
 Brethren are uefired to confult 'and agree among thpn.fdves, 
 when it may be mOil convenient fpr any one of them to be, 
 there. And 
 
 " Upon thelike fer'ous confidcratipn oftljeprefent condition of 
 our Brethren at Llani^un, it is by thfe B ethren here judged con- 
 venient, that a con J ant meeting be there kept by the churches 
 until the Lord Ihall rai,le up mor? able men among themfelvcs, 
 and that bother David Dwyh be defired to. be there prefent as 
 often as he pofTibly can ; but that w^en he is nece&tatpd ip be at 
 Caermart.en, thert our Brethren of the Hay are defired to take 
 care to fend, either brother Proffer or brother Thcmas Watkins, or 
 fbme other whom they fhall judge convenient." 
 
 At the fame time it was further agreed, " That thefe minifters 
 ftould be affifted by the churches and cofitrjbutions made for 
 that pvirpofe. For that year it was fettled, that each of the three 
 churches Jfhould Colledt ten pounds among themfflves, iii the 
 wnole thirty poun is, and a Brother in each church was 'there 
 named to take care of that contribution ; tlie firft coliedion to 
 be made as foon as convenient after that agreement, without 
 burdening any of the Brethren." Thus far the bufinefs of that 
 meeting. 
 
 Now it is fuppofed that this convention of \.\t meffengers of 
 thvee' churches at Iljicn may claim the honor of beij^ the origin 
 and foundation of the Baptift Afibciaifioa in IFaUs. "- ' ' 
 
WELSU ^SSOCIArtQN, Csfc. 1650. 7 
 
 Theextradts give nb hint, when or by whom this meeting was 
 appointed, and poffibly the records fay nothing of that. But it 
 is natural to conclude therp were fbme previous coiifultatioAs 
 about it. In tjiefe few articles We fee the very ejTenpe and fpirit 
 of the Bapcift Aitociatlons in Wates and England ever finCe. Th^' 
 noble defign was to affift each others and to propagate the truth. 
 We h^ve no account who figned' thefe articles, perhaps nbJie 
 then figned. Here we find three Baptiil churches formed in 1 649 
 and 1050, Etnd uniting in thjs friendly connexion for mutual 
 comfort and edification. It is at prefeht doubtful whether there 
 was at that time apy Affociation in England except thfe feveij 
 churches in and about London, who printed the confeifiion of 
 1643. Be that as it m^y, jt is certain that this was the begin- 
 ning of general -meetings in W^«/r?j. The appointment of any 
 Other meeting at this time is not mentioned ip the pxtrafts, yet 
 probably jt was done. For they fay, " The fojir churches of 
 Mftori, Hay, Llanc^rl, ^nd Caermcirthen met at Caertnarthen the , 
 riineteenth of theprft month 16515 and appointed fobe jtteetings 
 tp be at Gelligdr. Qgeftions concerningfinging pfalpis dnd lay- 
 ing on of hands were propofed to be coimd^fed by the churches."' 
 
 Here is a fecopd general meeting, confifting of meffengers frortj 
 four churches. There were not much more than )timme months 
 between thefe meetings: the ftate of the churches required fre- 
 quent eorifultations. Here we find Caermarthen added as a fourth 
 church, and the Brethren confulting about future meetings a? 
 Gelligdr, this is the name of a pariffi in Glamor ganfiire, byt ne<n 
 |he borders of Monmoulhjhire. The abftr^fts jngntion Mf . Danjid 
 Da'vis of Gelligdr amopg thofg added to lljion fliurch, •« Frpm 
 ^hefirft of the eight month 1649, to tjie fixtiientli of the fame 
 month 1650." Dr, Walker on the Sufferings of the' Clergy, Par? 
 i page 228, fays, " That Mr. D. Da'vis was chofen to be the 
 minitter of the parifti of Kelligar Jthjs fpelling is adbpted by fe- 
 veral, and may wejl be u&d, as it is more ye^y in Englilh) upon 
 certain conditions, by theparilhiongrSj^bowt 1 645 ." Spthatitfeem?. 
 l^e was the- minifter of tjiat parifh when he gave hijnfelf up as a 
 member at lljlon ; probably he was baptized when and whej-e he 
 fo gave l^imfelf a member. The extrafls give no information 
 how the above queries were anfwered, nor whether figned at that 
 meeting, nor when the next was to be, nor any thing of that 
 nature, tlirough the remaining part of 1 65 1 and the whole of i (3c z. 
 
 By loofe papers fjen at ^^^rg-ao'^flay about 1752, it appears 
 that in 165 1, the churches in Walei fent a letter to the Baptill 
 f hurch, meeting at ;he Glafs-houfe, Brmd-fir^et, }n Loi^dons giv-* 
 ing an account of their ftate, l^ow they in<;refifed and'fpread ; an4 
 requefting advipe as to the forming of new churches". Tl^ an- 
 fwer from London then partly tranfcfibed is to this effeifl,. " Ret- 
 g-arding the diftance of your habitations, we advife, if Qod hath- 
 endowed you with gifts, whereby you may edify one another, 
 and keep up the order and miiiiftry of the church of Chrift, you 
 pay ^iv^df into more particular congregations, but with mutual' 
 
 4 \ cpnfep^' 
 
s A-'nistOKY Of rut , 
 
 cpofent; ,and if their be among you thofe, who can in foftd , 
 meafure take the overfight of you in the Lord, but not elfe." 
 Then it proceeds to ftiew and direft them how they might go on 
 to edification. It is figned by William , Confet, William Cpmbey, 
 William ChaJJiy, Samuel Tull, Ediitard Green, Jo/eph Stafford, ' 
 Robert Cherry, 'Thomas Carter, John Milamay, &c. 
 
 A chjirch was foritied at Ahergofnenny, in 1652, very probable 
 in confeqiiehee of the advice fiom London. 
 
 The hext meeting of which we have any account, was a 
 general meeting of^tlie Elders and others, Meffengers of the 
 Several churches of lljion. Hay, Llantrifaint, Caermarth^n, and 
 Aberga'venny, holden at Abergayenny the fourteenth and fifteenth 
 of the fifth month, 1653. Here .Llantrifaint occurs, which ^>■e 
 had no account of before. This is in ^'•iWbAMNi'^JjM ^Y^* 
 formed very probably in 1651 or 1652, after the CcttejWaSvice 
 ■was fent from London. 
 
 But we have no more account of the church of Llanafan in 
 thofe general meetings for many years. The reafon of that 
 filence it is likely may be collefted from what follows. Dr. 
 Walker, in his Attempt on the Sufrsrings of the Clergy, Part I. 
 page 160, &c. notes, " That in the time of the civil war, Wil- 
 liam Williams, M. A. who ferved thislarj^e parifli, was, for fome 
 delinquency, ejefted by the commiffioners, who ordered Mr. 
 E-uan Bowen to preach in his place at Llanafan." This Mr. Bawea 
 was a Baptift. The Doflor fneers at him fulficiently ; yet confeffes 
 that he had been an itirera^t, and received a falary on ihat ac- 
 (jount : from this it may be prefumed, that he was an acceptaijie 
 niinifler. In the f^ime parifh Mr. Thomas Eiian% was another very 
 acceptable preacher: he alfo was a Baptifl, and a race of very able 
 miniflers defcended from him. His tv/o fons, Caleb and John, 
 Were worthy rainifters in ihat place ; the former in great renown : 
 the late venerable ^!<f/i' £i;i!ajAf. A. was his fon, and the prefent 
 truly reverend Dr. Calfb E-vans is his grandfon, and of the fourth 
 generation of very refpedableminifters; the two laft have been 
 luccefsful pallors of the reputable Ba.ptift church at Broadmead, 
 Briftol*. Mr. T. E'uans had his coihiciffion to preach, a copy of 
 Which is yet preferved, it is dated i6th of May 1653. 
 
 Having now fuch abl§ miniflers in the parifli, and being fo far 
 from the other churches, it feems they refted at home ; we hear no 
 more of the'n jn any afTociatitSi^with the other churches till the 
 com.mencement of this pentury . TJfey are pot mentioned in any 
 of the printed narrativ^pf the general aflemblies in London, 
 1689, &c. _.i^ 
 
 Now let us return 'to the general meeting at Aherga-venny, 
 confining of the meflengers of five churches. ^ The firft article in 
 
 * Eefides the four, and Mr John Evam, above pafnsd, thnre were and, 
 are four mdre of the fame ftock ih the mipiftry. Mr- Jo/in JEvani the 
 prefent paftor at Fentre, the fame church {till, is a graniffoh to the above 
 Mr. T. Evax!, and i&the laft Evans of the flock in th.it country, though 
 t!;cie isra numerous iffue by fpmales. "" 
 
 tha 
 
WELSB:.:^SS0CIATI0N, &fc. i&^j. 9 
 
 the mihutes relate to the fettling federal things in the new <;hi!reh 
 where they met. The advice, we may be fure, was ilirft defired, 
 and then readily given. 
 
 The fecond article runs thus : " We cdnfidered the CondhioA 
 of the Ghurch at the Hay, and upon feveral complaints made againft 
 ieyeral diforderly perfons, formerly noted, who fought to rent 
 the church, and, as is conceived, to fet Up themfelves as a 
 diftindl fociety, whereby the church is much difturbed and 
 unfettled, ivhich may tend to the difhonour of God and the grief 
 of brethren, and the hindrance of the work of God in the Worldj 
 it was therefore ordered inl concJuded, 
 
 " I. That a letter be fent to the diforderly trethr^n, exhorting 
 them to conlider from whence they are fallen, and their prefent 
 pradlices, and to abftain for the future from uttering rafli ot 
 fcandalous words of the churcheSi and from receiving into 
 or keeping in their fellowfhip, fuch as are, or Ihall be, Caft out by 
 the church, or any that Ihall irregularly come away from them ; 
 and that they attend on the church miniftry, not pfaftifnvg ift 
 their private meetings any fuch ordinances as are proper to the 
 church of Chrift : and that in cafe they will not hearken to this 
 our advice, we will at our next meeting, with one Confent, declaffe 
 againft and difown them : and withall v;e defire, that they fhould 
 at ourfaid meeting give in theirreafons unto us, why they Charge 
 the church with diforders, and fay what the diforders are ; where 
 they fliall be fully heard, and the bufmefs difcufled and judged in- 
 the fear of the Lord, according to fcripture and right reafon. 
 
 ^' , 2. That a letter be fent to the church at the /foy to advife 
 them, if they have any fit mem.bers, to.chufe more Elders to rule 
 and teach that church : and to advife tliem to fubmit iiithe Lord td 
 fuch as are or fhall be chofen Elders among them ; that alfo, if 
 they can, they chufe Deacons in the feVeral parts of the church.'* 
 
 The third and fourth articles are two Queries ajid Anfwers. 
 
 The fifth article is a confultation and agreement how to fisp- 
 - ply the Caermarthen church with the means of grace for the nsxt 
 half year ; and Brother V/iUia-n ST'o/aaj was appointed to be inor 
 about that town one week in three, for which ftrvice he was to 
 receive lol. to defray his expences ; and that church to raife 2I. lOs, 
 of it ; Llantrifainl zl. los. and Ilfton 5I. and the Haj to affift Abel-- 
 ganienny to fupport Brother William Prichard, who v/as fliortly t» 
 be fent forth. 
 
 Then the conclufion runs thus ; " It is alfo or.lered, thit th* 
 next general meeting be held at Mberafon in Glamcrgaafinre, upon 
 the feventh day of the feventh month next. Laft of all, it is de» 
 fired that the fourth da!y come fortnight be fet aj: art by all tiie 
 churches, as a day of holy rejoicing and praife unto our tender 
 Father, foranfwering the prayers of his ierv.mts, in giving peace 
 tOi and preferving it in the poor churches, and for his gr.icioUf 
 appearance with us in this our meeting." Then the whole is 
 figned;by " John Mylcs, Dwvid Da-vis, Walter Projfer, Willi-ait 
 Thomas, ThQinas Proud, Thomas Jofeph, Hcwsll 'fhoma: , Leyjou T>n^ 
 
I* ^ ntsroAT OF TITS, 
 
 •vis, Stephen Brace, Ho'well Vaughan, Thomas Watkins, Charles 
 Gar/on; Robert Hopkins, Thomas Edfwards, Thomas Jones, Thomas 
 Parry, Robert Morgan, Hoiuell Watkins, Thomas Letvis, William 
 Frichard, Anthony Harry, Richard Roffer, Thomas yames, Francis 
 
 ." The lafl name is not legible, but is fuppoled to be Giles. 
 
 Here we have twenty-four names. They were now cometo a very 
 regular order, and poffibly they were more fo before than we have 
 yet found. The narratives of the tw6 former meetings were taken 
 out of the Americ^.n Extrafts. And perhaps they were not full 
 
 in the Records from whence thofe were taken. The account of 
 this meeting is much abridged in the abftradts returned from Aihe- 
 rica, though moft of the names are inferted, frotn v. hich it is fUp- 
 pofed that this was the firft time the meflengers figiied the Bfe- 
 riates. The perfons above named were not all minifters, though 
 probably all meflengers. Near half of them were in the miniftry 
 then, or foon after, and more than half became afliftants in the , 
 miniftry occafionally. Some may fuppofe that th;s Aflbciation 
 affumed tbo much authority overthedifturbers oi tlas Hay phurch. 
 But the churches were all young, and circumftances alter cafes 
 much. The narrative of this meeting is taken from the Records 
 of Aberganjenriy church, where it was held, 
 
 ' Here it may be noted, that a new Baptift church bejng formed 
 at Ahergaminny in 1652, and about fixty added to it the firft year 
 or a little more, according to their Records, it rather difpleafed 
 fome Fasdpbaptifts that way. This refpecftable meeting foon made 
 them more uneafy. At length, both fides agreed tb have a pwblic 
 difpute upon the fubjeft in cS^. Mary's church in that town, about 
 feven weeks after the Aflbciation. The difput-nts were yohn 
 Tombs, B. D. Vicar of Leominjier ; Henry Vaughan, M. A. and 
 Johts Cragg, M. A. The former was for Believer's Baptifm, the 
 two latter for Infant Baptifm. Mr. T. and Mr. V. difputed firft, 
 then the former with Mr. Cragg. Afterwards they all pubiiflied 
 on the fubjefl, The title of Mr. C's publication is, " The Ar- 
 raignment an4 Conviilion of Anabaptifm." Mr. V's is not large, 
 There is an Epiftle Dedicatory prefixed, wherein we have thefe 
 words : " Mr. Tombs for feveral months together, being impor- 
 tuned by letters and meflengers, <;ime at length to water that 
 which Mr. Myles, and Mr. Proffer, and others had planted." Pro- 
 bably this was the firft public oppofition of the kind to the Bap- 
 tifts in V/ales. . 
 
 We faw that, by appointment, the next general meeting was tq 
 be held on the feventh day of tlie fevcnth month next. Bat the' 
 narrative of that meeting at Aierafontxys, that it was keplonth^ 
 firft and record days of the firft month, 165;!.. It is in vain for us 
 to inquire how that happened. At this meeting, as in former 
 one^, the common defign was the edificatio.i a.nd comfort of the 
 churches. To that end feveral queries were propofed and refolved, 
 One query was this : " Wli.n are the duties of each of the pfficersi 
 and members in the churcli f " It is then added, " In order to the 
 anfwering of this queftion it is defired th.it Qijr Bieth|r?n, Johti^. 
 
WELSH ASSOCIAT 10N^(^. 1654. ji 
 
 MyitU Ha'vid Dat/h, Waller Pfofer, and Williatn Prichard, do 
 lever. Uy coalider this thing, and eertify in writing whit they 
 ftia 1 judge co^icorning it, at our next general meeting." Another 
 minute runs tlm^: " It is ourdefire that the church at Ilfton dA 
 fpare Brother Mjies as often a.id as L<ng as th^y may, to be among 
 the churches of tne Hay and Aherga-Mnny, m order to the fettling 
 of them, and helping them to 'judge of the feveral gifts of Khk 
 members ainong the.n." ' 
 
 In another article, fupp'les were agreed upon for the deftltute 
 church at Caermarthen, one week in every tour; and the refpec- 
 t,ve p r.o-s fixed for ten or eleven months, to come, in the follow- 
 ing order : Meffrs. William Prichard, William Thomas, Thomat 
 Jjepb, J.MyUs, HowM Thomas, D. Davis, W. Frojfer, Thomas 
 J"/iC'u, Mcri;a'. Jo^es, William Thomas, and "J- Myles again* 
 Hrre are line public minifters, befides Mefli-s. T. Proud, T. Wat- 
 ki.is, &c. in the four churches. / 
 
 In con-id; ration of the inability oF the church at Ahergaixniy 
 to m dntain their minifter comfor4;ably, it was defired that thofe 
 of the Hay dioA Llantrifamt would affift. 
 
 . The church at- Abergavenny was advifed *' to take heed- of 
 mixed comm jnion with unbaptized perfons, or any others walk- 
 ing disorderly." 
 < Finally, " In confideration of the nfefulnefs of the general 
 meetirgs of the Elders and MefTengers of the feveral dhurchesi it. 
 was ordered that on the 20th of the feventh month next, there be 
 a meeting at the town of LantriJ'aint, and fo every half year after, 
 provided, that if there beany extraordinary occafion, then, upon 
 the defire of any of the churches, all theothersare to fend their 
 meflengers, to hold fuch a meeting, when need requireth." Then, 
 the whole is figned by fevertteen names, moft of them the fame 
 as before, and foine new ones ; viz, Hugh Matthews, Griffith 
 Griffith, yames Hugh, and Thomas Evans, Aberafon was- a 
 branch of /^fi» church, which lay then very wide. 
 
 The Records fay, that the meeting at Llantrifaiiilwas kept on 
 the 30th and 31ft of the fixth month, 1654. Some circumftar.cct 
 occafioned it to be about three weeks before the time appointed. 
 There a query was propofed, concerning laying on of hands. 
 The anfwer was referred to t!ie next meeting ; and the Brethren, 
 J. Mjles, D. Davis, WilliamPrnffiBr, W. Thomas, and W. Prich- 
 ard, appointed "to draw up their judgment from Scripture there- 
 in, and the church at Caermart':in (which propofed it) was de- 
 fired, by admonition, &c. to prevent the bri^aching among them 
 of any thing concerning it, until that meeting be paft " Provifion 
 a,lfo was made to continue the miniftry there as before. 
 
 A qnery concerning finging Pfalms, was jpropofedby the church 
 at Abergavenny. That hkevvife was referred to the next meet- 
 ing; and the Brethren J. Myles, D, Davis, and W. 7homas,d&~ 
 fired to. ftafe die point feverally, according to Scripture. 
 
 Another query was, *' Whether the faft days, as now appointed, 
 ftiould be continued ?" The anfwer was, '^ It is judged, that the 
 appointed faft ^ays ihould ^e continued; fojihatit is the agreement 
 '■■''■'■■ , of 
 
ji ^ ji HlsrORY GF THE 
 
 of the churches of England, Scotland, Ireland, aild Wales, and our 
 promife to God'and them to obfecve. it ; and for that, moft of the 
 things defired are not yet attained," 
 
 At this meeting feveral articles were confidered and fettled, 
 refpefting the church at Llantrifaint ; of which one was, that it 
 was advifable they fliould divide into three parts, and atniniftry 
 for each part be fupported for their edification ; and that their long 
 journies might be fpared, &c. Here the anfwerwas given to the 
 query at the laft meeting, refpefting the feveral duties of ofEcers 
 and private members. The following is a copy thereof. 
 ' " Our Lord Jefus Chrift, who is the head of the charch, after 
 he had by himfelf purged our fms, afcended on^high, gave gifts 
 to his church, that each joint in the body might have its peculiar 
 giff, and that thereby unity, peace, and order, might bejjreferved 
 for the good of the whole. Eph. iv, 8, ii, \z, 15, 16.' 
 
 1. " He gave Apoftles, who planted the firft churches, and 
 laid down infallible rules of doftrine and difcipline, which we are 
 pow to obferve, in the gathering and building up of churches. 
 Eph. ii. 20, 21. , 
 
 2. " Prophets, who, by divine infpiration,- foretold things to 
 ceme ; as John, &c. 
 
 3. " Evangelifts, who were the publilhers of the Gofpeltothe 
 Vforld. t 
 
 4. "Miracles. 
 
 5. " Gifts of healing. 
 
 6. " Diverflties of tongues, for the further publifliing and con^ 
 firmation of the Gofpel, by thofe primitive and extraordinary 
 Apoftles, Prophets, and Evangelifts. All thofe offices and 
 
 fifts were extraordinary, and therefore are now ceafed ; that 
 eing eiFedled whereto they were given, only the threi^ firft may 
 be faid to remain in their writings ; as Luke xvi. 29. and may 
 be faid likewife ordinarily to continue, while there are, 
 
 I. ',' Apoftles or Meffengers fent forth to gather churches out 
 of the world. 
 
 z, " Evangelifts, or publilhers of the glad tidings, which is 
 only fon^e men's fpeci^l gift. 
 
 3 " Prophets, or fuch as fpeak to exhortation, &c. of whom 
 hereafter, 
 
 " Now there are to continue in the church thefe officers: 
 
 1. " Paftors. 
 
 2. " Teachers. 
 
 3. " Helps, or thofe who rule. 
 
 , " Thefe three are called Elders, Eifiiops, Watchmen, &c, 
 whofe> joint office is, 
 
 1. " To take care of the church, Afts XX. 17,28. iPetrv.z,3, 
 
 2. " To confult on controverfies, Ails xv. i, 2, 6, 23. 
 
 3. " To order things in the church, Afts xvi. 4. 
 
 ■I.. " Toadvife in matters of doubt, Adls xxi. i8j 19. 
 
, J." To govern, i Tim. v. 17. Tit* i. 5. 
 
 , 6. " To vifit the fick, if fent for, James v. 14, 
 
 7. " To eare for the diftributioti of colledtions, A&s iv. 37." 
 xl. 29,' 30. 
 
 , " Thefe were the duties of all the Elders, though the greatefi 
 charge lay on the Pallors, as appears in that, thou'gh there were 
 many Elders in the church at Ephe/us, yet the epilUe in the Re- 
 velation the fecond chapter, is direfted but to one, viz. the angel 
 of the church, and the charge given to, and the account required 
 o/-,him whoUyi Now more particularly. 
 
 " Firft, The Paftor'? office is to do all that tends to the feeding 
 of the flock, Jer. iii. 15. Matt.rxxiv. 45. As- to 
 !!• " Exhort. Rotn. xii. 7, 8. 1 Cor. xii. 8. 
 
 2. " Reprove with all authority. Tit.-ii, 15. . 
 
 3. "Caftout. I Tim. i. 20. i Cor. v. i, &C' 
 
 4. "Lead the flieep.' — He is to be the mouth of the whole. 
 
 5. " Watch. 2 Tim. iv. 5. Heb. xiii. 17. 
 
 6. " Adminifter all ordinances in the church. 
 
 7. " Give himfelf wholly tothe word and doftrin«, Aftsvi. ^. 
 '8. "Rule well; which confiftsi(i) in the right ordering of 
 
 queftions and. diforderly Speakings, i Cor. xiv. 33, 40. Col. 
 ii. 5, &c. (2) In prefervin'g purity of dOftrine and dlfcipline. 
 Rev. chap. ii. and iii. The angels are charged with it. 
 
 " Secondly, The Teacher's particular office is, to wait on teach- 
 ing, to expound fcriptures, and confute errors. Tit. ii. 7, 8. 
 -2 Tim; ivV 2, 3. And this is no lefs the pallor's office. 
 
 " Thirdly, The ruling Elder'^,"or helping office is, to overfec 
 the lives and manners of men; to whom alfo double honour is 
 due, I Tim. v. 17- Rom. xii. 8. He alfo mufl take care of 
 God's houfe, Heb. xiii. 17. i Tim. iii. 5. 
 
 " Fourthly, The next officer is a Deacon, i Tim. iii. 8. who 
 is to ferve talsles, that is., the Lord's table, and the tables of all 
 others in the church, that fliall want his fervice. He alfo is 
 to be dedicated to the church's fervicCj as the word Deacm im- 
 ports, Afts vi. I, &c. * 
 
 " Fifthly. For the affiftance of tlje Deacons there are widows, 
 of whom, fee i Tim. v. i6. who are likewife to ferve the 
 church, Rom. xvi. i. moft probably in looking to the poor and 
 
 fick. ' .. . 
 
 " Sixthly. There are, for thefurtlier e4ifying of the church, 
 ordinary prophets, who, though they be not fuch as wait on 
 the miniftry, or are wholly given up to it as yet, are fuch as 
 being gifted, may fpeak, as they be permitted, or defired, to 
 edification, exhortation, and comfort, i Tim. iv. 15. 1 Cor« 
 xiv. 3, 29, 30. •" _ 
 
 " Thus far of church-ofiicers with their offices : Now follow 
 the duties of private members, as they are related to their officers 
 and 10 each other. , 
 
 " In 
 
t^ ABIStOHro? THE 
 
 " In relation to their Elders, they are to honour thefti^ 
 iTim. V. 17. Submit to and obey them, Heb. xiii. 17. To 
 provide for them, efpeciaUy fjch as labour in the word an4 
 doiftrine, hiving dedicated themfelves thereto, 1 Cor. ix. 7- 
 I Tim. V. 8. Gal. vi. 6. To pray for them, Heb. xiii. 18. 
 Col. iv. 3. Eph. vi. 18, 19. Ncit to grieve them, Heb. xiii. 17. 
 Nor to fpeak roughly to them, I Ti'Ti. v. i. Nor haftily to re- 
 eeive an accufation againft the:n, i Tim. v. ig. 
 
 " In relation to one another, they are, 
 
 " To have and preferve love among themfelves, Eph. iv. i, 
 a. To ftrive for the beft gifts, efpeeially. that they may 
 prophefy, i Cor. xiv. 1. Taking heed that they prefume not 
 above what is meet, Rom. xii. 3. To admonifh, exhort and 
 leprove each other, as in Matt, xviii. 1 Theff. v. 11, 14. 
 To ftrive to excel in hoiinefs, Heb. xii. 14. More particularly 
 — The rich are not to defpife the poor," James ii. 6. But to com- 
 rnunicate freely, I Tim. vi. 17. Heb. xiii. 16. The poor are 
 not to be idle, nor charge the church nnneceflarily, z Theff. iii. 
 II, 12. The young are to honour and reverence the aged, 
 I Tim. V, I, 2. The aged are to be examples to the young. 
 Tfie ftrong are to biar the infirmities of the weak, and not to 
 o;rend t^em in things indifferent, but to refpeft them, i Cor. x. 
 32. and xii. ^3, 24. The weak are not to take upon them the 
 place of Chri-ft in judging their Brethren, who are the fervants 
 of Chrift, Rom. xiv.. i, z, kc, 
 
 " So in all things, if every one would more carefully follow 
 peace and Jiolincls, and aft his own part, there would be no 
 jarrings and divifions, nor yet corporal or fpiritual wants, but 
 each member exercifing his feveral gift,, the whole body, as the 
 apoflle (heweth, being fitly joined togetlkr, and torapafted by 
 that which every joint fupplies, according to the elFeftual work- 
 ing in the meafure of every part, would make increife to the 
 edifying of itfelf in love," After this, 
 
 It was farther ordered, " that the propofals which fliall be 
 fent, b" any particular church, unto any general meeting here- 
 after, be delivered in writing. And in cafe there be any mat-, 
 ter of controverfy, tl|at their arguments be ftated, and there- 
 with delivered. 
 
 " Ordered, that the next general meeting be held (God will-> 
 in'T) at the //ay, the laft, fourth day of the next firft month," 
 Then the whole is figned in the manner following-, 
 
 «' The Elders and Meffengers of the Church at Ilflon, 
 
 John MyUs Harry Griffith 
 
 Morgan Joms John Da-vh 
 
 WiUiaTti Tbomett Hugh Matthfws. 
 Marfan J'jnti 
 
l^^'ELSH ifiSSOCIATIO N, i^c. 1656. 15 
 
 The H^erS) and Meffsngers of the Church at the Hay, 
 Walter Proffer Thomas Waikins,, 
 
 Cbarlei Gar/en 
 
 The Elders of the Church at Uantrifaini. 
 Dwvid Daws Ho'wel Thomas 
 
 Thomas Jofeph Thojiias Jones. 
 
 The Elders and MefTengers at Ahergakietmy, 
 William Prich^fd Richard Rqffer 
 
 Anthomy Harry • Richard Jones. 
 
 Ihomas James \ 
 
 The MefTengers of the Church at Caermarthen. 
 Robert Morgan ' Rhydderch Thomas.'" 
 
 Here are twenty one Elders and MefTengers 'of the five Churches, 
 of whom eleven or twelve were minlfters then, or foon after, and' 
 foine of the others a kind of helps. 
 
 At this meeting it was agreed to fend a copy to each church 
 of the antwer to the query regarding the feveral duties of offi- 
 cers and members. 
 
 Here our materials begin to fail. The Abergavenny record* 
 give no account of any miore general meetings' than thefe three j 
 therefore large breviates or minutes of them have been given, 
 by which we may form an opinion of other general meetings, and 
 their buiinefs. By thefe it appears that they were improving 
 (^very time.- The minutes of the Hay meeting very probably, 
 are in the, Ilfton book that was carried to America. 
 
 We have an account of only one general meeting more during 
 that time of liberty. Perhaps that was the chief of all theii' 
 ^eneralmeetingsfrom 1650 to 1660. Liberty was not long after' 
 that continued- . This general meeting was held at Brecknock, on 
 the tvc'enty-nitith and thirtieth of the fifthmonth, 1656, Before this 
 it is ptobabje they had the meeting at, the Hay, and one or two 
 more. They agreed at this time to publilh a Traft, whofe title 
 page runs thus, " An Antidote againft the infeftion of the Times; 
 or a, faithful ^aif^-ovor*/ from Mount Sion to prevent the Ruin 
 o,f Souls: whexeby fome fpecial Confideratimis are prefented to 
 Sinners, Admonitions to Saints, and Invitations to Backfliders.— 
 Publifhed. for the good of All, by the Appointment of the 
 El^^rs and Meflengers of the feveral Churches of Iljion, Aberga- 
 venny, Tredynog, Caermarthen, ■ Hereford, Bradivardine, Cludock, 
 aljd Llangors, met at Brecknock l£c." the d^te as above. Four 
 paflages of fcripture are added 'as mottos. " London : Printed 
 for r. Sreivfter, at the thj-ee Bibles, at the Weft End of St. 
 Piivi]'.s,. 1656." 
 
 This 
 
id A HTSTO RT OF tHE. 
 
 TMs traift contains fifty-five pages fmall quarto, clofe printed :> 
 it is a home, aiFeftiotiate a^drefs to the three charafters men- 
 tioned above. In that to finners, p. 16. it is noted. " That 
 fjnce the enjoyment of precious liberty, to hold forth the word 
 of God to poor ftraying fouls, many thonfands are come to the 
 profcflion of the Gofpel ; and particularly the poor country 
 wherein we live, may for ever blefs the Lord, and remember 
 with thankfulnefs all fuch as were inftruments for the good of 
 their fouls, in procuring the much envied, and too fliort-lived 
 aft for the propagation of tlie Gofpel in Wales, wlieireby many 
 ftumbling-blocks were removed out of the way, and the true 
 ■and faithful fervants of Jefus Chrift encouraged to preach the 
 Gofpel with freedom and countenance, and fo in a few years fuch 
 a change is wrought, even in the darkeft places, that it is won- 
 derful to behold what abu'ed^nee of- heavenly wifdom and grace 
 hath, through the preaching of the Gofpel, been poured into the 
 hearts of thoufands of poor ignorant ftraying people." 
 
 Here it may be noted, thati« 1649, there was a complaint 
 made to parliament, that the inhabitants of the Principality of 
 Wales were deftitiite of the means of chriftian knowledge, their 
 language was little underftood, their clergy ignorant and idle ; 
 fo that the people had hardly a fermon once in, a quarter of a 
 year ; and were deftitute both of bibles and cat'echifms.— The 
 parliament took thefe things into confideration, and on February 
 22, 1649-50, an adl paffed for the better propagation and 
 preaching of the Gofpel in Wales — and to continue for three 
 years. CommilTioners were then appoinl:ed to ejeft ignorant and 
 feandalous minifters, and to plage others in their room. ■ Of 
 thefe things, fee NeaWs Hiftory of the Puritans, vol. 4. page 15, 
 ri6, &c. This aft for the propagation of the Gofpel was pro- 
 cured by the influence of Meflrs. V^a'uafor Ponuell, Jenkin Jones, 
 ^c. Many fpoke and wrote againft it, and many for ii. Bup 
 the benefit of it continues to this day, fliort as it was in. 
 juration, 
 
 ^s yet we have found no account of any Othpr general meet- 
 ing in Wales, after this of 165(3, till the revolution : it is very 
 probable there were feveral after that before 1660, but fome 
 notice fliould be taken of tlje number and names of the churches 
 at this meeting : we had but five in the three preceding meetings, 
 but eight in this, and in the latter but three of the former five. 
 How can a fl:ranger account for this? It feems, that publication 
 entitled An Antidote, &c. was defigned before-hand, in vindi- 
 cation of tlie B<iptiils, fo much then fpoken of and written 
 againft. Mr. Richard Harrifon was a noted popular Baptift mi- 
 nifter, at Hereford, probably he was at Brecknock by defire, fo 
 Hereford is named though not in Wales ; nor in the conneftion. 
 The Hay is not named, but Cludoek^ and Bradiuardine, two 
 branches of that church are. It feems by this time, that they 
 were uncomfortable at the Hay, and Mr. Walter Projfer gone 
 from them and fettled at Tredyaock, not far froin Llantri/aint, in 
 
 Hr Men- 
 
IVELSIi AS S OCIAT ION>, &?<:. 1656. i7 
 
 Manmouthjhire, for he is named by Dr. Calamy as ejefted from 
 that place a few years after. It feems Mr. Projfer was at 
 Brecknock, therefore that place is named. Llangors was a branch 
 of Aherganienny, or perhaps Mr. John Ed'wards, a member of 
 that church, was then fettled by the commiffioners at Llangors ; 
 fo he being at Brecknock, tlie place might be named on that 
 account. For fome reafon Llantrifaint was not named at 
 Brecknock : we may be confident this is near the truth, if not 
 quite. The Baptifts in that time of their infancy, as feparate 
 churches in Wales, were confiderably under the fcourge of the 
 tongue. The pen and the prefs were employed againft them, 
 as appears by the preface of the above antidote. Mr. Cragg's 
 large and virulent hock, on the fubjeA of Baptifm, came out 
 this year. And the people called fakers, particularly yein 
 Moon, and fome of his friends, printed papers about, this time 
 againft the Baptifts in Radnorjhire and Llanafan, and thofe on 
 the border of Montgomeryjhire. Mr. Backus in his hiftory^ 
 (vol. i. p. 460.) • informs us, that the Baptift churches in 
 Wales, gathered by Mr. Myles and others, publiihed a con- 
 feffion of their faith, which was publickly oppofed|by Georgt 
 Fox the Quaker. So they had a loud call for the antidote.' 
 A figlit of that confeffion of faith would be very gratifying * ; 
 but the Brecknock tra£t is a good evidence of the Orthodoxy 
 of our brethren in thofe early days. 
 
 This is the laft account we have of the affociation in the 
 timeofthe commonwealth. Very probably it continued for 
 three or four years longer; but the reftoration of Charles II. 
 in 1660, fooji put an end to the liberty of the Nonconform- 
 ifts ; and the tyranny which followed hindered their affociating 
 for about thirty years, till the glorious revolution 
 opened the way, near the clofe of 1688. 
 
 Of the Elders and MeiTengers named above (page 14, 15.) 
 the following were mlnifters then, or afterward : John Mjles, 
 Morgan Jones, William Thomas, Morgan Jones, Walter Proffer, 
 Thomas Watkins, Jia'vid Da'vies, Thomas Jojeph, Ho-mcU Tho- 
 mas, Thomas Jones, William Prichard, Anthotff Harry, Robert 
 Morgan and Thomas Proude. The laft is not there named; 
 it feems he was abfent from the aflbciatioji at Llantrifaint in 
 1654, but he was a kind of colleague to J, Myles. Several of 
 thefe were fet in parifti churches by the commiffioners, in- 
 ftead of incapable minifters. The following are named by 
 Dr. Calamy, in his Abridgement, among the ejefted minifters. 
 J. Myles, Thomas Proude, Ho-ivell Thomas, Thomas Jofeph, 
 Morgan Jones, Da'vid Danjies, and Walter . ProJJir. Thefe 
 feven belpnged to the aflbciation, unlefs Da'vid Da'vies might 
 be another of the name. The following are alfo among the 
 ejefted, who were not in the affociation: ' Jenkin Jones, Mr. 
 Abbot, Mr. Milman, Wafkin Jones (faid by Dr. Walker to be 
 
 * T« the Author of this Hiftory. 
 
 B an 
 
an Anabaptift, but fome Psdobaptifts fay he was not,) Henry 
 Williams and Va'uafor PovielL Thefewere zealous minifters, 
 and all Baptifts, uiUefs we except' M-. Watkin Jomi, who was 
 an aftive, ufeful man. Above (fee page 14.) there are two of 
 the name of Morgan Jones mentioned at Llantri/aint, as 
 meffengers from Iljlon ; but Dr. Calamy mentions only one. 
 Yet Dr. Walker, in his SufFerings of the Clergy, part lid. 
 p. 338. mentions a Morgan John mcceeding Theodore Price at 
 Lalefton, &c. in Glamor ganjhire. It feems lie was the fecond of 
 the two ; a learned man, and an anceftor to the Rev. Mr. 
 Morgan Jones, now of Hammerfmith,''at3.r London; Dr, W. 
 fays he was an Anabaptift. Probably he died before the ejec- 
 tion, fo could not be va.Dr. Calamfs liii. Dr. Walker,- -paxl I. 
 p. 160. fays, iha.t Anthony Harry vfa.s alliowed by the commif- 
 fioners to- preach at, and receive the profits of, Llanniihangel ; 
 from which place John Griffith; A. M. had been ejefted. He 
 ' was a member of 4berga'venny ; received by letter from Llan- 
 trifaint. Probably he died before \!a& Bartholomeia' (^icdoLQia.. 
 Mr. John Ednuards was mentioned above * as fettled at Llan^ 
 gors. MeJJrs. Thomas E'vans and E'van Boiuen, have been 
 named before f . We know not what were the fufferings of 
 tlie latter, nor when he died. The former was an ejefted 
 minifter, thpugh not mentioned in Dr. Calamft account. He 
 lived,, preached and fuffered, from the Reftoration to the Re- 
 volution ; was a truly worthy fervant of Chrift, and died in 
 168!?. Mr.' Hugh E'vans was k truly laborious, acceptable 
 Baptiil minifter in Radnorjhire, from 1646 to about i'656, 
 ■when he finiihed his courfe. John Moon called him " a blind 
 prieft in Wales ;" but the deceafed man's charafter was well 
 defended in print, in 1658, by John Price and William Bound. 
 Me£rs.^ Francis Giles and Thomai Parry were alfo named be- 
 fore t . They weathered out all the perfecution from 1660 
 to 1688. Dr. Chriftopher Pf'ice was in the miniftry about 
 1650, or foon, after; of him more below. Henry Gregory 
 and Lewis Thomas entered on their niiniftry at the beginning of 
 the perfecution, or perhaps a little before. 
 
 Thus it appears that there were near thirty Baptift minifters , 
 in /i^«/fj in the time of the commonwealth ; and that moft 
 of them lived to the reftoration, and felt the bitternefs and 
 fiercenefs of the perfecution that followed. There were befides 
 feveral affiftants, and occaftonal exhorters, not named here. 
 
 Of Mr. J. Myles, his removal with feveral of his friends 
 to America, his forming a church at Rehohath, Jiis ufefulnefs 
 at Bojion, in Nevj England, &c. and his death in 1683,. fee 
 Backus^ Hiftory, where an excellent account is given of him. 
 Dr, Cotton Mather, as quoted by CVo/^y, fpeaks very honour- 
 
 ■ Page 17. f Page i. J -fage 10. 
 
 ably 
 
WELSH .ASSOdiATION, (^c 1555, 15J 
 
 ably of him. l)r. Calamy only fays, that he was aft Ana- 
 baptift, and went to Neijii 'England. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Proude, a good ^man, one df the ejefted tni- 
 nifters, is named properly in the firft edition of Dr. Calamfs 
 Abridgement. ' It was probably through careleffhefs that his 
 tiame was printed Froude in the fecond edition : -Crojby and 
 Mr. Palmer have followed the" erroneous copy. Dr. Calamy 
 Only fays of him " an Anabapdft.'* 
 
 Mr. Jenkin Jones was very aftive, ufefulj refp'eftSble, and 
 much of the gentleman. He was called Captain Jones, and 
 had been in the army. It is faid, that as he was Onc'e going 
 to preach, a perfon way-laid hiih^ with a refolutioit to kill 
 him ; but coming up to him, he was (b ftruclc with the come-i 
 linefs and majefty of his perfbn, that his fpirit failed, and 
 he went to hear him, and was much aifedled with the fervice. 
 Dr. Calam) calls him a Catabaptift: though he fays, that he 
 hj^been_ brought up at Oxford^ was a p¥&acher before the 
 war, , took pains in feveral counties, was, impriforied, &e. 
 We know not when or where he iiniibed his courfe. 
 
 Mr. Walter Pyojfer ftands in our lift above*. He Continued 
 a laborious, worthy jpinLller. W°e have no account of the 
 time of his death. Z)r. C«/aOT(i orily juft names Mm. 
 
 MeJJrs. Honuel Thomas, Thomas Jofeph and Morgan Jonesi 
 of Lanmadack, are mentioned by Dr. Calamy, as ejefted iri 
 Glaf^rganjhire. He treats them all with contempt, but does 
 not fay that they were Anabaptifts. But Dr. Walker f^eaki 
 out, that H. Thomas and T. Jofeph were Anabaptifts. Dr. Ca- 
 lamy fays, that the latter was an ingenious huftjandman, but 
 an ignorant preacher ; and yet Dr, Walker calls him a flioe- 
 maker 
 
 Of Mr. William Thomas, fomethiiig was faid jib'ove f . Dr: 
 Ci/amj) hath two of the name ; ons m Glamorganpire, and the 
 other in Carmarthen/hire: he ftyles the latter an itinerant 
 Probably he was our William Thomas, as he preached {6 oheti. 
 about Carmarthen ; but it feems he difed in Monmauthjhlre, asi 
 an old book, in that county, contains this manufcript iiote : 
 " William Thomas, a preacher of the true Word of God, de- 
 " parted this life the 26th of July, 1671, and was buried at 
 " Llantrifaint." Another manufcript account fayj, that Mr. 
 Walter Proffer vt&^ eminent iri the miniftry, arid preached ofteii 
 at Llantrifaint to W.Thomas's people ; by this it feems that ; 
 the former furvived the latter. _ 
 
 Of Mr. David Da-vies' s aftivity and ferVices, forrie account 
 is given above %. What became of him in the perfecuting 
 times dpes not appear; nor when he died. 
 
 Mr. Abbot is faid, by Dr. Calamj,'\o have been ejefted 
 fi-om Abergavenny. He was a Baptift. The relatior^ c/f the 
 
 * Page 15. f Page 9. ' % Piges 6, 7, 9-11, 
 
 B 2 6onferehGe 
 
ze 4 HIS-fORt P THE 
 
 conference at Aherga-uenny *, in 1653, fays, page 2^. " Mr^ 
 " Ahbets (Abbot) preacher, refident there; one who had 
 " been dipped, being in the pulpit with Mr. Tombs, flood 
 " up and faid, &c." Mr. Crojby names a Mr. Abbot, the firll 
 of five gentlemen of learning, who, he fays, left the efta- 
 bliftiment and joined the 'Baptifts f . 
 
 Mr. Va-vafor Po-uuel Was exceeding laborious and ufeful in 
 Wales, and a great fufferer. He died a pfiio'hei' in the Fleet, 
 1671, and was buried in Bunhill-felds, London. His life was 
 printed not long after. 
 
 Mr. Henry, Williams is named by /7r. Calamy among thofe 
 ejefted In Montgomeryjhire ; the Dodloir gives him a very goo^ 
 charaAer, but hints nothing of his being a Baptift. " He died 
 about 16S5, aged alaout 6o."t His fufferings were great. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Jones, the 4tH elder at Llantrifaint §, probably 
 fettled with a branch of that people, which met at, and 
 about Kelligart iii wl 11 g ii l rii l;' F n r mr il l ii l ri 1 rhnrrh in if i j if , 
 in r'n ri n ii j_i iniii i j ii P ii j^n i i ii n i rnt inrl nl i ii i 11 i l iii i m 1 l i i rj^ 
 There were fome gentlemen of property and influence iri 
 that clmrch. By, writings .and circumftances, it is conjec- 
 tured that he died about 1675. Thus we have about twenty, 
 Baptift minifters in Wales, who 'ended their days before 1689 ;' 
 moft of them, if not all, men " of whom the world was not 
 Worthy." 
 
 The following minifters, df the' fame perfecuted denomina- 
 tion, bore their teftiniony thro' all the" hardfhips from 1660 
 to 1688. Meffrs. Henry Gregory, Thomas Parry, Thomas 
 Wqlkins, Ghrijiopher Trices William Prichard, Francis Giles, 
 Thomas Quarrel, William Milman, Lenuis Thomas, Robert 
 
 Morgati, and John ;£rf''t«flr^J.«v\\e<,X/\0-iToA JSvrtJtii, . 
 
 Dr. Calamy names Mr. William Jones, ,as ejefted in Car- 
 marthenjhire. He was wrong informed regarding the name of 
 the place ; or the name was wrong printed. When Mr. William 
 Jones was ejefted, he was an Independent. Some time after 
 the ejeftment, he was taken arid caft into Carmarthen caftle 
 for preaching. 
 
 In that confinemelit, he, and fome of his fellow-prifoiiers, 
 had feyeral converfations iipon baptifm. The colifequence 
 was, that he was feiretly perfaaded, in his own mind, that 
 believers b4ptifm was the real Scripture one. But he kept 
 his conviftion to himfelf while in prifon. After he was li- 
 berated, he was determiried to anfwer a good confcience ; he 
 took his journey to the valley of Olchon, the church in tha^ 
 place being reputed both very ancient and regular, and 
 there he Was baptized; probably by Mr. Thomas Watki-nsi 
 He returned home, informed a few friends what he had done', 
 
 * See pagd, te, f Crolby, vol. iV. (1. 451. + Galatay's Account, 
 p. 712. ^ Mentioned ill page r^th of this Hillory. 
 
 and 
 
fTELSn ASSOCI.^riON, Sfc. 16^9. 2 
 
 3.nd,gave his reafbns for it. This, it is fuppofed, was about 
 1665 or 1666. 
 
 Be it noted here, that hitherto the Baptifts were in the 
 eajiern fide of South Wales, except a few about Carmarthen, and 
 they were in mixed communion with independents, not only 
 in the two churches in the counties oi Montgomery anJ Denbigh, 
 but in moll, if not all, of our congregations in Wales. 
 
 It was not long till Mr. Jones began to baptize. In 1668 
 a church was formed on the borders of the counties of Pembroke 
 and Carmarthen. The conftituents were thirty-three. Mr. 
 Thomas Watkins of Olchon, and Mr. William Prichard of Aber- 
 ga-venny, affifted in forming it. Mr. W. Jones was foon chofen 
 the Elder of it, arid-other officers were appointed in proper 
 time. Of this church called RuJhacrfhoQxs below. 
 
 When liberty of confcience paffed into a law, early in 1689, 
 the bowels of the London minifters yearned over their brethren 
 in the country, who had been fo long in the ftorms and tem- 
 pefts of perfecution, and they wiftied to learn their ponditions. 
 Hence they fent a circular letter through England and Wales, 
 dated July 28, 1689, inviting the churches to fend Elders and 
 Meflengers to a general meeting in London, on the 3d of Sep- 
 tember enfuing. The time was rather fhoft ; however about 
 one hundred and fifty met, from about an hundred churches. 
 The following Meflengers from Wales were prefent : from 
 Pembroke/hire, William Jonesi, Paftor ; and Griffith Hcmjoell, 
 The names of feveral of the places in th? printed narratives 
 of that meeting are wrong. All the places mentioned in Wales 
 are, wrong fpelt, except Siuanzey, fo fpeltthei}, it feems, 
 and fo ftill the place in America, where Mr. J. Myles fettled : 
 ,MmmouthJhire, William. Prithard, Paftor, Chriftoph^r Price, 
 Minifter ; 'S^Zanz^Sl^Sir'&^iu, Va&QT, Francis Giles. 
 Here we have fix minifters from Wales in the general meeting 
 in London. The bufinefs of that aflembly was too copious to 
 be here inferted*. Among many important things, thejjC 
 agreed to fet forth a ConfeJJion of Faith ; and thirty-^Bgir'of 
 the minifters figned their approbation of it, in behalf of the 
 whole aflembly, amppg whom were, Chriftopher Price and 
 William Prichard from Wales. Let this fuffice for' the yeaf 
 1689. We proceed to, 
 
 1 690. The general meeting was in London, the 9th of Jum, 
 this year. The printed narrative of that meeting does not 
 give the ngmes of the minifters then prefent, only of twenty 
 who figned the General Epiftle, or Circular Letter to the 
 churches; nineteen from the feveral parts of England, and 
 William Prichard from Wales. One particular bufinefs of that 
 meeting was, to divide the churches in the feveral parts of 
 England ■i.-oA. Wales, into proper, convenient aflTociations. The 
 churches in South Wales were fornie4 into one aflTociation, and 
 
 * It may be feen in the E.iptift Regifter, Part £h« Ift, 1790. Epjtor. 
 Bi they 
 
2i A HISrORT Of THE 
 
 they go under thefe ijames in the Narrative, Langon, Bir- 
 ga-venny, Llaniaanarth, Blainegnuant, Golchon, Craig-yr-allt, 
 Lan'vabon, Tnys-'uach, Rujhacre, and Lanyd'wr. Iljion was left 
 out, now called Siuanfia. A. ftranger might fuppofe tliefe 
 to be ten or eleven churches ; but they were no njore than fix. 
 The three' laft were only fo many places where the fame 
 church met to worfliip for niany years. Craig-yr-allt and 
 Llanfabon were two places where Kelligar church commonly 
 metsand Ll'angwm was the former Llantrifcfnt church, and Dr. 
 Price became one of their Paftors, and i^vefal members of 
 Ahergan)enny joined them. Llanixienarth is about two miles 
 weft of Jberga'uenny, and a church was formed there, branch- 
 ing to Blaenau, Llangors, &c. Swanfea, as we have faid, was 
 omitted. 
 
 Dr. Chrifiofher Price was a gentleman of property, near 
 Aherga'venny. He Was brought up at firft to phyfic and furgery, 
 fo went by the title of DpSor. He was a very worthy 
 charafter. Two papers yet preferved, in his own hand-writ- 
 ing, contain an account of the Weljh churches this year. 
 t)ne paper is a jough draft, the other tlie fair copy fent to 
 the General Aflembly in London. They are not the fame 
 'uerbatim, but both afford more light than one. He begins 
 with Jiis own church. In one paper, he fays, it met at Llan- 
 gium and Abergavenny ; in the other, at lAantrifaint and Aber- 
 gavenny, of courfe they met in the three places. The church 
 ctaiifted of atout eighty members, fcattered as wide as twen- 
 . miles. Brother ^fl)-r«/ was the other Paftor, butheprefided 
 , iefly at Llantrifaint and Langium, and Brother Price at Aber- 
 gaisenny ; the former had to affift him. Brother William Mil- 
 man and Brother Walter Williams ; the latter had Brother Na- 
 thaniel Morgan. Brother Robert Jones alfo affifted in the 
 church. Brother John Ed'wards alio is named as an ancient 
 faithful difciple, Mr. N athanifil;Mprgan was a gentleman of 
 property and repute. HiSbiug'hter was mother to the pre- 
 fent Dr. S. Stennett. l^f. i^arrel is mentioned by Dr. 
 Calamy among the ejefted niinifters as at Oivejiry; and Mr. 
 Palmer adds, that he was the firft paftor of the congrega- 
 tional church at Shretufiury, in Oliver's time, and afterwards 
 preached there as often as the violence of the times would 
 permit. It is fuppofed the church at Shrenxfiury were Baptifts, 
 with, perjiaps, a few Independents among them. Mr. 
 garret was a North Wales man. He lived to a great age, 
 about twenty years after the Revolution. His houie at Llan- 
 g'wm is known ftill. 
 
 Dr. Price calls Llanmenarth and Blaenau two congttga- 
 tions, though as yet Ijut one church. The members at the 
 former place about eighty, at the latter about thirty. Brother 
 William Prichard Paftor ; Francis Giles, Damd James, John 
 spencer and Morgan William, afliftants. 
 
 Olchon 
 
WELSH- ^$S.SC I^tlON, &c. 1690. sj 
 
 Olcifon, about thimr members ; Brother Thomas Waikins 
 Paftor, and Brother Thomas Parry 3ffiiling;> This is a. great 
 decreafe fince i654,.when they laid fo wide ; but perfi?cution 
 and quarrels made iad work. It fcemis the; Dodloifdoes not 
 reckon Llanigon in this account, , and fixes the niimbers every 
 where rather by guefs. '> 
 
 Cr-aig-yn-allt, about fifty or fixty members, no Paftor ; fonic 
 gifted brethren ; their names not mentioned. Ordinances 
 adminiftered; by '&);oxh&x Leiuis Thomas, and Brother Robert 
 Morgan, alternately ; they had a long way to_ come from 
 S'wan/ea, v/here they were paijors. This church in a thriving 
 condition; hearers numerous and many members lately added; 
 
 Siuanfea, Brother Lewis Thomas, and Brother Robert Mor- 
 gan, Elders. ^ ' . - '- '<'''.' ^ ' 
 
 ■Pembrokejhire, Brother William. Jines, andi Brother Griffith 
 Hoiuell, Elders, This was t\\tjixth church. 
 
 He mentions two other fmall congregations in one of the 
 papers, but they were only branches of the above churcIii^tCrf- 
 
 This account to London was intended to Ihow what minifters 
 were in ftrait circumftances, that they might receive fome 
 affiftance from the fund. A letter * from Dr. Price to Mr. 
 1/aac Marloiu, one of the treafurers, intimates that the latter 
 had written to the former to define the account. The Doftor 
 tliere fays, that formerly he had procured from Brother 
 Woollajion X, at feveral times, foir or five hundred pounds 
 for poor minifters, but, had then received nothing from him 
 for five years paft ; yet had obtained fome fmall films from 
 charitable perfons in io9</«K, for the purpofe. In another let- 
 ter he fays,, tha,t he had been forty years in the miniftry, but 
 had received nothing, for: his labour therein; nay, that he 
 affifted others often, whicih no doubt was the cafe. 
 
 From. the identical letters f which the churches or con- 
 gregations at Blaenau, Llanivenarth, Ohbon, and Craig-yr-allt. 
 lent to the aflembly in London, 1,690-; it appears they were 
 five churches ftill as in 1655, with this difference, OlchoU in-, 
 ftead of Hay; Llaniueiiarth inftead oi Aberga'venny i Llanfri- 
 faint, as before, but Langnxim and Abergavenny branches of it ; 
 Siuanfea inftead of Ilfton ; Craig-yr-allt, a new church, and 
 Carmarthen diflblved; tlie remaining members joined to 
 Siuanfea church, which laid very wide. 
 
 The church in Radnorjhire rndkLlanafan makes 'Ccts Je'venth, 
 '^hey had left the aflbciation, as noted above. And probably 
 the Circular Letter from London in 168^, did not rSach them. 
 vAs they are not in tlie London narratives, we may conclude 
 they fent no meflengers tliither. But they were ftill a repu- 
 table people. M. ^ . E'uans'vra.s lately dead, as obferved be- 
 fore, but the venerable Mr. Henry Gregory was ftill alive. Here 
 
 * Ip. the pofleffion of Mr. Thomas. -|- Mr. %hoivas has them, 
 
 J yjliavfUS JJrolher H^illajlon ? . Editor., ^ • 
 
 .84 it 
 
i» ^ HISTORY OF THE 
 
 it ftiould be. noted, that about 1683, or 1684, fome of the 
 members of this church emigrated to Pennfyl'uania, and in 
 January 1687-8, with a few more, formed the firft Baptilt 
 Church in that province, of which one of them, Mr. Samuel 
 Jones, in time became the minifter. He was a very benevo- 
 lent, aftive, folid, man, and of great ufe to that church in its 
 infancy. From that fmall company fprung two or three Bap- 
 tift Minifters in America, particularly that great charafter 
 the late Rc'u. Ifaac Eaton, M. A. whofe name will be preci- 
 ous for ages. Ind«^^. many went from Wales to Pennjyl- 
 niania * ; and a ctSn^efable number of the firft conftituents of 
 the original churches beyond the Atlantic emigrated from the 
 Principality. 
 
 i6gi. In the London Narrative of this year, Chriftofher 
 Trice is among the feventeen who figned the epiftle to the 
 churches. Whether any one elfe from Wales attended at that 
 general meeting, we cannot fay. There we have the churches 
 .'i)9^'^ales named pretty nearly the feme as in 1690, but much 
 better than in 1689; they were now divided into two affocia- 
 tions ; thofe in the eajf to form one, and tlie Pembrokejhire 
 church, meeting in three different places, to form the other. 
 Let us proceed to 
 
 169Z. This year the General Assembly in London, 
 confidering the diftance, expenle, and inconvenience of tra- 
 velling far, agreed to divide the London Aflbciation, fo to 
 have one in London, as before, and one at Brijiol, to meet at 
 different times of the year, and keep up mutual fellowfliip and 
 correfpondence. This was to eafe perfons at a diftance. In 
 the Narrative of 1692, places and minifters are printed, as in 
 1689, but fome of the blunders in the one are correfted in the 
 other ; yet not thofe which belong to the Principality. One 
 of the fix former minifters is omitted, the other five as before. 
 The brethren of the Principality, in future, were to attend at 
 Brijiol, it being nearer for them. 
 
 1693. The Wejlern General Meeting was at Brijiol, accord- 
 ing to appointment. Among the eighteen who figned the 
 Circular Letter this .year are, George John, or Jones, and 
 James James. Thefe were both from the Pembrokejhire church. 
 The reader may not be difpleafed here with the following 
 ftiort digreffion: 
 
 It was obfervfid above, that this church was conftituted in 
 .i66-?j being the midft of the perfecuting time. But tlirough 
 all they did not only^iive, but thrive. In future years, it 
 acquired the title of I^he College, as it produced fo many 
 valuable minifters. On a perufal of their records, their ftate in 
 1689, will be found thus : their number of members one hun- 
 dred and thirteen ; that is, eighty more than at their firft forma- 
 
 * See Mr. F.d-wanis's Materials towards a Hiftory of the Baptifis 
 in Pciufjy/vantiia. p. b, &c. and p. j6. Printed in 1770. 
 
 tionj 
 
WE'LSB ASSOCIAriON,.-^i. J696. 25 
 
 tion, being then about thirty-three, fifteen of whom were yet 
 alive. Tliefe one hundred and thirteen refided in thirty-eight 
 parilhes, with this exception, that a few' of the parilhes were in 
 two counties, viz. fifty-nine in Pemhraktfaire, thirty-five in Car^ 
 martheiijhire, and nineteen in Cardiganjhire. Among thefe tJiei:e 
 were eleven in the miniftry ; fome of whom had laboured long, 
 and fuffered much; oihers were juft entering on the work; 
 their names were, William Jones, Griffith Ho-well, George!- 
 Jonts, James James, Thomas David Rees, Thomas Griffiths. 
 E-van Da'vid, John Jenkins, Richard Williams, John Da^vid^ 
 and Samuel Jones j and, foon after, Morgan Griffiths, if he 
 had not then begun to preach. Thefe twelve were not ooca- 
 flonal helpers merely, bat minifters of note, who wore well 
 to tlie lail, a!s will appear concerning feveral of them below. 
 After this, liberty being eftablilhed, the denomination 
 fpread ftill wider. This railed oppnfition from the Fa:dobapi ifts, 
 particularly the Independents. After feveral debates, both 
 fides agreed to preach upon baptifin at Pen-y-lan, in Pem- 
 brokejhire. Mr. John Thomas, ike: Independent minifl;er,ipreacli- 
 ' ed firfl on infant baptifm ; Mr. John Jenkins, pafto • of 
 the church at Ru/hacre, on a future day, preached on believer's- 
 bapdfm. The conlequence was, th.it i m >w y of the Inlepen-, 
 dents were foon after baptized. This was in 1692. This 
 affair fo alarmed the Psdobaptifts, that they applied to Mr. 
 Samuel Jones, oi Glain-^rganjhire, to defend the fiibjedt ; but he , 
 declining it, his former pupil Mr. James Onxien, then at 
 Ofuiejiry, Shropjhire, undertook it. In 1693, his book came 
 out, entitled. Infant Baptifm from Heaiiiu, printed in the 
 language of the country. This, it is thought, was the firft 
 traft on infant baptifm that appeared in , Weljh. It was alfo 
 turned into Englijh. Mr. B. Keach publithed an anlwer to it, 
 which was tranflated into Weljh, and alfo Norcott's Book on the 
 fubjedl ; fo that the Baptifts loft no ground. 
 
 1694 and 1695. Here it may be obferved, that, hitherto 
 the friends in the Principality had met to worfliip in private 
 houfes, and fhifted as they could. In 1695, a very conve- 
 nient meeting-houfe was built at Llanivenarth. The land 
 was given by Dr. Price, in a leafe of two hundred years; at 
 he expiration of which, it was to return to the right heir. 
 TJiis was the firft place eredted by our denomination in the 
 Principality. About this time died the venerable Thomas 
 Watkins of Olchon, who had ferved the church with great re- 
 putation for about fifty years, and left a wsTy honourable 
 charafter behind him. 
 
 1 696. At the general meeting at Brijiol this year, there 
 was a Query from Wales which ran thus : 
 
 " Whether it be lawful for an orderly gofpel church to 
 divide by general confent, into twp, or more churches, fof 
 the fake of edification, when the members live tar afunder, 
 
 and 
 
t$ A HISTORY OF TITS 
 
 and are perhaps numerous?" The anfwer was in the afiirma- 
 tive, thus : 
 
 " That which is adapted to promote the glory of God, 
 and the good of fouls, ihould be done, FM. iv. 8. And it 
 is evident that thefe things are fo ; as church members hereby 
 better anfwer the end of communion, and keep, the order and 
 the difcipline of Chrift more to his praife, their mutual edi- 
 fication, and the fpreading of the Gofpel. But care fhould 
 be taken to have minifters in each part, and each part ihould 
 be fufficient to keep up church order." 
 
 In this cafe, the afl'embly gave thefe direftions. 
 
 1 . To write down the names of the members of the whole 
 church, and the part to which each chufe to join. 
 
 2. To keep a day of public falling in each part, where 
 tlier^ fhall be a minifter, or where minifters and people are 
 called and gathered together. Then to make their confent 
 public, with fupplications tp God for his prefence and blef- 
 fmg. Then to give inftruftions and jcxhortations to the par- 
 ties fuitable to the occaiion, that they may behave as the 
 church of Chrift. This Ihould be done, in one part, by the 
 elder of the Other part, or rather by one belonging to another 
 church. 
 
 This year the Blaenau church was conftituted, probably 
 according to the above advice and diredUon. Their firft 
 Paftor was Mr, ^^W Morgan, of whom more hereafter. 
 They had been aibrkncli ' <!i~Llannvenarth about thirty-five 
 years. 
 
 We fuppofe it was this year likewife, that Glandiur church 
 was formed, according to the fame advice and direftion. 
 This had been many years a diftant branch of the P,embroke- 
 Jhire church, and wrongly called Lhnyckur. The elders of 
 this new church were 9 homas Da'vid Rees and James Je.mesy 
 who both lived among them. There were now eight churches 
 in Wales, and Radnorjhire made the ninth. 
 
 1697. This year died the great and worthy Dr. C. Price, 
 who had, for about fifty years, laid out himfelf zealoufly 
 and honourably in the caufe of Chrift, and his afjlifted peo- 
 ple. Through the long perfecuticn he readily relieved tlie 
 diftrelTed, and eafed many in their ftraits, not only of his own 
 denomination, but other perfecuted and oppreffed DifTenters. 
 
 1698. Our brethren from Wales ftill continued to attend 
 the Wefiern annual meeting, which was this year at Taunton ; 
 but by reafon of their diftance from the different parts of 
 Somcr/et and Devon, where it was fometimes kept, the 
 €xpenfe of travelling, and many other inconveniences, they 
 earneftly wiftied to have an Affociation among themfelves : 
 nor does it appear that they much attended the aflbciations 
 appointed in 1690 and 1691. 
 
 1699. This year a new church was conftituted at Trofgoed 
 (now Maes-y-berllan) four or five niiles north eaft from Breck- 
 nock, 
 
WELSH ASSOCIATION, iic. 1700. 1.7 
 
 mck. The cionftituent? were fome. from Llauwenartb and 
 Llangors, and fome who had been in communion with Inde- 
 pendents, &c. Their firft Pallor, Mr. Richard William!, froin 
 Pefhbrokejhire, was named above*. '0/f/6o» not havirig been 
 fettled with a paftor fince the death of Mr. T. W. the new 
 and old church defired Mr. R. Williams to take tlie paftoral 
 care of both. He complied, and the two churches, and alfo 
 LlanigQu included, united during his life. A very large and 
 laborious charge, but he attended it cheerfully, and filled his 
 office with great fatisfadlioji. 
 
 This alfo was the laft year the friend's from the Principality 
 travelled over the water. The wefterji meeting was at Taunton 
 again this year. The Blaenau records contain the breviates of 
 thofe meetings at Brijlol, &c. to 1699; and then add, ■" Now 
 " follow the affairs of the Welsh association." Tlie 
 MefTengers from Wales had attended in tondon four years, 
 and at Brifiol and Taunton feven years ; eleven in all. 
 
 1700. Tie AiTociation was a,t Llanwenarth, on the ffiith of 
 the third month May. Our denomination then began the 
 year on the firft of March. Here were thirteen Queries pro- 
 pofed and anfwered judicioully andfcripturally ; but moit of 
 them refpefted church difcipline. About this time died thefe 
 thr^e worthies; 
 
 I.Mr. William Jones, the father of the v/eftern churches 
 in Wales : he fuffered . much, and was imprifoned at Carmar- 
 then and Hwuerfordnueji , yet was in great repute among the 
 gentlemen of both counties. He laboured, but not in vain 
 in the Lord, as will appear in thefe papers. 
 
 2. ^r. Thomas Da'vid Rees, he lived in Cardiganjhire, and 
 had very confiderable property ; he was eminent for his hof- 
 pitality ;' a great fheker in the Gland'wr part of the church ; 
 and his memory was long precious. 
 
 3. The venerable Mr. Henry Gregory, in Radnorjhire. He 
 likewife had honourably weathered through all the perfecu- 
 tion from the Refloration to the Revolution. He kept a fmall 
 farm to fupport his family. He was fined, and his cattle taken 
 away, but he Iiv«d and died in great repute. 
 
 About xjOQ, Mr. Morgan Griffiths, named before, became 
 Pailor of the church at Craig-yr-allt, which had been without 
 a Paftor for about twenty-five years. They were ferved month- 
 ly ty MeJJrs. Lenuis Thomas, and Robert Morgan, alternately; 
 and other gifted brethren fupplied the reft of the time. 
 
 1 70 1. The ijieeting was again at Llaimuenarth. The ac- 
 count of the bufmefs of the meeting is thus introduced : 
 *' Queries propofed and refolved at a general, meeting of the 
 " minifters, elders, and meffengers of the feveral churches, 
 " under believers baptifm, and laying on of hands, at Llan- 
 
 * See page, 25. 
 
28 Ji HISTORr OF THE 
 
 " <wenarth, the ninth and tenth days of the fourth month call- 
 " ed June 1701." 
 
 The Queiies ^re twenty-four in numher, all uppn dirclplinc, 
 feveral of them pleafing ; a feiy fuited to thole times ; and 
 fome referred to the difcretion of the r^fpeftive churches, It 
 is probable all the churches had copies of the Queries and 
 Anfwers, inftead of a Circular Letter. It does not appear that 
 fermons \vere yet introduced at the aflbciations in Ekgland 
 or Wales^ The time was fpent in prayer, and confultation, 
 how to promote the intereft of the churches. The anfwers to 
 the Queries here were figned by Lewis Thomas, William 
 Prichard, John Jenkins, Robert Morgan, Richard Williams, and 
 ^Abel Morgan. All worthy names. Probably more minifters 
 attended", tUoUgh thefe only figned. The next meeting ap- 
 pointed to b? at ^nuanfia, on Tuefday in the Whitfun-weelt 
 1702. 
 
 In this year, 1701, a decent agreeable meeting-houfe was 
 built for the P embrokefnire church. Upon a ftone on the in-, 
 fide of the building, a Weljh infcription was fet ; in Englijh 
 thus ; " This houie was erefted at the charge of John Evans 
 "■ of Llwyndijur, in the year 1701, for the ufe of the people 
 '■ who hold the fix principles in Heb. vi. i, 2." Mr. John, 
 Evans was a gentleman of eftate, and confiderable property ; 
 remarkably generous and hofpitable. The meeting-houfa 
 was called Rhyd-voilirri, by which name we Ihall now call the 
 chiirch. This was the/econd Baptills meeting-houfe in Wales. 
 
 This year was alfo remarkable for the emigration of fix- 
 teen members, v/ith their families and friends, from the 
 churches at Gland-wr and Rhydiuilim to Pennjyl'uania. -One of 
 the fixteen was Mr, Thomas Griff ths, a minifter named above. 
 Mr. Morgan EJtu.irds, in his Materials, calls this, " a church 
 emigrant." This company found out good Mr. S. Jones, and 
 company, who had failed near twenty years before, and were 
 fettled at Pennepeck, now Lonver Dublin. From thence Mr, 
 Thomas Griffiths and company removed, and having formed 
 themfelves into a regular church, they fettled at a place 
 whicli they called WelJh TraJ. Two more of the fixteen 
 turned out fucceflive Paftors of that church. This was th^ 
 fecond Baptift church in Pennfyl-uania. 
 
 1702. A letter from -one of the churches to this affocia^ 
 tion exprefles their joy, that the general meeting in Wale\ 
 was again revived and raifqd from the grave of oblivion ; 
 and mentions the ufefulnefs of fuph meetings,- &c. 
 
 The Circular Letter this year begins thus : " The Elders, 
 " Minifters, and Meflengers, met in aflbciation at Swanfea 
 *' the 26th and 27th of the third month,, 1702. To thtj 
 " feveral churches to whom we relate, viz. Llanwenarth, 
 '' ^beryjlryth, Olchon, Radnor, Feltndre, Newhoufe, Llanon, 
 <■* and the brethren in the Moor,-. — greeting." 
 
 Here 
 
PYkLSH ASSOCIAriQN, Ssfc. 1704. t^ 
 
 Here the names are different from thofe which are given 
 Above ; but the whole may be eafily reconciled thus : Snvanfia 
 is not named in the addrefs ; Ltanfin and the Moor weie twd 
 diftant branches of Snuanfea. Thefe formed two churches 
 tnany years after, as will appear below. Aber^rph is the 
 name of the parifli where the Bleanau church met. FeUndn 
 is the name of another place, where Glandwr chu/rch met. 
 The Newhoufe was Raydiiiilim. Radnor/hife) no\V joined the 
 aflbciation. So here were properly but feven churches. Llan- 
 trifaint and Craig-yr-atlt, are not mentioned among them. Pof- 
 iibly it was an omiffiort ; or, perhaps, they fent no MefTengers 
 this year. The Letter thanks the focieties for fending their 
 Meffengers ; mentions peace in the churches, the judgnients 
 of God abroad, the wars in Germany, &c. A day of folemn 
 failing was appointed. The ilext aflbciation to be at Llantue- 
 narth, on Tuifday and Widnefday in the Whitfun-week : the 
 firE day to be fpent in failing and prayer, and a fermon on 
 that day ; the fecond day to anfwer queries, &c. There were 
 About 20 qiieries difcuffed at Swanjca, all upon difcipline. We 
 have no names' iigning here. 
 
 1703. Ax Llanivenarth, the 1 8th oi May, feveral queries 
 were propofed, and anfwers given ; and it was agreed, that 
 no perfons except Meffengers only (hould attend conful- 
 tations and debates. Indeed, the primitive deiign of affociating 
 was private confultation. 
 
 It was dbferved, that, laft^ year, a fernion was appointed to 
 be preached this year, but we have no account by whom, 
 and poflibly no perfoii wbs named ; but, at Udti'iucnarth, the 
 next affoclaiion was appointed to be at Swanfea, and Brother 
 Richard Williams to ■pre.a.ch. The whole was fignedby the 
 Minifters above named in 1701, and, very probably, they 
 figned in 1702, though we have no account of it. 
 
 1704. The affociation met at Sivatifea in the Wliitfun- 
 week, 26th of May. There Were fix or feven queries anfw^ered 
 here. This year's letter is not more than twenty lines. 
 
 It fays, that " the churches were moftly in peace and unityj 
 " enjoying an addition to their number ; that the MinillerS 
 " and Meffengers had a happy meeting, being all of one mind 
 " to follow what maketh for the peace and intereil of the 
 '' churches ; and that the^, as one man, deflre the churchei 
 " to follow vifhat maketh for their own peace, and not to let 
 '* in fuch controverfial and difputable matters as may difturb 
 «' their felicity." 
 
 It is flgned by Robert Morgan, John Jenkins, John Grif- 
 fiths, Jojhna James, Richard Wiltiajns, Abel Morgan , Morgan. 
 Griffiths, Morgan^ Jones, Thomas Price, IVilliam jfhillips, Na-' 
 than Davis, and Caleb Evans. There are nine more, feveral 
 of them in the miniftry, and fome Meffengers. Here they 
 defire every church to take care to, keep up in pradllce the fix 
 principles mentioned in Hehre'ws vi. i, 2. 
 
 The. 
 
30 ^HISTOKTOFTHE 
 
 The heroic and very venerable Lewis 'Thomas did not iign 
 at this meeting. At his own place, in former years, his name 
 was always the firft; but, in the March preceding this meet- 
 ing, he v/ent to reft/ He wd.i the fucceflbr of the juftly cele- 
 brated yohn Myks who fled from perfecution to AmerUa, 
 where be met with many trying exercifes, but fei^ed the caiife 
 of Chrift and his people very honourably. Mr. Lewis Thomas 
 fucceeded at Ilflon, Swanfea, &c. and ftood his ground, was 
 meek as a lamb, laborious as the ox, and bold as a lion. He 
 not only ferved his own^church through the perfecution, but 
 vllited, comforted, and animated the other churches far and 
 near. Aged people, about 40 years ago, fpake very cordially 
 in his praife. An elegy upon his death notes that many fouls 
 had been converted under his miniftry; that^ though he was 
 plundered and imprifoned, he would not forfake his profeffion, 
 and fin againft God. His aged colleague, Mr. i2, Morgan, 
 was now feeble, fo the proper fucceflbr ioJUr. L. Thomas was 
 Mr. Morgan jfonts ; his grandfon, of the fame name, lives 
 BOW at Hammerfmith, near London. 
 
 At the above meeting, it was defi.red, that the churches 
 would take care to fend one or two of the mofl; fit and judi- 
 cious brethren to the aflbciation as Meflengers ; and one or 
 two of the moft likely young brethren, that they alfo might 
 learn for futurity. 
 
 They appointed, the next meeting to be at Llanwenarth, and 
 Brother Philip James to preach the aflbciation fermon. This 
 gentle'man was a native of the parifli where Mr. Robert Morgan 
 lived, and was educated for the eftablifliment ; but his embrac- 
 ing religion among the perfecuted Baptifts, procured him the 
 fi'owns of his wealthy parents, fo that he could not live com- 
 fortably in that country. He was paftor of the Baptift church 
 at JVartvich for a number of years, .and from thence removed 
 to the church at Hampjlead, Herts, of which he was paftor 
 many years. He had fuch knowledge and (kill in phyfic that 
 his common title was Dr. James. He died there in 1748, far 
 advanced in years. The late worthy Rev. Mr. Samuel James, of 
 ■ Hitchin, in the fame county, was his fon. ' 
 
 This year, another branch of RhydtuiUm church, which 
 tnet at Kilcam, and Kiho'wyr, formed, into a church, arid,,for. 
 their paflor, they chofe Mr. Samuel Jones, who was one of 
 their number, and had long laboured among them with great 
 acceptance. This made the tenth church. 
 
 1705. The aflbciation met at Llanwenarth, May 29. Here 
 nine churches arc named in tolerable order. The new churcli 
 at Kilcam is called Whitchurch, the name of the pariflt ; and 
 Glandwr is called Velindre, the place, penhaps, where they 
 then moftly met. Trafgocd is not named, but included iu 
 Olihon, as they had but one pallor. Llantrifair.t wqs declining, 
 and it feems fent no Meflenger. The Letter this year was not 
 touch, if any, more than halt as long as laft year. Here three 
 
 queries 
 
PVE LS II ASSaCIATIOlf, &fc. 1-706. 5I 
 
 qweries upon difcipline are judicioufl]^ anfwered. Thirteen 
 perfons figned ; William Prichard the firft. They had all 
 figned the laft time but he and Thomas Parry. Here it is faid ; 
 " Let every church take care to provide money according to 
 " their ability, to bear the expenfes of their Miniftcrs and 
 " Meflengers to and from the aflbciation, and likewife to con- 
 *• tribute, if there be oceafion, to other neceifities." 
 
 Next aflbciation to be at Swanfea, to begin Tiiefday in the 
 Whitfua-v^eek, Brother Abel Morgan to preach, or, otherwife, ^ 
 Brother Morgan Gri^/Aj!~Tlii3TT'the firft time we notice any 
 one named in cafe of failure. 
 
 About this time tw^o worthy men died, who ought to be 
 had in everlafting remembrance, efpecially among our deno- 
 mination. 
 
 ■ ifl. Mr. Gri^th' Ho-well, vfho is ^nji^pofed to have been the 
 firft baptized by Mr. W. Jones in Pembroke/hire. He was a 
 ^tntleman of property,- and lived at Riijhacre, his own eilate. 
 His houfe was the firft and chief place of worftiip among oui; 
 friends for many years. He alfo was in the niiniftry j a rsjm^rk- 
 ably hofpitable man 5 generous in various ways. He wore well 
 through all the perfecution, and, after it, travelled far and 
 near. 
 
 2d. Mr. John E-oans, of Llwyndiur, near Tnys-'utfch. He 
 was defigned for the miniftry in the eftablifhment, and fent to 
 grammar fchool with that viewf ; but, when fit for Oxford, in. 
 ftead of going- to the Uni'oerfity, he joined the Baftifls, and 
 was baptized in 1673, when Mr. Griffith Howell^wzs in prifon 
 for religion, acc(](rding to the information of his worthy and 
 aged daughter. 
 
 Thefe three, G. Hoivell, J. E'vans', and Thomas Davhljt't 
 were pillars to bear up thi? poor church in troublefome times • 
 one lived near Gtandwr, the other near Tnys-'aach, and the 
 third at Rujhacre. Mrs. Griffiths, late of Glanrhyd, was 
 Mr. J. Evans'i daughter, and furniflied out, many particulars 
 refpeifting her father. She was a worthy member at Rh"d- 
 Tw/isj for many years._ She died in 1776, aged 86. Her fon 
 E. Griffiths, Efq. is in the commiffion of the peacs, a gentle' 
 man of reputation, a judicious, aiftive magiftratc, attends at 
 mteting, is very nfefulto the church, friendly, hofpitable, and 
 ready to afiift. 
 
 1706. Sivanfea, Whitfun-'cueek. The Meffengers met ac- 
 ■cording to appointment, but underftood that there was a prefs- 
 gang in the towii, and, at that time, they were very eao-ej' 
 to prefs young men, efpecially from among the Baptifts. "fh" 
 minifters confulted and agreed, that it would be prudent tcr 
 drop the public meeting, and difappoint hoftile defigns j 
 fo they did, and went" all home. But they appointed the 
 next meeting to be_ at Llanwenarih, and Br. Morgan Gr'if- 
 fths to preach. This affair is recorded in the Blaenau BooJt-, 
 and then it is thei-« added. That but few things happened af 
 
 the: 
 
S* A HlSTORT OF THE 
 
 the aflbciation worthy to be recorded from that time to 
 1711. 
 
 1 707. At Llanwenarth, fourth of the fourth month. Three 
 queries were ai^fwered. The, letter is ftiort, as before. It 
 o'bfervesi that the Churches were in .peace, (ome much en- 
 larged. The next mjjeting to be at Rhydwilllm, in the 
 Whkjun-itieek, Brother Nathan Davis, or Brother Galei JE-ua/u 
 to preach. 
 
 No names to our copy of this- year. A faft to be kept in 
 every church before the next affoeiation. 
 
 Mr. Morgan Edwards's materials, page 22, fay, that 
 Mr^ Pwin Thomas was a native of KilmaenUwyd parifh, went 
 to jimerka this year, 1707, and in 1740 became paftor of 
 the church at Weljh Trail, mentioned above. Mr. Thomas 
 Grijpthr V13.S the firit paftor there, as already obferved. He 
 was fucceeded ■ by Elijha Thgmas, who is fuppofed to have 
 been a fon of the very ufeful Thomas David Jcees'. , ,The next 
 fucceflbr there was Mr. Enoch Morzaa, a younger brother to 
 
 M r. ■ji ie l M jTS^"'- mentioned above. The former had a 
 fon named \y'"*""after the uncle. But nephew and fon out- 
 fhone the uncle andfather in America, for many year^. Mr. 
 Abel Morgan, jun. is lately dead, bup though dead, he will Ipeak 
 , in that country for a long time to come. Kilmamlltxjyd h 
 not far from Rhydvcilim ; many of the members have lived in 
 that parilh ;- v/hether Mr. O-iuen Thomas -was a fon of any of 
 them niay now be uncertaiti. But it is remarkable, that three 
 of the paftors of that church Ihould fail on the fame bottom, 
 then fucceed each other, and that the next fucceffor flibuld be 
 from Kitmaenlt-viijid.' And ftill, that the next paftor alfo of 
 th^t church ftiould be from the fame country. He ferved; with 
 great»repute to his death in ,1769. /^ 
 
 1708. Rhydwiliin, %i May. . This is the :firft aflbciation 
 •weji of Carmarthen. Hitherto wp fee, it had been kept in 
 the ebji, alternately at Llanvjenarth axiA . Sioanfea s ' s.\v\ it is 
 fuppofed that affairs belonging to it were debated chiefly in 
 Englijh, as the writings relative to it are fo. But after this 
 year, their tranfaftions were in Weljh ; though fome of the 
 churches continued to write their letters in, Englijh. Hence- 
 forward the aflbciation met at different places.. The letter of 
 this year is longer than two or three former ones. It com- 
 plains of lukewarmn^fs, want of love and. zeal. There had 
 bsen confultations for fome years at the aifociations, about 
 aflifting poor members : they did not approve of their going 
 from onecliurch to another, but thought it bell; for the churches 
 to make cqlkaions among themfelves, that particularly diftreflT- 
 ed cafes might be relieved, Tliis year, thanks were returned 
 to the churches for their rcadinefs to contribute^ Three 
 members, in each church, were appointed to take care of 
 thofe colleftlons and diftributicjns. T he next aflbciation ,to 
 be at Trofgoed, Brother John Jenkins to preach, or Brother 
 
 •JS" Samuet 
 
■■»t 
 Sukutl Jones. Mr. Nathaniel Jenkiks was among thofe wlio 
 flgned this year. He was a promifing young man. Mr. Mor- 
 gan Ed-wards, in a Jgtter, dated 5th of November 1784, at 
 Ne'aiArk, P«m0hnmi3i fays, " That Mr; Nathaniel Jenkins was 
 a native of Cardigan/hire, born zjth of March 1678, came to 
 America in ordained minifter in 1 7 10, fettled paftor of a new 
 church at Cape-may, Jerfey; in I712, where he continued to 
 173,0, then removed to Cohanfy, where he continued to his 
 death in 1754." During the 44 years he lived in that country, 
 he acquitted himfelf with no fmall honbur. While in his native 
 tountry, he was in great repute. Aged people have been heard • 
 to fpeak of him very refpe6lfully. It feems he was originally 
 a member of the Gland'wr church.. 
 
 1709. Tro/goed\, Whitfun-week. Of this meeting we hav« 
 hot been able to find any account ; nor do we yet know where 
 the next was. About this time were removed three other wor- 
 thies, irt fome refpefts, though not in all, of more worth than 
 the three mentioned in 1705, MefiVs. Thomas parrel, Ro- 
 bert Mof'gan and Thomas Parry. We have faid, that th« 
 former was pallor at Shreiufiury, in the .time of -the Cpmmon- 
 Vealth, about 1653, and he is' named among the ejefted mini- 
 fters about 1660, before he fettled at Lang^m. He wore well 
 to old age. 
 
 Mr. Robert Morgan figiied at the three General Meetings i.a 
 1653 and 54, as a laeffenger from Carmarthen. It is not cer- 
 tain whether he was then in the miniftry. When the Carmarthen 
 church broke up in the troublefome times, he, with others, 
 very probably> joined Ilfton church, and was a colleague with 
 Mr. Leiuis Thomas, fervmg that church and Craig-yr-allt, as 
 obferved before- He kept a fchool great part of his days, and 
 reared a large family through the many hardships of thofe times. 
 He had a fon whofe name was John, a very promifing young 
 maft for the minillry, of confiderable literature. . He was chofen 
 by the church at Warnuick^ and accepted the invitation. He 
 took leave of his friends cheerfully, but died in about a week, 
 and was buried in the meeting-houfe in JVar'wici, with this in- 
 fcriptipn on his ftone ; " To the memory of Mr. John Morgan, 
 of Landilti, in Glamarganjhire, Minifter of the Goffel. He de- 
 parted this life the izth of May 1 703, in the Z^h year of bis 
 age. 
 
 Sift' ad'vena-' Mors tihi etiam fropinqua eft." 
 
 He was the immediate predeceflbr of Dr. James, above nam- 
 ed, who probably compofed the infcription ; they were boih of 
 the fame parift. It is rather extraordinary, that Mr. Reece, 
 the prefent paftor at Warwick, ftiottld be a native of the (ame 
 parifli. It is conjectured that Mr. Robert Morgan's eldefl foa, 
 
 * By the Author of this Hiftory. 
 
 f The Rev.. Author of this Hiftory -tras a, mejuljjr of the cl»urcli at 
 T/ofsoe<i aight yeA,rs. Editos.. 
 
 Q ef 
 
34 
 
 A tits f 6 RT OF ri^E 
 
 of fes Own name, was the firft fchoolff-after of the charity-. 
 fehool, fet up by the Diffenters on Harjley-Do'wrt, Soutbiuarkf 
 London ; being then a member, and an occafional teacher it* 
 Mr. Stinton's churdh, afterwards Dr. Oill's, now Mr. Ripfon's. 
 He behaved well in that place tiH his\ death in 1723. Mr. Rj 
 Morgan, fen. it feems, was not a popular preacher, but an intel- 
 ligent man. He correfponded with Mr. Keach ; one or two of 
 his letters are yet in being. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Parry figned at the meeting in Aherganienny, in 
 1653; he became ferrous about 1640; he was a plain country 
 man, occupied- a Ihtle farm, and fometimes followed a trade; 
 went not much from home, kept the meeting at his own houfe, 
 was truly ufeful, and bore a very good charafter. Some of his 
 great grandchildren, and their children, are now members 
 among the baptifts in London, one at Leominjier, and others in 
 Wales. 
 
 1 7 10. We have not found where the affociation was held this 
 year. An article or two may be inferted here. 
 
 1. From the beginning to this time Craig-yr-allt church met 
 to worfliip at different friends houfes, as it fuited ; but the 
 paftor Mr. M. Griffiths obferved, that when the Lord's fupper was 
 adminiftered, none but the members would ftop to fee it. This. 
 year they erefted a very good and decent meeting^houfe. It is 
 in the parifh of Kelligar, and called Cefn-Hengoed, pronounced 
 Kenien Hengoed, bat, for brevity, commonly called Hengoed; 
 
 and fo we fhall call it. A few years before this, Mr. Da'vid 
 
 Rees was raifed up in this church, and became a worthy gofpel, 
 minifter. At length he was chofen paftor of the baptift church 
 at Limehoufe, L^ondon, He> difcharged the duties of his ftation 
 with great repute," about fort^ years. He died in 1748. His 
 funeral fermon was preached by the late Dr. JoPeph Stennett, who 
 had been long intimate with him. The fermon is printed, and 
 contains a good charafter of the deceafed. In it, the Doftor, 
 fpeaking of his ordination, fays, •' The public work of that 
 day fell chiefly on my honored Father, and the late Rev. Mr. J. 
 ■Piggott.'\ _ 
 
 2. Emigration. Mr. Morgan Ednvards's INjIaterials name three 
 wlio arrived in America in lyio, Mefl'rs. Jeikin Jones, Benja- 
 min Griffiths, and David Da-vis. Though neither of them ap- 
 pears to have been a church member then, yet the three became 
 minifters of no fmall repute in America, as is well known there. 
 The former went from Pembrokejhire, and was the firft paftor of 
 the baptift church at * Philadelphia. He died in 1761. The fecond 
 was a half brother to Meffrs. Abel and Enoch Morgan, by the 
 fame, mother. He became intimate and connefted with feveral 
 
 , baptifts from the borders of the counties of Radnor and Mont- 
 gomery, in Wales, according to which names they called parts of 
 
 . * See a pleafing account of Kim in EdwarJs's' Materials towards a 
 ullory of the Bai)tifts in Pcnnfylvaiiia, p. 41—46. 
 
 their 
 
ITELSff ASSOCIAT lONy^c. 1711. Si 
 
 Wieir new plantations; He was the firft paftor of the church at 
 Montgomery, in Pennjyl'vama. He had a colleague ivomRddnor- 
 Jhire, Mr. Jofeph Eaton. Mr. Benj'amiit Griffiths was a long while 
 paftor of that church, even to his death in 1768, aged 88w His 
 fon Abel is in the miniflry now in that country, or was lately; 
 Mr. Edwards's Materials inform us, that for the original of this 
 church, '• we muft look back to 17 10, *hen yo/ju E'vavs and 
 wife, members of a baptift church in Wales, whereof James 
 "James was paftor ; and' next year John James arid wife, mem- 
 bers at Rhydnx'ilim, arrived," &c. Very likely Mr. B. Griffiths 
 went over with Mr. John E-vans, being neighbours in tlieir 
 native country .■'-^^-^Klr. D. Dams was the fifth paftor at Wtljb 
 TraS, as hinted above, arid died in 1769. Thefe three Wor- 
 thies emigratedthe fame year, probably in the fame veffel. 
 1 7 1 1 . The affociation was this year, it is fupbofed, at Henr- 
 
 f' Old, as they had now a convenient meeting-houfe, which they 
 ad not before. We have no account of the tranfaftiops here but 
 what Is hinted in the Blaenau book in 1706, recited above, that 
 nothing material occurred in thofe meeting's till 171 1, this year 
 perhaps included. 
 
 We have two emigritidns this year., i. yjX'.JihLMs rza'' , 
 the beloved paftor at Blaenau, in Monmouthjhire. His brother 
 Enoch, and many of his acquaintance, were gone ten years 
 before. He alfo was a native of Cardigan/hire, and other frjerids 
 Jiad failed the preceding year, as juft now obferved. A parti- 
 cular account is preferved of the very aiFeftionate manner in 
 which he parted from his friends, and of the rough weather, 
 and great trials he had on the fea : his wife and child, a fon, 
 died in the voyage : he was twenty-two weeks from the time he 
 Went aboard to the tilne he landed. He fent tack an affeflion- 
 ate moving letter, in Welfti, to his friends, giving a mournful, 
 yet thankhil detail of his voyage, and added, that he was foon 
 to be at the ordination and fettling of his dear brother A^. Jen- 
 •kins, with the new church in the Jerfey. He foon took the 
 leadingcare of the church at Pennepec and Philadelphia, though 
 Mr. Samuel- Jones was there, and had been above twenty years. 
 They both lived in harmony, and died the fame year ; the latter 
 in February 1722, and the former in December enfuing. 
 
 2. Mr. Hugh Da'vis. Mr. Ed-ijcards's Materials fay that he 
 was a native of Cardiganjhire, baptized and ordained at R '-yd- 
 nuilim, and arrived in America the 26th of April 1711. In the 
 Snxianfey records is the following account, which, very proba- 
 bly, Mr. Ednuards had not feen. As there were fo many emi- 
 grations from the Principality to America, poffihly the Reader 
 may not be difpleafed with a copy of a recommendatory letter, 
 taken from the Siuan/ea church book. 
 
 South 
 
fs ji n I s T R r OF f H S 
 
 South Wales in Great Sritaim 
 The cfiurcfl of Jefus Cltrift meeting at Svianfea in Glamorgan'^ 
 fiire, owning believers baptifm, laying on of hands, th^ 
 doftrine of perfonal eleftion, and final perfeverance : 
 
 To any church of Jefus Chrirf, lA the province of Fennfyl'vaniai 
 in America, of the fathe faith allfd mitt, whom this may con- 
 cern.-'-' — Sendeth chriftian falutaticm: grace, mercy, and 
 peace be multiplied uftto you, from Gdd the Father^ through 
 eur Lord Jefus Chrift. Ameui. 
 
 Dearly belof ed brethren iti our Lord Jefas Chrift, 
 Whereas our dearly beloved brethren and fillers, by name, 
 tlvgh Dawd (an ordained minijlerj, and his nuife Margaret, 
 Anthony Mfltthi-t/i, Simon Matthe-w, Morgan Thomas, Samues 
 Hugh, Simon Butler, Arthur Melchior, and Hannah his wife, de- 
 fign, fey God's pefmiiEon, to copie v/itb Brother S or rncy to the 
 aferefaid province oiTertnfyl'vajtia ; this is to teftify unto you, that 
 all the al*ovementioned are in full communion with us, and we 
 eommit all of them, to your chriftian eare, befeeching yOu there- 
 fore to receive them in the Lord, watching over them, and per- 
 forming all chriftian duties towards them as becometb faints- 
 to their fellow members. So we eommit you, and them, to the 
 Lord, arid to the word of his grace, which is able to build you 
 acd them up on the moft holy faith. 
 
 That the peace of God may fanftify yon wholly, and that 
 your and their Ipirits, fouls, and bodies, may be preferved 
 blamelefe unto the coming of our Lord Jefus Chrifl, fliall be the 
 earneft prayer of 
 
 Your brethren in the faith and 
 ©ated the 3d of the 7th Fellowftiip of the gofpel, 
 
 month 1 7 1 ; figned at Mor ^ van J anes. o^ 
 
 our meeting by a part J^hn Daiiid, ^ 
 
 for the v/hole. William Matthenxjs, 
 
 ' and 1 1 more, 
 
 Thefe nine, it is probable, were frosn fome parts of S<wan/ea 
 church, eKcept the minifter arid his wjfe, who alfo were now in 
 full communion with them, having been difeiffed from Rhydixiilita. 
 Of Mr. Simon Sutler much might be faid ; fuffice it here to- 
 ot(ferve, that he turned out a great arid worthy man ; bis com- 
 mon title, long before he died, was Efquire Butler. He died 
 in 1764, aged 77^ Hannah Melchior -was a, daughter of Mf. 
 Robert Morgan abovementioned. 
 
 The Materials fo often referred to, inform us, that the cburcb 
 of Great Falley, in Pennjyliiama, originated from feveral perfons, 
 with their families, that arrived from Wales in 1701 and 1702, 
 of which one was James Davis, a member from Rhydinilim, and 
 another was Richard Myles, who had been a hearer of Mr. Heiiry 
 Gregory, in Radnorjhire, but who was baptized in America. B/ 
 ik^ religious induftry of thefe two families, who obtained mr-^ 
 nifki's to preaeh at their houfes, f9Bi« wer« baptized. The lot 
 
IVELSH A SOCIATJON, ■&(. 1713. J; 
 
 of Mr, Hugh Davis (called Da-jz/V in the aboye letter), and fome 
 others, happened to fall near them, which increafed their num- 
 ber to fixteen. They formed themfelves into a . church in 
 17 1 J, and cho{e Mi. Hugh Davis their paftor. He ferved 
 them till hp died in 1753. This was the third Baptift church 
 in Pennjylvania. 
 
 I J 12. Llan'wenarth, June. We have not the letter of this 
 year, nor any information who preached- But this query was 
 propofed. Whether there were to be ruling elders in the church ? 
 The anfwer was given in the affirmative. The Materials in- 
 form us, that Mr.' tf. Thomas, born in Llan'wenarth, arrived in 
 America 14th of February 171?; was many years an affiftant in 
 the ifliniftry to Mr. B. Griffiths, at Montgomery, died in 1 75 7, 
 and that his fon, Mr, John Thomas, was his affiftant and fuipceeded 
 in the paftoral care of that f hurch. - Mr, William Thomas was a 
 member at Blaenau, lived at a place called RhaJJau, where a 
 branch of the church Jnet. It is thought, that he emigrated 
 ^long with the paftor, though the Materials mention a year to a 
 day between their arrivals. Mr, 4M Morgan went aboard the 
 veffcl at Briftol, on Sept,'} i, and waTtwSfipptwo weeks before he 
 quitted the ftiip ; fo he arrived in Feb, 171 1-12, according to 
 the way of dating before the ftyle was altered in 17^2'. Mr, 
 J. Morgdn might dafe, in the way of the laft pentury, when the 
 year ended with February, The letter, giving an account pf 
 ^he voyage, is -dated Aprtl 1713. In it he defirgs the Blaenau 
 iphurch to take care of the meeting at Rhajfau. 
 
 1713. Rhyditfilim, z6th and z7th of May. The Circular 
 Letter fills two pages folio, clofely written. It is a folid, 
 fenfible epiftle. It laments .declining religion in fpnie places ; 
 the removal, by death, " ofyS fi2any of the moft enjinent ones jn 
 " grace and holinefs ;" and the numbers gone to America. No 
 aceount who preached. The method then was only tg name who 
 was appointed for the following year. Next affocjatiofi tp be at 
 S'wanfea, in the Whitfun-week, Bfother Nathan Dams to preaph, 
 A day of fafting and prayer to be obferved the firft of July, and 
 another to be iji the week before the next affogiation. The lead- 
 ing minifters now were Meffrs. yoha Jenkins, Richard Williams 
 Nathan Datvis sLXid Morgan Griffiths ', Qther$ who- figned here, 
 were Caleh Evans, John Harris, Timothy Levis , Samuel Jones, 
 ^homas Matthias and James Williams. 
 
 Mr. Edvjards obferve^, that in I7?.3> Mr. John Da'vis, from 
 fembrokejhire, arrived in Amerifp. ; was called to the miniftry 
 jn 1722, and ordained in 1732 ; took part of the miniftry witH 
 //. Davis at Great Valley, fucgeeded Jiim there, and was alive 
 jn 1770, when the Materials were printed, fie died in \'T]^, 
 His funeral fermotj was preached by M^ (now Dr.) 5. Jones of 
 Lonver ptfilin, fen^^lvania. The famous Mr. Enoch prancft 
 had now been a f?w yeqrs jn the miniftry ; he began at 19, and 
 was a very promifing acceptable young map. gevergl of Ijis 
 very dear ^^pnds, whq had lately <;roffe4 ^he iVtli^?'U?j wrote to 
 
 C 3 ' Win 
 
g? jt HISTORT OF rUE 
 
 Jlim, and warmly invited him to follow them ; but he ftuck clofo 
 to his native country, and was eniinently ufeful in it. 
 
 1 7 14. 'Swanjia, Whitfun-week. For want of the letter pf 
 this year, all we know is, that two, Queries were anfwered here. 
 It was now a very gloomy time in Eiigland ; the Pretender was 
 like to come in, and the Nonconformifts were in great danger pf 
 another perfecution ; but on the ift of Auguft, enfuing this 
 aflociation, ^eeu Anne died, and was fucceeded by George th« 
 Firft. This remarkable providence difpelled the gloom, and 
 public thankfgivings, many years, were annually^given by thes 
 Baptifts in Wales for the deliverance of the ift of Auguft 1714. 
 
 1715. The Blaeiau records fay, that in ryij no query was 
 propofed. The affoyiatipn this year v/as a,t Heiigoed ; but not 
 having tlie letter, we cannot fay who preached. This year the 
 meeting-houfe at Blaenau was built. MtrntM-^ste^ was fuc- 
 ceeded there by Mr. William Philips and Mr. JohnHwris, both 
 of whom were raifed up in that church ; the former was the 
 fenioripan, but the latter the moft able minifter; he was very 
 aftive at home and in affifting neighbouring churches. He col- 
 lefted the early account of the aflbciations before aiid after 
 1700. 
 
 1716. Ll^niuenarth, May z2d and 23d. The letter of this 
 year contains this paragraph, " We befeech you, that you con- 
 tinue and perfevere in the way of truth, and never forget the late 
 miraculous deliverance which the Lord wrought for us in this 
 nation; when our enemies thought to make a prey of us, thep 
 did the Lord wonderfully deliver." This refers to the Re- 
 bellion in 1 71 5, when feveral meeting-houfes were pulled down 
 in England, and two at Wrepchdm. The death of the Queei^, 
 on the ift of Auguft 17 14, wascpnfidered as the. beginning of thq 
 deliverance ; therefore, at the clofe of the letter, they fay, 
 f We defire that you pbferve tha ift of Auguft, and the fir^ 
 Wednefday of every month throughout the year, in remem- 
 berance of our late deliverance." Two queries were anfwered. 
 Next aflociation to beat Blaenau, in the Whitfun-week. Bro- 
 ther John 'Jenkins to'preaph ; in cafe of failure. Brother Nathan 
 J) amis, 
 
 1717. Bla(nau, June 12. The letter of this year is nqt 
 long, but takes affeftionate notice of the late deliverance, and 
 thfe new favourable King ; reminds the churches to obferve the 
 ift of Auguft, and the Wedriefdays as' before. Next aflociation 
 to be at LlaneUi, Brother Morgan Griffiths to preach, in cafe of 
 failure. Brother John Harris. The letter was figned by Nathan 
 
 ■ Daijis, Richard Williams, Morgan Griffiths, jfohn Harris, Somuel 
 yoncs, Timothy Lewis, Da'yid Jamfs, Enoch francis* And Thomas 
 iDa-vid. 
 
 Radnorjhire and Llanafan have beer) mentipncjd before more 
 
 than once ; they had now been long the fame church, but had 
 
 two'minifters. ' formerly Mr. Thomas Evans was in Brecknock- 
 
 Jhire, and the meeting was kept at his houfe, called Penire. I^is 
 
 - • ^jj^ 
 
WELSH ASSOCIATION, &c. 1720. 39 
 
 fon, Mr. Calei E-Vftis, fucceeded in the Pentre part in Brecknee- 
 Jhire. In Ramorlhire, formerly Mr. Henry Gregory was minifter, 
 but now Mr. Nathan D^'vis ; their meeting place was called 
 Cin'm, commonly written in Englifti Coomb. '1 hey had another 
 meeting place in Montgomeryjhire, called Garth, all one church. 
 This year a mere trifle raifed a fad contention among them, 
 fo that the Pentre part feparated and adminillered ordinances 
 among themfelyes. This affair was laid before the aflbciation, 
 and grieved them much ; they were forry the Pentre part had 
 gone fo far ; they confidered the fubjeft, difapproved the , 
 feparation, gave their fentiments, and defired all the churches 
 to keep the 25 th of the fame month to faft and pray on account 
 of that church, that peace might be reftored, and fttan rebuked, 
 &c. This letter was {\gned hy Richard fFillfams, Philip Jones', 
 Morgan Griffiths, John Harris, Morgan Jonef, Daiiid James', 
 Samuel Jones, James Williarns, and Nicholas Ediuards. 
 
 January preceding this aflbciation, died the excellent Mr . 
 Timothy Thomas, of Perjhore, m IVorceJierpire , v/ho had been a 
 noted preacher in the counties of Montgomery, Denbigh, and 
 Flint, before he removed to Perjhore in 1696, though he was 
 jtlje.n only about twenty years of age.- — A worthy man ! 
 
 1718. Llanelli, Whitfun-week. Llanelli was a branch of 
 Sivanfea church, but in Carmarthenjhire. This letter takes par* 
 ticular notice of the indulgence of providence in placing fuch a 
 King upon the throne. 
 
 17 19. Rhydiuilim, Whitfunweek. The letter this year con- 
 fifted of warnings and cautions to the churches. Thdy were re- 
 piinded of the above-mentioned days of prayer, and were ex- 
 horted to beware of ftn, contention, &c. The reconciliation 
 was not yet made between Coomb and Pentre. Queries were 
 anfwered. The next alTociation to be at Trofgoed ', Brother John 
 Jenkins to preach, if he fails. Brother John Harris. Several 
 .figned this letter. 
 
 On the Z2d of February, preceding this meeting, the author 
 of this Hiftory was born. About this time his father, and 
 fome neighbours, were ftrongly inclined to go to America : lay- 
 ing hold of the infant hand of his new-born child, he faid, 
 " This little hand, probably, will hereafter be ridding and 
 clearing land ip Pepnjyl'vama.'' i5ut it was prevented, and 
 I'rovidence faid. No. " / , 
 
 1720. Trofgoed, WhitfunTWeek. This letter noites, that, in 
 .general, the churches were in peace, and great additions were 
 
 rhade to fome. Direftion was given how to behave towards 
 young men beginning to preach, particularly not to' encourage 
 the bold and forward j n©r to difcourage the low and diffident 
 in their own eyes. About that timer there were two young 
 men, in differpnt churches, of whom Mr. Da-vid Reel's father 
 ■ faid, " Th? people cannot keep R. W. out of the pulpit, nor 
 put E. E. in." The former caufed great trouble, a"d turned out 
 prsinepus in dojSrin?, and profane in pradice. Th;? other wore 
 
 C 4 very 
 
49 4 HlSfOHr OF riis 
 
 very well to ^Id age, but never would be ordained ; yet was aq 
 excellent aflifknt in the minlftry during life and ftrength. Here 
 it was ordered that the circular letter Ihould be read twice in, 
 the year, and' days of thanfcfgiving were agreed upon, as bc^ 
 fore. The next aflbciatiqn to be at Coomb, Radnor/hire, in the; 
 Whitfun-week, Brother John Harris to preach, or Brother Enoch, 
 Francis. Signed by John Jenkins, Jojhua James, Morgim 
 Griffiths, John Harris, Williaik Philips^ Thomas Price, Richard 
 Williams, and feven more, who probably were not minifters. 
 
 y{r. Philip Jones died about this time. He was among thofe 
 who figned the refult of the confultation upon the affair at 
 Coomb and Petttre in 17 17. He was an aflifting minifter at Rhyd- 
 nvilim. FroA feveral circumftances it is conjeflured, that his 
 brother removed to live in Gloucejifrjkire, and was father to the 
 late venerable Mr. Philip Jones; paftor of the church at Upten 
 upon Seijern ; which he ferved with deferved repute about forty 
 years ; and his fon, Mr. Edmund Jones, -was a very refpedlable 
 jninifter and paftor of the baptift church at Exon, Devon, where 
 he died 15th of April 1765, aged 43. 
 
 1731. Coomb, 30th, and 31ft of May. This letter notes in 
 the gqneral, the peace and profperity of the churches ; and 
 minglts various complaints of negligence and lukewarmnefs, with 
 fiiitable exhortations and motives. Two queries were anfwered 
 well. Days of thankfgiving ftUI continued. The next affocia- 
 tion to be at Hengoed, Brother Enoch Francis to preach, or 
 -Brother William Meredith, who was a worthy helper at Llan- 
 'wenarth for many years. Signed by Jehri Harris, Enoch Francis, 
 ■Jfathan Davis, William Davis, M. Griffiths, David James^ 
 iRichard Williams, Morgan Jones, William Meredith, Timothy 
 J.e<wis, &c. 
 
 Though the letter fays nothing of the reftoration of peace 
 ■between Coomb and Pentre, yet this meeting promoted it, and 
 foon after it was brought about. The terms of the reconcilia- 
 tion are inferted in the Blaenau churc'h book by Mr. John Harris, 
 who was a valuable recorder. This year the Baptift ConfeflioJi 
 of Faith, fet forth in io»^»B 1689, was publifhed in PF4Jh. Some 
 churches had, before this, wrote Confeflions therafelves, but 
 agreeable to that form of found words. 
 
 Jn l■J^^, Mr. J*feph frice died, aged 60. He was a native 
 of the Hay parifh, in Br^cknoctjhirf, and preached at Llanigen, 
 Pentre, &c. before 1^89. He undertook the paftoral care at 
 Tenukjbury,, irj Glouufterjhire, 1695, where he was very accep- 
 table and ufeful, as wqII as in the neighbouring churches, till he 
 finiflied his courfe. 
 
 172Z. Hengoed, J 5th and 1 6th of May. Caufes of joy and 
 forrow are mentioned in this letter, and emphatical pbfervation^ 
 made pn the great deliverance by the acceffion of King George^, 
 with a. charge given to mind the days ol" thankfgiving. By this 
 letter, it appears, that cpntpntidn had begun in a church not 
 p.imed ; healing ineafu»es were propofed. Next flflbciation to 
 
 ■■ ■ ^ 
 
irnLSii A&secjArion, ^c 1724. 41 
 
 |ac at Llaniuenarth, Brother Dawd Jttmes to preach, or Brotjjey 
 Nathan Da'vis. This year the mdefztigablejMelJ^^sgasire&e.^ 
 from his labours in Peanj^l'vania,~ hnviag fervedhis generati-Qij. 
 in that country near ten years. He had a particular hand ia 
 raiiing the churph at Montgomery, in tliat province, with fpiri- 
 tual materials from the Ancient Britons. He helped to form 
 them into a church in 17 19; and the very year he died, this 
 young church, very probably by his direflion, called, to the 
 miniftry Meflrs, Benjamin Griffiths aijd Jofeph Eaton, both from 
 Wales, as noted above, and fopn after they were both ordained, 
 as appears from Mr. M. Edi/jards^s materials. Mr. ^. Morgan 
 was but about 49 when he died. Montgomery was the fifth baptift 
 phurch in Pennjyhania, of which four originated from the 
 Principality. 
 
 The worthy affiftant to Dr. Price, abpijt 1689, Mr. Nathaniel 
 Morgan, named above, died 21ft of November 1722, aged 71.. 
 He lived the latter part of his time at UJk Caftie, Monmouthlhire. 
 Befides the prefent Dr. S, Stennett's mother, he Had feveral ami- 
 able daughters, married into religious and refpeftable families in 
 England i it is faid, on? to Mr. Roberts of Abingdon, another to 
 Mr. Noble' of'Bridge-watmr, &c- 
 
 1723. Llaniuenarth, Whitfup-week. The letter of this year 
 jnentions additions to moll pf the churches. Mr. John Harri^ 
 was now tranflating into Weljh, a book, intjtled, " New Hea- 
 vens and a new Earth ;" and he was here encopraged to pro- 
 ceed. A query wasanfwered. Thankfgiving daysftill recommends 
 ed. Hint of the contention mentioned laft year, but no church 
 named. The next affociation to be at Plaenau, Brotiier Nathan 
 Da'vis to preach, in cafe of failure Brother Santkel Jones. 
 Signed by Richard Williants, John Jenkins, Jojhua James, John 
 Harris, Morgan Griffiths', William Meredith, John E'vans, Roger. 
 Walker, Philip Morgan, John Philips, Sa^. Mr. John E'vans 
 ?vas a brother and affiftant to Mr. Ca/.b E'vans, at Pentre; Mr, 
 Roger IValker, a fon-in-law and affiftant to Mr. N, Haniis at 
 'Coomb , Mr. Philip Morgan, a young affiftant at Tro/goed, and- 
 Mr. John Philips, a ypung candidate at Rhydnuilim. 
 
 1724. i5/flraij», Whitlun-week. Many added to fome of the 
 phurches. But this was a moft affliiStive meeting ; the contention 
 jnentioned the two preceding years was by this time grown to aij 
 awful height, frpm a mere trifle, and itf was in the famous 
 and. exellent churfh at Rhyd'wilim. They were now fplit intq 
 jtwo parties, each adminiftering ordinances, receiving ijiembers, 
 &c. one party confifting of about eighty members, and the other 
 ■pf about- one hundred and forty. Mr. John Jenkins with one part, 
 ■and Mr. Dai/id James with the other. The minifter? here were 
 grieved much on account of it ; Mr. Jojhua James, tht paftor at 
 Tblawwenarth, did all he could to reconpile matters, and others 
 alHfted, but all failed then. 
 
 In the letter, there are affe£tionate exhortations and motives 
 
 |o ioye* peage^ and felf-^ejjial, The ijrft We^nefday of each 
 
 ' ^ ^ montjij 
 
41 ^ Hisro Rr F THE 
 
 aianth, for half a year, was appointed for falling and prayer, on 
 account of this diftreffing affair. Next aiTociation to be at the 
 new meeting-houfe near Llanelli, a branch of Siuanfea church; 
 Brother 5(3OTa«/ yoa« to preach, or Brother William Meredith, 
 Thechurcheswererequefted to prayearneftly that the next meet- 
 ing; might be more comfortable. The letter was figned by twenty 
 miniflers and nrcifengers. The aged and refpeftable Mr. Richard 
 Williams was not among them ; he died this year, perhaps before 
 the meeting. He had faithfully ferved Trofgoed, Olchon, and 
 Llanigon,. for many years ; he was a remarkable peace-maker. 
 They had a plenty of trojble after he was gone to reft. 
 
 1725. Llanelli, 1 8th and 19th of May. A mournful letter. 
 The appearance of the churches not as in years paft : from the 
 beginning they commonly commended the churches for their 
 readinefs to fend their meflengers to their affociation; but now 
 they complain that meffengers were] not fent, who might be very 
 ufeful in the meeting. Indeed, minifters and meffengers were 
 much grieved the preceding year : yet, after all, this meeting 
 ended comfortably : the two minifters at the head of the parties 
 at Rhydwdim were prefent, aud each acknowledged his fault, and 
 a foundation was laid for a happy reconciliation. This was in 
 anfwer to many fervent prayers in public and in private. .. At this 
 meeting there was a query_ received from Llantrifaint ; that 
 church was rather in a dying ftate. The churches were defired to 
 obferve days of thankfgiving for what was done towards peace, 
 in proportion to their days of prayer laft year. The next meet- 
 ing to be at Cilfotuyr, (pronounced, ^//■•vozujir) formerly Cilcam. 
 Brother Caleb E'vans to preach, or Brother William Philips ; the 
 latter was the, fenior minifter at Blaenau. Signed by Nathan 
 Davis, Morgan Jones, Samuel "Jones, William Phillips, James 
 Williams, Caleb B'uans, Abel Francis, Griffith Jones, Enian Ed- 
 fward. Miles Harris, and fix more. 
 
 1726. Cilfo=wyr, Whitfun-week. The meeting-houfe here 
 was built ten years before. It is rather a wonder the affociation 
 liad not met in it fooner. This letter obferves, that the churches 
 were moftly at peace, but laments much the bad effefts of con.- 
 tention and ftrife. The Rhydiuilim affair was here finilhed, 
 and direflions were given to cultivate and eftablifti peace. Mr. 
 Da-vid James died before this meeting, but he was at the laft^ 
 and fo at the beginning of the peace. There were valuable 
 men on each fide in this unhappy contention. But through the 
 goodnefs of God it ended well ; it is recorded here as a caution 
 to future ages. There were two queries from Llantrifaint. The 
 brethren about Pontyfool, in Monmouthjhire,wii!;iedxo build a meet- 
 ing-houfe, and to be aflifted. The next affociation to be at S-wan- 
 fea ; Brother 'Natha,n Davis to preach, or Brother Morgan Grif- 
 fiths. Signed by N. Da'vis, Morgan Griffiths, John Harris, Samuel 
 Jones, William Meredith, Caleb Evans, Enoch Francis, John 
 Jenkins, Thomas Matthias, Miles Harris, Griffith Jones, Sec. 
 Soqn after tli^s ir.eeting {•iatlum Davis finilhed JiU cooffe, for he 
 
IVELSU AS SOGIAfrON, !^c. 172?. 43 
 
 died the 8th of June 1726, aged 63. It is rather fingulaii 
 that three fucceffive paftors ftiould each, die at the age of 63; yet 
 fo it happened here to Meffrs. Hsnry Gregory, N. Davis, and 
 Roger Walker ; likewife Mr. Caleb E'vans, a colleague with Mj\/ 
 JV. Dams, and Mr. John Harris of Blaenau,f&.\^^x. tlie fame 
 age. It is eafy to learn how acceptable Mr. iV, Dams was 
 in his miniftry, from his being fo often appointed to preach at 
 the affociation. He Vvas warm and manly in his natural temper 
 quick and ready in his minifterial talents. 
 
 Here it may be noted, that Uantrifamt has^ been mentioned 
 IrTthe nunib"eF6T~c1iurcfiesTrorrrthe begmninS: though it was 
 very low after the death of Mr. parrel : il^was called alfa 
 Llang-wm, UJk, &c. It bore the laft name, efpecially while 
 Mr. N. Morgan lived there, and preached at the Caftle, or near 
 it. After his death there was a kind of a new formation of it 
 at Lantrifaint again ; but ftill it' was weak. 
 
 Till this time we have had no account of any new churcl| 
 fmce 1704, but this year Pen-y-'uaiwa.s coi^ftiluted ; the conftitu- 
 ents were members of Siuanfea and ■ Hengoed. They chofe Mr. 
 Griffith Jones, abovenamed more than once, for their paftor. He 
 jvas fon of Mr. Morgan Jones, the paftor of Swanfea. Now 
 the churches were 12 in number. 
 
 1727. Siuanfsa, 23d and 24th of May. Here the brethren exx. 
 prefs their joy that the meeting was more comfortable than in 
 years part, and that peace was reftored; and that in fome places 
 'z. wide dooc was opened to preach the gofpel. Here was fome 
 debate about 'the eternal filiation or generation of. the Son of God: 
 ,})ut it was advifed, that minillers Ihould preach -the plain, clear 
 gofpel, and not puzzle the people with inexplicable niyfteries. 
 Here was fome debate alfo about preaching to finners ; an4 
 feveral reafons were given for it. The next meeting to be at 
 Rhy'dnx-ilifn, Brother Morgan Janfs to preach, or Brother .E«ofi[ 
 Francis, 
 
 The perfons who began the above debates were confidered as 
 fwerving ^om ths tmth, therefore the churphes were defired to 
 keep a ^y of fafting and prayer on their account, the kft week 
 in June; and they were advifed to be peculiarly cautious in the 
 calling of youiig men to the miniftry. Signed by Morgan 
 Griffiths, Morgan Jones, John Harris, Enoch Francis, Calei 
 Evans, John Davis, Roger David, Samuel Jones, &c. 
 
 There were terms in the reconciliation bstween Ppjitre and 
 Coomb, that were to continue during the lives of the two mini- 
 fters, in their alternate way of preaching, &c. When Mr. N. 
 'Davis died, thefe terms were no longer binding, and the two 
 focieties feparated. Then Ventre fent a letter to the affociation, 
 and has been ever fince a feparate churcl^. This made the num- 
 ber 13. 
 
 1728. Rhydviilim, 1 ith and 12th of June. This is a verygood 
 and affeftionate letter. It contains comfortable accounts from the 
 jphurches, all in peace, and moft of them profperous. One 
 
 '■,■■■■ ■ •!• churc;!^ 
 
44 jgHJSrORTOF TII-E 
 
 church wifhed to have fixed days for preaching on phurch order* 
 difcipline, duties of members, &c. It does not appear whether 
 this was agreed to. But it is obferved, that the minifters who 
 agitated the debates of laft year, agreed with the aflbciation for 
 preaching to finners. There were three young jninifters about 
 tliat time who joined in fome fxngularities. But it is fuppofed 
 fhat it was the man mentioned above, 'vjho could not he kept out 
 pf the pulpit *, that led the other two. He was filenced long ' 
 before he died. The other two refigned the miniftry. The 
 writer of thefe pages long knew the three, and hopes well of 
 two of them ; one of them was,L he believes, very orthodox ; 
 the other had Ms peculiarities about the perfon of Chrift, but; 
 was a ferious man, and inofFenfive in his morals. 
 
 The churches are diredled to read the letter of 1720. The 
 next affociatioii to be at Llangloffan Brother Enoch Francis to 
 preach, or in cafe of failure. Brother John Philips. Mr. Jojhua 
 ya?nes, ^sAor ax Llainveiarth, died in I7?8; a worthy minifter, 
 
 1729. Llangloffan, Whitfun-weelc. This plac;e was adiftant, 
 but fruitful branch of Rhydntfilim. Complaints were now made 
 of fome churches who only fent their letters, but no meffengers, 
 to the aflbciation. The catechifm, perhaps that by Mr. Keach, 
 and Cols on God's Sovereignty, to be both reprinted in Welfti, 
 Arminian doctrines now gave uneafinefs to the Baptifts. They 
 had made difturbances among the Independents and Prelbyterians, 
 for near twenty years before, foon 'after the difputes in London 
 about Dr. CriJ'p's works, and Dr. Daniel Williams's writings . 
 Th; latter was a native -ef Wrexham. 
 
 The fermon preached here by Mr. E. Francis, upon Cant, viii, 
 1 2. was printed. It do;s not appear t'lat any of the aflbciatioq 
 iermofis had been printed before, or for a long while after. 
 The next aflbciation to be at Hengoed, brother John "Jenkins tq 
 preach, 0'!'2>\ax\\sx Caleb Evans. M^ny Signed as ufual ; Danjid 
 O wen from Llanelli, and Thomas Jones of Penyvai, for the firfl; 
 |ime. 
 
 The meeting-hjOufe near Pontypool, rpentioned in 1727, was 
 this year finifhed, and a new church was formed, The confti-, 
 tuents were members from Blaenau, Llaniuenartb, and Hengoed, 
 who were fituated conveniently. Their firft paftor was Mr, 
 Miles Harris, then a very popular preacher, and of great ac^ 
 ceptancs. Now they Svere $4 churches. 
 
 1730. Hengoed. As the letter of this year never came to our 
 hands, we can give ijo epitome of it ; but the meeting was 
 uncomfortable. There were very warm debates upoij general 
 redemption, and other articles connef^ed with it. Mr. E, 
 Francis, jt has been laid, had work enough to moderate fome 
 tempers. His own difpofition was excellent, and he was a man 
 pi no fmall influence. Mr. Charles Winter, a member at Hsn- 
 goed, was promifmg fqr tlie miniftry, and vy^a^ f rjcpuraged tcj 
 
 * See page 39, of this ^iftary. 
 
 g9 
 
bi 
 
 py E L S n ASSOCIATION, £sr.-. I73J. 45 
 
 to Byiflal for further improvement under Mr. Fojkctt's care, 
 ut he chofe to go to Carmarthen, under Mr. Perrot, whofe 
 fcholars and pupils were of the Remonftrants fide, at leaft feveral 
 of them. Mr. Winter, and one or two more of the Hengoed 
 members, at this meeting, pleaded for thofe doftrines againft" 
 the minifters. There were about thirty of that church who 
 fided with Mr. Winter, and there was a talk then of a fepara- 
 tion. Mr. Dwvid Rees, from London, coming into the country 
 to fee his friends, he interpofed, and things were quieted. By 
 the intereft lie had in the aifeftions of both parties, they agreed 
 to continue in communion ; fo the debate ended then, but dif- 
 ferent opinions were ftill held. Mr. Winter continued to preach, 
 but not openly, his peculiar tenets. He was of a quiet and ) 
 peaceable temper. Mr. Morgan 'Jones, the worthy paftor of 
 'Snuanfea, died in 1730. He was a valuable minifter, and had 
 ierved in the church 40 years, or more. 
 
 173 1. Llan-ivenarth, 8th and 9th of the 4th month. The 
 doftrine of the Trinity, and other articles called 'Calviniftic, 
 are fet in the preamble of this letter, which we never faw be- 
 fore in thofe letters. The churches are faid to be in peace ; 
 feyeral added to many of them ; difcipline obfcrved, and the 
 unfound in doftrine excluded. It is noted further, how happy 
 the ancient Britons were till the errors of Pelagius and Arminiu* 
 came in like a flood. Minifters and people are exhorted to 
 take heed to the truth. It is a good doftrinal and praftical let- 
 ter. It was a peaceable meeting. Not having the laft years letter, 
 we khow not who was appointed to preach here. As yet they 
 did not mention in the letter who had preached at the aflbciation. 
 Next meeting to be at Blaenau, Brother Griffith Jones to preach, 
 or Brother John Jenkins. Several figned here, among them 
 Roger Da'vid, the Succeeding paftor at Llanmoenarth, and Da'via 
 Onuen belonging to the Llanelli part of S<wanfea. 
 
 In 1731, a new church was formed at Mole/ton, in Pembroke- 
 jhire. It had been another diftant branch of Rhydnuilifn. Thi- 
 was the third daughter of that mother church. The churches 
 were now 15 in all. 
 
 1732. Blaenau, 30th and 31ft of May. The Confeffion of 
 Faith was prefixed to this letter, like the laft. Joy was ex- 
 prefled becaufe the chirrches did ftrive 'together againft errors, 
 excluding thofe who extended redemption beyond eleftion, &c. 
 There was a query, " Whether it were necelfary and profitable 
 to preach the reign of Chrift upon the earth 1000 years?" Re- 
 ply. " That the Affociation in general looked upon that to be 
 a truth, and under a bleffing, it might be profitable, when done 
 with good light and underftanding, with much caution." 
 
 About 1726 or 1727, many had been added to Blaenau and 
 Hengoed, This occafioned many debates about Baptifm. There 
 were two young miniftert then very zealous in the debate, Mr, 
 M.iks Harris for Believer's Baptifm, and Mr. Edmund Jones for 
 
 Infant 
 
45 AltlsrokTOFTHE 
 
 Infant Baptifm. It had at length fo difturbed the country; tllaC 
 both fides appointed a meeting upon the fubjeft; not fo mach to 
 debate it, as to take more care of tempers, cenfures, &c. 
 There were feveral minitters prefent; fome concefiions made, 
 and one forgave the other, and agreed in futiire to aim at the 
 glory of God, the credit of the Gofpel,and the preferring of each 
 other's reputation. The agreement was written, iigned, at- 
 tefted, ani printed, on half a ftieet. The Baptifts who figned 
 ■were, Mr. Griffiths, oi Hengoed, and Mr. yohn Harris, and Mri 
 M ties Harris, of Blaeaau; the Paedopaptifts, Meflrs. Dwuid Wil- 
 liams, Daniel Rogers, and. Edmund y ones, of Pennymatn ; Jamei 
 Da'vis, Evan Joon, and Jenkin Leiuis, of Merthyr-tydfil ; thele 
 were all paftors, preachers, or candidates. Five attefted the 
 agreement ; the firft of whom was Mr. Fo'voler Walker, the In- 
 dependent minifter at Abergwvenny. This agreement was at- 
 tended to for fome years. It was dated in 1728. But early m 
 1732, a piece upon Infant Baptifm was publiftied in Englifh by 
 Mr, Walker, the firft witnefs above. It was foon publilhed alfo 
 in Welfti. For this realbn our bretiiren agreed, at the Blaenati 
 aflbciatioh, to publifti, in Welfh, Mr. Charles Doe's fmall tradl of 
 40 texts of feripture, on Believers Baptifm ; and a letter was ftnt 
 to Mr. Walker, by Mr. David Rees, of London, turned into 
 Wel(h, and printed the fame year, with a. promife therein, that 
 Ms book would be further confidered atleifure. 
 
 The next aflbciation to be at Pcn-y-fat. Brother jfohn Jenkins 
 to preach, or Brother Miles Harris. 
 
 1733. Pen-y-fai, 15 th and 1 6th of May. Here the churches 
 are all named in the preamble, thus, Pen-y-fai, Hengoed, Pen-y- 
 garn, hlanix'enarth, Blaenau, LlantriJ'aint , Llanigon, Siuan/ea, 
 Cilfowyr, Rhyd-Milim, Pentre, Rock, Molefton, and Nevicajtle, 
 Thefe mull be a Httle explained, to make out the fifteen.. Here 
 are but fourteen names, 0/cAc« /and TVo^o?^ were two before 
 Mr. Richat^d Williams came to them ■; during his time they were 
 as one ; after his death, they were for years uncomfortable, and 
 unfettled ; but, in 1729. they feparated again, and Llanigon 
 thtxi ]omeA Trofgoed. In 1731, Mr. Philip Morgan wa.% fettled 
 and ordained at the place laft mentioned, and Mr. W. Williams, 
 a young man from Cilfo'wyr, fettled at Olchon, the fame year. 
 It feems, there was no meffenger from this place at Pen-y-fai, 
 Unlefs it is omitted in our copy. Coomb was now removed to 
 Rock, and Glandwr to Neiucaftle. By thefe new names they went 
 for many years. So explained, the churches appear to be iji. 
 
 The letter comjjlains of falfe doftrines publicly heard in the 
 miniftry: with thefe two of the churphes were affefted for years: 
 Hengoed is already mentioned ; to which muft be added, Neiii- 
 caftie, which was Mr. E. Francis's own church. He publilhed 
 a book on the fubjeft, in his mild and affeftionate 'way, under 
 thik title, " A Word in Seafon." But his coufia Mr. Mei Fruncis 
 
 took 
 
ITELSH ASSOCIATION, ^c 1735. 4J 
 
 took the other fide, and preached his fentiments more openly 
 than Mr. Winter, and about 1736, went gradually oiF to if. cfe 
 Paedobaptifts, who were with him for general redemption- 
 Here, it fhould be mentioned, that the venerable, worthy, 
 and unwearied Mr. John Jenkins died 3d of July 1733, aged 11. 
 This was foon after his long journey to Pen-y-fai that year, where 
 he was appointed to preach : lie was fucceeded by Mr. Thomai 
 Matthias, who had long been his affiftant and colleague. 
 
 The next meeting to be at Pen-y-garn ; Brother E. Francis to 
 preach, or Brother Roger Dwvid. There were feventeen namea ' 
 to this letter, few of the old ones, Mr. John Jenkins is the firft, 
 and this was his laft time of figning. The young ones were 
 Roger David, Thomas Williams, Ddwd Oiuen, John Morgan, 
 Morgan Harris, John Da-vis, Thomas Jones, Wm. Davis, Sec. 
 moft of whom are named above. 
 
 1734, Pen-y-garn, 5th June. This was the new church and 
 new houfe near Pontypool; and this is a kind ofanew 
 JERA to the Association. In imitation of the Weftern Con- 
 tention, ours agreed to have an Aflbciation book, to write in it 
 the circular letter annually, and for that purpofe it was to be 
 
 . carried to the yearly meeting. In the front of their letter they 
 were defired to mention to the aflbciation, their agreement with 
 the articles fet forth by the Elders and Brethren in London, in 
 the year 1689. The churches were defired to confider things, 
 and give their opinion next year. The letter, in future, was to 
 mention who preached at the meeting, as well as who were ap- 
 pointed for the next meeting. It fays this year. That Brother E. 
 ■Francis preached in Welfti, from Matt. xxiv. 45, and as an 
 additional new favour. Brother Fojkett of Briftol, preached in 
 Englifti, from 2 Tim. iv. 7. The letter expreflis joy that dif- 
 agreeabie debates were in a good meafure ceafed.' The churches 
 were informed that Mr. D. Rees^s Treatife on Baptifm, in anfwer 
 to Mr. Walker, was out. It is a laige and learned piece. The 
 new church at MoJefion had lott all their three officers in one 
 year; their paftor Mr. Griffith Williams, a ruling Elder, and a 
 Deacon; breaches indeed! The next meeting to be at Llanelli, 
 Brother Roger Daniid to preach, or Brother Miles Harris. — ■ 
 Fourteen figned. 
 
 In 1734, died the very aged paftor of Gland'vjr, then Nc'-m- 
 caftle church, Mr. James James, He had been in a confiderable 
 part of the perfecution. It is fuppofed h? was fome years above 
 eighty. Mr. Francis had now been a confiderable time the afting 
 paftor of the church. 
 
 1735, Llanelli, Whitfun-week. An affeftionate letter this 
 year ; the churches moilly in peace, and all of them named right 
 in the front of the letter, except Llanigon put for Trofgoed. Tha 
 agreement with the confeffion of 1689 is mentioned, and it con- 
 tinued to.be fo, in the letters to and from the Aflbciation, ge- 
 jierally, if not ccnftantly, till of late years. Here it was de- 
 fired 
 
^ ^ It I $r RY f I It E 
 
 Ared that the. letters from the churches might not be too Icfhg^; 
 and after confultatlon, it was agreed, that Llanelli fhould be 
 formed into a church, and be no longer a branch ofSnuanfea. It 
 iay far on the Weft, and in Carmarthenjhire, Ma Dawd Onueni 
 one of themfelves, was ordained, and had been in the miniftry 
 sAout ten years. He was chofen to be their paftor, but as 
 S-iAian/ea was yet anfettled, he was to aflift there at times, by 
 agreement. Now there were i6 churches. 
 
 A fuitable and acceptable fermon was preached by Brother 
 Roger Damd, from i Tim, iv. i6. This letter was figned by 
 the former names, with the addition of Evan Thomas, the young 
 and worthy paftor at Mokjlon. 
 
 1736. Rhyd-uoilim, 15th and i6th of June, Brother Miles 
 Harris preadied, from Rom. x. 1 5 , and in the evening Brother 
 Hugh Evans, of Brijiol, from Epheiians iii. 8. He was fon of 
 Mr. Caleb Evans, of Pentre, and was then afliftant to Mr. Fof- 
 kett, at Broadmead, Brijiol. There was here a query from 
 Tro/goed, " Whether perfons of different fentiments [about laying 
 onofhandsl might be admitted to, and continued in, communion V* 
 The anfwer in the affirmative, provided they did not hold any 
 doilrines contrary to the word. The venerable, laborious, and 
 acceptable Mr. Samuel Jones, the firft paftor at Cilfo-wyr, finifhed 
 his courfe this year, aged 80. He was remarkable for his witti- 
 cifms, but ufed them to good purpofe. His fayings were long 
 remembered in the churches in South Wales, which he now and 
 then vifited. 
 
 1737. Newcajlle, Whitfun-weefc. This church was now of 
 full 40 years ftanding, yet never had the Aflbciation before.— * 
 Probably it was for want of a convenient place. The letter 
 mentions peace in the churchqs, and an addition to all, except 
 one ortwo. Means of grace plenty, and hearers numerous. Bro- 
 ther Morgan Griffiths preached, from Afts xxvi. 28. 
 
 Hitherto the churches in Wales liad been very ftrift for laying, 
 on of hands on the baptized, ever fines 1689, or foon after;, 
 Meffrs, B. Reach and Wm. Rider had been in this pradlice ;{f6\ii~'. 
 tKHtTliid b^Sn littl A debate about it till now. At Tro/goea, 3 
 young man propofea for communion. Queftions being alked, 
 about laying oti of hands, he acknbwledged that he was not 
 clear in it. This caufed the fubjeft to be inveftigated. The 
 confequence was, that Mr. Philip Morgdn, the' paftor, and Mr. 
 Wm. Herbert, his colleague, were fully perfuaded that it was 
 not properly a gofpel ordinance. So upon this article there was 
 no fmall debate and warmth at Nevicajile. But the two mini- 
 fters continued in their perfuafion during life, and it has been 
 feldom ufed in that church fince that time. 
 
 This year Mr. Thomas Jones of Pen-y-fai, and family, and 
 Mr. Wm, Davis, forrterly at Llantri/aint, faUed to America. 
 The former fettled in 17^8, with a new church at Tulfehokon, in 
 Peanfylvania, and was ordained there in 1 740. Moft, or all the 
 conftituents of this ckurch, as well as their paftor, were from the 
 
 Principality^ 
 
irEL'siJ'ASS6CtATiON,'!t:ic. i74r. 49 
 
 Principality. Mr. Jones continued in that place many years, 
 and maintained ari honour^ible charafter to the laft ; but ad- 
 vaticing in ags, refigned the minilby there, and preached occa- 
 fionally. He died- comfortably in 1788, in the 87th year of hii 
 age. A pleafing account of the circumflances of his death I had 
 from his fon, the prefent juftly refpeiled Df. Samuel Jones, paf- 
 tor of the church at Lower Dublin, near Philadelphia, who was 
 about three years of age when he failed with his father from Pen- 
 t'/ai; the letter.is dated March 31", 1788, aiid runs thus, " Tha 
 Other day I attended the funeral of my honoured father. I paid 
 him two or three vifits during his laft illnefs, and found him re- 
 markably comfortable' in iiis mind; his faith being ftrong, his 
 hope firm, his evidences clear, his views of glory tranfporting; 
 and his defires ardent; yet calm and refigned,. Some: of his laft 
 words, when indeed he was fcarce able tofpeak, were,> Joy! joy! 
 joy! — The following is what appeared in our public prints on 
 the occafion. " On Monday the 24th of Marchi departed this lif; 
 in Chefier county, the Rev. Thomas Jones, in the 87ch year of 
 his age. The Thurfday following his rep^.ains were interred in the 
 Baptift burial ground at Tredyffryn, attended by a large and 
 r.efpeftable coricourfe of people ; On which occafion apathetic 
 difconrfe was delivered from Matt. xxiv. 44. by Rev. JohnBoggs, 
 of iW<n;cij/?/f county .-^^This truly venerable man, and father in 
 the gofpel miniftry, having difcharged with fidelity and repufe- 
 tion the feveral duties both of public and private life, through 
 fuch a long feries of yerirs, arid fuftaining with chriilian pa- 
 tience, and uncommon refignatiqh, the affliftion of a very tedious 
 illnefs. finally fefted from his labours in confident afTurancc of a 
 blefled immortality, difcovering to, the laft, that he partook of 
 thofe divine confolattons, rt'hich are butfeldom experienced even 
 by thofe who fleep in Jefus." 
 
 Mr. William Dai/is fettled firft at Fincent ; he thence removed 
 to-Nev^ Britain,- a.nd had the joint care of that churcii with Mr. 
 Jo/eph Eaton till 1 749, when Mr. Eaton died. Mr. Daws was the 
 fucceffot- there till his death on Oft. 3, 1768. The three firft paf- 
 tofs of this church, andmany, if not mbfl: of the conftituents, were 
 likew.ife from the Principality*. 
 
 This year died the lively and excellent Mr. Jahn Harris, paf- 
 tor of the church, at jB/«CTfla. His colleague, Mr. William Pfo'/- 
 7z/ij, died feven years before. ' Mi;. Harris was one of the firft 
 conftituents of tlie church in 1696. He had the honour to bap- 
 tize his own father, and was Very happy in his children. -His 
 feldeft fon Harry, was baptized at fixteen years of age, in 171^. 
 His daughter Ljifl'/a, was baptized at fifteen, in 1716. And liis 
 youngeftfon Morgan, at fourteen, in 1720. who fuGceeded his 
 father in ,the J)aftoral care. Mr. John Harris, as is intimated be- 
 
 * Sae Rl'r. Edv,'av<-ls's Materials towards :. Hiftory <ii itt Baptifts in 
 fennfylvania, p. 48— 51. 
 
 J» " forei 
 
-^ A BlSra RT OF TKS 
 
 . fore, was, in his day, the bell writer of church records that has 
 been found in the Principality, at leaft among the Baptifts. 
 
 1738. Hengoed, 2jd and 24th of May. The affociation letter 
 complains of Arminianifin up and down the country. The 
 churches were moftly profperous, yet not withoirt forrow, Ther« 
 was now a difagreeable contention at Cilfowj/r about a fucceffof 
 to the late Paftor. Mr. James Williams had long been an ac- 
 ceptable-help in the miniftry, and part of the fociety, thought it 
 but right for Mm to fucceed in the paftoral care. The other 
 part thought that Mr. David Thomas, who had exercifed his gifts 
 with acceptance for ten or twelve years, though younger, being 
 popular and acceptable, might be more beneficial to the church. 
 than art aged perfon. Tempers on both fides were too warm 
 on the occafion. The affociation advifed in the beft manner 
 they could, and a day of failing and prayer was appointed 
 through the churches on their account, with a due remembrance 
 of others. Mr. Thomas Matthias, x!&z-p»&.<yi oiRhydnuilim,Y'Ct2A\i~ 
 ed from Jer. iii. 15. a text very fuit^ble to thofe times, whea 
 pallors were removed every year. 
 
 On the 1 1 th of June, tliis year, died the truly Rev. Mr. Morgan 
 Griffiths, paftor at Hengoed, aged 65. He was highly refpeftcA 
 of men, and much owned of God. 
 
 1739, Llanwenarth, 12th and 13th of June. The letter tRi* 
 year exprefles joy and gla,dnefs, becaufe prayers had been an- 
 iM'ered, advice received, contention had ceafed, and reconcilia- 
 tion was made. Cilfowyr church had agreed to ordain the two 
 ftiinifters mentioned under laft year, that they might adminifter 
 the ordinances alternately. The two minifters agreed very well, 
 the fenior foon failed by age, and the work fell upon the 
 junior. This letter, as feveral^ before had done, cautions the ' 
 churches againffi ^ffering young men to go out in a diforderly 
 way to preaclt. Brother Griffith Jones preached from 1 Cor. iv. 
 
 1 , 2. and Brother Hitgh E'vans from Phil, iv 8. the latter part. 
 This is the firll time that we notice a moderator men- 
 tior ed in the letters ; it has been the conftant method fince, and 
 poffibly it was before, for the minifter who preached to be mo"- 
 derator. The perfons, who figned here, were Griffith Jenes, 
 MpDBRATOR, Thomas Matthias, Roger Dteuid, David. Richard, 
 Rofer Walker, Datiid Owen, Evan Thomas, Da-vid Lewis, Enoch 
 Francis, Morgan Harris, David Thomasr Thomas David, Jacob 
 Rees, Griffith Davis, Miles Harrys, Phillip Morgan, William 
 Herbert, and feveral who were aot minUlers. Thefe are new 
 names compared with ihe former. 
 
 The truly venerabkMr. Caleb Evans, of Pentre, died in April- 
 preceding this meeting, and was fucceeded by his Brother, Mr. 
 jfshn Evans, 
 
 i7/)o. Cilfowyr. Whitfun-week. The circumftances of the 
 churches appeared hopeful, meeting houfes had been built; mi- 
 nillerial gifts were increafmg,. This waj ^ pj^rcy, as fo many pa?- 
 
 tor». 
 
ffStlH ^SsOciAT'tti}f, (ifc. 1745. 5t 
 
 tors had'been lately removed. Brother Morgan Harris preached 
 from Job. xxxiii, 23. and Brother Hugh Evans from 2 Kings 
 li. 14. Mt. Hugh. Evans always preached in Eiiglifli dhd repeat- 
 ed a little in Wellb. . , , ■ 
 • Notice was taken, above of tHe debate at Hengoed aboiit 17301 
 and how it then ilTued. ■ On the. deceafe of the pallor, poffibly 
 Mr. 'Winter's friends wiftied and expefted that he might fucceed 
 him, bdt thtre was a great majority againft it, . In order to 
 keep together it was necefiarj t6 find a paftor that would fuit 
 bbth parties. They could fi:k: upon no fucli perfon but Mr. 
 Griffith ^'^ones, the paftor at Pen-y-fai. It was thought an uii- 
 kind aft to feparate a paftor and people, who had mutually lov- 
 ed each other fo many years. Biit the feafe at Hengoed being fo 
 Angular, the paftor was perfuaded to remove, and, the cHurch 
 fuffered it to bei fo. They had however much trouble, before 
 they were comfortably fettled again, Mr, Jones and Mr. Win- 
 ter were both of a peaceable temper, and agreed as well as could 
 have been expefted. 
 
 Year after year we have noticed the i'fimoval of fevferal worthy 
 paftorsi who died in a good old zgi, after they had long and 
 honourably ferved their generations, Alas ! now a greater llroke 
 was felt than any of late; Mr. Enoch Francis was rcrmoved in 
 February preceding this meeting-^A ftrong man, of a gbod cdh-s 
 ftitution, about fifty years of age; This gave a fhock to the 
 whole afTociation, and to all the country. He ufed to vifit the 
 thurches once or twice a year, as he, could make it Convenient, 
 and crouds flocked to hear him, profeflbrs.and pi-ofane. Moil 
 bf the perfons whofe names appear in the letter of laft year 
 figned here, and alfo John Richard and John Morgan ; fhefe 
 iWo were helpers at Cilfowyr. John Da'vid Nicholas, and ^ees 
 Jones, were froih Mr. Francis's church. As upon his deceafe 
 they had no Ordained minifter, though feveral helpers ; tlley a- 
 greed to ordain thefe two, and Mr. Thomai David, 5ri May en- 
 uiing. Mr. Jmes was then a promifing young mani The other 
 iwo were aged, and had been long in the miniftry. 
 
 174.1. Blaenaui 19th and ioth of May. This year's letter 
 •was long and good, eontaining reafoni of joy arid foriow ; que- 
 ries from feveral churches anfwered, and complaint of ydung 
 men going out to preach irregularly. Brother Da'vid Ouen 
 preached from i Cor. xvi. 10. and latter part, Brother FoJ^et/, of 
 Brijiol, from i Thef. i. 5, This lettfer is figned by one 6r two 
 and^twenty minifters, all dead now. Ti>omas Edivards, William 
 p-hillips, Charles Winter, and Morgaii Da'vid, were .imong them; 
 alfo Gnffilh Da'vis, who was originally a lUfimber of, and then 
 l)ecame Paftor at Snuanfea, where he had preached for fometime 
 *ith acceptance; before h^ was fettled in the paftpral care. 
 
 There was an attempt of late years to fet up a seminary * 
 
 .,* Tjiere wat fomle kintl of inftruftibn given to vouns men at Poiity- 
 pool as earljr as 1734, thdugli I think, no proper tutor till about 17 j6 
 or 1737. 
 
 i3 a ' at 
 
ji A BIST OR YOF THE 
 
 a.t p9 .typool for the benefit of candidates for the minJllry. Thi? 
 yeir the fgllowing ftudjnts Mefl'rs. Thomas hU'welyn fron* 
 Haigoed, tslirgun Edv:arJs from Pen-y-garn, Edmund Wajkiirs of 
 Blae-nu, 'Jonathan Francis 'An 1 Timothy Thomas oi Neivcajlle, were 
 allproiniiliig for tli:; miniftry. Theprofpeft of a Welfo f(?ininary, 
 it is thought, was as, flattering and animating then as ever it has 
 been fincc; but it never could be brought properly to bear, 
 though many young men have received confiderable affiflanqe at 
 
 Fo:'.t]l! Dol. 
 
 '!742. Llangh.jfan. Whitfun-week. A long comprehenfive let- 
 ter at this time, which judiciouily remarks many things in the 
 coarfe of ProviJence. The churches in peace, additions to moft, 
 and the means of grace plenty. Brother Griffith Da-vis and 
 Brother Hugh E-vanf preach'id *. Several queries from difterent 
 churches, upon difciiV.ine, anfwered. About this time Llantr'ifaint 
 chmcli was quite diilolved. Mr. Thomas Williams iVi\\<i had beett 
 Originally a member at Hengo.d, miniflered liere for fome years j: 
 but about this time he turned to the people called Quakers, and 
 the few members belooging to VJk joined Pen-y-garn. 
 
 Tills year Aherduar church Was conftituted; it had been a 
 large and extenfive branch of NetDcaJih church. Two of the; 
 three miniflers lately ordained, refiding near the young church, 
 were among ihe firlt conflituents of it. Mcifrs. E'van Saunders, 
 "John. Tho.n.Ts, and Timothy Thomas, alfo had begun to exercife! 
 their miriifterial talents about 1740. They likewife were in the 
 yoii^ng church, and Johir Dafid Nicholaia an ordained minifter, 
 was at Newcajllc, the old place. Thus the churches were ftiil 
 fixteen in mmiber. 
 
 1743. Cilfozvyr. Whitfun-week. A particular circumftance'. 
 occafioncd the Aflbciation to be here again fofoon. It was no 
 contention, but love f . The preceding letters mentioned the re- 
 moval of many members by death; but this fpeaks of the de-; 
 ceafe of five minillers ; jMr. "John Da'vis, an aged, worthy afiif-- 
 t'anf, at Szuanfsa ■■ MeiTrs. Roger Dc.'bld and William Meredith, at 
 Lla:i-j;i.iarth ; the firft the psftor, the latter a very worthy and 
 aged afliftant ; Mr. William Herheirt, the colleague at Trofgoetl, ■ 
 ■1 very acceptable pieacher, who' had come from the Indepen- 
 dants, and Mr. Evan Sj7;,iders. 
 
 Urother Mi^es- Harrys preAched from Jer. xv. ig. and brother 
 E-vaa Jenkins in Englifli and WclPa from' 2 Tim. ii. 19. He 
 vv:;;i fon to the iate excellent Pilr. jfafn Jenkins, and fiicher to the 
 prefsnt n'orthy Dr. Jof'.th Jenkins, of JTrcxkam. We meet with. 
 no iiccount of the numbers 'added to the churches till this year. 
 Kow it'ii noted' tint 121; win-e added, and near 50 loft by death. 
 But this ftat"; of tiJS numbers was inferred by an individual with- 
 out any public c jjiRiltation and general agreement. Near 20 years' 
 ;;fEer the fubje'S; was debated and agreed toi About 23 figned 
 
 _ * "i'lie texts of 1742 are iiot in the copy from which this accouiat is 
 t^ken. 
 
 •(■ This was the 6rfl; a&ciation that Cv'er the' writer of thishillory. 
 i'.lfiiJed. • ' ' 
 
 her® 
 
WELSH ASSOCrATIQN, &c. 1746. 55 
 
 here,- among whom are Griffith Thomas, Daniel Garnan, John 
 Raines, and Timothy .Thomas . 
 
 About this time Mr. Rees Jor.es removed from Ahc-dnar to the 
 deftitute church at Pen-y-fai; there was then at the former place 
 only Mr. Thomas Daniid an aged miniftcr. Meflrs. John Thomai 
 and Titnothy Thomas were now young in years, and in the mini- 
 ilry, but very acceptable at home and abroad ; it was agreed to 
 ordain them both tkis year. 
 
 1744. Pen-y-garn. Whitfun^week. The letter complains of 
 Arianiiin and Aiminianifm. Mentions a mixture of comfort and 
 forrow, minifterial gifts increafing, and feveral queries which 
 vvere anfwered. Brother Da-vid Thomas, of Cilfawyr, preached 
 from I Chron. xxix. i. and Brother 7/«^;6.£''z«j»j from Ifaiah Ixii. 
 6, 7. Mr. Edmund Wafkins and Mr. John Thomas, were amono' 
 thofe who figned here. 
 
 Mr. Miles Harrys had now been a member of Blaenau aboye 
 twenty years, and a preacher about eighteen. For ten years, or 
 morej he had exerted himfelf much to promote thciiiterefl: of reli- 
 gion in general, and particularly among his own denomination. 
 He was of a very friendly and focial turn ; and correfponded with 
 moft of our Baptift mihilhrs and others in Wnles;' with many 11 
 England, and fome in Ameriia. He ufed to fend to the Fu N d £ E 3 
 in London, a very p.irticular and friendly account of the Baptift 
 minifters in Wales, their fituation, who moft ufeful^ &-c. and th'rf 
 he did annually, foon after each aflbciation, with fliort hints of the 
 general ftate of the churches. Forfomc years Swanfea, Pen-y-fai 
 Blaenau, &c. fent a letter to the Weliern AITociafion, but none 
 fo often and fo long •A.%-Pen-y-garn. 
 
 1745. Pentre. Whitfun-week. The churches were all in peace, 
 and fome additiqn to each. Brother Thomas Ed-c:arJs, orioinally 
 a member of Blaenau, but now p?.llor of Lla-nwenarth, preached 
 from 2 Tim,. ii. 15. and Brother E. Jenkins from Heb. xii. ic. 
 This year died Mr. Jtfir.es Williatns, the fenior pallor at Cilfo-ivyr 
 and Mr. Thomas Matthias, the paftor at Rhyd^ilim, both aged 
 and honourable. Tills year IJangloffan formed into a repulai* 
 church. It was a dillant branch of Rhy.lwilim, and for many 
 reafons it would have formed fooner, but out of reirard to the 
 aged paftor, it was deferred during his life. Mr. John James 
 ■prefided at Rhyd-vi-i!im, and Mr. Danjid Richard ac l)iarvhjfati. 
 
 1746. Swaiifea. Met at the ufual time of the year. The ftatg 
 pf the ch'Jrches nearly as lafl year. Now 17 churches. Drother 
 Griffith Jone! preached from 2 Chron. xv. 7. and IJrotlier E. Jen- 
 hins from Jude zi. Tlie great deliverance f-om thi-j Rebellio.-i 
 in the North ij gratefully acknowleidged, and a d.iy of tli.inl;;:. 
 giving appointed. But this did not make fo deep an im'pr^fiion 
 on the minds of many as the deliverance in 1714 and 1715 din. 
 Thefirft of-Auguft, and tlie firft Wednefday in every mon.. , 
 feldom ever failed to be mentioned in the, letter for 20 years*. 
 
 * The paper frcm which this year's account is tnken, does not men 
 tign the napi€S ot (he pcj ions who figned at this meeting 
 
54 ^ Hisro RT OF THE 
 
 . This year Mr. Thomas E'dwards died, at 34 years of age. He 
 had been a fev(f years paftor at Llanwenarth', a very acceptable m\\ 
 nifter. Many lamehted his death. He was fucceeded by Mr; 
 Cale^ Harris, who died in the Lord, May 27, 1792, in the 77th 
 year of his- age. , . 1 , 
 
 1 721.7. Brechfa, belonging to Trofgoed, the fame time as be- 
 fore. , Nothing very material in the ftate of the churches this 
 year. Brother E'van Thomas, the paftor of M.pleJion,- preached 
 firoFft John xxi. 17. and' Brother £. 3V«'^'^-' fron^ i Thef. ii. iz. 
 Thi? year Betheftla formed, they were diftant members of Hen>' 
 gced, Pen-y-garn, &c. T]iis made the number of the- churches 
 eighteen, and fo they continued to 1768. Indeed one or two 
 jnore formed before 176S, biit Were not till then received into" 
 the Affociation. ■ ' ' • . 
 
 ■ This year Mr. Morgan Harris, the paftor of. Blaenau finiftied 
 his race. He adorned the >mimftry, ■ but died about the age of 
 4.Z. He left two fons. Join aiid Morgan. * The latter called to 
 the miniftry at IJanvjendrth, was ordained in 1779, to affift Mrv 
 Caleb Harris. He fulfiiled his miniftry with honour, acceptance, 
 and fuccefsy till he died in 1 790. This year Mr. Jl^hn E'vani, 
 paftor at Ventre, died, aged 6'g, and was fucceeded by an afliftant 
 of the fame, name, though not related after the flefti.' Alfo Mr. 
 Henry Morgan, oiLlangloffan, a very promifing- young man. The 
 people, expefted that he. would have been their paftor for many 
 years, but he finiftied his work at the age of '27. ■ This was the 
 firft year that }obhua Thomas (now of Leominjier) appeared 
 among thofe who figned the letter. The church at Trofgoed 
 hitherto had no meeting-houfe ; but a place was built in 1746^ 
 and called Maef-y-berllair, and henceforward we fiiall give it 
 that name. • • • ■ - ' ■ ' 
 
 i 1748. Gflf/i?i, belonging to Rock. Whitfun-Week. Nothing ma- 
 , te.riiUy different in the ftate of the churches. Brother Griffith 
 yores preached from i Cor. ii. 2. and Brother Hugh E'vans from 
 '2 Cor. V. 20. The churches In peace, moft of them enjoyed 
 plenty of means^ The firft time the author of thisHiftory had 
 the honour to write the circular letter was this year. -After that 
 it fell to his lot to write thofe of I751, 1754, 1757, ^""^ *77°- 
 It was. then never mentioned in the letters who wrote themi 
 The new names among thofe who figned this letter were, Reef 
 Ei'avs, Thmnas Davis, Eaan David, James Lodii'ick atid William- 
 Morgan. The laft-named went that year to Shriiujiury, and 
 ferved that ch-urch till he died. in l7i;3. 
 
 Mr. Rogef Walker, the paftor of Roci, finiftied his race a few 
 weeks before this 'Aflbciationj though he earneftly wiftied to 
 fee it. . 
 
 1749. Llanelli. The ufual time. Brother Griffith Thomas 
 pre.iched from 2 Cor. v.- 1 1. "^1 he' fecond ferm-on waspreached 
 by Brother Dfl-D/W Thomas, <^i Cilfoiuyr, and on the fecond day 
 Brother Griffith Jones preached his farewell fermon from 2 Cor. 
 jplii. ?, Soon aJFtcr he failed for Pe«nfyhti.r,ia with his famiiy-j 
 
TTELSn ^SiOCIAriON, &c. 1737. 55 
 
 fie fettled in WelJ^ 7>«(i? church, but not as pallor, and there he ' 
 jdied in 1754. His fon Morgan returned to Etigland, and aflBF 
 teing called to the miniftry, was many, years paftor of the Bap- 
 tift church at Hempftead, Herts. He now refides at Hammerfmith, 
 near London, as Principal of a refpeiSable academy for the educa- 
 tion of youth, and was diftinguiflied by the college at Pro'vidence, 
 Rhode IJlcfnd, at their Commencement in September 1793, witli 
 the honours of L. L. D. ' 
 
 The Affociation Letter remarks that feme of the churches in 
 their letters did not mention their agreement with the Confeffion 
 of 1689. But it was wilhed that they would not forget it in 
 future. 
 
 There had been, a few years back, an expofition of the 
 Church Catechifm, publilhed in Weljh, " By a minifter of the 
 " Church of England," in which he advanced twenty argu- 
 ments for Infant Baptifm. It was agreed at this meeting, that 
 lome of the minifters fhould think, of an anfwer. Four or five 
 of them were named, but not any individual fixed npon. Seve- 
 ral entered on the fubjeft, and amqng them Brother Jojhua Tho- 
 mas drew up a few hints, and was encouraged to go on, but the 
 others did not proceed. This year Mr. David Richard, the 
 paftor at Llanghffan, died. Many figned this letter, among them 
 Were i>aidd Ewan, Jonathan Frances, DamdLe-vcis, .and John 
 Eiians. 
 
 1750. Mokflon. S;ametime. This letter mentions the Mur- 
 rain among the cattle, which had been for years in England, and 
 jhe two Earthquakes jn London, &c. as z, loud warning to fVales. 
 A query from Llamaenarth was propofed, concerning tlie Tri- 
 nity, fome of whofe inembers gave trouble upon that head, but 
 it ceafed in a few years. It was now agreed that what Brother 
 Jojhu^ Thomas had written on Baptifm, in anfwer to the jtw-enty 
 "arguments, Ihould be printed, and that the churches fhould take 
 the impreflian,. The twenty arguments had been turned into 
 EngUJh, and Dr. GUI alfo had written a fliort reply, and it was 
 agreed to take part of the imprefTion of his piece likewife. As 
 Mfilefton was an EngUJh place in Pembrokepire, the Gtfl fiirmon. 
 here was in that language, by Brother E. Jenkins, from Matt, 
 xvi. 18. and the fecond by Brother John Thomas, in Weljh, froiif 
 2 Tim. iv. 5. Here no lefs than eight of the churches requefted 
 jlie next affociation to be with them. 
 
 The departure of Mr. G. Jones (the paftpr at Heagoed] for 
 America, naturally revived the old debate in that .church. The 
 confequence of which was an entire feparation. Mr. Winter, and 
 his friends,'.were about twenty-three. They agreed to form them- 
 selves into a church, and Mr. Winter tp be their paftor. They 
 built a meeting-houfe about four miles from Hengoedt and called 
 it Craigfargod. Mr. Winter died in 1773 The church meets 
 fhere ftiil, but it is not in the^ aflbciation, being a general Bap- 
 tift' church, and it is the only one ia all the Principality. Mr. 
 " ' i) 4' facoi^ 
 
ii. A Hisro RT F TIJE 
 
 yacoh If jar of Mtjreion, jn Dcvonfoire, was originally one oi Craig* 
 fargoii Society, and there he began his minilliy. 
 
 1751. HeiigocJ.' Whitfun-week. It was now become a kind 
 cf an eilahilifiled cufiom to haye an Englijh fermpn after the 
 K'cJjh one. Mr. E'van Jenkins, paftor at Wrexham, did not be- 
 long to the Aflbciation, but he moftly attended, and preached aj 
 n iw- Englijh, and gave a fhort repetition in Weljh, every year 
 biit three, from 1743 ^° '75'' both inclufivc, and his affiflang^ 
 ivas acceptable. Here Brother GriJJith Dn'vis preached, and Bro- 
 ther- E.Jenkins. T.his was the Jaft time Brother E. Jenii«{ 
 preached at thcfe meetings. He died in March 1752. Our 
 irfaleriai.; do not.furnifli us with the texts at this Aflbciation. 
 
 Early this year \yas publiihed the PFelJh anfwer to the twenty 
 arguments for Infant Baptifm, and "in the fummer. Dr. G/7r.f 
 Anfwer t6 thern came out, to which he added, " The Diffenters 
 ?' Reafons for feparating from the Church of England * ," The* 
 reafons for feparating were then tranflated into IVelJh, and bound 
 up with the Weljh anfwerj written by Brother Jojhua Thomas. 
 
 1.7^ a. Aberduar. The fame time, It had been appointed at 
 Mclejlon that the churphe^ fnould not fend,lefs than twOj nor more 
 than three, meflengers to the, Aflbciation,- and they were defired 
 to fend judicious perfons wlio might be ufeful. They were here 
 reminded of that appointment. Bi:other Edmund Watkins preached 
 from Mark xvi. 15I and Brother Caleb Harris from Col. iv. 3, 4. 
 both in Weljh. It v/as cominoji ever fincc two fermons were 
 preached at thg Afl"ociation to have ong of them in Englijh, but 
 this year,' and "1749, are exceptions. 
 
 i7i;3. MaeJdorgU'yd, but belonging to Olchon. Whitfun-'week. 
 It was ufual to have the meetings on Tijefday and Wednefday, 
 but here it was on Wcdneiday and Thurfday, that thofe who 
 were at a diftancc might have more time to come. Brother Da- 
 iiid Thomas, of Ciijc-.'.yr, preached from I Tim. iv. 16. and Bro- 
 ther Griffith Davis, in Englijh, from Eph.Wi.~8;' The chuTcUei' 
 in peace, the means plenty, minifterial gifts increafing, yet 
 great complaints of declenfion in various refpefts. 
 
 17r4. Rhydvjilim. The ufual time. Brother Caleb Harris 
 preached from 2 Tim. li. 25. and brother Miles Harrys from 
 I Cor. XV. 34. Thefe fermons were moftly in Weljh. The flate 
 of the churches fimiiar to the preceding year. Complaint of 
 not fending meflengers to the AflTociation. 
 
 1 7 55. Bc'.hcfJa. 2 1 ft and 22d of May. Here the eighteen 
 churches are named in the front of the letter. Brother Richard 
 j'ntcs preached fro.'n 2 Tim. iv. 2. and brotl-^er Hugh E'yAns, in, 
 
 * Tlie whole Title of Dr. Gill's piece is as fdllo-ivs. " The Argument. 
 " from AppftaMc Tradiiion, in favour of Infant B.iptifm, with others, 
 " advniiced in a i.ilc Pamphlet, c.-illed, the Tiaptifm of Infants, a rcafon- 
 '' able fe! vice, &c. confide; cd. And .alfo an Anf-rt'er to a Wtlih Clergy- 
 *' ri-Hi's Twenty Arguments for Infant Baptifm ; to which are added, 
 ". the Diffenters' Reafons for fcp.irating from the Chureh of England; 
 '; c^caUuiied'by the faid Writrji .'' 
 
 ' ■ ■ ■ Englijh, 
 
WELSH ASSOCIATION, &c. 1758. 57 
 
 Pngiijh, from z Tim; ii. i. For feveral years back it had been 
 ipropofed by fome to keep the Affociation ftatedly on the fecond 
 Wednefday andTlmrfday in June, as the Whitfun-week happened 
 fometinves too early, before fome had.fipiflied fowing barley, and 
 ]befoi;e the horfes were got ftrong to travel, and the grafs grown 
 fufficient for them. Others pleaded that the Whitfun-week was 
 commonly a more leifure time, particularly for fchoolmafters, &c. 
 But here it was agreed, that in future the church where the 
 y^flbciation was to meet fhould fix the time. 
 
 1756. P^n-pont-Landyfyl, belonging to Nenucaftle, 9th and 10th 
 of June. Brother Miles Harrys preached from Rev. xiv. 6, 7. 
 and Brotjier Griffith Davis from Afts v. 42. Notice taken of 
 the earthquake at Lijbon and other place's. — ^yar with France. — 
 It was agreed to print in Weljh Mr. IVilfon's Scripture Manual 
 pn Baptifm. When Mr. Walker, the paftor at Rock, died in 
 J 748, his afliftant, Mr. Thomas Da'vis, fucceeded him in the 
 miniftry for fome time. But the tody of the church chofe to 
 look out for a fucceflbr in the paftoral oiRce. Soon after they 
 fixed upon, Mr. Richard Jones, who had been a(hong the Inde- 
 pendents in the neighbourhood, but was convinced of Believers' 
 Baptifm, and foon, after he fiibmitted to it was ordained over 
 iliem. I|e preached at, Beth'efda in 1755. This year, 1756, 
 Mr. Ihomat Da'vis died. He was a truly worthy man, though 
 not a very popular preacher. 
 
 1757. Llannxye.narth. Whitfun-week, Brother Timothy Tlm- 
 mas preached from i Cor ix. 16. Brother Hugh, Evans alfo 
 preached, but not having the letter oFthis year his text cannot 
 be given ; the paiTage Mr. Timothy Thomas preached on is in- 
 ferted from the memory of the Author of thefe Iheets, who liap- 
 pened to be at that meeting from Leominjier. Now it w'as re- 
 commended to the members of the feveral churches to read llie 
 Confeffionof 1689 once or twice in the year. As thiat confeliion 
 was referred to fo often in the letters to and from the Affoci- 
 ation, it was neceffary to know what- it contained. That year 
 1 had tranilated a fmall Trafl, entitled, " The Believers' Evi- 
 " defices for Heaven," and gave the copy to my Brother Zi- 
 tmthy to print in Weljk, and with it he printed a fermon, which 
 he had preached feveral years before, and had often talked of 
 putting to pr'efs. It was upon z Pet. i. 10. He gave this tide 
 
 ' ;o it, " The White Stone;" alluding to Rev. ii. 17. This year_ 
 died Mr. Eman Thomas, paftor at Bridgeijoater, IjimsmC He .was 
 originally a member zx Llanelli ; began to preachthere about 
 17^,6; was at .Brj/?a/ in, 1,740', under MeiTrs. Fofnett and E'vans ;. 
 ^t IVaryAiick and ai'Efrmffigham in ly/^i; and was at Tronubridgt 
 in \i^i^..^ Spqn afeer he went thpre fifteen were baptized, and 
 more expeSed to follow ; he was much careffed for fome time 
 by ,the 'people of that church, but in 1746, he removed to Bridge^ 
 luatir, was there ordained in 1749, ^.nA. died in 17,7. 
 
 1758. Llavgloffan. The firll: Wednefday and Thiirfday ia 
 June. Bfpiher Da-vid O'wen preaclicd fiom Col. iv. 17. and Bro-, 
 '■■■"■■■'"'• • ■■- ^^^^ 
 
il A HISTORY OF rag 
 
 ihtr Hugh Evans from i Cor. i. 23, 24, The firft piece of' ad- 
 vice in the letter runs thus : " As you have publickly fubmitted 
 '' to thp Gofpel Baptifm, and profefled to believe the doftrine of 
 •" Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, take care that this doftrine is 
 «' held in its true fcripture light. Though your reafon cannot 
 ♦' comprehend it in all its branches, yet S.ith hath her reafon." 
 There are in this letter, nine very ^ood, plain, (hort articles of 
 hortatory adWce relative to doftrine and praftice. The ^ew- 
 caflU church appeared too remifs in maintaining the doftrines of 
 grace againft Arminianifm. That church had been about thirty 
 years vexed with tlie general doftrines, by fome neighbours who 
 openly profefled them. This year Mr. Jehn Thomas, one of the 
 paftors of Aberdudr, removed, and took the paftoral care of the 
 thurch al Maes-y-herilan, the paftor there refigning becaufe of 
 »ge and infirmities. 
 
 1759. Blaenifu'. The fecond Wednefday and Thurfday in 
 June. Brother Evan Thomas preached from Luke xii. 42, and 
 Brother Hugh Evans from Afts xx. 24. It was agreed to print 
 the CatechHm, for the eftablifhnient' of our youth in gofpel prin- 
 ciples. The general method of the Aflbciation to this time was, 
 after the two fermons, to take fome refrelhmeht, theij to read 
 the preliminaries in Weljh, which are nearly the fame as thof* 
 «)f the Wefl:ern Aflbciatioh in England, ' and then to read the 
 letters from the churches. When that was done, one of the 
 ihinifters was fixed 'upon to draw up ^e circular letier. After 
 travelling, perhaps a loiig way, with bat broken reft, 'the per- 
 fon fixed upon was under a rieceffit/'of fitting up liibft of, oi all 
 the night, that his letter might be prepared by about nine next 
 inom'ing, when it was to be read and cbrreft'ed.' As fdon as it 
 was ready each church was to find a perfon to write out a copy. 
 The perfons employed went to fome retired pkce,- one to read, 
 and the others to write ; fome were very flow, and if there was 
 but one fo, all the reft were forced to wait. This was indeed 
 very trying, and many of the copies were "fo imperfeft as not 
 to be eafily read. Thus it was for many years. But the prink- 
 ing of the letter was a happy alteration. 
 
 This year died Mr. William Thomas, a worthy ajEftant at 
 JBldenau. " ' ' ■ 
 
 1760. Cilfotvyr. nth and 1,2th of June. This year, for the 
 iirft time, the Aflbciation Letter was printed.' Now the care 
 chiefly fell upon the'paftbr of the Church, where the meeting wa» 
 held, to prepare the body of the letter before'hand.' The pre- 
 amble of this letter doth not mention the Confeffion of 1689; 
 but " Baptifm ; laying on of hands ; eternal and perfonal 
 " eleftion; that all the natural pofterity of Adam are fmners 
 " throiigh him ; particular redemption ; effeftual calling ; and 
 " perfeverance in grace to the end," This is the firft letter in 
 which I have feen it thus expreffed. The eighteen churches ara 
 ):cre named, and the benefit of the affociation of churches is 
 mentioned. Brother Edmund Wathns preached from Luke xiv; 
 
 • ■ Z3» 
 
IVELSH ASSQClAtJON, ^c. lyfii 5k 
 
 23. and Brother Benjamin Francis from Tit. u. 14. ; the latter 
 13 paftor of the Baptift church at Horjley, Ghiic^erjh'ire, fon to 
 the late celebrated Mr. Enoch Francis, and was drigirially'a 
 inetnber of Sxaanfea. The churches in peace ; additions - to 
 jnoft, many to fome. Mr. yohn fames, the paftor at Rhyd'dilim, 
 dead. All the qaeries from the churches were not now infert- 
 ed in the -printed letters, as fome of them related to the inter- 
 nal affairs of the focieties, and would have been unintereftihg to 
 the public eye. 
 
 ' This year died Mr. ]fohn Morgan, an aged affiftant at CiU 
 fo--wyr. 
 
 ' 1761. Fen-y-garn. loth and nth of June. Here the Con- 
 feffion of 1689 is reaffumed. 'Qxo^txDa'vidTkcmasi member of 
 a branch of Newcaftle church called Ffynnan Henry, ordained in 
 1747, to affift in the whole church, preached from Matt. xxii. 42. 
 and Brother Hugh E'vans faom Rom. i. 16. The churches moftly 
 enjoying comfortable circumftances, fome having large additions, 
 and young men of promiling abilities for the miniftry. Rhyd- 
 lAjilim had chofen a paftor from Llangloffan church, which had 
 feveral; ahd could well fpare one. Three were ordained at Cil- 
 foiisyr to help occafionally, and indeed feveral were now and then 
 ordained at once m the large churches, where perhaps one or two 
 might have ferved for the prefent, but this ieems to Rave been 
 done to prevent contention. Before the aflbciations in England 
 and Wales began to print their letters, we had ufually the names 
 of a confiderable number of perfons who figned them, but I 
 HAVE OFTEN LAMENTED that we have now only the modera- 
 tor's name, who, in the Principality, is always the' minifter that 
 preaches 'firft. The former way will be really helpful to our 
 hiftorians. And i very much wish it may again be 
 
 RESTORED IN ALL THE ASSOCIATIONS. 
 
 ' This year Margate Edwards, M. A. failed to Philadelphia. 
 'He was originally a member at Pen-y-garn, and had now been in 
 the miniftry about twenty years. Of his publications and labors 
 in America, fee his Materials fo often referred to above. 
 
 l-/6z.Pentre 9th and loth of June. Brother John WilUams, 
 one of the Co-paftprs at Llangloffan, preached from Col. i. 28. 
 and Brother Benjamin Francis from i Pet. ii. 2. There had been 
 fome talk before this of mentioning in the Letter the number 
 added to each church, but the fenior minifters oppofed it, and 
 pleaded that' it looked like Z)«t:;«Vj numbfering the people. Rut 
 this was eafily refuted by inftances from the Old and New Tefra- 
 ment ; fo that at this iheeting it was carried in the affirmative, 
 without much offence to the few who oppofed it. The numbers 
 ftand thus in the letter. ■ 
 
 Churches 18, added 569, dead 30, excluded 9. Total in- 
 creafe 1.30. They could not eafily guefs at the number of hear- 
 ers, as they preached in fo many places ftatedly and occa- 
 fionally. ■ ■ ■ ' ' 
 
 This- 
 
A HISTORTOT THE -. 
 
 This year died Mr. James Lodwiek, dne of the three Ordaine^ 
 at Cilftnuyr laft year. ^ He had been in the minillry there about 
 «o years, and was an acceptable preacher. 
 
 Pentre and Rock had been without proper meeting-houfes 
 from the beginning, till about ijbo. The two placed were 
 opened this year, the one called after the old name Pentre, and 
 fometimes New Pentre, the other is called Dolau, from the 
 houfe near it where a meeting had been kept far many years. 
 
 1763. Swanfea, 8 th and 9th of June. Brother Damid Thomas, 
 the pailor at Rhydnuilim preached from Pf. li.' 13. s,xf.A Brother 
 Hugh E'vans from Eph. iv. 12, 13. and in the evening. Bro- 
 ther Caleb £i/a»j (the late Hr. E'vans) from Phil. ii. i. All 
 tfie churches in peace, and the means plenty, except at Neiucaftle, 
 which had this year loft by death their co-paftors, Meffrs. 
 Joh7t David Nicholas and Griffith Thomas : and two others who 
 affirted were removed, one by death, and another to Aherduar 
 church. This was an uncommon ftrokie in one year; yet it 
 was their mercy that two ntore were left in the church. 
 
 Added g^j., dead 50, excluded 11, increafe 33. 
 
 It is rather remarkable that from 1749 to 1763, not one of 
 the pallors in this connexion died, but Mr. John James, of 
 Rhydiuilim. 
 
 1764.. Mass-y-berllan,-6xh and 7th of June. The Confeffion of 
 1689, is mentioned in the three laft letters, but not in this, nor 
 are the particular doftrines fpccified, yet a kind of a general 
 fum of the whole is given. Brother Leiuis Jamet, the paftor at 
 Hengoed, preached from 2 Tim. ii. 15. and Brother Hugh 
 E'vans from Hof. xiv. 5. The numbers are not in this letter, as 
 in the two laft, but this informs us that there, had been an addi- 
 tion to all the churches but one, and it was thought the addi- 
 - tion was double to that of laft year. 
 
 Under 1737, fome notice was taken of the debate that year 
 concerning Laying on of hands. There happened to be another 
 on the fame fubjeft in tlie church at Aberduar'va. 1743, though 
 it was not of long continu.ince. ' The churches all held it ex- 
 cept Maes-y-berllanthni fome were very zealous for it, and others 
 more moderate. Cilfo'wyr church was ambng the zealous ones, 
 yet there were fome members in that church,/ who were in doubt 
 alaout the fubjefl:, and thought the others were rigidly zealous. 
 The debits gradually extended itfelf. Brother Timothy ,Tkodas the 
 pafror At Aherduar, was zealous for the article. . As the controverfy 
 fpread, he drew up a few thoughts on it, and at a quarterly meet- 
 ing in thofe parts, read it to the minifters prefent. And by 
 fome pf them he was urged to print it. He put it to prefs this 
 year, and alfo a Seleftion of hymns^ which were of his own, 
 campofing. Near the c'ofe of this yearj Glyn church, in Den- 
 highjhire, was formed. It w.is a "branch of Wrexham church, but 
 fituated at too great a diftance comfortably to attend there. 
 
 1705.. Dolau, Radnor foire, the firft Tuefday ar.d Wednefday 
 in June. The Confeffion is here-mentioned. Crotljer George Rees 
 
 preached 
 
W E LS.n ^SSQClAtlQN, S^c. 176S. «« 
 
 preached from i Pet. v. 2. and 'Qtothsx Benjamin Francis itam 
 Mic. ii. 7. The churches all in peace, except one. 
 
 Added izi, dead z8, excluded 15, reitored 7, increafe 85. 
 
 Early this year came out an anonymous reply, to Bro.tlier 
 Timothy. Thomas's traft on Laying on of, hands. The parties in 
 this difpute difagreed about the addrefs in the circular letter, 
 which generally began thu?, " The elders, &c. holding Baptifm, 
 hpon faith and repentance. Laying hands on the iaptixid, icz," 
 Thofe againfl; Laying on of hand* were by this addrefs either 
 excluded, or led to fay an untruth. The debate grew warm . 
 here, but was condufted- in tolerable good temper, of which I 
 was a witnefs. My Brother Timothy was earneft for, and Bro- 
 ther John Thomas ■*,;. Heady againfl: the pl-aftiee. They had 
 been long fellow-IaboUrers in the fame church, but now the lat- 
 ter was at Maes-y-ierlian, and they were both very, worthy valu- 
 able men, and able inlnifters, though in this they could not a- 
 gree. At this time the "affair was left undecided. G^k churcjt 
 had brought a letter, but as they werfl not under impofition pf 
 handsj the affociation would riot, then receive them into thei- 
 eonneftion. 
 
 This year died Mr. David Owen, the firft and a worthy paftor 
 ©f Llanelli church. He had been in that charge about thirty 
 years, and in the miniftry about forty years. The fame year died 
 Mr. Samuel Griffiths, a very promifing young man, who was likely 
 to fettle at 'Carleon, in Monmouthjhire, originally a member of 
 Mnle_fio>»j Pembroke/hire, ■ 
 
 'iy66.- Llandli, 1 1 th and 1 2th of June. Bro'tker Timothy Thomas 
 preached from Ifa. xxvii. 13. and Brother Hugh Emans from 
 Zech. xiv. 2o. The churches tolerably in peace, though there 
 were troubles in certain places. An addition to all of them bui; 
 ene. 
 
 Added 115, dead 48, excluded 27, reftoredj, increafe 4;. 
 The debate about. the addrefs was reafliamed, and decided here. 
 Thefe words were inferted, after Laying on of hands, '< laith 
 ethers of the fame fcntiir.ents, exj:ept Laying on of hands ," and thus 
 it continues to this day, but a little abridged. This recon- 
 ciled the affociation, but the debate flill continued at Cilfo-wyr, 
 and Brother Timothy publilhed a defence of his tra£t upon the 
 fubjeft. This year a young man propofed for communion at 
 Cilfo'wyr; but was rejefted, beoaufe he could not acknowledge; 
 that Laying cin'of hands was a pofitive inftitution of Jefu? Chrift, 
 ^ough he was willing to fjbmit to it as an ufa:ge in that church. 
 This revived the difpute, and "created nneafinefs; the parties in 
 the church propofed various terms on both fi-des, and thus they 
 «ontinued another year. 
 
 Before the affociation this year Mr. John Duclfield died. 
 He was an affifting colleague to Mr. D. Qi»en, at Llanelli, and. 
 
 * Timothy TAomas and yokr. 'Thmns were not relatives they were botli 
 orttaiaed together in 1743, and were colleagues till f7ii, when the latter 
 s^iHovei %> Maes-y -ierllan. 
 
 a maa 
 
fi ^ HlSrORt OF TiiS ■ 
 
 a man of good underftanding. Thus they lamerited the Itffs 
 bf two minifters. here fmce the laft annual meeting. Thii 
 year alfo- died Mr. Thomas Dawd, the fenior minifter zX Aber- 
 iiear. He was .far advailced in ^ears. . The fame year likewife 
 Tdied his .fdri Mofes', who was a baptift minifter and r^fided at 
 Tarliftgi in Ejjliji, but was never pallor of.any chiirchJ 
 
 1767; Molefiott,-'^^. and 4tH of June. Brother Grj^/y& Dwuis 
 pxeached from Col. i. 28. and Brother (the late Doftor) CaleB 
 Eiiani froni C6l. iii^ 2. Churches, in thoiit the feme ftate alls 
 laft year. Yet feveral Complaints. ". 
 
 Added 97, dead 56, extfiided 18, reftdred ji iricreafe 34.' 
 
 The claufe in the addrefs thi.s year runs thus i " With others^ 
 '' who all of us agree with the articles contained in the Con- 
 " feffion of iaith fet forth in London in 1689." As themiembers' 
 at Ciifaivyr could not agree cordially about Llying On of handsy 
 thofe who were for it propofed, as the moft likely Way for peace; 
 that thofe who were againft it Ihould depart in a friendly way^ 
 and form a, church themfelves, efpeeially as there Were among 
 them an ordained minifter and a deacon. So they did ; hence 
 the ieparation was in peace, and for the fake of peace. Both 
 fides kept their temper remarkably well through the whole 
 bufinefs, though it was long in agitation. Thofe who weiit off 
 were about twenty-five, of whom Mr. Jbha Richard, an aged 
 Ordained colleague, was one. They formed into a church this 
 year, and Chofe him for their paftof; He had for his affiftants Meffrs; 
 IVilliam Williams and Thomas Henry, botli included in the above 
 number. Thus peace was reffored to this church, as well as to 
 the aflbciation. And fmce that time this article has giveii 
 no great trouble. 
 
 This yea» died Mr. Rees Jones, fbrm'erly an ac8:ep table paftor 
 at Aherduar ; and Mr. Samuel George, at IVantage, Berks, ori- 
 ginally a member at Neiucaftle. , , '• 
 
 1768. Hengoed. The id Wednefday and Thnrfday in June; 
 Brother David Thomas, of Ne^iaftle, preached from zd Cor; 
 iv. 5. and Dr. Samuel Stennett from Matt, xviii. 20. The: 
 churches in peace, with an addition to all of them but one. 
 A branch of Ne-iuc^ftle church that was at a diftance, in and near 
 ■Caermartheni peaceably formed into a church, and with the ap- 
 probation of the mother church. Their paftor was Mr. Da'uid 
 Evans, one of themfelves, who had been long in the miniftry 
 in that branch to whioh they belonged. Glyn church, in Dea- 
 iighjbire, was here reeeived into the fconneftion. Mr. WilUairi Wil- 
 liams, one of the young churtjh that feparated from Cilfo-wyr 
 laft year, was a gentlemen of property; he built a meeting-houfe,' 
 upon his patrimonial eftate, which was finifhed in A^areh this year,_ 
 and called it Ebenezer. This church was alfo received into the 
 conneftion at tJie fame time; which made the number zi. 
 
 This year, whicli afforded joy on the above accounts,, was 
 alfo a time of forrow. Mfy dear and worthy Brotlier, Timotiy, 
 now finiflied his aftivC) though' afHiffed couffe. He was froirf 
 
 infancy 
 
trsLSii Jssdci^rio'N, &c. 1769. sj 
 
 inFancy of an unhealthy conflitution, but unwearied, adceptable, 
 and fuccefsfiil in his miniiterial fervices. He. had been exerciiing 
 his gifts before he was nineteen, I was informed, by a membef 
 of the church, that he began to preach the very day Mr. Exbcj^ 
 Francis died ; and feme were pleafed to fay that the unfpeakable 
 lofs in the death of the latter was wonderfully made up in the 
 former. Befides what is mentioned above, he publifhed a ftiorl 
 fyftem of divinity. Jnftification, was the leading article in it, 
 therefore he gave it this title, " The White Robe." Mr. B. 
 Griffiths, paftor at Montgomery, Pennjyl'oenia, /aw it, and in a 
 letter to Mr. Miles Harrys, be fays, " Pleafe to give my chrif- 
 " tian refpefts to Mr. Timothy Thomas. I value his Weljh book 
 •• very much, and wifti I could obtain one of them." He was 
 Secretary to the alTociation, and took the care of printing and 
 diflributing tlie circular letter. He died in the 48th year of hii 
 age, ' and was fucceeded in the fervice of the Afibciation by 
 Jiis younger Brother, Zechariah Thomas, wh©, with two more, 
 Mr. David Davis, and Mr. Da'vid Saunders, were fometime 
 after ordained in the church. Two of my Brother Timothy's 
 fons are now in the miniftry. The eldeft fon, of the faro© 
 name, lives where his father did ; he has been ordained for fome 
 years : the other is Mr. Thomas Thomas, minifter of the firft-day 
 church, which meets at Mill-yard, in Rofemary-lane, Londem 
 About five weeks before the death of Mr. Timothy Thomas, die4 
 Mr. B. Griffiths, juft now named. And the feme year Mr. Rett 
 E'uans, who had been paftor at Shreiufiury, died at Temkjbury, 
 Chucefitrjhire ; he was originally a member at Pentre. Ms. 
 John Richard,, the aged paftor of the young church at Ebtnezer, 
 finiftied his courfe; and fo did Mr. William Watkins, at Cref- 
 tsmbe, Somerjet, a member from Blaenau. After fo many deaths 
 this year the worft is yet to come ; the Dolau paftor was ex- 
 cluded for immorality. This was a heavy ftroke. He west t* 
 the people from whom he came. The numbers this year were. 
 Baptized 96, dead. 57, excluded 12, reftored 4, increafe, 31^ 
 
 1769, Aberduar. 14th and 15 th of June. Brother David T^^ 
 mas, of Rhydiuilim, preached from z Cor. v, 14, and Brother 
 Benjamin Francis from Rev. iii. 19. " Be zealous." The churches 
 all in peace. 
 
 Baptized 99, dead 37, excluded 15, reftored 3, in- 
 creafe, 50. I have no account of the death of any of our mini- 
 fters in the Principality this year. Mr. Jojhua Thomas, of iy- 
 mington, Hamppire, a very promifiug young minifter, who was 
 formerly a member of Rhyd'itjiiim, and Mr. Daniel Thomas, of 
 Henley, Wariuickjhire, originally a member of Pen-y-garn, both 
 ended their days in 1769. Rhydmiilim loft their 'paftor by his 
 own fin. He was fucceeded by Mr. G£(trge Recs, tlieir prefenS 
 aged and worthy paftor. 
 
 1770, Chapel-y-ffin, hdoT\iw^ to Qkhon. 13th and 14th of 
 
 June. 
 
6]. j^ . li isTo KT OF rue 
 
 June. Brother yo/j>i Williams preached from A6Vs xxvi. 2iy zjf; 
 and Brother Ilugii E'vans from Mai. ii. 15. 
 
 Baptized ' 1 1 1, dead 4;;, excluded zo, reftored 10, in- 
 creafe, 56. ' ' 
 
 In the letter is this paragraph; "Wales hath been noted ire 
 " time paft, not only for a defirable plenty of minifters among 
 " themfelves, but alfo for fpariirg many worthy ones to fupply 
 *' deftitute churches in England, Ireland, and America; but if 
 " God were to withhold minifterial gifts from the Ancient Bri- 
 "tons, what nation under Heaven could help them?" Many 
 who have laboured in England and America Yiaye been alread)^ 
 mentioned in this hiftory, and feveral have been minifters > in: 
 Ireland alfo ; as Mr. Morgan Edwards, now in America ; Ml*. 
 James Edwards, his brother, for many years back at Waterford'i 
 the former from Pen-y-garn, the latter from LawMenarths alfo 
 Mr. Henry Phillips, from Pen-y-garn, who was ordained at Water-i 
 ford, and ferved the church in the Back-lane, Dublin,t^o yearsy 
 and died in 1789, at S arum. It was defiTed, at this meeting, 
 that the letters from the churches ftiould not be fo long in future,- 
 as they took up much time to read them. No minifter in the 
 Connexion died this year but Mr. David Jones, a promifing yomig 
 man, at Llaniaenarth, who had been convinced of Believers' Bap- 
 tifm, while in the Independent Academy at Abergavenny^ and 
 joined the Baptifts, for which he was eirpeUed the Seminarj* 
 Mr. James Drewett, originally a member of Pen-y-garn, died at 
 Honiton, Devon. 
 
 1771. Pen-y-fai, 12th, &c. June. Brother William WiUiami 
 preached from 2 Cor. v. 1 1, and Brother Benjamin Francis froni 
 Pf. cxxvi. 6. The churches all in peace. 
 
 Baptized 102, dead 54, excluded 12, reftored, n, in- 
 ereafe, 47. A revival in feveral churches, others complaining. 
 Notsd in this letter, and that of laft year, the great plenty of 
 Bibles provided for Wales, more than ever before ; a large im- 
 preiEon in London in 1769, and another in Caermarthen in- 
 1770 ; an ineftimable blefflng. Queries regarding difcipline Werg 
 propofed at moft of the Aflbciations. 
 
 This year died Mr. William Williams, who had been paftor at 
 Olchon, but had refigned his office, and for many years allifled 
 at M.aes-y-berllans and Mr. E'aan Edwards, an aged and very 
 Worthy affiftant at Hengoed . His fon, Mr. Watkin Edwards, ii~ 
 there now, colleague with Mr. Lewis James. Mr. Peter E'vans, 
 t>riginally a member at Pentre, but afterwards paftor at t'eovif, 
 Svmerfet, died this year ; a very worthy man, coufin to the lat6 
 Dr. E'vanSyOf Brijiol. ' 
 
 ijjz. Rhyd-wilim. 1 oth and 1 1 th of June.- Brother Gr^/;& 
 Da'vis peached from' 2 Cor. v. 20, and Brother W. Williams, 
 bf Ebenezer, from Heb. xii. 2. The churches all in peace, means 
 plenty, additions to feveral, &c. 
 
 Baptized io5, dead 34, excluded 27, reftored ii, fn- 
 ©reafed 56. It was agreed to reprint the Catiehifja' for youth. 
 
 A new' 
 
trSLSS ASSOCIATION, ^i. 177V. . 6* 
 
 /*«or»«»rt Ik «U 
 
 A new churcn^t Carhon ifij-ji, and another dt UJk t£ 1772, 
 
 both in Monmouthjhire, joined the Alfociation this yean__TJie 
 
 latter.was partly at Llangwm, the ancient placejand&anch was 
 at Llafitrifaint in former years. Now the, churches were' 23. 
 
 I do not recolleft that any minifter belonging to the Aflbcia- 
 tion died this year but Mr. Jacob Rees ; he fucceeded Mr. Wi 
 William)! at Olchon, but had refigned his offiee many years, and 
 was very aged. This year alio Mr. Caleb E'vans, a native of 
 Pentre died, near Charlejio'wn, South Carolina ; he Was another 
 coufin of the late Dr. E'uans of Brifiol. 
 
 '?' 1773- BetheJ'da: 9th and loth of June. Brother John Wil- 
 liams preached from Matt. xxii. 4. and brother Hugh Emans from 
 Zech.^i. 5. ."^i. David Thomas, of Cilfowyr, was appointed td 
 preach at this meeting, but he died before the time. ' Mr. Hugh 
 Evans's ftrmon was very fuitable to the pt'ovidenCe, and at re-' 
 tjueft it was printed in Englifti and Welfh. Mr. David Thomas was 
 a worthy minifter of deferved repute. There is no account of the 
 additions, &c. in this letter. It was filled up with other matter, 
 particularly with fonie refolutions agreed upon refpefting an ap. 
 plication to parliament for the further relief of Proteftant Diffen- 
 ters. It was here agreed. That in future the circular letter ftiould 
 be prepared by the minifter where the Affociation might meet. 
 The churches not all quite peaceable. A new church was formed at 
 Salem, in Carmarthenjhire ; the conftituents were members from 
 Rhydivilim, Cilfbiniyr, and Carmarthen churches, but being con- 
 veniently fituated to form one fociety, they had proper dtfmif- 
 fions cheerfully granted theiii.'i 
 
 1 774. Eieiiezer. 8th and 9th of Jtine. Brother Edmund 
 Watkins ' Tprea.ch.ed from A£ts xx. 26, 27. and Brother Bea/amin 
 Francis from i Cor. xv. 58. / 
 
 Baptized 333, dead 57, excluded J 6, reftored 8, increafe 268. 
 
 Many were baptized in fome of the churches, but the peace 
 of one or two of them was difturbed, as will foon appear. The 
 letter this year was a very good one, intended to caution, di- 
 teft, &Ci The additions this year exceeded any one before. 
 No minifter in the connexion died this year, if I recolieft rightly, 
 but Mr. Thomas LenXiis, originally a member at Pen-y-garn, who 
 fettled fome years at Tiverton, was afterwards paftbr of the 
 church at Exeter, and departed this life on Decefnber the 4th,i 
 after this affociation, aged 44. He was an affeftionate ufeful 
 minifter, peculiarly attentive to young chriftians, and could not 
 be known without being loved. 
 
 ' 1775. UJk. 14th and 15th of June. Brother William 
 Williams preached from Hofea vii. g. and Brother Hugh Evans 
 from Heb. xii. 22, 23. Brother Thomas Hiller, of Tewkjbury, 
 providentially there, preached in the evening from Luke vlii, 3 J. 
 Many of the additions, this year and laft, were to the young 
 church in and near Carmarthen, and to the mother church at 
 Newcajile, about that time and fmce, called Pant-teg, from a new 
 meeting-houfe of that name. Many of thofe who had been bap- 
 
 E tized 
 
66 A aiSTOKT OT THE 
 
 *^ ^ * 
 
 tized^viswei young, and the old members looked upon them as In- 
 experienced and flafliy ; in return, they looked on the old a$ 
 formal and lifelefs, Thus they made each other uncomfortable, 
 and probably there was fome truth, and fome error on each fide. 
 The uneafinefs refpefted neither dodlrines nor morals in general; 
 but was about the method of finging. The confequence of it 
 was, the young people, at both places, feparated in March and 
 April, preceding this AiTociation, and formed two churches ; but 
 the miniilers and meffengers who met at U^ difapproved of the 
 caufe and manner of the divifion, and therefore would not re- 
 ceive them irito the connexion ; they were advifed to returrj to 
 thdl- churches, and be reconciled. So it Was then left. 
 
 This year baptized 278, dead 66, excluded 17, reftored 19, 
 received by. letters 6, difmiffed 3, increafe 217. 
 
 This year died Mr. Join Evans, the paftor at Pentre, a jndi- 
 cio»s~man ; and Mr. Charles Harris, at Bridgwater^ Somerfet, 
 pfiginally a member at Pen-y-gam. 
 
 1776. Pant-teg. 12th and 13th of June. Brother JoJUiua 
 Thomas, Tof Leominfter, preached the preceding evening from 
 Pfal. xlii. 5. On the morrow. Brother John Thomas preached 
 from Deut. xxxiii. 3. and Brother Benjamin Francis iromVhLW.i. 
 27. Baptized 260, dead 5;, excluded 27, reftored 16, dif- 
 irii(^ed I. — Increafe 193. Four,-and-twenty churches fent mef- 
 fengfers to this aflembly, of wliom three were without paftors, 
 but all had^feachers and helps. At this time, and often before, 
 the churches were advifed to be prudent and orderly in fending 
 young men into the miniflry, and in receiving thofe who were 
 beginning to preach. It was agreed to print the preliminaries 
 of the Aflbciation, and to fend a few copies to each church for 
 information. This year, after the Aflbciation, the four follow- 
 ing minifters died, Mr. Philip Morgan, formerly paftor at Maes- 
 j>-for//««, aged about 83. He had been long afflifted. Mr. Grif- 
 fth Daws, paftor at Sixianfea, aged 77 ; a worthy man. Mr. 
 Miles Harrys, -ps&or At Pen-y-gam, aged 76. He had been for- 
 merly a very public man, ufeful and acceptable. He generally 
 fent a letter from his church to the Weftern AfTociation till near 
 the laft. At times letters were fent to this body from Swanfee, 
 Pen-y-fai, and Biaesau, as a remembrance of the former connexion 
 in the laft century. The fourth was Mr. JJaac J-eaes, fon of Mr. 
 Rees Jones. Mr. Rees Jones was one of the three who having 
 been a long time affiftants, were ordained this year at Pentre, to 
 fucceed the late paftor. The other tw» were Meflrs. John Evans 
 (a kinfman of Dr. Caleb, E-vdns), and Morgan Evans. Mr. 
 Ifaac Jones was a very promifing young man. Towards the 
 clofe of life, he fupplied in a probationary way ztLynn, Norfolk ■{ 
 but his health being impaired, he returned to Woks, and the 
 aifliflion ended in death. 
 
 This year, by the friendly inferpofition of the late Dr. Lle- 
 rvelyn, the Gentlemen Managers of the Particular Baptift Fund in 
 Jjondon were pleafed to allot a fura of money to encourage a 
 
 milfioB 
 
f^E.t%tt jtSSQCIAtlON, ^c. iTjt. 67 
 
 BiifTion into Iferth Wales, particularly the counties of Mfriatieth, 
 Carnawon and Anglefea-; in thofe counties, and part oi Denbigh- 
 Jhire, the Baptifts were comparatively unknown. Mr. Da'vid 
 Efuans, the paftor at Bfolau, made the firll attempt this year, and 
 Vas encoliraged tp repeat his vifit. After that the minifters went 
 from the South commonly two at a time . At this Aflbciafioji 
 Dr. Llewelyn lodged part of the money in the hands of Mr. JVit- 
 liami of Ebenezer, and a fum in my hands, and wifhed lis to do 
 what we could in the affair ; but as my relidence was fo far out 
 of the way, the whole bufinefs' at, length devolved on Mr. Wil- 
 liams, and he exerted himfelf much to prombte the defign. 
 
 1777. l03jlem., iith and iiih jfme. Brother George Rees 
 preached from 2 Cor. v. 1 8. and Brother Hugh E'vans froni Luke 
 xii, 43. This was the laft time Mr. E-i/anj Tionoured this Aftb- 
 ciation ; and the firft time was in 1736, fo that- he rendered his 
 kind fervice to this Affociation above forty years. This year the 
 numbers flood thus: Baptized a 16, dead 6j, excluded 41, 
 reftored 11, Increafe 119. 'Eroxhtr Senjamin Francis preached 
 in the evening from i Cor. ii. 2. Giyn, Salem and Swanfea without 
 P^aftors. Mt. Daniel Garnon died this year, an aged ordained 
 minifter at Llanglqffan, but had lately removed his cbmraunion 
 to Ebeuexer. 
 
 The churches had been pi'evioufly d^fired to give their opinion 
 at this meeting whether it would be expedient for brother yojhua 
 Thomas to print the hiflory of the Welfh Baptifts in their native 
 language; that the work might be laid afide, or fet forward, as 
 he could not think of printing it without their approbation. The' 
 refult was, that every church not only gave affent to the eligibi- 
 lity of the defign, but contributed more or lefs to help it on. 
 
 The new church formed in 1^76, at Wern, now Trofnant, near 
 Pontypool, was received into the connexion, Mr. Miles Edivardt 
 paftor, fon of the late Mr. T. Edward's, paftor at Llanwenarth. 
 Thofe who feparated from Netucafile and Carmarthen were not 
 admitted into the connexion, but Were advifedio re-jinite. The 
 iniffion to the North tontinuetl ; fometimes one minifter went, 
 feommonly two. 1 1 
 
 1778. Salem. Third Wednefday and Thurfday in June, 
 brother Thomas Phillips, paftor aXyCarleon, preached from AiSs 
 XV. 16, znABrothei Benjamin Francis from hu^t X. 2. Baptiz- 
 ed 159, dead. 54, excluded 55, reftored 1 1 , Inereafe 61. The 
 two fepkrated focieties continued fo yet, and wiftied to be re- 
 ceived into the Aiibciation as two churches. The fubjeft was 
 then considered afrefti; and it appeared, that after fo many 
 years trial, the beft way io proinote peafce an41ove was, to con- 
 tinue feparate ; and both ciiurdhes were received. That, near 
 Newcafili, was called Graig, from a new meeting^hbufe they had 
 eredled: That in Carmarthen, Priory-ftreet, their place of wor- 
 ftiip being in the ftreet of that name. Another young church 
 formed in 1777. called now St. Nicholas, after the name of the 
 
 E 2 parifti 
 
6g ^ HlSrO Ri- OF THE 
 
 parlfii, was received into the connexion. This made the num-'' 
 
 ber 28. 
 
 This year died Mr. Jo&n Price, a young candidate at Llaif 
 mienarih. The Tuefday evening Brother Da-uid Davis preached 
 from Rev. i. 13. The conftituerits of the church at St. Nicholas 
 were 24, all baptized fince the laft Affociation. This year, and 
 two years before, the iiames of all the minifters who engaged in 
 prayer are inferted. 
 
 1770. Glyn, Denbighjhire. 9th and loxh ot June, This was 
 in the North, though the church originated from Wrexham. 'In 
 April preceding the Affociation, Mr. Dawd E'vans, the iirft who' 
 went on this miffion, publicly baptized two in a river in Anglefea, 
 and a few days before this meeting ten more were baptized in 
 that ifland. Hence, a number from that, and other counties in 
 the North, came to Glyn to fee what an Affociation was, and 
 they were defirous to have as many fermons as poflible. BrotlicF 
 John Williams, the paftor at Llangloffan, preached from John i. 
 I — "J. and Brother Samuel Medley, oi Li'verpool, in Englifli, from- 
 Zech. ix. 16, 17J repeated in Welfti by Brother T. Phillips; af- 
 ter a little refrelhment. Brother StephenDams, paftorof the new 
 church at Carmarthen, preached from Mat. xvi. 24. and Brother 
 George j^ees from Afts xi. 21. This year baptized 161, dead 40, 
 excluded 32, reftOred 16, Increafe 105. From this meeting 
 Meffrs. Stephen Dams, oi Carmarthen, and- DauiJ Jones and paftor 
 of Pen-y-garn, went to Anglefea, where, on the 20th of June, 
 three more were bagfized ; and on that day they formed the 
 fifteen into a church, and adminiftred the Lord's fiipper to them. 
 
 ■^TlJgTthimh is called Ebenezer. 
 
 Previous to the Glyn meeting, a book had been printed in 
 Welfti, containing fome things regarditig the Trinity, which 
 many fuppofed heterodox. In this letter, the Affociation tefti- 
 fied their difapprobation of them, as a Baptift was fuppofed to 
 be the author of the book. From that time there have been im- 
 prudent expreffions introduced upon an article not underftood. 
 After this Affociation died Mr- DatAd Jones, formerly the paftor 
 at Wrexham, by whofe miniftry the Glyn church had beenraifed. 
 He was originally a member of Molejlon. In v^T), died alfo Mr, 
 John Hopkins, of Siuartfea, and Mr. John Griffith, of Rhyd-wilim^ . 
 both aged ufeful helps. 
 
 * 1780. Llaxwenarth. I3th> 14th, and 15th of Jtine, Laffi 
 year they began to read the letters from the churches on the 
 Tuefday afternoon, that Wedhefday might be moftly emjdoyed 
 in praying and preaching. Here the churches are all named in- 
 the' addrefs ; the Anglefea church formed laft year being now 
 admitted, made the number 29. A-11 the (bcieties in peace. Bro^ 
 ther Zechariah Thomas preached from Gal. vi. 14. and Brother 
 Caleb E-vans, o( Briftol, from r Tim. i. 15. After proper re- 
 frelhment. Brother Benjamin Francis preached from I Theff. ii. 
 13. and 'Brother Da-vid Evans from Eph. i. 23. Baptized 166, 
 dead 94, excluded 31, reftored ig, Increafe 0o. 
 
 This 
 
WELSH AS S C I AT 10 N, &c. 1784. g, 
 
 Thi;S year died Mr. David Oiuen, of Llanelli, fon tp the late 
 paftor there, of the fame name ; and Mr. Francis LetJuis, paftor 
 at Neijjbury, Berks, originally a member of Llaniuem'rth. 
 
 1 78 1. Llangloffan. 13th and 14th of _y«w, , Tuefday even- 
 ing, .Brothel' William Williams, of Ebenezer, preached fronj 
 Heb; iii. 7, 8 ; and ou Wednefday, Brother johit Thomas from 
 Jer. iii. 23, and Brother Benjamin Francis' irpm. Matt. xxv. 21. 
 Baptized 202, de^d 77, excluded 51, reftbred '32, received by 
 letters 4, Increafe 1 10. A wifh was exprefTed to have the Cqn- 
 feffion of Faith reprinted. Some churches very profperous. A 
 meeting -houfe was wanted in Anglefea; the churches were de- 
 fired to contribute towards it, and fend their collpflion^ to Brq- 
 ther William Williams, of Ebenezer; Brother Da'vid Evans, of 
 Polau ; or Brother David Jones, of Pen-y-garn, in- pr before 
 Oftober next.* This year died Meflrs. Richard Watkins, oiPeny- 
 fai, and Daniel Thomas Of Rhydwilim, two acceptable affiftants. 
 
 1782. Blaenau, 12th and 13th oijune. Brother James Thmas, 
 the paftor at Pant-teg, formerly Nenucaftle, preached Tuefday 
 pvening ; his text is not mentioned in the letter ; and Wednef- 
 day, Brother George Rees from Zeph, iii. 4. and Brother Benja- 
 min Francis from Luke xiv. 23. Hpre the 29 churf hes are named 
 and numbered. Diforders in fome churches Were complained of. 
 Baptized 196, dead 68, excluded 29, reftored 22, Increafe f 21. 
 
 1783. Cilfoivyr. 4th and 5 th of June. Morgan Rees, the 
 paftor at Llanelli, preached Tuefday evening from i Pet. ii. 4. 
 iind Wednefday, Brother Miles Edwards, paftpr at Trofnant, from 
 Pfal. xciii. 5. ^nd Brother Thomas Thomas, then ot Perjhore, 
 Worcejierpire, but now zx Mill-yard, Londof{ from Rom. y. 11. 
 ChurcKes in peace. Additions to moft. Baptized i8o,. dead 89, 
 (Excluded 36, reftored 22, Increafe 77. This year, bqth North 
 and South Wales fuftaitied a great Ipfs in the death of the 
 (iefervedly refpedled Thomas Llewelyn, L. L. D. He was 
 a cordial friejifi to his native country, both in a civil and religi-. 
 pus fenfe. The letter of this year records the death of Mr. 
 William Hughes, a worthy colleague in the miniftry at Llanelli ; 
 and alfo the deceafe of Mr. Evan Thomas, the faithful and aged 
 paftor at Molefton, of whom it is noted, that he had attended 
 the Affociation near fifty years, and it was believed had been 
 abfent but once in all that length of time. 
 
 1 784. , Pen-y-garn. The 2d Wednefday and Thurfday In June. 
 The letters \v,ere read here upon Tuefday afternoon, Peace in 
 the churches. The death of ufeful members is lamented, parfi- 
 pularly of Mr. David Thojyas, the refpedlable paftor at Pant-teg, 
 for ipany years. He came from the Independents about forty 
 years before. He had been exereifed with many trials, and bore 
 fruit in old age. Hq was a judicious man. By appointment he 
 preached at a quarterly meeting in Pembrokejhire, May 1779, 
 from Gal. ii. 16. The minifters then prefent requefted him to 
 favour them vyith the difcourfe ; he complied ; the fubjefl is 
 Juftific^tion, |t was preached, and is printed in Welih, This 
 18- • -' ■■ ■'" • '^ ■ "■ ' .^ 5 - ' ' ■ ye^<;. 
 
70 jl, }JISXORY OV THS N 
 
 year alfo died Mr. Thomas Da-vis, the paftor at Fairfori, in 
 Gloucefiirjhire; he ferved that cliurch with great acceptance'abovg! 
 forty years. He was originally a member of Pentri. Thq 
 fame year died Mr. Thomas Da'vid of Cil/ovayr, an acceptable; 
 affiftant there. At this meeting Brother ZJaoi^VjEi'aHJ, oiGraig, 
 preached from Zech. ix. 9, and Brother CaUh Evans, of Briftol, 
 from Pfal. cxijc. 129. In the afternoon. Brother ^''i^" ■^'''^'''''^j 
 a colleague at Graig, from Luke ii. 10, and Brother 7/?«ry Oavid, 
 a colleague at Lldngloffan, from John i. 14. and after him Bro- 
 ther Benjamin Morgan, now paftor at Eridgewater, Somerfet, from 
 Zech. iv. 2. Baptized '295, dead 86, excluded 53, difmiffed 3, 
 feftored 26, Incteafe 179. The churches were advifed not to 
 receive ftrangers into comflnunion without a letter from the church- 
 es to which they belonged, or fome certainty of their being 
 farderly rhembers. 
 
 By this time the Baptifts were increafing in North Wales. A 
 tolerably large meetlng-houfe was erefted chiefly in 1781, near 
 the centre ni Anglefea. A confiderable part of the money to de- 
 fray the expence was procured in South Wales, by the infliience 
 of Mr. Williams of Eienezer, Dr. ' Ueivelyntof London, and Mr. 
 David Emans oi Dolau. Mr. Williams exerted himfelfhonoi'- 
 ably in this aifair, and, difficulties being furmounted, the houfc 
 Was named as his own place of worlhip is, viz'. Ebknezer. ' 
 
 1785. Graig, near Ne--wcaflle.. id. Wednefday and Thurf- 
 day in June, Tuefday evening,Brother Zechariah Thomas preached 
 from Cant. ii. 9. Wednefday, Brother t)abid Jones, -of fen-y^ 
 gdrn, from 2 Tim. i. 10. and Brother Thomas "Thomas from John 
 viii. 32.' Peace inct'eafing in the focieties. Three young churchei 
 received into' fellowftiip: Beaumaris in Ariglefea.; Roe on the 
 borders of the counties of Carnarvon and Denbigh ; and Tivyn- 
 gwyn 'vn.lfI6nmoiithJirir'e. The churches now 3 2, ill named in the 
 letter. Baptized 332i dead 71, excluded 56, difmifled i, re- 
 ftored 21, Increafe 2JI5. The letter mentions the death of Mr. 
 Timothy Thomas, one of the colleagues at Graig, who died in 
 1784, but after the Affociatiori at ' Pra-y-^ars. This year alfo 
 died Mr. William If arris, the' paftor at G^n, a very promifmg 
 y6ving marii briginally i member of Priory-fireet, Carmarthen. ' 
 
 17B6 Pentre. ■14th' and' 15th of ^'"K'. Tuefday evening, 
 Brother Miles Ediuat'ds pi'eiched' from Pfal. xxxvi. 7. 'Wednef- 
 day, Brother .//««r)' ■^'''^"''' °f Llangloffan, from Jer. xv. ig. 
 Then Brother CaUb Ekiani, oiBriJiol, in Eftglilh, from i John iv. 
 I(i,'wh6fe difco\irfe"'was briefly' repeated in 'Wellh by Jojhua' 
 Thomas of Leo'minfier. After that Brother George Rees preached 
 from 2C6r.'v. 4. ' The churches at Mfilefion, Glyn, and others, 
 complaitied that they were as Iheep without Ihepherds. 'Bap- 
 tize4 410, including the new cliiirchesi dead 93, excluded 59, 
 teftored 29, difmifled 5,' received by letter 5, Increafe 287. Nfew 
 churches this year, TJlra'J-dafodog, in Glamorganfiire, ^aifed up 
 providentially without much connexion with any church. ' Nemtu, 
 m Carnarvohjhite i they foon boilt two 'good meeting-hofilfes 
 
 there 
 
iVELSlI ASSOCIATION, dfc 1787. 71 
 
 there, one in the town, and the other at a proper diflance in the 
 country, which they ' called Salem. Another new qhurch in the 
 fame county nemCreeiith ; they likewife erefted a meeting-houfe 
 arid called it HoreS. And a fourth^ church in Merionttbpire % 
 their new place of worlhip was called Ramoth, a few miles north- 
 weft of Harleigh. Mr, Da'vid Morris, who afterwards died at 
 Carmarthen, was of great fervice in the miniftry, and in erefting 
 meeting houfes at Ne-uin'sn^ Salepi, then but one church : and 
 Mr. David Hughes was aftive and fuccefsful in the two churches 
 Horeb and Ramoth. YJirad, Neniin, Hmreb, and Ramoth, fent let- 
 ters to this convention, and werft all admitted into the connexion. 
 And after the Affociation, the fame fummer, another church was 
 formed at Ne-wbridge, in Denbighjhire, between Wrexham and 
 Ofiueftry. The conftituents of it were members from the two 
 churches at Wrexham and Gljn, both of whom gave their confent 
 and approbation to this incorporation. Mr. Jerlkin Davis, who 
 had beeji for fome time at Beaumaris, in Jlnglefea,' Temovedi to 
 the paftoral care of this new church. . This year died Mr. Seik 
 Morris, who had been lately fettled paftor at Ebenezer, . in Angle- 
 fea; andj before the end of the year, ^r.John Thomas, Tpa&or at 
 Maes-y-berllan, and Mr. William Williams, his colleague. Breach 
 upon breach. This year alfo died Mr. David Evans, at Biggli- 
 fioade, Bedfardjhire, originally a member at Molejion, Pembrtike- 
 Jhire. Churches now 36 in number. , 
 
 1787. Priory-fireet, Carmarthen. Second Wednefday and 
 Thurfday i,n June, Here the letters were read Tuefday evening, 
 in order to have more time for preaching next day. " The ftate 
 of the churches variousi Some vej-y peaceable and profperous, 
 but others not fo. Minifterial gifts increafing in feveral places, 
 which alfo is nfentioned in the letters moft years. Wednefday, 
 Brother David Jones preached from Mai. i. ii, and Brother Tiia- 
 ma^ Thomas, thtnoi Perjhore, from I John ii. 3; and in the after- 
 noon Brother Job David, of Frame, originally a member of Pen-y- 
 fai, from 2 Cor. iv. 17. and Brother Timothy Thomas, of Aber- 
 duar, from Ifaiah liii. 10. Baptized 402, dead 71, excluded 
 72, reftored 28, received by letters 3, Increafe ago. New 
 churches received here were, Llanfachreth, near Holyh&ad, in Angle- 
 fea; Neivbridge above mentioned; Meuadd, in Brecknock/hire, 
 which had been a diftant branch pf Maes-y-berllaa, now peaceably 
 formed for conveniency ; and the Engine; Glamorganjhire, orga- 
 nized fpme time before, though not in the connexion, Thismads 
 the number of churches 40. ' 
 
 Agreed; that, if contention ftipuld arife inany church likely to 
 make a breach in it, nope of our minifters ftiould either preach to 
 them, or in any way encourage a feparation among them, till the 
 matter be firft confidered at the Affociation, or at a quarterly 
 meeting, or at a meeting of minifters ca,lled for the purpofe. Re- 
 ported that a new impreffion of a Pocket Bible, in Welftij 
 with references, like Cannes, was in the prefs. Faithful mini-, 
 fiers ^ere" ri6<|uefted to go aijd alTift where the J|iarYefl was 
 ; ' ■■ ■ 14 ■ . gTea< 
 
7^ A HI sro RY OF T HE 
 
 great, but the labourers few. Thanks were voted to Mr. B^iija- 
 ^in Francis for his Welsh Hymns for Pubic' Worship. 
 This year died Mr. Rees Jones, the fenior paftor at Pentie ; arid 
 Mr. jahi Morgan, an aged, ufeful affiflant at Maes-y-herllan ; and 
 Mr. Da-vid Enjans, the paftor at Thorn, Bedfordshire, originally 
 ^razis^tx oi Aberduar, a valuable young man, aged 31. 
 
 1788. tflannerchmedd, in Anglefea, belonging to Llanfachreth, 
 2d Wednefday and Thurfday in J.une, In this country, the^ 
 were eager to have as much preaphing as polCble. Several of 
 the minifters came about i z on the Tuefday, Brother Morgan^ 
 Rees, paftor at Pen-ygam, (Mr. David Jones was removed to 
 Graig), preaphed from Hab. iii. 9. and Brolher Ha'vid.Powel, 
 from Matt. xvii. z6. The fame evening, Brpther Gabriel Rees 
 preac"hed from Lulje xxiy, z6, and Brother Benjamin Phillips, 
 paftor at Salem, in Carmarthenjhire, from Exod. iii. 3. Wednef- 
 day, .Brother Dawid E'udns, oif Dolau, preached froiii Rev. i. zo. 
 and Brother Benjamin Daniies, in Epglifti and Welfti, from Johij 
 iii. 19. and Brother Henry DawWfromEph. iii. 8. This letter 
 takes an afFe£lionate and refpeftful notice of the death of Mr. 
 E-van Tia'vid, the worthy paftor of Bethefda, where he ferved 
 faithfully near forty years ; he was firft a member of Rhydtuilim 
 then of Llangloffan. To whom muft be added, Mr. James Thomas 
 an acceptable 'fucge^or to the late paftor at P ant-teg, whp died in 
 the prime of life ; and Mr. Sam/on Dams, an affiftant at Llanelli. 
 He came from the Independents, and had been in the miniftry 
 manyryears. . Baptized 513, dead 90, excluded 80, reftored 44, 
 difmifled 19, Increafe 368. After the letters were read. Brother 
 Da'vid Ewans, paftor at Cilfowyr, preached from Pfal. cxiix. 2. 
 and Brother Timothy Thomas frorn Ifa. xiv. 3Z. The circular 
 Jetter was drawn up by Mr. Thomds Morris, the paftor. 
 
 . New churches this year. Llandyfaen, near Llandile, in Car- 
 marthenjhire, a church confifting of fortyrfix members the firft 
 year. The Neta Houfe, in Back-lane, Swan/ea : This was rather 
 tun unhappy feparation from the old church in that town. Mr. 
 Lewis Thomas, the fenior paftor at Cilfo^wyr, was removed to hisj 
 }ong home after this Affociation. Mr. Rees Da-aid; paftor of a 
 Baptift church at Norwich, originally a member of Peny-fai, died 
 this year. He was a fenfible and popular young man. 
 
 As the churches were riow Ijecome fo numerous and fo dlf- 
 tantly fituated, the letter proppfed to their cpnfidera^ion, whether 
 |t would not be advantageous to have more tl}an one Aflbciation, 
 
 1789. Afa«^-i?r//fl». 9th and lotl] of June. The addrefs in 
 the circular letter, ever fince 1735, exprefl'ed an approbation of 
 the Confefiion of Faith republiftiedin 1689, except twice or threes 
 times, when, n^verthplefs, the general contents of it \i'ere expreff- 
 6d without mentioning the Confeflion. But, ever fmce 1779, there 
 Jiad been fome whifperings about the commonly received doftrine 
 of the Trinity ; and fome objeftions to figning any formularies 
 compofed by fallible men. ,But ftill the addrefs was in fubftancp 
 the fame, and the Confefljorj fully referred to. At this meeting 
 
WE LSU AS S OC I At lOT^, (^c. 1790, ^j 
 
 t)a.e fijbjeft was dpbated. Part of the aflembly were for the anci- 
 pnt method, and part for altering it. The form of words was 
 confiderably changed. Some were pleafed, and others bore with 
 it. 
 
 Tuefday evening, the letters were read ; the churches moftly 
 in peace ; additions to all but two. Baptized 603, dead 87, ex- 
 cluded ipi, reftored 50, Increafe 465, Wednefday, Brother 
 William Williams, of Ebenezer, near Cardigan, preached front 
 Neh. viii. z ; and Brother Caki Evans, oi BriJhl^Tom A £ts xv. 
 ^9. In the afternoon, Brotjier G4tM*^f#E^rpreache3Trom i~Tim. 
 yi. 6. ani'Brother Benjamin Francis from Rom. vi. 15. Three new 
 churches were received; Aberyjinvyth, in the north oi fardigah- 
 Jhire ; Nottage, formerly a remote branch of Pen-y-fai ; and Bryii- 
 Salem, whole conftituents had long been diftant members of Pen- 
 y-fai and Swanfea, and fuppUed from both places. 
 
 About the clofe of 178^', came out in Welfti, a trad upon 
 Infant Baptifm, by Mr. Benjamin E-uans, a minifter near Cardigan j 
 and in 1789, an Anfwer to it by Mr. William Richards, of Lynn, 
 Norfolk, originally a member of Sale?n, in Carmarthen/hire, vitW 
 acquainted with his native language, and with the Baptifmal con-j 
 troverfy»- Mr. Benjamin Evans ptiblllhed a Rejoinder; and Mr. 
 'Richards replied again. It was agreed that next year the Affocia- 
 tion Ihould be divided into three, and the churches were defire4 
 to confider to which they would refpeftively join. This feparation 
 was to be made in love, with a view to eijiiarge and ettabliQi the 
 jntereft of Chrift. 
 
 1790. Dolau,'mRadnorJhire. i^tlciscciA lothoi ]\iTie. Tuefday 
 evening, the letters were read; moft of the churches in peace j 
 great additions to feme. Baptized 544., dead 84, excluded loi, 
 j-eftored 42, received by letter 7, difmiffed i, Increafe 407- 
 Wednefd'ay, Brother Edmund Watkins preached from Luke xiv, 
 ?z, 23 ; and Brother Benjamin Francis from Phil. iii. 16. In 
 the afternoon, Brother John Evans, of Roe, preached from z Cor. 
 jv. 7 ; and Brother David Jones from Ifaiah Ix. 7 ; and, laftly. 
 Brother Jojhua Thomas, oi heominfter, from Joftiua xxi. 45. 
 
 ' The Thurfday is always employed in reading the circular letter, 
 and in attention to other bufinefs ; fo that, in fa£l, the alTociation 
 continues three days. Being prefent, I wa^ admitted into the con- 
 vtotion on Thurfday. There was nothing faid about the manner of 
 ^he addrefs fo much debated the year before ; yet, in the printed 
 letter, it is confiderably altered from that of laft year. The Con-; 
 feffion of 1 689 is referred to better than it was the year before, yet 
 hot quite in the former manner, I took the liberty to move the 
 reprinting of that Confeffion in Welfh, and the revifing the firft 
 edition which is very fcaroe and incorredt. The moderator rea- 
 dily feconded the motion ; and I do not recoiled to have heard 
 pne negative voice. Hence it was inferted in the letter, that the 
 inembers of each quarterly nieeting in the connexion fliould 
 Fonfider among themfelves whether it would be right to print it as 
 it is, only revifing tji? language, (jr tq ^jia^e a<iy ^iterations, and 
 
 i ■ ' •' '■ ■■■ ■'■' ■' ■■ "■ -then 
 
74 A HI srORT F T HE 
 
 then fen4 their thoughts to Brother Jojhua Thomas, of Leoniinfier 
 who is appointed to correft it. And now I remark, upon the 
 whole, there has of late years been fome difference in the expreC- 
 fions of certain perfons upon the confeffedly deep and myfterious 
 dpftrine qf the a'dorable Trinity. Miriifters ufed words, perhaps 
 without caption, then one accufed the other, probably beyond 
 tlje real guilt, and there has been fome improper warmth on each 
 fide. Several attacks have been ftiade upon the pface and ortho- 
 doxy of our brethren in the Principality throvigh the courfe of 
 this century ; but they have hitherto been mercifully preferred 
 from many errors that prevail in other places ; may they ftill be 
 kept found in doftrine, and circumfpeft in conduflt. 
 
 The new church at Neath, Glamor ganjhire, was admitted this 
 year, making the number forty-fix ; and th? whole were formed 
 into Three AssociATioKs, thus. 
 
 The Northern, confifting of the churches at Glyn, Nenuir^Jge, 
 Denhighjhire ; Ramoth,' Merionethjhire ; Horeb, Salem, and Roe, 
 CarnarvonJ^ire i Beaumaris:, Ei/eaener, uni Llanfachreth, Anglejea: 
 nine in all. 
 
 The Eaftern, in South Wales. JDo/aztand Ventre, Radnor/hire j 
 Builth, Maes-y-berlliin, and Chapel-y-ffjjPBrecknochflnre ^ Llaniue- 
 narth, Blaenau, Peny-gar», Trqfnant Twyngiiiyn , UJk, Caerleon, 
 and Bethefda, in Monmouthjhire ; Hengoed, YJirad-dafodog, St. 
 Nicholas, Nottage, Pen-y-fai, and Neath, in Glamor ganpir e : 
 nineteen in all. 
 
 The W^5'?«r»in SouthWales. Bryn-Salem, Engine, Sixiatt/ea, Back 
 Lane in Stoanfea, Glamorgan/hire i Llanelli, Priory Street, Pcrth- 
 iywyll, Salem, Rhydwilim, Graig, Pa»t~teg, Aberduar, and Llan- 
 dyfaen, Carmarthenjhire i Molejlon Llangloffan, Ebenezer, and Cil- 
 foiuyr, Pemhrakejhire s and Aberyfttuyth, Cardigan/hire ^ thefe are 
 eighteen in all. 
 
 N. B. The new church at Neuadd is now called Builth, and 
 Okhon is called Chapel-y-ffm ; Olchon is in Herefordpire, Chapel- 
 y-ffm in Brecknockjhire, yet but about two miles diftant from each 
 other. The la.tter have s meeting-hqiife, the former never had % 
 proper one. 
 
 In ^he left^r, it is obferved, that this divifion of the churches 
 into three aflbciations was efFefted in love and harmony ; and tW, 
 flipuld 'circumftances require it in future, they will all meet by de- 
 puties in a General Affembly, as well to advife and afTift 'each 
 other, as to brighten the golden chain of fello\ylhip ; and, ihouid 
 minifters or members of one A'ffociatibn ^o to another, they fliall 
 for that time enjoy equal privileges with thofe who are real 
 n^embers. It was agreed that each Affociation fhould have liberty 
 to chufe whom they pleafed lo preach, out of all the three con- 
 ventions. The firft Affociation to be at Hengoed, the firft Wed- 
 neiday and Thurfday in June 1791 ; Brother Damid E'vans, of 
 Dolau, to preach ; in cafe of failure. Brother Morgan E'vans, of 
 Peutre. The fecond at Sioanfea, the fecond Wednefday and 
 TThurfilay in June ; Brptl^e?: WU^am William'^ of Ebenfx,^, to 
 ""■-■■'''■■''' preacl^ 
 
WEhSB ASS CI AT 10 N^ ^c. 1790. 7J 
 
 preach, or Brother G, Rees. The third to be at Salem {Roe), th^ 
 firft We Jnefday and Thurfday in Jttly> Brother Zechariah Thomas 
 to preach, or Brother Morris Jones. 
 
 Some of the minifters having advifed Brother Zechariah Thontat 
 to draw up a feetch on church difcipline, and propofe it for a cirr 
 cular letter ; he did fo, and read it at the AiTociation. After a 
 very little amendment, it was agreed to by the whole body. 
 This was a very prudent ftep to affift the young churches, and 
 fo promote order, and fome degree of uniformity through the 
 whole, though now in three bodies^ or diftrifts. A large im- 
 preffion was foon fubfcribed for. 
 
 This year, died Mr. Morgan Harris, the acceptable ailifling col- 
 league at' Llanwenarth i his father and grandfather had been 
 worthy pallors at Blaenau. Aft'er the Affociation died Mr. David 
 E'vans, the truly valuable paftor at Dolau, who was appointed to 
 preach at the very next AiTociation. He had exerted himfelf 
 much to promote the infant caufe in North Wales, and indeed 
 planned the mjiTion for that part of the Principality, 
 
 The former and prefent names of the Baptist Chwrches 
 in Wales; the years they were refpeftively formed or 
 received into the cohnexiorij and the page in the preced- 
 ing fheets where fome account is given of moft of them. 
 
 Jfo. Names. 
 
 Years. Page. 
 
 No. 
 
 Names. 
 
 Years.Page. 
 
 I Olchon 
 
 1633 
 
 3 
 
 12 
 
 Cilfowyr 
 
 1704 30 
 
 a Ilfton 
 
 1649 
 
 5 
 
 13 
 
 Pen-y-fai 
 
 1726 4j' 
 
 & Hay, including 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 Pentre 
 
 1727 iU 
 
 Olchon, revived b 
 
 I 16^50 
 
 6 
 
 15 
 
 Pen-y garn 
 
 4729 44 
 
 3 l^lanharan § 
 ^ Carmarthen 
 
 ih. 
 
 ih. 
 
 7 
 
 16 
 
 17 
 
 Molefton 
 Llanelli 
 
 T73I 4S 
 ?73? 48 
 
 5 Abergavenny 
 61 Rij^lhacre 
 7 Llangwm 
 
 1651 
 i66g 
 
 * 
 
 8 
 21 
 
 23 
 
 18 
 
 91 
 ao 
 
 Aberduar 
 
 Llangloffan 
 
 Bethefda 
 
 1742 52 
 174s 53 
 •747 54 
 
 8 Blaenau 
 
 9 Glandwr 
 
 10 Xrofgoed 
 
 1 1 Radnor 
 
 r j6g6 
 
 1699 
 t 
 
 ib. 
 
 21 
 
 22 
 23 
 
 »4 
 
 Glyn 
 Ebenezer 
 Dark -gate 
 Caerleon 
 
 17S4 60 
 1767 6» 
 I76S\ ih. 
 1771 $65 
 
 S The miilake of Llanafan which has been put for Llanharan is reai- 
 
 * Of Llangwm and Llantrifaint in Motfimt)uthflure fee p. 23, and 
 
 ■^ +'^Rad^or then including what is now callea Dolau and Pentre. 
 This church was formed probably before 1649, but perhaps raixt, and 
 not in the connexion befere 1700. fee p. 29. 
 
 ' + But ioinfedthscohhexionjn 1772. The following dates moftly Ihew 
 the year. when tl^e churches joiaed the affociation. ; • 
 
t6 
 
 
 A HlStO RT OF THE 
 
 »fo. 
 
 Names. 
 
 years.Page. 
 
 No. 
 
 Names. 
 
 *5 
 
 Uflc 
 
 177* 
 
 65 
 
 37 
 
 Ramotli ' 
 
 ?6 
 
 Salem 
 
 177? 
 
 ib. 
 
 38 
 
 Yftrad \ 
 
 »7 
 
 Trofnant 
 
 1777 
 
 67 
 
 39 
 
 Llanfachreth 
 
 tS 
 
 Graig 
 
 ■) 
 
 
 40 
 
 Newbridge 1 
 
 *9 
 
 Priory-ftreet 
 
 > .778 
 
 ib. 
 
 41 
 
 Neiiadd,now BuiltJi 
 
 3° 
 
 St Nicholas 
 
 J 
 
 
 4Z 
 
 Engine 
 
 31 
 
 Ebenezer,Anglefea 1779 
 
 68 
 
 43 
 
 Lland-y»faen 
 
 32 
 
 Beaumaris 
 
 T 
 
 
 44 
 
 2d Church Swanfea 
 
 J3 
 
 Roe, now Salem ^1785 
 
 70 
 
 45 
 
 Aberyftwyth ~ 
 
 34 
 
 Twyngwyn 
 
 J 
 
 
 46 
 
 Nottage ( 
 
 35 
 
 Nevin 
 
 •17S6 
 
 
 47 
 
 Bryn Salem 
 
 36 
 
 Horeb 
 
 71 
 
 48 
 
 Neath 
 
 Year.Page' 
 f- 1786 71 
 
 >-i787 
 
 ih. 
 
 178? 7» 
 
 1789 
 
 1790 74 
 
 The number of chutches here is 48, hut the old church at Caermarthen 
 was diffolved in the troublefome times (See page 23). From Llanharan 
 they removed to Llantrifaint in Glamprganftiire ; in the perfecutions 
 Ihey exifted at Kelligar and Craig-yr-allt, hut at Hengoed fmce 1710 
 {See p. 34, and Appendix'. Llangwm and Llantrifaint in Monmouth- 
 Ihire diffolved about 1742 (See p. 52). So in 1790, the number was 
 46, but the following names are changed, IlAon is now called Swanfea ; 
 Abergavenny, Llanwenarth ; Rufliacre,.Rhydwilim ; Glandwr, Pant-teg, 
 Trofgoed, Maes-y-berllan ; Radnor, now Dolau, While the churches 
 iroifliipped in dwelling houfes they were obliged to fliift from one placet 
 to another, and as times changed, the names often changed. Seyeral of 
 the churches now meet in two counties, as Aberduar, Pant-teg, Graig, 
 Cilfowyr, Ebenezer, &c. Thefe five are on the eaft or fouth of the river 
 Teivy which divides Cardiganftiire from thofe of Pembroke and Car- 
 marthen ; yet all thefe five churches have many members, and a number of 
 jneeting-houfes and preaching places, in Cardiganftiire, where there have 
 lieen Baptifts, and not a few, ever fince the Commonwealth, though no 
 ch.urch is named there now hut Aberyftwyth lately formed. Glandw?' 
 <((ras in Cardiganlhire, 
 
 A List of the Baptist Associations in the Princi- 
 pality of Wales^ &c. and of the Minifters who preach- 
 ed at thofe Meetings, as near as they could be coUefted, 
 with a reference to the pages in this hiltory where moft o^ 
 thein are mentioned, 
 
 Yeai^. 
 
 
 Month. • 
 
 Place. 
 
 Page. 
 
 1650 
 
 9th montl^ 
 
 Ilfton 
 
 6 
 
 i$5i 
 
 ift ' 
 
 
 Carmarthen , 
 
 7 
 
 1653 
 
 Sth 
 
 
 Abergavenny 
 
 8 
 
 1654 
 
 ifl; 
 
 
 Ab.erafon 
 
 '° 
 
 1654 
 
 6th 
 
 ii 
 
 (.la^trifaint 
 
 M 
 
 1655 
 
Year. 
 
 Month. 
 
 i6S5 
 
 ift 
 
 1656 
 
 Sth 
 
 1689 
 
 September 
 
 1690 
 
 Jtine 
 
 l6gl 
 
 June 
 
 1691 
 
 May 
 
 1693 
 
 April 
 
 1694 
 
 April 
 
 1695 
 
 March 
 
 1696 
 
 November 
 
 im 
 
 
 \1698 
 
 Julie 
 
 1699 
 
 Whitftinwf 
 
 Place. Page. 
 Hay 14 
 
 Brecknock 1 5 
 
 London 2t 
 
 Ditto ' ih. 
 
 Ditto 24 
 
 Ditto ih. 
 
 Briftol ib. 
 
 Ditto iS 
 
 Ditto 4b> 
 
 Ditto ;i. 
 
 Ditto z6 
 
 Taunton ib. 
 
 Ditto /*i 
 
 The two laft of thefe affociations were at Taunton, Somerfet; where 
 Mr. Thomas Whinnel was then paftor. He was, one of thofe who figned 
 the Confeffion of Faith in the General AfTerhbly at London in 1685. , 
 Here we have 18 affociations in the laft century ; feren of them were 
 held in Wales. Four of the above met in London, and the reprefenta- 
 tives of feveral churches in Wales with tliem. The other feven were 
 properly the Weftern affociation, to which letters, or meffengers, from 
 the Principality were fent ; a pradlice which continued for above halS 
 this century. And Pen-y-garn, one of the Welfti churches, appears io 
 the Weftern Affociation letter fo late as 1770, 
 
 In the prefent Century it will be needlefs to infert the month 
 of each meeting, if the following remarks arp remembered. 
 From 1700 to 1707, the time of meeting was in May or June} 
 ■from thence until 1755 in the Whitfun^week ; and from 1755 
 to 1790 it hath feldom failed to be on the f^cond Wednefday 
 and Thurfday of June. The two days are commonly named ; 
 but for many years the Brethren have met TOefd'ay afterrioiMi^ 
 and feparated Thurfday afternoon. I have no account of any 
 fermon preached at the affociation in the laft century, either 
 in Wales, London, or Briftol ; but meffengers met chiefly to 
 tonfult for the benefit of the churches; The firft informatioii 
 t have of a fermon at an affociation, in the Principality, is in 
 the letter of 1703, which appoints one> to lie preached the fol- 
 lowing year. The letters Make no mention of the perfon who 
 preached at the meeting, they only fay who was appointed for; 
 next time, and thus it continued to 1734. Crolby * fays, that a 
 fermon was preached at the Affociation iij London in 1704. 
 Probably it begun in London and Wales the lame year. Thefe 
 hints premifed, I procee4 to the lift. 
 
 * In his hiftory (?f the Baptifts, v«l. iv. p. 4. 
 
 170* 
 
S r of THE, 
 Page. Perfons appointed to preach the enfulng yeat. 
 
 Rich. Wlliiams to preach next year 
 
 Philip James. 
 
 Abel Morgan. 
 
 Morgan Griffiths. 
 
 Nathan Davis, or Caleb Evans. 
 
 John Jenkins, or Samuel Jones. 
 
 I have not the letter of this year. 
 
 Nor this, fo know pot the place. 
 
 I could never find the letter of 17 ii^ 
 
 Nor of 1711. 
 
 Nathan t>avis to preach next year. 
 
 ■John Jenkins,- or Nathan Davis. 
 Morgan Griffiths, or John Harris, 
 
 John Jenkins, or John Harris. 
 John Harris, or Enoch Francis. 
 Enoch Francis, or Wm. Meredith, 
 David James, or Nathan Davis. 
 Nathan Davis, or Samuel Jones. 
 Samuel Jones, or Wm. Meredith. 
 Caleb Evans, or William Phillips. 
 Nathan Davis, or Morgan Griffiths. 
 Morgan Jones, or Enoch Francis. 
 Enoch Francis, or John Phillips. 
 John Jenkins, or Caleb Evans. 
 
 Griffith Jones, or John Jenkins, 
 John Jenkins, or Myles Harrys. 
 Enoch Francis, or Roger David* 
 
 Thus far there was only one fertnon preached at the aflbcia- 
 tion. From this year forward, two in general, and fometimeS 
 more ; particularly of late years. And from henceforth, the 
 letters commonly inform us ^ho ' preached, and on what 
 text. 
 
 1734 Ten-y-garn 47 ' Enoch Francis, Matt. xxiv. 4|. 
 
 Bernard Fofkett, 1 Tim. iv. 7. 
 
 1735 Llanelli ih. Roger David only, i Tim. it .16. 
 
 ?8 
 
 A 
 
 lil S 
 
 Year. 
 
 Place. 
 
 Page.) 
 
 1700 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 27 
 
 nai 
 
 Ditto 
 
 •hi. 
 
 tyoz 
 
 Swaafea 
 
 28 
 
 lyoj 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 29 
 
 1704 
 
 Swanfea 
 
 ib. 
 
 1705 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 30 
 
 1706 
 
 Swanfea 
 
 3« 
 
 1707 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 3» 
 
 J708 
 
 Rhydwilim 
 
 ih. 
 
 1709 
 
 Trofgoed 
 
 33 
 
 1710 
 
 
 34 
 
 1711 
 
 Hengoed, probably, 3 5 
 
 1712 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 37 
 
 ^71 J 
 
 Rhydwilim 
 
 ib. 
 
 1714 
 
 Swanfea 
 
 38 
 
 171S 
 
 Blaenau 
 
 ih. 
 
 1716 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 ib. 
 
 J717 
 
 Blaenau 
 
 ih. 
 
 1718 
 
 Llanelli 
 
 39 
 
 1719 
 
 Rhydwilim 
 
 ih. 
 
 J7»0 
 
 Trofgoed 
 
 ib. 
 
 I72r 
 
 Coomb 
 
 40 
 
 1722 
 
 Hengoed 
 
 /*. 
 
 1723, 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 41 
 
 17*4 
 
 Blaenau 
 
 ih. 
 
 1725 
 
 Llanelli 
 
 42 
 
 1726 
 
 Cilfowyr 
 
 /*. 
 
 1727 
 
 Swanfea 
 
 43 
 
 1728 
 
 Rhydwilim 
 
 ib. 
 
 1729 
 
 Llangloffan 
 
 44 
 
 1730 
 
 Hengoed 
 
 ih. 
 
 I7JI 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 45 
 
 1732 
 
 Blaenau 
 
 ih. 
 
 >733 
 
 Pen-y-fai 
 
 46 
 

 WE LS 
 
 f H A 
 
 Year. 
 1736 
 
 Place. 
 Rhydwilim 
 
 Page. 
 4« 
 
 '737 
 1738 
 
 »739 
 
 Newcaftl* 
 
 Hengoed 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 ib. 
 
 50 
 ih. 
 
 1740 
 
 Cilfowyr 
 
 ih. 
 
 1741 
 
 Blaenau 
 
 S' 
 
 1742 
 1743 
 
 Llangloffan 
 Cilfowyr 
 
 5» 
 ih. 
 
 1744 
 
 Pen-y-garn 
 
 S3 
 
 •745 
 
 Pentre 
 
 ih. 
 
 1746 
 
 Swanfea 
 
 ib. 
 
 1 747 
 
 Brechfa 
 
 54 
 
 1748 
 
 Garth 
 
 ib. 
 
 1749 
 
 Llanelli 
 
 ib. 
 
 1750 
 
 Molefton 
 
 55 
 
 1751 
 
 1752 
 
 Hengoed 
 Abcrduit 
 
 56 
 ib. 
 
 17J3 
 
 Maerdorglwy4 
 
 ib. 
 
 17S4 
 
 Rhydwilim 
 
 ih. 
 
 1755 
 
 Bethefd* 
 
 iiiv 
 
 ib. 
 
 .1756 
 
 Llanclyfyl 
 
 SI 
 
 J 757 
 
 Llanwenarth 
 
 ib. 
 
 1758 
 
 Llangloffan, 
 
 ib. 
 
 SSOCIATION, afc. 
 
 Perfons who preached. 
 Miles Harrys, Rom. x. 15. 
 Hugh Evans, Eph, iii. 8. 
 Motgan Griffiths, Afts xxvi. 18. 
 Thomas Matthias, Jer. iii. i j, 
 Griffith J-Cnes, i Cor. iv. i, x,. 
 Hugh Evans, Phil. iv. 8. 
 Morgan Harris, Job Xxxiii. 23, 
 Hugh EvanSj 2 Kings ii. 14. 
 bavid Owen, 1 Cor. xvi. 10. 
 Bernard Fofkett, i Theff. i. 5- 
 Griffith Davis, and Hugh Evans 
 Miles Harrys, Jer. xv. 19. 
 Evan Jenkins, 2 Tim. ii. 19. 
 Dav. Thomas, Cilfowyr, i Chro.xxix. I 
 Hugh Evans, Ifa. Ixii. 6, 7. 
 Thomas Edwards, 2 Tim. ii. 15. 
 Evan Jfentins, Heb. xii. 15. 
 Griffith Jones, z Chrou. xv. 7. 
 Evan Jenkins, Jude 21. 
 EVan Thomas,' John xxi. 17. 
 Evan Jenkins, i Theff. ii. 12^ 
 Griffith Jones, i Cor, ii. 2. 
 Hugh Evans, 2 Cor. v. 20, 
 Griffith ThomaSj 2 Cor. v. 11. 
 Dav. Thomas, Cilfowyr, Matt. xxii. 4. 
 Griffith Jones, 2 Cor. xiii. 2. 
 Evan Jenkins, Matt. xvi. 18. 
 John Thoraas,i2 Tim.W. 5. 
 Griffith Davis and Evan Jenkins. 
 Edmund Watkins, Mar^xvi. 15. 
 Caleb Harris, Col. iv. 3, 4. 
 Cav. Thomas, Cilfowyr,"! Tim. iv. j*. 
 Griffith Davis, Eph. iii. 8. 
 Caleb iiarris, 2 Tiro. ii. 25. 
 Miles Harrys, i Cor. xv. 34. 
 Rich. Jones, a Tim. iv. a. 
 Hugh Evans, % Tim. ii. i. 
 Miles Harrys, feev. xiv. 6, •}. 
 Griffith Davis, Ai^s v. 42. 
 Timothy Thomas, i Cor. ix. li, 
 Hugh Evans. 
 
 David Owen, Col. iv. 17. 
 Hugh Evan», x Cor. i, 23, 24. 
 
 t> 
 
 »7S> 
 
i(f 
 
 A H I S T tt. r OF t H E 
 
 tear. 
 1759 
 
 Place. 
 Blaenaii 
 
 Page. 
 58 
 
 1760 
 
 Cilfowyr 
 
 a. 
 
 1761 
 
 Pen-y-garii 
 
 59 
 
 ijSz 
 
 PcHtre 
 
 ih. 
 
 1763 
 
 Swarire* 
 
 60 
 
 1764 
 
 Maes-y-berllan 
 
 ih. 
 
 176s 
 
 Dalau 
 
 ib. 
 
 1766 
 
 Llanelli 
 
 61 
 
 1767 
 
 Molefton 
 
 6z 
 
 1768 
 
 HengoeJ 
 
 ih. 
 
 1769 
 
 Aberduar 
 
 63 
 
 1770 
 
 Chapel-y-ffra 
 
 ib. 
 
 1771 
 
 Pen-y-fai 
 
 64 
 
 ^771 
 
 Rhydwilira 
 
 /i. 
 
 1773 
 
 Bethefda 
 
 65 
 
 »774 
 
 Ebenezer 
 
 ib. 
 
 «775 
 
 Ufle 
 
 ih. 
 
 177S Panr-t£g 
 
 1777 Caerleon 
 
 66 
 
 67 
 
 Perfons who preached. 
 Evan Thomas, Luke xii. 4Z. 
 Hugh Evans, Atls xx- 24./ 
 Edmund Watkitis, Luke xiv. 13. 
 Benjartiiri Francis, Titus' ii. 14. 
 Dav. Thomas, Newcaftle, Mat. xxi.4i. 
 Hugh Evans, Rom. i. 16. 
 John Williams, Col. i. 28. 
 Benjamin Francis, i Pet. ii. z. 
 Dav. Thomas, Rhydwilim. Pfa. Ii. ij. 
 Hugh Evans, Eph. iv. 12, 13. 
 Caleb Evans, Phil. ii. i- 
 Lewis Janies, 2 Tim. ii. 15. 
 Hugh Evans, Hof. xiv. 5. 
 George Rees, i Pet. v. 2. 
 Benjamin Francis, Micah ii. 7. 
 Timothy Thomas, Ifa.xxvii. 13. 
 Hugh Evans, Zeth. xiv. 20. 
 Griffith Davis, Col. i. 2S. 
 Caleb Evans, Briftol, Col. iii. ii. 
 Dav. Thomas, Newcaftle, 2 Cor. iv. ^. 
 Samuel Stennett, Matt, xxviii.20.- 
 Dav. Thomas, Rhy^ilim, 2 Coir, v, 14, 
 Benjamin Francis, Rev. iii. 19. 
 John Williams, Afts xxvi. 22, 23, 
 Hugh Evans, Mai. ii. 15. 
 Wm. Williams, z Cor. v. 11. 
 Benjamin Francis, Pfalm cxxVi. 6 
 Griffith Davis, 2 Cor. v. 20. 
 Wm. Williams, Heb. xii. 2. 
 John Williams, Matt. xxii. 4. 
 Hugh Evans, Zech. i, 5. 
 Edmund Watkins, Aftsxx. 26, 27. 
 Benjamin Francis, i Cor. xv. 5S. 
 W. Williams, Hof. vii. 9. 
 Hugh Evans, Heb. xii. 22, 23. 
 Thomas Hiller, Luke viii. 3j. 
 John Thomas, Deut. xxxiii. 3, 
 Benjamin Francis, Phil. i. 27. 
 Jofliua Thomas, Pfalm xlii. 5. ptec«din^ 
 
 evening. 
 George Rees, i Cor. v. 18. 
 Hugh Evans, Luke xii. 43. 
 
 1778 
 
jy E L S H 
 
 Year. , Place. Page. 
 
 J778 Salern 67. 
 
 '779 Glyn 
 
 68. 
 
 1780 Llanvirertarth ih. 
 
 i-jii Llaligloifan 69. 
 
 1^%^ Blaenau ib. 
 
 1783 Ciifowyt a. 
 
 1 78 4 Pen-yagarii ft'. 
 
 1785 Graife 70. 
 
 1786 Pentre ih'. 
 
 1787 Priory-ftrest fi; 
 i-jii LlanaerelioitSdd 73;. 
 
 jiSSOCtiiriONi iJ 
 
 Perfons,who pieacliedi 
 Thomas Phillips, AiSls xv. 16. 
 Benjamin Francis, Luke x. 2. 
 John Williams, John i. i — 3. 
 Samuel Medley, Zech. ix. 16, I7, 
 Stephen Davis; Matt; xvi. 24* , 
 
 George Rees, xi. zr. 
 Zecharias Thomas, Gal. vi. 14. 
 Caleb Evans, of Briftol, i Tim. i; ij. 
 Benjamin Francis, i Theff. ii. 13. 
 David Evans, Eph. i. 23. 
 •S^m. Williams, Heb. iii. 7, 8. 
 John Thomas, Jer. iii, 43. 
 Benjamin Francis; Matt; xxv. 2t. 
 Jam^s Thdmas, Tuefday evening. 
 George Rfees, Zech. iii. 4. 
 , BiJnjamin Francis,- Zech. xiv. 31 
 Morgan Reesj i Pet. ii. 4. 
 Miles Edwards, Pf. xciii. 51 
 Thomas Thomas, Rom. v. 11. 
 David Evans, of Graig,' Zech. ix. 9. 
 Caleb Evans, of Briftolj Pf. cxix. iij,' 
 John Richard, Luke ii. lo. 
 Henry David, John i; 14. 
 Benjamin Morgan, Zech. iv» 8. 
 Z. Thomas, Cant. ii. 9. 
 David Jones, i Tim, i. rOi 
 Thomas Thomas, John viii. 31. 
 Miles Etiwardsj Pfalm xxxvi. 7. 
 Henry David) J6r. xv. 19. 
 Caleb Evans, of Briftol, i John iV. 19, " 
 GeoTge Rees, 2 Cor. v. 4. 
 David Jones, Mai. i. 11. 
 Thdmas Thomas, 1 John ii. 3. 
 Job David, 2 Cor. iv. 7. 
 'J'imothy Thomas, Ifa. liii. 10 
 Morgan Rees, Hab. iii. 9. 
 D. Powell, Matt. xvii. z 6. 
 Gabriel Rees, Luke xxiv. 26. 
 Benjamin Phillips, Exod. iii. j. 
 David Evans, Rev. i. 20. 
 Benjamin Davis, John iii. 19, 
 Henry David, Ephi iii« 8. 
 David Evans, Pfalm txlix. s. 
 Timothy Ttjoinas, Ifa. xiv. 3«. 
 
 £ - 1789 
 
ti IfELSH ^S' $ OCI A-T 1 n: 
 
 Year. Place. Page. Perfonswhft preached.. 
 
 178J Maes-^-berllan ib. William Williams, Neh. viii. i. 
 
 Caleb Evans, of Briftol, Adls xv. 9.. 
 
 George Rees, i Tiin. vi, 6.' 
 
 Benjamin Francis, Rom. vi. 15. 
 1790 ' Dolaa 73.. Edmund Watkins, Luke xiv. 22, 2.J. 
 
 Benpmin Francis, Phil. iii. 16. 
 
 J. Evans, 2 Cor. iv. 7. 
 
 David Jones, Ifa. Ix. 7. 
 
 Joftiua Thomas, Jof. xxi. 45. 
 
 EXPLANATORY HINTS. 
 
 TTie attantive^ Reader, is referred to page 76, above, regarding thf 
 change of names of feveral places. Pag£ 75, 76, give the dates when- 
 moft of the churches were formed. But in the lift of the Affociations, 
 Llanelli and Llanglotfan appear before the dates when churches were 
 incorporated in thefe places. There are alfo other inftances where the 
 annual meeting was kept in ibme capital branch of the church ; hence 
 it is, that there are names in the latter lift, which appear not in that. 
 of the churches, fuch as thefe ; Brechfa, the place of meeting in 1747, be- 
 longed to Maes-y-berllan, and was thought convenient ; and before that,^ 
 Coomb, where the Aflbciation met in 1721, is' called Radnor in the lift 
 of churches. Garth, mentioned in 1748, was a place belonging to- 
 Dolau. Maefdorglwyd under 17S1, and Chapel-y-fRn 1770, belonged to 
 Olchon, and were convenient places for the Affociation. Newcaflle,, 
 1737 ; Llandyfyl, 1756 ; and Pant-teg, 1776, conflituted the very fame 
 church, only the meetings were kept in different places for conveniency •,. 
 jind perhaps there are fome other inftances of this fort. 
 
 The following worthy chara6lers ought to be diftinguiflied here. They 
 were not properly of the AlTociation ; yet they voluntarily took lonp 
 flfurnles at their own expence, generally preached in Englifh, and re- 
 peated a little in Welfti-. The truly reverend Hugh.Evans, M. A. men- 
 tioned above, p. 67, appears by the foregoing lift, to have preached at, 
 t^e Affociation feventeen times. Mr. Evan Jenkins, of Wrexham,, 
 appears in the above lift in 1743. It pleafed God to remove him by 
 death before the Affociation of 1752. Yet in that ftiort fpace he ftande-- 
 in the lift fix times. He was very acceptable, and ripened apace for a 
 better ftate. Our very worthy friend Rev. Caleb Evans, D. D. Ihould 
 not be omitted here, though he did not underftand Welfh. He is upou 
 tlie lift as early as 1763 ; and preached in all fix times, Thefe three are- 
 gone to reft. But our greit and warm friend Benjamin Francis, M, A.^ 
 is yet on the .ftage. His name api^ears in 1760, and fince then he has 
 preached fourteen tinies in the conrfff of thirty years, One of the four- 
 teen happened- to be omitted in the' lift, btit it app.ears iiipage 67, under/ 
 t.he year 1777. 
 
 ' An 
 
Page, 
 19, zo. 
 
 67> 
 
 ■At? INDEX OF THE NAMES in the PRECEDING HISTORY.' 
 
 N. B. Thofe in fmall capitals were no{ Baptifta : and a few Jtnown 
 not to have been natives of Wales are in Italics. 
 
 Page. 
 Morgan Edwards, M. A. 52) 59. 
 Nicholas Edwards . • 39- 
 Evan Edwards . . 42, 64. 
 Watkiij Edwards, his Son 64. 
 
 Thomas Edwards 53, 54:. 
 
 Miles Edwards his Son 67, 69. 
 John Edwards 17, i8,20, zz. 
 
 James Edwards . 1. ■ 64- 
 
 WiUiam Erbury 
 Thomas Evans "| 
 
 Caleb Evans I 
 
 John Ev-ans 
 Hugh Evans, -M. A.- 
 Oaleb Evans, D. D. 
 John Evans 
 
 Hugh E\Jans, Radnorfliire 
 John Evans 
 John Evans, America 
 David Evans, Gilfowyr 
 Davi;d Evans, Conwil 
 David Evans, Doiau 
 David Evans, Bigglefwade 
 David Evans, Th'orn 
 David Evans, Graig 
 Rees Evans 
 Peter Evans 
 Caleb Evans . 
 Morgan Evans 
 Benjamin Evans 
 F 
 Bernard Fojkett 
 George Fox- 
 Enoch Francip • 
 Abel Francis ' " . 
 Jonathan Francis ■ . 
 Benjamin Trancis 59, 
 
 G, 
 Daniel Garnon 
 Charles Gai-fon 
 Samuel George 
 Francis Giles 
 John' Gill, J3. D: 
 {(diuard Green ^ 
 Henry Gregory ig, 20 
 
 Griffith Griffiths 
 Harry Griffiths 
 Thomas Gfriffiths . 
 
 Morgan Grftfiths ' z;, 
 
 J'ohn'Gr'iffiths' ' . 
 Evan GriiBths, Efq. 
 Bgnjaxtjin Griffiths, America 34>4l' 
 JhelGrigitlts, his Son' 35. 
 
 Samuel Griffiths . . 61. 
 *John Griffiths, his Father ( 
 
 F i Joi. 
 
 5. 
 
 '7- 
 
 
 49. 
 
 
 18. 
 
 8, 
 
 iS. 
 
 
 10. 
 
 
 ■36. 
 
 
 8. 
 
 
 a. 
 
 
 ih. 
 
 
 ib. 
 
 
 ih. 
 
 ) 4j 
 
 86. 
 
 10 
 
 17- 
 
 
 44. 
 
 &c 
 
 19. 
 
 U, 
 
 35- 
 
 
 9- 
 
 
 14- 
 
 36, 
 
 37- 
 
 
 37- 
 
 . 
 
 36, 
 
 43, 
 
 5z. 
 
 3i, 
 
 43- 
 
 Mr. Abbot . . i7) 
 
 B 
 J^aac Bnchiti . ; 
 
 John R.(l^gs 
 William Bound. 
 Evan Boweti 
 Stephen Brace 
 iSimon Butler 
 
 Thomas Garter 
 
 William Chaffey 
 
 Robert Cherry 
 
 tf^illiam Combey 
 
 tVilliam Confet. 
 
 WAinan Cradock 3 
 
 John Cragc 
 
 Dr. Crisp 
 
 ■D. , 
 David Davis . 6, 7, 
 David Davis, America 
 X.eyfon Davis 
 John Davis 
 Hugh Davis, America 
 John Davis, his AffiHant 
 James Davis, America 
 John Davis, Swanfea 
 Nathan Davis ■ , zg, 
 James Davis, of Merthyr 46. 
 William Davis, America 40, 49. 
 Griffith Davis . • 5I) 66. 
 
 Thomas Davis . . " S4) 1°- 
 Thomas Davis, Rock. - 57. 
 David Davisj-Aberduar . 63. 
 Benjamin Dayis / . • 72. 
 
 Samfon Davis . . . ib. 
 Stephen Davis - 68. 
 
 Eyan David . . . 25. 
 Evaa David, Bethefda 54, 72; 
 
 John David . . . 25. 
 Thomas David . . 51.62. 
 Roger David- . . 43, 52. 
 Morgan D.ivid , . Si- 
 
 Thomas David, Cilfowyr 70. 
 
 Mofes David ... 6z. 
 Jenkin David . . 71. 
 
 Job David . . . ib. 
 Henry David • . . 72. 
 Rees David ' . . . ib. 
 
 . James ..Drevyett . . 64. 
 Charles Doe , , . 46. 
 
 John Duckfield . . 61. 
 
 Jofeph Eaton . . 35, 49- 
 Jfaac Saton, his Son . 24. 
 
 Thomas Edwards . . lo. 
 
 3, 4> 
 
 18. 
 3I1 
 
 n- 
 
 55- 
 62=. 
 
 75- 
 71- 
 72. 
 
 70. 
 
 Sf(» 63- 
 
 64. 
 
 . 65. 
 
 ^^> 74r 
 
 : -73. 
 
 47) 51. 
 
 17. 
 37j si- 
 42, 46. 
 
 52- 
 ■68, 72. 
 
 10, 
 
 «7- 
 '5- 
 62. 
 
 18, 
 
 20. 
 
 56. 
 
 10. 
 
 27- 
 
 I'l. 
 
 14. 
 25, 28. 
 ^1, 5°. 
 
 ?9- 
 
 31- 
 
«4 
 
 I Ni:! S J? OF N J M S S.- 
 
 H. 
 
 Page. 
 
 42, 44, 45, 66. 
 
 S4, 56- 
 
 66. 
 
 70. 
 
 16. 
 
 10, 15, 
 
 John H^iris : 37; 43> 49- 
 
 Morgan Harris, his Son 47151, 54- 
 
 Morgan Harris, his Son 75. 
 
 Miles Harris 
 
 Caleb Harris 
 
 Charles Harris 
 
 William Harj-is 
 
 Hichard Harrifia 
 
 Anthony Hari-y 
 
 Thomas Henry 
 
 William Herbert 
 
 Thomas IJilhr 
 
 Robert Hopkins 
 
 ■John Hopkins 
 
 Griffith Howell 
 
 James Hugh 
 
 Samuel Hugh 
 
 William Hughes 
 
 David Hughes 
 
 I. 
 Jacob Ifaac 
 
 ai, 25, 
 
 17- 
 62. 
 
 5^- 
 65. 
 10. 
 fig. 
 
 Ji- 
 ll. 
 36. 
 69. 
 71- 
 
 56. 
 
 Thomas Jamas ; 10,15. 
 
 David James . . 22. 
 
 —James James , . 24, 47. 
 
 Jofhua James . . 29, 44. 
 
 Philip James , . 3«, 33. 
 
 Samuel yameSf his Son . 30. 
 
 John James, America 35, 
 
 Johi) James, Rhydwilinn S3, 60.- 
 
 David James - 38, 42. 
 
 Lewis James t . 60, 64. 
 
 Nathaniel Jenkins, America 33,35- 
 -Tohn Jenfcins 15, 40 ^47. 
 
 EVan Jenkins, his Son 52 56. 
 
 Tpfeph Jenkins, D. D. his Son 52. 
 
 EvAH John . . . 46. 
 
 Thomas Jones . lO, 1 5, 1 7. 
 
 Thomas Jones, America 44,48,49. 
 
 Samuel Jones, D. D. , 49. 
 
 Morgan Jones . 14,17,18, 
 
 Morgan Jones . . it. 
 
 Mi?rgan Jones, Swanfea 29, 36, 45. 
 
 Morg^njones, L.L.p.his Gfan^- 
 fon ' . ', . sj. 
 
 Richard Jones . . 15, 
 
 Richard Jones, Dolau 56, 63. 
 
 Jenkin Jones 16, 17, 19. 
 
 Jehkii) Jones, America 34. 
 
 "WjUiam Jones, 20, 21, ^5, 27, 31. 
 
 Rqbert Jones - 12. 
 
 Samuel Jones, America ^4, 28, 35. 
 
 5am. Joi>ef,Cilfowyr 21;, 30,42,48. 
 
 Sam. Jones, Glamorganfliire 25. 
 
 Griffith Jones, 42, 43, 50—55. 
 
 Georgte Jq|ies, . ' 24, 25. 
 
 Philip Jones, . 39, ^o. 
 
 fii/ip Jones, Upton . , 40. 
 
 Pdmund Juriesj his Son 40. 
 
 Edmunb Jones Monmouthfliire 
 
 „ , 45. 4^- 
 
 Rees Jones . 51, 53, 62. 
 
 Rees Jones, Pentre 66, 72. 
 
 Ifaac Jones, his Sp^ . 66. 
 
 David Jones, Wrexham 68. 
 
 David Jones, Llanvvenarth 64. 
 
 David Jones, Pen-y-garn 68. 
 
 Morris Jones - - 75. 
 
 Thomas Jofeph - 9, '5, >9. 
 K. 
 
 Benjamin Keach . 25, 48. 
 
 L. 
 
 Thomas Lewis . 10. 
 
 Thomas Lewis, Exeter 65. 
 
 Timothy Lewis . 37, 40. 
 
 Jenkin Lewis . . 46. 
 
 David Lewis, Hengoed 50., 
 
 David Lewis, Llangloffan 55. 
 
 Francis Lewis . 69, 
 
 Thomas Llewelyn, l<.D,p.{2,<6,69. 
 
 James Lodwick , 54, 60. 
 
 M. , 
 
 Ifaac Marloiu . . 23, 
 
 Hugh Matthews . 12, 14. 
 
 Anthony Matthews > 36. 
 
 Simon Matthews . . ii. 
 
 William Matthews . ib. 
 
 Thomas Matthias 37, 47, 53, 
 
 Samuel Medley . . ' 6g. 
 
 Arthur Melchior . . 36. 
 
 William Meredith . 40, 3*. 
 John MiUmay - - 8. 
 
 William Milman 17, 20, 2i, 
 
 John Moon . 17, 18. 
 
 Robert Morgan .10, 15, J7, 20, 33. 
 
 Nathaniel Morgan 22, 41, 43., 
 Abel Morgan 26, 35, 37, 38, 41, - 
 Enoch. Morgan, his Brother 32, 34. 
 /Ih el Morgan . . 32. 
 
 John Morgan . . 33.. 
 
 -Robert Morgan of London 33, 34^ 
 Philip Morgan 41, 46, 48, 66. 
 
 John^organ, Cilfowyr 51, 59, 
 JohnMorgan, Maes-y-berllan 72. 
 Henry Morgan . 54. 
 
 William Morgan . ,i. 
 
 David Morris . . 71, 
 
 Seth Morris . . . ib. 
 
 Thomas. Morris . . 72. 
 
 John Myles 5, 9, 10, 14, 17, \%, t\. 
 Richard Myles . . 36. 
 
 N. 
 'John Nor cot , ^ 25. 
 
 John D. Nicholas . ci, 60. 
 O. . 
 
 Ja-mes Qwex . , 35, 
 
 David Owen . ' 44, 48, 61. 
 
 David Owep, his Son- . 69. 
 Thomas 
 
J N D E X OF U A M 1 S. 
 Page. 
 
 'J'homas Pai'ry 
 John Penry 
 
 < Perrott 
 
 ■William Phillips 
 
 10,20, 33, 34. 
 
 • ' 5. 
 45. 
 
 j8, 49, 
 
 29. 
 
 William Phillips, Bethefda 
 
 4t. 
 
 ^7, 
 
 40. 
 29, 40. 
 zi — s.(>. 
 
 ih. 
 
 5°, S3, 55- 
 
 73- 
 
 51, 62,63. 
 
 46. 
 
 10, 15. 
 
 48. 
 
 22, 41, 
 
 34- 
 62. 
 22. 
 
 i;2. 
 63. 
 
 9, '5, '7. 
 
 '7' 
 
 8$ 
 
 Page, 
 
 37- 
 ib. 
 
 39- 
 
 69,72 
 
 7?- 
 10. 
 
 3, 10, 
 
 John Phillips 
 
 Henj-y Phillips 
 
 Thomas Phillipj 
 
 Benjamin Phillips 
 
 ^ohn 'Figgot , f 
 
 Vayafor Pqwell 4, 16, 18, 20. 
 
 David Powell 
 
 John Price , 
 
 John Price, Llanwenarth , 
 
 Jofepli Price 
 
 Thomas Price 
 
 Clirifto]5her Price 18, 2O; 
 
 ^m. Prich^rd 9, 10, ij, ?i, 29, 31. 
 
 Walter Prdffer 6, 15, i6j 17, 19. 
 
 Thomas Proud ' 9,17^19, 
 
 Thbmas Quarrel zo, 22, 33, 43. 
 
 , R. ' 
 Thomas DavidRees 25, &c. 31, 32. 
 
 Pavid Rees 34, 45, 46, 47. 
 
 Peter Rees . . 33. 
 
 Jacob ReeS . . 50. 
 
 George Rees . 60, 63, 68- 
 
 JW organ Rees,' LUnell) , f 9. 
 
 Morjia Rees, Pei)-y-garn 72 
 
 Gabriel Rees ", 
 David Richard 
 William Richards 
 John Uichaid 
 Daniel Rogebs 
 Richard Roffer 
 William Rider 
 
 S. 
 JofefhStaffbrd ■ . 
 Jofefh Stennetl, D. D, 
 Samuel Stennettj D. D, 
 John Spencer 
 
 -. Sorency 
 
 Evan S^und.irs 
 David Saundars 
 
 T, 
 William Thon^as 
 flowel) Thomas 
 Lewis Thomas' aq, &c 
 
 Rhydderch Thomas 
 John Thomas 
 Owen Thomas, America' 
 Eliiha Thomas, America 
 
 Among thefe names there are a fevv «vho were not Minifters ; but 
 they were either eminently ufeful to the churches at home, or as emi- 
 grants to America *. It is not now certain how many of the meffengers 
 
 Morgan Thomas 
 William Thomas, America 
 yo/in T/iomas 
 
 Timothy Thomas, Perfhore 
 Tim. Thomas, Aberduar 52, Gp^&c. 
 Timothy Thomas, Graig 70. 
 
 Evan Thomas . 47, 48, 6g. 
 
 Evan Thomas, Bridgwater 57. 
 David Thomas, Cilfowyr 50, 54, 65. 
 David Thomas, Pant-teg 59, 62,69. 
 David Thomas, Rhydwilim 60. 
 John Thomas 52,58,61,71. 
 
 Griffith Thomas 5J, 54, 60^ 
 
 Jolhua Thomas, Leominiler 
 
 jn ^^ r ■ S-f'SS, 56' 
 
 Jomua Thomas, Lymington 63 
 
 William Thomas, Blaenau 58, 
 
 Zechariah Thomas 63, 68, 75. 
 
 Thomas Thomas ' $3, 69, 
 
 Daniel Thomas, Hetiley 6j. 
 
 DanielThqmas, Rhydwilin? 6g 
 
 James Thomas 
 
 Lewis Thomas 
 
 7o/5« Tomis, B. D. 
 
 Samuel "Tull 
 
 V. 
 
 Howell Vaughan 
 
 Henrv Vauoham 
 
 ' • W. 
 
 Roger Walker 41, 50, 54, 57 
 
 Fowler WaliIir . 46, 47, 
 
 -Thomas ^Yatkins lo, 15,171 20,&c 
 
 Howell Watkins . . 10 
 
 Edmund Watkins 52, 56, 73 
 
 William Watkins . 63, 
 
 Richard Watkins . 69, 
 
 Henry Williams . i8,|2o, 
 
 Walter Williams . \x, 
 
 William Williams, Olchon 46, 64, 
 
 Wm. Williams, Ebenezer 6z, 64, 74. 
 
 Wm. Williams, Maes-y-berllan 71. 
 
 Morgan Williams . . 22 
 
 Rich. Williams 25, 27, &c. 40, &c. 
 
 David WrLLiAMS . 46. 
 
 James Williams 37, 39, jo, jj. 
 
 Daniel Williams, D, D. 44, 
 
 
 Thomas Williams 
 
 47, S*. 
 
 19. 
 
 Griffith Vi/illiams 
 
 ■ 47. 
 
 ih. 
 
 John Williams 
 
 59, 64, 68. 
 
 30. 
 
 Samuel IVilfon 
 
 57. 
 
 IS- 
 
 CharJes Winter 
 
 44,47, .51,55. 
 
 35. 
 
 WoOLASTON 
 
 23. 
 
 32. 
 ib. 
 
 Wroth 
 
 3,4- 
 
 ^ America, or Am. after a pame, demotes tli^t iUb pei:fon emigrated to tli^t country. 
 
 •f 
 
ti G E N S^Jt A L QBSERVjiriONS. 
 
 of the churches in the time of the Commonwealth were preaphers ; but, 
 as they attended the Affociations, feveral of them are recorded here. 
 
 This Index contains perhaps the names of all the minifters mentioned 
 in the preceding Trait ; but they are not referred to here as often as fome 
 of them are named, yet, in general, their firft appearance in the Alfp- 
 ciation, yid their clofe of life, is referred' to. 
 
 This is not pretended to be a hiftory of the Welfli churches, hut of th^ 
 Affociations, and of the Minifters chiefly concerned in them ; a number 
 prayed at thofe meetings who are not named here ; and there are minifters 
 of the laft century mentioned here who were pot in the Affociation. 
 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 1. Though moft of the Baptifts in the Principality have been in con- 
 nexion with the Affociation from the beginning of this century, howevef' 
 it was before, yet there have been fome of them in that country ever 
 fujce 1640, or earlier, who never entered into this connexion. The 4th 
 and 5th pages of this Hiftory, inform us how a6live Meff. Cradock and 
 Powell were, w'ho encouraged mixed communion of Psedo and Antipaeda 
 Baptifts. Probably every congregation of Nonconformifts in that country, 
 e-xcept Olchon , were of mixed principles, till Mr. J. Myles and his friends 
 formed a church of profeffed Baptifts, in 1649. Mr. Cradock refided 
 fome time at Wrexham ; and Mr. Vavafor Powell near Newtown, iij 
 Montgomeryfliiie : their congregatidns were profeffedly mixed. Some 
 years after the death of Mr. Morgan Lloyd, at Wrexham, Mr. John Evan? 
 (father of the Jate Dr. John Evans, author of Sermons on the Chriftian 
 
 " Temper)', fettled there about 16^8. The people were mixed ; he and 
 they were friendly. When any one wiflied to be baptized, Mr. Thomas 
 Lo^, of Warrington, moftly adminiftered the ordinance to them. Mr. 
 Evans died about 1700. He was fuccpeded by Mr. Jenkin Thomas; and 
 he by Mr. John Williams, both Independents : but the latter, upon con- 
 viftioji, was baptized by immerfion about 1715. The minifters have 
 been Baptifts ever fince ; and the church remained mixed till lately, if it 
 is ri.pt fo now. For many yearfe the Independents in communion were 
 very few. This people never were in the Affociation. Mr. V. Powell's 
 
 , church was moftly in Montgomery (hire ; it lay very wide, and was mixt, 
 He was fucceeded by Mr. Henry Williams, and the latter by Mr. Reynold 
 Wilfon :, thefe were Baptifts ; but they had alfo Independent colleagues, 
 —The Society was divided into three ; but there has been no Baptift- 
 mjnifter refident with either of them fmce about 1737. Llanbrynmair is 
 now by far the chief congregation of the three, in which there are but 
 few Baptifts at prefent. But this church of Mr. Vavafor Powell's was never 
 in the Afloc'a'ion- 
 
 There was formerly a fmall Baptift congregation at Glafcoomb, Rad- 
 norftiire ; but it does not appear that thay ever had more than one paftor, 
 Mr. Thomas Lewis, who died in 1735, and the few members did not long 
 furvive. They did not beloijg to the Affociation, 
 
GENERAL B S E R Y A T 1 H S.^ g-y 
 
 S, About 1 740, quarterly meetings were fet up : thefe wpre a kind o£ 
 inferior Affociations : two minifters preached, and feveral prayed ; the 
 afternoon generally waS fpent in improvittg converfation and confaltation 
 for the welfare of the churches. Thofe mefetings are now numerous, 
 divided into cmnvenient diftrifts. 
 
 3. When ftrangers hear that at an Affociation nine or ten? thoufenxt. 
 people attend, more or lefp as the place is more or left central, they 
 may well wonder hoW all can be accomtnodated. The manner of doing 
 it is briefly thus : a piece of ground is taken, near to the meet'mg-houfe), 
 which is kept up early in the Spring, and by June the grafs is good. Be- 
 fore 1790, when the Affociation was divided into three, it w^s fomBtimej- 
 Jiecisffary to prepare for feven or eight hundred horles, which graiein the' 
 time of fervice: two or three perfons were appointed to take care of. 
 them. The inhaibitants, for five or fix miles round the place, provide 
 lodgings for the ftrangers, and good entertainment for man and horfe^ 
 gratis. The generofity of the- country is fucb, that, at thefe times, alt 
 defcriptions of perfons open their doors- cordially, whether religious or 
 not,, gentlemenas well as farmers. The leading men of the congregation- 
 know before band where to fend two, four, fix, pr rftiire gu-efts, and there 
 are perfons prefent ready to take them to their refpettivfe lodgings. On 
 the Tnefday evening there is a meeting, almoft on purpofi to accommo- 
 date the ftrangers. They generally take their horfes with them ; aadt 
 where they lodge that night they are commonly the next. The chiefi 
 public day is the Wednefday. Thurfday in the afternoon they fet out onl 
 their return. They fup and breakfaft where they lodge. The people 
 Before-hand bake a quantity of good breads and brew good table-beer,; 
 and put it in the veltry, or fome convenient place ; this, with chSefa 
 and butter, makes their dinner on Wednefday, which they take, in ari4 
 about the meeting-houfe on tables,, boards, and as they ean. As n* 
 meeting-hOTife will contain the people, a temporary pulpit is prepared 
 in the moft convenient place, that the auditory may hear in the houfe. 
 and out : it is fo covered as to- prevent the ftm arid rain frotn coming to- 
 the minifier. The multitude is peculiarly numerous on the Wednefday, asE. 
 all the neighbourhood flock together on that day. The accommodations are 
 inade at the expftnce of the church where the ^ffbciation meets, but travel- 
 Kng expences lie upon themeffehgers and the churches whieh fend theffl'. 
 
 4. Of late years, the exclufions in thefe churches rriake a difagreeable 
 appearance,, a«d it will be well; to be very cautious in admitting mem- 
 Ibers i but when crowds make a profefljon, which has Been happily th* 
 tafeof lateyears, it is no wonder there Ihould tie ftony-grotind hearers among 
 them. And iri judging of this caffe, we are to confixVep the number of mem- 
 bers in a chtirch. Thjste th'fe number of the whoJe isfmall, if would be a 
 wide breach to excUijie ten or more in a year ; but when the members of a 
 church ai'e from-fiX to ei'g'ht hundred or more, the cafe is materially al- 
 tered. It is a good evidence «)f the care in difoipliqe, when there are 
 
 rijhteou^ 
 
Jfighteous exclufions. If perfons come in unawares, when difcovered thej^ 
 
 are cait ouf. The number of their, reftored annually is very confiderable^ 
 
 *hich is an additional proof of their care and difcipline; 
 
 5, Mr. Morgan Edwards's " Materials towards a Hiftory of the Baptifts 
 
 in Pennfylvania" mention and defcribe ten firji-day Baptift churches in 
 
 that province in 1770. The major part of the conftituents and minifters 
 
 of thefe were from the ancient Britonsi 
 / 
 
 1. Penne-fect, now Lower Dublin, the firft Baptift diurch in the pro-i 
 
 vince, formed in Jan. 1687-8 ; confifted then of eleven members, aiid 
 their then paftor, for a ftiort time. Of the eleven, five were from Wales ; 
 oneofwhonjj Mr. Samuel Jones, was the moft ufeful member in that 
 church for thirty-four years ; a confidefable part of that time he preached 
 to them as affiflant, paftor, or celleague. See above page 14. The chief 
 pallors of that church fihce have been Meffi Evan Morganj Samuel Jones< 
 Abel Morgan, Jenkin Jones,' and the prefent Dr. Samuel Jones, all natives 
 *f the Principality. This chufch has had Ehglidlmen for p;Alors,' or mini* 
 iters, about thirty years of the time fihce 1 688. 
 
 2. The next Baptift church there was at H^eljh Tratt. The conftituents 
 and firft paftor were from Wales ; and all the paftors from 1701 to 1769V 
 were from the fame country. See page a8j 32, 34^,- 35. 
 
 3. The third church there was at Great, Valley^ formed in 171 r. They 
 likewife, paftor and church, were from Walfts. Aftd fo was their fecond 
 paftor. Thefe two ferved the church honourably from 171 1 101778.1 
 See page 35, 36, 37. ' 
 
 4. The next church in the Materials is Brandiwihe. Though the con- 
 ftituents there feem to have been a'mixture of Eoglifti and Welfli, and firft 
 and fecond paftor natives of America, yet they were formed by Mr. Abel 
 Morgan's help ; and the fecond paftor was fon of a minifter from Wales. 
 
 5. Montgomery, conftitHted 1719 ; the members chiefly from Wales, 
 ^nd their minifters from the fatne countiy. See pag« 34, 35, 37, 41, ani 
 alio Mr. Edwards's Materials. 
 
 6. Tulfehohon. Of the pallor and conftituents, fee page 4S,49. 
 
 7. Southamfttn, according to Mr. Edwards's Materials, is a kind of 
 mixture of Englifh and Welfh. 
 
 ^S. PhiladelfhU is faid to'have been formed, orre-conflituted, in r^46 ! 
 he firft and fecond paftor from Wales. Of Mr; Jenkin Jones, fee a hint 
 page 34, of Mr. M. Edwards, page 5a, 59. 
 
 g. Neiu Britain, lt> he fm-e/ from Wales/ the miftiftersy and moft of the 
 conftituents, to 1770, jse page 49. 
 
 10. Komhiua, the youngeft church in the province in 1770, was formed 
 101765. The conftituents, by their names, fepm not to have originated 
 from Wales ; but their firft paftor did, though probably he himfelf was 
 born in America. ^ . 
 
 This fketch fliews that Wales is to be confiddred a; the parent of the 
 Baptift denofnination in Fenniylvania. 
 
 THE END.