Welsh Journals

The Official Organ of the Forward Movement of the Presbyterian Church of Wales. With a large circulation throughout Wales and Monmouthshire. Entered at Stationers' Hall. AUGUST 1906 Price One Penny 'Post Free 2s. per annum, prepaid). God made Mr. Thomas a terror to evil-doers, " a sharp threshing instrument with teeth," and yet like his Master, he never broke the bruised reed, ot quenched the smoking flax. If space and time would permit, we might write a large volume on the precious life and well-doing of Evangelist Thomas. But as this is impossible, we beg to call our readers attention to the following appreciation, written by one who knew him well. John Pdgh. AN APPRECIATION OF THE LATE JOHN THOMAS, ABERCARN. REV. In JKnttoriam. Our veteran evangelist the Rev. John Thomas, •of Abercarn. passed away from his labour to his reward on July ioth, and that which was mortal of this great and good man was laid in the grave on Monday, July 16th. The throng that gathered to his funeral of all classes and conditions of people, and the signs of sincere grief that were manifested by the poor at Abercarn as well as at Porth, Rhondda Valley, spoke stronger than any words can express of ihe sense of profound loss felt by the common people. There was quite a stir in the town of Pentre, Rhondda Valley, when the news got abroad that John Thomas had been converted at " Kate Shepard's Meeting " the evening before. Heaven was stirred too, for if " there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth," that joy is intensified when the repentant sinnei consecrates his life to the service of God. Consecration to John Thomas, meant not the spasmodic enthasiasm of one day—not something which temptation and trial would wash out, but a whole-hearted life-long devotion to the service of Christ. In his soul the fire of revival was always burning, and the work for the Master gained recognition, until at last he was raised to the position of Staff Captain for the Newport District. Many remember with gratitude his labour in that capacity. At his funeral I noticed several officers in the quaint costume of the Salvation Army, and I look upon their presence there as a tribute of the love and