Possibly my first exposure to Welsh Evangelicalism came through the writings of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who regularly turned to such eighteenth-century preachers as Daniel Rowland and Howel Harris for inspiration and encouragement. Once authors like these men were read, I too was hooked, and the Welsh revivals of the long eighteenth century, with their distinctive Celtic flavor, have often been a deep source of encouragement to this fellow Celt with Irish roots.
Two of the great figures of these revivals were the hymnwriters William Williams Pantycelyn (1717–1791) and Ann Griffiths (1776–1805). Pantycleyn played the critical role in defining the contours of the Welsh hymn, and can really be considered the father of Welsh hymnody through his some one thousand hymns. Griffiths, who left only seventy stanzas (as well as eight letters) is more limited in the scope of her hymnody. Her hymns, though, are a tremendous witness to the beauty and glory of the Incarnate Lord Jesus. This edition of Hodges’ essays on both of these remarkable hymnwriters also contains a full translation of all of Griffiths’ hymns. Very highly recommended!
Michael A.G. Haykin
The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary