Knocking

Longlands, Wyle. July 16th, 1884. I beg to inform you that the contents of the enclosed letter, which I received from you, sent to you from Mr. Rowland Rowlands, are quite true, and more than is stated in his letter. The night it took place, August 10th, 1879, I shall never forget, for, I believe, had it not been that some unknown agency sent me assistance, that I would have realised the mysteries of another world in a short time. The narrative is simply this. I was preaching at Pen-y-graig, the Sabbath referred to. I slept in a house near the chapel. After the service a few friends sat awhile with me conversing. After they left, about 10 o'clock, I took a little food, a cup of tea and a small bit of bread and butter, and retired to sleep about half -past 10, quite healthy, feeling no pain or uneasiness whatever. Somewhere between 12 and 1 o'clock I awoke with a severe attack of pain in the stomach, — remained a little in bed, but thinking death had struck me, I turned out on the bedside and attempted to call the landlady, but failed to do so. I could not move any further nor speak. In a few minutes I heard a voice at the door, outside, calling the landlady, who was in bed. He succeeded in awaking her and she replied from the landing — ' Who is there 1 ' To which Mr. Rowlands replied, ' Open the door at once • I have been disturbed in bed ; there is something the matter with the preacher.' To which she replied, ' I don't think so ; he has not called.' I heard Mr. Rowlands speak again : ' Make haste, Mrs. Phillips,' which time I believe, Mrs. Phillips, the landlady, was dressing herself, and ran downstairs and opened the door. Mr. Rowlands and herself came to my bedroom at once and knocked at my door. Receiving no answer, Mr. Eowlands opened the door, and found me in the position mentioned in his letter to you. He asked me, ' What is the matter with you, Mr. Howell ? ' to which I could not reply. I was by this time speechless. He told me again, ' I was disturbed in my bed u 2 292 EMOTIONAL AND MOTOR EFFECTS. [chap. about you ; shall we have a doctor 1 ' to which I shook my head, meaning 'No.' I thought everything was almost over. A few moments again I was unconscious and for hours after knew nothing. When I came to myself, I saw Mr. Rowlands and Mrs. Phillips in the room. They remained with me till the morning. I gradually got better, and when Mr. Rowlands left me between 7 and 8 o'clock he remarked to me, 1 1 really thought you were going to die. How strange, was it not, that I was disturbed so ! Can you account for it 1 ' I replied ' No, if it was not that the Almighty had sent you to save me.' I have no more to say nor explain, but I know the facts are true.