Peter Williams (Welsh Methodist)

Peter Williams
Born January 15, 1723
Died August 8, 1796
Spouse(s) Mary Jenkins
Children Eliezer Williams (1754), Peter Williams (1763)

Peter Williams (1723–96) was a prominent leader of Welsh Methodism in the eighteenth century, best known for publishing Welsh language bibles and bible commentary.

Personal Life

Williams was born on January 15, 1723 at West Marsh, Llansadurnen, near Laugharne in Carmarthenshire, the son of Owen and Elizabeth Williams.[1] While a student at Carmarthen Grammar School in 1743, he was converted to Methodism after hearing a sermon by George Whitefield.[1] For s short time, he was the schoolmaster at Cynwyl Elfed.[1] He was ordained a deacon in 1745. In 1748, he married Mary Jenkins. He had two children Eliezer Williams (1754) and Peter Williams (1763).[2][3]

Career

He was refused ordination as a priest due to his Methodist beliefs and became associated with Water Street Chapel Carmarthen. He joined the Methodists in 1747 and began to tour the country preaching. He began to publish copies of Welsh language bibles at an affordable price. The first edition was published and sold out in 1770 and there was a demand for many more editions.[1] In due course Williams produced thousands of copies of Welsh language bibles which remained popular for several generations.

Williams produced commentaries on biblical chapters. However, his commentary on John 1 led to suggestions that he sympathized with Sabellianism. In 1791, the matter came to a head at a Methodist Association at Llandeilo and Williams was expelled.[1]

Death

His last years were spent in conflict with the Methodists. At this time Williams denied them use of the chapel in Water Street.[4] Williams died at Llandyfaelog on August 8, 1796.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Roberts, Gomer M. "Peter Williams, Methodist cleric, author, and Biblical commentator.". Dictionary of Welsh Biography. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
  2. ↑ "The National Library of Wales :: Dictionary of Welsh Biography". yba.llgc.org.uk. Retrieved 2017-07-01.
  3. ↑ "The National Library of Wales :: Dictionary of Welsh Biography". yba.llgc.org.uk. Retrieved 2017-07-01.
  4. ↑ "Local Information Sheet 31: Carmarthen" (PDF). Capel. The Chapels Heritage Society. Retrieved 30 January 2017.

Sources

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.