Many of the 'exhorters' in eighteenth century Wales were not well-off nor were many of the well educated. Indeed some were "relatively ignorant of the doctrine of religion" (Calvinistic Methodist Fathers of Wales, Vol. 1, p. 263).
"But they had been given a view of the crucified Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour, his glory had shone in their souls with an overpowering intensity, their hearts were filled with an enduring love for him, and though they did not know what much about him they felt bound to express what they did know to all around them. As Ahimaaz of old, they were full of desire to run for the King, and if they had no clear tidings at the beginning, they soon found it before running very far. The woman of Samaria knew very little about Jesus, but after his words had touched her heart she left her water-pot at the side of the well in order to tell her fellow-citizens of the remarkable Person she had met. So also with the Methodist exhorters: they entered into the work as they were, and God sealed their labours with blessing" (263).
These servants of Christ ran because they had a message salvation to tell to all they met. It was a message that had eternal relevance for the whole world. God, out of His heart of love, had provided an all-sufficient Saviour who could meets the great spiritual needs of everyone. The eternal value of His death on the Cross ensured that it was an all-sufficient salvation that His servants were to preach.
These were among the great influences on the ministry and theology of Dr D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
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