INTRODUCTION TO WALES

Wales is a fascinating country with a long history, language and culture. It has bustling cities, beautiful national parks, internationally renowned rugby teams and more than 600 castles. That’s more castles per square mile than any other country in the world. 

But enormous change came to Wales at the end of the 18th century, when the beginning of the Industrial Revolution swept through the country. Soon, cottage industries were replaced by factories, and the small scale shallow local coal mines were replaced by colliery companies and ironworks.

Into this era, amidst the rugged beauty of the Welsh countryside, its rolling hills and verdant valleys, a child was born who would unwittingly change the course of Christian history. Join me on a journey to Wales as we follow in her footsteps and discover her impact on the world. 

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MARY’S EARLY YEARS

Mary Jones was born on 16 December 1784 in the small remote village of Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, nestled at the foot of Cader Idris mountain in north Wales. 

Mary’s father was a poor weaver who eked out a living at a time of great social and economic change. He died while Mary was still young, and that left Mary and her mother alone in the small grey stone cottage.

Young Mary was expected to do her share of the chores around the home, scrubbing the floors, feeding the chickens, and any other jobs that would help her mother. 

Then every Sunday morning, Mary and her mother would walk to the nearby church. Mary would marvel at the wonderful words the minister read from the Bible and she would store them up in her heart. After the service, Mary would go cautiously up to the front of the church to look at the special book.

There were two words printed in gold on its cover. Mary guessed that these words said ‘Holy Bible’ because she’d heard the minister mention the name of the book. The words inside looked strange to her. 

She wondered how anyone could make sense of all the squiggles on its pages. So Mary desperately wanted to learn how to read so she would be able to read the Bible for herself.

LEARNING TO READ

Then, one Sunday morning at church, the minister announced that a school was to open in the village. Mary was so excited. Now she would be able to learn to read and make sense of those strange marks in the Bible at the church. 

The new schoolmaster, Mr Evans, and his wife moved into a farmhouse not far from Mary’s home. Mary asked if she might be able to visit them, look at their books, and practise her reading. She was soon able to read fluently. 

Mary loved reading and was so excited when one Sunday morning she was asked to read from the big Bible at the church. Mary was not very tall, so a wooden box was placed for her to stand on. 

But learning to read was only half of Mary’s dream. Her greatest desire was to have a Bible of her own. One of her neighbours owned a Bible in the Welsh language, and she kindly offered Mary the chance to visit every weekend and spend some time reading her Bible. 

Mary was amazed by the stories of Jesus in the Bible. Although she had heard some of them in church, she loved being able to read them for herself. 

The Bible came alive for her, and soon the weekend visits just weren’t enough. Mary decided that she must have her own Bible in the Welsh language. Her mother reminded her that Bibles were very expensive.

Now owning a Bible at this time might have seemed like an impossible dream, but Mary was determined to find a way!

SAVING HER PENNIES

So she started to do odd jobs around the village for meagre amounts of money. She took in sewing and mending, she raised chickens, she sold eggs, she gathered firewood, she cleaned and swept and helped mothers look after their children. 

There was no job that Mary wouldn’t do to save some more pennies for her Bible. Her determination to own a Bible only grew stronger.

For six long years she saved until the day came when she had enough money to buy a Bible. But now there was another problem: where could she buy one in the Welsh language? In fact, hardly anybody had one because Welsh Bibles were exceptionally rare. 

Mary knew that her schoolteacher had a Welsh Bible, so she asked Mr Evans where she could buy one. He told her that there was a minister by the name of Reverend Thomas Charles in a village called Bala, who had Bibles. 

TREKKING TO BALA

Now Bala was 26 miles, or nearly 42kms away and the rough walking track [went] through the forest, over some rocky terrain, up hills and through valleys and streams. For most people, walking such a distance alone would have been a deterrent. But Mary Jones was not most people, and she was determined to walk there! 

The night before her departure, Mary could hardly sleep. Her mind raced with excitement and nervousness. Would she be able to complete the journey? Would there still be a Bible available when she arrived? These questions swirled in her mind as she tossed and turned.

So, with her purse of money and some bread and cheese tied up in a bundle, she set off barefoot on her journey.

On the second day of her journey, as Mary came to the top of a hill, she caught her first glimpse of Bala, nestled beside the shimmering waters of Llyn Tegid or Bala Lake. With renewed energy and her heart racing with excitement and anticipation, she quickened her pace, ignoring her tired and aching feet.

At this time, Bala had a small theological college and was a centre for the distribution of Welsh-language Bibles. But more importantly for Mary, it was the residence of [the] Reverend Thomas Charles, a prominent figure in the Welsh Methodist revival. He was also known for his efforts to make Bibles more accessible to the Welsh people.

After knocking on several doors and asking for directions, Mary found Rev Charles’ house. She ran up the path and knocked loudly on the large oak door. 

JOURNEY ENDS IN TEARS

When Rev Thomas Charles opened the door, Mary introduced herself and, with a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration, began to tell her story. She spoke of her years of saving, of learning to read, of her deep desire to have her own Bible, and of her long walk from her village.

Reverend Charles listened to Mary’s tale with growing amazement and admiration. He was deeply moved by the young girl’s dedication and the lengths she had gone to obtain a Bible. 

However, he gently told Mary that her journey had been in vain. He had no Bibles left to sell. He had sold the last Welsh Bible several days ago. Well, Mary was devastated. She started to weep uncontrollably, because she would be going home without a Bible after so many years of waiting, working and saving.

The Rev Charles turned and spoke to his friend Mr Edwards, who was also in the room, “Isn’t this sad to see a young girl come so far for a Bible and I don’t have one to spare, not even one. And there is no hope of getting one, either, because the Religious Tract Society has refused to print any more for Wales.”

Mr Edwards was shocked, “Do you mean to say that you don’t even have one for this poor girl?” [Rev] Charles responded, “No, not even one, there are two or three Bibles here that have already been promised to other people, and I have nothing left.”

Seeing the depth of Mary’s distress, Reverend Charles was moved with compassion and struck by a sudden impulse. He’d been saving a Bible for another customer, but in that moment, he made a decision that would have far-reaching consequences.

SORROW TURNS TO JOY

Thomas Charles then went to a bookcase and took a brand-new Welsh Bible and held it out for Mary. He told Mary that although this Welsh Bible was promised to another person, he would not turn her away empty-handed. “Take it with my blessing and I will give the other customer another Bible, as he’s able to read English.”

Mary stared at it for a long moment before carefully taking it with both hands. Mary’s tears of sorrow turned to tears of joy as she clutched the precious book to her chest. She thanked Reverend Charles profusely, her words tumbling out in a rush of gratitude and excitement. 

Upon her return to her village, Mary was greeted with a hero’s welcome. News of her journey had spread, and the villagers gathered to hear her tale and catch a glimpse of the Bible she had worked so hard to obtain. 

In the days and weeks that followed, Mary’s story became a source of inspiration for her community. She began to share her Bible, reading to neighbours who couldn’t read themselves and teaching younger children to read. The Bible became not just a personal treasure, but a community resource.

A NEW INITIATIVE

Meanwhile, back in Bala, Reverend Thomas Charles could not shake the impact of his encounter with Mary Jones. Her dedication and the scarcity of Bibles that had almost left her empty-handed weighed heavily on his mind. He began to consider ways to address the shortage of affordable Bibles, not just in Wales, but throughout Britain and beyond.

Charles shared Mary’s story with his colleagues and at religious gatherings, using it to illustrate the pressing need for greater Bible distribution. The tale of the young girl who walked miles for a Bible became a powerful tool in his advocacy for a new initiative.

In December 1802, Charles travelled to London to attend a committee meeting of the Religious Tract Society, a small voluntary organisation. During this meeting, he once again recounted Mary’s story.

Reverend Joseph Hughes was so touched by Mary’s story that he stood up and said, “Mr. Charles, your appeal was very moving. The story of that young girl is heart-rending, and her story is the story of the whole world. Surely a Society could be formed for the purpose? But if we start one for Wales, then why not start one for Great Britain? And if for Great Britain, why not for the whole world?”

BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY ESTABLISHED

This question sparked a series of discussions that would ultimately lead to the formation of a new organization dedicated to the distribution of affordable Bibles. On March 7, 1804, the British and Foreign Bible Society was established in London, with the goal of making the Bible available to people around the world, in their own languages.

The formation of the Bible Society marked a significant moment in the history of Christian mission and Bible translation. It brought together people from various denominations, united in the goal of spreading the scriptures, and would go on to have a profound impact on global Christianity.

Back in her village, Mary Jones was unaware of the far-reaching consequences of her actions. Her story, however, had taken on a life of its own, inspiring countless others and serving as a catalyst for a movement that would span the globe and impact millions of lives across the world.

Mary later married a weaver named Thomas Jones. They moved to the village of Bryn-crug, that is closer to the coast, and she stayed there for the rest of her life. Mary died in 1864 at the age of 80 and was buried in the graveyard of Bryn-crug Methodist Chapel. 

THE HOUSE IN THE MEADOW

In her hometown of Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, on the place where her cottage once stood, is an inscription that says, “Tyn y Ddol. Cartref Mary Jones” (in English: The House in the Meadow. Home of Mary Jones)

In the centre of the site is a memorial obelisk dedicated to Mary Jones, with an inscription and an open Bible. The inscription is written in both Welsh and English: 

[ER COF AM MARI JONES

YR HON YN Y FLWYDDYN 1800,
PAN YN 16 OED A GERDDODD O’R 
LLE HWN I’R BALA, I YMOFYN BEIBL
GAN Y PARCH. THOMAS CHARLES, B.A.
YR AMGYLCHIAD HWN FU
YN ACHLYSUR SEFYDLIAD Y
GYMDEITHAS FEIBLAIDD
FRUTANAIDD A THRAMOR.]

“IN MEMORY OF MARY JONES, WHO IN
THE YEAR 1800, AT THE AGE OF 16. WALKED
FROM HERE TO BALA, TO PROCURE FROM THE
REVD. THOMAS CHARLES, B.A.
A COPY OF THE WELSH BIBLE. THIS INCIDENT
WAS THE OCCASION OF THE FORMATION OF
THE BRITISH AND FOREIGN BIBLE SOCIETY.

ERECTED BY THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS OF MERIONETH”

The Rev. Thomas Charles was actually able to get two more Bibles for Mary. They were the original Welsh Bibles printed at Oxford in 1799. Only 10,000 copies of this Welsh Bible were ever printed. 

A NATIONAL TREASURE

Of the three Bibles which Mary received, only two survive and have been carefully preserved. One of them is now owned by the Bible Society and is on display in their archive at the University of Cambridge.

The other copy is in the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. It is believed that the third Bible was given to Mary’s son John who emigrated to America in 1890 and hasn’t been traced. 

The National Library of Wales, in Aberystwyth is a majestic stone building, a place full of history, wonderful books and artefacts, that was established with personal donations from the people of Wales.

The library was opened in 1907 and has over 6 million books, 1 million maps, 800,000 photographs, and 50,000 works of art. But there is one book that is of very special interest to us.

On visiting the library I had the ultimate privilege of being able to hold the Mary Jones Bible. I was instructed to wear white gloves, and carefully I held this timeless irreplaceable treasure. What an honour and a privilege!

THREE REMARKABLE INDIVIDUALS

Now, the story of the Bible Society and its founding revolves around three remarkable individuals: Mary Jones, a determined Welsh girl, Joseph Hughes, a visionary Welsh pastor, and William Wilberforce, a campaigning British MP.

On 7 March 1804, at a meeting at a Tavern in Bishopsgate, London, Wilberforce and other members of the Clapham Sect, a group of social reformers, decided to form the British and Foreign Bible Society.  

They raised 700 British pounds to begin the printing and distribution of Bibles all over the world, and could not have imagined the far-reaching impact this would have. 

In 1800, when Mary made her walk to Bala, the Bible was only available in 67 languages. By the year 1900,  just 100 years later, it was available in 524 languages, and today it has been translated into 736 languages. 

FIVE BILLION BIBLES

The Bible has been bought, banned, and burned more than any other book in history. It regularly features on lists of the top 100 books to read, and to date over 5 billion Bibles have been printed and sold.

Although 100 million Bibles are sold each year, and the digital version of the Bible has been downloaded over 500 million times, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is being read. 

Chances are, you or your family may have a copy of this remarkable book? It has outlived all of its critics, survived centuries of prohibition and has changed countless lives for the better. It has a power that no other book has. 

Now, the influence of the Bible goes far beyond religion. And whether we realise it or not, it has influenced almost every area of life.  

A PROFOUND INFLUENCE

The Bible itself is a great piece of literature, containing beautiful poetry, prose and prophecy. It’s had a profound influence on the English language, and many phrases we use today originated from the Bible. 

For instance: go the extra mile, how the mighty have fallen, or There’s nothing new under the sun. It’s not uncommon to hear it quoted, even if the person quoting it doesn’t know where the phrase came from.

In addition, the themes of the Bible have been explored and alluded to in art and culture. Its stories have been depicted in countless pieces of art by the famous artists Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Caravaggio. 

And the Bible has inspired many great musicians, from classical composers like Bach and Handel to jazz and gospel musicians such as Mahalia Jackson.

The Bible themes have also inspired novels such as Les Miserables, The Lord of the Rings, the Harry Potter books and Crime and Punishment. It’s been quoted in films like The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction and Indiana Jones, along with hit musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar and Hamilton. 

The Bible also inspired people like Florence Nightingale, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jnr and abolitionist William Wilberforce to work for social justice, racial reconciliation, environmental care, and establishing schools and hospitals. 

Many significant innovations in science and technology have been made by people who loved the Bible and have found within its pages the encouragement to explore and make sense of the world.

For example, Copernicus, Galileo, Sir Isaac Newton, and more recently Dr Francis Collins who, as Director of the Human Genome Project, made vital contributions to mapping the human genome and understanding disease genes.

TIMELESS THEMES

So, what is it about the Bible that has influenced so many people? Well, the Bible is made up of two parts, which together tell a story that spans thousands of years. 

The first section of the Bible contains the Hebrew Scriptures, often referred to by Christians as the Old Testament. The early books explain the origin of the world and tell how the nation of Israel came to exist.

The rest of the Old Testament tells of the defining moments of their national history. But the authors didn’t only recount historical events, they also interpreted them as lessons and a reminder for future generations.

We can read of the struggles they faced, grappling with questions many of us feel today: What does it mean to live a good life? Why do bad things happen to good people? What’s God really like? And if God is really loving and powerful, why is there so much evil and sadness in the world? 

Also in the Bible are predictions about the future, and what will happen at the end of time. Some authors expressed their hope that one day Israel’s God would send someone to rescue them. They called this person the Messiah, which means the ‘anointed one’.

Now, the Bible identifies this Messiah as Jesus Christ. The entire Bible centres around Him. From the beginning to the end, the theme of the Bible is Jesus Christ. Through His death on the cross, He is God’s answer to the sin problem. And by accepting Jesus as our Saviour and believing in Him, our sins and mistakes can be forgiven and we can have eternal life. This is what brings inner peace and happiness here and now.

The second section of the Bible, known as the New Testament, opens with four biographies  – or what we call the Gospels – about Jesus the Messiah. They contain eyewitness accounts of what Jesus said and did, and God’s plan for the world. 

Then comes the book of Acts, with the history of the early Christian church, followed by the letters and writings of Paul and other apostles. Then we come to the final book of the Bible, the book of Revelation. It tells us about the end of the world and how God will free the world from the ravages of sin and suffering, and the power of death, forever. 

SO MANY QUESTIONS

The Bible remains one of the most influential books ever written. And that’s why over 100 million copies are sold worldwide every year. But have you ever stopped to ask, why is it such an important book?

Does the Bible have anything to say to me? Can it answer the big questions about life? “Where did I come from? What happens when you die? What is happening in our world right now? How will the world end? How do you have faith?

Well through His Word, the Bible, God can give you the answers to all these questions. He can show us His purpose for our lives, and He can save us. Wouldn’t you like to experience the guidance, comfort, faith and hope that the Bible can bring you?  

Maybe you have never read or studied the Bible? Maybe you used to but haven’t looked at it for a long time? 

Maybe you have never had a chance to see what a little Welsh girl found in this book right here more than 200 years ago.

SPECIAL OFFER AND CLOSING PRAYER

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It’s your very own copy of The Bible. This book has brought people inner peace and happiness and changed many lives, and it can do the same for you, too. This precious Bible is our gift to you and is absolutely free. I guarantee there are no costs or obligations whatsoever. So, make the most of this wonderful opportunity to receive your free Bible today.

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If you’ve enjoyed our journey to Wales in the footsteps of Mary Jones, and our reflections of how the Bible can change our lives, then be sure to join us again next week when we will share another of life’s journeys together. Until then, let’s pray to the great God of the Bible.

Dear Heavenly Father, we have been touched by the story of  Mary Jones’ determination and faith. We thank you for the Bible and the good news it brings about forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ. May we realise the importance of reading our Bibles and preparing for Christ’s return. Please bless us and our families. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.