Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
14 articles on this Page
ITHON AND IRVON CLERICAL SOCIETY.…
ITHON AND IRVON CLERICAL SOCIETY. l The following is a copy of a paper on Read- ing read before the members of the above Society, at a meeting recently held at Builth, by the Rev. A. Wentworth Powell, M.A., Rector of Disaerth In giving you the result of my thoughts on this subject, I wish to disclaim at onee the assumption of anything like a didactic tone. Towards my brethren, who are wiser and more learned than myself, it would be as unbecoming as it is unneces- sary and in what I have to say, I wish to bp understood as only aiming at an ideal of intellectual life, which no one is farther from attaining than the writer of these few remarks. 1 would call my subject Reading," using the word in the conven- tional sense with which our college days have made us all familiar. 1. We belong to one of what are stylel the learned professions"; and, especially in these days, when education, Higher and Intermediate, is everywhere in the air," there is great necessity that we, who enjoy a position of responsible free- dom, should not fall behind in the race, but should keep the fire of intellect alive with only less care than that with which we would foster the gentle flame of the spiritual life. Our reading will divide itself naturally into two branches—theological and secular, each dependent on the other for illustration and supplementation, and both required by the question in the ordering of priest?—" Will you be diligent in read- ing of the Holy Scriptures, and in snch studies as help to the knowledge of the same?" Of theological reading, then, the Bible stands first. And I may here say that in preaching we are apt to assume a greater knowledge of the Scriptures among our people than they possess, And I may also say that we, perhaps from the variety and multiplicity of our subsidiary studies in the Scriptures, as commentaries and the like, have not the same knowledge of the Bible as our fathers in the ministry. The result of the increased study of the Bible will be a great' r Scriptural tone in our sermons, and an increased power of illustra- tion from the Scriptures, of which Canon Liddon's Bampton Lectures furnish so great an example. We must read the Bible then as God's Word, as the guide of our Life, as the statute book from whence the Church takes its laws. And we must study it critically, bestowing upon it (surely) the same care as upoa an obscure passage in a Greek play, that we may find out the exact words of the truth, and we must study it as not only a divine, but also a human book. a book of the deepest human interest, reading it in the light of some such book as Stracbey's "Jewish History and Politics," learning from the way in which God guided and taught the Jewish people, the way in which He has guided and taught all the nations of the earth. I.-Theological Literature. After the Bible comes what is technically called theological literature. This is of many kinds. The old standard theologians must be read, both as an intellectual exercise and as showing the sohd foundation from which our modern theology has sprung; and, in a modern age, modern theology has its place. Its language, if not always so stately and dignified, fits in more with modern turns of thought, and it has the charm of adapting itself to present needs and modern phases of society, and while we read, we must try to learn something of all schools, even of those who follow not with us for they are all confluent streams of the great river of truth; and the subject of experimental theology, purely .Y spiritual writings, not commentaries and not sermons, such as the works of Jeremy Taylor, and such books as the Imitatio Christi" and Scupoli's Spiritual Combat," with all works that bring before our minds the awfulness of our calling and the solemnity of our functions—this subject hardly receives the study which it deserves and which we require. And I should not forget the study of the vital organization of the Church, its essence, its place in the history of the world-that apologetic literature which is so necessary for us in these times to meet those who oppose themselves. Of this kind, Canon Curteis' Bampton lectures on Church and Dissent" are a most valuable example; and I may mention a more modern book, which I have only real so far as to discern its excellence- Hammond's Church or Chapel." The omission of commentaries would be a very grave one; and while this generation is happy in possessing so many of these helps in convenient form and at a reasonable price, perhaps no commentator has so happily united the treasures of the past to the needs of the present as Prebendafy Sadler. II. SECULAR LITERATE R.E.-I now come to the study of what is commonly called "secular" literature, and which I take for granted we all feel bound to be more or less familiar with. 1. Ristoi-g.- -First, naturally, comea history the- ancient history of Rome and Greece, the exemplar of modern political government, and the pattern of modern art, and with them we should read their literature, their poetry, and especially their drama- tic poetry. And modern history must have its place, though in the light of the glories of the past it is apt to seem sordid and common place. But in a world of political change, whenever the word "fundamental" baa been questioned by a high authority, it is well to know something of the manner in which England has been built up to her present condition and something of this we shall learn from the works of Seeley, Green, md Lecky, while in treating of the moral side of history, Carlyle's "French Revolution" comes to us with almost the force of a revelation and a prophecy. 2. Science.-Among our reading, science, in some of its branches, should have a place, both as a mental exercise and for practical results. The study of logic and of the laws of thought will have a clarifying effect on our doctrinal statements. On the subject of the study of science, Cunon Kingsley felt so strongly that he wished that some branch of natural science might be made a c,)mpulsory subject for candidates for ordination; and some knowledge of the laws of health (of which, in country parishes, we may be the only exponents), and even of the elements of the medicine and surgery, may be invaluable. Some acquaintance with the laws of political economy may be a valuable check upon our often crude though benevolent systems of charity; and, in any case, even the superficial study of such sciences as botany, geology, or astronomy, will open our eyea to the beauty of God's material kingdom, and quicken in us such feelings as caused Linnaeus to kneel down on the English turf and thank God for the beauty of the blossoming gorse. 3. Poetry.-To turn to a lighter subject, poetry should be an almost daily study with ui. [As one reason for this assertion, I may just point out that much of the Bible is poetical in form and style, and that St. Paul quoted heathen poetry.] Poetry is the music of the soul. In verse, man approaches most nearly to the speech of the immortals. Con- sidering how closely allied the best poetry is to the noblest action it must have a tendency to moral and spiritual elevation. In this dull age anything is worth study which stirs our blooil, quickens our sluggish spiritual pulses, and. as we truly say, takes us out of ourselves and carries us away." Goethe has said that one should daily play with a little child, hear a little good music, or read a little good poetry. The last is within the reach of as all, and the study of the best models of English poetry (alas! that I can say nothing of the Welsh ones) will improve our style and language. Kossutb, the Hungarian patriot, while in prison, learned the English language entirely from possessing a copy of Shakspeare. While it should be exercised but sparingly, and kept subservient to the use of the Word of God, for illustrations and quotations in our sermons, the best poets crive us an inex- haustible supply. For such a purpose, assuming a more or less intimate knowledge of the older classic poets, I would only name Tennyson, chaste in style and lofty in thought, because through his works the idea (so necessary in this land) of manly purity runs like a golden thread My strength is as the strength of ten, Because my heart is pure.Sir Galahad. Nor should we forget more modern or present-day poets, as Lowell and Wbittier in America, and "oar own poet," Lewis Morris, while perhaps the noblest poem of our own time is Sir Edwin Arnold's Light of Asia." 4. Biograpky.-To us. whose business is to make men better, the study of biography is almost imperative. Lives of great men all remind us We may make our lives sublime." Biography is perhaps the most striking feature of the literature of this century. Biographical read- ing will affect us both as priests and citizens. When the dust of recent controversy has blown away, Newman's "Apologia" will re- main a wcnlerful piece of autobiography, and the lives of such heroes of the Church as Hooke, Lowden, Wilberfore, Kingsley, and Bishop Patteson, place before us various types of minis- terial excellence; and, that we should not forget onr national heritage, we should read the lives of great statesmen, as Lord John Russell, governor* of our Empire, as Lord Lawrence, and men of letter*, as Scott, and—shall I be thought very old- letter*, as Scott, and—shall I be thought very old- fashioned if I commend the life of that wide, f cr grotesque, but single-hearted old man-Samuel Johnson ? And of autobiographies, there is none like the journal of that true soldier of the Cross, General' Gordon. Surely, the biography of our days, so rich and varied, has a gospel to preach to up. It shows us an increasing interest on the part of our countrymen in the Lord's Incarnation. This intense desire to know all about a man, what he did, said, thought; what his education was, what his aims were, what is it but a sign of something higher and deeper-a desire t8 know more of the Life of lives, like St. Thomas of old, to draw nearer to the Person of the Lord, to know more of Him, of whom our best and noblest are but faint shadows. "They are but broken lights of Thee, and Thou. O Lord, art more than they. 5. Politics.-As citizens, reading of a more or less political character will have its place with us, if only to teach us that righteousness exalteth a nation," and to lead us te pray for the peace of Jerusalem." And, however much national politics have become sordid and debased, it is well for us to remember that it was never meant to be so, and that it was not always so, that the word "politi- cian," which now too often stands for what is time- sewing and corrupt, once meant all that is single- minded and upright. The study of constitu- tional history, so necessary in these vacillating times, will teach us the true relations of the various parts of the Commonwealth; and reading the lives of past heroes of our country will bring before us again the noble ideal, perhaps almost banished, again the noble ideal, perhaps almost banished, When none were for a party, But all were for the state." 6. LVewspapers.-And this will involve our reading at least something of the great mass of journalistic literature of the day. "Quicquid agunt homines cannot be without interest for us, so the daily newspaper must form part of our reading, and it may be well that it should be national rather than local, and when any matter of burning importance is being discussed, which may even affect the foundations of our Faith, it is well for us to find opportunity of seeing it discussed (from both sides) in some first-class review; and it will be worth our while (though it is not a pleasant experience) to make ourselves acquainted with some popular Dissenting newspaper, partly to see what common ground they have with us, and partly, and I think most necessarily, to see h.)w ignorant the writers are of the true nature and duties of our Church, and (crede experto) to see how their columns are filled. week after week, with mis-statements about, and slanders against the Church, which are seldom controverted, widely read, and always believed. 7. Fiction;-My treatment of the lighter side of our secular reading will naturally reach its vanish- ing point in Fiction, and here I may make bold to say that fiction forms a part, greater or less of the reading of most of us. Assuming then that my brethrer sometimes read novels (and unblush- ingly confessing that I do) T think we may read them for three reasons As a recreation, and I believe the best form of mental relaxation is to be found in mental exercise of a lighter kind as an intellectual practice-to note the difference between the subtle soul—analysis of George Eliot, the hreezy chivalry of Kingsley, the light philosophy of Thackeray, and the often unexpected pathos of Dickens; and we may read them, not without profit, for their moral and spiritual lessons. It i9 almost superfluous for me to say that, considering the innocent recreation which he affords, the charm of his style, the noble company into which he trans- ports, the aim of singleness, purity and patriotism which runs through his works, which we may read till we know them by heart, and always find fresh, there is no one who serves all these purposes like that truest writer of romance—Walter Scott. Mr Beecher Stowe'd father was a stern Calvinistic divine. He came one day into a room where all his large family were assembled, with "Ivanhoe" in his hand, saying I did say that no child of mine should ever read a novel; but-you must all read this." III. How TO BEAD.—Two obvious objections may be made to the foregoing remarks. I may seem to have laid too much stress on purely secular read- ing, less importance apparently being given to studies of a more directly religious nature. But much of the latter would be more fittingly dealt with under the head of devotional exercises, pre- paration of sermons, &c., and my object has been to turn my brethren's thoughts into other channels, and to try and show how profit as well as pleasure may be found there. It may also be said, This subject, with its various divisions, is more or less important, but not so much so as habits of devo- tion, pastoral visitation, and other more distinctly ministerial works, for which all this 'reading' would leave little time." That is most true, and I feel that I am treating of perhaps the least impor- tant side of the ministerial character. But still, the mere fact of our examination for Holy Orders shows that our intellect is not to be neglected; and, in dealing with this subject, I feel bound to do as fully all, and to give it all the prominence that, I can. Having then sketched, very roughly and iro- perfectly, the matter of onr study, what we are to read, it only remains to consider its manner-liow we are to read. Early-early in life, while the mind is fresh and unwearied, while the student. habit (so soon and so easily lost) is still upon us, and our school days are not left so far behind; and here I may say, and my brethren will agree with me, that it is little short of scandal that, while those who would qualify for any other pro- fession must acquire a considerable amount of special knowledge, there is so little special training for us who have to serve the altar; and our active ministry begins at a time when, to use a detestable expression, our education is completed." And in youth our mind is unbiassed; it has not yet run into a party grove. Wisdom with us is capable of being justified of all her children. Old age is certainly the time of leisure. But it is long to wait for it; and it may never come. Cato, we are told, learned Greek at 80, while J. S. Mill acquired the same language at 3! It is a question which philosopher is more to be pitied. Perhaps the best time to begin an independent course of serious reading is early manhood, when our intelligence has full play, and when we may gather fruit which our later years and more discerning judgment will ripen. And early life is, more or less, the time of leisure for reading—leisure which decreases as life goes on, when the complex charge of a parish, with its sewing of tables," which will come to us as incumbents, and, sometimes, domestic cares, all unite to make us join in the sad chorus. I have no time." And though this is more easily preached than practised, we should read as much as possible early in the day. Then the mind is fresh and active, with a natural activity very different from the feverish restlessness that belongs to midnight study. Eaily in the day, too, we enjoy a quiet and freedom fiom domestic strife which the later hours will probably deny to us. I may say, too, that most of the intellectual workers of the Church, as Hook and Kingsley, have been early risers. IV. MANNER.— A.s regards the manner of onr re iding, we must be able to answer the important question. "How are we to read?'' We must read systematically; we must rt ad always. Everyday our mind, as well as our body, must be fed; each day we must read something, if only for balf-an- hour; each year we must read so many books. And it i9 a good plan to keep a note-book, showing what books, with their subjects, we have read. It will show us what we have read that is valuable, and that what is not valuable. We must not read too long on one subject, or from one book, lest our mind should grow surfeited and dull; but we should vary our reading (though the variation should not be too manifold) and alternate, say, theology nith poetry, and history with biography; and we must read accurately and carefully. It is not necessary to have read a great number of books-multum, rather than multa, should be our rule. F. W. Robertson tells us that Auguste Comte habitually read very few boots. "Heading," says Bacon, maketh a full man and if each year sees us read and assimilate a few good books, we shall do well. But writing," says Bacon again, maketh an exact man." And if (though it is a toilsome work) we would cultivate the habit of making notes of our reading, we should find that one book digested,. connoted, with perhaps an abstract made of it, is worth a hundred merely read and perhaps soon forgotten. V. To WHAT END ?- And we must read for a defi- nite end, and I think the production of our sermons is a very legitimate end for which to read. When we preach we are giving systematic instruction to a greater or less number of people. It is, surely, only right that our reading should help to make that instruction full, accurate, interesting, varied, and edifying. Now, reading for sermons is a phrase often used, and sometimes carried into practice. This may be done in two ways-the wrong and the right way. The wrong way is when the preacher, in composing his sermon, reads, per- haps for the first time, all the commentators and other authorities within reach, and, somehow, worked them into his discourse. The result is a bald and uninteresting mfelange, in which the crisp, nervous English of the authors quoted contrasts oddly with the halting rhetoric of the preacher's original matter, and in which we can almost hear the inverted commas. The right way is to be always learning, always reading, always filling the mind; and then, when we come to prepare our sermons, we do so out of our fulness, bringing "things new and old'' from the treasure-house of our memory, and (though thought and toil will not be wanting) our subject-matter will only require arranging and systematizing before it is given to our people. One subject of reading may fitly be mentioned here—the sermons of great preachers. Few men are born great preachers; some may be made so; all may become useful preachers. And is it wrong that we should study the great works of the masters of our craft? The young painter or sculptor studies the art galleries of Europe; the orator studies the Burke and Demosthenes. Why should not the preacher do the like? So, for the purpose of useful preaching, we should read, as models and irrespective of theological It schools," the sermons of Newman, the present Bishop of Carlisle, Kingsley, Keble, Walsham How, Liddon, Archer Butler, learning from them such lessons as method, treatment, illustration, language, and style. VI. WHY SHOULD WE READ?-It only remains, as briefly as possible, for us to consider why promi- nence should be given to this view of the ministerial character—Why should we read? The answer is manifold. Our intellect is one talent with which God has entrusted us. It is our duty to practise and improve it. The more we read the better shall we be able, with the addition of the all-important factor of common sense, to instruct those under our charge. The poorest and most ignorant of our people need to have great truths put before them in a simple, intelligent, and convincing manner. No man explored more branches of human know- ledge than King3ley, and no sermons are easier to read. Frederick Maurice wandered all his life in the mazes of philosophy, yet it was said of his country sermons (many of which were preached at Clyro) that the common people heard him gladly." The more points of contact we find with our people the better; and the intellectual point of contact is daily, with the spread of education, becoming more important. We must acquaint ourselves, as far as possible, with all the products of thought, as they affect mankind. Homo sum; nil mihi humanum alienum puto, said the heathen dramatist, and this is above all applicable to the Christian priest, whose business it is to become all things to all men, that he may save some. And reading noble books of noble deeds, lives of noble men, will transfuse into us something of the moral and spiritual beauty of which we read, as Words- worth's maiden- And beauty, born of murmuring sound, Did pass into her face." The last and highest purpose of our realing-to read nothing but what will quicken our sympathies, increase our reverence for the past, enliven our interest in the present, and strengthen our hope for the future—nothing but what will make us keener in intellect, more useful in action, more uplifted in soul; nothing but what will add bright- ness to our Christian armour and temper to our spiritual weapons; nothing but what will lead us and those we have to teach, nearer to the Author and Giver of all wisdom. So shall we learn some- thing of that highest and best knowledge- "Which is strength To live four-square, careless of outward shows, And self-sufficing. It is clearer sight To know the rule of life, the Eternal scheme; And, knowing it, to do and not to err, And, doing, to be blest.Epic of Hades.
Advertising
THE REASON WHY. QUININE BITTERS. GWILYM EVANS' I BITTERS. QUININE BITTERS. I I Why is it that some people can scarcely venture out of doors during damp and foggy weather. It is be- cause that owing either to a naturally delicate constitution or the neglect of proper precaution in time, they are liable at the least exposure to draughts, winds, or damp, to catch a cold which will develope into a cough, Influenza, Asthn.a,Bronchitis, Inflammation or even Consumption] WHY is it that others either can not or dare not enjoy the pleasures of the table, that partaking of neces- sary food is impossible, or the free indulgence of their taste, results in horror which the bravest shrink from ? It is because they are troubled with Indigestion in some form or other, whether it goes under the name Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Bilious Head-ache, Loss of Appetite, or any other form of that malady. WHY is it that others again are dispirited, nervous, melancholy, al- ways look upon the dark side, and regard everything through the coloured spectacles of a morbid im,iginatiou ? It is because they suffer from a disordered Liver, which brings nervous head-ache, sleepless- aes3, jaundice, bile, low spirits, con- firmed melancholy, and other horrors in its train. Now comes the simple but impor- tant question WHY do persons continue to suffer these evils ? The answer is equally simple. Because they do not know that GWILYM EVANS' QUININE BITTERS is the best Tonic Remedy ever discovered, that it relieves all these evils, that it has succeeded in the worst cases, when every other remedy had failed, and if properly taken it would be certain to relieve them. They should therefore give it a trial at once. It is the most J successful remedy ever discovered, and unanimously acknowledged by all who have given it a fair trial to be "THE BEST REMEDY OF THE AGE." Above all, see that you get the right article, with the Diioe "OWILYM EVANS' QUININE BITTERS" on stamp, label, and bottle,without which none is genuine. Price 28 91, double sizes 4* 6d, cases of three large bottles 12a 6d. Sold by all Chemists and Vendors of Patent Medicines in the kingdom. Agents in all parts of the world. Equally suited for all climates. PROPRIETORS :— QUININE BITTERS MANUFACTURING Co,, LIMITED, LLANELLY, SOUTH WALES.
PONTARDULAIS.
PONTARDULAIS. LLANDILO-TALYBONT SCHOOL BOARD TRIENNEAL ELECTRON. -At a meeting of the twelve candidates, nominated for the seven seats, held at Garseinon, on Wednesday, the 4th inst. The three members of the old board, who had been nominated, were unanimously re-elected, viz. Alderman Rees Harries, Rev. J. W. Jones, vicar, and Thomas Williams, Castelldu. The four new members who will sit on the Board, are J. Williams, manager, Clayton Tinplate Works Joseph Harries, manager, Grovesend Tinplate Works; Samuel WiUians, chemical manufacturer; and John Roberts, Cwrt, farmer. There will therefore be no contest.
Advertising
KAY'S COMPOUND, a demulcent anodyne-expee- torant. 9id.. 13id., 2s. 9d., &c. Of all Chemists VALUABLE DISCOVERY FOR THE HAIR.—If yoar hair is turning grey or white, or falling off. use THE MKXICAN HAIR RENFIWER," {or it will positively I reatore in every case Grey or White hair to its original colour, without leaving the disagreeable smell of most Restorers. it maees the hair charminglv beautuui, as well as promoting the growth of the hair on bald tpota, where the glands are not decayed. Price 3a. 6d. -For an Oil to make the Hair soft, glossy, and lnxu riant, ask for CARTER'S COLOGNE OIL." Price Is. of all dealers. Wholesale d"k. tt, Farringdoo load, Loadoa. "IT STANDS ALONE." For delicacy of aroma, high quality, great strength, and delicious flavor Horniman's Pure Tea stands alone. It consists only of the finest growths from India, China, and Ceylon. Retailed from Is lOdto 3s4d per lb. prices to suit all classes from prince to peasant. Horniman's Tea being absolutely pure is recom- mended by the faculty as a digestive and nutritious drink. Once used always used from its uniform good quality is "always good alike." Sold in packets only, by the principal Chemists, Grocers and Confectioners in the United Kingdom. To prevent loss and disappointment, see that every packet is signed W. H. and F. J. Horniman and Co., Limited, London, Original importers of Pure Tea from India, China, & Ceylon. List of agents: Carmarthen, E. J. Williams, Chemist, 7, Guildhall-square; R. A. Holding and Co., 19, Queen-street; and J. B. Richards, Druggist, 16, Lammas-street. Llanelly,Rees, Bookseller. Llan- dilo, Lewis, Compton House Swansea, Evans, Chemist; Jones, Chemist; Parlby, Chemist. Kid- welly, David, Tea Dealer. Pembroke Dock, Tucker, Commercial-row. Merthyr, Stephent;, Chemist, High-street. Burry Port, Badger, Sta- tioner. I
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for opinions expressed under this heading. All contribu- tions must be verified by the real name and address of the writer as a guarantee of good faith.
CARMARTHEN AND ITS GAS.
CARMARTHEN AND ITS GAS. To the Editor of THE JOURNAL. Sir.What can our Town Councillors be thinking about ? When they seek the sufferage of the electors, there is always in their addresses a great display of economy and retrenchment, but when elected they do nothing, unless it be of some immediate interest to them. I noticed in a window in our town a printed statement of account, showing the difference in the cost of lighting a town by gas and by oil. It gives the number of lamps at 200, ours, I think, being about the same, the oil with a better light, and after allowing for cleaning and all expenses, costing 2210 15. as against gas, 9569 8s. or a saving in one year of 2350 13s. In the face of such a saving as above, our Economic Corporation have entered into another contract for a year with the Gas Company, which is about raising its price to 03. per 1000 feet,. Surely it is time our representatives were brought to book and made to study the interests of the ratepayers and not the Gas Company's, and it behoves the consumers of gas to say whether it would not pay them to adopt oil if the Company persists in their advance in price. The saving in one year will more than pay for alteration of lamps, etc. Thanking you for your promise to take up this question. I am, sir, A RATEPAYER.
To the Editor of THE JOURNAL.
To the Editor of THE JOURNAL. SIR, I have discussed the Gas question with several consumers in town. A strong feeling pre- vails in favour of holding a meeting to decide whether we cannot take some united action against the proposed increase in the price of gas. If this is to be done, no time should be lost as the increased price will be charged from the 1st of April next. I hope the principal customers of the Gas Company will come forward and delare them- selves. A meeting could be easily arranged, and an opportunity would be given to discuss the rise that has been unexpectedly thrown upon us, Will not some disinterested members of our Town Council convene a meeting of consumers? Some of them are large consumers themselves, and this would afford them a chance of increasing their popularity and usefulness to the town. Yours truly, A CONSUMER. Carmarthen, March 4th, 1891. [Your second letter refers to some remarks made by Mr C. W. Jones, at the annual meeting of the Gas Company. As they were not reported in our columns we cannot insert this letter.- ED.]
.CONWIL CONCERT.
CONWIL CONCERT. To the Editor of THE JOURNAL. SIR,—Adverting to my communication which appeared in the JOURNAL of the 27th ult., I don't see that any reflection or insinuation was made. I for one was not aware that Dr. Edwards was the sole manager of the above, because in cases of the sort there is generally a committee. It was not intended to give any offence when asking for a certain explanation, and how in the name of good- ness can that be a sluron the Doctor's character. He mutt have looked at the statement through a magnifying glass, and did not take into considera- tion its real meaning. All is well that ends well." INQUIRER.
THE INCREASING ARMY OF "INCOMPETENTS"…
THE INCREASING ARMY OF "INCOM- PETENTS" (SIC)! To tke Editor of THE JOURNAL. SIR,—Now that another prominent minister, the Rev. T. C. Phillips, of Abercarn, has just con- formed, we hear, from the Dissenting organs, the same old explanation of this and of every other secession, viz. the charge of incompetency. It does not matter how highly honoured a man might have been while he belonged to a Nonconformist sect, for the moment he conforms, his former friends find out in an instant that be was utterly incompetent to have continued in their denomina- tion. If other proofs are not immediately forth- coming, the very fact of his having conformed is taken as irrefragable evidence of utter incom- petency. It is amusing to notice how much stress is laid upon this one particular reason in account- ing for the secession of every individual. Some shrewd persons have guessed that the reason why this particular explanation is invariably resorted to is that the ministers who do not conform find it a very effective argument in allaying the fears of their flocks with regard to the future of their sects; foi this explanation, which is usually paraded about a great deal by the preachers, serves the double purpose of flattering the people and exhalt- ing the preacher. The people are flattered by being told that their mental calibre is such that they could never tolerate the preaching of such a brain- less and shallow divine an the secessionist, and the preacher is exalted by making people believe that only the choicest spirits—yea, in fact only the picked men of the nation—can possibly succeed for any length of time in performing the arduous and almost Buperhumau duties in connection with the Nonconformist ministry of the present day But when an impartial man calmly looks over the names of those who, from time to time, have con- formed, one soal-lhow fails to find this potent reason sufficient to account for the defection of them all. Take the two men who conformed, and afterwards becime Archbishops of Canterbury, the Right Rev. Thomas Seeker and the Right Rev. John Tillotson. Was their mental calibre such, or was their learning so lamentably deficient that they could not possibly meet the requirements of a village conventicle? All the Nonconformist ministers (" tell it not in Gatb, publish it not in the streets of Askelon ") do not think so lightly of Tillotson's published sermons. Again, take Bishop Butler, whose immortal "Analogy" is one of the most abstruse and convincing piece of reasoning to be found in any language Dr. Chalmers, who was perhaps the greatest and most polished preacher that Scotland ever produced, says of him "I have derived greater aid from the views and reasoning of Bishop Butler than. I have been able to find besides in the whole ran.e of our extant author- ship." (Bridgewater Treatise.) Was Butler a Ronentity ? This is curious; the book is excellent, for the Nonconformist professors teach it their ir students, but the author stood self-condemned as an incompetent; for it is beyond dispute that he actually, of his own free will, and after he had passed through a Nonconformist curriculum, pon- formed to the Church of Engand! The Presby. terian College, Carmarthen, and the Memorial College, Brecon, vie with one another in claiming Butler as an alumnus of their colleges. But the professors and studonts of those colleges are wiser and more coni-cientious than Butler, for they will not follow the example of this genius in conforming to the historic church of their country The late Bishop Jacobson, of Chester, must have been an incompetent for he also conformed; and, if report be true, be did so at the advice of his professor, Dr. J. Pye Smith, the great Nor con o mist dirine. But look at some of the more recent converts. There is Dr. Cunningham Geikie, an ex-Congrega- tional minister. the author of a well-known ,ntl I excellent Life of Christ," which had attained its 30th edition in 1887, "Old Testanent Characters," Hours with the Bible," &c.; the Rev. W. Mann Statham, who succeeded Dr. Raleigh at Hare Court Chapel, London; his chapel collecttd £ 14,000 for different purposes daring his ten years' minis'ry there, and he. no doubt, must have been in receipt of about XI,000 a year's salary there He is now an assistant curate in the parish of Hillingdon, in the. diocese of London, receiving probably -8120 or X150 a year's salary; the Rev Thomas Moore, M.A., author of the "The Englishman's Brief for his National Church," the "Dead Hand" in the "Free Chmches" of Dissent, &c.; the Rev. M. F. Sadl, r, M.A., author of "Church Doctrine, Bible Truth," the "Second Adam and the New Birth," &c.; ih* Rev. Joseph Hammond, B.A. (London, Classical Honours), LL.B. (London, honours in two subjects), author of Church or Chapel P" The Rev. G. S. Reaney, who succeeded Dr. 'Kennedy at Stepney, who was formerly one of the successors of the great Dr. Parker at Cavendish Chapel, Manchester. author of a most reidable, pungent, and convincing book on Why I left Congregationalism." These are one and all incompetents," and strange to say their incompetency must have been suddenly discovered at the moment they conformed! I wonder how many more "ilieompetents" there may be now hidden among the ranks of thp Non Con. ministers. As long as they remain t1 ere Inv churchman who would dare hint that they an in- competent would be simply howled at, but let any of them conform, and we shall then find that. they 1 were utterly incompetent, and were merely tolerated all along. It could not be the love of fame that impelled the above men to conform, for the great oracle of the City Temple, no less it per- sonage than Dr. Parker himself, speaking of the way in which the Church receives Dissenting ministers, said, 11 She receives her recalcitrant sons and just places them in obscurity, on their road to oblivion." In Wales also a large number of eminent men have, from time to time, conformed. Among them are Peter Williams, whose Beibl Teuluaidd is known all over Gwlad y Bryniau;" "Idrisyn," the author of that most useful" Esponiau Beirniadol," which is so dear to the heart of the Sunday school teacher; the Rev Canon Daniel Silvan Evans, B.D (" Daniel Las "), the author of those erudite and classical Welsh dictionaries; the Rev D. P. Davies, who was sometime Con»rega tional minister at Rhymney, and was the secrefary of the Association of Congregational Churches iu Monmouthshire for years—a position which gives one a very high standing among bis brethren in the ministry as well as in the connexional chapels. There is also a large number of earnest, hard- working and popular clergymen at the present time in the Church in Wales who were formerly Non. Con. ministers. They were all "incompe- tent," of course, and as Mr Pritchard Morgan said in the House of Commons the other day, It is a very good thing that thero is a place to which the incompetent men, who can well be spared from the ranks of Nonconformity., may go!" But let a single clergyman join the ranks of Nonconformity, and what a deafening shout of exultation is heard And well it might be so, for he is indeed a rara avis. About a generation ago the Reverend and Honour- able Baptist Noel joined the Baptists. What a commotion it produced to be sure! One zealous Baptist in Pembrokeshire, speaking to a church- man, with intense excitement, declared that Mr Noel was worth at any rate twenty of the ministers who joined the Church. His opponent, not in the least perturbed by the demonstrative eloquence of his excited informant, coolly replied tbat" if what he said was trua, it only proved that one clergyman was worth twenty preacberii! The Baptist was confounded by this unexpected r.-ply. Yours, &c., A COUNTRY PARSON. 9th March, 1891..
----TRADE REPORT.
TRADE REPORT. IVi-itteit exclusively for THE JOURNAL). We stated our last issue our opinion that the rise in prices of warrant pig iron, amounting to a few pence per ton, was only a temporary movement, and the probable fore-runner of a fall. Almost before we had gone to press all classes of warrants had dropped over a shilling, the relapse being dis- tinctly traceable to the weakness characterising the West Coast market, as instanced by the sus- pension of the Maryport Iron Company, and to the inevitable depression in the value of Scotch iron, due to the relighting of the Scotch furnaces conse- quent on the settlement of the strike, which had lasted five months, and resulted in the acceptance by the men of a reduction of 20 per cent. instead of an advance of 7! per cent., with certain other concessions, which they demanded last October. Thes ruggle has been a costly one for the men, the hands of the blast farnacemen's Union having suffered to the extent of £ 17,000. The reduction in prices during the last eight or ten days has been Is 7d off Scotch, Is 5d off Middlesborough, and the a ime off Hematite, the figures being now 45s 5d, 40s 7d and 49a 6d respectively. A reduction has been made in the price of Welsh Bassemer tinplate bars to t:5 2s 6d, and it is rumoured that contracts are being made, probably with outside manufac- turers, at even less money. The explanation of this drop is mcst likely the desire of Welsh makers t ) cut down the introduction of tinplate bars from outside districts. Considerable quantities have during the last six months come from Leeds and other distant points in spite of a railway carriage of about 14s a ton, as against an average of 5" paid bj Welsh makers, and they have, of course, inter- fered seriously with the local steel works. This reduction in price will naturally tend to diminish the competition from this direction, but whether it will ki oak it completely on the head is a matter of doubt. The steel market generally remains in a very unsatisfactory Condition, buyers holding off for still lower prices. Tinplates show no change from Inst, week inquiries are few, masters being particularly slow of sale. The Board of Trade returns for February are unfavourable compared with February, 1890. The imports show an increase of X2,293,000, or 7! per cent., and the exports and decrease of £ 614,000, or about 3 per cent. The export of tinplates, it is true, shows a large increase, but this is not entirely due, as the Times suggests, 10 the American rush in anticipa- tion of the McKiuley Tariff, but in a great measure to the fact that the export in February last year was vclry low, in consequence of the collapse in trade fr.»tn fhe inflntion of December, 1889. There are indications that the prices of coai are beginning to give way in the manufacturing districts in Eng- land, and with the lessened consumption of coke, owing to the slackness of the iron trade, we anticipate that sales will be still further pressed before lono\ Tin remains about £ 90 to £ 90 10s; copper is flat at .£52 10s to .£53.
NEW CO- URT.
NEW CO- URT. SCHOOL BOARD.-The ordinary meeting of the Llanwenog board, was held at New Court, March 3rd, when there were present:—Messrs T. H. R. Hughes, chairman; D. Davies, Crugwheel T. Davies, New Court Mill; D Thomas, Bluenhirbant; D. Thomas, Ddolwen; and W. Jones, clerk. Several minor matters were introduced and passed, including a resolution to supply school books free of charge to children that will attend the necessary time demanded by the board, and at the same time taking into consideration the distance each child has to walk to the school. It was argued among other things, thit parents would be more careful in sending their children to school, and it is to be hoped that this plan, like a new broom, will sweep clean all the cases of irregular, and sometimes bad attendance that exist, which are such a source of annoyance to teachers generally. The chairman then alluded to the report of H.M's Inspector of Schools, of the New Court Board School, which had come to hand, and remarked that it was a source of great pleasure to him and to all concerned, to fini that this school had done so good in the past yeal, for the prospects for months before the exam ination were very g!oomy, owing to a serious out- break of sickness that effected the children. The school had to be closed on two different occasions viz: for a mouth owing to the influenza, and for a similar period by an epidemic of measles; and it reflects great credit on Mr Thomas, headmaster, and his staff of teachers in securing such good results, under so unfortunate circumstances. HM.'s Inspector's report was as follows This school is in good order and is well instructed. The results in the el 'mentary subjects and the recitation were very satisfactory. The handwriting showed im- provement on last year, and the paper work was very neat. The class subjects, English and Geography taken by both boys and girls were fair. The needlework was creditable, but some of the girls in the first and second standards did not hold thtir needles properly. The singing from notes was satisfactory. The portion of the boys' play- ground near the offices needs attention." D was satisfactory. The portion of the boys' play- ground near the offices needs attention." D Davies has passed well.
LLANGELER;
LLANGELER; SCHOLASTIC SUCCESS.-The list of acting teachers, who were examined for certificates last Christmas, has just been issued, and we are glad to state that the name of Mr J. Lewis, National School, appears very high. The success of Mr Lewis is mainlv attributable to his energy and perseverance all selftuitiog, and everybody about here are very pleased that his labours have been so gloriously rewarded. When the result became known con- siderable rejoicings prevailed, and it can consP- quently be inferred that be is a general favourite, not only with his pupils and their parents, but also universally in the. parIsh and neigh bonrhood, It may be mentioned that Mr Lewis, whiie diligently pursuing his own st idies, did not m the least neglect those under his charge as the inspr-cbir's reports, and the high percentage of passes yfl- after year clearly show. We oneaudall wish K» congratulate him on bir, brilliitut success, and trust that he will remain long am')Q us to elln- tinue the arduousduties, which Le soc 'U^cientionsly discharges. It may be added tout Mr Lewis took the second yea papers.
[No title]
LINUM OATHARTICUM PILLS, agreeibiy •tperien:. 91d, Is lid., 2s 9d. Of all Chemists. The Catholic authorities in Treves (according to Dalziel) announce that the coat o' Joseph, the husband of Mary, which is preserved there as a a cred relic, is to be exhibited to the faithful dur- ing the summer months, when pilgrimages from all parts of Catholic Germany are expected to visit 1 lvves. The armont was recently inspected by a number of clerical and learned experts and pronounced to be genuine. )
-----------THE C.E.T.S.
THE C.E.T.S. ST. DAVID'S DIOCESAN BRANCH. CONFERENCE ON LICENSING REFURM IN MAN- CHESTER. An adjourned conference as to the best means of reforming the present system of granting licences for the sale of intoxicating liquors was- hp]d on Thursday week iu Manchester. The Bishop of Manchester (Dr. Moorhovse) presided. There was a large attendance of clergy and ministers of ail denomination-. The Chairman explained that on the close of the last meeting an amendvae:it was carried declatitig that the total veto should bo exercised by a two-thirds majority, instead of by a three-fourths majority, as in th" resolution. Tbo committee who g- t up • he confeivrv'e h"pfd tbLt it wuiiId b" pO"iii<le It) r.-jeel ha! a.in- p jment, because the desire N-as to discover a I'a,i, t' action that "Vouid ( r Viict r <r_»s t h.< hid iri-t'ffereiit to the Temperance movt im ut in t h. j, "il He thought it h hiie getting the h. u of the moderate men. Af'er some disc issi'>'i, tin.- amendment was rescinded, and tli oiiginv resolution was adopted. The R >inan C i' holie Bishop of Sure.* :,nry (Dr. Knight) proposed: ThaI this ouf )<'<;< i, opinion that, without interfering nit h t i r.w, rs now Dossessed bv the iieensincr nnthm-itiut. it ,I.w" „ that ail licences should, at the end of -m, n y-'u from th--pa,,sin(, of the Act, then determine." H. pleaded for fair play for the publican1 Mr E. Pearson moved asanuineu i a etit :That, at a moment when the hi^h^at Co rt in this realm is daily expected to give its judgment in iavour ot the absolute discretion of the licensing authority to refuse licences to licensed victuallers who have been licensed in a previous year or pro vie" s years, it is neither wise nor politic for a co.if-fence of practical workers for the elevation of the people of this country to adopt a resolution offering t owners of public-house property a guarantee for a series of years, when the wisdom of our forefathers has carefully maintained that the licence should be granted for one year and no longer. ThaI even if such owners of public-house property have a reasonable anticipation that licences should be re- attached to their houses trom year to y. ar, it is, as stated by Earl Grey, with regard to the OWIIPr6 of Liverpool slave-trading ships, "contrary to the practice of Parliament to declare beforehand the amount of compensation to be gianted for possible losses by my general measures of national policy which Parliament might adopt." Mr J. Gonstantine seconded the amendment. Atter discussion, the amendment was rejected, only three voting for it, and the otiginal motion was carried. The Rev. Canon Kelly proposed, "That at a convenient period before the expiration of the above-named seven years the licensing authority may grant new annual licences in each district for the sale of intoxicating liquors at the ratio to population filed by the first resolution, such new licences to come into force at the expiration of the licences then existing." The proportion to population was as follows; In boroughs, one licence if the,popuiation be under 1,500, two licences if the population be over 1,500 and under 3,000, three licences if the population be over 3,000 and unaer 4,000, and one additional licence for every additional 1,000 of the population; in districts not boroughs, one licence if the population be under 900, tvvo4iceace3 if the population be over 900 and under 1,200, three licences if the population be over 1.200 and under 1,800, and one additional licence for every additional 600 of the population.—The Rev Canon Moyes seconded the resolution. After some discussion the following words were added to iti "And that during the seven suspensory years it shall not be compatible with the functions of the licensing authority either to grant any additional licence or the extension of any existing licensed premises in any area where the proportion of licences to population is greater than is specified in the tirst resolution." Mr S, Massey moved.—"That it is desirable that the County Councils be constituted the licensing authority for their respective districts, and that each County Council divide the area over wh:oh it has jurisdiction iuto convenient liceusing distiicts. Mr J. A. Beith seconded the resolution. Mr E. Pearson proposed the following amend- ment:—" That in the view of this Conference it is neither right nor politic to afford legal protection or sanction to any trade which, like the trade in intoxicating liquors, tends to increase ciime, to waste the national resources, to corrupt the social hab'ts, and to destroy the health and lives of (he people. That the liceusing of the liquor trade does so give legal protection and sanction to it; and therefore the Conference of men wh,) r,, engaged in practical work for the beuefit of ti e people of tois country it .nde-irable ihat ihe rate- payers-f this 'un( ry should be inrrod ced into such a d r,, ct conpiieity with such iie. nsing, as would be involved II. tiieir being made the electors of the licensing autno,ity; and this Cuuferen.-e declines to iecom>)iond any ei.ange iu the e,)nslit; tion of the licensing authority." The atiientinit-ijt was not seconded, and the resolution \\H" .dopted. licence 1 le^ »roP<«ed—« That additional licences may be i,sued upon payment for t he saleuf intoxicating hqu..rs to bona-fide hotel, established for the provision of sleeping alld b.,ardmg aecom- modation for travellers, and also to bona-tide eatin" houses." The Bishoo of Salford seeonde.i the reso°- lution. Mr W. Canning moved asan amendment "That the hcens.t.g authority be instructed, in the issue qf the aforesaid licensing, to g.ve preference to bona-fide hotels established for the provision of sleeping and boarding accommodation f6r t.raveiters and also to bona-fide eating-houses. Mr R Rams- bottom seconded the amendment, which was sup ported by Mr R. B. Batty. After furlhur discussion it was resoly-d on the motion of the Rev. M. Randies, seconded' by the Rev. S. A. Steinthal, that the consideration of this subject be adjourned, and that it be referred to a committee to consider and report. The following were rppcinted the con: 'Dittee Mr Charles Rowley, the Bishop of Salford, the Rev M. Randies Dr. Martin, Mr W. Canning, and Mr W. b'Hanlon Mr Axon proposed and Mr Alexander M'Dotigall seconded—" All clubs where intoxicating liquors are sold shall be subject to th "ame regulations and restrictions as other houses liceused for the sale of intoxicating drink." Mr Pear-on asked if [hat meant that clubs were '°, be 1itcensed in the same way as public-houses ? Ihe Chairman said there were cliitts where liquor was sold which were made use of by people after they were turned out of licensed houses at the hour established by law. These people went to their plubi and flourished their tankards at the window in the face of passer-by and said they could beat the licensing laws. They wanted tq put a restric- tion on those places. It was an atrocious t hing that Tlnha3 I'0" JV306 lU0W' ^lUeS,'0n wa8 put if clubs should be closed at the same time as licensed houses. The Bishop Quite so. Mr Pearson asked if this were to apply to Mich clubs as the National Liberal and the CarltoD ? Ofherwise it would be -«^e»h8ef l° £ aSS th.6 resolutioa- The Chairman as 38 was conc-rned it did mean tinct'ion Tl D?t u Cla8s kj"isli4ti°n and dis- c e c'"bs must submit to restriction for the public good. The resolution was carried. 2T? Tu°tl0n °f Mr R H- S,n,th- agreed: i ii i 'bis proposed scheme of licensing reform shall apply ,o England only." Mr Steiuthal asked if the resolutions referred to all classes of licences £ The Chairman-Yes. Mr Steinthal—To' grocers' hcenoe.; Th. Cbiirmau-Oh, no. Greoor.'SS. must be attacked by themselves. '[ hrt' might be diverse opinionH oli sillject. The late "Arch- bishop of York, who sat on a H ,Use ..f Com- mission on tli is subject, was bv n.. mean, convinc d that the evils said to be cun.-cted with licences could be proved t" exist '111_ r-l. xuu i/OMiereuce wjs adjourned for a v.a, k THE OOMING Vmo iiiht. DEB VIE The fact ha' on VV, in sday, Ma, iS:h. three Direct V-ro Biil.s in \V.| Ireland, will stand for as., SuhClb,f 'nivi^ -ru nhi'-fi stands first Ih.'se Bins, if rhey oecom- -atA, .,k,. t, decision of til.- Jo«;a I elee! Ola liuv.. 1st rto- <'xt in t i;>u a I ,n t e dtstnCf iU 1 e 2nd, T;,h r. duct.on <t .icene. s to H,fr, ih number. 3rd, J'be j(on increase of .ic-nces. At a meeting on behalf ,,t ,b. Blue held stTdV; I1" U"%V T,HVU "«"• 'W*- Wes.on st.iUd mat Inert- now ,IU snip ,.i v.ar.. irge or small, tn H. Vf. herv.ee, vhieii d n- carry a Hon11''1 K- R*,yaf NavJ Te-t.peraoe. Associa- t n vhtch s ,u iin a. td Tfa Admiralty i ;.c, lha f>Ut: ,oa, „ut t every -,x i t..e H, .yal Navy, is a t„al .6, dner. SPeakl r"' ,J 't!.v ie "■ ■■ 'ti.>g ot tu ii. W T.A., in Utrr p Mr .ien.y Kio^sh y, i.marked Dining tli- last sixteen years, lie w -men of our country Ins .;r-jwn tnor, inteiupera' no- onlv a-" -get the d^grad— cia<ses. but ev, ,,lass jg permeated by the insi lio t- evii <>f drink On, .» th- prin,v a «ee g in Oae. >da- has discon m e l tie- .S 0 iuiouc..tinu dr.. ks, and has oeui a notification ot this to all his customers,