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ENGLISH ICONG RELATION" A…

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ENGLISH ICONG RELATION" A L UNION. The quarterly meeting of the English Congrega- tional Union of Glamorganshire and Carmarthen- shire was held at the Congregational Chapel, Barry, on Wednesday last. The proceedings commenced at 10.30 by a meeting of the executive. This was followed at 11.30 by a business conference. Rev. J. Stowell, M.A.. presided, and there were also present the Revs.G. Morris. Cardiff; F. R. Skyrme, Ton Ystrad D. G. Rees, Whitchurch D. Waters, Troedyrhiw; W. Silas Charles, Ferndale J. G. Jones. Bridgend; C. Ambrose J. A. Jenkins, B.A., Cardiff (secretary) and Messrs. G. Arthurs. Llwynypia Arthur Daniels, Troedyrhiw Ernest Daniels. Merthyr Tydfil: Alderman Meggitt, Barry; E. Edgar Davies. Bridgend (treasurer), &c. The hymn," Pour out Thy Spirit," was sung, and Rev. C. Ambrose offered an opening prayer. The Secretary, the Rev. J. A. Jenkins, read the minutes of the last meeting, which were passed.—The Rev. G. Morris said he thought it necessary that the names of the delegates and ministers present at quarterly meetings should be taken and a record kept. He also urged the import- ance of the evening meetings, and said that other denominations should be invited to join in, and so increase the spirituality of the meetings.—The Secretary explained that the rather sparse attendance was caused by a number of their ministers having to attend the Oxford School of Theology. XEW MEMBER. Rev. J. Southwell, the newly-ordained pastor of Porthcawl, applied for admission to the Union.— The Secretary said he had read Mr. Southwell's letter of recommendation from Mr. Thompson, of the London Missionery Society. He said that they could not do better than admit him.—Rev. Mr. Morris proposed, and Rev. C. Ambrose seconded. that Mr. Southwell be admitted.—This was carried unanimously. THE PROPOSED >"EW CHA"PEL AT "ETEOLFACH. The Secretary mentioned tb.it the plans for the proposed new chap-1 at Heoifaeh were presented at a mec-tiag of the Executive at Cardiff, and the building would be shortly proceeded with. THE LOCALISATION OF THE "CONGREGATIONAL MAGAZINE." A discussion ensued as to the localisation of the 37aga:ini\ and it was determined to refer the matter to the Rev. F. R. Skyrme and fie Rev. G-. A. James, B.A., Merthyr Tydfil, to con- sider and report on. THE INSURANCE OF THE CHAPELS. The Secretaiy brought forth the matter of the insurance of the churches of the body. An insurance company had been formed oy the Con- gregational Churches. The Rev. Mr. Rantcliffe, of HuddersSeld. had taken the management of the business. The shareholders of the company were the leaders and ministers of the denomination. and the profits of the concern would be devoted to the Retiring Pastors' Fund and the Widows' and Orphans' Fnnd. He proposed that the churches belonging to the association be recommended to insure their buildings in the Congregational Fire Insurance Company.-The Rev. C. Ambrose said it would be impossible for all of them to insure with that body, as they were bound by the terms of the leases of their chapels. The Church he represented on the Windsor estate, for instance, was bound by the lease to insure with a company they mentioned.-The Chairman said he was so pleased with the association that he had insured his books in the association.— Mr. Arthur Daniel said he felt in doubt on the subject. He thought whether it was hardly right to bring the Churches in direct contact with business. He thought they were setting a very bad precedent, and that they were proceeding on a course which they were not prepared for. On the same ground he did not see why they should not take men from the ministry to conduct tailors' shops, grocers' shops, docks, &c. — Mr. Ernest Daniels coincided in the views expressed by Mr. Arthur Daniels.—The Chairman advised that, con- sidering the sraallness of the meeting, the further consideration of the matter be deferred to the next quarterly meeting.—Mr. Jenkins proceeded to re- fute Mr. Arthur's argument. In taking up the matter they were only copying the example of the Wesleyan and Methodist bodies. If Mr. Arthur's argument was carried out it would sweep away all the various means, such as bazaars, concerts, entertainments, &c., used to raise funds for various religious objects. They could not have more worthy objects in view than the Worn-out Pastors' Fund and the Widow and Orphans' Fund, and he considered it a disgrace to them, especially in Wales, that these funds were not better supported than they were. They were constantly having to appeal to the Churches for contributions towards these very deserving objects.—After some further discussion Mr. Jenkins withdrew his proposal, and the further consideration of the matter was ad- journed to the next meeting. THE LATE REV. JOHN THOMAS, OF LIVERPOOL. VOTE OF SYMPATHY WITH THE RELATIVES. Rev. G. Morris said a good man—a representa- tive man-had passed away, and the eyes of the whole world were looking for anything they might say about the one gone. He (the speaker) had known him for many years. For the period of 30 to 35 years, yearly he had journeyed to Nurston and Carmelswell to preach special sermons, and the two Churches would not have anyone e'se. He had had the pleasure of hearing the late Mr. Thomas preach in the Welsh language about six months ago. He was then on the wane; the old energy, strength, and vigour was not seen to the full. He could not submit the resolution without saying something about it. Aa ministers, they felt that in Wales they were crippled and thrown back as they had never been for a century. They had lost men who were simply the head and shoulders of the cause, for the ministers simply felt that God had made those few to lead the many. It was a most remarkable thing that they had lost in the four denominations men now they could not replace -men who stood without rivals who stood alone. but not aloof men who were felt to be moved by the Holy Ghost. He liked to see a king amongst men, and to bow down to him. In Mr. Thomas they had lost such a man. He was of that type. Then they had lost Dr. William Rees, and a few years ago Dr. Thomas Rees. of Swansea. Dr. John Thomas never hesitated if societies, whether educational, political, or temperance, wanted help. Some people blamed him for being a political parson. He resembled the Rev. Guinness Sogers at present in his position in England. In certain localities they were bound to take part in the political arena, but in large towns, where they had intelligent and energetic laymen who took an interest in politics and were able to fill positions as leaders on secular questions, he thought it was not desirable for ministers to exert any political influence. Dr. John Thomas stood second to none in impressing people with the power of his mission. He (the speaker) believed his death was attribu- table to overwork, by giving lectures, writing the volumes which he had left behind, and attending meetings which he thought he ought not to have done at h:s age — 72 years. After further ■eulogising I)r. Thomas, the rev. gentleman pro- posed his resolution as follows :— That this Conference laments the death of the Rev. J. Thomas, D.D., of Liverpool, who for half a century has been enabled to give the denomination a whole- hearted and efficient ser/ice, and who also gave his powerful support to every movement which promoted the welfare of the people and that we also express our deep sympathy with tho bereaved family, and the Church which was under his charge. The Rev. J. A. Jenkins seconded and gave a brief summary of Dr. John Thomas's life. The Chair- man put the resolution, which was carried in silence. ELECTION OF NEW MEMBERS ON THE EXECUTIVE. Rev. J. G. James, Merthyr Tydvil, Mr. T. S. Jones, Pontypridd, and Mr. A. Daniel, Troedyrhiw. retired from the Executive Commitee by rotation. and after some discussion Mr. Arthur Daniel. Troedyrhiw, was re-elected, and the Rev. J. G. Jones, Bridgend, and the Rev. G. Morris, Cardiff, were appointed to the other two vacancies. NOTICE OF MOTION. The secretary said he had a notice of motion to bring forward with regard to the next meeting. As they knew it was the usual custom to elect a chairman alternately in two districts. The chair- man last year was Mr. Daniel, of the Merthyr District, and this year the president was the Rev. W. Edwards, of Pilton Green. The conse- quence was that each district suffered in consequence. At their annual meeting they should elect not only the president but a vice-president so that when they elected a president from one district, they should elect a vice-president from the other, and viee versa; and when the president's term of office expired, the vice-president should be elected in his stead. He would, therefore, propose that at the future annual meetings a vice- president should be elected as well as a president, the vice-president to be taken from the district not represented by the president.—Mr. Daniel seconded. J ELECTION OF SECRETARY AND TREASURER. The ejection of secretary and treasurer w;\s next proceeded w:;h. The Rev. Jenkins said he should like to be relit v id of his position of secretary, ag it enta'led nt of worry und bother.—The Rev. j Mr. Water cad M Arthur Daniels were the seru. tineers, and; after taking the result of the ballot, announced the re-election of Air. Edgar Davies as treasurer, and the Rev. J. A. Jenkins, B.A., as secre- tary.—Rev. J. A. Jenkins thanked the executive for re-electing him, and complained that the ministers were not so ready as they should be to help. It was difficult to find ministers to read a paper in the afternoon on this occasion. THE NEXT PLACE OF MEETING. It was decided that th3 next quarterly meeting should be held at Tongwynlais, near Cardiff.-This concluded the business meeting. THE LUNCHEON was then partaken of. By the kind invitation of the Barry Congregational Church, the visitors partook of a substantial and well-served luncheon in an empty house on the Barrv road. Several ladies of the congregation graced the dinner with their presence. The caterers were the Barry Hotel Company, and they served a reeherehc repast which afforded every satisfaction to those who partook of it.—At the conclusion of the meal Rev. J. Jenkins arose, and proposed a vote of thanks to the pastor, deacons, and the members of the Barry Congregational Church for the kind and hospitable manner in which they had received the Executive there that day.—The Rev. G. Morris seconded, and made a pretty allusion to the presence of several lady members of the congregation there.—The Rev. J. Stowell acknowledged the compliment, and said how pleased and honoured he was to receive them at Barry. When first they had heard of the contemplated holding of the quarterly meeting at Barry he felt rather dismayed, as the Barry Church was rather a young one, and he hardly knew if they would be able to give them sufficient welcome. The ladies had taken the matter up in an enthusiastic manner with the present result.—Alderman Meggitt re- sponded also on behalf of the ladies of the Church who had undertaken the arrangement for the luncheon. THE AFTERNOON MEETING. After the luncheon bad been partaken of the guests returned to the Congregational Chapel, where their numbers were considerable augmented by local ladies and gentlemen. After the singing and prayer had been engaged in the pastor introduced the subject for discussion, The Young People of Our Churches." In doing so, Mr. Stowell spoke of the importance of the subject, and said that many young people when they arrived at any age at all, left the Sunday School, and were therefore lest in connection with their Churches instead of being a help to Christian work they were a hindrance. In a town like Barry it was a subject of special importance. The majority of the people living there were under 40 years of age, and a great number under 20 years. At the present moment they were by no means in the position which they should occupy with regard to their Churches. Then, a considerable number of young men came occasionally to the services of their Churches, and the great problem was how to lay hold of them, and make them useful members of the Church of Christ. He had much pleasure in asking Mr. Ernest Davies to read a paper he had written on the subject, at the conclusion of which he hoped a good discussion would take place on the subject. Mr. Ernest Davies then read his paper, written on the subject of "The Young People of our Churches." After quoting several homely pro- verbs bearing on the subject, the speaker went on to inculcate the necessity of early home training for children. The children of the present were the men of the future, and upon their present training rested the future moral welfare of the Kingdom. Give us the children." said the Roman Catholic authorities, and we do not care what becomes of the adults." If they looked at that Church at the present time, however, it would be impossible to find another Church which lost the young people so quickly. Why was it ? Because the children were not trained in the right way. At noon, after hearing a sermon, the children were allowed to follow the bent of their own inclination, with the result that they quickly lost all reverence for holy things, and broke off con- nection with even the semblance of religion. Speaking of the much-debated question of whether the grand old man, Robert Raikes, was the founder of Sunday Schools, Mr. Daniel said the Sunday Schools were in vogue in Wales long before Robert Raikes was known, whilst in the Mid- lands he found out that the same claim to antiquity was laid by Sunday Schools there. The Churches should have more sympathy with the Sunday Schools. He mentioned an instance of the prac- tice of a well-known lady, who was in the habit of not losing sight of her scholars, but used a kind of sanctified shadowing; or, in other words, surrounded them with an atmosphere of love. They wanted more of that sort of thing. In con- nection with outdoor temptations, they would find the devil's house open six days out of seven but, on the other hand, they would in many instances only find God's house open on one day out of seven. He did not advocate turning their chapels into clubs, but thought something should be done for the young people in some way. Mr. Davies then mentioned the case of a success- ful School not fifty miles from Barry, and explained its working. There was a written programme, and something to sustain the interest of the young people every day throughout the week. Mr. Daniel's paper was listened to with much interest. The Rev. G. Morris congratulated the speaker on the wisdom of selecting such a subject. It was one of the mysteries of a minister's work to know how to deal with the young people. Too much importance could not be attached to early home-training. For instance, let them look at Susannah Wesley or Hannah, Samuel's mother. He had heard that although Mrs. Wesley had had a considerable family of children not one of them was known to cry after attaining the age of 14 months. She managed that by kind but firm discipline, and he only wished she could return and take charge of some of the homes around where the children were in the habit of crying. (Laugh- ter.) He thought that in every Sunday School there should be a class for incorrigibles, the same as there were wards in;the hospital for incurables. By kind and earnest interest in incorrigibles, they might win their hearts and make them captive. (Applause.) The Rev. J. A. Jenkins accorded to Barry credit for selecting such an important subject for discussion, as one of the Barry deacons had suggested the sub- ject. They ought not to look at the subject from a pessimistic point of view. Too much importance could not be given to early training. Speaking of the Parliament many years ago, Walpole said every man had his price. He supposed that if they offered a sufficient bribe they could soon fill their schools. The question for them to decide was, was it right to pay a price for their atten- dance ? He considered it was not the duty of the Christian Church to provide amusement for the young people. That was his opinion, and he was prepared to stand to his principles. They should teach them reverence towards God and justice towards men. Then the children were sent in the galleries, and he thought that was not right. The parents should take seats and see that their children sat with them, and set them an example of spiritual as well as outward reverence. He thought teachers as well as preachers should be criticised and kept up to their work. There was no more important work in the Christian Church than the work of teaching, and he thought worthy teachers should have more honour accorded them than they had at present. (Applause.) Mr. Sam Williams, a teacher of large ex- perience, next gave his opinion of the importance Sunday School work. A few weeks since they had I the pleasure of hearing an address from the hero of the Danmark, Captain Murrel. He said it was not his efforts that caused the success of rescue, but to those gallant men who co-operated with him-men who had had Sunday School trainings. One thing he had found of great value in his Sunday School work, and that was the enthusiasm and help of the members of the Church. The drink was a great hindrance to their work. Mr. Arthur Daniels said the problem had been solved by the preceding speakers, and it could be summed up in the one word, work." One of the leaks in the ranks of the Sunday School was caused by the marriage of the young people. He thought the young wives were more to blame than their husbands. He thought it was better that the churches should be turned into clubs, if there was any necessity, through the week. He was not going to say amusements should be provided by the Churches, but he thought they certainly should do something to counteract the temptations to evil presented in the neighbourhood. (Applause.) Mrs. Ingles said her heart was full of sympathy with them in the training of the young. The most important time in the training of the young was between the age of 15 and 20, when to a certain extent they passed out of their mother's control. She had an idea that if they could get out a pro gramme, and give the young people to understand that each one was expected to do something or other, they would by these means get the young people interested in church work. The Rev. Mr. Evans said the publichouses had a great deal to answer for. The great majority of the prisoners in the prisons had been Sunday scholars, al!,l what had brought them there was the drink. If they could give the young people something to do, and try to impress their interest and attention in the work, he believed a great many of them might be kept in the Sunday School work and in the Church of Christ, He mentioned an incident that occurred in his own class. Mr. Gould agreed with what Mr. Morris and Mr. Jenkins and Mrs. Inglis had said. He thought the most important age was between 15 and 20. Mr. Ernest Davies having replied to the speakers Mr. Arthur Daniel proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. E. Davies for his paper. Rev. J. Jenkins seconded. At the conclusion of the meeting, by the kind invitation of the pastor and Church, those present partook of tea in the schoolroom, and the meal tasted none the worse for being served by the fair members of the Church. THE EVENING MEETING. In the evening a fair congregation assembled to hear a sermon by the Rev. W. Clarkson, B.A., of Bristol. The rev. gentleman took for his text, Ezra v. 5. But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews that they could not cause them them to cease." In the course of his remarks he said it was a very easy thin;" to begin useful work or the better life. A time of trial would come, as it came to the Jews when they were building the temple. Those who had begun some kind of Chris- tian work would find a time of trial come in the shape of persecution. Then came the time of victory. There were two things to strengthen and refresh them as Christians-first, by calling to mind the precious promises of their Lord and Master. If they were seeking the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation, he would urge them to go on seeking, and in due time Christ would manifest Himself to them. To those engaged in Christian work he would say Go on," and that work would be rewarded in the end. Those who sowed precious seed should come again rejoicing, bringing in the- sheaves. Secondly, Christians would find strength and refreshing again by realising the near presence of Christ. Let Him be with them always to the end of thewoild. He heard the sighs,and would respond to them. They would not let any human buffet or adverse circumstance hinder the work they were doing. Never would they lay down their work'or weapon, or retire from the field—never, by God's help. Patient devotion in the way of well- doing" must be their motto—patient devotion through weakness, weariness of the flesh or spirit; patient devotion through the heat and burden of the day patient through the lengthening shadows of declining days, until the sunlight came from the Divine Master who was able to utter with his last- expiring breath, It is finished." Life's victory won, then came rest and the eternal reward in the heavenly kingdom. The Rev. J. Jenkins then said, on behalf of the ministers and visitors, that it was the general opinion that they had never had a more successful day's meetings than they had had that day. They had had larger meetings, but never more pleasant ones. A collection was then taken to defray the ex- penses of the visit. Refreshments were again offered and partaken of by those present.

" AS OTHERS SEE TJS."

DARING BURGLARY AT YNYSHIR.

EAST GLAMORGAN.

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WALES AND THE GENERAL ELECTION.

-THE GENERAL ELECTION.

BARRY RAILWAY.-TRAFFIC! RECEIPTS.

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