The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

ST. DAVID'S DIOCESAN CONFERENCE. S ADDRESS BY THE BISHOP. IMPORTANT DISCUSSIONS. (BY OUR OWN REPORTER.) The St. David's Diocesan Conference for 1893 took place on Thursday and Friday, the 7th and 8th instant, at the University College of Wales, Aber- ystwyth. The meeting on Thursday was preceded by a celebration of the Holy Communion at St. Michael's Church at 10 o'clock. There was also divine service at St. Michael's and at Holy Trinity, at 8 a.m. At St. Michael's on Wednesday there was a service and sermon at 7 p.m., and at St. Mary's (Welsh) on Thursday at 7 p.m., and at Holy Trinity on Friday at 7 p.m. The Lord Bishop of St. David's presided, and the following members of the Conference were present at the meeting on Thursday Ex-Officio Members, The Right Rever- end the Lord Bishop of Swansea; The Ven. George Christopher Hilbers, Archdeacon of St. David's; TheVen.Jas. H. Protheroe, Archdeacon of Cardigan The Ven. Henry de Winton, Archdeacon of Brecon The Yen. Williams Evan James, Archdeacon of Carmarthen Chancellor Phillips, Letterston; Revs. Canon Williams,; D. E. Williams, Llawhaden; David Lewis, St. David's; Harrison Davey, St. David's College, Lampeter Thos. James Thirlwall, Vicar of Nantmel; William Williams, Rector of Llandefaelog-bach, Brecon G. W. Griffith, Eglwys Oen Duw; Joseph Hughes, Cwmdu John Hughes, Bryngwyn, Hay; Thomas Williams, Llowes, Hay; William Powell, Newcastle, Emlyn; William Owen Edwards, Henfynyw, Aberaeron; Daniel Jones, Lampeter Pont Stephen; T. J. Griffiths, Llanilar; Rhys Jones Lloyd, Troedyraur, Rhydlewis, R.S.O.; Evan Williams, Nantcwnlle; Samuel Jones, Llan- gunnor, Carmarthen James Allan Smith, Swansea; Roger Williams, Llanedy John Evans, Llandovery; David Pugh Evans, Lampeter Velfrey, Narberth R. M. Blakiston, 7, Sydenham Road, Croydon; William Davies, Llanllawddog; Messrs. Charles Lloyd, Waunifor, Maesycrngiau; Wilfred S. de Winton, Lloyd's Bank, Haverfordwest William Williams, Brecon; Thomas Rule Owen, Haverford- west; Sir James Williams-Drummond, Bart., Edwinsford, Llandilo; Sir C. E. G. Philipps, Bart., Picton Castle, Haverfordwest; B. E. Morgan, Esq., Aberystwith; Geo. G. Williams, Esq., Ffynnon Caradoc, Penwern. The following attended as clerical delegates :— The Revs. Thomas James Bowen, Llangattock; Howard A. Crosbie, Builth; David Henry Davies, Cenarth; David Davies Evans, Llandyfriog; Evan Evans, Moylgrove; Joseph Evans, Jordanston; Morgan Evans, Llanddewi Aberarth; Rees Evans, Devynock; J. H. A. Griffiths, Llanfihangel, Rhyd- itfton; James Martin Griffiths, Llanfihangel Geneu'r 11 e Glyn; George Huntingdon, Tenby William George Jenkins, Llandyssul; J. M. J<jnes, Eglwyswrw John Jones, Yspytty Ystwyth Thomas Jones, Llanycefn; James Lewis, Llanrhian; Thomas Macfarlane, Clyro; Jonathan Marsden, Llanllwch; William Matthews, Warren; David Watcyn Morgan, Llan- gyfelach; William Edward Thomas Morgan, Llan- igon; Daniel Roderick, St. Peter's, Swansea; Evan Thomas, Llanegwad; Nathaniel Thomas, Llan- ddarog; Thomas Rees Walters, St. David's Carmar- then W. J. Williams, Llanafan. The following were the lay delegates :—Dr. T. P. Beddoes, Viscount Emlyn, Messrs. Bishop, Glanrafon, Sketty; Henry Bonsall, Aberystwyth D. Davies, Penrhiwllan, Llandyseul; Thomas Davies, Compton House Aberaeron; Colonel Evans-Davies, Highmead; John Hotchkiss, Builth; Lieut-Colonel Leach, Cor- ston, Pembroke; Edward Lewis, Cillefwr, Llanllwch; Marshall, School, Beulah, Garth; Colonel Bryn- briallu, Swansea W. Y. Nevill, Felinfoel House, 1 Llanelly F. L. Lloyd Philipps, Pentyparch, CTarbe- ston Road; Owen Price, Nantyrharn, Cray, Brecon; D. Powell-Price, Howey Hall, Llandrindod; Colonel Thomas, Hay; Owen Thomas, Clynmeredith, Eglwyswrw, R.S.O.; Jonah Watkins, Llandovery; T.;W ood, Gwernyfed, Glasbury; Mr. Albert Harries, Carmarthen, (Hon. Treasurer) Rev. Prebendary D. Williams, Aberystwyth, and Mr. T. W. Barker, Carmarthen (Hon. Secretaries). The CHAIRMAN at the outset stated that there were two vacancies on the Executive Committee, one caused by the resignation of Colonel Morgan, and the other by the death of the late Archdeacon Edwards. He moved that Mr. Frederick Lloyd Phillips, Pentrepark, and the Principal of St. David's College, be appointed to fill the vacancies. This was carried. The CHAIRMAN then delivered the following address :—My dear Friends and Brethren, both lay and clerical,—It is with sincere pleasure that I welcome you to a place familiar to me from infancy and to a part of the diocese in which I must alwavs feel the deepest personal interest. It is one iii which for geographical reasons it has been sup- posed by some that the influence of central diocesan authority has not always been as strongly felt as may be thought desirable. In spite of this disadvantage, if it be one, and in spite of active adverse influences, the Church has maintained a strong position in North Cardiganshire, and has in some degree recovered what she had lost. My own memory enables me to note the changes of the last sixty years. During that period the number of consecrated churches between the rivers Ystwyth and Dyfi has risen from nine to sixteen, and of the nine four have been rebuilt (one of them twice over), and four well-restored unconsecrated chapels and mission rooms, I do not stop to enumerate. Of course, these are only outward symptoms; and there is abundant proof of far more valuable progress. I cannot pass away from these local references without reminding you that we are meeting in the immediate neighbourhood of the ancient Celtic sanctuary of Llanbadarn-fawr, and in the region which was for one or two cen- turies under the spiritual charge of Paternus, the Armorican, and his successors. May I be allowed to say in this connexion that the history of Llan- badarn, so far as we can make it out, goes some way towards justifying the taunt occasionally directed against the Church of which we are members: it is said to be an alien church." Quite true, historically speaking, at all events so far as regards the Church in North Cardiganshire, since Paternus was a foreigner, although possibly of a race akin to the inhabitants, and the received accounts of him lead us to suppose that the religion which he taught was planted in uncongenial soil. That probably explains the peculiar constitution of the early Celtic churches. Those first Christian teachers, whether foreigners like Patricius and Paternus, or natives like my own first predecessor, found that the Church did not readily assimilate the world, and so they did their best to keep the Church and the world apart. Hence the monastic character of their settlements: hence it was that the bishops were abbots. So their Church was, as every true Church must be, "an alien Church." I have been led to touch lightly on one of the contro- versial war-cries of the day, and I now ask vour permission to move one step nearer to the burning question of which our minds, and those of many others, are full at this crisis. I am not going to speak of Church Defence. A report will be laid on the table this afternoon, which is certain to elicit very valuable addresses on that subject. This is as it should be: there is a time to speak." I am thankful that until within the last six months our Diocesan Conference, unlike certain other religious assemblies, recognised the corresponding truth that there is a time to be silent" on the subject of Disestablishment. But it can no longer be ex- pected to hold its peace on so grave a question. However, while I regard references to this contro- versy as inevitable, I wish myself to approach it on its least controversial side. Let us, therefore, con- sider this morning the proper attitude of Church- men, and most particularly of the clergy, in relation to this controversy. How should we feel, speak, and act in view of it ? First, let us now and always bear this in mind. The truth for which we are so zealous, and upon which we justly place so high a a value, is God's truth, and He will defend it. I do not say that he will certainly protect and perpetu- ate every external institution, or every religious formula, to which we have become habituated, and to which we may, therefore, in some cases, attri- bute an exaggerated importance. Every plant which our Heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up: but truth is great and will prevail. and God will surely in the long run give success to all that is of the essence of the Gospel, and all that is divine in the organization of His Church. Our numberless divisions must ultimately be reduced and even healed through the law of survival of the fittest, as was certainly the case in the early ages of the Church. Again our vital union with Christ, and with God in Christ, must be believed in, realised, and rested upon as something more pre- cious, more operative, and more divine than our external relations to the visible Church of Christ, and still more than our membership of any particular religious body. The former comes be- fore the latter, lies at its root, and gives life and meaning to it. Let it not be said or sup. posed of any among us, that we are Christians, if you please," but Churchmen first. Let it be all the other way. Let us consider the end, and remember above all things that the Church and her ordinances exist only for the purpose of bringing us nearer to Christ. For myself, I do not doubt that this is the present mental attitude of all sincere lovers of the Church in this country. But I am not so sure that Nonconformists generally would give us credit for this, or that the language occasionally held by Church people does not in some measure justify their unwillingness to do so.' Now if we are prepared to take our stand on this position, we shall surely learn to look with more friendly eyes upon all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, by whatever name they are named. And we shall wish to co-operate with them, and to have the benefit of their co-operation in all cases in which this is possible without the abandonment of some vital principle. Further, and in the closest connexion with this last point, I beg that it may be remembered that between ourselves and the great body of Nonconformists there is no wide difference of doctrine-at air events that the points in which we agree are much more numerous as well as much more essential than those in which we differ. This is true at all events with regard to the largest and most influential bodies of Protestant Nonconform- ists, such as the Congregationalists and the various denominations of Methodists, as well as with the various Presbyterian Churches in Scotland and Ireland. But even as regards those who differ from us more widely than those, how shall we dare to say that the Divine Spirit does not effectually work among them ? No religious organization could possibly be more strict and exclusive than that of which the Temple at Jerusalem was the visible centre. And yet the Spirit of prophecy was abundantly poured forth upon the schismatical kingdom of Israel; and a Samaritan was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves. Our blessed Saviour has promised that there shall be one flock, one Shepherd." He does not say one fold." He has also declared that He that is not with" Him is against Him, but that he that is not against us is on our part." To be opposed to Christ, is one thing: to follow not with His Dis- ciples is another. I am very far indeed from undervaluing Church unity, even outward and visible unity. It is what Christ Himself prayed for. But it is certainly our duty to recognize the working of the spirit of holiness wherever evidence of its presence comes before us. Alas this is just what men will not de. They will find fault and cavil and impute evil or inferior motives, rather than acknowledge any goodness in an opponent. A clergyman may be actuated by the purest zeal for God's glory, and yet there will be found those who will ascribe his activity to his anxiety to prop a falling Church, to save her endowments, or to pro- pagate clerical influence. I put the case in this way simply for the sake of illustration, and without denying that some of us may have sinned in like manner against those who are separated from us. But in any case it is a sin, and one of a very heinous character. For it is surely one manifesta- tion of the sin against the Holy Ghost. And if those Pharisees of old were guilty of it who attri- buted our Master's miracles of mercy to the prince of the devils, how shall we escape if we perversely ascribe the good and perfect gifts which are from above to a source tainted with evil ? Let us en- deavour to abstain from bitter, harsh and intolerant language, and above all things, from every approach to mockery. A sneer is the devil's own weapon, for it was Satan himself who asked, Doth Job serve God for naught ? Contemptuous language is the curse of-modern political or sectarian controversy. Generally those have recourse to it who are the least entitled to use it. In such cases it rebounds upon the man who employs it. And then comes to pass the saying that is written, Surely He scorneth the scorners." In close connexion with what has been said I would respectfully urge our clergy and all ministers of religion to have nothing to do, or as little as possible to do, with mere party politics. eoniM we are citizens of a great country, and it is our duty both to have formed our political opinions and to ex- press them where it is necessary to do so. But let us have nothing to do with political organizations, the foundation of which is party rather than principle. Politics are a noble pro- fession, but a base game, and a vile trade, and it is difficult for the minister of Christ to take an active part in politics without suffering spiritual deter- ioration. Of course, it is his duty to give his vote like a man (so far as that is possible under the present law !) but he must not degrade himself into a political agent or wire-puller, still less should be prostitute his spiritual influence to political, ends, as that would be to bring the sacred Ark into the battle.field. I will now briefly indicate two positive means of impressing on our own minds and upon those of others, a sense of unity among those who are outwardly divided; and in doing so I would be understood to address myself principally to the clergy. 1. Try to give more time and labour to the devout and dilligent study of God's Word. It is the chief ground which we have in common with Christians who are separated from us, and as regards the greatest part of them it is our one acknowledged court of appeal. I may be wrong in what I am about to say, but I fear it true that the better sort of Dissenting Ministers, those who officiate in the more important places, give greater attention to this work than a large proportion of our clergy. This is partly the case, if it be the case, because with them as a rule the sermon is by far the most prominent part of public worship, and partly also because they are generally much less engaged in pastoral duties than our clergy are. or at all events ought to be. So they have more time for reading and for preparation of sermons. But it is necessary for us to find time for both, not at the exepnce of our parish work, but by giving up secular work (as far as possible), and still more such occupation and engagements as cannot be called work at all. 2.The other matter is Prayer. Private prayer, of course. Family prayer, of course. And, where opportunities of it are afforded, the Daily Office of the Church. Some persons both within the church and outside of it, may object to this reoommendation as savouring of formalism. But our service will not be formal unless we make it so. Every religious service is formal, if we do not put our hearts into it. The Spirit helpeth our infirmities," and whether we pray with or with- out book, we know that li He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the spirit." And when I speak of prayer, I must be understood to include in that term that which is, after all, the very highest form of prayer and of spiritual access to God through Christ, even the Holy Communion of our Savour's Body and Blood. My friends of the clergy and of the laity, I truly believe that if we would seriously meditate on these things and continue in them, and if those who are now at issne would endeavour to act in like manner, we should in any case see one happy result in that the present tension would be relaxed, and some, at least, of the existing asperities would be smoothed away. But this result can never be brought about by any attempted compromise. No doubt there are plenty who will bid us to make terms and who will warn us that we shall have more favourable conditions now than if we wait a few years. No doubt we shall hear enough and to spare about the Sybil's offer to sell her books. No doubt we shall be told over and over again that if we consent to immeciiate cusenaowment it will be all the better for us. The answer is two-fold— first, I do not believe it, but, secondly, even if I did believe it, I would not be so base as to be a party to a compromise or to barter away the just claims of the Church. Some of us were, no doubt, greatly impressed by a. letter of the Duke of Argyle, which appeared in ast Thursday's Times. Speaking of the Prime Minister's attitude towards the Established Chunch of Scotland, his Grace writes In his speech to Sir Charles Cameron we have another typical specimen of the new Liberal- ism. It assumes that the friends of the Scotch Establishment may be bought with money. Certain taxes are offered to them in respect to funds, and they are warned that severe terms will be imposed upon them if they do pot at once close the trans- action and sell their opinions and their principles under the disgraceful bargain. Mr. Gladstone knows that not even the most venal members of the Established Church would close with an offer of corruption so bare-faced as this." These are noble words, and I hope and believe that what the Duke has said of the Established Church of Scot- land is no less true of the Established Church of Wales; and, therefore, among the various elements which constitute that which I consider to be the proper attitude of churchmen at this crisis. I desire to include a firm resolution not to parley with their assailants. (Applause.) FAMILY PRAYER AND RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN FAMILIES. The Rev. Prebendary SMITH read the following paper I once heard a very instructing every-day serrnoB on the text (Ps. lxviii. 6), God setteth the solitary in families showing God's boundless goodness and wisdom in ordaning family life. A most appropriate subject for that time of year when families perforce scattered, generally try and meet together. I believe there is great truth in the remark that our happy British homes are the great strength and glory of our land, and this material blessing appears to be more remarkable in contrast to other less favoured countries. It is said that there is no word for home in the French language. And if it is true that the family is the foundation of the State, that the true idea of a country's cor- porate life is that of a very large family—the father being represented in the sovereign ruler, while all the members of the State are bound together by ties of brotherly regard and good will, who can fail to see the paramount importance of family religion ? I will only give one Scripture proof of the vast importance of Godly family life. To quote a modern writer on the passage, Fain wolud the poor man whom Jesus cured, in his great gratitude have left his home and followed Christ, serving him as he might." He wanted to hide his life under the newly found shelter, and perhaps study it for ever. But vou remember Jesus laid the finger of His authority upon the other scale and said Go home to thy friends and show how great thee." That is a word which every Christian may well take to heart, and carefully consider. Undoubtedly your friends will look to see of what value your conduct at home is. They will not ask so much about your profession as about your considerateness, your gentleness, your clear unselfishness in small things, and if they do not find these they will not believe in vou. I am, to speak (1) of Family Prayer. Every person who has the slightest pretence to be called a Christian recognises the duty of private prayer and public prayer, but family prayer seems a far less recognised dutv. Habit has great influence here. No doubt when family prayer was not the order of the Parent's Home, it is often omitted when the son becomes the head of the household. Certainly business engagements may afterwards effectually on week-day mornings prevent united family prayer—sometimes in the evening as well. Then in cottages or mechanics houses, where the father has to be off by six o'clock, and the mother has a large family to wash, dress, and feed in time for school, the difficultv is not small of arranging a time for morning family prayer, and unless there is earnest resolve it may very easy be thought to be impossible in the evening. Of course when the head or heads of households openly scorn all religious life, and practically deny the exist- ence of a superintending Providence, regarding any prayer as an ignoraant attempt to interfere with known, so called, fixed laws, it is not to be expected that family prayers should be conducted or ever thought of in some cases ? Perhaps the difficulty might easily be overcome if the real objects of family prayer were more clearly under- stood. I understand that to be the duty of the country, unitedly to acknowledge God as the giver of all family blessings, and the author of all family happiness. In some professing Christian families evening prayer is never thought of. If it is desirable to ask God for a blessing before the day begins, surely it is highly desirable to gather together to offer thanks for the day's mercies, as well as to seek protection in the coming night. Sometimes christian families who ordinarily have evening family prayer omit it when guests are present. It may not be always expedient, but surely the rule should be not to allow the presence of guests to disturb the ordinary family worship. Who can tell how the regular family custom might, under God's blessing, favourably impress the guests with a sense of God's favour resting on that household ? I have known rare instances of mid-day family worship. If circumstances allow time God is, no doubt, honoured, but the cases would probably be very rare. Except in the few instances where there is a resident Chaplain, the father or master should be priest in his own house, and conduct the family worship. In going over recently a Castle inhabited by one of the highest nobility of the land, in one room a large chair was pointed out with the remark That is where the Duke always sits to read family prayers, and that is the Bible out of which he always reads." A short hymn, particularly where an instrument is available, adds brightness to the worship, specially where there are children and servants. For manuals of family prayer there is large variety of choice. Dean Vaughan's is widely used. No doubt extempore prayer in whole or in part some- times, if not always, does tend to give reality to dw warship* i-s affording m>od "iwv>rtmiitv fôraøking God's blessing on passing events, on family circumstances or the minister of the parish, or absent relatives. While we cannot be too thank- ful as churchmen for such a glorious heritage as our scriptural, comprehensive, and inimitable Liturgy, are we not in danger of giving others the idea that we cannot pray without a book ? I need hardly mention that there should be devoutness, reverence both in spirit and in the posture of the body. Should not young children be admitted, if for only part of the time ? Are not menservants sometimes unwisely forgotten in family prayers ? All these suggestions may be, must be, varied con- siderably according to the position and circum- stances, and habits of the family. All I plead for is that the family Altar should be set up in every house daily if possible, that as the family desire united family as well as undivided personal bless- ings, so these may be sought and that they will be enjoyed by all. RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION IN FAMILIES. I suppose we shall all recognise this to be no unimportant part of the parochial clergyman's duty. Following the example set in St. Paul's and St. Peter's Epistles, it is an excellent plan from time to time not only to preach on home and social duties, but also. directly to address different classes as husbands, wives, parents, children, brothers, sisters, masters, servants. The plan not only gives opportunity for enforcing small practical rules of life, but it helps to keep the attention and favours the idea that the sermon is really intended for all, for young as well as old, for servants as well as masters. In small parishes, if a record is kept, to call on the anniversary of a wedding, or of a birth, or of a death, has great power for impressing .the ministers real interest in the people's religious life. For private religious instruction, I suppose all will allow that the mother has the best resources, and the most suitable opportunities. Occasionally with most admirable success the father takes his proper share. I am sure he never regrets the time or labour spent on it, and where the instruction is given in God's name, the result cannot be disap- pointing. I think it was Napoleon who said the great want of France was mothers like the mothers of England. From the earliest life she can impart scripture lessons, heavenly truth, wise maxims, useful warnings, in a thousand ways and forms which no one else can. Where a governess gives the secular instruction, every mother mi,Iit follow the example reported of H. R. H. the Princess of Wales, and known of other ladies of title, to read scripture with her children every morning, and can we belieTe that these prayers are unheard in heaven which are offered by a mother who has taken her young ones and kneeling down together prays in the first person simple prayers which they should themselves offer, when old enough to pray alone. (Applause.) s The REV. GEO. HUNTINGDON, St. Mary's, Tenby, said that a learned Roman Catholic Divine had stated that on his journeys throughout the con- tinent he had come to the conclusion that the truest religious life was found in the clergy of the Church of England, and especially the country clergy. In a very interesting letter Archdeacon Allen described his visit to Keble, and nothino- seemed to have im- pressed him more than the way in which the family y prayer was conducted. The Archdeacon described how the prayer was conducted, and how they all knelt facing the head of the house, so that they could all have their eyes upon him. The rev. speaker also referred to the little courtesies after evening prayer, which did so much to emphasize the devotion. Nothing added greater impressive- ness to family prayer than these little courtesies, which formed as it were a break in the household engagements. The REV. CHANCELLOR PHILLIPS said he was very much struck some years ago with reading in the diary of the German Emperor William this note, Mem, alwavs when I awake to arouse within me devotional thoughts of God." What a great thing it was to banish all other thoughts but thoughts of God on awakening. Those who were unaccustomed to family prayer could have no con- ception of the strength given to him who habitually used it and believed in it. Then, in fact, it was that they turned their hearts even more than their voices to God above. The strength it gave as they passed out into the world in the early morning, it might be with doubts and misgivings, was inestim- able—they surrounded, themselves as it were, with an atmosphere of prayer. There was a kind of peace which passeth all understanding which surrounded them in their daily labour. Those genial showers in answer to prayer opened their hearts and helped them to grow in peace. Then there was something very striking, especially if there was music in the family, to hear a hymn in the family prayer. Hymns were full of prayer and divinity, and if they were committed to memory so much the better, and nowhere were they more < committed to memory than by their own Welsh people. (Applause.) Mr. CHARLES LLOYD, Wannifor, said the place which they centered all their dearest and nearest thoughts was the place to offer up their daily appeal to God. Often had he felt that the world looked very black on rising up in the morning. They all had sorrows and anxieties and wondered how to get through the duties of the day. But after meeting at the altar before God many of these anxieties had been lessened, and courage had been given to them to carry out the work of the day. The age of child- hood was an impressionable age, and it should be enforced upon them that it was their duty to make the most of that impressionable age. It was a duty not only to the children, but a duty to the servants, and to the whole household, and he trusted that the fact of its being brought forward at this Conference would induce private and family prayer to be more largely used. He was sure there was more strength in prayer than in anything in this world. Mr. E. LEWIS, Cillefwr, deli vered an address in Welsh in which he strongly approved of the objects expressed in the paper. The CHAIRMAN remarked that he looked upon this more as a lay question, and he should be glad to hear additional laymen speak upon it. Archdeacon DE WIXTON said it was not only Take heed what you pray," not only the matter of the prayer, but the place was also of importance. He did not require to be told that God was every- where present, but he did require to be told that all places were acceptable to him where addresses should be made. In the Bible he was told that in Jerusalem the people weat to the Temple to pray. He found that where beggars sat to ask alms was at one of the gates of the Temple. He was afraid they had come to days when a beggar would hardly get a living by asking alms at the doors of their churches on week days. He very much regretted that. One fixed place didltend to hallow associations, and no place was therefore more fit than a building solemnly dedicated to the service of God. How few private houses did contain a place suitable to produce the effect to which he had referred. He thought the difficulty too prone to domestic wor- ship was increased by the very unsatisfactory manuals of family prayers commonly used. Prebendary T. H. THIJLWALL said he had been to laymen's houses sometimes and had heard the Grace said in a very careless way. Family prayer had a very wholesome effect on children and where he was concerned he always used the Psalms of the Day, the Confession and the collect for the week. The Rev. T. J. BOWEN said it appeared to him they led a threefold life. First there was the pri- vate life, secondly the family life and thirdly public life. For each of these stages or lives God had special blessings, and they must ask for them. He thought they were too prone to mix up these three lives and if they had not blessings for each it was because they had not asked for them. Archdeacon HILBERS spoke of the importance of bedside prayer, and read the following report: COMMITTEE ON CHURCH DEFENCE. Your Committee have little to report as to any e change in the condition of affairs relating to the Dis- establishmen and Disendovvinent of the Church since the Special Meeting of the Conference held at Carmarthen last April, under the presidency of the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. Causes of a varied nature seemd to have contributed to hold in abev- ence the attack made upon the Church by the introduction of the Suspensory Bill. Of these causes not the least important appears to have been the effect produced upon the public mind by the numerous and enthusiastic meetings that have been held in all parts of the Provinces of Canterbury and York to protest against the Bill, and by the large number of signatures attached to the Peti- tions that have been presented to Parliment from all parts of the country, and especially from Wales, against the provisions it contains. Your Comuittee are, however, fully aware that the attack is only in abeyance for the-present, and that an early renewal of it may be expected. They feel, therefore, most strongly the pressing necessity for more complete organization throughout the Diocese for the pur- poses of Churcfl Defence; being of opinion that it will be best maintained by bringing home to the mind of each individual the claims of the Church, the aims of her opponents, and the lamentable results srue to follow to the people at large if these aims should unfortunately meet with success. To this end they have attempted to complete the existing organization, and they express an earnest hope that all friends of the Church will actively co- operate in this endeavour. They would draw attention to the need of additional fllndfor local effort, and also to tIr special appeal for such assistance made f«"nr?h the Cnnrch Defease viie iiishojs and, gome of tbftJewd?1'' laymen of the fonr t^elsh Dieses, and th*w are confident that the Churm", of "he .Qi(r." Of St- David's will not be behia"ud in response. LORD EMLYN in moving.the adoption of the report, stated the Committee had nothing very vital to tell them. Looking through the past few months and tracing out the facts of the Suspensory Bill he did not think they could think otherwise than satisfied with the result. The result of that Bill being introduced into Parliament appeared to him to have been very important indeed. It had knit together the Welsh Church with the English Church in a manner which was very remarkable and very striking. They had seen by the outburst of public feeling in England, and by the meetings held all over the country, that the Welsh Church being attacked meant also that an attack was being made on the English Church. lie referred to the way in which this Bill had been received. Do not let them be blinded into the idea that because this Suspensory B!ll was impossible, that it was any the less a bitter and virulent attack. If they were wise they would be prepared for an attack m their own defence, quietly and soberly, but as strongly as they could. He should like the people to see what they would lose in their own district if this disestablish- ment and disendowment came about. He should like the people to understand that those endow- ments devoted to religious purposes, could not be diverted unless they gave their consent to specula- tion of that kind. In conclusion his Lordship said let them do their work with all humility, but also with all their strength. The CHAIRMAN said he had hoped to be able to call on Sir John Llewelyn to speak on the subject, but they all knew the reason of that gentleman s absence, and he was sure they would join in offering their most sincere condolences on his recent bereavement. MR. WOOD thought that if they had more public Church newspapers, it would be far more better than distributing leaflets. MR. W. S. DE WINTON, M.D., said he believed that Mr. Gladstone, by introducing the Suspensory Bill for Wales, had done a great deal to earn their thanks. MR. H. BONSALE (Cwm) thought,that the Press was more powerful than the pulpit, and regretted that the Church was not more directly represented by vernacular newspapers. SIR CHARLES PHILLIPS, Picton Castle, Pembroke- shire, and CANON BEVAN, also spoke in support. The PRESIDENT of St. David's College, Lampeter, said their opponents expressed their confidence that they would shortly disendow and disestablish the church in Wales. If there was one argument which made him impatient it was that it was no use striving against this Bill. It was a contemp- tible argument which was a disgrace to any Church man. Practically every adult in his parish had signed a petition against the Bill. He did not think Disestablishment would come if Churchmen would do their duty. Mr. THOMAS DAVIES, Compton House, Aberayron, addressed the meeting in Welsh. Colonel Thomas Rev. David Watkin Morgan, Rev. Gethin Griffiths, Mr. Wm. Neville, Rev. Can- non Smith, Rev. Joseph Hughes, Rev. John Jones, Archdeacon Hilbers also supported the resolution for the adoption of the report. The report was then unanimously adopted, and the Conference adjourned for the day. FRIDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The Conference was resumed yesterday (Friday) morning, when the Bishop of St. David's again presided. The Rev. PREBENDARY WILLIAM WILLIAMS read a paper on PAROCHIAL MISSIONS--PREPARATION AND AFTERWORK. He said The subject which I am asked to intro- duce to your notice is a most important one, as it bears upon the best and highest interests of religion generally and of the Church especially. I am sure you will believe me when I say that I greatly feel the responsibility that rests upon me, not only the trying to deal with such a question, but also in filling the office created in the Diocese to put into motion this spiritual agency. Owing to my know- ledge and experience being limited I ask your in- dulgence while I try to suggest a few thoughts which might be helpful for a further considera- tion of this matter. From the wording of the subject as drawn out by the Committee, it seems to me that the main point to be emphasized is Parochial Missions, then the other two parts viz., Preparation and Afterwork will naturally follow. 1, Parochial missions, the nature; 2, the object and 3, the need of them. 1. What is the nature of a Parochial Mission? It is a special effort, by special means, of using under the blessing and guidance of the Holy Spirit, all the moral and spiritual force within our reach and of bringing their influence to work upon our parish or district for a short period of time. It is a concentration of the invisible powers of the Word and Sacraments as used by the Missioners in conjunction with the prayers and efforts of the faithful laity, and all directed in de- pendence upon God and under the influence of His Spirit, to operate upon a specified locality during a limited period of time. It is in a word an extra- ordinary union and combination for a week or a fortnight of ordinary instruments and agencies used at other times in order to meet conditions and to encounter certain emergencies. 2. What then is the real object of a mission ? Briefly but definitely it is the conversion of souls to God, though there are other results that will surely follow every true mission. Still this main object should never be lost sight of. In every parish, yes in every congregation, there must be many who are turned away from God, and who are dead in trespasses and sin." Instruction real, emphatic, and dennitc; Instruction should always form a prominent part of every mission teaching" is conspicuously placed in the great commission given by the Divine Head of the Church to his Apostles, and through them to us. But it may be asked is there any real need for missions. Is not the quiet and steady, but deep and real work of each priest who has the care of souls quite sufficient ? Would not a mission be re- garded as a proof of the insufficiency of the ministration of local cler,, wbit necessity is there for any extraneous aid Y Besides are not the dangers of holding one very grave and numerous For instance, some will Say that they do not believe in excitement or emotionalism in religion it has to do with the heart and the life, rather titan with feelings, which are often trancient and superficial But with those and other objections (which, when properly considered would all vanish) yes, allowing that there are hazards and difficulties connected with missions, as with every attempt to do good. Yet all will admit that there is a need and a great need for some such spiritual agency as missions. Faith has become feeble, love has grown cold and zeal has languished and even some ministers of the sanctuary are in danger of being infected with the spirit of the age. They have once tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come," (Heb. VI, 5,) but they now be on the way to become mechanical formal and worldly. If not quite indifferent they may be indolent and so they are not pained with the low standard of the personal re- ligion of many of their flock. Enough has been said to prove the great importance of a mission. The due consideration of this part of mv subject will naturally lead us to think of preparation the invariable condition of receiving a blessing. Nature cannot receive without preparation so it is in the Kingdom of God. The parishioners must go through a course of preparation. The whole and the sick, rich and poor, employers of labour and labourers, parents and children, all should feel that some great effort is about to be made to uplift the parish to a higher and better religious state, to spiritualise every agency already existent, and to create new ones and to give a different tone to the whole dis- trict. In this way every prominence that is possi- ble will be given to the subject, which will be considered, discussed, and talked about by all classes. This fact in itself will be a good prepara- tion even if many will keep away from the mission for it will leave the impression that the Church is not apolitical machinery set in motion by the State. The after-work is essentially as necessary as the pre- paration. What the after-meeting is to the services of each day during the mission, so is the after work to the whole mission. Let all men take care not to regard a mission as a finality but to look at it as an incentive and a directing example for increased work. The Rev. Prebndary Herbert Williams, Rev. —— Blaeriston, Prebendary Matthews, Rev. T. J. Bowen, Rev. Davey and Rev. D. Thomas also spoke on this subject. The BISHOP OF SWANSEA, speaking of spiritual life in Wales, said that various meanings were attached to this term which he had not time then to discuss. A plant of foreign growth was liable to the gusts of passionate controversy which might cause it to languish and droop. No doubt there were political dissenters and religious dissenters, and though excuses might be made for the former many dissenters would like to see politics and dissent separated. Was it not possible, too, that the clergymen and ministers of religion were not what they ought to be. Like shepherd, like flock." If it be the fault of the clergy, were there not some nonconformist ministers who were restless, dis- satisfied, envious and covetous, who by means of the platform j pulpit, and press, set men agaiust men and class against class, forgetting that the very essence of Christianity was peace and love. He then pointed out the necessity of each minister leading a spiritual life and by means of prayer, meditation, and study to increase the spiritual growth. It was by personal influence that the truth must be be propagated, and St. Paul had told them that it was by manifestation of the truth that ministers must command themselves to men's con- sciences. Wales was poor, isolated, and without great educational advantages, and care must be taken that emulation was not mistaken for devo- tion that eloquence and power were not valued more than sober truth and sound doctrine. On Thursday evening a devotional meeting was held, presided over by Colonel Davies-Evans, Lord-Lieutenant of the County. She subjects dealt with were The Christian Home," and The Church what it has done and is doing for the people." The speakers were the Rev. A. W. Robinson, M.A., All Hallows' Clergy House, London; Rev. D. M. Jones, M.A., S. Paul's Llanelly; Mr. F. S. Bishop, M.A., Swansea, and others. Yesterday (Friday) evening, a similar meeting was held, presided over by Mr. G. J. Francis, when speeches on the same subjects were delivered in Welsh by the Revs. The Principal of St. David's College, Lampeter; D. Richards, M.A., I I rector of Festiniog; E. T. Davies. B.A., vicar of Pwllheli; C. Jones, B.A., vicar of Llanfair, P. G., Anglesey, and others.