Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

10 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

Welsh Topics.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

Welsh Topics. The Influence of Nonconformity. A Record of National Progress. The success of the annual meetings of the Baptist Union marks a memorable and momentous period in the history of the denomination. It is a matter of great rejoicing, not only to the Baptist fraternity, but also to the whole Non- conformist democracy of Wales. The national interest and the intense enthu- siasm engendered is a valuable proof which religion and political ability and scholarship haw upon the mind of Wales. The meetings affect the whole spiritual community. Not only were the Baptists honoured, but Wales itself was honoured, and it is a high tribute to the religious and social progress of Wales that the greatest statesman of British politics should take such deep interest in our spiritual welfare. The Chancellor is an excellent type of man, who. though absent from the land of mountains, still loves it with that ardent and ever-increasing love worthy of a great soul. And in order to enjoy to the full this patriotic endearment one must needs leave his native land to learn the true meaning of nationality. Such a saying mav seem paradoxical, but none the less true. Some of 'our greatest leaders and scholars learnt their cenedl- aetholdeb in the great English Univer- sities and within the precincts of St. Stephen. It is in the midst of the turmoil of nolitical life in the Metropolis that our national hero deepened his love for his native soil, and turned his heart to the mountains. Ond fel y nodwydd ar ei gwrnpawd, try Ei feddwf yn sefydlog atat ti." But this throbbing and yearning must be greatly intensified in the middle of the modern Celtic renaissance. These are the days of Celtic conquests in art, literature, commerce, and politics. And these- conquests are the inheritances of the race which has set its goal on spiritual purity and on that social pro- gress which is inseparable from the teach- ings of the universal reformer, Christ. There is no nation under the canopy of heaven which is so leavened with the truths of Jesus-perhaps, at times, too dogmatical, but none the less, never losing sight of the spiritual advancement of its nationality. To what, then, does the Celt and its great national hero owe its progress. According to the Chancellor's own testi- mony, he owes his progress to the Sunday School. And all who have attained to any height of either local or national service will endorse this sentiment. To-day, Mr. Lloyd George is the perfection of that bond which unites us into a nation. He is the embodiment of the social and reli- gious consciousness of the Wales of to-day. He is the product of Welsh democracy as represented in school, college, and chapel. There are others who reflect the movement, but he is the full-orbed light of it. The ideals of the Wales of to-day are the natural effects of the great religious revolution of the latter half of the eighteenth century and the earlier half of the nineteenth. Wales then outlined for herself in an unconscious manner the path she was to tread. Her ideals were set on a higher plane than the Saxon. She also learnt the art of training, of organising, of discerning the future and to make preparations to bring about the ideal consummation she had mapped out. What, then, was the element which gave birth, nurtured and fostered this ideal? There is only one reply—Noncon- formity. To Wales, Nonconformity means religious toleration, freedom, national independence, and social advancement. These were the points which the Presi- dent of the Union sought to impress upon his audience. The address should have a lasting effect on the youth of Wales and guide them to noble things. The address dealt with the importance of Nonconformity to the life of Wales. Here are the main points of the speech: 1. Nonconformity was more important to the life of the nation to-day than ever, and its hold on the nation tighter than ever. 2. The understanding, the sense, the hope, the national character of the people were formed in Nonconformity. 3. The culture of the democracy of Wales was in the hands of Nonconformity. 4. The democracy should have the same advantages as other sections of the com- munity. 5. The culture of the democracy was dependent upon something else other than the schools. The chapels of Wales were the colleges of the people. 6. There were signs that Nonconformity was extending its curriculum. 7. Nonconformity had given us stability, had taught the people to discipline its zeal and imagination, had taught it per- severance, and power of organisation. 8. To the Welsh Methodists belonged the credit of having first utilised and disciplined the wild, scattered force of enthusiasm. 9. Nonconformity had taught Wales her politics. Wales obtained her politics from her religion. 10. The democracy of Wales had won self-respect and independence. 11. There was no hope for the demo- cracy except in Jesus of Nazareth. 12. He looked for Wales to be in the vanguard in the fight against oppression and tvrannv. These notes cannot be drawn to a close without calling attention to the excellent handbook issued by Noddfa, Church. To state that it is only a handbook is doing it scant justice. It is. in fact, a literary keensake, full of delightful reading, not only to the Baptis-t6, but to all who are interested in the Rhondda. and its doings. The book, it appears, was under the care of splendid workers, Mr. John Samuel, and Mr. W. H. Owen, the head- master of Ynyswen School. Excellent tact and skill have been shown in the choice and arrangement of material. It » contains an appreciation of the Right Hon. D. Lloyd George, an historical account of the beginning and the growth of the Baptist cause in the Rhondda., an account of Noddfa., Treorchy, and the branches, and an excellent appreciation of Dr. Morris.

Glamorgan Quarter Sessions.

Advertising

------------------.---.------..…

Liwynypia Baths and Institute,

--.---..---Rev. Conrad Noel…

C.E. Men's Society, irm

[No title]

Afternoon Shifts.

What Tonypandy is Tempted…