Part 1

Transcribed from the 1832 T. Griffith edition by David Price, email [email protected]

[Picture: Pamphlet cover]

A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD ROBERT GROSVENOR, M.P.

EXPLANATORY OF THE

OBJECT AND DESIGN

OF THE

CHESTER CAMBRIAN SOCIETY.

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BY THE REV. EVAN EVANS, CHAPLAIN TO THE SOCIETY.

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CHESTER: PRINTED BY T. GRIFFITH, GROSVENOR-STREET; AND SOLD BY H. HUGHES, ST. MARTIN’S LE GRAND, LONDON; AND THE BOOKSELLERS IN CHESTER.

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1832.

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TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD R. GROSVENOR, M.P.

MY LORD,

THE relation in which your Lordship stands to the City of Chester, as one of its Representatives, and the lively interest you always evince in every thing connected with its welfare, induce me to address your Lordship on behalf of the CAMBRIAN SOCIETY, established in this City, about six years ago, for the purpose of providing the Welsh residents with the means of religious instruction in their native language; and that in connexion with the Established Church. Though the success with which this Institution has been attended, has far exceeded the most sanguine expectations of its friends; and though the important benefits resulting from it, have been fully appreciated by those, for whom they were originally intended; yet, my Lord, some are still to be found, who entertain conscientious scruples respecting the propriety of supporting this Society—who are yet to be convinced of the expediency of providing the natives of Wales, who come to settle in the principal towns of England, with the means of vernacular religious instruction;—who are of opinion that the Welsh, thus situated, ought to learn the language of their neighbours, by which means they would have access to all their privileges: this, they contend, would supersede the necessity of all such institutions as are founded on the principle of the Chester Cambrian Society.

It is with a view of examining the practicability of this suggestion, that I beg to submit the following pages for your Lordship’s perusal. But, before I enter upon the subject, I trust it will not be considered an improper digression, to furnish your Lordship with a brief sketch of the circumstances which led to the formation of this Society.

A few years ago, a number of the natives of the Principality, resident in Chester, associated, and formed themselves into a body, under the denomination of the “Cymmrodorion Society.” Their original object did not extend beyond the common purposes of meeting together for social intercourse, and communicating with each other, in their native language, on subjects connected with the literature of the land of their fathers. But, after a lapse of time, and frequent interchanges of kindred sentiments, their attention was forcibly directed to the moral condition of the lower classes of their fellow-countrymen, residing in Chester.—They found, upon inquiry, that a considerable number of these, were so imperfectly acquainted with the English language, as to exclude the possibility of rendering it, to them, a proper medium of religious instruction. Nay, that not a small portion of them, especially of those who had lately emigrated from their native hills, were often, from their imperfect knowledge of it, deprived of advantageous situations, which, in every other respect, they were highly competent to fill. This naturally led to the conclusion, that if their ignorance of that language was such, as to incapacitate them for discharging the duties of their secular employments, how utterly incapable must it render them of performing the infinitely more important duties of religion?—Thus was the Society forcibly impressed with the conviction of their destitute condition.

Such, especially, was the situation of those, who had been accustomed, from their infancy, to worship GOD according to the rites of the Established Church. The Dissenters were more favourably circumstanced; for two Denominations, the Calvinistic and Wesleyan Methodists, had provided places of worship for the accommodation of their respective adherents: but, for the poor members of the Church of England, no provision was made. To them, the revolving week brought along with it a silent Sabbath: the sound of the “Church-going bell” served only to remind them of the blessings they had left behind; and in vain did our venerable temples throw open their widely extended portals to receive them. Under these circumstances, the members of the Society had only one of three methods to adopt—to allow their countrymen to languish under the privations which they were suffering—to forego their attachment to the national Church—or, to supply their wants, by affording them vernacular instruction, in connexion with the Establishment. The first, their patriotism—the second, their devotedness to the Church—would not allow them to entertain: they were therefore determined to attempt the last. This, very naturally, led to the consideration of the means best calculated for accomplishing their object: and after repeated meetings on the subject, at which various plans were suggested, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:—

I.—That this Society will direct its particular attention to the moral and religious interests of the Welsh inhabitants of this City.

II.—That this meeting think it would be productive of great benefit, if a Church could be opened in Chester, on Sunday evenings, for Divine Service in Welsh, for their countrymen in this City; many of whom are acquainted with no other language; at least, not in a degree adequate to the purpose of religious edification.

III.—That application be made to the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, requesting his Lordship’s advice and assistance, towards the attainment of this object.

IV.—That the RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL GROSVENOR be requested to accept the office of Patron.

In consequence of the foregoing resolutions, applications were made to your Lordship’s distinguished father, the MARQUIS OF WESTMINSTER, and to DR. BLOMFIELD—who was at that time Bishop of this Diocese—both of whom, with a promptness and cordiality, which the Committee of the Cambrian Society are anxious to mark with expressions of the warmest gratitude, accepted the invitation, and cheerfully enrolled their names as annual subscribers. At the same time, BISHOP BLOMFIELD so far exerted himself, as to procure the use of St. Martin’s Church, for the performance of Welsh service on Sunday evenings; and the individual, who now addresses your Lordship, was appointed, by the same Right Reverend Prelate, to the important situation of Chaplain to the Cambrian Society.

Since the establishment of the Welsh Lectures, the Committee have great pleasure to record, in the list of Patrons and Subscribers, the names of several Noblemen and Gentlemen, who have rendered essential service to the cause, by their kind co-operation and liberal support. Amongst whom they have the honour to mention, the LORD MOSTYN, the BISHOPS OF CHESTER, BANGOR, and ST. ASAPH, SIR W. W. WYNN, BART. M.P. SIR S. R. GLYNNE, BART. M.P. the HON. E. M. LLOYD MOSTYN, M.P. SIR EDWARD MOSTYN, BART. OWEN WILLIAMS, ESQ. M.P. F. R. PRICE, ESQ. &c. &c. In Chester also, the undertaking was hailed with peculiar interest; and a number of the most respectable of its inhabitants have, from the commencement, displayed unabated zeal in forwarding the objects of the Society.

I cannot conclude this part of my subject, without observing, that our present worthy Diocesan, has more than once, expressed his conviction of the usefulness of the Cambrian Institution, and his readiness, on all occasions, to promote its welfare.

Having thus given your Lordship a brief sketch of the circumstances which led to the establishment of the Sunday Evening Welsh Lectures, at St. Martin’s Church, I shall now proceed to the discussion of the expediency of the measure; in answer to those who contend, that the acquirement of English, by the Welsh people who come to reside in the principal towns of England, would supersede the necessity of providing them with the means of religious instruction in their native language. But, before I enter upon the subject, I beg to observe, that though I may be, in some respects, better qualified than others, to prove the great usefulness of such an Institution; yet, my Lord, I labour under some disadvantages.—Being so closely connected with the Lectures, it would be unsuitable for me to enter into detail. I shall, therefore, endeavour to forget myself, and discuss the subject on principle. I am only the instrument, my Lord—a separable accident attached to the Institution—and my connexion with it partakes of that uncertainty, which characterizes all human engagements. But, the Institution itself, is of a permanent nature; and as long as the Institution shall continue, its capacity for doing good will remain; and the same results will be secured.

Now, my Lord, let us proceed to the examination of the method proposed—“Let the Welsh learn English, &c.” Viewing this abstractedly, candour compels me to admit, that it is an object highly desirable to be accomplished. However fondly attached I may feel to my native language, and however I may admire it; still, my Lord, impressed with the conviction that every language ought to be valued in proportion to the degree of knowledge, of which it is the medium; and deeply sensible of the almost infinite superiority of the English, in this respect, I am far from wishing to exclude my countrymen from the enjoyment of all its advantages. The liberal hand of patriotism, having unrolled before my eyes the ample page of English literature, I should consider myself unworthy of the privilege, were I not to feel desirous, that every Welshman should enjoy the same. I am fully aware of the immense benefit which an acquaintance with English would confer upon the inhabitants of Wales; and whenever it can be proved, that the purposes for which the Cambrian Society was established, may be as effectually accomplished through that medium, I hope I shall be found to possess sufficient candour to admit, that its continuance is no longer an object to be desired. But an experience of six years, in the discharge of the important duties connected with my present situation, has fully enabled me to state, that that period has not yet arrived.—However pleasing it may be, my Lord, to expatiate on this subject in the regions of theory, and to indulge in a prospective view of it, yet, when we come to reduce it to practice, we are presented with innumerable difficulties.

The Principality of Wales, at this moment, contains seven hundred thousand inhabitants; to the majority of whom the Welsh language is the only adequate medium of communication. This statement may appear exaggerated to those, who have derived their knowledge of the country, only from occasional excursions to the most frequented parts of it; and who seldom deviate from the route usually pursued by tourists. Here, it is true, the English traveller meets with but little inconvenience; his intercourse being chiefly confined to those, who have found it their interest to acquire the means of accommodating him. But, were the traveller to infer from this, that English is the language of the Welsh peasantry, he would be as much mistaken, as in concluding it to be that of the _French_, because he meets with no inconvenience in his route from Calais to Paris. My Lord, I am no stranger to my native country.—The greater part of my life was spent amongst its hills; studying its literature, and mingling familiarly with its inhabitants; and, I am persuaded, your Lordship will agree with me in thinking, that I am better qualified to form a correct opinion of the present state of the Principality, than those who acquire their knowledge, only from a late and partial residence in it; and who, from their ignorance of the language of the people, are but ill calculated to understand their national prejudices, and their distinguishing characteristics. I feel confident, my Lord, that all who gain their knowledge of Wales from the same source as myself, will be led to the same conclusion, viz. that to nine-tenths of its peasantry, the English language is, comparatively, unknown. Though a conviction of the great advantages to be derived, from an acquaintance with it, has created among the natives, a strong desire to acquire it, still, my Lord, the means adopted for that purpose are so limited, as to remove the prospect of its accomplishment, to the distance of ages. Judging of the future, from the past, we have reason to apprehend, that for generations yet to come, the ancient British language will be, throughout the Principality, the language of the domestic circle, of the public mart, of the Sunday school, and of the solemn Assembly.

Here, I might take the opportunity of pressing upon those, who would confine their exertions for the benefit of Wales, solely to the cultivation of the English language there, the question, What is to become of the intermediate generations?—Whilst the English Schoolmaster is making his important tour through the land, how are the affairs of the country to be conducted? Is all intercourse to be suspended, every communication to cease—are all the avenues of knowledge, through the medium of the vernacular tongue, to be locked up—the doors of their Sanctuaries to be secured—the pages of their Bibles sealed—and the lips of their Ministers closed? Is the morning incense no more to ascend from the domestic altar of the rustic cottage? Is the unanimous sound of praise to be hushed in their Temples?—But, my Lord, it is not necessary I should pursue the inquiry. I am satisfied, that, however desirable these gentlemen may consider the end, they are far from thinking it so desirable, as to justify such means of attaining it. There is, therefore, my Lord, only one conclusion at which we can possibly arrive, viz. that for ages yet to come, the Welsh will be the predominant language of the Principality. Hence, it is evident, that throughout this period, it must be, also, the language of such of its inhabitants, as may be induced to leave the country, to settle in any other place; and it is equally evident, that the contiguity of Chester to the Principality, and the constant intercourse between them, will not fail to draw, towards that City, a considerable proportion of those destined for our English towns.

Now, my Lord, the question very naturally presents itself—What is to become of such persons, with respect to religious instruction? By what means is their spiritual welfare to be promoted? As subjects capable of moral cultivation, how are they to be treated? As beings, who are qualified to enjoy the benefits of social worship, how are they to receive them? And when we consider the great difference between their present and their former situation, their case assumes a more than ordinary interest. Most of those, for whom the Welsh Lectures were especially intended, were brought up in a state of great seclusion; the inhabitants of a humble cottage, or a retired hamlet: without any further means of knowing the world and mankind, than what could be obtained within the limited circle of their rustic associates. The lessons they learnt were few and simple; and their views and habits corresponded with the rural simplicity of the scene around them.—These peaceful retreats they have now left behind, and are come to try their fortunes in a new and different sphere.

In a country like Wales, so formed by nature, that each dell may be considered as constituting a sort of separate community, the departure of a single individual, is a subject of general concern; and the result of his enterprize is watched with a degree of interest, proportionate to the novelty of the occurrence. In the domestic circle, the sensation excited is intense; and the event forms an important epoch in the family history.—If the adventurer is a member of a religious family, the anxiety is infinitely increased; as there, a concern will be felt, not only for his temporal, but for his eternal welfare. To his devout parents, nothing forms a source of such apprehension, as that the plant, which they have reared with so much solicitude, and cultivated with such tender care, should fade and wither, upon its being transplanted to a different clime. They have neither riches nor honours to bestow upon their child; but they furnish him with what they consider the best treasure—a Bible—they invoke a blessing upon his head—they resign him to the care of that Being who is the same every where—and will it be no relief to them, at such a trying season, to be able to add—Though you are going among strangers, whose language is unknown to you, yet, you will have the Gospel preached to you in your mother-tongue; and you will there find a Pastor from your own land, who, with the sympathy of a countryman, will be ready to assist you in all your difficulties, and to direct you in the right way?

We, my Lord, who are aware of the perils which await the stranger on his arrival at the place of his destination, cannot but feel particularly anxious for his safety. In the full fervour of youth, with ardent hopes and warm affections, and with all the credulity incident to inexperienced years, he comes to mingle in the bustling throng of a populous City. Into what a Panorama of bewildering novelties is the unsuspecting adventurer now introduced! How varied—how multiplied his temptations! His situation will appear still more dangerous, if we consider that he is no longer under the restraints of his former acquaintance; that he has lost the protection of a kind father, the watchful eye of a tender mother, and the timely advice of a faithful friend. And, if he is to be left without the guidance of an efficient Pastor, can we be surprised, if the first intelligence received of him, by the anxious inquirers of his native valley, should be, “He has forsaken the guide of his youth, and forgotten the covenant of his God.”—“He has left the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness.”

I think, my Lord, that it affords a subject of fair inquiry, whether those persons, who oppose the benevolent designs of the Cambrian Society, do not, at the same time, oppose their own interest? Knowing how to appreciate honesty and integrity, they will be always glad to engage in their service, those whose general character is distinguished by these pre-eminent virtues. But, by denying them the privileges which it is the object of this Society to secure for them, are they not withholding those very means which are best suited for enabling them to continue in the path of virtue, and for discharging the various duties of their respective avocations, with devotedness and fidelity? What is so likely to guard them against those evils, to which persons in their situation are so peculiarly exposed, as to have the pure doctrines of Christianity enforced in “their own tongue wherein they were born?” What is so calculated to add strength and stability to the good impressions made on their minds, whilst among their native mountains, as the ministry of the Gospel in that language, through the instrumentality of which those impressions were originally produced? Will these individuals receive them into their houses, engage them in their service, and supply all their bodily wants, and, yet, leave their nobler part in a state of utter destitution? My Lord, it is impossible that I can be divested of all apprehension, for the safety of this class of my countrymen, in this City, when I know that they are in the vicinity of a fearful _Maelstrom_, along the surface of which is seen the floating wreck of many a noble vessel, that left its native shores under the most favourable auspices, buoyant with hope, and radiant with expectation; but which, for want of a skilful pilot, coming within the reach of its attractive influence, was hurried along its impetuous stream, and engulphed in its whirling vortex.

The number of Welsh, resident in Chester, has been differently stated, and, I have no doubt, my Lord, greatly exaggerated.—It is not within my province to inquire what may be the exact amount of the whole Welsh population: I wish to confine myself to that portion of it, which comes within the object of the Society, viz. those who prefer the Welsh language, and consider it the only adequate medium of spiritual instruction.—Without making any definite statement, I feel confident, that in rating these under a thousand, I should form but a low estimate of their number. From my own observation, my Lord, I am prepared to state, that to several hundreds, at least, the Welsh language is the only avenue of religious communication. Since accommodation has been provided for the performance of Welsh service, facts have proved, that without a Welsh Church and Pastor, a very considerable number would have been left as sheep gone astray, without a fold, and without a shepherd. And if, to the Divine Shepherd, the restoration of a single wanderer, appeared an object of such vast importance, what shall we say, my Lord, of the importance attached to the restoration of hundreds? When there is so much zeal exhibited in promoting the cause of Missions, and in sending the Gospel to heathen and foreign lands—when so much interest is displayed in providing Bibles and Missionaries for distant nations, with whom we are in no other way connected, than as members of the great family of mankind, shall we not discover equal zeal for “our brethren, our kinsmen, according to the flesh?”