The Aberdare Leader

Nodion. Beth ydyw ystyr Clydach? Daw tri lie o'r enw iJn cof yn awr-Clydach y Rhon- dda Clydacll Tawe, a Chlydach Brychein- iog. Braidd na ddywedem nad y diweddar Mr. Daniel Owen ydoedd y nofelydd Cym- raeg cyntaf. Beth bynag ni ddarfu i neb cyn ei amser ef bortreadu y bywyd Cym- reig yn y lliwiau prydferth a deniadol a geir ar ganfas y gwr o'r Wyddgrug. Magodd Cymru nofelwyr amryw o flaen awdwr "Rhys Lewis." Ysgrifenodd Hiraethog "Aelwyd F'ewythr Robert ac Emrys Adgofion fy Ngweinidog- aeth." Hefyd, cawsom nofelau o ysgrifell doreithiog Llew Llwyfo, Dr. John .Thomas (Lerpwl), ac ereill. Ond ni ddarfu i un o honynt gymeryd gafael yn nheimlad y Cyrn.ro fel y gwnaeth ffug- chwedlau Daniel Owen. Ac edrych ar bethau o safle fydol trwy ddamwain y daethathrvlith Daniel i lewyrch cyhoeddusrwydd. Teiliwr yd- oedd wrth ei alwedigaeth. Parotodd ar gyfer y weinidogaeth Fethodistaidd, ond torodd ei iechyd i lawr. Yna aeth yn ol at ei hen grefft. Ni thybiai neb fod dim neiliduol yn y dilledydd distadl oJr Wyddgrug. Ond gwelodd llygad craff y Parch. Roger Edwards fod- yna allu cudd ynddo. Pwysodd arno i dynu allan ei ganwyllxldi dan lestr dinodedd. Ni chredai y diymhongar Daniel ei fod yn fab athrylith, a bron di waethaf y dar- bwyllodd ei weinidog ef i ysgrifenu ystori o wythnos i wythnos yn y D-.yisorf a." Aeth Daniel i dir ffug-chwedloniaeth fel Abraham gynt heb wybod i ba le yr oedd yn myned. Tyfodd Y Dreflan n yn ystori swynol a deniadol o dan ei tidwvlaw. Yn ddiweddarach cychwynodd chwedl arall yn yr un dull. Yna cy- hoeddwyd hi yn llyfr. Anfarwolodd hono ei hawdwr. Dyna hanes creadig- aeth Rhys Lewis," yr hon a roddwyd 1 drigolion Aberdar yr wvthnps ddiwedd- af ar ffurf drama gan G-ymdeithas Rhys Lewis Aberdar. Y mae rhagfarn y Cymro yn erbyn y ddrama a r chwareudy yn graddol gilio. Medd y Celt ddychymyg bvwiog yn ogystal a chalon wresog, a rhyfedd, mewn ffordd, ydvw kldo gymeryd mor gas at lwyfan y chwareudy. Athraw- iaethau Calfin, yn ddiau ydoedd gyfrifol am hyn yn benaf. Ond wele o gorlan Cal- ftniaeth un yn dod gyda'i non dafl i bwyo Philiatiaeth calon y Cymro. Yr oedd Daniel Owen yn Drefnydd drwyddo draw, ond gwnaeth fwy nag un Cymro i ysigo siol sarph rhagfarn a lochesai ar aelwyd Puritaniaeth. Cafodd Cymdeithas Rhys Lewis gynulliadau da a "hwyliog yn Aberdar nos Wener a nos Sadwrn, yr hyn a brawf fod y teimlad gwrth-chwareuyddol yn farw yma, beth bynag. Rhyw ferthyr yn moreti hanes y He a roddes enw i dref Merthyr. Nid yw ysbryd merthyrdod wedi marw yn y dref y tu hwnt i'r mynydd eto, oblegyd cawn rai o warcheidwaid y tlodion yn y lie yn barod i fyned i garchar ac i farn dros y rhai a warcheidir gaiiddynt! Darfu ily Arlywydd Garfield weithio ei ffordd o'r bwthyn llwyd i'r Ty Gwyn. Ond y dydd o'i- blaen bn farw Martin van Buren mewn llety tylawd. Bn un adeg yn trigiami yn y T'y Gwyn ond dibenodd ei yrfa mewn bwthyn truenus. Y fath ytlyw triciau ffawd! v Tin1 newyddiadur Seisnig a rydd gymer- iad Ogwen yn y ddrama "Rhys Lewis" yn "Tom Barclay." Thomas Bartley ddylai fod, twbi shwar. Wele awdwr a fu yn dyddori a difyru xniloedd o ddarllenwyr Cymraeg wedi eychu ei ysgrifell am byth. Cyfeirio ydym at y Parch. D. Oliver Edwards, y gweinidog, Bedyddiol enwog, yr hwn o U efail y gof 11 ac o L nyth yr eryr (nid nyth y dryw fel y dywed tin newydd- iadur) a wreichionai dan llenyddiaetli ac a wy liai symudiaclau iselderau y byd gydag aidd ac egni, Brawd ydoedd y gwr parchedig i wr dawnus arall, sef y Prif- athraw Edwards, o Goleg y Bedyddwyr, yn Nghaerdydd. Chwith ydyw meddwl fod y Parch. Elias Davies wedi ei gymeryd ymaith, a hyny mewn dull mor alaethus. Estynwn ein dyfnaf gydymdeimlad i'w geraint yn Llanelli ac Aberdar. Magwyd ef ar fronau Eglwys Siloa, Aberdar. Fel llawer o gedyrn y pwlpud Cymreig bu yn gweithB ar y maes ac yn y lofa cyn iddo gael ei alw i bregetlin. Yn y flwyddyn 1897 darfu i Eglwyei Llanelli a Chaer gyfnewid pregethwyr. Aeth y Parch. D. Wynne Evans o Lan- elli i Gaer, a'r Parch. Elias Davies o Gaer i Lanelli yr un adeg.

Unitarian Singing Festival The annual singing festival of the Uni- tarian Churches was held at Cefn Uni- tarian Church last Monday. There, were representatives present from Cefn, Dow- lais, Merthyr, Hen-dy-Cwrdd (Trecynon), Highland Place (Aberdare) Cwmbach, and Pontypridd Churches. The con- ductor this year was Mr. J. R. Evans, Cefn; accompanists, Mrs. Lewis, R.A.M., Pontypridd, and Miss M. J. Morgan Cefn. The chairman of committee was Mr. Evan Davies, Trevor-street, Aber- dare; vice-chairman, Mr. T. James, C'wmbach; treasurer Mr. Wm. Davies, Aberdare; secretary, Mr. Cledwyn Davies, Cefn. The chapel was full to overflowing at both meetings and the singing was be- yond everybody's expectations. The pro- gramme included "St. Thomas," by Mr Tom Price G. and L., Merthyr, and Commonwealth." The Welsh words to the latter tune were sung in the after- noon and the English in the evening. Throughout the day the singing was most impressive, and drew favourable com- ments from the congregation who listened to it. The anthems, "Thine1, O! Lord is the greatness" (Jas. Kent), and UWrth Afonydd Babylon" (D. C. Williams, Merthyr), were sung with great fervour. Speeches were delivered during the day by Mr. Gomer Ll. Thomas Merthyr; Rev. Mr. Thomas, Congregational min- ister, Cefn; Councillor D. Tyssul Davies, Trecynon; Mr. W. R. Morgan, Cwm- bach, and Mr. J. Lewis Pontypridd. Solos were rendered by Miss Mary Maria Davies, Trecynon; Miss Maggie Mary Davies, Aberdare; Miss Susie Davies, Cefn; trio by Mr. J. Lewis and friends, Cefn; trio by Miss M. M. Davies Mr. D. R. Griffiths, and Mr. Dan Davies, Aberdare; recitation by Miss Myfanwy Lewis, Trecynon. The presidents for the day were the Rev. J. Hathren Davies, Cefn, and Coun- cillor L. N. Williams J.P., Aberdare. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded them on the motion of Mr. Gomer Ll. Thomas. The following ministers were present at the meetings: Revs. R. J. Jones, M.A., M. Evans, Aberdare: Simon Jones, B.A., Swansea; J. Robinson, Wick; J. P. Kane, Dowlais; J. Park Davies, B.D., Pontypridd.

Independents' Preaching Gymanfa. The Welsh Congregational Churches of the lower district of Aberdare have adopted a method of conducting preach- ing services which is quite unique for the Aberdare. Valley. Instead of ob- taining preaching services separately the five following churches united together to form a Cymanfa of their own, viz.: Saron, Aberaman; Bryn Seion, Cwm- bach; Bethlehem, Abercwmboi; Noddfa Godreaman; and Moriah Aman, Cwm- aman. By this means the members and congregation at each of the churches were able to listen to ten preachers in- stead of two, as is usual at their anni- versary meetings. Quite an array of the stalwarts of the Congregational pulpit had been engaged for the occasion, in the persons of the following: Revs. B. Evans, Barry; D. G. Williams St. Clears; T. E. Thomas, Coedpoeth; D. Rhagfyr Jones, TTeorky; W. Oscar Owen, Bridgend; R. J. Huws, Bethesda ^orth Wales; J. Edryd Jones, Cilfvn- ydd; Professor Joseph Jones, B.A., B.t». Brecon College; and Rev. J. Cadfwlch Davies, St. Clears1, who deputised the Rev. G. Penar Griffiths, Pentre Estvll. That pillar of Welsh Wesleyanism, the Rev. Hugh Hughes, of Ystalyfera, had also been engaged. The meetings com- menced on Saturday evening, when preaching services were held at each chapel. The Revs. D. Rhagfyr Jones and Hugh Hughes (W.) occupied the pulpit at Saron. These two preachers also min- istered to a large congregation at Nodd- fa, Godreaman, on Sunday afternoon. At the same time the Revs. R. J'. Huws and J, Cadfwlch Davies preached at Bryn Seion, Cwmbach and the Revs. T. E. Thomas, Coedpoeth, and J. Edryd Jones, Cilfynvdd, were at Saron. The pulpits at Cwmaman and Abercwmboi were oc- cupied repeetively by Prof. Joseph Jones and Rev. B. Evans and Revs. D. G. Wil- liams and W. Oscar Owen. On Monday ifternoon a united religious a cyfeillach" )f all the churches was held at Saron, when the following ministers spoke: — Professor Joseph Jones, who took as his subject, The voice of the spirit in its relationship to the theology of the church." Rev. D. G. Williams upon The spirit in its relation to the perils of the church." Rev. T. E. Thomas, The voice of the spirit in its relation to the youths of the church." Pev. R. J. Huws Its relation to the spiritual mission of the church and finally, the Rev. Hugh Hughes, who dwelt upon The spirit in its relation to* the social work of the church." The meetings have met with such success all round that it is safe to predict that they will be continued next year, and we sincerely trust that this new method will be pro- ductive of much good.

Did Jesus Christ ever liveP EEV. J. MORGAN JONES REPLIES. This was the subject of a sermon preached by the Rev. J. Morgan Jones M.A., pastor, at Tabernacle Congrega- tional Church last Sunday evening. Mr. Jones remarked that the question, strange as it might seem to some, was a yery familiar one to him. The people who thought it blasphemy to ask such a question were simply giving their Christ- ianity away. Personally he wished to believe that such a'life was lived and siich-a death was died as were recorded of Jesus of Nazareth. However he held that the truth was a valuable thing for religion, and the best thing that could happen for religion was a thorough lll- vestigation. They should never attempt to put the damper on any enquiry. He did not believe it would be fatal to Christianity if it were found that Jesus Christ never existed, but it would be a great loss to his (the preacher's) faith if it were discovered that Jesus did not live a real human life. Jesus Christ left no writings to the world. There were no independent witnesses of his existence. The first outside witness did rot come to us till 80 years after the time of Je&u-. Th;s was Pliny, who made a reference to the superstition of Christianity A few years later the Roman liistt riati, Tacitus refers to the f -iir,vovs of Christ who was put to death in the time of Pcntius Pilate. There were many reasons for this silence with regard to Jesus Christ. There were not many mediums of communication in those days, and Palestine was in a far-off corner of the Roman Empire. Again, Christianity was confused with Judaism for many years. The silence of Jewish writers on this subject was rather diffi- cult to explain. One paragraph in the works of Josephus was evidently a foigery. A continual controversy exist- ed between the Jews and the Christians at this time. This fact mav have ac- counted for the silence of Jewish histor- ians., So we were entirely dependent upon Christian writers for oroofs of the ?e-° '^esus Christ. These writings a lire-red in many things regarding him, but they never argued the fact of his existence. They seemed to take for granted that that fact was beyond doubt. Even ^he most radical of critics did not deny the personality of the Apostle Paul, whose evidence was of great value. As- Sum ing that the story of Jesus was an in- vention it was strange that the early Christians should continually communi- cate with one another about him, and not with the outside world. Why should they strive to keep up this farce among themselves With regard to the three first gospels there were three different views: (1) That they were absolutely ac- curate records. (2) That they were ab- solutely inaccurate records. These were the two opposite views, and both were entirely wrong. (3) That they were written by honest, fallible men, who did their best with the material within their grasp to record the life of their Master It could be easily proved that these men had got the true picture of the. human character of Jesus Christ. If the whole story of his life had been invented the gospels were utterly inconceivable. Their attitude towards Jesus was one of reverence and even worship. But they reported three things concerning him which would be absolutely irreconciliable with the invention idea: (1) Christ was reported to have said, "Why call me good? There is no one good but God." {2) Again we were told that Jesus's rela- tives were represented as saying that he was out of his mind. (3) The writers of the gospels put in the mouth of the dying Jesus the words, a My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Would anv inventor who believed in the deity of Jesus have-put those words in the mouth of Jesus ? Behind the story there was an actual life which could not have been in- vented. The writers might have exag- gerated many things. He (the preacher) did not believe that such an event as the virgin birth actually occurred. But even if it were proved that Christ never lived the teachings ascribed to him remained as the highest morality. The great truths of Christianity remained, what- ever became of history.

Trecynon. MEMORIAL SERMON-At Mill Street Baptist Chapel last Sunday morning the pastor, the Rev. W. Cynog Williams preached an obituary sermon to the memory of the late Mr. Jacob Picton, winding enginemau at Bwllfa. The late Mr. Picton was a member of the chapel. Miss E. A. Edwards played the "Dead "Saul uPon- the organ. DEATH We regret to record the death of Mr. Richard Morgan, Cemeterv- road, which occurred last Friday even- ing. Deceased had been in his usual health up to a few days previously, and was in the Rhondda on Monday week. He had an apoplectic seizure on Friday and passed away. The late Mr. Morgan, who- was a bachelor, was a faithful mem- ber of Bryn Seion C.M. Church. He al- ways took a very active interest in local elections.

Cwmbach. R.A.O.B.—The Blodeuyn Cynon Lodge of the above Order was visited by the members of the Sirdar Lodge Aberdare, on Friday evening last. A very enjoy- able evening was spent, and the follow- ing brethren contributed to the harmonv of the evening: Bro. W. Morgan, K.O.M" Bro. Stiley Bro. D. Palmer, "The lassie of Lancashire"; Bro. John Simon, C.P "The galloping major"; Bro. J. M. S. James topical verses of his own composi- tion. Also miscellaneous items by Bro Marshall Price and Bro. Mogg, C.P.

Miskln. SUCCESS.—At the recent examination held at Cardiff by the. Incorporated Society of Musicians Miss Mary Elizabeth Garrett 50, Mount Pleasant-terrace, was awarded an honours certificate in Grade 1. Miss Garrett is a pupil of Mr. E. T. Jenkins, Licentiate of the Incorporated Society of Musicians.

Pen rhiweeiber. The friends of Mr. Jacob Matthews, Pontygwaith, will be pleased to hear of his son's success. Master Haydn Thomas Matthews succeeded in obtaining a certificate (Grade II.) award- ed by the Incorporated Society of Musi- cians as the result of an examination held in March at Cardiff. He is a pupil of Mr. E. T. Jenkins, Licentiate of tne Incorporated Society of Musicians, Music Master Cathedral School Llandaff, and Assistant to G. G. Beale, Esq., Mus. Bac., F.R.C.O., Organist and Choir Trainer, Llandaff Cathedral. DEBATE.—At the Workmen's Insti- tute last Monday evening a public de- bate was held. The chairman was Mr. Alfred Morgan (Director of Education), The subject of the debate was, "Does Socialism tend to destroy family life?" ] The affirmative was taken by Mr. M. D. ] Q'Brien (Dronfield), and the negative side 1

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I bv Mr. E. Black (Huddersfield). The affirmative speaker asked the audience to fix their minds particularly on the subject of the debate, which was purely a question in reference to Socialism, and that alone. He admired the courage of those Socialists who lived up to their creed. The speaker quoted the different communal systems 1n support of his ar- guments that they destroyed what was termed a family life" to-day. Other evi- dence could be drawn from Mr. Blatch- fdrd's "Merrie England." In that book he suggested large public buildings in- stead of the cottage homes. Mr. Keir Hardie had said that Communism was the final goal for Socialism. Socialism meant the abolishing of private family life and putting in its place general Communism. John Stuart Mill said that the word "socialist" originated with English Communists. — The negative speaker, rising, said he was glad to agree1 with "his opponent's points when they said that slums and some of the aristo- cratic forms of life were disintegrating family life. He (the speaker) would give a definition of Socialism from an im- partial view, and not from the Encyclo- paedia. Brittanica, as quoted by his op- ponent. The National Encyclopaedia said that the industrial capital must be- come the property of the industrial people, and worked solely by them for their good. Socialism took the Collectiv- ist view of life viz., the welfare of humanity as a whole. They were on the earth only on the condition that they 0 laboured. Life itself depended on the access of labour to the resources of the earth. Those who were dispossessed of property were at a disadvantage under the competitive system. The Socialist believed in the wife and in children, and in the social home the mother would be considered just as much as the father. Socialism would give to woman the same economic freedom as the man, and not leave her dependent 011 the man, to sell her body in order to live. He main- tained it was, the Socialist who had the only proposal to check the disintegrating process spoken of by his opponent. That process was brought about by factory life and slumdom find Socialism was the only barrier between family life and disruption. They were fighting under a system of competition, and as a result they had those people his opponent dare not mention-that army of prostitutes that was a disgrace to what was called present day civilisation. For every one of those women that were being crushed down under the individualist system was destroying the possibility of happy home life for them. Socialism taught that they would abolish all systems of com- merce so long as they threatened the vir- tue of one solitary woman. The insinu- ation that Nunquam advocated com- munal wives in Merrie England was not clean debating. Blatchford meant the laundry when he wrote of the large rooms. Man had a property in the woman, but the opposite was the case on the woman's side. The Socialist spirit was driving the individual machine into Socialism. He claimed that Socialism not only did not tend to destroy family life, but that it could only be retained by the application of Socialist principles.