A letter addressed to the Right Honourable Lord Robert Grosvenor, M.P. / explanatory of the object and design of the Chester Cambrian Society
Date: 2020-05-17T00:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Chester Cambrian Society (Chester; England); Welsh -- England -- Chester; Societies -- England -- Chester

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Title: A letter addressed to the Right Honourable Lord Robert Grosvenor, M.P.

Author: active 1832 Evan Evans

Release date: May 17, 2020 [eBook #62158]

Language: English

Credits: Transcribed from the 1832 T. Griffith edition by David Price

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD ROBERT GROSVENOR, M.P. ***

Transcribed from the 1832 T. Griffith edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org

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

EXPLANATORY OF THE

OBJECT AND DESIGN

OF THE

CHESTER CAMBRIAN SOCIETY.

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

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

1832.

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?”

Last year, very praiseworthy exertions were made towards supplying our fellow subjects, who have emigrated to the different British Colonies, with the means of salvation in their native language, in conformity with the rites of our Established Church.  But I submit, my Lord, whether the Welsh, who emigrate to the principal towns of England, are not placed in such a situation, as to render their claims upon our benevolence a matter of primary importance?  Perhaps I may be told, that the case of the emigrants to our foreign Settlements is very different—the means of religion, with which they are provided, are in the language of the Countries, to which they have removed—to make the cases parallel, the services of religion ought to be established there in the Erse and Gaelic languages.  Now, my Lord, if it could be proved that these languages form the only adequate medium of religious instruction, to as large a proportion of the emigrants, as the Welsh language does to the natives of Wales, I contend that the same necessity would exist for furnishing them with the means of instruction in those languages.—Again, it may be objected, that the Welsh would so soon acquire the language of their neighbours—among whom they live—as to render any instruction in their native tongue superfluous.  But, my Lord, in a case of such vast importance, involving the eternal interests of so many immortal beings, can the anticipation of a future benefit, however great, justify the sacrificing of so much present good?  Especially, when the attainment of the one, is not incompatible with the enjoyment of the other?  When a patient is suffering under an alarming disease, is it safe, during the first stages of the disorder, to abandon the only means calculated to check its progress, because, that at some future period, a change of system may be advantageously adopted?  Are we sure that life will be preserved, until the sufferer reach that eventful period?  And, even, should he live to try the effect of this new system, would not the abandonment of the old one, at the commencement of the disorder, prove highly prejudicial to the success of the new?

But suppose, my Lord, that, for the sake of argument, I concede this point to the objectors; and let us even imagine the interval to be short, during which the Welshman is excluded from the benefit of religious ordinances; it is an interval which—in whatever light I view it—I cannot contemplate without trembling.  It is like holding out a flag of truce to a cruel and relentless foe, in order to give him more time to re-organise his treacherous plans, and gain fresh strength to execute them.  And can we be surprised, if at the next assault of the enemy, we find the Christian combatant ingloriously defeated, hurled back upon the world, with the loss of fame, and a blasted reputation?

But the assumption, that the Welsh, resident in English towns, will soon acquire a sufficient knowledge of the English language, to render it a proper vehicle of religious truth, is not founded in fact.  It is contradicted by daily experience.  We know, my Lord, that it is not an easy task for adults to learn a new language.  It is true, (as stated in the Report), “That by the constant intercourse with society, to which their varied avocations would necessarily lead them, such a smattering of the tongue would be gradually acquired, as might enable them to fulfil their civil engagements, without material inconvenience; at the same time that it would be difficult, or rather impossible, for them to understand discourses from the pulpit, on moral and religious subjects, when delivered in English; or to join in the services of Divine worship in that language.”

As a further proof of the truth of this observation, it may be stated, that some of the members of the Sunday evening congregation, at St. Martin’s Church, who have resided in England for several years, affirm, that at this day, they cannot enter into the spirit of Divine worship, when performed in English—they declare that they have not yet been able to think in it; and in order fully to comprehend the meaning of a text or a sentence, it must undergo the process of a mental translation into their own language, and be viewed through that medium.  This will appear less surprising, when we consider that it is the language in which they received their Christian education—that all the good impressions made upon their minds, were produced through its instrumentality—that it is the channel through which were conveyed the moral precepts of their early instructors, and the advice of parents, relatives, and friends.  In it are treasured up all the texts of scripture, with which their memories are amply supplied.  This language is associated with their most interesting recollections—with their sorrows, and with their joys; they think in it, they pray in it, they read their Bibles in it, they praise their Maker in it; and is it not desirable, my Lord, that they should hear the Gospel preached in it?

There is another consideration calculated to justify the principle of the Cambrian Society, viz. the paramount—the infinite—importance of that knowledge, the attainment of which is the grand end of all religious means.  I am not now speaking of theoretical knowledge, but of that, which, in the language of our Liturgy, is said to be necessary for the soul’s health; and I am sure it will be readily admitted, that all other knowledge, when compared with this, sinks into utter insignificance: the means, therefore, of acquiring it, ought to be plain, easy, and intelligible, in proportion to its importance.  We are told that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.—But to the Welshman, an English Bible is as much a sealed book, as if it had still remained in the original language.  We know that life and immortality are brought to light by the Gospel; but, how can that light shine upon the Welshman, through the impenetrably dark medium of an unknown tongue?  The Christian Minister, it is true, delivers his important message with all plainness of speech, but how can the Welshman understand him, or profit by him, if he is a barbarian to him?  Besides, my Lord, there are several individuals attending our Lectures, who are not able to read the Bible, even in their own tongue; and if they are deprived of the ministry of the Gospel in that language, I cannot picture to myself any thing more deplorable than would be their condition.  How would our sympathy be called forth towards a criminal at the bar of justice—he is tried for his life, and all the proceedings against him are conducted in a language of which he understands not a word—how distressing is his situation!  But, what is it compared with that to which many of the poor Welsh in this City would be reduced, if they were deprived of the privileges afforded them by the Cambrian Society?  In the case of the criminal, his ignorance forms no part of his accusation; it has no bearing upon the proceedings of the Court; it influences neither the verdict of the Jury, nor the sentence of the Judge: nor would his knowledge have reversed his fate.—But here, my Lord, ignorance and knowledge are antecedents to consequents that are diametrically opposite—they connect their subjects with very different predicates; for in the word of wisdom we are told, that the one shall perish, and the other be saved.  The results of ignorance and knowledge, in regard to every other subject, revolve within the contracted sphere of mortality—they descend with the clayey tenement to the grave, and are confined within the narrow limits of the tomb.  But in this matter, they involve consequences, the scene of which is laid in eternity, and the development of which will occupy its everlasting ages.—They attach themselves to the immortal spirit, and will accompany him in his adventurous flight across the boundary of time, and serve either to raise him to the regions of bliss ineffable, or to sink him down to the gulph of interminable woe.  Can we contemplate the possibility of the latter alternative, without using every means in our power to prevent it?

And, my Lord, I must be allowed to remind the friends of the Established Church, that they are more backward in attending to the wants of their countrymen, in this respect, than any other denomination of Christians.  Let them look to the metropolis; there they will find several places of Divine worship for the accommodation of the natives of Wales, without any belonging to the Establishment.  The case is the same with respect to Birmingham, Shrewsbury, and Manchester; and at Liverpool there are many Chapels belonging to different denominations of Dissenters, with only one Church, and that of a very recent date.—In Chester, my Lord, we found the ground pre-occupied.—Two Societies had most laudably raised their respective standards, around which was collected a considerable number of devotional worshippers; and the manner in which many of them have since joined our standard, proves, that they flocked around the others, not because they displayed the colours of their favourite party, but because they had the word “Cymraeg” inscribed on their banners.

The last consideration which I shall submit to your Lordship, in order to shew the great usefulness of the Cambrian Society, is, that by securing the residence of a Welsh Clergyman, it provides the means of religious consolation for the poor Welsh at the Chester Infirmary.  It is universally acknowledged that one-third of the patients received at this Institution, are natives of the Principality.  But I need not enlarge on this point, as your Lordship’s noble brother, Earl Grosvenor, from the kind and active part which he has taken in the proceedings of this excellent charity, is fully enabled to judge how far the visits of a Welsh Pastor are necessary to the welfare of the Institution.

In regard to the success which has attended our Society, I beg to refer to the “Report.”  I shall only observe, with relation to my Ministerial charge in this City, that I consider the aged as forming a very important and interesting part.  Those who are in the habit of attending the Lectures, could inform your Lordship with what delight this portion of my congregation listen to the preaching of the Gospel in their own tongue.  Though years have rolled away since they left their native hills, their decided partiality to the language remains undiminished.—From these, my Lord, the bed of sickness, and a dying hour, cannot be very far distant; and this is a time which will require all the consolation that language can convey, administered in the most plain and simple manner which words can express.  But what a gloomy prospect, my Lord, must such a season present to a poor Welshman, without the privileges which this Society provides for him.—I need not repeat that the number is not small, in Chester, who will not be capable of receiving consolation in this trying hour, in any language but the Welsh.  And here I may mention a distressing circumstance, which occurred very soon after my appointment to my present situation, and before that appointment was generally known.—I was requested by an English Clergyman to visit a poor man, whom he represented as being dangerously ill, and totally unacquainted with the English language.  I lost no time in attending to the application; but when I arrived at the house, I found, in answer to my inquiries, that he was no more.  The nurse who attended him, told me he talked a great deal, but she could not understand him, as she knew nothing of Welsh, and he could not speak a word of English.—Here, I was led to indulge in a train of unavailing conjectures, as to the subject of the poor man’s conversation, the state of his feelings—the objects of his wishes—but—my Lord—he was dead!—Now, I would ask those persons who scruple to co-operate in the benevolent designs of our Society, if they are parents, how would they feel upon being told of their children—if they are capable of friendship, how would they like to hear of their friends—dying under such circumstances?  May the time never again arrive, when the poor Welsh residents in Chester shall be reduced to such an extremity.  Whilst they live, may they have the Gospel preached to them; and when they come to die, may they never want the attendance of a Pastor, who will be able to administer consolation to them in their native tongue!

I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship’s obedient humble Servant,

Evan Evans.

Chester, April 28th, 1832.

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