l)CBliB;'XllB^ .[i€SII>5 ' ^<- N^ L€L^/0\ /OUoa^oW' 7t/ f\^U^-L^VL.C7 c-y^J'L^in^.>&^' / A- ^ J '^-' v^ 7 A NOBLE LIFE LEWIS DAVIS. A NOBLE LIFE INCIDENTS IN THE CAREER OF LEWIS DAVIS OF FERNDALE BY THE Rev. DAVID YOUNG, F.R.His.S. AUTHOR OF "the origin AXU mSTOKV OF METHODISM IN WALES AND THE borders" ETC. SECOND EDITION |Efln6on: CHARLES H. KELLY 2, CASTLE ST., CITY RD., E.G. ; AND 26, PATERNOSTER ROW, E.G. MDCCCXCIX Mrs. lewis DAVIS, WHOSE SINGULAR DEVOTION QUIET GENTLENESS AND LOYALTY TO CHRIST CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TOWARDS MAKING THE CAREER OF HER HUSBAND A BLESSING TO SO MANY, I DEDICATE THIS BOOK. D. Y. PREFACE IN writing this book, at the request of many of the friends and employees of the late Mr. Lewis Davis, our chief aim has been to give the reader a faithful representation, in a more permanent form than exists at present, of a truly noble man. We have endeavoured to analyse his words and works, with a view of finding out the underlying principles which governed his life ; and in his sayings and doings the reader will not fail to discover the loftiness of his ideals, the purity of his motives, and the unselfishness of his devotion to the cause of truth and justice. At an early period in our life we were brought into intimate relationship with the Blaengwawr family ; with their old neighbours and employees at Aberdare and Hirwain ; with Mr. David Davis, Maesyffynon ; and more particularly with Mr. Lewis Davis and his family. We admired Mr. Lewis Davis from a distance, and we have seen him through the eyes of others. We have listened to all sorts and conditions of men speak of him as a business man, a master, a politician, a patriot, a philanthropist, and a Christian gentleman. We have seen him on the crest of a wave of prosperity and when the cause he espoused was at a low ebb, in times of agitation, strikes, and panics. We have seen him when the poor, the widow, and the unfortunate were at his vii viii PREFACE gate ; when in the company of learned, eminent, and the great of the earth ; and when captivated by sweet music, the eloquence of the pulpit, or in deep, earnest con- versation. We have seen him in the calm peace and love of his family, in the interesting friendships of life, and when his soul was filled with excessive joy in the sanctuary of the Most High. We have seen him when he was as merry, sportive, and blithe as the morning, and when his health was failing ; we have listened to his experience in the home, in the Church, and his testimony on his deathbed; and at all times and in all circumstances there was present the same earnest, honest master-spirit, seeking to know the truth, and determined at all cost to do that which he thought was right. The incidents given in these pages will be sufficient to convince the reader as to the nobleness of the man and the many important services he rendered to his fellow- countrymen in connection with the social, educational, and moral uplifting of the Principality. Mr. Henry Richard very truly said that Wales would never know her indebtedness to the two brothers, David and Lewis Davis. There are other incidents more striking, showing greater generosity, bolder in faith, more heroic and far- reaching in their effects, known to us, that we are not at liberty to publish, which would further confirm and strengthen all that we have recorded. Our desire is, that this memoir may not be laid aside without doing good to the reader, that it may be to old friends a stimulus in the cultivation of character, and to the Christian hero's own family an abiding source of comfort. D. Y. lykjuly 1899. CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 HIS PARENTS PAGE Mr, David Davis a Carmarthenshire Man — His Removal to Merthyr- Tydfil— His Apprenticeship— His Old Master— The Hill District — The Great Capitalists — David Davis removes to Hirwain— His Marriage — Mrs. Davis^Their Business — Prosperity — The London Warehouse — They join the Wesleyans — Activity in the Church — Home for Preachers — Their Hospitality — Their Children — Mr. Davis's Prudence — Mrs. Davis's Business Tact — Wliolesale Busi- ness — Becoming a Colliery Proprietor at Rhigos — At Blaengwawr, the Steady Growlli of the Business — The Iron Trade of South Wales— Pioneer of the Sea Coal — The Development of Aberdare — Purchase of Abercvvmboy — Landowners in Wales— Sir John Guest — His Father a Local Preacher — The Poverty of the Welsh People — Mr. David Davis's Loyalty to his Country, to his own Denomination — The Reform Agitation — Mrs. Davis's remarkable Memory — Mr. Davis's Death — The Family — The Breaking up of the Family — Mrs. Davis's Latter Days — Her Death — Burial in Aberdare Parish Cemetery ...... 1-2S CHAPTER II HIS EARLY DAYS Mr. Lewis Davis born into a Happy Home — His Environment — School Days — Love of Books — Poetry — Building Castles in the Air — Trebanog — Local Schools — Wesley College, Slieftleld — Dr. ix CONTENTS Waddy — ^His Studying for the Law — Failing Health — ^Joins his Father's Business — His Religious Life — Study of Creeds, Churches — Identifies himself with the Wesleyan Church — His Activity — Teacher — ^Early Prayer-Meetings, etc. — Fondness of Books, Music, Games — His Courage in Defence of Truth, the Weak, etc. — His Determination to become a Wesleyan Preacher — The Reform Agitation — His Business at Hirwain — Marriage — Early Death of his Wife — His Removal to Cardiff — New Surroundings — His Dis- appointments with Professors of Religion — Sabbath-day Religion — His Acquaintance with the Best Books, etc. . . 29-46 CHAPTER III HIS HOME LIFE His Marriage — Miss Cross — Their Home at Penhill — Preswylfa — Their Children — Caroline's Failing Health — The Anniversary of her Birthday at Aberia — Her Death — The Birthday Consecration- Mr. and Mrs. Davis and Philanthropic Work — Mr. Davis's Generosity — Busy Life — Conway Road Chapel — Removal to Fern- dale — New Place — The Effect of the Explosion — Bryndderwen, Influence of the Family — Building Chapels, Schools — Better Houses for the Working Men — Mrs. Davis giving Food to all in Need — Visiting Sick, Poor, Aged — The Peacefulness of the Home — Music, Visitors, Conversations — Theology, Politics, Edu- cation — Mr. Davis's Love of Welsh Preaching — Home of Welsh Preachers — Distinguished Visitors — Sunday Evenings — The Old Home — The New Homes — The Family Heritage, etc. . 47-7 1 CHAPTER IV HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE The Morality of Commerce — Equity — The Ideal Christian Merchant — Ruskin's Idea — ^Justice in Religion and in Business — The Western Mail — The South Wales Daily News — Abernant-y-groes — Mr. R. Fothergill — Ferndale taken — Discovery of the Steam Coal — William Davis at Maesteg — Frederick Davis in New Zealand — ■ CONTENTS XI PAGE The Collieries managed by the Brothers, David and Lewis — The Explosion — The Baptism of Fire — Their Difficulties Overcome — Their Prosperity — The Taff Vale and Bute Dock Monopoly — The Dissatisfaction in South Wales — Vain Attempts for Improve- ment — The Barry Dock Scheme — The long Struggle — His Examination before the Parliamentary Committee — Mr. David Davies, M.P., Llandinam — The Batchelor Statue in Cardiff — Opening of Barry Dock by Mrs. Lewis Davis — The Shadow- — His Colleagues bear their Testimony — The Brothers and Mr. Fothergill, ^LP. . . . . . . 73-93 CHAPTER V HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES Responsibilities of Employers and Employees — The Public Demand for Cheap Articles — The Welsh Miner — Slavery — Chartist Theories — The Change brought about — Williams, Ynyscynon — Thomas, Ysguborwen — Better Homes for the Poor — The great Strikes of 1S71 and 1875 — Mr. Davis and the Poor — David Davis, Maes- yffynon, working with the Relief Committee — The Sliding Scale Formed — John Arthur and Wesley Chapel — Lewis Davis meeting his own Men to fix the Scale — His Fairness — Care for his Men, their Families, Children — Visits to their Homes — The Old Work- man pensioned — The Meeting with his Workmen on his Deathbed — Deathbed Messages — The Reformed Drunkard — The Defrauded Master — The Forgiving Nobleman — To Save the Children — The Brothers' Generosity — The Sincerity of their Gifts— The Attach- ment of their Employees ..... 95-' ^7 CHAPTER VI HIS RELATION WITH POLITICS Wales unheard in Parliament — The Morning Chronicle and the Examiner — Mr. Gladstone and Wales— Henry Richard, M.P. — The Swansea Conference — Edward Miall— Carvell Williams — The Claims of Welsh Nonconformity — Welsh Working Men building xii CONTENTS Chapels and Colleges out of their small Earnings — Mr. Dillwyn, il.P. — The Submission of the Welsh People — ^Judge Waddy — • Cardiff Progressives — The Professional Politician — Henry Richard's Candidature and Election for Merthyr-Tydfil — The Reform Act of 1867— H. A. Bruce— R. Fothergill— The Election of 1868— The Welsh Landlords — Evictions — Lewis Davis's Generosity — The Brothers decline to go to Parliament — The Rhondda and Frederick L. Davis — Henry Richard's Opinion of the Brothers, etc. 1 19-144 CHAPTER VII HIS RELATION WITH F:DUCATI0N Education, where it Begins — The Position of Wales — The Bible, Pulpit, and Sunday Schools the only Hope of the People — Scarcity of Books — Need of Schools — The Views of leading Non- conformists — Kilsby Jones — William Williams, M.P. — Thomas Stephens of Merthyr-Tydfil — Matthew Arnold — Lord Aberdare — Lady Charlotte Guest — The Mabinogion — Tennyson — The Mar- quis of Bute — The University College of Wales — Dr. David Thomas, the Homilist — Meeting at Cardiff — Judge Williams — Aberystwyth College — Lord Aberdare's Commission — The Loca- tion of the College — Cardiff decided upon — Lewis Williams and Dean Vaughan — Alfred Thomas, M.P. — The Generosity of the Brothers — Lewis Davis and the Engineering School — Dr. Edwards — Frederick Lewis Davis — Secondary Schools — Lord Aberdare and Welsh Education — The new Life of Wales, etc. 145-166 CHAPTER VIII HIS RELATION TO RELIGION Religion, what it means — Theological Controversies in Wales — The Five Points — His Study of the Churches — Rev. Robert Rees — The Reform Agitadon—llis Loyalty to his Church — David Davis's Opinion of the Reform Movement — Mr. Lewis Davis at Hirwain — His Attachment to the Old People— Cardiff— His Principle in giving — On Total Income — All Churches assisted — His Interest CONTENTS xili and Help given to pay off Debts — Total Abstinence — Signing the Pledge — The Scene at the Meeting — His P'ondness of Welsh Singing— The Ferndale Choir—" St. John "—The Effect of Singing — Music in the Home — Religion in the Home — In Business and Everywhere, etc. ...... 1 67-1 87 CHAPTER IX HIS LATTER DAYS Man Stands in the Centre of Nature — Lewis Davis a great Worker — The Soul of a large Business, of Political, Educational, and Philanthropic Movements — The Living Centre of many Concerns — -Best in his own Home — Signs of Failing Health — Longing for Rest — Resting at Langland — Dr. Rawlings of Swansea — Dr. Russell Reynolds of London — Gradual Loss of Sensation — A Deputation of his Employees — Touching Scene — The Writer's Pastoral Visit to Langland — His Resignation, Calmness, and Peaceful anticipation of Death — His last Sabbath — Last Hymn Sung — Parting with his Children — The Writing on the Wall — His Peaceful Death— The Sad News — Universal Sorrow — The Press — Lord Aberdare's Testimony, etc. .... 1S9-209 CHAPTER X HIS FUNERAL The Mumbles Cemetery— The Peaceful Resting-place— The Service at the House— The large Choir— The Singing of the Old Tune— The Representatives who Attended — All Interests, Churches, and Sections of the Community Represented — The Address at the Chapel— The Service at the Grave-side— Dr. Saunders's Impres- sion — The Report in the Sotttk Wales Daily Nezvs — The Gift to the Infirmary— The Rev. I). W. Williams, Fairfield— The Gift of a Site for a Chapel — The Memorial Chapel at IVrndale— His Life his best Memorial . ..... 211-232 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS No. 1. Lewis Davis 2. David Davis, Senior 3. Blaengwawr 4. Bryndderwen, Ferndale 5. Caroline Mary Davis 6. David Davis, Junior 7. Maesyffynon, Aberdare 8. Lewis Davis, aged 48 Frontispiece Facing page I 28 „ 48 52 72 96 „ 168 XV DAViD DAVIS, SENIOR. HIS PARENTS "Is there happiness below, in such a home she's shrined; The human heart can never know enjoyments more refined, Than when the sacred band is turned of filial and parental ties, That tender union, all combined of nature's holiest sympathies.' HIS PARENTS OF the Welsh famihes which have risen to eminence during the present century, none have won more fully the affections of the Welsh people, none will hold a more sacred place in the memory of the present generation, or be more deservedly enshrined in the history of the Principality, than the Davises of Blaen- gwawr, Mr. David Davis, the founder of the famil}', was a Carmarthenshire man, but when young he removed to Merthyr- Tydfil, the iron metropolis of Wales. He served his apprenticeship with Mr. Lewis, of the London Ware- house, in that town. His old master was a shrewd and fairly successful man of business. The young man was diligent, attentive, methodical, prudent, honest, and conscientious, and won his master's full confidence in a short time. Mr. Lewis in after years was wont to refer with satisfaction to the loyalty of his former apprentice, and to the confidence he felt of his doing well in after life. At that time the iron and coal trades of South Wales, especially on the " hill district," were rapidly developing. 4 A NOBLE LIFE and capitalists from all parts of the country were attracted by the optimistic reports of untold wealth abounding in the Welsh hills. The so-called " hill district " embraced all the valleys from Neath to Abergavenny. Villages and towns were springing forth all over the line, new works were being opened out, and the throbbing of nev/ life was manifest in the commerical interests of the Principality. The great capitalists of those days were chiefly Englishmen, prominent among whom were the Crawshays of Gyfarthfa, the Guests of Dowlais, Thompson of Pen- darren, Hill of Pentrebach, Bailey of Nantyglo, Homphrey of Ebbw Vale, and others less known. Mr. David Davis possessed a retentive memory, a ^ practical turn of mind, and from his younger days was studiously observant of men and tilings. He never whiled away time, or was triflingly employed. If he chanced to meet an engineer, surveyor, farmer, joiner, miner, etc., he would endeavour to enter into conversa- tion about his particular trade or profession, would ask questions, and in this wise draw all the practical in- formation from his friend ; at the same time turning it over in his own mind, and laying it aside for some future day. In after years he was able to reap what he had previously been sowing. After serving his time at the London Warehouse he removed to Hirwain, where he commenced business for himself. Hirwain, with its coal and iron works, was HIS PARENTS 5 then a lively and prosperous place. True, the prosperity of those days must not be tested by the same standard as that of later years. The people worked harder and longer, they lived in small cottages, enjoyed plain food, and were absolutely ignorant of many of the common luxuries of the present day. They were strangers to the educational, social, and moral privileges of the present generation. They were not without their enjoyments, but these were drawn from other sources. They were not without their heroes, their poets, and musicians, their men of genius and of sterling worth ; but they lived under conditions, and displayed their talents in ways peculiar to their own times. Not a few of the old Hirwain families of those days v/ill find a place in the temple of fame, on account of their talents and especially their noble deeds. Mr. Davis, after he had established his business, prompted by belief in the universal law, that a well- chosen wife is an essential condition in the just man's happiness, sought the hand of Miss Lewis, of Merthyr- Tydfil, a niece of his old master, in whom he found a truly devoted helpmate. Mr. and Mrs. Davis believed in Providence, and also in the old proverb which says that Providence helps those who help themselves. They never expected Providence or other people to do for ihcm what they could do for thcm.sclves. Like Benjamin PVanklin, their convictions 6 A NOBLE LIFE were embodied in active service. They were determined to do their duty faithfully and well, and to co-operate loyally with each other. They put all their energies honestly into their business. " All work," said Carlyle, " even cotton-spinning, is noble ; work is alone noble. All true work is sacred ; were it but true hand labour, there is in it something of divineness." They found pleasure in their work, and their best doing was their greatest enjoyment. They saw that labour is good for the bracing of energies to conquest, and that the sweat of toil is honour-giving to the brow at set of sun. They prospered in their endeavours, and experienced the truth of Milton's line when he said, " the work under our labours grows." The premises in which they carried on their business became too small, and the London Warehouse was erected. This was considered a great undertaking in those days, but the wisdom of Mr. Davis was fully justified in the further development of the busi- ness. Each movement was an advance, and prepared the way for a wider scope of activity and greater prosperity. They were always able to seize the opportunity and to make the best use of it ; consequently the tide was steadily flowing. They believed that riches spring from economy, and that he who wrestles well strengthens his nerves and sharpens his skill. The London Warehouse developed into one of the most important business houses in the district. The HIS PARENTS 7 confidence of the masses was won. Longfellow's lines convey the sentiments practised — "Let us, then, be what we are and speak what we think, And in all things keep ourselves loyal to truth, And the sacred professions of friendships." We have often been amused and interested as we have listened to the animated conversations carried on by the old folk at Hirwain respecting the superior merits of Mr. and Mrs. Davis of the London Warehouse. One would contend with considerable zeal that they owed their prosperity to the wise foresight, practical keenness, and managing ability of Mr. Davis. A second would contend with equal warmth that, humanly speaking, the success must be attributed more especially to the popularity of Mrs. Davis. It was said that she had won the confidence of the women of the district for miles away, that an article which had been sanctioned by Mrs. Davis (especially if it had passed through her hands) was always considered good. Both these statements were true, and their individual efforts, blended together by hearty co-operation, and sanctioned by a good Providence, rendered prosperity almost inevitable. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were blessed with eight children, five sons and three daughters. When Mr. Davis resided in Merthyr - Tydfil he attended the Wesleyan Chapel at Fontmorlais, and after his removal to Hirwain he identified himself with the S A NOBLE LIFE Methodist Church. The Society was small, but amongst the few there were some stalwart Christians, Wesleyan Methodists of the old type, but as in " wall and roof are many a perl," there were perls among the few at Hirwain. Mr. Davis identified himself with the Society, and ere long occupied a prominent position in the councils of the Society at Hirwain and the whole circuit. The circuit in those days included the various Societies from the Vale of Neath to Pontypool. The preachers had long distances to travel, and were ev^er and anon dependent upon the hospitality of their friends. The London House was always open to the preachers, and became one of the most hospitable of homes. The preachers' room was kept sacred, and parents and children were always delighted to welcome these hard-worked messengers of peace. The Sabbath was not divided ; but from early morn till late at night was kept as a sacred day for worship. The children were taken to all the services in the little chapel. In the morning, at seven o'clock, there was a prayer-meeting, which was regularly attended by several members of the family. The services (about ten in the morning and at six in the evening), the Sunday school, a catechumen class, a singing class, were all put in during the day. We have often heard Mr. Lewis Davis and Mr. David Davis refer with pathetic tenderness to those good old times; and during the last few years of her life, when . HIS PARENTS 9 residing at Blaengwawr, Mrs. Davds would revel in bringing back those happy days at London House and the Sundays' services at Hirvvain. One of the last Sundays Mr. Lewis Davis spent at Bryndderwen Ferndale, he said to the writer, " I remember those Sabbath days at Hirwain, and especi- ally the Sunday evenings, with great pleasure. The preacher would almost invariably stay at my father's house, and we children were always glad to have him. The leader of the singing would generally accompany the preacher, and after supper we had a good deal of singing, and the preacher would tell us all about his travels since his last visit. The conversations were deeply interesting. I remember old Hugh Hughes, grandfather of Hugh Price Hughes, M.A., one of our greatest favourites, he was chairman of the district and a good man ; John Davies, stern, straight, good preacher, a rigid teetotaler, but greatly beloved when known ; William Evans, of whom we used to think as a great theologian ; Thomas Aubrey, the greatest orator (he was my father's greatest friend) ; Rowland Hughes, the ablest divine ; William Rowlands, the eminent antiquarian, the zealous abstainer, stern and abrupt, but as tender-hearted as a child (he and my mother were great friends) ; the silver trumpet, William i^owell, — we always called him Powell Bach — a special favourite ; the gentlemanly and well-informed Isaac Jenkins ; the sweet-voiced preacher, Robert Williams ; the all-powerful Owen Owen ; the lo A NOBLE LIFE popular Lewis Williams, John Rees, and many others — good, good men ! they were happy days that we spent at the old London House, Hirwain." The more we know about the home at Hirwain the more deeply are we convinced that it was the centre of cordial co-operation prompted by love, where peace dwelt and joy inspired each heart, where a large- hearted generosity was cultivated, and where the young members of the family were trained for nobler spheres of usefulness. As the children grew up to maturity Mr. Davis, ever observing the signs of the times, commenced a second business at Mill Street, soon followed by a third in Aberdare, which was rapidly developing into a larger place. The retail business did not provide sufficient scope for the father and his capable sons, hence they entered the wholesale trade, in which they found additional facilities for greater development. With regard to Mr. Davis's business tact, foresight, and sagacity, many tales were freely circulated, some of which, while manifesting considerable shrewdness, failed to give a true representation of his moral integrity ; one of these, which was very widely circulated through various publications of the press, we were told, on the authority of Mr. Lewis Davis not long before his death, was absolutely untrue. It was said that several friends had gone to London with a view of purchasing goods, and that Mr. Davis at HIS PARENTS n an early hour, and without the knowledge of his fellow- merchants who had travelled together with him to the Metropolis, bought up all the tallow in the market, by which stroke of sharp practice he pocketed a thousand pounds. Such an action, looked at from a worldly standpoint, might suggest shrewdness, but it would also suggest a low standard of morality, unworthy of a Christian gentleman. Mr. Lewis Davis in his latter days was sorry that he had not contradicted it when it was first circulated, " because," he said, " my father was never capable of such unworthy tactics." I have made inquiries of others with whom Mr. Davis was intimately associated in various transactions, and all agree that such practices were absolutely out of harmony with the whole tendency of his life. A man of business who can stoop to such dealings may succeed in making money, but he will fail to win the confidence of others, or the joy of a good conscience. Mr. Davis was a man of his word, a man of honour and of a noble reputation. He said in action — " Mine honour let me try, In that I live and for that will I die." After years of steady progress as a retail and wholesale merchant he was influenced by a personal friend to make his first attempt as a colliery proprietor at Cefn Rhigos. It was a small undertaking, but it prepared the way for something greater to follow. In a similar way lilaengwawr was pressed upon him by a 12 A NOBLE LIFE reliable and trusted friend. He yielded somewhat re- luctantly to this greater enterprise. He was not satisfied for some time that the cloud pointed in that direction ; he knew that it would tax all his energies and take away from his other business, which was very important, all his time, attention, and capital. Mr. Davis was prudent in his movements, and would never take up anything hastily, but after due thought he entered into the enterprise boldly, determined to do all in his power to carry it through. Sinking operations were commenced, and after a somewhat protracted and anxious time the coal was discovered and success secured. He now made Blaengwawr his home, leaving one of his sons in the old home at Hirwain, Mr. and Mrs. Davis were sorely tried in breaking away from their old friends at Hirwain, but their attachment to their old neighbours continued up to the end. Blaengwawr was snugly situated under the shadow of the mountain, and, as the name suggests, facing the first rays of the dawn and the rising sun. Merthyr- Tydfil mountain and Dare valley were ever near, and at times presented a majestic appearance. Mr. Davis and his family were now environed by a new set of circumstances. Their opportunities and responsibilities brought them into business relationships with a different class of merchants ; men of education and culture, specially trained, and qualified for their several positions ; men of other nationalities, languages, religions, HIS PARENTS 13 and men who were more anxious to make a good bargain than to make for righteousness. To pass from one set of circumstances to another which is higher and more exacting is one of the tests of ability and principle, where good and capable men have often failed. As Matthew Arnold truly says, " Change doth unknit the tranquil strength of men." To mount the heights of position with grace and dignity can only be accomplished by the man of capacity and principle. Some men as they pass up higher in the prosperity of the world are lost sight of by their old friends and companions ; but such men are not happy, because in the experience of not a few there are apartments in their souls which were once tenanted by humility, sympathy, love, and hospitality, but are now deserted, and the rooms are filled with pride, vanity, and earthly things. Mr. Davis passed from one set of circumstances to another with the naturalness and grace of a Christian nobleman. The faith reposed in him by his old neigh- bours and friends never suffered for a moment ; their con- fidence in him and their admiration for him continued to the end of his days. Of the true great man it is truly said that " Change cannot sever the ties that bind souls ; through mortal years they last for ever." The rapid development of the colliery and the steady growth of the mining operations demanded a great deal of his time ; the withdrawal of his sons from the other branches of business which had hitherto taken up the 14 A NOBLE LIFE whole of their time, and the concentration of all their time and energies upon the extension of the coal trade, became a necessity. The iron trade had grown into a thriving industry ; the Dowlais Iron Works was said to be the largest of its kind in the world ; Gyfarthfa was nearly as large, while Rhymney, Tredegar, Ebbw Vale, Nantyglo, Blaina, Sirhowy, Plymouth, Pendarren, Gadeys, Hirwain, Llanelly, Blaenavon, Abersychan, and other smaller works gave employment to a large number of men. Anthony Bacon, a London merchant, assisted by other practical men, had laid the foundation of the Gyfarthfa, which was then the property of the Crawshays. Lewis of Van, a descendant of Ivor Bach, had commenced a small iron works at Dowlais, but its development was brought about by the Guest family ; while Samuel Homfrey, after a somewhat rough and enterprising career, laid the foundation of the Pendarren Works. The making of iron was the one great aim of capitalists, upon which they concentrated all their skill and ingenuity ; and for the greater part of a century this was the great industry of South Wales, which gave employment to so many, and in connection with which so many fortunes were made. The sea coal, which has since grown into such gigantic proportions, was then an undeveloped industry. Mr. Davis was one of the pioneers of this trade as well as one of its most worthy representatives up to the time HIS PARENTS 15 of his death. The superiority of the four-feet seam coal for steam purposes was first discovered by the Waun- Wyllt family, but in the vast extension of it Messrs. David Davis & Sons will ever hold a leading place. The steady growth and prosperity of the Blaengvvawr enterprise gave a new impetus to the coal trade of South Wales, especially in the Aberdare and adjoining valleys. Mr. Davis and his sons were actively employed in Cardiff, London, Paris, and other important centres of business at home and abroad, and were on the stream of prosperity. They were offered and purchased the Abercwmboy colliery near Mountainash, and some time after they commenced operations at Ferndale, in the Rhondda Fach, which was followed by abundant success. This steady, upward, onward course in the history of Mr. Davis of Blaengvvawr, as Thomson so truly says, shows that — "There is a power viiiscen that rules the Illimitable world, that guides its motions from The brightest &tar, to the least dust of this sin-tainted niouhl." The firm known as David Davis & Sons had attained a leading position, and had won a reputation amongst the great firms of the country, second to none, and fr(;m a moral standpoint was an example to many. Mr. Davis was a man of few words, but always a man of his word. lie took an interest in educational and philanthropic movements, but shrank from publicity. 1 6 A NOBLE LIFE It was only under considerable pressure that he would appear on any public platform, and then because he desired to support such movements as were likely to improve the welfare of his fellow-men. He was an intelligent and loyal patriot, and with his neighbours, Mr, D. Williams (Alaw Goch) and Mr. Thomas of Ysguborwen, pointed out to his fellow-countrymen that in the market of the world there were openings for Welshmen to do business. The example of these good men has been followed by other Welshmen, as the result of which the old feeling of slavery is dying out, and one of buoyancy and equality has stimulated the inhabitants of Old Cambila into new life. Larse fortunes had been made in South Wales, but they were made by Englishmen who lived elsewhere, and who looked upon the Welshman as an inferior being, capable of hard work, who used a strange language, and must be kept down. The Englishmen who came to reside in Wales, with few exceptions, were bigoted churchmen, or, if they were not originally so, they soon went over to the church. This fact increased the estrangement betvv'een the masters and their men. True, Mr. Bacon, the founder of Gyfarthfa, endeavoured to learn the verna- cular, and became interested in his workmen, associated with the bards, and in various ways showed considerable interest in the Welsh people ; but after a time he left the district and went to reside elsewhere. HIS PARENTS J7 The father of Sir John Guest was a Wesleyan local preacher, and assisted considerably in the erection of the Wesleyan Chapels at Pontmorlais and Dowlais. His brother, Mr. T. R. Guest, was also a Methodist local preacher up to the time of his death ; but Sir John him- self became a churchman. The Crawshays, Baileys, Waynes, and the landowners were separated from the people, excepting in the position of masters and employees, and between them there was nothing deeper than surface relationship. The wealth of Wales was in the hands of EngfHsh- men and churchmen, who rightly or wrongly were looked upon by the people as intruders. The Welsh people were poor, dissatisfied, and crushed. The honest historian, looking back through the clearer light of the present century, cannot justly condemn the demands that were put forth by the masses, in which they asked for better conditions of life. What with the long hours, small earnings, the truck system — without schools, libraries — boys and girls, and even the mothers, taken under- ground, and all working hard, only a bare existence was possible. All this, while the foreigners came, made large fortunes, and then went elsewhere to enjoy the benefit of them. This was not likely to produce in the minds of the people the confidence and hope essential to the happiness of individuals or the nation as a whole. The Welsh people were not able to draw any com- fort out of their past history. They had been conquered ; 1 8 A NOBLE LIFE efforts had been made to stamp out their language and nationahty, and to coerce them into religious forms of worship to which they very strongly objected. To find that the natural wealth of Wales was streaming into the pockets of the Englishman, giving him greater power and authority, widened the breach and increased the strangeness, not to say the hatred that existed in the heart of the Welshman. In the literature, conversation, music, and even in the worship of the Welsh people, the minor strain was unmistakable. Rightly or wrongly the Englishman was looked upon as an intruder, if not as an enemy. Mr. David Davis of Blaengwawr became, with Mr. Williams, Ynyscynon (the father of Judge Williams), and Mr. Thomas, Ysguborwen (father of Mr. D. Thomas the Member of Parliament for Merthyr-Tydfil), a pioneer in the national uplifting of the Welsh people. Mr. Davis was an intelligent W^elshman ; he believed that the world was open to his fellow-countrymen, and that by diligent effort, honest dealing, and faith in God, all these obstacles might be overcome. He was a Non- conformist, from deep and intelligent conviction, and his consistency, loyalty, and fidelity to the principles he professed in his younger and less prosperous days were never weakened or beclouded in his later years. He lived among his own people, worshipped with them, was interested in their families, in the education of their children ; in times of trouble, sorrow, bereavement, HIS PARENTS 19 he was their friend and helper, and many of his workmen looked up to him as a father and guide. He estabhshed a school for the education of their children, and assisted them in erecting their chapels. As a Wesleyan Methodist his influence, intelligence, and generosity, especially throughout South Wales, were of permanent help. In conjunction with the Revs. Dr. Thomas Jones and Thomas Aubrey the Chapel Loan Fund was formed for the Welsh districts. By this fund a considerable number of struggling chapels were delivered from the bondage of heavy debts, and the churches concerned were better able to go on with their spiritual work. In connection with the erection of the Aberdare, Merthyr-Tydfil, Rhigos, Mountainash, and other chapels in the circuit, his wise counsels, generosity, and influence were freely given, and to ministers and people were of very great encouragement. His sympathies were not limited to locality, district, or nation. He was a Connexional Methodist, and in him Home and Foreign Missions, Chapel and School Funds, and all other institutions of his own Church found an intelligent and fearless supporter. During the Reform agitation, notwithstanding that one of his sons was one of the most influential and active of reformers, Mr. Davis, senior, continued an unflinching and zealous defender of the Wesleyan Conference. Perhaps in no part of the country was the Wesleyan Conference more unjustly represented and 20 A NOBLE LIFE more shamefully abused than it was throughout the Merthyr-Tydfil circuit. And in no part of the British isles was it more ably defended. The Rev. Rowland Hughes, one of the strongest men in the Welsh pulpit, was the superintendent of the circuit ; Mr. Davis, Blaengwawr, and Mr. Robert Jones, Merthyr, were the circuit stewards ; and their grasp of the situation, ability in defence, and strength of character, during that painful controversy, reflected great credit both on themselves and the body they represented. We must pause here in order that we may consider the important place occupied by Mrs. Davis in the build- ing up of the home and the business. Her position and influence at Hirwain we have previously referred to. Mrs. Davis was endowed with natural ability far above the average. Her training was chiefly in the wide temple of observation and experience. She had a marvellous memory. When living at Hirwain she carried all their business accounts in her memory, which was far more convenient than any book. After re- moving to Blaengwawr, the plans of the colliery, the men who were working in each branch, their names, homes, families, earnings, and the principal facts in their lives were all at her finger-ends. She was equally well informed in the general history of the town and district, especially as regards its commercial and religious movements. She resolutely declined to worship ceremony, cant, fashion, pride, or HIS PARENTS 21 society. She was thoroughly independent and had a strong will. She believed that there were no tricks in plain and simple faith. She never allowed social custom to become the arbiter and rule of her life. She taught and found true worth. Her attachment to old friends was as refreshing as a summer breeze. Jeremy Taylor says that some friends are made by nature, some by contact, some by interest, some by souls. At Hirwain, nature, circumstances, and religion were the cords of friendship which united her to so many. She was always delighted when in conversa- tion witii old friends, and during their absence they were warmly cherished in her thoughts. If she heard of any of them in trouble, her sympathy, if necessary, would create a channel through which to help and cheer them. Her acts of kindness were known only to those who were directly concerned either in conveying or receiving her gifts. Some people judged her as a woman who was more worldly than religious, more intent upon making a fortune here than hereafter, and a less ardent if not a passive Christian. This was not the conclusion come to by those who knew her best and were best able to judge. True, she was not so demonstrative in relating her experience as were some other members of the Church ; but her real earnestness was second to none. Her interest was more manifest in thoughtful service, which embraced all the details and circumstances of the Church, than in 2 2 A NOBLE LIFE impulsive outbursts of devotion. She would be more likely to forget herself in loving service like Martha than in singing herself away with Mary. During the last few years of her life, it was the privilege of the writer as her pastor to know her mind with regard to her past life and future prospects ; she would talk freely about her career, and with great calmness would review it, judge, justify, or condemn the course taken. With equal calmness she would anticipate the future. At that time she was living alone in the Blaengwawr House ; Mr. David Davis had passed into his rest, 20th May 1866, a comparatively young man. His life had been a steady growth ; he had been going onward and upward almost without a break. This Vv'as characteristic of him as a Christian. His religious experience, his influence for good, and the position he occupied in the religious life of the Church were steadily progressive, as the shining light, until he passed within the veil into the life and light of heaven. In the Wesleyan Church in South Wales, amongst the commercial men throughout the country, and especi- ally in the town of Aberdare (in the growth of which place he had been one of the most important factors), his loss was affectionately and deeply felt. Of the ten children of Mr. and Mrs. Davis, Catherine, a sweet girl, died before she was twelve years of age. Margaret married the Rev. Mr. Hutchinson, a Presby- HIS PARENTS 23 terian minister at Greenock, where she died i ith Sept- ember 1852, aged twenty-nine years. Jane, who became the wife of Dr. Thomas, a native of Glyn Neath, went out to AustraHa in 1852, where she had not long resided in her new home before she was called up higher into the presence of the King. Charles, the fourth son, who married Miss Todd of Merthyr-Tydfil, a most genial, intelligent, and promising young man, after a very brief period in his newly made home, was also, to the great sorrow of many outside of his own family, called away from this cold world. He died 13th May 1865. Frederick, the youngest son, went out to Australia, where he continued for some years, but returned to Blaengwawr to die. He passed away 20th July 1876. He was a young man of great ability and promise, and with his friends a great favourite. Louisa became the wife of Mr. Thomas Joseph, a well-known colliery proprietor in South Wales, and resided for years at Blaenycwn, Rhondda Valley, and afterwards at Barry. Mrs. Joseph died at Llandrindod, July 1887. Mary Anne, the only surviving daughter, married the Rev. Robert Rees, an eminent Wesleyan minister, a native of Machynlleth, who, after travelling in several important circuits in England and Wales, died at Aberdovey in 1867. His early death cut short a life of great promise, and the Meth- odist Church, which expected much from him, was dis- appointed. His son, the Rev. R. Montgomery Rees, B.A,, is following in his father's footsteps, and has already 24 A NOBLE LIFE rendered good service to the Church of Christ. This is equally true of his daughters, Mrs. Dr. Rawlings of Swansea, and her sister, the late wife of the Rev. T. H. Rawlings, whose beautiful Christian life is well known in the various circuits in which they laboured. Mrs. Davis had passed through a series of trials, each successive stage making a deeper impress upon her mind and gradually loosening her hold of this world. The death of Mr. Fred, coming after that of so many of her children, cut deeply into her soul. Mr. William, her eldest son, who married Miss Price of Bridgend, had long since settled down in that town, and with his family growing up, his many duties in connection with his business and public engagements, was able to see his mother only occasionally. The same pressure of business was true with regard to Mr. Lewis Davis. Mr. David Davis, however, continued to reside at Maesyffynon and near his mother up to the time of her death. It would be impossible to speak too kindly of his watchful care, and the constant attention he used to give to his mother in her declining years. During the last two years of her life it was the privilege of the writer, excepting holiday time or when prevented by very special engagements, to spend a part of one afternoon every week at Blaengwawr, and frequently Mr. David Davis would be present. The conversations were deeply interesting. Mrs. Davis lived considerably in the past, and herself formed a link with HIS PARENTS 25 the past business and religious life of South Wales. Her memory was most retentive, and her descriptions of men and social and public movements were intensely realistic and most valuable. It was a real delight to listen to her outspoken descriptions of persons she had known, and with whom she had come into business transactions, or had been religiously associated with. She meant what she said and said what she thought, and she said what she thought and had to say in plain language with transparency and force. The deep hold the principles of religion had taken of her was as clear as day. The strength of her character, the vigour of her mind, and her undaunted courage and determination to do that which she considered was right, were equally conspicuous in her conversations. Religious experience took up more and more of her thoughts, and entered into her meditations and conversa- tions, giving her greater faith in God and peace of mind in the anticipation of the future. The Word of God was a source of daily comfort, and she found great help in recalling great thoughts she had heard in sermons by some of the eminent ministers she had known. The name of an old minister would sometimes bring with it the interpretation he had given to some passage of Scripture, or some vivid illustration which had riveted the truth into her soul. Like her husband she was modest in giving her own 2 6 A NOBLE LIFE experience, and was more likely to say less than more of the joy and gladness of her own soul. " She lived more in the kitchen than in the drawing-room of religion as well as of life generally " was the remark of one who had known her all through life. She thought about many of the poor people around her and particularly her old neighbours, and her kindness towards them failed not. Her confidence in Christ was unwavering. She would sometimes say that in heaven there were more of her dear ones than on earth, and that she looked forward to that life of love with great satisfaction. She passed away in peace, trusting in the merits of Jesus Christ, and was interred in the same grave as her husband, in the cemetery attached to the old Parish Church of Aberdare. The funeral was private, the service at the grave was short and simple, and there were only a few present, but amongst the older inhabitants at Aberdare and Hirwain there was deep and widespread sorrow. Many said, " We shall not see the like of her again." Of Mrs, Davis, Blaengwawr, it could be truly said that she never shirked her duty. She was diligent, industrious, and ever on the alert for opportunities, and ready to make the best of them. She was an honest, upright, genuine Christian lady. She was strong enough to resist all temptations and inducements to break away from what appeared to her to be the path of duty. Social life had no charm for her. She found her HIS PARENTS 27 pleasure in doing that which she thought right and not in striving to justify a life of pleasure and costly show. She fought a good fight, and she kept without waver- ing her faith in God, and relied on Him and the powers He had given her to do her duty. Her life was made a blessing to many others. Her children owe much to her, and her children's children will not fail to call her blessed ; while many others will be better because of the useful life of Mrs. Davis, Blaengwawr. The connection of the family with the Aberdare Valley at present rests chiefly upon the past. They will ever hold a prominent place in the history of the early commercial, social, and religious life of the towns and villages on the Cynon and the Dare rivers ; and the energy, wisdom, honesty, and generosity of the Blaengwawr family in laying the foundation and de- veloping the prosperity of the inhabitants in those valleys, will be mentioned with admiration for generations to come. "The wintry blast of death Kills not the buds of virtue ; no, they spread Beneath the heavenly beams of brighter suns, Through endless ages, into higher powers." < o w HIS EARLY DAYS *' The youth of the soul is everlasting, And eternity is youth." " How bright is j'outh ! How bright it gleams, With its illusions, Aspirations, dreams." HIS EARLY DAYS A /r R. LEWIS DAVIS, the third son of Mr. David "^ ■*" Davis of Blaengwawr, was born at Hirwain, June 2 1, 1829, To be born into a prosperous, intelligent home, under the guidance, control, and protection of godly parents, is to inherit one of the kindest bounties of the skies. "Home is tlie resort of love, of joy, of peace and plenty, Where supporting and supported, polished friends, And dear relations mingle into bliss." At home the heart seeks and finds repose, and is most tenderly susceptible to pure, noble, and kindly influences. There young and old breathe freely, and draw into their life-blood whatever elements are con- tained in the atmosphere. The godly homes of England are the secret of our national happiness and the bulwarks of our strength. A home the moral atmosphere of which is pure, lighted with a craving for knowledge, warmed by the vestal fire of love, redolent with Christian graces, inspired by lofty ideals, and governed by the Spirit fjf Christ, is the most powerful formative of character, and an invaluable inheritance to any young person. 31 32 A NOBLE LIFE The theory of Scripture with regard to home Hfe is clear and rigidly enforced. Life is to be regulated by the principle that prevention is better than cure. Parents are not at liberty to make experiments with the lives of their children ; it is their duty to train them up in the way of purity, righteousness, and usefulness from the beginning. Mr. Lewis Davis was born into such a home, and all through life he never failed to acknowledge his indebted- ness to a kindly Providence which had given him such a home, and especially to his parents, whose loving care and exemplary conduct had given him such a start in life. The local schools were made use of, and at an early age the lad of the London Warehouse displayed considerable capacity for acquiring knowledge. The elementary principles were quickly mastered, and a deeply rooted desire and determination to acquire an accurate knowledge of men and things became the ruling passion of his life. When very young, books became his daily com- panions ; he cultivated an appetite for reading, which continued to grow with his growth and to live with him all through life Their influence upon him was deep and permanent, and in his wanderings through the world they lived in his life ; they consoled, comforted, and strengthened him. He looked upon them as the great legacies of the greater minds and the noblest possession HIS EARL V DA YS 33 of true manhood. True to his Welsh genius, his prefer- ence for poetry was manifest. Like young Coleridge, " his eyes made pictures when they were shut." He dreamed dreams about his own future, which left their impress upon his mind to the end of his days. One of his favourite poets lived in a small mansion, near which flowed a beautiful stream, and on its banks were pleasant walks among shaded trees, where the poet delighted to spend much of his time. Such a life was his ideal ; he often thought over it in his own mind and longed for the realisation of it at some future time. Trebanog, a small mansion on the way from Hirwain to Penderin, in many respects was so much like his ideal home that he often wished to have it as his future residence. He was sometimes privileged to visit the place, and to walk the banks of the limpid stream under the shades of the trees ; he would talk, sing, and whistle with the birds, and then listen to nature as if he expected her to speak to him, to reveal some of her secrets and to invite him to dwell with her. His mind would ofttimes find rest at Trebanog as his future home ; and who will say that these musings in nature's great sanctuary (often described as dreamland, as wild reckless fancies) were not uplifting in their tendencies, and powerful forces in the shaping of his more perfect manhood ? Demophilus was right when he said, "It is with youth as with plants ; from the firstfruits they bear we learn what may be expected from them in the future." 3 34 A NOBLE LIFE The morning of life is like the dawn of day, full of purity, of imagery and harmony. And as Richter with equal beauty writes, " The lovely time of youth is our Italy and Greece, full of gods, temples, and bliss." Building castles in the air is not to be put down as absolute folly, the walks and talks in dreamland are not always a waste of time, and young people may ofttimes find companions more dangerous than the inhabitants of Fairyland. Many a young man who built his castle in the air in the days of his youth has in after years erected a magnificent temple on a solid foundation. These imaginary dreams at Trebanog entered into the life-blood of Mr. Lewis Davis when a lad at Hirwain, and at intervals in his after-life they came up again and again. A year or two before his death, accompanied by his family, he visited those interesting scenes about Hirwain, and only a very short time before his death he mentioned to the writer these visions of his youth. From childhood the Sunday school, the services at the Wesley an Chapel at Hirwain, the preachers who were regularly welcomed to his home, the choir and those who took any public part in the services to him were ot paramount interest.^ After successfully passing through the various educational institutions within easy reach of home he ^ He joined heartily with other boys in the games, and his pluck in defending other boys from bullies was well known. He was a good cricketer and a fearless lover of fair play. HIS EARL V DA YS 35 proceeded to Wesley College, Sheffield. This wise arrangement all through life proved a great advantage to Mr. Lewis Davis. Dr. Waddy was the governor, and, assisted by an eminent staff of teachers, the young Welshman speedily realised the benefits of the institution. The governor was admirably qualified for the position ; his never-failing sympathy, his genial disposition, his strong vein of humour, his generous treatment of the students, his dignity and personal character, won for him the deep affection of all the young men. The students were the sons of leading Methodist families. The love of moral beauty had grown up with many of them, and the interchange of pure thought and honourable aims would come upon them like instincts unawares. Mr. Lewis Davis was just the man to profit from such an institution. Like other young men, during his stay there he formed new and helpful companionships. Dr. Waddy found in him a young man of great promise, one whose knowledge of the fundamental truths of Christianity, whose clear sense of right and wrong, of honourable dealing, and whose firm grasp of great prin- ciples were far above the average. While at Wesley College, and some time after, it was the intention of his parents that he should enter the legal profession, and on his leaving that college he proceeded to a solicitor's office. The confinement in the office for eleven hours, together with the drudgery of law books, was more than his system could withstand. Writing to 36 A NOBLE LIFE one of his old companions at Sheffield College, he said, " It is the sure way to an early death," and, like his brother Charles, he was obliged to give up the legal profession and to return to his father's business. Writing to the same friend some time after he says, " I am now happily situated at home, and working with my father, which is far better for my health." After finally settling down at Hirwain and joining his father in the business (which at that time had become a very important one, and was rapidly increasing), he found time for reading and taking an active part in Church matters. At the age of eighteen he wrote to his old college friend with whom he talked his heart-secrets : " You very kindly asked if I had experienced a change of character : I certainly have ; for I am what the Bible calls almost a Christian. I am not yet a member of Society, and do not intend to be until I see myself which sect approaches nearest my own views and opinions of the Sacred Word, for which purpose I make a practice of reading a portion of Scriptures every day. May the Lord give me under- standing enough to see in the right way." Those who were sufficiently acquainted with Mr. Lewis Davis, during his years of maturity, will recognise in this quotation a true description of the man. From birth he had been cradled in Wesleyan Methodism, his parents were closely allied with that Church, his friends were connected with it, his own affections were deeply rooted in that soil ; he was determined, nevertheless, to HIS EARLY DAYS 37 consider the whole question carefully and prayerfully, to seek all the light he could before identifying himself with the Church. He appealed to the higher court, " the Sacred Word," the only true medium ; so that after coming to a decision, as Locke says, " he could acquit himself of judging amiss." Mr. Lewis Davis was an honest seeker after truth ; he was not studying the question with a view of delay or any unworthy motive ; he was not giving thought to the question because of any doubts with regard to Chris- tianity, or the Wesleyan Church — his one aim was to find out the truth. It was not long before he came to a decision, that it was his duty to become a member of the Wesleyan Church at Hirwain. Writing to his old friend, under date of 13th June 1849, he says: " I am not quite sure whether there has been an allusion made by either of us to our present religious state. If there has, it is quite certain that to this all-important subject too frequent reference cannot be made. I have been a member for nearly two years, and have experienced during that time some of the most transporting times, of what I am con- vinced is the joy in the Holy Ghost. For the purpose of coming into a nearer relation to each other, I should be glad of a more frequent interchange of thought and relation of Christian experience ; it may tend to make our friendship more real and lasting as well as conferring on each other an invaluable blessing." 38 A NOBLE LIFE It is evident that, when twenty years of age, Mr. Lewis Davis was conscious of the inner Hfe of Christianity, which filled his soul with " the joy of the Holy Ghost," and that, in the means of grace, from time to time he realised the transporting powers of the world beyond. He longed for closer fellowship with his old friend and for opportunities of service. Emerson very truly says that every noble activity makes room for itself. This is true in the Church. The Christian who has any real desire for work can always find it. Mr. Lewis Davis was full of enthusiasm, and his large heart and genius for work made inactivity impossible. He was a teacher in the Sunday school, taking part in all the activities of the Church and circuit. He would often conduct prayer-meetings in cottages, visit Rhigos, a small society three or four miles away, or some other part of the circuit. We have frequently heard the old people at Hirwain and Rhigos referring to the good old times when Messrs. David and Lewis Davis used to take an active part in their various movements in the Church. They would say of Lewis that he was like an old man when a boy. Cicero said, " As I approve of a youth that has something of the old man in him, so I am no less pleased with an old man that has in him some- thing of youth. He that follows this rule may be old in body, but can never be so in mind." To find prudence, judgment, experience in the young HIS EARL V DA YS 39 man, and zeal and enthusiasm in the old man, is an unmistakable sign of greatness and goodness, especially when they are embodied in the life of the same man. We have it on the authority of Mr. Evan Rees, who came to the family at Hirwain, and who afterwards removed with them to Blaengwawr and Ferndale, that for a considerable time Mr. Lewis Davis had a sincere desire to enter the Wesleyan ministry. He lived, worked, and studied with that end in view. About that time there was a young man at Hirwain, a great friend of his, in whom he was deeply interested, who began to preach. His brother David had a similar desire. Why commerce prevailed we have never been able to ascertain satisfactorily. A prince was lost to the pulpit, but secured for commerce. To either he would have been an honour. Mr. Lewis Davis identified himself with the Wesleyan Church in July or August 1 847. At that time the business had grown into one of the most important in the district, and the father was about to embark in the coal trade. They were then a large family, all working happily together. The description of the home of the good man drawn by the Psalmist was very true in this instance. " Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord." " Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine, clinging to thy home ; thy children like olive plants round about thy table ; thy sons as plants grown up in their youth, intelligent, 40 A NOBLE LIFE good beyond their days, noble ; thy daughters as corner stones hewn after the fashion of a palace, so trained as to fit in and gracefully adorn with ease and comfort those positions in social and religious life which they were called upon to occupy ; thy garners full, affording all manner of store. Thy sheep shall bring forth thousands and ten thousands in the fields ; thy oxen will be laden, and there shall be no outcry in the streets. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord." This happy home was mysteriously entered by loving, longing, tender hearts, who captured the affections of the young people ; and in rapid succession they were drawn away by this " light from heaven " to form homes for themselves. Mr. and Mrs. Davis removed to Blaengwawr about 1 851; and Lewis Davis, with his sister Jane, continued to reside at Hirwain, having charge and full possession of the business which had hitherto been carried on by their father at the London Ware- house. About a year later Jane was married to Dr. Thomas of Glyn Neath, and went out to Australia ; and Lewis married Miss Morgan, the Graig, Merthyr- Tydfil. With the exception of Mr. Lewis, all the other members of the family had left Hirwain, and were settled down in their new homes. In the chapel, and in connection with all the public movements at Hirwain, the departure of such a large and influential family — a family so deeply be- loved — was a great loss. Several members of the family HIS EARL Y DAYS 41 were occupying important positions in other places. At Aberdare the parents were actively employed in the erection of a new Wesleyan Chapel, an elementary school for the children of their workmen, encouraging the extension and improvement of the town, and all other religious and philanthropic institutions throughout the district. Mr. David Davis, junior, resided at Mill Street, and was rapidly acquiring a noble reputation as a Christian worker. Although a modest man, he v/as in growing demand for public work in connection with every good movement. At Hirwain, Mr. Lewis Davis was recognised by all to be a great moral force. His intelligence and activity were brought into full play in Church work. His interest in all educational and national institutions, and his sage wisdom, were of great value. He was present at the early prayer-meetings ; few cottage-meetings were held which were not attended by him ; he visited the sick, the poor, and the needy ; his voice was often heard in the homes of the dying ; and his sympathy and gifts, which, without the knowledge of the left hand, were given to those who were in trouble, cheered many, and filled his soul with the "joy of the Holy Ghost." And his generous soul made others glad. Emerson says that " the gift to be true must be the flowing of the giver unto me, correspondent of my flow- ing into him." The sight of poverty or affliction which 42 A NOBLE LIFE entered his heart would bring out of it sympathy in the most sensible and helpful form. He won the hearts of the Hirwain people ; they loved him without stint ; to see him was a joy ; to hear him speak, pray, or take any part in their public meetings would kindle their enthusiasm, and many of them looked up to him as to a father. "Who soweth good seed shall surely reap; The year grows rich as it groweth old ; And life's latest sands are its sands of gold." In the midst of his prosperity and usefulness, when the sun in all his state illumined the eastern skies, the day was sweet, fresh, and full of music, in the second year of her very happy married life, his wife was taken from him, also their only child. " Death borders upon our birth," said Bishop Hall, " and our cradle stands in our grave." The greatness of such a trial can be measured only by those who have passed through similar circum- stances. About this time the rapid development of the collieries was taxing unduly the energies of his father, and Mr. Lewis Davis was invited to dispose of the business at Hirwain, and take charge of the colliery business in Cardiff. Greatly to the regret of the Hirwain people, in 1854 he removed to the growing town on the Taff. The sons, William and David, were called to manage the colliery, and Mr. Lewis became the manager of the HIS EARL V DA YS 43 selling department, the father superintending and direct- ing all the branches. In Cardiff he passed into a new sphere, in which he was called upon to treat with men of different training and greater ability. There were men of education and culture — sharp, keen, under-handed — selfishly watching for opportunities to outdo their neighbours, who had become so hardened in their habits that they were not very much troubled by conscience. Mr. Lewis Davis brought with him a tender, sensitive conscience, a well-stored mind, a high moral ideal, a deeply spiritual nature, and a bright hopefulness as to the future prosperity of the human race. He had been trained to look upon honest dealings as an essential condition in business. He had acquainted himself with the fundamental principles of justice and equity, and to embody in his own actions these convictions had been the great aim of his life. When he found himself face to face with men whose one aim seemed to be the satisfaction of selfish greed, who never troubled themselves about conscience, who studied the art of deception, and by heaven or hell were never hindered from striking a big profit-bargain, he was greatly disappointed and pained. The insincerity, the lack of courage and true manliness on the part of some who professed Christianity, and their practice of separat- ing business from religion (to which they devoted their Sundays only), pierced his soul, and the impressions 44 A NOBLE LIFE made were so deeply wrought upon his mind that up to his death-bed he would refer to them. He never yielded to the temptation of allowing his own action to be governed by the tricks in trade prac- tised in stock-broking ; but his faith in the profession of religion was considerably weakened ; and the feelings of doubt and despair he was called upon to fight against for a considerable time were to a great extent brought about by the inconsistency of many prominent professors, whose actions on 'Change were so different to their prayers and activities on the Sundays. He asked himself: " Is this a lack of knowledge as to the claims of Christianity ; or is it that these people are too weak to stand by their convictions ; or that they are of the sect of the Pharisees ? " He was under an impres- sion for a considerable time that the hyper-Calvinism, which had been for many years the most prevalent theory in the teaching of the Welsh pulpit, accounted for it. But then he found, as a set-off against that view, that other nationalities with whom he had to do were, if any- thing, worse than his fellow-countrymen ; he was obliged to seek the cause elsewhere. The problem which he was greatly perplexed over was, how any truly converted man could be anything else than a Christian in the market, at the docks, or any other place. The idea of a Christian on the Sabbath day, and a selfish, greedy, over-reaching, avaricious man on Monday, he could not tolerate, or reconcile with the teachings of HIS EARL Y DA YS 45 Scriptures. He was sore perplexed, and troubled long and deeply in his heart of hearts over the question. Christianity has ever suffered more because of the weakness of its own adherents than from open enemies. The sunshine of youthful enthusiasm and hopefulness is overcast by shadows. The confidence gives way to fear and trembling, while the ardent love is cooled by the cold, heavy, blighting doubt which passes over the Church like an easterly wind. " Our doubts are traitors," said Shakespeare, " because they make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." It is faith that fills the day with light, the future with hope, and earth and heaven with love. Take away faith, and the light gives place to night, hope dies in despair, and heaven itself is turned into an Arctic region. The death of confidence is the birth of despair. Doubt brings unrest, darkened vision, lisping speech, loneliness, and mental woes. The ship is without rudder and anchor on a shoreless sea, drifting into deeper night. ' ' No light, no life, no truth : now from my soul for ever The last dim star withdraws its glimmering ray ; Lonely and helpless, never on me, oh never ! Sliall break the dawn of the long looked -for day." Young people read Christianity in the lives of those whom they most admire more than in the 15ible and theological books; and if the men upon whom they found their convictions fail to do tiiat which is right, and that which commends itself to their judgment, their 46 A NOBLE LIFE foundation is taken away from under their feet. More- over, they must either find out a new and better set of men, or some other more satisfactory basis upon which they can found their principles, Mr. Lewis Davis had studied the fundamental doctrines of the Christian religion, and while he knew well enough that it was not the fault of Christ or Christianity that she was so unfaithfully represented in the house of her friends, he never despaired, but for a time he staggered. He read many books, studied diligently the best authors, and after reviewing, recasting, and earnestly seeking light, he came to find that his faith was stronger and his hold of Christ firmer than ever. He could say with Newman — "Time was I shrank from what was right from fear of what was wrong; I would not brave the sacred fight, because the foe was strong. But now I cast that finer sense and surer shame aside ; Such dread of sin was indolence, such aim at heaven was pride. So when my Saviour calls, I rise and calmly do my best, Leaving to Him, with silent eyes of faith and hope the rest. I step, I mount, where He has led ; then count my baitings o'er ; I know them; yet though self I dread, I love His precepts more." HIS HOME LIFE "Sweet are the joys of home, and pure as sweet ; for they, Like dews of morn and evening, come to wake and close the day. A glance of heaven to see to none on earth is given, And yet a happy family is but an earlier heaven." HIS HOME LIFE IN 1858 Mr. Lewis Davis and Miss Cross of Risca entered into holy wedlock, and most assuredly the covenant made on earth was ratified in heaven. A noble wife has heaven in her soul, and beauty and virtue shine forth brightening the lives of others. George Eliot was right in saying that a woman's lot is made for her by the love she accepts ; but it is also true that a wise, diligent woman is capable of cultivating her husband's love, and thereby improving her lot. In Lewis Davis Miss Cross found a large-hearted, tender and sympathetic, devoted and affectionate husband ; and in Miss Cross Mr. Lewis Davis found a Christian lady, whose genuine modesty, quiet gentleness, and graceful dignity made the home one of the sweetest and choicest in the land. Mrs. Davis had been brought up in a Christian home where the Sabbath day was sacredly kept, where the Bible was accepted as the one infallible guide of the individual, and religion was placed upon the throne of the family. They were generous supporters of the cause of Christ in and about Risca, and their ministrations to 4 50 A NOBLE LIFE the poor and afflicted were characterised by gentleness and Christian simpHcity. Mrs. Cross, up to the end of her Hfe, was most dih"gent in her attendance at public worship. When feeble and aged we have seen her making an effort, worthy of a heroine, to attend the sanctuary twice on the Lord's day. She enjoyed the preaching of the gospel, and profited by it. The last time the writer met with her at Bryndderwen she was failing in health, old age was pressing upon her, but she was serene and bright "And lovely as a Lapland night." Nature seemed to stand on the very verge of her confines. She walked slowly with the family in the morning to the Wesleyan Chapel, and again in the evening she sought the staff of honour for her age, and by the assistance of her grand-children she reached the Welsh Chapel for the evening service. She enjoyed the services of the day very much, and said that evening how happy she felt, how the truth had come home to her soul, and how confidently she looked forward to the future ; and the prospect of a beautiful sunset presented itself to my soul as I listened to those cheerful words from her lips on that occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Davis went to reside at Penhill, Llandaff Road, Cardiff, with every prospect of being able to make for themselves a happy home. They knew well enough that happiness is not produced by HIS HOME LIFE 51 feeding a feverish ambition for worldly honour, wealth, or social position, but rather in tender and simple affec- tion, and consistent fidelity to God and man. They knew that, as Carl3'le wrote, the grand business of life is not to see what lies dimly in the distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand. Mr. Lewis Davis had passed through a rapid succession of changes, from the quiet life at Hirwain to the great commercial arena where he had to transact business with all sorts and conditions of men. But the young merchant had a well-stored mind, and had studied the fundamental principles of political economy, commerce, and morality ; he had been endowed with a clear vision, a logical power of classification, and a manhood capable of blending prudence, courage, and enterprise. Mr. and Mrs. Davis knew that the four square walls, elaborately furnished with gilded pictures, a sumptuous table, accompanied with classic music, are not the essential conditions of true happiness. " Home is where affection dwells, Filled with shrines the heart hath builded." They built a home pure and sweet, upon vv'hich descended the dews of heaven, fresh in the morning, and repeated in the evening. Mrs. Davis, in addition to home duties, gave a good deal of time to religious and philanthropic work, as she had been in the habit of doing prior to her marriage. The demands of public work increased very much upon 52 A NOBLE LIFE Mr. Davis, while the business was extending by leaps and bounds, and he was drawn into the whirl of a gigantic commercial enterprise. He found his recreation in reading and in the love of his own family. Of children they were blessed with a full quiver, one son and six daughters. Caroline died at Aberia, North Wales, about ten years before her father. " She was a sweet new blossom of humanity, fresh fallen from God's own home to flower on earth." She was an idol of the household, and as Dickinson says " An angel of God in disguise." Miss Caroline was a truly devoted Christian from early childhood, and flourished within the Church of Christ. Many little acts of true devotion to Christ were recorded of her by her youthful companions. The following incident will suffice to give the reader a clear insight into her life. Caroline's health had been the cause of grave concern to Mr. and Mrs. Davis for some time. They had been hoping that the pure sea air of Aberia would have been helpful in preserving her health. The indications were to the contrary. On the anniversary of her birthday, the last before her death, she made a special request to her mother, that on the afternoon of that day she should have the use of the drawing-room, in which she wished to spend the time with her sisters ; that she should be the hostess, serve out the tea, and entertain the company just as she liked. CAROLINE MARY DAVIS. HIS HOME LIFE 53 The request was willingly granted. Caroline con- ducted the proceedings, according to her heart's desire. The conversations were intensely spiritual ; she selected many of Wesley's hymns, which they sang together ; then some of Sankey's hymns and tunes were brought into their devotional service. There was the beauty of simplicity. Not long after, Caroline, whose sweet thoughts had reached heaven, and through the chinks of her sickness and frail body, had given her a glimpse of its happiness, was on angels' wings borne thither. " She thought the good-night kiss was given, And like a lily life did close ; Angels uncurtained that repose, And the next waking dawned in heaven." The trial sculptured itself deeply into the hearts of the parents and children in that home, and while Christian fortitude was the governing principle in the hour of sorrow, the early departure of Caroline left a tender place, a pathetic strain, and a slackened grip of this world ever after in the life of that family. Among other papers found in her own desk after her death was one which had been written on the anniversary of her birthday afore-mentioned, which contained these words, " I, Caroline Mary Davis, do give myself afresh to God on this the anniversary of my birthday, and I pray that God will give me grace to be faithful to the end." 54 A NOBLE LIFE Such a document was more precious than rubies, and more to be desired than fine gold. Sweet child, heaven's eternal year is thine ! But her life on earth was more than gilded with the light from beyond, and the thought of her in life and death never failed to bring heaven very near to parents and family for years after. " In heaven the trees Of life, ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines Yield nectar." Of the other children similar things may be written. The home was the resort of love, of peace, and plenty. The lines of Burns were true in this instance — " Thy daughters bright thy walks adorn ! Gay as the gilded summer sky, Sweet as the dewy milk-white thorn, Dear as the rapture thrill of joy." In 1866 the brothers, David and Lewis, became partners with their father, and the firm was known there- after as David Davis & Sons. This arrangement came into operation in the beginning of that year. On the 20th of May Mr. David Davis, Blaengwawr, passed away, and the whole responsibility fell upon his sons, David and Lewis. They continued together, up to the end, loyal to each other and to the great principles of truth and righteousness embodied in the life of their father. The writer's first acquaintance with Mr. Lewis Davis was formed at Blaengwawr in the autumn of 1867. Accompanied by the Rev. Henry Wilcox, an old friend HIS HOME LIFE 55 of the family, he spent the night under the roof of that hospitable hostess, Mrs. David Davis, senior, then a widow. ]\Ir. Lewis Davis, living in Cardiff, had come up to see his brother David on business, and also to give his mother a word of cheer. At that time he was taken up very much with Theodore Parker, Emerson, Robertson of Brighton, Maurice, Colenso, the Essays and Reviews ; and the masterly way in which he grasped the situation left a deep impression upon my young mind. Mr. Lewis Davis was passing through an evolution, and many of his old ideas were giving way with regard to social and religious life, while there was dawning upon his mind the ideas of universal brotherhood, a wider view of the atonement and of the fatherhood of God. New Eneland transcendentalism was not without its charm to him, and he was not free from doubts at the time with regard to inspiration, future punishment, original sin, and other doctrines that were beyond the reach of doubt in the mind of his mother and the Methodist superintendent present. His mother intimated, in her own frank, inimitable manner, that these doubts were the inevitable results of his giving less time to religious duties, and allowing himself to be absorbed in politics and public matters. " Lewis," she said, " when you lived at Hirwain you used to read as much as you do now, if not more, you had more time to think then than you have now, but I never heard you utter these strange things then. Why? 56 A NOBLE LIFE Because you went to the prayer-meetings and class- meetings then, and I am afraid you do not now. Mr. Lewis admitted that his mother had the best of the argument, looking at it from a practical standpoint, but said that he had no doubts about the true fundamentals in Christian doctrine. Mr. Lewis Davis told the writer more than once in after years that this period of his life when living in Cardiff had been religiously the least happy and satis- factory. The abominable frauds, the dishonest tricks in trade which he had seen practised by religious professors did more to shake his faith in God than everything else. The religious atmosphere of his home, under the guidance of the Divine Spirit, was his refuge. His home at Hirwain had been throbbing with religious activities, music and conversation, and at Penhill and Preswylfa, whether Mr. Lewis Davis was at home or abroad, his faithful wife never failed to keep in the home, as the most potent influence, the Spirit of Christ. It was ever fragrant with the breath of heaven. If the scenes in commercial circles had come upon him like cold, heavy, obnoxious, easterly winds, leaving a blighting influence upon his mind, the sweet calm which ever awaited him in his own home was truly a haven of rest. " Religion, if in heavenly truths attired, Needs only to be seen to be admired." The appointment of the Rev. Robert Rees as superin- tendent of the Cardiff circuit was made to him a great HIS HOME LIFE 57 blessing. Mr. Rees was one of the most thoughtful of preachers ; his intelligent grasp of the doctrines of the Christian religion, his calmness and strength in argument, and his singular ability in marshalling his forces and in emphasising and clinching his main point made him a great power in apologetics. His life had been one of steady progression in experimental religion. They had known each other when young men, and since Mr. Rees had married Mr. Lewis Davis's own sister their influence upon each other was very considerable. During their residence in Cardiff the religious and philanthropic institutions were very generously supported. They were seen in their large-heartedness in the splendid donation which made the building at that early period of the Conway Road Chapel possible. The hand of God had been upon them for good at a time when Mr. Lewis Davis had not been as attentive to his religious duties as he felt he ought to have been ; and his highly sensitive nature prompted him to make a gift to the Cardiff circuit of £1000, £700 of which sum was given in aid of building that beautiful chapel in Canton. Several other schemes in the circuit were greatly helped by him. The painful colliery explosion at Ferndale made it incumbent upon Mr. Davis to reside in that locality. This was not a particularly attractive spot to become the home of the family at that stage in their history. The town had to be built, the roads were unmade, the 58 A NOBLE LIFE narrowness of the valley, with its high rugged mountains, made the approach to the place very difficult, especially during the inclement weather. Moreover, the facilities of the place were very limited ; schools and chapels were in course of erection, but some time must elapse before Ferndale could be con- sidered even an average place of residence. The children were small and delicate in health, with what many people in their position would describe as social^solitude awaiting them. But Mr. Lewis Davis felt that duty demanded the change, and he was not the man to be prevented from doing his duty because of minor considerations. He knew well enough the truth of what Bacon wrote in his Essays, that a crowd is not company, that faces are but a gallery of pictures, and talk in many instances nothing better than a tinkling cymbal ; so as rapidly as possible he removed his family to Ferndale, and up to the time of his death he resided among his own work-people. Ferndale developed into an important town with a large and steadily increasing population, with a better class of workmen's cottages, many Nonconformist chapels, Board schools, town hall, workmen's library, and other facilities. But the fact that Mr. Lewis Davis and the family resided in the place, lived, worshipped with his own people, with all the simplicity and naturalness of a brother-man, endeared him and his family to the inhabitants of the place. HIS HOME LIFE 59 Bryndderwen was to them a truly royal residence ; it gave the people confidence, and an overshadowing protection of which they felt proud. The influence of the home cannot be measured. It gave to the people an ideal to imitate, a high moral tone to the homes of the valley, and a pattern to all the families which proved of unmistakable advantage to the inhabitants of the town generally. Mr. Lewis Davis never failed to recognise his re- sponsibility with regard to the population which as their employees had settled down at Ferndale. He was impressed with the idea of trust placed in his hands, and that he himself would some day be called upon to give an account of his stewardship to the great Master, Author, and Founder of society. His interest in his employees followed them to their homes ; their health and cleanliness, the education of their children, the building of their chapels, and the paying off of the debts ; — in all these things he assisted them financially and in giving them counsel. Many of the inhabitants of Ferndale, who were originally like themselves from Hirwain, had followed the family, and had worked under them at l^laengwawr and Mountainash. At the home and at the works they were ever surrounded by old servants, who would cling to them like olive plants, and " Strike deeper down their roots and closer clin^ ! " Example is a living law which will secure obedience, 6o A NOBLE LIFE prompted by loyalty, more real than any written law can command. The incarnation of Christ is the great example for all time. Ben Jonson wrote — " Princes that would their people should do well, Must at themselves begin, as at the head ; For men, by their example pattern out Their imitations, and regard of laws A virtuous court, a world to virtue draws." Mr. Lewis Davis was too wise and retiring a man to dictate to others, or to assume the master, but his great ability, the nobleness of his life and actions won for him the confidence of his workmen in a very marked degree ; and they admired him as a public man, as a great employer of labour — but they said with pride, " He is our master." The family was equally interested in the welfare of the people. They worked in the Sunday school, pro- vided or assisted to provide musical entertainments for the people, and in cases of need, of affliction and bereavement, were always ready to help. During a period of protracted depression in trade, it came to Mrs. Davis's knowledge that there were many in want of food ; she sent word at once that all who were in need should go to her house. All that came day after day for many weeks were supplied, not with a can of soup, but with substantial food to take to their homes and to divide among their families, Mrs. Davis undertaking the whole cost without seeking help elsewhere. HIS HOME LIFE 6i The case mentioned was not exceptional or im- pulsive, it was the effect of a deeply rooted principle which had been embodied in the life of the family, and to which they gave systematic attention in the spending of their time and money. There were accidents at the works, there were afflictions and bereavements in the homes of the people ; there were many old workmen unable to follow their employment who, if they had been long in their service and not provided for, were pensioned off for life. In such circumstances their ministrations were woven with gentleness and loving sympathy, which crowned the gift with grace. The number of little, nameless, and unremembered visitations and loving services will, we believe, produce a very large harvest of results to their credit in the great day to come. The incidents mentioned will enable us to form an idea of the inner life of the family. We pause upon the threshold of that sacred place which we call home, and enter its courts with delicate sensitiveness. We love to think of the sacred bond which binds with nature's holiest sympathies all the members of a family ; and hope the day will never dawn on Britain when its home life will lose its sweet fellowship and its sublime mysticism. Among the many privileges of a Wesleyan minister, not the least is the opportunity of being entertained in the homes of the people. At Blaengwawr, and after- 62 A NOBLE LIFE wards at Bryndderwen, the writer was frequently, as visitor or pastor, brought into confidential intercourse with Mr. Lewis Davis and his family. We think of the home as we knew it in its glory, in its sweet and tender simplicity, when all the members of the family were at home ; when youth was bright with the prospects of the future ; when we heard the songs consecrated to truth and liberty ; and the poetry of speech — all blended together by the stronger chord of spiritual harmony. Emerson's description of the poet, with the substitution of the word " /ioine " for ^'- poet',' would be truly applicable to Bryndderwen as it appeared to those who knew it with- out being of it. One more royal trait properly belongs to the home, I mean its cheerfulness. Virtue is loved not for its obligation, but for its grace ; it delights in the world, in man, in woman, for the lovely light that sparkles for them. Beauty, the spirit of joy and hilarity, sheds its refining gentleness, not only upon the family itself but upon others who are brought under its in- fluence. A seat in the library was a profitable pleasure. " Equality is the life of conversation," said Sir R. Steele. Macaulay said that men of great conversational powers almost universally practise a sort of lively sophistry and exaggeration, which deceives, for the moment, both them- selves and their auditors. This we have seen verified time after time, but we never felt the least indication of it in conversation with Mr. Lewis Davis. He was a HIS HOME LIFE 63 great conversationalist, and perfectly at home in a great variety of subjects. He had read carefully, he had been observant always, and he pursued his studies of any particular subject until he thoroughly grasped it. He was a better-informed theologian, with one ex- ception, than any layman I have met with. He seemed to see clearly through the mysticism of Dr. Pope's Competidiuvi. Butler and Paley's w'orks he had read and thought out for himself. We have listened to him with great freedom lead on a very interesting conversa- tion on Watson's Institutes, and Calvin's also. Then we have wondered at his acquaintance with the old Puritan divines, especially Dr. Owen, Dr. Howe, Charnock, Baxter, and modern writers such as Bishop Lightfoot, Westcott, Dale, Fairbairn, and many others. Many fine thoughts would come to the surface in conversa- tion with Mr. Lewis Davis while these works were reviewed. He seemed never to be tired of talking about great preachers whom he had heard or whose works he had read. He was a great admirer of Wesley's sermons, and Robertson's of Brighton ; he could, without any effort, give a very good idea of the greater part of their sermons that were printed. But, with all, his mind reverted back almost invariably to the old Welsh preachers. Thomas Aubrey, Rowland Hughes, and William Powell (Powell Bach), Henry Recs and William Rees were his great preachers. And of all afore-men- 64 A NOBLE LIFE tioned, it is doubtful if any preacher ever captivated him like William Powell. He used to say that Powell's preaching would take him out of servitude and breathe into him a power to will and to do. His thoughts came as natural as wild flowers, and as sweet and fresh as the breath of a spring morning. Other times the political world would pass in review. The measures before the House at the time, the great speeches of Mr. Gladstone, Bright, Lord Salisbury, Randolph Churchill, and other men of leading positions. He was an intelligent admirer of Mr. Gladstone. He was always able to give a reason for the view he held. He was not a blind or half-hearted follower. He was greatly interested in the social forces that were operating throughout all civilised nations ; and instead of talking about the best method to crush them out, he would prefer endeavouring to find out the cause, and if there was any oppression or injustice which should be removed. He was too keen an observer of men and movements, and too deep a philosopher, to look on the surface of an agitation, in order to find a method of dealing with it. He would say that Fenianism, Nihilism, Socialism were the effects of something that had gone before, which must be taken away in order to bring about a better state of things. Take away the cause, and the agitation will fall to pieces. In later years his conversations became more deeply HIS HOME LIFE 65 spiritual and experimental. The great truths of the Bible, put in its own form of words, had a special charm for him. He had pondered a great deal over the char- acter of Job, and the place of man as the battlefield of the great conflict which is going on between good and evil. He studied more carefully and with great admiration the life of Abraham during the last years of his life ; and he found in him one of the finest and most worthy of imitation, particularly in this age of greed and worldly pride. Here was a man spiritually minded enough not to take large estates which were in his possession ; and who, while the whole country of Palestine was given him, never owned anything more than a grave for Sarah and himself. Such were some of the thoughts expressed by him. Our Sunday evening conversations were frequent and very interesting. He would make an effort to attend the Sunday evening service in the Welsh Wesleyan Chapel, the writer being the minister of that chapel during the last three years of his life ; and if his health allowed, he would stay to the Society meeting after the public service. He almost invariably invited the preacher to Bryndderwen after the day's work was done, and it was often a crowning blessing of the Sabbath day. Mr. Lewis Davis was not a cold, philosophic critic, or a cynical hearer. With all his information, influence, and strength of character, in the house of God his 5 66 A NOBLE LIFE position counted for nothing in his own eyes. lie sat under the ministry as a man accountable to God. In the pulpit he looked for sincerity, simplicity, and earnestness. He was not unemotional or devoid of sentiment. We have seen him carried away by his feelings with the tears streaming down his cheeks, and he himself lost in wonder, love, and praise. Good preaching had for him a special charm. He disliked a vain display of useless lore or sapless doc- trine ; the preacher, he would sometimes say, should be simple, sincere, in language plain, and in manner decent, solemn, and chaste. But when the preacher was carried away by his subject and audience, as were Welsh preachers and congregations frequently under the powerful preaching of days gone by, he allowed himself to be carried onward and upward by the flowing and rising tide as unmistakably as any member of the con- gregation, Bryndderwen was a preacher's home, where ministers of every denomination were most heartily welcomed and cordially treated. Moreover, it was in itself an attraction to ministers ; the high moral tone, intelligent conversa- tions, and the devout reverence in which spiritual things were held by every member of the family gave it a calm and dignified environment, which made the stay there most enjoyable and elevating. " The two noblest things," said Swift, are " sweetness HIS HOME LIFE 67 and light," and those qualities were as nearly crystallised in the ordinary life of the Bryndderwen family as any we have ever known, and accounted for the cheerfulness, brightness, and happiness of that home. There was an absence of the artificial aping of those who were supposed to move in the higher circles of social life. The glassy glitter and outward show, the affectation of a pompous greatness, wealth, or wisdom, which devours the deed in the self-praise, found, like Noah's dove, no alighting place in this home. Against all such shadowy vanities and high-blown bladders, Mr. Lewis Davis's whole life was one consistent and in- creasingly effective protest ; and this truth was as manifest in his home as anywhere. The great moral principles that underlie the actions of men in their home, social, or national life, with their binding obligations, were the foundation upon which this household was erected. A home founded upon such a solid basis could not fail to prove an attraction to intelligent and spiritually minded people. There was heard the song of praise as pure as the warbling of the lark, as soft and sweet as the village bells ; and melting martial airs — brisk, grave, or as sprightly as Jubal's genius could offer the world. There was poetry clothing the deepest faith, the brightest hopes, and the warmest love of the human heart ; and after uniting these graces of heaven-born 68 A NOBLE LIFE birth, filling the spirit of the home with the strength and beauty of sweet and noble thoughts — "Sweet food of sweetly utter'd thoughts." Politics, too, had its place in the home. The laws of society were fully and frequently discussed, and many eminent statesmen were often found within that family circle, unfolding their plans or listening to kindly criticism or words of commendation. Theology, patriotism, philanthropy, and religion, and a broad survey of human thought, came under review more widely than is found, excepting in similar highly cultured, intelligent, and spiritual homes. Of commerce, in the writer's knowledge of the home, not much was said. This was probably intentional, in order to give as thorough a change to the mind of Mr. Davis as possible. The wisdom of this is seen on the surface. The family, at that period, had reached a very im- portant and very attractive period of their history. Mr. Frederick Lewis, the only son, had taken his degree at Cambridge, was called to the Bar, and selected as a can- didate for the representation of the Rhondda Valley. He fought a good fight, and won the confidence, good- will, and esteem of a large number of people throughout South Wales. The five sisters were all at home, and, like the five sisters in the York Minster, reflecting into the home and also to the outside world the many coloured and beauti- HIS HOME LIFE 69 fully blended graces and virtues which, under the exem- plary influence of their parents, and the fostering care of the Holy Spirit, they had so highly cultivated. There were others besides ministers, statesmen, doctors, and merchants who were being attracted to look into that home, with intentions more personal if not more selfish. The home at Bryndderwen is no more to us as we knew it. The changes are natural, but tender and pathetic. The one home has become many, and each is rapidly becoming its own centre of attractiveness and beauty. Mr. Fred Lewis Davis married Miss Smith of Brentham Park, Stirling, and is now living at Coldre, Newport. For some years he has occupied his father's position in the management of the business, as a director of the Barry Railway Company, and other public posi- tions. He filled the office of High Sheriff of the county of Glamorgan in 1891 with distinction, and is striving nobly to carry out the desires of his father in connection with philanthropic and religious institutions. Miss Davis married Mr. George Dennis Day, solicitor, of St. Ives, Hunts, and is now residing in that town, where she has made many friends and carried with her many of the noble qualities of the old Bryndderwen home. Miss Annie, who became the wife of her cousin, Mr. Leonard Davis of Swansea, is now living in London. 70 A NOBLE LIFE Miss Flossie is happily within easy reach of the old home at Brynavvel, Cardiff, and, with her husband, Mr. Walter Hibbert, is actively engaged in various departments of Christian work. Miss Edith is married to Mr. Harold Coutts of St. Ives, Hunts. Miss Cassie has been the great comfort and loving companion of her mother at Penarth, where they have resided for some years. Mr. Lewis Davis was invariably youthful in spirit, full of life and brightness, especially with young people. He joined with them in their games, and was as merry and sportive as any. He encouraged open-air manly sport, was fond of fishing, shooting, boating, cricketing, and similar exercises, as beneficial to health, the discipline of unselfishness and true manliness. He was a good judge of a horse, a well-managed farm, and how to cultivate fruit, flowers, and trees. But no man more emphatically denounced gambling, or the abuse of games and pastimes, than he did. We have no doubt that the good qualities, graces, and virtues of the old homes at Hirwain, Blaengwawr, and Bryndderwen are being reproduced and reflected in the new homes that have more recently been formed under different conditions, and that the family traditions will live on from generation to generation. The old • home is not dead. It has passed through changes, and is now evolved into six, each of which has a golden heritage and a future full of promise. They will have many a kind thought to think upon ; many a loving HIS HOME LIFE 71 word uttered with tenderness full of meaning, which will bring back the voice, the twinkle of the eye, the smile that was sweet ; many a noble deed, which will explain the thoughtful mind, the large heart ; while the name Bryndderwen will ever be full of memories, poetry, music, and inspiration. It will continue to shed its gentle light in days of darkness, bring comfort in sorrow, tune the harp for songs in the night, and point through mists and gloom, milky ways, and nebulee to a whole eternity of love in the home of God, "Where parting is unl^nown." UAVIU 1JAVJ.S, JUNIOR. HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE " Yet still there whispers The small voice within, Heard through Gain's silence And o'er Glory's din ; Whatever creed be taught Or land be trod, Man's conscience is The oracle of God." HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE THE morality of commerce is a doctrine which has often been treated with contempt. Many looked upon it as something impracticable, unrealistic, advocated by faddists and fanatics. During the last twenty-five years there has been a great advance in the ethical teaching of Christianity in its relation to the interchange of property, the result of which is a healthy awakening of the national conscience. Equity consists in an exact and scrupulous regard for the rights of others, with a deliberate purpose to preserve them on all occasions sacred and inviolate ; in perform- ing, from this fair and equitable temper, every necessary act of justice that relates to persons and properties ; just in weighing their merits and in not exaggerating their infirmities ; making all allowance in their favour which their circumstances require, and a good-natured constitu- tion of particular cases will admit of; being true to their friendships, to their promises and contracts ; just in their traffic ; just in their demands ; and just, by observing a due moderation and proportion, even in their resentments. As observed so forcibly by Dr. Tope, this is the true 76 76 A NOBLE LIFE interpretation of the moral law given by God to Moses in Exodus xx. i — 15. Condemning fraud of every kind, whether by false representation, by adulteration, by over- reaching, or by any other of the numberless methods of advancing one's own interest at the expense of others, which are the disgrace of modern trading. This is the Christian ideal which every follower of Jesus Christ should ever keep before his mind and strive to attain. The subject is one which should be studied as carefully as the rule of three or decimal fractions ; the principle should be embodied in the heart, held by an intelligent conviction, and guarded by a sensitive conscience. This true ideal of the Christian merchant, which should be constantly kept in mind, is often treated with absolute indifference, and by not a few unceremoniously trampled under foot. It is a great satisfaction to find that the number of Christian merchants is increasing — men who carefully and scrupulously consider the rights of others in their dealings with their fellow-men. Mr. Lewis Davis was one of the most influential and consistent advocates, as well as one of the most robust examples, of the true Christian ideal in commercial deal- ings among the merchant princes of South Wales. Unlike many with whom he had to do, and of whose actions we have heard him speak from time to time with painful concern, he never considered commerce as an HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE 11 instrument placed within his grasp to gain wealth, social power, and influence for his own personal ends. He had read Ruskin's works, and the reasonableness of the interpretations of the moral law of the universe given by that great man had found a home in his intellect, heart, conscience ; and the question with him was, not which will pay best, or what course is most con- venient, but what is right. " I hardly know anything more strange," says Ruskin, " than that you should recognise honesty in play, and not in work. In your lightest games you have always some- one to see what you call ' fair play.' In boxing you must hit fairly ; in racing, start fairly. Your English watchword is ' fair play ' ; your English hatred, foul play. Did it ever strike you that you wanted also ' fair work ' ; and another hatred, ' foul work ' ? Your prize-fighter has some honour in him yet ; and so have the men in the ring round him ; they will judge him to lose the match by foul hitting. But your prize merchant gains his match by foul selling, and no one cries out against that. You drive a gambler out of the gambling- room who loads dice, but you leave a tradesman in flourishing circum- stances who loads scales. For, observe, all dishonest dealing is loading scales. What does it matter whether I get short weight, adulterate substance, or dishonest fabric ? The fault in the fabric is incomparably the worst of the two. Give me short measure of food, and I only lose by it ; but give me adulterated food, and I die 78 A NOBLE LIFE by you. Here, then, is your cliief duty, you workmen and tradesmen, to be true to yourselves, and to us who would help you. We can do nothing for you, nor you for yourselves, without honesty. Get that, you get all ; without that, your suffrages, your reforms, your free trade measures, your institutions of science are all in vain. It is useless to put your heads together if you can't put your hearts together. Shoulder to shoulder, right hand to right hand among yourselves, and no wrong hand to anybody else, and you will win the world yet." Mr. Lewis Davis never gained a position by scheming or taking advantage of his fellow-merchants. Fair play was to him not merely a theory on paper, or a policy for the Sabbath day only, it was the great fundamental prin- ciple of right and wrong, to be sought and found not in a book but in the life and blood of every true man ; to be seen in his actions, giving strength and robustness to character, and glory to God. God's authority is as absolute on 'Change as in the holiest place of the tabernacle, and His claim upon the individual as great in the transactions of commerce as when the attitude of prayer is assumed, or the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is taken. " That man," said a working man to Mr. Lewis Davis on the docks one Monday morning, " that man, sir, was praying like a saint last night at such and such a place ; just look at the temper he is in to-day ; did you hear the language he used ? He is a deacon on Sunday, but he is HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE 79 a devil on Monday morning. Worse Monday than any other morning, sir." Some time after, Mr. Davis, finding an opportunity, offered to speak to the deacon, who was also a leading merchant, and very gently mentioned the incident, when he was told at once that religion had nothing whatever to do with his business. The reply, said Mr. Davis some years after, pained me a great deal more than the sight which presented itself when he was in a rage, because I found that his religion and his whole life rested upon a wrong concep- tion as to the claims of God and the rights of man. " Life and religion are one, or neither is anything ; I will not say neither is growing to be anything. Religion is no way of life, no show of life, no observance of any sort. It is neither the food nor medicine of living. It is life essential." So wrote George Macdonald. Religion is that which rises in the moral nature of man, and which takes shape in moral commandments, embodied in the life and actions of the individual day by day and every day. "Deeds arc the harvest for eternity." The good man finds that conscience is as sensitive on the market-place as in the sanctuary, and that, in order to maintain a good conscience, purity of motive is essential. Mr. Lewis Davis considered that in every commercial transaction every consideration should be subservient to 8o A NOBLE LIFE the higher claims of justice, equity, and purity. Com- merce, in his judgment, was an instrument placed in the hands of man for higher and more important ends than profit- making. Men were dependent upon each other ; and while some were endowed with five talents, others with two, and others with only one, the man with the greatest capacity, the widest knowledge, and the most powerful personality will be held more accountable for the protection, comfort, and happiness of those of fewer opportunities and weaker intellects. No man is independent of others. If the man has all the wisdom of a Solomon and the riches of a Rothschild, if he is compelled, because he cannot secure the services of others, to plough his own land, take charge of his own cattle, make his own food, clothes, furniture, books, what value is there in great wealth ? Commerce is deeply rooted in human needs, and when used in the true sense, becomes an instrument of great service to mankind, presenting continually oppor- tunities for doing good deeds, showing sympathy with the weaker and less fortunate of the race, and of pro- moting peace on earth and goodwill among men. The Church is not without blame for allowing com- merce and the affairs of this life to be separated from religion ; the one called secular and the other sacred, forgetting the teaching of the apostle, that to the " pure everything is pure." In many instances, the result has been most disastrous. Commerce has too often been ins RELATION TO COMMERCE 8i looked upon as the abominable thing, and thereby made an abomination. Mr. Lewis Davis considered that religion, politics, and commerce were made sacred or secular by the man himself, and that whether on the market-place, the hustings, or at the Lord's table he should always be the same sincere, honest, open-minded, and conscientious lover of God and man — "I know myself now; and I feel within me A peace above all earthly dignities ; A still and quiet conscience." That these were the true and deep convictions of his mind will, I have no doubt, be acknowledged by all classes of the community with whom he had to do. They were not merely philosophic theories formulated in the study, they were practised in everyday life. The Western Mail, in an able biographical sketch, when the sad news of his death became known through- out South Wales, truly said : " By this sad event Wales is made poorer to the extent of one good man whose life had been a blessing to his fellows. One of the foremost merchant princes of the Principality, he embodied with acuteness of perception, fertility of resource, and shrewd- ness of judgment, those more generous qualities of charity and philanthropy which, in rare instances, discredit the assumption too often warranted that ' capital has no bowels of mercy.' Business to him was essential to a hearty, healthful enjoyment of life, but the 82 A NOBLE LIFE amassing of wealth was not the Ultima TJmIc of exist- ence — rather the means whereby an enlarged usefulness was made possible. Peace hath her heroes not less than war — heroes that build up, not destroy ; that vitalise industry, not deaden it ; that spread comfort and con- tentment, not desolation and sorrow. Such a hero was the deceased, who by steadfast search after the mineral wealth stored up in rocky fastness, peopled with a myriad population the bleak barren sides of the Glam- organ mountains, and made the deserted valleys ring with sound of active industries. " Surely these pioneers of commerce, these builders of a nation's prosperity, these benefactors of mankind who kept the fires of commercial life burning and its wheels turning, deserve, more than the warrior, that the psan of praise should rise from grateful hearts above their tombs. " What Wales is, men like Mr. Lewis Davis made her, and her future is dependent in a large measure on the quality of those who occupy the breaches made by death." The South Wales Daily News said : "In his person Wales has lost a noble Welshman. He was modest and retiring and unaffected, yet a veritable giant among his fellows, by whom he was regarded as commercially one of the ablest men in the community. Few persons have had the reputation enjoyed by him and his brother, the late David Davis. His largeness of heart, his sterling HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE 83 integrity, his unaffected manner, combined with his rare quaHfications for business, made him quite an exceptional man." The position was not secured without many diffi- culties, but, as Rossetti says, they escaped uphill by never turning back. David Davis and his sons kept the end in view, never worked in doubt, but with bright manhood pressed on till hope creates. The first attempt at Rhigos was the working of a small level in the anthracite coal, and was not a very encouraging success. When Mr. Davis of Abernant-y-groes offered Mr. David Davis that colliery known as Abernant-y-groes for £\\ 00, which was sold some years after for ;^200,ooo, he declined it, not being keen upon becoming a colliery proprietor. He hesitated considerably over Blaengwawr before he finally embarked upon it, as he did after, before taking the Ferndale collieries. Once embarked there was no faltering, no abating, no strife or hesitation, but with courage, skill, patience, and full consecration of all their powers they persevered, father and sons, till they had secured that for which they were striving. Their resources were taxed to the point of delay if not failure, when at Blaengwawr coal was discovered. Mr. Rowland Fothergill, to a neighbour, pointed out David Davis, senior, as a poor man, and said to his friend, " He'll never do." He then added, " What will he do with his coal ? There he is without a road to the 84 A NOBLE LIFE canal, but we have taken compassion upon him and given him a road through our 40-acre field." These little difficulties were soon conquered. The disposal of the quantities of coal for sale made it necessary that markets should be found, and this branch of the business devolved upon Mr. Lewis Davis. His ability, integrity, and sound common sense secured for him in a short time a position of influence second to none. His brother, Mr. David, had gone to the North of England, where he passed through the curriculum of a mining engineer. The father and sons were loyal in their support of each other, and their difficulties melted away. Ferndale was taken, and an effort was made to find the bituminous coal, but it did not prove well, and for a time it was doubtful as to the next step they should take. Coffin had previously sought in vain for the steam coal as near as Dinas, and many believed that it could not be found outside of the Aberdare Valley. The Davises carefully considered the situation, counted the cost and bored down, and after a while struck the steam coal, and their difficulties with another great enterprise had passed away. They soon discovered that the vein of coal was superior in quality and quantity to the same vein found in the other valley, and a new impetus was given to the coal trade of South Wales, especially in the Rhondda Valley, which has steadily grown ever since. HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE 85 The Ferndale collieries developed phenomenally ; a town of considerable importance was soon reared, and employment given to some thousands of working men in the four large collieries, in addition to those employed in the Aberdare Valley, Mr. William Davis, the eldest son, had opened out, and was the proprietor of collieries in the neighbourhood of Maesteg, where he continued to carry on operations until his death a short time ago, Mr, Charles, who had studied for the law, but who on account of health had been obliged to give up the legal profession, joined his father and brothers, and worked with them up to the time of his death in 1865. Mr. Frederick had gone to New Zealand, following his profession as mining engineer and surveyor. Con- sequently, when the father died in i 866, the whole respon- sibility of the business fell upon David and Lewis Davis, David and Lewis Davis were in many things unlike each other, but as the result of their fidelity to each other, and their co-operation in every good cause, their names will go down to posterity embalmed in the affections of their fellow-countrymen for generations to come. In the month of November i 867, when the hillsides of the valley were covered with the yellowing fern, a sudden fall of the barometer caused a great explosion in which many lives were lost at Ferndale, It was a great trial to the two brothers, and a great financial loss. 86 A NOBLE LIFE Rather more than two years later these noble-hearted men were terribly shocked with the sad news of a second explosion involving great loss of life. The loss of so many of their men, some old workmen who had been with them for years, and whom they looked upon as friends, left deep wounds in their hearts which never healed on earth. These disasters coming in such rapid succession threatened to bring their great undertaking to ruin. For a time it had a bad name as a dangerous place, and the shadow of death seemed to rest over the valley. People were drifting away, and many prophesied that to get men to work there would be a difficulty if not an impossibility. Mr. Lewis Davis felt, notwithstanding that his department was chiefly in Cardiff, he must face the inconveniences and additional travelling, and remove at once to reside among his own employees in the Rhondda Vach. He was determined that all must be done for the safety and the protection of their men, and that they must be made to feel that their employers were pre- pared to live and die with them. Thus, ere long, con- fidence was again restored, and the masters and workmen of the Ferndale collieries enjoyed a considerable period of encouraging prosperity. The two brothers had passed through their baptism of fire, and the people of South Wales did not fail to see HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE 87 in their loyalty to truth, justice, and mercy, a higher presence and power, which while in this world is not of it, and their influence for good never waned until on earth they ceased to live and work. "Then come tlie wild weather, come sleet or come snow, We will stand by each other, however it blow." In the prosecution of their business they found them- selves confronted with monopolies which interfered very materially with the development of the coal trade in South Wales. The Taff Vale Railway Company and the managers of the Bute Dock were working in con- junction with each other, and were the only channels through which the coal could be conveyed and exported ; moreover, they exacted extravagantly high rates in face of exceptionally high interest and large bonuses on their capital — the injustice of which was keenly felt by all sections of the community interested in the prosperity of the Taff, the Aberdare, and Rhondda valleys. The amount of money paid in excess of that charged by other railway companies, for an equal distance, by David Davis & Sons, in conveying their coal to Cardiff amounted to some thousands of pounds annually. The directors were approached time after time by the colliery proprietors, the trades-people, and the general public. In most instances they were treated, if not with con- tempt, with little consideration. The miserable carriages for passengers on their lines, and the persistent over- reaching of this company for so many years, made them 88 A NOBLE LIFE a fixed figure for the hand of scorn to point to, and Milton's hnes were constantly verified — " He hears on all sides, from innumerable tongues A dismal and universal hiss, the sound of public scorn." Men who will not listen to reason and justice will find out their folly when it is too late to mend. Justice will avenge itself — "The gods are just, and of our pleasant vices Make instruments to scourge us." Mr. Lewis Davis was well-informed as to the wide- spread dissatisfaction which existed, the extent of the oppression under which they suffered, and was better able than any other man to gauge the situation, to measure the difficulties, and to lead a movement which had in view the breaking down of one of the greatest monopolies in South Wales. Accordingly, when he was challenged by the leading representative of the monopolists to construct a dock and raihvay, knowing well the feel- ing which existed among the colliery proprietors and the general public, and their willingness to take up the task, he there and then accepted the responsibility. It was a gigantic undertaking, when all the circum- stances are taken into consideration, but with Mr. Lewis Davis as leader, supported by Mr. David Davies, Llandinam, and other prominent colliery proprietors, the men and money were ready for the conflict. There are two names more than others that will ever stand out prominently in connection with the Barry HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE 89 Dock and Railway — those of Lewis Davis and David Davies, Llandinam, Mr. Lewis Davis had carefully- studied the whole scheme of the new project before he committed himself to it ; and those of his friends still living who were privileged to converse with him on these matters will know how true his calculations were, and how his plans and anticipations are being verified at the present time. He sought his colleague in Mr. David Davies of Llandinam, and, while the scheme was being carefully considered, Mr Lewis Davis rented Llandinam Hall, and it was during this period that these two men in their own minds mastered this great dock and railway enter- prise. They worked well together. Mr, Lewis Davis was the keenest intellect, the best-informed, and really the soul of the movement ; but Mr. David Davies was a shrewd, practical, go-ahead man, who as a railway con- structor and colliery proprietor had proved himself a successful business man. When the scheme was published to the world there were many prophets, true and false, the latter being numerous, self-assertive, and clamorous. Cardiff would be ruined and the trade of South Wales would be injured. A Bill was brought before Parliament, seeking powers to construct a railway and a dock, and all the forces for and against were brought face to face before a committee appointed to consider the scheme. The examination of these two men by a batch of lawyers brought out the 90 A NOBLE LIFE whole case with such clearness that, long before giving their sanction to the Bill, the case had been really carried. Mr. Lewis Davis had some thousands of questions ad- dressed to him during the inquiry by several of the keenest lawyers in England, but his evidence was not shaken in a single point, and the leading counsel on his own side felt convinced that every question put to him brought out fuller light, and contributed towards establishing the justness of the claim. The Bill was carried after a long and costly struggle. The construction of the Barry Dock gave a new impetus to the commerce of South Wales, and made certain the existence of a greater Cardiff, emancipated from the bonds of monopolists, freer and better equipped to enter into transactions in import as well as export trade with all parts of the world. Mr. Lewis Davis, in an able address at the unveiling of the statue erected in memory of Mr. John Batchelor, in describing the qualities of that great and good man unconsciously depicted himself. " He was a man of marked ability," said Mr. Davis, " but, above all, his great characteristic was his love of righteousness, truth, and justice, and his manly and courageous and bold advocacy of truth and justice at all times. Wherever he saw oppression he was the foe of the oppressor, wherever he saw suffering through unjust pressure he was the first to endeavour to do away with it. He knew nothing of class, he was above class altogether. His great HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE 91 ambition was to lift his fellow- men to a higher platform of being, and it was his aim to use commerce, politics, and religion with a view of bringing men up to God. He did all in his power as a master to improve the position of the toiling millions by giving them education, free libraries, a wider sphere of influence in the State, and placing within their reach the means of greater comfort, happiness, and usefulness." Mr. Lewis Davis was not privileged to see the great Barry Dock and Railway completed, but his services in connection with that greatest enterprise in South Wales for many years were most fittingly acknowledged by his colleagues, when, in the unavoidable absence of Lady Windsor, they asked Mrs. Davis to undertake the cere- mony of opening the docks. His colleagues knew his value in the drawing of the plans, in the working out of the enterprise, and how safe and reliable as a leader he had proved himself. There were others who felt that day, as they watched his honoured widow cutting the ribbon and moving the levers to open the gates, how much they owed to him and how great the loss was to South Wales that he had been taken away at such an early period. Mr. David Davies, Llandinam, who presided on that important occasion, referred to the one shadow which darkened the proceedings of that day — the absence of his friend and colleague, Mr. Lewis Davis. Messrs. Archibald Hood, John Cory, Richard Cory, T. Roe Thompson, M. R. Moxcy, Lewis Williams, and other 92 A NOBLE LIFE gentlemen, in speaking of the success of the scheme, said they owed it to Mr. Lewis Davis more than to any other man. His calculations had come out with wonderful accuracy on every point, he had measured the strength of the opposition as correctly as the success of the enterprise. The Barry Dock and Railway have been in active operation for about ten years, and the general public have had an opportunity of judging as to results. The critic, from a commercial or historical standpoint, is now able to give his opinion upon the enterprise, and pro- nounce his verdict as to who were the true and false prophets. " Wisdom is justified of her children," said Christ. In the construction of the Barry Dock and the network of railways connected therewith, the impetus given to the trade of South Wales fully justifies the course taken, and shows very clearly the wisdom of those who were the promoters of the enterprise. Mr. Lewis Davis carried with him into commerce his large heart as truly as a brilliant intellect, and his generosity, sympathy, and kindly disposition were as well known in commercial circles as in social and religious matters. Many a struggling merchant found in him a " friend in need " and a " brother in adversity." He sometimes kept back the oppressor, and frightened the wolf from the door ; he defended the weak when un- scrupulous tyrants would have devoured them, and he HIS RELATION TO COMMERCE 93 assisted many a heavy laden neighbour to carry uphill his heavy burdens. When I\Ir. Fothergill of Abernant was supposed to be in difficulties, the two brothers, David and Lewis Davis, sent him a cheque for ;£"3 2,000 with a hope that it would enable him to bridge over the probability of failure, and to continue without suspension his large collieries. Mr. Fothergill kept the cheque for some days, but when he found that to avoid suspension of his works was impossible, he returned it ; but he told one of his colleagues in the House of Commons, when he was taking his departure, how deeply he had been impressed by this noble, unsolicited expression of con- fidence on the part of these good men. Mr. Lewis Davis never meant words for deeds, and at best they were not the highest representatives of his thoughts and life ; he lived in real activities and not in sounds, in a real not an imaginary world. Virtue a reward to itself, and the pleasure of being true and kind, sympathetic and just, was the one fortune all through life which he kept before his mind and laboured to attain. HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES "Expect not more from servants than is just, Reward them well, if they observe their tiust ; Nor with them cruelty or pride evade. Since God and nature them our brothers made." HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES THE moral duties of masters correspond with the moral obligations of servants. Their responsi- bility towards each other exists in virtue of their relation- ship to a common Lord. Their relation and duty to each other are but a province of their relation and duty to Him. This is the final and fundamental principle of Christian society. Masters are in danger of manifesting an overbearing, inconsiderate, and imperious attitude towards those whom they employ, and servants are often careless about their master's interests, indolent in the discharge of their duties, and sometimes dishonest in dealing with their goods. Some masters treat their men like inferior beings, whose feelings, comforts, and circumstances they will absolutely ignore. All they want is to get as much labour out of their employees as they can, for as little consideration as possible ; and there their interest in them ends. The working men in such instances are worse than slaves, because they do not possess the capital value of the latter. That such a class of men should c\cr become masters is one of the greatest misfortunes of commerce. 7 98 A NOBLE LIFE The place given to the law of " supply and demand " in the commercial world as the basis of all transactions, forgetting the higher moral law by which that of supply and demand will be judged, has been accountable for a great deal of the wrong-doing in the dealings of masters with their employees. The public demand for cheap articles is seen in the production of an inferior article, accompanied by rivalries and competition in trade, with a heavy pressure to screw down and to under-pay the toiler — these are the inevitable consequences of deviating from the fundamental laws of justice, righteousness, and truth. True charity begins, not in large contributions to public institutions, but in paying an adequate wage to those who, by faithful service, have a first claim upon the master. This should be the first consideration. " I agree with you," said Mr. Lewis Davis, in a very interesting conversation on this question, " that it is wrong for any man to demand from his employee more work than he is fairly paid for." It is equally unjust for the employee to receive from the hands of his master more than the real value of his labour. There are masters who grind down their own men, out of whom they make large fortunes, and then they appear before the public as generous givers. True generosity is not the product of selfishness. Gifts by such employers are mostly prompted by pride. They give, that they may be seen of men. These sums are the HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES 99 price paid for popularity. One of the greatest privileges possible to such men would be to listen in camera to the denunciations of them by their own employees. The two brothers, David and Lewis Davis, were generous givers, but they began at home, and they gave according to an established principle ; but their first consideration was to do that which was right to their own men. Cowper referred to foreign slaves when he said, " They cannot breathe in England ; the moment they breathe our air they are free, or touch our country their shackles fall." England and Wales especially held in the bondage of poverty and oppression the masses of work- ing people for many years. They worked from twelve to fifteen hours a day, began to go underground before they were eight years of age, lived in small cottages, lived hard, without education, books, comforts, or hope of anything but the cry of work, work, in their ears this side the workhouse or the grave. Those were the days when iron kings were amassing their millions, and when Chartist theories were being fostered among the working men of South Wales. The masses were mere chattels, divested of human character, and, as Pope so truly says, " Half man's worth is taken away " under such conditions. " Enslave a man," said Mann, " and you destroy his ambition, his enterprise, and his capacity. In the con- stitution of human nature the desire of bettering one's loo A NOBLE LIFE condition is the mainspring of effort. The first touch of slavery snaps this spring," This was the state of things all over the iron districts, with very few exceptions, when David Davis, Blaengwawr, D. Williams, Ynyscynon, and D. Thomas, Ysguborwen, introduced a new era, and a feeling of hopefulness began to breathe afresh in the lives of the working men of South Wales, The emancipation was gradual, but the movement was in the r'wht direction. It was a fundamental article in the creed of the brothers David and Lewis Davis that, in engaging men at their collieries, they were responsible for them to the extent of doing all in their power to better their circum- stances, by giving them every facility for the education of their children as well as for the culture of their own minds and character. They advocated the building of better houses for the working people ; and they advised their workmen to build or purchase for themselves the houses in which they lived. Many of their men at Blaengwawr were able to do so, and also at Mountainash and Ferndale. The brothers also provided a school for their workmen's children at a very early period in the history of the firm. They were interested in the children of their employees, and if they found a clever lad they used to take him in hand, and when parents failed to provide for him they would find out a method by which it could be done. During the explosions, when so many lives were lost, HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES loi their sympathy and financial help brightened the homes of sorrow, and their gifts and graces were crowned with their own presence. They wept with those that wept, and their prayers and words of cheer in the homes of the people gave to them a true meaning and a stamp of sincerity. During the great strike of 1871, which lasted for three months, the more protracted struggle of 1875, ^nd the years of 1876—77, when the sufferings of the colliers and their families were most acute, when scores of thousands were on the verge of starvation, when the industries of South Wales were paralysed, large firms collapsed, and the West of England Bank failed, they were incessant in their efforts in striving to feed the starving ones and to bring about a settlement of the dispute. The writer, then living in Aberdare, was on the Relief Committee with Mr, David Davis, who was the chairman of it, and who gave so generously of his time and money day after day for months in feeding the starving women and children. They were most assiduous in their endeavours to bring about an amicable settlement of the dispute. They were chiefly instrumental in the formation of the Sliding Scale Committee ; Mr. David Davis being its first chairman. The object of the committee was the fixing of a scale of prices which should regulate the rise and fall in the wages of the men. This committee included I02 A NOBLE LIFE an equal number of representatives of the men and the masters, and this was the first time when the employees of South Wales were given a voice in the regulation of wages. Some time after, in consequence of the action taken by the ironmasters in the working of the Sliding Scale Committee, Messrs. David and Lewis Davis, feeling that their own men would suffer thereby, seceded from the Association, as did Mr. David Davies, of the Ocean Collieries. Without the slightest intimation on the part of the employers, the colliers at the Ferndale, Bodringallt, seceded from the association, having more confidence in their own masters than any body of masters, believing that from David and Lewis Davis they were sure to receive justice. At the suggestion of the masters, it was decided that in connection with their own firm they should have a committee of their own, giving it power to fix the scale and the standard of wages. The workmen elected about a dozen men, who would represent their interests, to meet the masters, when they could discuss freely the position, and together endeavour to do that which they considered jointly equitable and just. And, to the general satisfaction of masters and their employees, this arrange- ment continued in operation until the engagement was broken by death. Mr. Lewis Davis treated his employee as an honest, HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES lo o upright, intelligent, fair-minded man ; he listened to him patiently, and would endeavour to know his mind, and admit the force of his argument, and trust to his honour. Like Milton, who said — "Shepherd, I take thy word, And trust thy honest offered courtesy Which oft is sooner found in lowly sheds With smoky rafters, than in tap'stry hall And courts of princes." Mr. Lewis Davis respected his employees, and they were proud of him, and admired his ability, courage, and manly conduct. The successful merchants in Wales, with rare excep- tions, once they were in a position to do so, built for themselves mansions, or purchased estates in some healthy, quiet, picturesque place, to reside in, far away from the turmoil and the din of their own works, and they have then withdrawn any special interest in their employees or families. In such matters no hard-and-fast rule can be laid down ; there are questions of health and education, as well as political and religious considerations, that deserve mature thought. But we have no hesitation in saying that the em- ployer of men who withdraws his interest from his own employees, beyond that of taking away a considerable income, is losing an opportunity of doing good service to his fellow-men, to his country, and the cause of God. 104 ^ NOBLE LIFE ' Working men are keen observers of what is going on, and the master who will foster a kindly feeling towards them will reap a harvest of loyalty and affection which cannot be bought with a price. Mr. David Davis, senior, lived and died within sight of his works, and many of the old workmen would stand erect with a loyal pride, and say, " I began to work with him when he started Blaengwawr, I have worked under him ever since, I followed him to his grave — ay, and never a better master stood in a shoe." Mr. David Davis, junior, adopted a similar course. He spent some time at Ty'n'ycoed, near Dolgelly, but his home and work were at Maesyffynon. This is true of Mr. Lewis Davis. After settling down at Ferndale he sought rest and change of scenery, but he always gravi- tated back to Bryndderwen, where he felt confident that he was on the path of duty, and making the best use of his position. When the Wesley Chapel at Ferndale was about to be erected, Mr. Lewis Davis, who had promised £1000 towards the building fund, and more if required, was asked by the trustees to lay the foundation-stone ; he promptly said, " No, I shall not do that. You ask me because I can give you financial help. I shall be pre- pared to do that ; but the man who has the first claim to that honour, in my judgment, is John Arthur. He, with Thomas Be van and John Pritchard, began the cause here ; he has been the leader from the beginning, and he HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES 105 has done more for this Society than the value of any money that I, or anyone else, can give. If you consult my feeling in the matter, let John Arthur lay the stone." John Arthur was an old workman, a collier, but a man of considerable ability, unblemished character, well versed in Scripture, and most powerful in prayer. On the appointed day, there was the working man perform- ing a public function, supported by his own employer ; and the great mass of people present felt that in such an incident Christ was honoured. The general comment current at the time was, " That is just like Mr. Lewis Davis." It was not a solitary instance in the life of a great man, but another illustra- tion of that loyalty to right and nobleness which was natural to him. A most touching incident occurred only a short time before his death, testifying with silent eloquence the deep loving confidence which existed between master and employees. Mr. Davis was almost in sight of the end. For some time he had been staying at Langland Castle, seeking shelter from the cold winds of winter, in that cosy little bay. That the disease was gradually but surely extending left no room for doubt. The time had come for reconsidering the terms of the sliding scale for another period. Mr. Davis had expressed a wish to see his own men, A deputation went down to Langland, where they saw their friend, their leader, and their master io6 A NOBLE LIFE for the last time on earth. The delegates conveyed to him the sympathy of the employees and the very earnest prayers of all the churches at Ferndalc, that his valuable life might be restored. They saw that a great change had taken place, and that he was in the strong grip of death. He knew well enough that he was dying, but he was calm, peaceful, happy, the same noble soul they had known and loved for years. They discussed the points that needed attention in the same spirit as they had done before, and made satisfactory arrangements with regard to the working of the collieries for some years after. This incident in itself has a tenderness, a pathos, and a value which cannot be easily overlooked. Moreover, it is the finest commentary on the true relationship which existed between Mr. Lewis Davis and his workmen. He was pleased to see them, because he looked upon them with pleasure. He had exercised over them a fatherly oversight ; he had trusted them, and they had faith in their master ; they honoured him as a prince, and their souls went out in deep sympathy with him while the earthly house was coming down. They wept as they came away from him, and said one to the other, we shall not see him again on earth, nor see his like any more. Their conversation on the way back to the Rhondda was full of interest and affec- tionate tenderness. The special qualities of the brothers, Messrs. David and Lewis Davis, were discussed, and then HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES 107 the father and the mother. All were agreed that they were a noble family. " Heav'n forming each on other to depend, A master, or a servant, or a friend, Bids each on other for assistance call, Till one man's weakness grows the strength of all." — PorE. Among the working men of Ferndale there were men of considerable intelligence, ability, and strength of character ; men who would admire a great mind, a man of courage, and a true interpreter of the social and political life of the country. There were up-to-date politicians in the town, who were able to discuss the speeches on some great Bill before the House of Com- mons on the previous night. There were flourishing societies among the various denominations in the town, and they included amongst them many stalwart Christians. But all these sections looked upon Mr. Lewis Davis as a guide, philosopher, and friend, whom they could trust. Mr. Lewis Davis won the confidence of his employees, more particularly, by his never-failing solicitude on their behalf, and sympathy with them in troubles, bereavements, and their aspirations to make the best of themselves and to give their families a chance of doing so. It was a joy to him to hear of his employees purchasing their own cottages, and laying aside for a rainy day. When he heard of a group of young men interested in instrumental music, he helped them to purchase the best set of instru- ments, and contributed towards their funds. Finding some io8 A NOBLE LIFE of his men interested in gardening, he sent to tell them how pleased he was, and that he would be glad to contribute towards establishing a fruit and flower show in the locality. Hearing of an old workman who is failing in health, he sends to the manager, asking him to find some- thing easier on the surface for such a man to do. Meet- ing one of his old workmen, on his way from work, struggling for breath, he says, " Edward, I am sorry to find you in that state ; you go home, and stay there till you are better. You must not work in that state, and tell your wife to go to the office for your wages every week, as if you were at work." These are not isolated instances ; he ever had "A tear for pity, and a hand Open as day for melting charity." It will be impossible to find out or tabulate in this world the large sums of money that were given by Messrs. David and Lewis Davis to their employees, their families and friends, in times of need. The records of accounts kept in the office and paid out week after week, and, in many cases, for years, by the officers of the company, would startle many who are supposed to be very generous and considerate themselves ; but these represent only a portion of their gifts prompted by true sympathy. Scott truly said — " It is the sacred sympathy, The silver link, the silken tie, Which heart to heart, and mind to mind. In body and in soul can bind." HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES 109 They never lost their fellow-feeling or hid themselves behind the screen of periodical stewardship ; they melted in sympathy, and many a human heart found shelter from the storms of life under the shadow of these noble-minded men. It was the writer's privilege to receive from the recipients themselves many testimonies of instances of thoughtful kindness to widows, orphans, large families and unfortunate families, that we are not free to mention. Let one instance be sufficient. A. B. was a collier, first at Blaengwawr, and afterwards at Ferndale ; a steady man, but never a strong, robust workman ; often laid aside for weeks, consequently never able to provide for a rainy day. I visited him, and found him very weak, suffering from a bronchial affection, and the medical attendant said he was failing, and could not live long. He spoke invariably to me about Mr. Lewis Davis with tender affection, and said how good and kind he was to his men. I was in his room when the end had come ; he was dying, and was too weak to speak ; but when he heard my voice he rallied for a while, and, as if with super- human strength, he sat up in the bed. I shall never forget the scene. It was a clean bedroom, well lighted, everything in it was neatly kept. It was not elaborately furnished, but it contained of furniture and decoration everything that was essential to comfort and decency. The doctor had just left, and had told the dying man that he had nothing more he could do for him. no A NOBLE LIFE The faithful wife, who had been for forty years and more his true helpmate, stood by his side tenderly watch- ing the coming down of the earthly tabernacle. He clasped my hand, and then he made a desperate attempt to tell me how he felt, what he thought of his life, how he had been sustained during many years of great pain. " And now," he said, " the doctor cannot do more for me, but there is a door opening there by which Jesus stands. It is opening now, the light is coming in — my strength is gone." Then he was exhausted, struggled with death for a few moments, then he said, " Will you please carry to my master my thanks. Tell him he has kept my home for my family and me for ten years, and, next to God, we owe him all. He has given us fifteen shillings every week. We have prayed for him and his family every day — some day I hope to thank him in heaven." This blessing of the dying man I conveyed to him some time after. Mr. Lewis Davis was much affected, and with great humility and earnestness he said, " I would rather have A. B.'s dying blessing than a coronet." Other incidents of a similar character could be very easily multiplied in which the recipients of his solicitude and care for his employees and their families, almost with their last breath, wished to convey to Mr. and Mrs. Davis their sincere thanks. Another instance of a different type was that of C. D. C. D. had been working in the Ferndale collieries for many years. He was a good workman when sober, but HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES iii was so often drunk that time after time he was told that he must leave the place by his manager. But somehow C. D. was able to be allowed to go on again. Moreover, he had a large family and a miserable home. Where could he go to ? What would become of the children ? He was in some brawl nearly every pay-day, but with all his faults and failures he had a family and an immortal soul. At a special mission held in one of the chapels in the town C. D. was convinced that he ought to sign the pledge, and this was followed by his conversion. Mr. Lewis Davis heard of the incident, and was so pleased that he sent a message to C. D, of encouragement. Not long afterwards he met him on the street, and going straight up to him, he addressed him in his own familiar way, " C, my boy, I am so glad to hear that you have signed the pledge, and joined the chapel ; ask God to help you to keep it ; you can never keep it in your own strength, but with His help you can. Now, when you have kept the pledge and your membership in the chapel for tvv^elve months, come and see me, and I shall be glad to give you something towards furnishing the home." One day the writer was at Bryndderwen, and Mr, Lewis Davis, with a twinkle in his eye, and his face beaming with satisfaction, turned to me and said, " Mr. Young, the grace of God can make heroes out of drunken cowards. There is C. D., who has been working at the collieries for many years ; the managers tell me that he is 112 A NOBLE LIFE a good workman, and a genial fellow when sober, but for- merly he used to be drunk every Saturday, Sunday, and other days too. His wife and children would have starved to death years ago but for the neighbours. Rather more than a year ago he signed the pledge, and became a con- verted man. He has kept his pledge and his religion, and during this year he has worked every day, he has taken his earnings home to his wife, and he has now a happy home. He was very much exercised over his debts, especially those that he owed to the publicans ; he prayed about it, and sought advice, and, after careful consideration, he decided to undertake all these responsi- bilities, and pay them off to the last penny. And he has just finished paying off ^25 that he owed for drink, and told me that now he was going to do something for his wife and family, that he had neglected so long. I was so glad to see what I did, and hear what I did hear, and it made such an impression upon me that, had I been a sceptic, it would have melted away in the presence of this man and his family, and the new conditions of their home, which is the result of a great change in the life of that man." Mr. Davis's visit to that home, and the kindly words that he addressed to the family as well as the financial encouragement which he had promised twelve months earlier, were soon followed by the transformation of it into respectability, cleanliness, comfort, and bright- ness ; and C. D. and his family were enjoying the HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES ii J friendships of life under conditions that were new to them but thankfully welcomed. C. D. will never forget the master's visit to his home, or to draw from it encouragement and inspiration in his endeavours to live a better life. The poor down-trodden wife and her children will long bless the day as one of the brightest in their family history ; while this incident, which is only one representing many others like in spirit, and showing the master in his true relation to his men, will not soon be forgotten by Christian workers who were encouraged in their good work. It is often said that to err is human, to forgive is divine, and that the injured is more ready to forgive than the offender. A public man is susceptible to many temptations, and is often in danger of being carried away by wrath on the one hand, or partiality on the other, and if he is not morally hardened will constantly feel the need of cultivating a forgiving spirit, as well as seeking forgiveness himself. The most considerate and honourable of masters are sometimes taken advantage of, and men of high moral principles will not be delivered from the deceptions, frauds, and betrayals of indolent and dishonest men. The nobility of a truly great man is frequently more severely tried by the deceptions of his own most trusted servants, than by disappointments in any other depart- ment of life. " His heart was as great as the world," said Emerson, " but there was no room in it to hold the 8 114 ^ NOBLE LIFE memory of a wrong." To keep an even balance between justice and mercy, to guard against severity on the one hand and leniency on the other, and to walk humbly before God and man, has proved too great a task for some great and good men. Mr. Lewis Davis was not without being put to the test in his dealings with his own servants on more than one occasion. E. F. held a good position, had won the confidence of his masters, and for a considerable time was a faithful and devoted employee under the firm. E. F. gave way to the corrupt currents of the world, and began to defraud his masters, but the gilded offence was discovered, and the guilty servant, when charged with the dishonesty, after he confessed his guilt was quietly discharged. The case of G. H. was more de- plorable, insomuch as his position was more important, and the dishonesty and the deception practised was on a larger scale, and a greater betrayal of confidence and kindness. But like E. F. he was quietly dismissed. Mr. Lewis Davis, speaking about it some time after, remarked that he felt satisfied that the best thing had been done, although at the time it had been difficult to decide. G. H., he went on to say, " has children, and they are well-trained, well-behaved, promising, and likely to do well in the world, and to punish them for the father's wrong-doing would grieve me very much. The father deserves punishment, and if it could be inflicted on him without the wife and young people HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES 115 suffering, we should feel it our duty to do so, but we are not prepared to fasten a stigma on the family as long as they live." These men left the firm of D. Davis & Sons with a good reputation in the eyes of the general public, but in the sight of their employers degraded, fallen, cunning outcasts, screened because of their children, but with the fire of conscious guilt in their souls. The frauds ran considerably into four figures, but Mr. Lewis Davis was more keenly pained over the fact that men in whom he had placed so much confidence, to whom he had shown so much kindness, allowed themselves to be carried away into such wilful sin, to destroy their prospects in life, and disgrace themselves before God and man. Longfellow wrote — " Man-like is it to fall into sin, Fiend-like is it to dwell therein, Christ-like is it for sin to grieve, God-like is it all sin to leave." Mr. Lewis Davis, having the same thought in his mind, said it is like poor frail man ; treat him kindly and he will crucify you ; but it is Christ-like to say, " Forgive them, Father ; they know not what they do." A reference was made at the time in the public press without the least indication as to the firm, the defaulter, or the amount, and the action of the firm was highly commended, but the facts were never known to the public ; but the fine Christian spirit of the two ii6 A NOBLE LIFE brothers, who were equally magnanimous in these and similar incidents, will not soon be forgotten by those who were able to judge the heinousness of the crime. The avoidance of unkindness with him was a point of honour which was tempered only by a strong con- viction of justice. He knew well enough that conscience would not fail to witness in the soul the ill-desert and the sinfulness of the individual, and condemn the guilty before the judgment-seat of the universe. But he also felt the force of the words of Addison, when he wrote, " I know nothing so hard for a generous mind to get over as calumny and reproach, and cannot find any method of quieting the soul under them, besides this single one of our being conscious to ourselves that we do not deserve them." The two brothers were sadly disappointed when they found their confidence betrayed by those in whom they had trusted so implicitly, but, after carefully de- ciding their course of action, the consciousness that they were doing right gave them strength in their own souls. " Great minds, like Heaven, are pleased in doing good, Though the ungrateful subjects of their favours Are barren in return." That they were governed by deeply rooted principles, which they held with an intelligent conviction, and which they carried out in their dealings with their employees, will be manifest to those who have studied HIS RELATION TO HIS EMPLOYEES 117 their characters. The perusal of the instances given will suffice to show that they did not deal out a theoretical or cold abstractive justice ; it was a personal, living, brotherly, warm-hearted acknowledgment of the rights and claims of others, and of their own obligation to God and man. They put their souls into their gifts, their deeper convictions into their decisions, their heart sincerity into their expressions of sympathy, and their nobler man- hood into their efforts in support of righteousness and purity. HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS " A crown, Golden in show, is but a wreath of thorns, Brings dangers, troubles, cares, and sleepless nights To him who wears the regal diadem," HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS WORDSWORTH very truly said, quoting the lines of Cowper, " Slaves cannot breathe in England." " A proud boast and yet a mockery." True, the slave trade did not exist, and men and women were not brought in droves like cattle to any market-place, even in Wales, but "her floors and soil Groan underneath a weight of slavish toil ! " The voice of Wales was silent in the Parliament of Britain prior to the year 1868, and to the English people Wales was unknown, excepting perhaps to the tourist and the angler. The English press described the Principality as being " fast settling down to the most savage barbarism." The people, it was said, were sunk into the depths of ignorance and the slough of sensuality, " their habits were those of animals, and would not bear description." So wrote the Morning Chronicle and the Examiner. In 1873, at an Eisteddfod at Mold, Mr. Gladstone went out of his way to give his own testimony, " I will frankly own to you," he said, " that I have shared at a 121 122 A NOBLE LIFE former time, and before I had thus acquainted myself with the subject, the prejudices which prevail to some extent in England and among Englishmen with respect to the Welsh language and antiquity ; and I have come here to tell you how and why I have changed my opinion. " It is only fair to say that a countryman of yours, a most excellent Welshman, Mr. Richard, M.P., did a great deal to open my eyes to the true state of the facts, by a series of letters which, some years ago, he addressed to a morning journal, and which he subsequently published in a small volume, that I recommend to the attention of all persons who may be interested in the subject." In the series of letters which Mr. Richard wrote to the English press he most fearlessly, boldly, and intelligently combated the charges brought against his fellow-countrymen, and fully demonstrated before the nation the ignorance and falsity of the writers, and in the correspondence turned a flood of light into the English mind ; and like those of Mr. Gladstone the prejudices of many Englishmen gave way to one of justice and brotherliness. A feeling of hopefulness began to dawn upon the Welsh people, but they were environed by difiiculties. The mass of people was poor, and to find men who would support their views in Parliament was an enterprise involved in mists, if not in real darkness. HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS 123 In 1862 an important Conference was held in the town of Swansea, when Edward Miall, Henry Richard, and Carvell Williams were invited to attend. At that Conference about forty of the leading Nonconformists were present, and many resolutions were passed. Amongst others the following : — " That this Conference is of opinion that Welsh Nonconformity has never been adequately represented in the House of Commons, that while the population of Wales contains a much larger proportion of Dissenters than is to be found in England and Scotland or Ireland, the relative number of their parliamentary representatives is much less than in either of those countries, and that even of those Welsh members who attach themselves to the Liberal party, the majority are in the habit of treating questions deeply interesting to friends of religious liberty with culpable remissness ; that this Conference is constrained to admit that, for these reasons, the parliamentary influence exerted by Wales for the advancement of the Voluntary principle has been comparatively small ; and having such a con- viction, this Conference is earnestly solicitous that practical steps should be taken for so improving the Welsh representation, as to bring it into harmony with the views and feelings of the population." The resolution and the general doings of the Con- ference commended themselves to the judgment of the Welsh people, with the exception of the landowner, the country squire, and a few others who supported the 124 A NOBLE LIFE narrow-minded section of the clergy. But to find candidates and money to support them was the great mountain, and how was this to be removed ? The working men of Wales, notwithstanding their small earnings and the protracted and persistent op- position of the landowner, the country squire, and the clergy of the Established Church, had erected over three thousand places of worship, many of them scornfully described as " Little Bethels," but which, like the descrip- tion of the Puritans and Methodists, was literally true. They were Bethels, where the inhabitants of the Principality held direct intercourse not with Llandaff which was in ruins, Canterbury, or Rome, but with the King immortal, invisible, the omnipotent God. They had erected colleges for the training of young men for the ministry, they were beginning to use the press with considerable vigour, and the voluntary principle was making itself felt in Wales. But to find men to go to Parliament, who would stand up for Wales, was a greater difficulty. The eyes of many turned to the agricultural counties where it was known that there was a sprinkling of well-to-do farmers — men who could support as well as elect Nonconformist representatives to the Commons of England. But it was well known that the farmer who would not vote for his landowner or his nominee would have to face eviction. Many would talk about bearding the lion, but the task was not a promising one. At the Swansea Conference, Mr. Henry Richard said, HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS 125 " The question for us is not as to encountering the sword and scaffold, or fines and imprisonments, in vindication of our principles. The time for these things is gone past for ever. But we may be required to resist temptation and endure sacrifices peculiar to our age. The questions for us are : Can we withstand those social allurements, by which it is sometimes attempted to anoint us with flatteries, in order to induce us to relinquish or relax our convictions ? Are we prepared to face the frown of Squire This or Lady Bountiful That ? Are we prepared to be turned out of our farms rather than betray our principles ? Are we prepared at all hazards to resolve that Wales shall no longer be grossly misrepresented in the House of Commons ? " Mr. Dillwyn of Swansea was the only prominent man who was in full sympathy with the deep longings and aspirations of the Welsh people, who was able and willing to fight the battle of liberty. The pulpit was the great leveller, modeller, and instructor of the Welsh people, and the movement which led up to the emancipation of the inhabitants of Old Cambria was the direct result of the spiritual regenera- tion of the people. Under the most powerful preaching of a long succession of great men Wales has passed through a great revolution without a civil war, shedding of a drop of blood, or the least hindrance to business, commerce, or the social life of the people. The leaven was hid in the meal, and it silently but effectively has been leavening the whole life of the Principality ever 126 A NOBLE LIFE since. The British Parliament has never had any great trouble with the Welsh people in their struggles for emancipation, not because they lacked courage or were governed by fear, but because they are a highly religious people. It may be questioned as to whether in the world's history there can be found a small nation, hemmed in on every hand as the Welsh people was, which has passed through such a series of changes industrially, politically, and educationally, with results so satisfactory, and with the increased goodwill of the strongest factor, as Wales has achieved during the last half-century. In the bringing about of this evolution, as human instruments, few men did more or better service than David and Lewis Davis. They never consented to go to Parliament, but their influence and support made it possible for others to be sent to St. Stephen's whose services were of incalculable benefit to Wales. Mr. David Davis, Blaengwawr, was a loyal Constitu- tionalist, and never took a prominent part in political warfare ; he was, however, strongly opposed to political and religious monopolies, and gave support to measures and men which aimed at the general improvement of the people, and freedom in their choice of religion, Mr. Lewis Davis, during his stay at Wesley College, Sheffield, under Dr. Waddy, and in association with men like Judge Waddy, gave more attention to politics than hitherto he had done. Sheffield, too, at that time was one of the most actively progressive towns in England. HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLIIICS 127 When Mr. Lewis Davis made his home in Cardiff, he became associated with men Hke John Batchelor, Rees Jones, Dr. Edwards, Lewis Williams, etc., a group of men of deeply rooted convictions, fearless and uncom- promising in their adherence to principle. They were Nonconformists from training, confirmed by an intelli- gent grasp of truth, and his connection with them became an additional source of strength to the cause they had at heart. Mr. Lewis Davis was first of all an honest man, and in taking an active part in political affairs he was ever prompted, not by a party feeling or personal ends, but by an earnest desire to support truth and righteousness. The dispensation of bribery, pocket boroughs, and intimidation were nearing their close, but, like similar evils, they were dying hard. Mr. Davis was not drawn into the arena by wire-pulling or pressure from any group of men. He worked for righteousness in supporting his party, using the latter as an instrument or a means to that end. And, so far as he could, the organisation was filled with the life-blood of purity ; all its activities were stamped with honourable dealings, while the breath of its life was drawn from an atmosphere of truth. He denounced the professional politician, the man in politics who has no principle but is governed by selfish motives ; the man Macaulay describes so truly who " catches without effort the tone of any sect or party with w hich he chances to mingle. He discerns the signs 128 A NOBLE LIFE of the times with a sagacity . . . with which a Mohawk warrior follows a track through the woods. But we shall seldom find, in a statesman so trained, integrity, con- sistency, or any of the virtues of the noble family of truth. He has no faith in doctrine, no zeal in any cause. . . . He sneers alike at those who are anxious to preserve and those who are eager to reform. There is nothing in the State which he could not, without a scruple or blush, join in defending or destroying. Fidelity to friends or to opinions seems to him mere dulness or wrong-headedness. Politics he regards not as a science of which the happiness of mankind is the object, but as an exciting game of mixed chance and skill, at which a dexterous and lucky player may win." Such men were, in the judgment of Mr. Lewis Davis, unworthy of a place in the government of the country, and should be relegated to obscurity until they became honest men. " We don't want whitened sepulchres in Parliament, more than we want them in the pulpit, or in our employ." On one occasion, in a very interesting conversation in the library at Bryndderwen, Y. Z., a zealous Conservative, was present, and he ventured to say that A. B. was making a very able member of the Government of that day. " Well," said Mr. Lewis Davis, "I have grave doubts about his honesty as a politician ; I know for a fact that, only a day or two before he was selected as a candidate for the W Division, he was willing to contest that seat as a Liberal ; but the HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS 129 Liberals were doubtful as to what his principles were. In the mean time an invitation from the Conservatives reached him, and his ambition was the House of Commons, and he cared more about an open door than about principles or patriotism. And indeed, since he has been in the House, in several instances he has shown that he is not governed by any principles of justice, or that he has any convictions of his own. I tell you candidly I have no sympathy with such men." "Avoid the politic, the factious fool, The busy, buzzing, talking, harden'd knave. The quaint, smooth rogue, that sins against his reason, Calls saucy loud sedition public zeal, And mutiny the dictates of his spirit." Mr. Lewis Davis was a modest man and all through life shunned publicity, but when he felt it his duty to take a public part in any movement he never feared the face of an opponent, or to listen to all that could be said on the other side of the question. In Cardiff there was considerable activity in the camp of both parties ; and Mr. Davis found among the progressives of that town, men who were, as he and they thought, striving honestly and earnestly for civil, social, and religious liberty against very powerful opposition. He cast his lot with them, and friendships were formed, never weakened this side of the grave. Mr. Lewis Davis was a true patriot, a Welshman to the core ; he knew and admired the language, and was well 9 130 A NOBLE LIFE acquainted with its literature, its theology and poetry, its music and preachers. Moreover, he looked at the position of Wales, not through a sectarian single eye-glass, but from a broad national standpoint. With his brother David he was in constant communication, and they often discussed the position of Wales, the Swansea Conference, and their anxiety that something should be done to bring the resolutions into living realities. Mr. David Davis in early life, like his father, looked upon politics with some hesitation, his desires being strongly in the direction of becoming a Wesleyan preacher. His father did not give him much encour- agement, and during the Reform agitation he gave up the idea, and became more deeply interested in public affairs. The two brothers invariably consulted each other on important matters, and particularly in great public move- ments. Mr. Lewis generally took the initiative step in the introduction of every important scheme, and after careful consideration they were able to bring their schemes before the public with an almost certainty of success. They talked about the Swansea Conference again and again, and they agreed that something should be done. But to find monied men who were capable and willing to take up the work was the great difficulty, which seemed to be insurmountable. Mr. Henry Richard was a man of great ability; his letters in the Morning Star were sufficient proof of his HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS 131 qualification, especially when coupled with his speeches at Swansea, and the services he had rendered as secretary of the Peace Society. But was he prepared to spend his time and money in Parliament on behalf of Wales ? The two brothers agreed to undertake the financial responsi- bility with or without the help of a few others, and they had the joy of standing by that great and good man up to the time of their death. When the suggestion was made known to the leading men in the Merthyr-Tydfil and Aberdarc towns, it was taken up very heartily. When Mr. Henry Richard found that the two brothers, David and Lewis Davis ; Thomas Williams, Gwaelodygarth ; D, E. Williams, Hirwain ; and Charles H. James, Merthyr, were prepared to stand by him, he accepted the invitation to visit the towns of Merthyr and Aberdare, and after they had heard him to abide by the decision of the people. His visit created a political enthusiasm unlike anything hitherto known in Wales. Here was a Welshman who could speak the language fluently, and who was equally competent to speak in St. Stephen's, whose views agreed fully with those of the large populations in those towns. Moreover, he was a genuine Nonconformist, and a son of a Welsh minister whose memory was fragrant. The circumstances were highly encouraging. Merthyr - Tydfil, which included the towns of Aberdare, Dowlais, Mountainash, and a portion of Hirwain, with the adjacent villages, was given a second 132 A NOBLE LIFE member, and Mr. Henry Richard was invited to become a candidate. Mr. H. A. Bruce was the sitting member. The active promoters of Mr. Richard's candidature were not bringing him out in opposition to Mr. Bruce, they looked upon him as being far and away the best repre- sentative of their views sent by the Welsh constituencies ; but they felt they had a claim to send a real Non- conformist, and at all cost Mr. Richard must be sent to St. Stephen's. The Reform Act of 1867 had increased the list of voters in the constituency from 1 300 to 13,000. The idea of inviting an ex-Nonconformist minister to represent the largest constituency in Wales was in the judgment of the large employers of labour, the landowners, and the clerical section of the Established Church a great humiliation, if not an open disgrace ; and Mr. Fothergill of Abernant, a large employer, was invited to oppose Mr. Richard. The old aristocracy were not able to gauge the feeling of the constituency, or to find out the true strength of Nonconformity. They had got into the habit of describing the chapels as " Little Bethels " and thinking of the Welsh churches as ignorant, disorganised, and small groups of people that could easily be won or frightened into subjection. They also failed to realise the skill, strength, and popularity of the half a dozen men that were behind the candidature of Mr. Richard. The meetings held in support of Mr. Richard, some- times in halls, often on the hillsides outside the towns, HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS 133 were attended by David Davis of MaesyfTfynon ; Thomas Williams, Gwaelodygarth ; D. E. Williams, Hirwain ; Charles H. James of Merthyr ; Lewis Davis coming from Cardiff specially to speak at some of them ; while the Nonconformist ministers one and all were doing their part. The popular feeling was touched, quickened, and fired; and great processions, bonfires, fireworks, and genuine outbursts of enthusiastic cheers and singing made the whole of Wales resound. Other constituencies were filled with the same enthusiasm, and candidates were secured who were Nonconformists themselves, or who would pledge them- selves to support such measures as would give the Welsh people the same liberties as were given to others. The result of the election of 1868 was to elect Henry Richard with a majority of over 4000 votes above the second candidate, and to send to Parliament such men as Osborne Morgan, Mr. Dillwyn, Morgan Lloyd, Watkin Williams, E. M. Richards, Hussey Vivian, C. R. Talbot, Hanbury Tracy, Jones Parry, Richard Davies, Colonel Stepney, Colonel Stuart, Colonel Pryse, and others who were in sympathy with the nev/ aspirations of the Welsh people. The election of 1868 will always be memorable in Welsh history, because it proved to be the birth struggle of the nation into a new life of conscious liberty — its regeneration ; and of its steady growth ever since 134 A NOBLE LIFE educationally, politically, and morally there can be no misgiving. The landlords of Wales were enraged at their defeat, and their anger was not restricted to words. Hundreds of those who had voted for the Liberal candidates were served with notices of ejectment ; many were evicted, suffering hardships of starvation and even death. A storm of indignation arose throughout the Principality, and important conferences were held, at one of w^hich Mr. Lewis Davis delivered a very powerful speech. He finished by saying, " We must stand by these evicted tenants, stand by them financially, and if we can't make up for their loss we can help them to start again, if not in Wales in some other part of the world ; we must stand by them, by bringing the actions of such landlords before the House of Commons, and exposing them to the shame of their fellow-men. We have now men who can stand up for us in that august assembly, who can expose these shameful tyrannies, and see that our people have liberty of conscience." Mr. Lewis Davis was the largest subscriber to that fund, although the public was never told as to the largeness of his gift. He was often the first and largest giver, but was screened from the public eye by his unflinching modesty and his desire to be governed by principle in all things. Mr. Henry Richard was now in the House of Commons, and on the first opportunity he proposed HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS 135 the following resolution : — " That in the opinion of this House the proceedings of certain landlords in Wales towards their tenants, on account of their free exercise of the franchise at the late elections, are unprecedented and unconstitutional, and an infringement of the rights conferred by Parliament on the people of this country." Mr. Richard marshalled his facts, case after case, with such minuteness of detail, and moderation of language, without any violence of manner, tone, or temper, giving every proof of authenticity and truthful- ness, so bravely, vigorously, and eloquently that the resolution was carried without division. This was another victory for Wales and another proof to the world that the Welsh people were casting off the bands of oppression, shaking themselves from the dust of past ages, and beginning to breathe in the pure air of liberty. The last time Mr. Henry Richard visited Mr. Lewis Davis at Bryndderwen, it was the privilege of the writer to listen to Mr. Richard reviewing the progress of events in Wales, and his sincere expression of his indebtedness to Mr. Lewis Davis and his brother. " Wales will have an idea as to the services that I have been able to render to my fellow-countrymen," said Mr. Richard, " but she will never know in this world what she owes to you and your brother." Mr. Richard was better able to judge than many, but his knowledge of the unselfish devotion and i:.6 A NOBLE LIFE :> generosity of the brothers, Hke that of most people, could be but fragmentary. Many of their noblest efforts took their complexion from the heart, which moved in the higher light of God, and were not known or seen by men, excepting those who were the instruments of action. Yes, Mr. Richard was right when he said that the Welsh people would never know how much they were indebted to the two brothers, but to Mr. Richard himself the half was never told. We know of many incidents in the life of Mr. Lewis Davis (of the facts we could give chapter and verse), but we are prevented recording them out of respect to his expressed wishes, or of those who are living to whom they refer. Some of these incidents are as bold in conception, generous in action, and daring in faith in God and man as anything we know of in the history of our country. They would place our friend before the general public in that higher light in which he is only known by a few, and give Wales a better opportunity of knowing his worth and of doing justice to his memory. There was a very able, honest, and devoted worker, whose good sense, consistency, and efficient service in the cause of liberty had greatly impressed Mr. Lewis Davis. He watched his movements with growing admiration, but he was greatly pained to find that he was hampered by his circumstances. He came to the HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS 137 conclusion that if such a man could be placed in a better position he would be able to render good services to his fellow-countrymen. But how was that to be brought about? He became deeply interested in the case. One day he came upon his friend, and he inquired of him as to his business, circumstances, etc., and further- more as to how he could give more time, attention, and service to the cause of liberty and justice. " The little service I give I give gladly," said the friend ; " but I cannot do more than I am doing at present," he added. Mr. Lewis Davis suggested that the business should be re- constructed, greatly enlarged, and adapted so as to include up-to-date requirements ; a new and improved method of management — all involving a large expenditure. Mr. Lewis Davis was told by his friend that the plans were really excellent, but the working out of such alterations was an absolute impossibility. " Oh no," said Mr. Davis, " it can be done, and if you think the end will justify the means, we must find a method by which it will be done. Will it be a success ? " asked Mr. Davis. " Yes, without doubt," was the reply. " Then," said Mr. Davis, " order the plans, let the contract, and I will find the money." It is not easy to describe the feelings of the good man. He knew Mr. Lewis Davis, he had known a great deal about his generosity in support of his principles, but such a suggestion seemed to him more like a fairy tale. However, Lewis Davis was a man of his word, and he could trust him. 138 A NOBLE LIFE In due time the alterations were completed, the money was paid, and the new enterprise was set in operation. It cost some thousands of pounds, but when it was paid over to his friend Mr. Davis said, " I shall never hold you responsible for this money, but if the enterprise is a success I shall not be above taking it back. You know that I am anxious that my fellow- countrymen shall have within their reach a good education for their children, liberty of conscience in the choice of their religion and politics, and an opportunity of bettering their position in this life, and you can help us in that good work." That incident led to a series of other incidents, as was foreseen by Mr. Lewis Davis, all leading up to a great national movement, directly touching upon every department of progressive life in the Principality. Mr. Lewis Davis knew the man with whom he had to do, he had carefully considered the means, and he fore- saw the consequences ; and in this case, like so many others, he proved himself a true prophet. There are not a few large and important under- takings in South Wales to-day, some of them occupying leading positions, that received from him something more than a good word. Mr. Lewis Davis was the architect and real founder of not a few important concerns that are doing well at the present time. He attended an important political meeting which, because there was no other building in which to hold it. HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS 139 was held in the largest chapel in the neighbourhood. In conversation with friends on the spot he found that upon that large and commodious place of worship there was a heavy debt, and that the trustees, all of them working people, were ever ready to grant the use of that chapel, free of charge, in connection with all public movements for the general good of the community. The next day he sent them a cheque for a very handsome gift, with one stipulation, that it was not to be made public. On another occasion he was taking part at a public meeting, and references were made to the good work done by a minister to elevate the moral and intellectual condition of the people, irrespective of creed or party. He inquired about the salary paid that good man for his work, and was pained when he found that it was so small. In a few days the good minister was astounded to find a substantial gift, with a promise that as long as he would continue in the good work he was doing, and his salary was below a certain sum, he would be pleased to encourage him by sending a similar sum yearly, while the gift was kept strictly private. These gifts were not given on denominational grounds or for sectarian purposes ; the ministers in question did not belong to one and the same denomination. It was the character of the work, apart from the church or chapel, which commended itself to his judgment and drew out his sympathy. Speaking to a friend on one occasion, of a certain 140 A NOBLE LIFE business man who was known to both, Mr, Davis said that he was one of the most honourable gentlemen he had met with. " A few years ago Providence put it in my way to suggest to him a plan by which he might extend his business, increase his income, and be made a greater blessing to his fellow-men. The suggestion was very wisely taken up, and most energetically carried out. It has been a success, and my friend is doing well, and will do better." During the bad years in the coal trade, when strikes were followed by so many failures, and so many influential and strong firms were compelled to suspend operations, he sent me a word one day saying that he had saved a certain sum of money which he thought might be more useful to us than to himself, and begging our using it as we should need it. I was deeply impressed with the action, the particular time and way it was sent, and in it all saw the hand of God upon us for good. It was a noble response to a fine illustration of bold faith which had gone before, and upon the gentleman con- cerned it added the highest dignity of ennobled manhood. Other facts, bearing upon or having direct connection with the inner life and working of his friends in public matters, might be added, incidents of a similar character, showing the wise generosity of the nobleman from Bryndderwen, that are only known to a few in each case ; but the above will suffice. Mr. Lewis Davis was often invited to allow himself HIS RELATIONSHir WITH POLITICS 141 to be nominated as a candidate for Parliament for Cardiff and other constituencies, but he ahvays decHned, as did also his brother David Davis. The writer was present at a large and representative meeting held in the Nazareth Hall, Aberdare, to select a candidate in place of Mr. Fothergill, who had resigned or was about to resign his seat. The meeting was enthusiastic in its desire that Mr. David Davis or Mr. Lewis Davis should be selected. Mr. David Davis, who was present, would not hear of it, and positively declined for himself, and also did so on behalf of his brother. The meeting was disappointed, as every eye of that large representative gathering looked in the same direction ; but they looked in vain. They could not be moved. Mr. David Davis then proposed a gentleman of whose qualifications there was no doubt, who was elected at the ensuing election. A few days afterwards we met Mr. David Davis at Blaengwawr ; and his mother, who was then living, said how glad she was that her sons had been wise enough to decline the responsibility. In answer to a question which we addressed to Mr. Davis, he said that he had considered the matter carefully, and besides the risk of neglecting business, which must be attended to, as in the case of Mr. F. , M.P., " I should not be as happy or be able to do as much good as I am by living in Aberdare, and giving as much time and help as I can to the people here." Mr. Lewis Davis held the same views. He said, " The member of Parliament should be liberated from 142 A NOBLE LIFE business, and be able to give his time and thought honestly and fully to his profession." When he was asked to become a candidate for the Rhondda, he declined himself, but consented that his son, Mr. Fred Lewis Davis, should become a candidate, at the request of the Rhondda Liberal Association. Both father and son were led to understand that the invitation was hearty and unanimous, and that on the Liberal side there would be one united powerful organisa- tion. They had no objection to Mabon, or any desire to keep him out of Parliament, and if the Liberal three hundred had elected him first, he would have received their loyal and generous support. But since the party had selected Mr. Fred Lewis Davis, and he had given his word, it was felt to be his duty not to swerve from it. Mr. F. L. Davis won the esteem of everybody, and his courage, tact, ability, and speeches marked him out as a gentleman who would do honour to any constituency. This has been more than confirmed by the many invita- tions given to him to become a candidate elsewhere. Mr. Lewis Davis never appeared to the writer so great and noble a Christian gentleman, excepting on his deathbed, as he did on the evening the poll was declared, with the result that Mr. Fred had not been elected. He turned to us and said, " We accept the result loyally, and feel confident it is the best thing for us as a family, and especially for me. We accepted the candidature as a duty, and we have taken it up in that light. I have left HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH POLITICS 143 the matter entirely in the hands of God, and know that all things work together for good to them that love God. ]\Iy health is failing, and it will be very important for Fred to be at home to attend to business in my stead. I only hope that Mabon will be a good Liberal ; and if he will do all in his power to stand by and support justice, righteousness, and truth, I shall be glad to give him every encouragement and support." His last appearance in public life was the occasion of the unveiling of the Batchelor Statue at Cardiff, on Saturday, 1 8th October 1886. Mr. Rees Jones, who presided, said : " No man breathes who has a higher claim to that honour, for honour it is, than my friend Mr. Lewis Davis. He knew Mr. Batchelor in his prosperity, he knew him in his adversity, and he stood shoulder to shoulder with him in sunshine and storm." Mr. Alderman Cory, speaking of Mr. Davis's services that day and his friendship with John Batchelor for thirty years, and the great services they had rendered, added, " He is not only popular amongst the people by whom he is surrounded, but we here in Cardiff love and respect him." Dr. Edwards, adding, said, " I heartily wish that Mr. Davis may live long to promote, as he has done, all that concerns the well-being of the masses throughout this most populous district. The very able panegyric which Mr. Lewis Davis then pronounced over his departed friend was true of himself. " He was a polished speaker, a man of great culture, with a well-stored mind, well-balanced judgment, clear in his 144 A NOBLE LIFE vision of things, with considerable power of imagination, a clear pathetic ring in his voice, a natural fluency which, when his Celtic enthusiasm was aroused, became very eloquent and effective." Mr. Henry Richards was right when he said that Wales would never know how much she owed to Messrs. David and Lewis Davis. Their deeds of daring were out of the public gaze, but not less real on that account ; they concentrated their energies on laying a solid, strong, and broad foundation, upon which rests the liberties and privileges of the present time. They sought and found their reward in their work. They were taken away from their labours before the great fabric was completed ; but, as the architect is seen, read, and admired in the beauty and grandeur of the reared temple, so will David and Lewis Davis, John Batchelor, Henry Richard, and others who worked with them, be seen in the regenerated, up- lifted, and highly promising life of Welsh nationalism of the present time. They lived and died by faith, and saw the promises afar off; but the Welsh people to-day and for generations to come will owe to these great and good men the deeper debt of loving gratitude. ' ' What is noble ? that which places Truth in its enfranchised will, Leaving steps like angel traces That mankind may follow still. E'en though scorn's malignant glances Prove him poorest of his clan, He is noble who advances Freedom and the cause of man." HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION JO " Instruction's hand must trace The intellectual form, which lies enshrined 'Mid nature's rude materials ; and the mind Invest with due proportion, strength, and grace." HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION EDUCATION commences at the mother's knee, said Ballon, and every word spoken witliin the hearsay of Httle children tends towards the formation of character. Its true purpose is to cherish and unfold the seed of immortality already sown within us, to develop to their fullest extent the capacities of every kind with which the God who made us has endowed us. Educa- tion enlarges the natural power of the mind, and qualifies the individual to make the best of life. To create a public opinion in favour of a national system of educa- tion has been a more difficult task in England than was anticipated by ardent and enthusiastic supporters of such a scheme twenty-five years ago. Ikit the position of education in Wales was deplor- able. The Welsh people, if we exempt the wealthier classes, were without any educational advantages except those provided by the Sunday schools and self-culture. The advent of the Tudor dynasty to power was favour- ably anticipated, but while Jesus College was specially established for the benefit of Welshmen, the Welsh language, poetry, and literature were discountenanced. 147 148 A NOBLE LIFE The landowners became courtiers and ceased to speak the language of the people. Many Welshmen distinguished themselves in England, during that period, as depicted by Shakespeare, but they were the sons of the rich, and were educated at the universities. The monoglot Welshman had hitherto been kept in isolation from the world of literature, science, and com- merce, without any chance of knowing what was going on in the midst of other peoples ; while he himself was looked upon as little superior to the heathen. The Welshman during the first half of the nineteenth century, within the limits of his own language, literature, and privileges, owing to the influence of the pulpit, the Bible, and the Sunday school, was more highly cultured than the average Englishman. The Bible was read, studied, and explained ; the sermons of the great preachers were talked about in the homestead, the mine, quarry, smithy ; and many of the greater thoughts would be impressed upon the memory of a large number of the people — even those who could not read would commit them to memory. Then, the good old Vicar Pritchard's embodiment of so much of scriptural truth in poetic garb, had so found its way into the soul and life of the Welsh people, that children were rocked to sleep in the sound of these common-sense sayings, and the echoes of them would be heard on the hillside, in the dairy, in the smithy, and in the homes of the people. The poetry of Williams, Pantycelyn, and others, were HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION 149 heard from Cardiff to Holyhead, and from St. Davids to Gelh'. There were hundreds of triads, proverbs, and fragments of poetry that were handed down from remote ages, many of which were pregnant with philosophy, law, and morality. The Welshman had fewer books, teachers, and public schools than the Englishman, the Frenchman, or the German, but of the books and oppor- tunities he had he made greater use ; and his knowledge of the great truths of the Bible was in advance of any of his neighbours, if we except the other branch of the Celtic family resident in Scotland. The position of education in England was deplorable. Mr. Forster in his speech in the House of Commons, as reported in the Times for July 21, 1869, shows that in Standard VI., in the whole of England and Wales, 27,098 were presented for examination, and of that number 8704 failed. When it is remembered that there were between 4,000,000 and 5,000,000 children in England and Wales that were under thirteen years of age, for whom education should be provided, no further con- firmation of the above statement will be required. The public schools of Wales were few and far between, the teachers were miserably incompetent, and the clergy who were supposed to be interested in the so-called national schools were narrow, bigoted, or care- less ; while the British schools were often conducted in small, cold, badly fitted chapels, the teachers in many instances being young men who were preparing for the I50 A NOBLE LIFE ministry, or older men who had failed to secure or keep their churches. But national exclusiveness and isolation did more to keep down the Welsh people and to retard the progress of education than any other cause. The cry, " Wales for the Welsh, and the Welsh language for the Welsh people," died hard, but not without preventing many a clever son of Cambria working his way to a position of influence, wealth, and usefulness, to his own benefit and that of his fellow-countrymen. The leaders of Nonconformity in Wales, with the exception of the Wesleyans, were strongly opposed to the interference of Government with the education of the nation, and they positively declined to receive any grant for that purpose. Mr. Kilsby Jones and Mr. Williams, an eminent Welshman who had travelled a great deal, and was elected member of Parliament for Coventry and later for Lambeth, were in advance of their fellow- countrymen. They visited Swansea and other places in the Principality, advocating that the education of the people should be taken up by the Government. The Voluntary principle was so deeply rooted in the minds of the leading men, that they would not hear of such a system for the Nonconformity of Wales ; and men like Dr. Davies of the Normal College, Swansea, David Rees, Llanelly, and many others resented the position taken up by Kilsby Jones. Dr. Davies, the blind preacher, and Professor Griffiths of HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION 151 Brecon, supported the so - called Saxon view of the question. Mr. Lewis Davis took an interest in the question, and never hesitated to give his support to the less popular section. He would say that the English language was the chief avenue to success in trade, science, and literature. Give the Welshman a fair chance, and he will show to the world that he has brain-power, courage, and perseverance enough to hold his own with any other nationality in the great battle of life. He contended for State aid for elementary education, and that it was the duty of the nation to provide for every child such an education as would enable him, if he had capacity and qualification, to take any position in the country. The position taken up by Mr. Davis, Kilsby Jones, and the Wesleyan Methodists, half a century ago, is the one accepted by all the Noncon- formists of Wales at the present day. Mr. Lewis Davis was a consistent and fearless advocate of giving the Welsh people a good training in the English and other modern languages, as a means of breaking down the national partition. He wanted the Welsh and English people to be brought face to face in the university, in the great stock exchange, in politics, and religion. " I want my countrymen to feel that the literature, the arts, and sciences of the world arc open to them, and I should like to see them step out of their 152 A NOBLE LIFE narrow ideas and grasp some of the prizes of the age," he would say. He felt that the unjust attacks that were made so often by the English press arose chiefly from the ignor- ance of the English people as to the character and capabilities of the inhabitants of Wales ; and the inability of the latter to use the English language to defend themselves and to claim a position of equality with their neighbours in the great work of civilisation and religion. The results of the last thirty years will go a long way to convince every patriotic Welshman that those who advocated the same views as Mr. Lewis Davis were the true prophets and the greatest benefactors of their country. The investigation into the history of Welsh literature by Thomas Stephens, a Welshman whose great abilities were acknowledged by so eminent an authority as Lord Aberdare, who knew him intimately, and referred to him " as a man of great literary faculty, a most honest as well as a most enlightened critic, who supplied a want grievously felt among the critical writers of Welsh litera- ture," did not fail to open the eyes of thoughtful people, and to attract the attention of not a few of the most eminent writers beyond the borders of the Principality. Mr. Matthew Arnold, whose honesty and ability is universally acknowledged in his critical studies on Celtic literature and its influence upon English thought, did lasting service to Wales by disabusing the minds of prejudiced Saxons with regard to the capabilities and HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION 153 productions of the Cymry, as well as inspiring the smaller nation with increased confidence in her pursuit of higher attainments. This fact was further illustrated by Lord Aberdare, in his reference to the distinguished services in connec- tion with Celtic literature rendered by Lady Charlotte Guest. Lady Charlotte applied herself diligently to the study of the Welsh language ; this was followed by a vigorous study of Cambrian literature, and she made for herself a name amongst the Celtic scholars of Europe. She then brought out an edition of the Mabinogion, and its influence is most directly felt in those charming poems of Tennyson which deal with the Arthurian period. Mr. Lewis Davis never faltered in his loyalty to the Welsh language ; he continued to study it, and worship God by the means of it, and to support its literature, and especially its use in the homes of the people — but he wished them to do better than master one language. The words uttered by the Marquis of Bute, in a very able address at the Cardiff Eisteddfod in i 883, embodied his views, " I would urge you then," said Lord Bute, " to cling to the language of your fathers, and to seek through it the development of literary power and intel- lectual culture. But let me urge you to seek it in culture. Eor a man to speak Welsh, and willingly not to be able to read and write it, is to confess himself a boor. Try to understand the language grammatically, and to speak with the light of reason. I exhort you not 154 A NOBLE LIFE to let go the tongue of your fathers. It is an excellent thing to know English, French, Italian — the knowledge of languages singularly expands the field of intellectual vision. Without Latin, for instance, no one in Western Europe could be called highly educated, and without Greek no one can enter into the higher regions of Aryan thought. " But I should think myself very ill-advised if I tried to substitute any other language for that of my own tongue — silly in myself, vulgar in social intercourse, irreverent in prayer." The establishment of a university for Wales was first suggested in a letter which appeared in the Cambrian Daily Leader, written by Dr. David Thomas, the editor of the Hoviilist} about the time when the bicentenary of the Bartholomew ejectment was being celebrated. Dr. Nicholas, then President of the Presbyterian College, Carmarthen, sympathised with the suggestion, and wrote a pamphlet on the subject. Mr. W. Williams, the mem- ber of Parliament for Lambeth, became interested in the project, and was also a large subscriber towards the funds. Dr. Nicholas was the first secretary, and gave much time and thought in support of the movement. The scheme commended itself to the common sense of the Welsh people ; but their lack of means, or large hearts to contribute towards its support, coupled with sectarian jealousies, marred the enthusiasm of the movement. Amongst the first in the Principality to take up the ' Vide Homilist, 1873, p. 99. HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION 155 question in a truly practical, generous, and national spirit was Lewis Davis. He frequently expressed himself strongly upon the importance of a highly educated ministry, the training and qualification of young men for the learned professions, and the importance of higher education in the uplifting of the nation. He was particularly jealous about the future of the Welsh pulpit, the spread of education in the elementary schools, and the opening of new avenues to the literature of the world. He felt that the modern appliances of self-culture made it imperative upon the churches of Wales to make a better provision for the rising ministry, and the teaching of the young. When the suggestion was made public that the palatial castle buildings at Aberystwyth were suitable and in the market, Mr. Lewis Davis arranged an inter- view with Dr. Nicholas, Henry Richard, and Lewis Williams, in the house of the latter gentleman, to consider the question. They met at Queen Street, Cardiff, and decided to hold a public meeting in the Cardiff Town Hall; Judge Gwylim Williams presided. Mr. Lewis Davis headed the list of donations with £^OQy and with Mr. Lewis Williams collected in Cardiff towards the scheme the sum of £,\AfOO. This was the first real start given to the college movement, followed by success. At the opening of the Aberystwyth College, some years after, the writer, who was present on that auspicious occasion, remembers distinctly how Mr. Lewis 156 A NOBLE LIFE Davis kept in the back part of the hall, as if he wished to hide himself, while others were to the front full of zeal and enthusiasm on that day, on behalf of a movement which had never cost them a silver coin ! Mr. Lewis Davis was brought to his feet, and the clear ring of his voice, the perfect mastery of the subject, and the clear- cut Saxon sentences attracted the attention of that representative gathering ; and the question went round the room, " Who is that gentleman ? " and it was felt by many that there were men in Wales that were intensely in earnest, who \\'ere prepared to do something worthy of the cause. It also oozed out that Mr. David and Mr. Lewis Davis had proved themselves the most liberal supporters of the college at a time when its funds were low, its friends few, and the importance of the move- ment had not taken a hold of the Welsh people. When Lord Aberdare's Commission was appointed, no one took a keener interest in the inquiry, watched its proceedings with greater anxiety, or followed its reports with greater zeal than Mr. Lewis Davis. He knew that the people had taken up the Education Act of 1870 with courage and enthusiasm, but he was alive to the danger to the Welsh people if they did not press on into the higher realms of knowledge. When the Commission reported in favour of two colleges, one for South and the other for North Wales, he was in deep sympathy with Aberystwyth, but his judg- ment was decidedly in favour of having a college in HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION 157 some convenient centre, for the growing population of the counties of Glamorgan and Monmouth. When the question of deciding the location of the college for South Wales set in motion the claims of Cardiff and Swansea, and the generosity, intelligence, patriotism, and enthusiasm of the inhabitants of these towns were put to the test, Mr. Lewis Davis was one of the largest donors ; and while his sj'mpathy was decidedly with Cardiff, he did not make his promise on the condition that Cardiff be selected. If the arbi- trators appointed to decide the question had given their decision in favour of Swansea, the promise of the two brothers, David and Lewis Davis, would have been given, as in the case of Cardiff. They were more concerned about the education of the young people than they were about the locality. The Cardiff people having determined to do every- thing in their power to secure the college for that thriving go-a-head hive of industry, with such an Argus- eyed gentleman as Mr. Lewis Williams taking a leading part in the movement, they knew that the first step to be taken was to secure the co-operation of Mr. Lewis Davis. A public meeting was decided upon, and fortunately for Cardiff its chief magistrate for that year was Mr. Alfred Thomas, the present member of Parlia- ment for r^.ast Glamorgan, and the leader of the Welsh party in the House of Commons. Mr. Alfred Thomas was an active and leading Non- 158 A NOBLE LIFE conformist ; he knew the language, Hterature, needs, and aspirations of the Welsh people; he had lived in Wales, and his exemplary conduct, his growing influence, and his never-failing patriotism had won for him the con- fidence of the Welsh people generally. Had there been at the head of affairs in the town of Cardiff that year one of the exclusive, bigoted, anti-Welsh Englishmen, it is very probable that the enthusiasm of the Welsh people would have gone overwhelmingly against Cardiff, and in favour of Swansea or some other town. Mr. Alfred Thomas was invited to preside over the great public meeting, and Mr. Lewis Davis was asked to move the first resolution, which embodied the pledge of the people of that town to provide accommodation for the college. The meeting was held, but, to the great regret of the supporters of the movement, Mr. Lewis Davis was unable to attend. He sent a letter to Mr. Lewis Williams, of which the following is a copy : — ^'YEVi^^T)^\JK, January il, 18S2. " Dear Mr. Williams, — I am sorry to be pre- vented by business from coming down, as I promised you, to the meeting this afternoon. You know how fully I sympathise with the object, and my brother David, who is over here this morning, joins me in saying that we are prepared to give ;^iooo each to the proposed college, the unsectarian character being fully assured. " We do not wish our names to be mentioned other than as two friends, but still, if in your judgment the HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION 159 interests we have alike at heart be advantaged by the names being given, we leave it to you to act as you think best. " Trusting it will be a successful meeting, Yours very truly, Lewis Davis." The letter is typical of Mr. Lewis Davis, The only condition is that " the unsectarian character of the col- lege be assured," and from a deep sense of duty he gives Mr. Lewis Williams discretion with regard to the use of his name. This letter was received by Mr. Williams about twelve o'clock, and with the generous promise of the two brothers of a thousand pounds each, he soon saw a number of other gentlemen, and by two o'clock the same day he was able to report a thousand pounds each from Mr. Alfred Thomas, the Mayor of Cardiff, Messrs. John Cory, Richard Cory, and J. H. Insole, with many other smaller sums. Mr. Lewis Williams, whose services in connection with education in and beyond the Principality are well known throughout England and Wales, and whose masterly grasp of the situation, whose skill in putting the case before the arbitrators, supported so loyally and effectively by the late Dean Vaughan, secured for the town of Cardiff the University College, informs me that the gifts of the two brothers influenced others to give at least £1 5,000 in support of the movement. In this as in so many other movements — social, political, and religious i6o A NOBLE LIFE — he led the movement from the background ; and the man who more than any other man was the most effective supporter of the scheme was screened by his modesty. Mr. Lewis Davis surveyed the whole situation before committing himself to a great movement. In the build- ing of a college for South Wales in Cardiff, he came to the conclusion, after careful study, that it would cost so much ; then the question of finance was considered in its relation to the constituency and how to raise it. Ten men to give a thousand each ; twenty, five hundred each, etc. His own gift was given with manly grace and a modest discretion, which crowned it with satis- faction and goodwill. After the decision of Lord Bramwell, Lord Carling- ford, and the Right Hon. A. J. Mundella, upon the question of locating the college, had been published, and the inhabitants of Cardiff were enthusiastic over the victory they had won, Mr. Lewis Davis said, " We shall need all our earnestness, enthusiasm, patriotism, and generosity to convince England, and Wales especially, that we deserved the victory, and are worthy of the responsibility resting upon us." Some time after, at a public meeting, in a memorable speech Mr. Lewis Davis humorously, but with the tact so characteristic of himself, challenged his old and valued friend. Dr. T. W. Edwards of Cardiff, that if he would give a thousand pounds towards founding a Medical School, he, Mr. Davis, would give a thousand HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION 16 1 pounds towards an Engineering School, which, says Mr. Lewis Williams, was promptly accepted, greatly to the credit of both gentlemen. Dr. Edwards, who has been an active member of the Council of the college from the beginning, has been privileged to see the Medical School established, and it is now spending a thousand a year with very encouraging results. The medical profession is now within the reach of clever young people in Wales who were previously excluded. Mr. Lewis Davis passed away before the Engineering School was commenced, and before his gift was called for, but to the honour of his son, Mr. F. L. Davis, be it said, that without being sought or in any way reminded of the promise, he sent a cheque for the amount, to give effect to the wishes of his honoured father. The Uni- versity College at Cardiff, since the death of Mr. Lewis Davis, has had on several occasions many reasons for expressing its gratitude to Mr. Frederick Lewis Davis for his noble endeavours to emulate the example of his worthy father, and his determination to give effect to his earnest desires. Mr. Lewis Davis was too far-sighted an educationalist to rest satisfied without an Intermediate Education Act, and he did not fail to express his views to those who were in authority. He knew the true position of the Welsh people more accurately than almost any man in Wales. From childhood he had looked up to the pulpit, u, i62 A NOBLE LIFE and with his brother, Mr. David Davis, always kept in touch with the leading ministers of all the Free Churches of the Principality, and their information was first hand and reliable. The few Secondary Schools were cither too expensive or exclusive for the children of the great majority of the Welsh people. Moreover, there were a number of charities and endowments that belonged to the Welsh people that were used for sectarian purposes, as were Ashford, and Jesus College, Oxford, that should be made available to all alike. Lord Aberdare's Commission succeeded in gathering up all the facts, and showing the need of filling the gap between the Board Schools and a University education. Many schemes were suggested. There were some who were prepared to support Secondary Schools, but strongly opposed to the establishment of colleges ; while others were in favour of colleges, and, if not strongly opposed to secondary education, were careless in their support of it. There were supporters of the Lampeter College, who were prepared to assume that it was large enough, or capable of enlargement, to meet all the requirements for higher education outside of Oxford and Cambridge. Mr. Lewis Davis had studied and mastered the question, and was not satisfied with anything less than a well-ordered system which would bring the best educa- tion within the reach of every child. He contended that education should be under the control of popularly HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION 163 elected bodies over sufficiently extensive areas, with full power of management and responsibility for maintenance, with well-graduated curricula, a well-trained staff, sanitary buildings, and well equipped with all modern appliances and school requisites. But he did not stop there ; he believed that there were among Welsh children as large a percentage as that of England or Scotland, if given the same advantages, who would elect to enter the learned professions. This was only possible when better schools were established within easy reach of their homes, by which they could be qualified to pass on to the uni- versities without great cost. Many, even amongst ardent Welshmen, were sceptical as to the possibility of any great results on these lines, and were indifferent. The views that were held by Mr. Lewis Davis were gradually but surely becoming the guiding principles of the old Nonconformists who at one time had objected to State aid and to elementary schools. The biographer of the late Mr. Henry Richard, M.P., says that, " like the late Mr. Edward Miall, he always looked back with a certain measure of regret on the abandonment of the Voluntary system in education. I am not sure that he was ever fully convinced that Government aid was necessary. But if grants were given to schools, he was clear that the schools should be under public and representative managers, and that they should not attempt to teach religion." Mr. Richard meant by a Voluntary school one which is neither assisted nor controlled by State. 1 64 A NOBLE LIFE This view was held tenaciously and conscientiously by many of the older Welshmen for many years. They considered education from a family and not from a national standpoint. They had built their chapels and colleges by voluntary contributions, and they were pre- pared, to their honour be it said, to build schools, and educate the rising generation in the same way. It was fortunate for Wales that Lord Aberdare presided over the Commission ; his position in the Gladstonian Government, his thorough knowledge of education in all its bearings, his impartiality in his study of Welsh character, needs, and qualifications, and his gradual but steadily growing sympathy with the wider unsectarian and national aims and aspirations of all patriotic Welshmen were manifest in the report of the Commissioners, and further confirmed by the time and thought he so willingly gave to the general interest of education in Wales. Lord Aberdare by birth, training, and social environ- ment belonged to the aristocracy, who looked upon the Welsh people as ignorant, superstitious, and in- capable of any great improvement ; but he lived within a few miles of Mr. Lewis Davis, and was frequently brought face to face with him, and the intelligent grasp and the transparent honesty of the latter gentleman had a powerful influence in broadening the views and draw- ing out the sympathies and co-operation of his lordship on behalf of education in Wales. HIS RELATION WITH EDUCATION 165 The services rendered to education in Wales by- Lord Aberdare cannot easily be over-estimated, and will probably be more highly valued in years to come ; but his lordship often referred to the views of such men as Henry Richard and Lewis Davis, and how they had influenced his judgment ; and when the latter gentleman had passed within the veil his lordship referred to him as one of the greatest men the county of Glamorgan had known ; " in educational, social, and patriotic move- ments he was," said his lordship, " truly a prince." Mr. Lewis Davis, like Moses, was not privileged to live to witness the working of the " Intermediate Edu- cation Act," and the " University " the promised land of opportunity for the Welsh people ; but like the great Hebrew lawgiver he was privileged to climb his Nebo, and to see it dimly in the distance. To him the sight was a great satisfaction ; it gave him consolation when he was lingering on the banks of the Jordan that he had been able to do something towards elevating his fellow-countrymen. " America," said Emerson, " is a land of opportunity ; its climate a tonic stimulating to effort ; its untold re- sources invite a display of energy, while the examples of so many who by buying these opportunities, and using their energies have been successful, become an inspiration to other lands." Half a century ago Wales was a land without opportunities, without much hope to overcome a de- 1 66 A NOBLE LIFE pressive inertia, or means by which it might Uft up its head even within the British Isles. The few who were able to send their sons to the Scotch or English Uni- versities satisfied themselves by assuming that they belonged to a higher race, and possessed a richer blood, and looked with pity or scorn upon the mass of Welsh people. The Welsh people were not fairly represented to the English people, and those who failed to represent their fellow-countrymen in England gave the Welsh people a very erroneous idea of English people, and a bitterness and deeply rooted hatred followed. Welshmen looked beyond England to Patagonia, America, Australia, some- where far away for encouragement. What a change in less than half a. century ! To-day the world is becoming an open door, and " poor little Wales " is taking hold of leading positions in Oxford, Cambridge, Scotland, America, Australia, asserting herself in the Commons of Great Britain, filling the leading pulpits in the various churches of the world, and is filled with a new hope and enthusiasm which is lifting the race to a position of usefulness and prosperity. Mr. Lewis Davis's name may possibly be lost sight of, and his work, devotion, generosity not be known many ages hence, but the truth he lived for, and the spirit he breathed into the national life of Wales, will continue shedding light and glory upon his fellow - countrymen to the end of time. HIS RELATION TO RELIGION " Religion is all. Descending from the skies To wretched man, the goddess in her left Holds out this world, and in her right The next." 1.EWIS DAVIS, AGED 4S. HIS RELATION TO RELIGION " '' I ""HE body of all true religion consists," said Burke, *- " in obedience to the will of the sovereign of the world, in a confidence in his declarations, and in imitations of his perfections. Sacrifice of self and all selfish aims is the first element, and resolves itself in theological language into the love of God." Mr. Lewis Davis's religion was more manifest in deeds than in his public profession of it, it was more real in its inwardness than in its own publicity. It shone most clearly in deeds of love and mercy. Not that he was unwilling, slow, or hesitant in taking a public position on the side of Christianity ; but that he was more concerned about being than see7ning to be in every department of life. The reader will not fail to perceive in the previous chapters that education, commerce, politics, society, family, and his own personal life were all directed, con- trolled, utilised, and enjoyed as talents from God for which he as a steward was held responsible. Born and brought up in a Christian home, closely associated with the inner life of the Wesleyan Church at 1C9 I70 A NOBLE LIFE Hirwain, and with the ministers and prominent laymen of the Merthyr-Tydfil circuit and the South Wales district, and of the whole Connexion, he was truly cradled in Methodism. He was no stranger to family prayerSj Bible reading, deeply interesting conversations about every good work with the leading ministers of Wales, the Sunday school, early Sunday morning prayer- meetings, and other means of grace, from childhood. The moulding influence of his youthful days would be Puritanic on its ethical side, modified by an evangelical Arminianism. The theological controversies of Wales were still attracting considerable attention. The Antinomianism and the more extreme form of high Calvinism were assailed from within, and notwithstanding that the great masses of the Welsh people were Calvinistic in their creed, the powerful preaching of John Jones, Talysarn, the Roberts of Llanbrynmair, and other eminent men was beginning to tell upon the more intelligent Welshmen in all the Nonconformist Churches of the Principality. The discussions on the five points were continuous and protracted, and few men were able to continue long in a position of neutrality without identifying themselves either with the Arminian on one side, or the Calvinist on the other. Mr. Lewis Davis, when very young, was deeply interested in these debates, and was able to hold his own. After his return from Wesley College, Sheffield, he HIS RELATION TO RELIGION 171 was determined to give careful attention to the whole question of the creed and polity of the various denomina- tions, with a view of identifying himself with that section of the Church which, according to his judgment, came nearest to the teaching and example of Christ. This was not an excuse brought in with the intention of deferring the matter, because, while it was being under consideration, he gave a portion of time daily to read and meditate upon the Word of God. His decision was that of a thoughtful, honest man, and was one for life. His activity at Hirwain and in the circuit was to ministers and people full of promise ; and now that he had made up his mind as to the church of of his choice, he threw into his Christian work all his energies. He was present at early prayer - meetings, seven o'clock on Sunday mornings, cottage - meetings, Sunday-school Society ; and everything at the old chapel at Hirwain had the help of Mr. Lewis Davis. It was at this period that he was seriously entertain- ing the question of entering the ministry. His intimacy with the Rev. Robert Rees, his brother-in-law, would probably tend to foster this feeling, and his old friends in the Wesleyan Chapel at Hirwain gave him all the encouragement possible. The years 1849-52 were most disastrous in their effects upon the Wesleyan Societies on the hill district. A popular young minister, whose morals had been unsatisfactory, when he was asked by his superintendent 172 A NOBLE LIFE to explain his conduct, resigned his connection with Methodism, and did not fail to create an uneasiness in the minds of many. This unfortunate incident was followed by the Reform agitation, and a great rent followed. A considerable and influential section of the local preachers became the active leaders of the Reform movement, and they were supported by the other denominations. Amongst many others who left the Wesleyan Church was Mr. David Davis, who was then settled down at Mill Street, Aberdare, and was the leader of a very promising society. Mr. Lewis Davis had carefully considered the question of Church polity before he had finally committed himself to its membership, and he was not the man to be drawn away by the fear of opposition, or because the majority belonged to the other side. He had studied the question when the calm prevailed, and as the result of a deep conviction in the mind produced by that inquiry, he was delivered from the mistakes made by so many others. In times of trial and difficulty he was found steadfast and un movable : he knew that the clouds would roll by, and that the ebbing tide would flow again. He knew that ' ' Tlie rainbow lo the sloims of life, The evening beam that smiles the clouds away And tints to-morrow with prophetic ray." He believed that the Methodist Church was founded on the substantial rock of truth, and that its anchor HIS RELATION TO RELIGION 173 was cast within the veil, and would outlive all the agitators. And in this he was right. He had no cause to repent the stand he took, neither did he lose the respect of those with whom he disagreed. It was a great loss to Methodism to lose his brother, Mr. David Davis, Maesyffynon, who after a while, with the church built in Aberdare, went over to the Congregationalists, but who never failed to show his kindly disposition to the Church of his youth and early manhood. Mr. David Davis regretted that the agitation had ever taken the form it did, and in after years gave it as his opinion to the writer that a mistake had been made in not striving to bring about the reforms within, and not outside the body. " If we had remained within the Methodist Church," he remarked, " and worked on con- stitutional lines, the evils of the agitation would have been avoided, a great rent in the progress of the greatest evangelical movement prevented, and the reforms we desired would have been accomplished facts years ago. " The mischief is now done and cannot be undone, and the responsibility rests partly upon us who agitated and went out, and partly upon those who were so determined at all cost to govern the Methodist Church according to their own autocratic and tyrannical ideas ; but I should never advise others to do as we did. It is always better to strive to bring about a reform within, on constitutional lines." 174 A NOBLE LIFE During the Reform agitation, Mr. Lewis Davis was most actively engaged in every manner of good work, as were his parents at Aberdare ; and their modesty and firmness contributed much towards preventing one of the best circuits in the Principahty from being totally wrecked. Mr. Lewis Davis's removal from Hirwain to the neighbourhood of Cardiff left a great gap in the former place, both in the social and religious life of the town. His qualifications to lead, to command the confidence, and to inspire such a population were by all most cordially appreciated. We have heard many of the old people at Hirwain, particularly those in the Wesleyan Chapel, say, time after time, that the greatest loss they ever had was to lose Mr. Lewis Davis from that town. Although he himself was able to visit the old place only very occasionally, his early life at Hirwain was ever recurring to his mind. He had a warm place in his affections for the old people in the chapel, and the instances of his sympathy with them were numerous. The following incident will illustrate this statement. We were on our way home to Ferndale, and at Pontypridd we met Mr. Lewis Davis, and, with his usual kindly solicitude, he asked the writer, " Where have you been ? " "I was at Hirwain last night, and called at Aber- dare on my way home to-day," we replied. " What were you doing at Hirwain ? " "I was lecturing for the benefit of one of our good old people there who has been ailing for HIS RELATION TO RELIGION 175 a year and a half, and the friends there wished to help him." "What was his name? " asked Mr. Davis. The name was given. " I am sorry to hear it," said he ; " I knew him well. He used to attend all the meetings when I was a boy. I used to like to hear him pray and speak, there was such a ring of sincerity about him always. I wish I had known you were going, I would like to have given him something ; but if you will give me his address or write for me I will send him something." That some- thing was a very substantial gift, which, when it reached the afflicted Christian's home at Hirwain, did not fail to touch the deeper springs of gratitude in that family. When he went over to lay the memorial-stone of the present chapel at Hirwain, not long before his death, he referred with deep feeling to the old people he had known in the old chapel, and the many happy days he had spent there, how they often came back upon him, and how their impress had been upon him through life for good. After his removal to Cardiff he found himself in a new set of influences. "All things must change To something new, to something strange." While the great principle of life is ever the same, it changes its form to such an extent that there is manifest the death of one set of habits and influences and the birth of others. At Hirwain Mr. Lewis Davis was near to the chapel, 176 A NOBLE LIFE at the centre of its life and activities ; in the neighbour- hood of Cardiff he was a considerable distance from the nearest Methodist Chapel. At Hirwain he knew every- body, was respected by all ; in Cardiff he was a young man, just come to town, not known to many, if known at all. Hitherto he had worshipped chiefly through the medium of the vernacular ; he was now obliged to use another language, which notwithstanding that he was as thorough a master of it as of his native tongue, could not be to him for some time so enjoyable. Moreover, his journeys to London, the Continent, etc., in connection with his business, made it impossible for him to attend the one place of worship with the same regularity, or to be able to take up Christian work in the Church as he had been able to do in his native place. He was brought face to face with a new set of temptations, more refined, more subtle, plausible, and dangerous. Hotel life at best is only a temporary convenience, in which is absent the sacred privacy of home, the many charms of family affection, and the sweeter shrine of love. It was a great contrast to remove from the homely religious circle at Hirwain into the throes of a busy, bustling, commercial hotel life, hither and thither without any abiding home, excepting at Blaengwawr, which he could only visit on rare occasions. During the first five years he spent in Cardiff his fundamental principles were put to the proof in a way HIS RELATION TO RELIGION 177 they had never been tested before, and some of the most rigid of his Puritanic habits yielded under a more cosmopolitan experience ; but the underlying truths of justice and mercy sent their roots down deeper into the eternal verities, and the groundwork of his character as a man of honour, honesty, and integrity broadened QUt and became more thoroughly established. His not being identified directly with Church work was felt by him in his own experience, as he admitted in after-life, to be a disadvantage. He knew that communion with Christ, and other Christians, is essential to keep alive and foster the true spiritual life in the soul. He was like the son away in college, who, while he has his father's nature, grows unlike him, because he is deprived of opportunities for intercourse. He never failed to give his generous support to the religious movements of his own and other churches, or to render valuable help to all philanthropic efforts — the loss was his own, and those with whom he came into closest fellowship in local and religious matters. At the end of five years he was gently led by a kind Providence to form for himself a home at Penhill, and under the sacred mysticism of married life he began that nobler, most useful, happy, and exemplary period of his life. The Rev. Robert Rees accepted the superintendency of the Cardiff Circuit, and his ministry and spiritual intercourse with Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Davis were often very helpful. 12 178 A NOBLE LIFE Cardiff Methodism since the erection of Wesley Chapel, which at that time was a great undertaking, has not failed to make a steady progress, but the careful historian will surely find that the foundation of its great prosperity was laid about this time. The services of Samuel Wright, John Williams, and William Price could not fail to attract the attention of all intelligent citizens, and to hold out an ideal of holy living and generous giving which was only a truer interpretation of the teaching of Christ, Mr. Lewis Davis, if not able to give as much time to Church work as the good men we have just mentioned, supported them generously, and led the way in giving large sums towards chapel building, extension, and consolidation. He decided upon a principle with regard to giving which he loyally acted upon to the end of his days. Whether he altered the standard in after years we are not prepared to say. We can easily believe that he would increase the standard with the increase of his income. One day at Bryndderwen, within three or four years of his end, he suddenly asked the writer whether the sum to be given should be based on total income or on nett profits. We said, in reply, that it should be given on total income, if the giving was to be according to principle, and if the cause of Christ was to rest on principle and not on convenience. " I agree with you," said Mr. Davis, " and for many HIS RELATION TO RELIGION 179 years I have acted upon it ; but in conversation with a gentleman yesterday who said he had acted on the Christian principle with regard to giving for some years past, I found that he based his gifts on his profits only. He also counted in his gifts the sum he paid to the poor rates. I don't consider," he continued, " that I should be doing justice to the cause of Christ, to say that I gave a tenth, fifth, or a third, if I included my subscriptions in aid of education, politics, rates and taxes, or any of these things in that total. And then," said he, with emphasis, " I think it is a shame for a man who is making a thousand a year to be satisfied by giving perhaps fifty pounds in the year ; or the man who makes five thousand a year to give a paltry hundred pounds out of that sum, and to spend on himself or family the remainder," Mr. Lewis Davis decided upon the principle of giving while he lived in Cardiff, and he honestly con- tributed towards the cause of Christ during his later years not less than one-fourth of the total of his income ; and when his gifts towards the poor, the social, educa- tional, political, national, and philanthropic movements are all included, his position will scarcely be second to any of the most generous and saintly givers in the Christian Church — ^excepting, perhaps, to those who, like Henry Martin and David Hill, gave their own lives in addition to their fortunes to the service of Christ in heathen lands. i8o A NOBLE LIFE When Mr. Lewis Davis removed to Ferndale to reside, he found himself face to face with a new set of influences ; but to Mrs. Davis and the family the change would be greater still. They felt that the path of duty was the path of safety, and they were determined to bring their position and course of conduct into play as much as possible in the shaping of the moral and religious life of the people. It was a difficult task. The place was new, churches and chapels were not built, schools not opened, and like new places there was a large proportion of the workmen that belonged to the unmarried, and were \x\\d, rough, reckless, and godless. The effect of the explosions, too, had thrown back, or for a time checked, the better, steadier, most helpful class of working men going to Ferndale. But, as implied in another chapter, Mr, Davis en- couraged the people to build chapels, and the firm promised to give one hundred pounds towards the erection of every church and chapel in the place, and a sum annually in support of the ministry. In a com- paratively short time eleven large chapels were erected by the Free Churches ; some of them have since been enlarged or rebuilt the second and third time. A workman's hall was built, a school and library, and also a good substantial church. His interest in the churches never grew weary, neither did his generosity pass under a cloud. HIS RELATION TO RELIGION i8i During his last years in Ferndale the writer had been present at the anniversary of one of the chapels most heavily burdened with debt. The next time Mr. Davis and I had a conversation he said, " You were at A. anniversary, were you?" " Yes," was the reply. "It was a good meeting, I am told." " Yes, a very excellent meeting and good collections." " Well," said Mr. Davis, " I have been very pleased with those people, they have done well, they are paying off their debt most credit- ably " ; and he then added, " I should like to see the debt on A., B., and C. cleared off during the next two years, then all our chapels in Ferndale would be free of debt. I have just decided to make an offer to A., that I will take one-fourth of their debt if they will pay off the other three-fourths during that period." Such was his interest in every place of worship in the town ; and he was determined to assist the trustees in paying off all debts on the chapels, so as to give them a freer hand in doing spiritual work. He identified himself with the Welsh Wesleyans while Mrs. Davis and the family made their home with the English Society ; and so far as was possible they assisted Sunday - school and temperance work. Mr. Davis was not without seeing the effects of the drink traffic, and the need of taking a stand on the side of sobriety. Mr. Lewis Williams of Cardiff was present at Bryndderwen when Mr. Lewis Davis pledged himself to abstain from 1 82 A NOBLE LIFE all intoxicating liquors. It was a memorable event, described by Mr. Williams as a most solemn and im- portant means of grace. " I had long felt the importance of securing his co-operation in this great movement," says Mr. Williams, " but on this occasion I felt a con- straining desire to see him at once, and without any particular message to Ferndale I went up. I told him why I had come to see him, and how I felt prompted by an overwhelming conviction to come at that time. He was deeply wrought upon, and after we had talked and prayed together, he there and then resolved to give his influence on the side of the great temperance reform." He decided, however, to think out the question for himself, and not to take any public action for twelve months. His cousin, Mr. Walter Jones, was during those years a most active worker with the temperance cause, and influenced him very considerably. After making the trial of the question for the allotted time, giving careful and diligent attention to the subject, making a thorough study of it, he came to the decision that he would take his stand on the temperance platform, and live and die an abstainer himself. He informed the Rev. Henry Pritchard, who was at that time the superintendent of the circuit, of his determination ; and they arranged to have a public meeting in Wesley Chapel. The writer, then living in Aberdare, was invited to speak at the meeting. HIS RELATION TO RELIGION i8 o Mr. Davis presided, and gave the meeting the account of the incident previously related, and how after prolonged study of the whole subject he had come to the conclusion that total abstinence was safe, was often necessary, in many cases essential, and so far as he could judge, to all advantageous. And, in order that he might help others, he had come to that meeting to sign with his own hand, in the presence of others, the pledge he had made to God twelve months before in his own house. The scene at that meeting was most effective ; old and young in large numbers rushed forward to the table to sign the pledge. Few, if any, left the chapel that night without following the example of their master. His action gave a new impetus to the cause of tem- perance throughout the valley ,i and up to the time of his death his influence and that of his family were consistently and zealously given to this important department of Christian work. He was not able to give so much time to attend the means of grace in his own church as he often desired, but he was able to attend a great many meetings either at home or elsewhere. His removal to Ferndale, while his chief office was in Cardiff, must have added very considerably to his work and curtailed his time. He was sometimes seen at a prayer- meeting in the vestry of the chapel, and he used to make an effort to be present at a ' Great encouragement to Mr. Walter Jones and his faithful workers. 1 84 A NOBLE LIFE temperance or at a special meeting in any of the chapels. He had a wonderful appetite for Welsh preaching, as had also his brother, Mr. David Davis. He enjoyed Welsh singing, and at times he seemed to give himself up to be wafted away on the wings of holy song into the realms of happy ecstasy, sweet reverie, and holy thought. He was occasionally carried away by the fine singing of some of the old Welsh tunes. We will mention one instance, which will suffice to illustrate how thoroughly he was captured by the effective music of the sanctuary. It was on a Sunday evening at Wesley Chapel, Ferndale ; the service was of exceptional power ; the preacher, people, the hymn tunes, singing — everything — seemed to go with a rising swelling tide. ■ After the sermon, the singing of the last hymn, to the old tune " St. John," was a season of grace marked by great tenderness and deep emotion. The hymn is tender and touching. The following is a free translation of the first verse — " Is this the Christ whom now I see? In pain 'mid scorns on yonder tree ? His garments dripped with blood ? Unransomed He, with thorns He's crowned, And fiendish legions gathered round ; Yes ! it is Christ my God ! " The old tune above mentioned has been described by some English friends as having too much of the wail in it. But if music is the spirit of poetry, minor hymns HIS RELATION TO RELIGION 185 should be sung to minor tunes, and the more tender the hymn the more pathetic the tune that is sung to it. " St. John " finds its body in the old Welsh hymn above referred to. The interpretation given to the words and the music by the Ferndale Choir was very nearly perfection. In the earlier lines of the hymn the interrogatory character of the position described is brought out in the music, while the last line in each verse is an answer to the question gone before. The congregation is arrested by the cross upon which is One crucified, crowned with thorns, 'mid scorns in pain, surrounded by fiendish legions, and while gazing in awe and wonder it dawns upon them that it is the Christ, and they ask — "Is this the Christ whom now I see?" Then the last line is the answer — "Yes, it is Christ, man's Friend, and God." The Ferndale Choir emphasised the answer " Yes," and that was followed by a pause which was most effective. Mr. Lewis Davis, who was sitting in the centre pews, was under the eye of the preacher, and when the pause was reached, he looked amazed, and then the wave of influence that passed over that congregation and the silent tear that was seen on many a cheek were not checked by our friend. After that meeting the old tune and hymn found in him a most enthusiastic admirer. He told us that evening, after wc had reached 1 86 A NOBLE LIFE the library at Bryndderwen, that only on one other occasion had he been so completely carried away by singing as he had that night, although that, ever since a child, the singing of the sanctuary had rarely ever failed to influence him for good. He was particularly fond of old tunes such as " Moriah," " Dymuniad," " Talybont," " Llanfair," " Andalusia," " Hyfrydol," " Caersalem," " Ar- abia," and other Welsh tunes of a similar character. He brought a great deal of music to the home, and in this Mrs. Davis and the family joined so sweetly that the hymns, tunes, songs, or whatever was given in the family circle, breathed the sweeter music of eternity, and gave the poetry a heavenly meaning. Unlike some large merchants he was not only willing to enter into conversation about religion, but seemed to prefer doing so, and the more searching and practical were the remarks the better pleased would he be. He would often refer to George Miiller, and his great work (whom he for many years supported most generously, as a standing rebuke to those who spoke somewhat sceptically of prayer) ; to Dr. Stephenson, Dr. Barnardo, Lord Shaftesbury, and missionaries like David Hill, Paton, and Livingstone as unselfish examples to follow. Christ was not a visitor to his home, but the ever- present, profoundly loved, and honoured Lord of the household. And as the waters that flow over the aromatic hills partake of their perfumes which they HIS RELATION TO RELIGION 187 carry with them, and breathe into the air of the valleys as they pass on, so did the Spirit of Christ breathe through all the activities of his family, his friends, and those with whom he had to do, so far as his acquaintance and influence went. Mr. Lewis Davis's good deeds, unknown to society, will be like water-courses beneath the soil, unseen but causing the grass to grow, and adorning the face of the earth with verdure and beauty for many years to come. " Clear and artless pouring through the plain, Health to the sick, and solace to the swain ; He fed yon almshouse, neat but void of state Where age and want sit smiling at the gate ; Him portioned maids, apprenticed orphans blest, The young who laboured, and the old who rest." HIS LATTER DAYS " Ah ! What is human life ? How like the dial's tardy shade, Day after day slides from us unperceived ! The cunning fugitive is swift by stealth ; Too subtle is the movement to be seen ; Yet soon the hour is up, and we are gone. HIS LATTER DAYS " A MAN," said Emerson, " is the whole encyclopedia •^ ^ of facts. The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn ; and Egypt, Greece, Rome, Gaul, Britain, America lie folded already in the first man." " Man," said Carlyle, " stands in the centre of nature ; his fraction of time encircled by eternity ; his handbreadth of space encircled by infinitude," Mr, Lewis Davis's life, measured by years, was not a long one ; but if looked at in the light of actions, it was long, intensely interesting, and far-reaching in its results. At a very early age he became the soul-centre of a great and steadily increasing business. In the social, political, and religious life of the community, his energies of mind and body were brought into full operation. He was not a wire-puller, in the modern sense in w hich that term is used ; but he was the moving spirit, the real life and inspiration of many of the most impor- tant movements in the modelling and uplifting of the moral life of the Welsh people. His modesty kept him apart from the public gaze ; and, as Jean Ingelow says, he " walked among his peers lUl tg2 A NOBLE LIFE unread." A careful study of his life will show very clearly that many of the best thoughts, the finest and most far-reaching plans for the elevation of the people, brought into operation through the instrumentality of the party to which he belonged, originated in his genius. He was never idle for a moment. He was thrifty of time, observant of passing events, always acquiring infor- mation, and watchful and ready to buy up opportunities. He found the joy of life in doing, and the hardest work gave him the greatest pleasure. From the time of his first removal to Cardiff up to the time of his death, the tax upon his time, thought, and energy was ever on the increase. The management of the collieries, which meant the output of more than a million tons of coals annually, involved great strain upon him ; and his position and influence in the world of commerce made him the counsellor and guide of so many others. Such was the demand upon him that his interest and influence were sought eagerly in con- nection with every important enterprise in and beyond Wales. His influence as a politician was so widely recognised that his presence, support, and counsel were looked upon as conditions of success. The philan- thropist, patriot, the home and foreign missionary, the Free Churches and the Established Churches, the poor, the needy — all sections of the community were ever and anon overwhelming him with their applications for such help as they needed. HIS LATTER DAYS 193 He seemed to live many lives at one time, all under the control and direction of one master mind. He was, however, crowding into his one life the activities of several lives, but drawing perhaps from the end to help him on his mission of usefulness through this world. His life's course was run in less than sixty years ; but if measured by his activities in so many departments, and if we accept Dr. Bonar's true interpretation of life — "He liveth long who liveth well, all other life is short and vain; He liveth longest who can tell of living most for heavenly gain," he lived a long life, because he could tell of true things truly done each day. In commercial matters his was not a life with half his soul asleep ; he was a living activity, possessing a morally sensitive nature, prompted to do to others as he would wish to be done by. In his social life he was an embodiment of sound sense and solid good, with a quick eye to see wrong, a tender heart to feel for those in need, and strong and fearless in their defence. His paternal feeling was like his life-blood, ever circulating through his whole being ; and the cries of the children, their claims for food, clothes, education, and good training, always touched a sympathetic chord in his living and noble spirit. His patriotism was an ever-throbbing soul-nerve in his inner being, beating in strong chords of spiritual longing for the nobler liberty, from every bondage of ignor- ance, poverty, misery, and for the general happiness of his fellow-countrymen. His theoretical and experimental 13 194 A NOBLE LIFE knowledge of the Christian religion, and its influence upon the individual, the home, and the nation, kept him, under the sanctifying power of the Spirit of God, in close touch with the life of the Christian Church and every philanthropic movement ; and his example and intelligent support were great gifts of confidence, joy, hope, and inspiration to all workers in the kingdom of God on earth. But the world outside never drained his soul and sent him back to his house, without the royal feelings of deep and pure springs of affection making glad every member of the family, Mr. Lewis Davis was seen at his best in his own home, with his own family about him. It was his true sanctuary ; it was the family sanctuary upon which was seen the pure light of God's love. His face would beam with glowing tenderness and satisfaction when discussing some important truth, or relating some interesting in- cident, or joining in the sweet songs of home with his own family. In the alchemy of love everything was transmuted into gold. He was as active, as truly alive in his own home, as on 'Change or at a public meeting. He never allowed the world to take away from him the child's heart, or by any compromise to weaken his manhood. He lived his full, fearless, manly, strong- principled, modest, but bold and noble life everywhere and at all times. He was youthful in spirit, sportive, playful, and pure. HIS LATTER DAYS 195 But, as Horace says, " Life is given to no one for a lasting possession, to all for use." The diligent use of his body and mind did not fail to bring upon him the shadows of eternity. Signs of clouds and an early sunset began to show themselves, while his friends were hoping that the day was not far spent. As years are usually counted, he was in the hey-day of his power when unmistakable signs of old age were upon him. The first indications of the approaching end were seen in the seeking after rest ; a longing to be away from the busy market-place, and from the noise of the crowd, in some peaceful, secluded nook. While travelling together to Cardiff from Ferndale, he said to the writer, " I have thought a great deal during the last few days about the Almighty, resting in His love, or, as it is more beautifully in Welsh, yn ymlonyddu yn ci gariad. I feel that I have had enough of the toils and responsibilities of this world, and I should like to be able to find some quiet spot where I could rest in the love of God ; to rest in spiritual thoughtfulness and to review my whole life." He found the quiet spot in the beautiful Langland Bay ; and he found a taste of the peace he longed for, but it was only partial and of short duration on this side the line. It was impossible for him to find a place in England where rest from the calls of business and social and political life could be secured. He had made for himself such a large space, and so many others were 196 A NOBLE LIFE dependent upon him for guidance, counsel, and inspira- tion, that while trains, telegraphs, and telephones were available, a resting-place for him could not be found this side the grave. There was a gradual loss of sensation, an indication of numbness occurring from time to time, and a decided state of general debility. He was under the skilful treatment of Dr. Parry, whose careful attention could not be surpassed. His old and tried friend, Dr. Edwards of Cardiff, visited him from time to time ; Dr. Russell Reynolds of London visited him ; but all efforts were in vain — the earthly house was coming down. Many suggestions were made, and it was thought advisable that he should spend the winter on the Con- tinent, and pass through a course of treatment ; but, after consideration and consultation, this course was not carried out. He went to Langland to rest. The disease, which had been obscure in the earlier stages, now assumed all the characters of that degenera- tion of the spinal cord known by the profession as sclerosis. Dr. Rawlings of Swansea, a near relative, was in constant attendance, and his visits were looked forward to with great satisfaction. Everything that medical skill and diligent loving attention could do for him was promptly done ; but signs of the end were daily be- coming more manifest. The fact of his nearing the end was becoming known HIS LATTER DAYS 197 to many of his friends, and he was visited at Langland by those who were deeply attached to him and his family. A deputation of his employees, referred to in another chapter, his agents, his intimate friends and relatives — all were deeply impressed with the change that had taken place, his child-like confidence, and the real joy with which he anticipated the great beyond. The last occasion the writer saw him alive was the last day that he was fairly himself, and able to converse freely, and it was a visit which will be fragrant in the mind of one who was his guest for the last time on earth. It was a dull, dreary, and wet December day, and the journey from Ferndale to Langland, through drizzling mists and Glandwr smoke, was delightfully compensated for by the sweet calmness and the divine sunshine which filled the Langland home. He was in the hands of his medical attendant when I arrived, and a few words from the lips of Dr. Rawlings gave me a clear idea that the end was not far off. When I entered his room he was resting serenely in the arms of love, free from pain, doubts, and fears, with a radiant smile on his face. I was reminded of Sir James Simpson's visit to Sir David Brewster. " There he was," said Sir James, " like a little child, talking about being with Jesus with rapturous joy, as if death no more existed, or only meant to him the passing from one room to another in the same house." After inquiring about my family, the friends at 198 A NOBLE LIFE Ferndale, the Church, and pubHc movements in that town, the Cardiff College, and other subjects of interest, as he was wont to do, and then a clear statement about the state of his health, what the medical men said about him, and their inability to do anything to restore to him his health without the blessing of the Great Physician, etc., he then said : " Since I saw you last I have passed through a period of gloom and depression. I seemed to feel that I could not draw near to my Heavenly Father. I longed for fellowship with Him, but I scarcely knew how to pray. I knew that there was something wrong, and that the wrong was in me. I prostrated myself at the cross of Christ, and then I felt my helplessness, my ignorance, and my unworthiness ; and my whole life passed before my mind. " I saw that I had sought the world ; I had found it — all this world could give me ; but after finding it, enjoying it, and exhausting it, there was nothing in it but bubbles. It is only a vain shadow. It is vanity, all is vanity. While I lay prostrate at the cross, the light broke in most beautifully upon my soul ; and ever since I have been in the full enjoyment of a sweet calm, a deep peace ; and I feel so happy that not a cloud has darkened the sky. " I have sometimes thought that I should like to live a little longer with my family, especially if I could do a little good in the world ; but then I feel perfectly ready to die. Then, other times, I would rather not express a HIS LATTER DAYS 199 wish in the matter, and would leave myself absolutely in the hands of God." The hymn "Lord, it belongs not to my care Whether I die or live ; To love and serve Thee is my share, And this Thy grace must give" was in his mind, and also the hymn — • "It is the Lord, enthroned in light, Whose works are all divine, Who hath an everlasting right To govern me and mine." He seemed to feel that to desire to live was distrustful of God, if not a sin. I told him that there was in every man an instinctive desire to live, and that the privilege of living to do good prompted Paul when heaven was almost in sight. I reminded him of Dr. Punshon, who, when asked if he was afraid to die, replied in the negative, but added that he loved to live, and loved his work, and then said : " Oh the rapture of living ! " "I am glad you reminded me of that incident," he said ; " it will help me." He then said that he had now given up everything. He had made arrangements with his employees. " They have been down here to see me. I have seen my agents and managers, and Mr. Fred has promised that he will try to carry out my wishes and support every good movement, as I have tried to do." " A short time ago," he said, " I had a desire to live 200 A NOBLE LIFE in order that certain arrangements be completed with regard to the children, the works, and the Church ; but my prayers have been answered, and I have given up all, and now I am resting in the Lord. I leave all in His hands. The verse for the day has given me great comfort : ' Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.' And," he added, " I have felt that the white world, Byd gwytt, as we have it in Welsh, white with the light of the Lamb, the purity of character, and blessedness of saints, is very near." The thought that in Christ Jesus he was worthy to walk in white, he emphasised, and it filled his soul with delight. He then said : " I want you to read to me in Welsh that chapter in which you have the words, Mae Duw yn canmol ei gariad. Those words comforted an old relative of mine while in the river, and I have thought of those words several times during the last few days." I began to read the chapter, and on each sentence he passed most appropriate comments, and the conversation which followed was most interesting. " Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." " Yes," said Mr, Davis, " it was through Christ that peace was given me." Again, when I read, " And rejoice in the hope of the glory of God," there was another pause. " The hope of glory," he said, with his soul illumined, and tears of HIS LATTER DAYS 201 joy were seen like the dews of heaven glittering in the sunshine of eternity on his pale cheeks. The glory of God filled the place, and we felt it was hallowed ground. It was good to be there. It was easy to pray, and easier still to praise God from whom all blessings flow. The next day he was very much weaker, and to hold conversation was too much for him. The writer saw him for the last time on earth, and came away from Langland with the words " God bless you " ringing in his ears ; and with the scene and conversation, the testimony and happy face of the dying saint so deeply inscribed in his soul -memory, that it would never be effaced on this side the grave. The following Sabbath, towards evening, a short period of peace, with an opportunity for sweet com- munion with his own family, was given him, which will ever be memorable to all of them. He asked Mrs. Davis if she could see a handwriting on the wall, and when the answer was given in the negative, he said, I can read it : " Lewis Davis is forgiven." They all joined in singing the sweeter songs of love and joy, of peace and heaven. These were sacred moments. The family were all aware of the parting which was about to take place, while he himself was already on the margin, if not over the line, in the light, and breathing the atmos- phere of the immortal hills. They joined in singing the closing hymn. It was a 202 A NOBLE LIFE great favourite of his, and one that was sung by the family almost every Sunday evening, until it really was looked upon as an old friend, an essential part of the worship of God, and which in that home had been the channel of many blessings. But they had never joined in singing it before, under conditions which gave it so much pathos, and made its great truths so real and vivid to them. The hymn was usually sung to the good old tune " Euphony," a tune which I have been told again and again was a great favourite of the great preacher, Dr. Robert Newton, and on the swelling waves of which many a good Christian has been carried heavenwards. Thus they all joined in singing — "Entered the holy place above, Covered with meritorious scars, The tokens of His dying love Our great High Priest in glory bears ; He pleads His passion on the tree, He shows Himself to God for me." The hymn was particularly appropriate on this occa- sion ; but some lines would not fail to have for him a meaning which he could better understand now, under the light of eternity. " My name is graven on His hands," and the line on the wall " Lewis Davis is forgiven," would beautifully harmonise with each other. The two last lines were never to him more vivid than on this occasion — "And soon my spirit in His hands Shall stand where my Forerunner stands." HIS LATTER DAYS 203 Then followed the good-night, and one after another of his dearly loved daughters passed out of the room, with his loving, intent, all-comprehending glance at each as she passed out of sight. Then came his only son, upon whom he could foresee would rest the responsibilities which he himself had carried for years, and taking hold of his hand he said, with the emphasis of a noble, dying father, " Press hard, my son, to follow me, to do in all things as you think I would wish you to do ; and meet me where I am going to." The answer gave him satisfaction ; he then reclined on his pillow, and a peaceful smile passed over his face, and he seemed, like Simeon, ready to say — " Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart, O Lord, According to Thy word, in peace, Yox mine eyes have seen Thy salvation." He lingered on for a few days after, and on one occasion pointed to Carrie as if she was moving about in the room, and he wished Mrs. Davis to attend to and converse with her. On the first day in the new year he had passed away from the earthly house to that not made with hands eternal in the heavens. His passing away was gentle as the dawn of day, or the fall of the dew ; but the peace of the soul had left its impress on the pale face, and up to the day of his burial it was with difficulty, and the assurance of the medical attendant, that some could believe that he was dead. Wesley's hymn — " Ah, lovely appearance of death,'' 204 A NOBLE LIFE was rarely more appropriate than on this occasion. " For the end of that man is peace." When the sad news of Mr. Davis's death became partly known in Ferndale, the inhabitants were plunged into the deepest gloom and sorrow. The writer had commenced the service on that Sunday evening in the Wesleyan Chapel, Ferndale, the church with which he was identified, and in connection with which he was holding the office of circuit steward at the time of his death, when Mr. Thomas Bevan, the cashier of the col- lieries, and a lifelong friend of Mr. Lewis Davis, wrote a few lines that were sent up to the pulpit with the sad news of Mr. Davis's death that morning. The preacher had lost a true friend, and was perplexed ; the con- gregation, as if by magic, became intensely sensitive, and were waiting most anxiously for some information. When the contents of the note were read, the contagion was electrical ; strong men wept like children, old men were shaking like aspen leaves, and for a time a scene was witnessed the like of which we have only seen on one other occasion. The sad intelligence was known all over the town as the congregations came out from the other churches, and thousands of people were plunged into deep sorrow — all feeling that they were under the shadow of death. The next morning the blinds were drawn down in private houses, the tradesmen had put the shutters in their places of business, and the sole topic of conversa- HJS LATTER DAYS 205 tion in the street, the workshop, the home, amongst all grades and conditions of people, was the mournful event, and the great loss in losing such a good man. The South Wales Daily News^ commenting on his death in a well-written leader, said : " In the death of Mr. Lewis Davis of Ferndale, the Principality and the commercial world generally have sustained an appalling loss. Some rich men give their money and little more, but he gave heart and hand as well as generous subscriptions. In the religious world he will be as greatly missed as in the centres of industry and commerce. Many a poor widow and orphan, and many a bereaved mother, will shed tears over the grave of this singularly good and generous man. What a revolu- tion would be effected in the relationship between em- ployer and employed, and in the general condition of the working classes, if all employers were like him ! " The Western Mail, on the same day, said : " By this sad event Wales is made poorer to the extent of one good man whose life had been a blessing to his fellows, one of the foremost merchant princes of the Principality. Taking all in all he had few peers among Welshmen ; indeed, an old friend of his, in a position qualifying him to speak with authority, declared that he never knew the equal of Mr. Davis." Lord Aberdarc, a nobleman of great ability, who had many opportunities of knowing Mr. Lewis Davis, and of knowing what he had done for Wales, said that he was 2o6 A NOBLE LIFE one of the princes of the Principality, who had been an honour to the county of Glamorgan, and had placed Wales under an abiding indebtedness to him for generations to come. The Welsh press was equally cordial in expressing its admiration of the life-work, the influence of that life, and the loss to Wales through his death. All the public bodies in the county of Glamorgan, particularly on the eastern side of it, referred to the great loss that they were called upon to suffer through the death of such an able and princely man. The Council of the University College, Cardiff, described the loss as irreparable. The Liberal Associations were deeply sensible that a vacancy had been caused in their ranks which could be filled only by the hearty co-operation of all. The churches of all denominations in Cardiff, the Rhondda, and particularly in the Ferndale Valley, had lost a strong arm upon which they had leaned for years, and their hearts were heavy with sorrow. The poor wept, the orphan and widow were alive to a great loss, and all classes and sections of the community testified as to the greatness and nobleness of him who for years they had watched, admired, and loved, A representative w^orking man, one of those well- read, keen, intelligent employees, who was able to grasp the situation, and to draw conclusions, said to the writer : " We shall feel his loss in this valley very much, but it HIS LATTER DA YS 207 will be felt unconsciously by all working men throughout South Wales. For some years he has been in my judg- ment the strongest man amongst the commercial men of South Wales, and he is as just as he is able. He is unlike other leading employees of labour — in this, he will study the two sides of the question, and he will not allow his own interest to stand in the way of his better judgment. He sent for two of us to meet him, and discuss a certain point that was then the cause of some unrest. He stated frankly what he wanted us for, and invited us to say everything we had to say in support of the view put forth by the employees. We felt that we stood not face to face with an enemy, or a tyrant, or an oppressor, but a friendly, honest gentleman. He listened patiently to all we had to say, and he admitted our right to an impartial hearing of our claims. He then said that, there were two considerations which we had failed to take into account, which he carefully explained, and I saw at once that we were wrong in our calculations. Then he said, there is one point on your side which you have not mentioned, and which goes somewhat to your advantage, but it is scarcely equal to the other point I have referred to. We left him on that occasion with a deeper conviction in our minds as to the greatness of the man, and the justness of his dealings. " We are well aware that in the councils of the masters he has defended the justness of our claims in face of strong representations ; and while he was there, 2o8 A NOBLE LIFE we felt confident that he would not yield under any circumstances to wrong his workmen. This feeling of confidence was general, and an element of strength to the commercial transactions of South Wales." Mr. Lewis Davis possessed mental powers that were disciplined by assiduous and varied culture, that would have made him eminent in any department of labour, and these he brought without reserve in the true spirit of modesty and justice to the work of his life. The signal services he rendered to commerce in the Rhondda Valley, and by the construction of the Barry Dock and Railway, and his successful advocacy and support of the cause of education, politics, philanthropy, and religion, are obvious to all. But those who knew him best (who were brought into personal friendship with him, knew how great a mind he had, and how devout he was in heart, how ready he was to help the cause of right and truth and justice, how deeply he sympathised with the poor, the down-trodden, and how he always helped to make the world brighter and better) will be able to form a better estimate as to the true nobility of the man himself, to form an opinion as to his influence for good in the Church and the world, and the great loss caused by his death. But his most intimate friends will never be able to discover in this life the many good deeds which were done by him. Incidents are brought to light every year since his death that were either forgotten or HIS LATTER DAYS 209 never known to his family and friends, excepting those directly concerned. And without any exceptions or modifications, every incident has served in bringing out more clearly and impressively the true nobility of the man. In all, we hear one voice, " Well done, good and faithful servant." 14 HIS FUNERAL "Rest, weary dust, lie here an hour; Ere long, like blossom from the sod, Thou shall come forth a glorious flower Fit for the eye of God." HIS FUNERAL " T WOULD rather sleep in the southern corner of a A Httle country churchyard," said Burke, " than in the tombs of the Capulets." Mr. Lewis Davis had desired at one time that his mortal remains should be taken to the quiet spot where lies the dust of his daughter Carrie, near Portmadoc, in North Wales. But during his stay at Langland, the Mumbles Cemetery did not fail to attract his attention, and to draw from him an expression of opinion in its favour. No one who knew Mr. Lewis Davis would wonder at this, for a more peaceful cemetery could not be found anywhere. Surrounded by sea-cliffs, caverns, and woodland, pro- tected and sheltered from the storms from across the sea, and from the winds overland, it reminds the living of God's acre, a chosen Machpelah, where the dust of the departed softly lie and sweetly sleep till the morning dawn of eternity breathe life into it again. A beautiful cemetery is pleasing to the living; and in the spring of the year, when death is in the lap of life, it points to the glorious victory of the resurrection morning, when death shall be swallowed up in life. 213 214 A NOBLE LIFE The Christian hopefuhiess breathes through all graves and cemeteries, and opens out the prospect of a bright beyond. On Thursday afternoon, 5th January 1888, we found ourselves again in the same room in Langland, where, with our departed friend, a few days before, we had enjoyed true spiritual fellowship. The scene was changed. There was the coffin with the inscription on it — LEWIS DAVIS Of Ferndale Born June 21, 1 829 gicir at iJanglanli ^aj January i, 1888 Aged 58 Years. Near by was Mrs. Davis, with Christian fortitude, passing through the greatest trial of her life, into the new ex- perience of widowhood, with her children around her, in loving sympathy, all abundantly sustained by divine grace in the presence of death. The short service in that room was, in the experience of the writer, one of the most simple, beautiful, and Christlike we have ever attended. The Rev. J. Have- lock Thompson, the Superintendent of the Ferndale English Circuit, and the writer, were asked by the family to conduct the funeral service. The family and relatives chiefly filled the room. HIS FUNERAL 215 The favourite hymn, " Entered the holy place above," was sung. It was the last hymn they had sung to- gether with the departed, and the good-night hymn in their home which they had so often sung before ; and now they joined in the song of faith and victory, while they stood by the coffin of one whose spirit was then before the throne of God and the Lamb. The reading of 2 Cor. v. and i Thess. iv., a short prayer, brought the service to a close. It was Mr. Davis's wish that the funeral should be as private as possible, and free from anything like dis- play, but the family, while they could not disregard the feelings of the departed, intimated that no objection would be raised to any friends who desired to attend the funeral. At Langland the family were visitors, seeking health and shelter near " this haven under the hill " ; they were nearly fifty miles away from their home and the people among whom they had lived and worked. When the old Welsh hymn — " Vn y dyfroeddd mawr ar tonan" was given out at the door when starting from the house, and the magnificent old tune " Moriah" was sung, the sweet, powerful, and pathetic volume of music gave conclusive evidence that a large united choir from Ferndale and other places had come down to Langland to' honour the memory of one they loved. 2i6 A NOBLE LIFE The singing was heard in the surrounding district, which attracted the attention of the people, not a few of whom followed the cortege ; and one gentleman, a perfect stranger, was so impressed by what he heard and felt, that he decided from that day forward to live a Christian life. The number of wreaths sent, and of representative men from various parts of South Wales who were present and joined in that procession, was in itself sufficient evidence as to the position held by Mr. Lewis Davis in the esteem of all classes of people in the Principality. The Wesleyan Methodists were represented by the chairman and secretary of the South Wales District, and a considerable number of ministers and laymen from various parts of the district. The ministers of Fern- dale present represented all churches and denominations. The Rev. Dr. Saunders, Swansea, D. Jones, J. Davies, A. T. Jenkins, and many others represented the Cal- vinistic Methodists, the Congregationalists, Baptists, and many other bodies of Christians. Mr. Alfred Thomas, M.P., Thomas Williams, Gwael- odygarth, M. Thomas, M. D. Price, D. W. Thomas, and many others represented the various Liberal Associations. The towns of Cardiff and Swansea were represented by Alderman Lewis, Alderman Tul- lock. The commercial interests sent Messrs. Archibald Hood, Walter Insole, E. Davies, Clifford Cory, Colonel HIS FUNERAL 217 Guthrie, C. E. Harman, J. Hibbert. The University College was represented by Messrs. Lewis Williams, Dr. Edwards, John Duncan. The mining interests were represented by Messrs. Herbert Kirkhouse, R. Bed- lington, E. Richards, David Evans, J. Richards, and many others. The firm was also represented by Messrs. Charles Hall, Benjamin Lewis, Thomas Bevan, E. Rees, Walter Jones. Dr. Edwards of Cardiff, Dr. Parry of Ferndale, and Dr. Rawlings of Swansea, who had given to him long and able services, were also present. The service at the chapel was simple ; the singing of a Welsh hymn, followed by a prayer in English by the Rev. J. H. Thompson ; and the writer gave the fol- lowing address, which is inserted here at the request of the family and other friends : — " The circumstances which have brought us together to-day, looking at them from an earthly standpoint, are deeply pathetic, to our feelings painful, and mysterious as to their meaning. Death, always startling and solemn, has for us truly a tragic interest. We have before us, in that screwed coffin, held by the firm grip, under the seals of death, the mortal remains of one who was a prince among men, whom we all admired and loved ; and we are on our way, and about to hand them over, to the cold and silent tomb. " The clear, penetrative voice is hushed ; the hand which formerly was stretched out with such a warm 2i8 A NOBLE LIFE grip is cold ; the eye which so quickly surveyed the situation is closed in darkness ; the heart which was so often prompted to sympathy with the afflicted, the oppressed, and the needy is motionless ; and that noble life, which to so many others was made a blessing, has breathed its last. " Death has taken from us one of the most faithful of husbands, most loving of fathers, and trusted of friends. The home has lost its prophet, priest, and king, in the midst of family joys and anticipations ; the Church of Christ has lost one of the most generous and exemplary of its officers ; philanthropy and education an ardent and liberal friend, counsellor, and advocate ; Wales one of the truest, most loyal, and noble of her sons ; the world of commerce one of the most straight- forward, far - seeing, fearless, and exemplary of her princes ; the thousands of toilers, the poor, and oppressed, one of the most reasonable and considerate of masters, and willing to help those in need ; while the heathen, the slave, the heavy-laden, all the world over, have lost one who has consistently advocated their cause, and by voice and money contributed according to his ability, with a view of procuring their emancipation. " These are the thoughts that pass through our minds to-day, and invest the death of our friend with a pain- fulness and a mystery which death does not always wear. " It is with these reflections in their minds that the mourners are going about the streets to-day — not only HIS FUNERAL 219 nor chiefly in this immediate locality, but in many a town and village — especially in the Rhondda valleys where he had lived and worked, and was more widely known — with cries and tears, and all with one consent are saying, * A prince has fallen to-day.' " Did I say that he has fallen ? He has not fallen — he cannot fall ; he bravely fought the fight ; his course is run, he has kept his faith, his sword of honour, his good name, and now he has conquered all his enemies, has won the victory, and entered his Master's joy. He is not here, he is risen. " He is not dead ; our nature will not accept that theory. We cannot realise it, it is more like a dream ; and we are ever asking, who shall tell us the interpretation thereof, until we hear the voice of Jesus say, ' Ye shall know hereafter. I am the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob — the God of the living ' ; hence we conclude that those who have departed this life are living with the Lord. " The Rev. Henry Rees of Liverpool, at the funeral of the Rev. John Hughes of the same town, said, ' I never saw him dead, and never shall see him dead. He was alive when I saw him last, and alive when I shall see him next.' Mr. Lewis Davis was alive when I saw him a few days ago. He not only existed but lived a larger life than ever. He seemed to me to be able to bridge the gulf of time and to survey two worlds ; to measure the world of to-day, to place it in the balances 2 20 A NOBLE LIFE and in the higher Hght of eternity, and to take full stock of its true value. " His mind was as clear as day ; he was fully alive to all around him ; he revised his whole life with perfect mastery ; he described his own state of body, mind, experience, hopes, intentions, and desires with a calmness that was angelic ; and with equal ease and comfort he penetrated into the great future with joy and gladness. He was surely alive then, and he will be alive when we meet again. " And is he not alive to-day ? Is he not alive in our thoughts and affections? Is his manly conduct, his honest, upright, and dignified personality already dead in our ideals of life ? Nay, we can picture them more vividly than ever, and his nobility will not die while we live. We admire him more than ever. "Is he not a greater factor in our love to-day than ever? Does it not burn more intensely in our souls than it ever did ? Many of the gifts not known to his right hand are to-day known to us, and the brotherly sympathy and help afforded to so many bring out the inner kindliness of his soul, which he so modestly screened from us, but which we are better able to study than when he was with us. " We do sorrow, but not as others — we are not com- fortless. We know that he lives, and lives more truly than ever; he lives free from the burdens, pains, and frailties which, during the last few years he was with us, HIS FUNERAL 221 so often checked the ardour of his soul. He is free from all those incumbrances to-day, and is alive where the inhabitants never say ' I am sick ' ; and where growing years bring increasing strength, capacity, and a fuller realisation of the joy of being. He lives with clearer intellectual perceptions, with purer emotional impulses, and with intenser soul delights. He lives in the imme- diate presence of God, with whom he is in constant communion, and ' where there is fulness of joy for ever more.' " Heaven was almost in a hurry to take away from us one we could badly afford to lose, and one we naturally expected to keep with us a few years longer, whose presence and support would have been so much to us. We will not complain ; we know that in God's hand he did not live too long, nor was he taken away before his time. Heaven draws its inhabitants from our world, poor and degraded as it is. But it is continually taking away our best. Many a vessel of the purest gold, that adorns the tables of kings and princes in the greatest capitals of the world, is gathered from the dust of that poorest of countries — Peru. And many of the finest jewels in the crown of the King of kings, and many of the most prominent guests at the Lamb's banqueting- hall in glory, will be gathered out of the great tribulation of our poor fallen world, " We said he was silent. Did we not make a mistake ? True he is dead, ' but he yet spcakcth.' Does he not 222 A NOBLE LIFE speak to us to-day with deeper experience than ever ? If we but hush the world to silence we shall hear his voice speaking to us through the dark stillness of death. And what does he say to us ? ' Be real, be honest, be honourable ; love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength ; and your neighbour as yourself.' " Mr. Lewis Davis had a wonderful power of tracing everything to its origin — every effect to its cause, in order to find out the ground of moral obligation. And when he had succeeded in finding the true basis of action he never swerved from it. " At an early period in his history he placed the absolute judgment of men's actions on the throne of God, and thereby made God Himself the authority of what is called the conscience of obedience. His standard was not based upon human obligation, which is ever shifting, but upon the divine, which is the same yester- day, to-day, and for ever. " His faithfulness to principle was not accidental, periodical, or subject to impulses ; it was in all things and at all times, in the very little as in the very much. His honesty was not occasional or in the convenient, but was the fixed, steadfast, memorable purpose of his life, regulating the occasional and convenient in accordance with equality and justice. " He therefore drew his inspiration from the supreme source — the Spirit of God, and not from any visible code HIS FUNERAL 223 or standard. He felt that morality without God is man's morality ; it begins and ends with him ; it recog- nises no obligation or authority beyond him. Such morality is based upon the finite, the visible, the change- able ; hence the standard of such morality is ever changing, and accounts for the changeableness and inconsistencies of the men who accept such a basis of right and wrong. " Mr. Lewis Davis recognised the supreme authority of the divine law, and nobly endeavoured to comply with its demands. The question with him was not which will be the most profitable, but which is right; which comes most nearly to the will of God. He founded his business upon this rock, and when years of bad trade came upon him, when banks failed, and storms of fire- explosions and panic-stricken catastrophes beat upon tliat house, it fell not, for it was founded upon the rock. " The late David Davis of Blaengwawr, the founder of the firm, built upon this solid foundation, and his sons fully sustained and added to the reputation of the firm ; and its position, its reputation and influence, by all who are capable of judging in the world of commerce, stands second to none. " I have had opportunities of conversing freely with many of our leading commercial men, and I have made diligent inquiries respecting the character of Mr. Lewis Davis, and by all the answers given were in every instance clear, emphatic, and decisive. I was told that 224 A NOBLE LIFE ' no name inspired greater confidence.' He was con- sidered the most reliable and trustworthy ! No one would hesitate to accept his word in any transaction, however great or small. ' He was a veritable giant.' Such were the testimonies on every hand, and gathered from men of different creeds, sides in politics, and in commercial life. " This reputation was fully sustained amongst his employees. He was not only trusted and admired by them, but profoundly loved, and of this proof is given to-day, in hundreds of homes in the Rhondda, and particularly in Ferndale, by fathers, mothers, children, bathed with tears of deep and heartfelt sorrow, who mourn the loss of a friend indeed. " Mr. Lewis Davis's liberality will never be known in this world. I know not how much others contribute, I know not how much he did ; but I do know that he contributed in accordance with the principles of the New Testament. His percentage was very high. I have only known two or three who reached his standard. He considered his wealth as a trust from God, his relation that of steward, which on his part demanded constant fidelity, and for which he would some day be called upon to give an account. I have not known anyone who carried out more faithfully the injunction, ' Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth,' than Lewis Davis. In many instances he gave a certain sum, on condition that it never was made public. I remember HIS FUNERAL 225 an instance when he had made this stipulation, and the good man to whom he had made the promise was so over- joyed that he made it known to others, and when Mr. Davis saw it in print he was deeply pained. The instances of his generosity known to me are too numerous to mention. " Many ' poor that cried,' the * fatherless,' and him that had none to help ' blessed him.' He was ' eyes to the blind ' and ' feet to the lame.' He caused many a ' widow's heart to sing for joy,' and the blessing of the dying came upon him. " His religious life has been a further demonstration of the truths we have referred to. He considered that religion consisted in fellowship with God — the fellowship of a loving Father with His obedient child — a real union of hearts. Brought up in a Christian home, when young he identified himself with the Wesleyan Church at Hirwain, and soon became an active worker. He interested himself in the circuit, district, and connexion, and when a young man was Treasurer of the Children's Fund of the South Wales District, " In his younger days he entertained the idea of entering the ministry, but other influences prevailed. We have no doubt if he had found his way to the pulpit he would have taken a very prominent position in the Church of Christ. " He was a very able theologian, well versed in the theories and subtleties of the age, and if at times he seemed to hesitate in accepting orthodox doctrines, it was 15 226 A NOBLE LIFE only because he wanted to see them more clearly and hold them more firmly. During the last few years he told the writer many times that the older he grew the more heartily did he believe and the more thoroughly was he convinced as to the importance and value of the Christian religion. Moreover, he more than once added that, with greater experience, he came back more nearly to the old truths taught him when a child. " He very strongly contended that Christians should live Christianity everywhere. Rightly he contended that religion is a life — not a creed — while it required a creed, as the soul must have the body ; but the whole being must be directed, controlled, and influenced by religion at all times, places, and under all circumstances. " He would not tolerate the idea that there were religious duties and other duties that excluded the principle of religion — religion was present in his mind in every action and every thought. " He never paraded his religion, but before statesmen, magistrates, merchants, and peasants, he boldly con- tended and fearlessly defended its principles in practice. He never hesitated to support any good movement or to condemn a bad one. While he was intensely loyal to his own Church, and was increasingly attached to it, his sympathies were as wide as his knowledge of the needs of men. " He enjoyed religion, he enjoyed the services of the house of God, its preaching he delighted in, its music HIS FUNERAL 227 often wafted him away to realms of bliss, while in his home he was in his element to converse about its inner life. He was one of the best, most attentive listeners to the preacher, and joined with soul-ecstasy in the congre- gational praise of the sanctuary. " His own experience had been growing brighter and brighter for years. We shall never forget some of the most instructive and spiritual conversations upon the life of the soul in its relation to God, in which he would pour out his own thoughts, struggles, wishes, and desires with all the simplicity of a child. " In a recent conversation he said, ' I have found great pleasure and stimulus in carefully reading over the life of Abraham again, his absolute surrender to God, his unselfish life, his faith in God in the sacrifice of his son, and his one unchangeable determination to seek a city not on earth but in heaven.' Then he said, ' I have been endeavouring to make a full consecration to God of myself and all that I have. I have been much blessed, too, in reading and thinking out the lines in Miss Waring's hymn — ' Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me ; And the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see ; But I ask Thee for a present mind, Intent on pleasing Thee.' " ' Yes,' he said, ' this is the higher life — "Intent on pleasing Thee."' 2 28 A NOBLE LIFE " Not many days before he passed away, we had with him a conversation which was intensely spiritual and rich in blessing. Many of his remarks we jotted down immediately after leaving. ' Some time ago, and since I saw you last,' he said, ' I felt depressed and gloomy. I seemed to feel as if I could not get near to my Heavenly Father, and hold the fellowship with Him for which my heart longed. I scarcely knew how to pray. I felt that there was something wrong in me. I fell penitently at the cross of Christ, I prostrated myself in the dust before Him, and there I felt my un worthiness, my ignor- ance, and my helplessness. My whole life passed before my mind, and there I saw light. It broke in most beauti- fully upon my soul ; afterwards it has been all calm, deep peace. Ever since I have felt so happy, not a cloud has darkened the skies. I have given up all things of this life. What is there in it? " ' After having it, enjoying it, and exhausting it, there is nothing in it but bubbles. I sometimes think I should like to live a little longer with my family, and to do some good in the world, but I am perfectly willing to live or die ; I would rather not express a wish in the matter at all.' I said to him that there was in man an instinctive desire to live, and I referred to Dr. Punshon's experience, which seemed to me to be very much like his. " He then asked me to read him the fifth chapter of Romans in Welsh ; he said a relative of his on his death- HIS FUNERAL 229 bed had found great comfort in the words, 'j mae Duzu yn canviol ei gariad^ and I have thought about them several times lately.' The great, deep, and eternal truths of that chapter took such a hold of his mind that he was carried away in rapturous meditation and praise. The first verse, ' peace with God.' * Yes, I have experienced that it is peace like a river,' said he, ' Rejoice in the hope of the glory of God,' and ' we glory in tribulation,' brought tears of joy and gladness rolling down his cheeks. And again, ' the love of God shed abroad in our hearts.' He was exulting in the love of God. ' Yes, " God com- mendeth His love,"' the thought which had drawn him to the chapter. " The comments and conversations were so sweet, spiritual, and heavenly, that it was like the mount of God covered with light and glory. It was in this happy state of mind he spent the latter part of his life on earth, and it was in this peaceful frame he was when waiting to be called to the higher regions in the presence of the King. " Death to him has been a great gain ; he is now for ever with his Lord. What more shall we say ? " We have lost a great power for good, but we earnestly hope that his example in life and his victory in death may influence for good the hearts and consciences of our leading merchants ; and that many will strive to imitate him ; and that many who were in his employ- ment will be led to give their hearts to the same Christ ; 230 A NOBLE LIFE and that in Wales there will ever be raised up men of influence, of true patriotism, of deep sympathy, and Christlike characters, who shall ever show forth the beauty of holiness to the people around them." The short service at the grave was in Welsh, with a prayer in English, followed by the singing of the Welsh hymn — "Bydd myrdd o lyfeddodan Ar doriad bore'r wawr," etc. The Rev, Dr. Saunders of Swansea said the funeral service was one of the most impressive he had ever attended, and he was sure it would be made a blessing to many in South Wales. One gentleman, reading the report given in the South Wales Daily News next day, proceeded at once with a gift of one hundred pounds to the Cardiff Infirmary. The Rev. D. W. Williams of Fairfield, who had positively declined to give a site at Ynyshir for a Wesleyan Chapel, after reading the same report, sent a word to Mrs. Lewis Davis, in which he said he would gladly give a site at a nominal rent. A few days after, the writer was presented with the site upon which the present chapel was erected, for the use of the people called Methodists, at a mere nominal rent. Others resolved to strive to live a better life, and to make better use of their opportunities in the interest of their fellow- men. In death, as in life, he was made a blessing to many. HIS FUNERAL 231 More than ten years have passed away since Mr. Lewis Davis was called into the higher service of the King. We are now in a better position to estimate the true value of his life-work than we were at the time of his death, and better qualified to pronounce judgment upon the character and success of that work. There is erected at Hirwain a memorial chapel of the Blaengwawr family, and another at Ferndale in memory of Mr. Lewis Davis. These and other monuments were wisely erected by loving and admiring friends. Great and good men erect their own memorials. This is true of Mr. Lewis Davis. One chapel was not sufficient ; his life was made rich in thoughtful and generous gifts towards the erection of scores of chapels, churches, schools, and other institutions in and beyond Wales during his lifetime. His fellow-countrymen may well apply to him Sir C. Wren's epitaph in St. Paul's Cathedral — "Si monumentum qucciis circumspice." Those who will carefully study his career will not fail to sec his memorial as a prophet of commerce in the construction of the Barry Dock Railway, and in the existence of that thriving town, throbbing with the vigour and prosperity of youth. As a pioneer of education, his name is written upon the bed-rock of the Aberystwyth and Cardiff Colleges, and while stone rests upon stone of those very prosperous institutions, they will be monuments of his nobleness of 232 A NOBLE LIFE heart. The highly organised system of education, which has brought within the reach of every child the very best education, was in his mind for years as an ideal, which he explained to others in high places, and pressed upon them most persistently until it became the law of the land. His memorial as a patriot and a politician is seen in the regeneration and the general uplifting of the Welsh people, which is rapidly bringing the Cymry to the very forefront amongst the most intelligent and progressive in the world. As an honest, upright, Christian gentleman, his name is written, not on stone or marble, iron or brass, or any substance of a corruptible nature, but upon the Lamb's book of life. His family will draw from his memory an inspiration, and it will be to their children's children an abiding heritage ; his old employees will talk of him as the " good master " ; while his colleagues in the world of commerce, philanthropy, and religion will speak of him with confidence and affection ; and upon his noble life will be found the final seal of heaven, " Well done, thou good and faithful servant." THE END INDEX Aeekcwmboy, 15. Aberdare, 15. ,, Lord, 164. ,, parish of, 26. Aberdovey, 23. Aberia, 52. Abernant-y-groes, 83. Aberystwyth College, 155. Abraham, 65. Act, Education, 156. Active worker, 41. Address, the funeral, 217. Agitation, D. Davis, 173. Antinomianism, 170. Apprenticeship, 3. Arnold, Matthew, 13. Arthur, John, 104. Arthurian period, 153. Aubrey, Rev. T., 9. Bacon, Anthony, 14. Bailey, Crawshay, 17. Baptism of fire, 87. liarnardo, Dr., 186. Barry Dock, 88. Balchelor statue, 90. Bay, Langland, 195. Best in his home, 194. Bethels, Little, 124. Better homes, 100. Bcvan, Thomas, 204. Blacncwm, 23. Blaengwawr, 11. ,, removal to, 12. Bonar, Dr., 193. Books, best, 63. Bramwell, Lord, 160. Brewster, Sir D., 197. Bright, John, 64. Brothers, the, 130. Bruce, Right Hon. H. A., 132. Bryndderwen, 59. Building castles, 34. ,, chapels, 180. Business at Hirwain, 40. ,, neglecting, 141. Bute Docks, 87. ,, Marqiusof, 153. Calvinism, 44. Cambrian Daily Leader, 154. Candidature for the Rhondda, 142. CardilT, 50. Carmarthenshire, 3. Chartist theories, 99. Children, for the children's sake, ".5- Choir, Ferndale, 185. Christian merchant, 76. Churchill, Lord, 64. Cicero, 38. Coffin and the steam coal, 84. Coleridge, 33. College, Cardiff, 15S. Commerce, 75- Commission, Lord Aberdare, 162. Conversation at Langland, 197. Cory, John, J. P., 91. „' Richard, J.P., 91- Coutts, Harold, 70. Crawshay, Gyfarthfa, 17. Cynon, 27. D.-wiES, David, M.B., 88. Dr., 150. ,, Rev. John, 9. Davis, Charles, 23. ,, David, senior, 3. ,, ,, junior, 41. Frederick, ix. 233 2 34 INDEX Davis, F. L., C9. ,, Leonard, 69. ,, Lewis, 32. ,, Mrs., 20. ,, „ Lewis, 51. Day, G. Dennis, 69. Day-dreams, 34. Days, early, 31. Death of Caroline, 53. ,, of D. Davis, 22. ,, of Lewis Davis, 203. ,, of Mrs. Davis, 26. Deathbed testimony, 109. Defaulter, the, 1 14. Demophilus, 33. Deputation, impression upon, 197. ,, to Langland, 105. Dillwyn, Mr., M.P"!, 125. Dinas, 84. Disappointment, the brothers', 116. Discovery of coal, 84. Dolgelley, 104. Dowlais, 4. Early days, 31. ,, death of his wife, 42. ,, prayer-meetings, 41. Ebbw Vale, 4. Education, 143. ,, higher, 162. ,, secondary', 162. Edwards, Dr., 160. Election of 1868, 133. ,, of Henry Kichard, 133. ,, Rhondda, 142. Emerson, 38. Employees, their responsibilities. 97. Employers ,, ,, 97- Engineering, school of, 16 1. Englishmen making fortunes in Wales, 17. " Euphony," 202. Evans, Rev. W., 9. Evictions, 134. Examination before I'arliamentary Commissioners, 89. Examiner, 121. Excessive charges, 87. Explosion, 57. ,, second, 85. P'aii.ing health, 196. Faith, 45. Family influence, 27. Ferndale, removal to, 57. ,, sorrow in the chapel at, 204. First chairman, loi. Forster's speech, 149. Fortunes, large, made, 16. Fothergill, Rowland, 83. R., M.P., 93. Fundamental doctrines, 46. Funeral, 215. Gift to the College, 158. ,, ,, Infirmar}', 230. Giving, principle of, 178. Gladstone, Right Hon. \V. E., 64. Grave-side, service at, 230. Griffiths, Professor, 150. Guest, Sir John, 16. ,, Lady, 153. „ T. R., 17. Gyfarthfa, 4. Happy home, born into a, 31. Health, failing, 196. High Sheriff, 69. Hill, Rev. David, 179. ,, district, 4. ,, Plymouth, 4. Hirwain, 4. His last days, 192. History, gloomy, of Wales, 17. Home life, 49. Hood, Archibald, 91. Hotel life, 176. House of Commons, Henry Richard in the, 134. Hughes, Rev. Hugh, 9. „ H. P., 9. ,, ,, Rowland, 9. Hutchinson, Rev., 22. Indebtedness of the Principality, 144. Intelligent work, 107. Iron trade, 3. ,, works, Dowlais, 14. INDEX James, C. II., M.T., 131. "jonkins, Rev. Isaac, 9. Jones, Rev. Kilsby, 150. ,, Rees, J.P., 143. ,, Robert, 20. ,, Dr. Thomas, 19. ,, Walter, 1S2. Joseph, Thomas, 23. Lady Windsor, 91. Landlords, 134. Langland Bay, 195. ,, service, at, 214. Lewis, London Warehouse, 3. ,, Miss, 5. ,, Van, 14. Life, a noble, last monument, 232. Literature, Stephen's Welsh, 152. Lived amongst their employees, 103. Local preacher, 16. ,, schools, 32. Location of college, 157. London bargaining, 10. Loss to Wales, 205. Mabinogiox, 153. Mabon, 142. Maesteg, 85. Maesyffynon, 104. Many lives at once, 103. Marriage, 50. Martin, Henry, 179. Medical School, i6i. Memory, remarkable, 20. Merthyr-Tydfil, 3. Miall, Edward, 163. Minor strain, 18. Monopolist, the challenge of the, 88. Monopoly, the, 87. Monument, his, 231. Morgan, Miss, 40. "Moriah," 215. Morning Chronidc, 1 2 1 . Moxey, K. R., J.i'., 91. Miiller, George, 186. Mumbles Cemetery, 213. Mundclla, Right Hon. A. J., iCo. Music in the home, 67. ,, fondness of, 184. Nantygi,o, 4. Nazareth hall, 141. New Zealand, 85. Nicholas, Dr., 154. Nonconformist chapels, 58. ,, representatives, 124. North Wales, 52. Ocean collieries, 102. Old home at Hirwain, 174. ,, master, 3. ,, tunes, 186. ,, workmen, loS. Opening of Barry Dock, 91. Owen, Rev. Owen, 9. Oxford, 166. I'arish Churcli, 26. Parliament, declined to enter, 90. Parry, Dr., 196. Parting with his children, 203. Patagonia, 166. Peace Society, 131. Peaceful death, 203. Pendarren, 4. I'enhill, 50. Pioneer of the sea coal tiade, :4. Politics, 121. Pontmorlais Chapel, 7. Poverty of Welsh people, 17. Powell, Rev. William, 64. Preacher's home, 66. Preaching, good, 66. I'reswylfa, 56. Price, Miss, 24. Professional politician, 127. Prophets, true and false, 92. Providence, 140. I'ulpit, the, 125. Punshon, Dr., 199. Rees, Rev. Ileniy, 63. ,, ,, John, 9. ,, Mrs., 23. ,, Rev. Robert, 23. ,, R. M., 15.A., 23. Retorm Act, 132. ,, agitation, 19. Reformed drunkard, 1 1 r. Relief committee, 10 1. 2^6 INDEX Religion, 169. Kesponsibilitics of masters, 97. ,, of servants, 97. Resting in His love, 195. Rhigos Colliery, 11. Rhondda Fach, 15. Richard, Henry, M.P., 134. Richter, 34. Robertson of Brighton, 63. Rowland, Rev, William, 9. Ruskin, 77, Russell-Reynolds, Dr., 196. Sabbath Day, 8. „ ,, religion, 44. ,, last, 201. Saunders, Dr., 230. School days, 32. Service at Langland, 214. Shadow on the day, 91. Sheffield, 35. Signing the temperance pledge, 1S3. Site for a chapel, 230. Slaves in England and Wales, 99. Sliding scale, lOl. .Smith, Miss, 69. Society at Hirvvain, 8. Sotilh Walt's Daily Nezvs, 82. State aid, 151. Strike in South Wales, loi. .Studying for the law, 35. ,, _ ,, ministry, 39. Substantial gift, 139. Sunday evenings at Bryndderwen, 65. ,, ,, at Hirwain, 9. ,, school, 34. Swansea Conference, 124. Sympathy with old friends, 174. Taff Vale Railway, 87. Tax upon time, 192. Taylor, Jeremy, 21. Temperance meeting, 183. Testimony of Lord xVberdare, 205. The brothers, 54. Thomas, Alfred, M.P., 157. Thomas, D. A., M.P., 18. ,, Dr., Glynneath, 23. ,, Dr., Homilist, 154. ,, Ysguborwen, 16. Thompson, Rev. J. Havelock, 214. ,, T. Roe, 91. Trebanog, 33. Tudor dynasty, 147. Unknown to society, 187. Van Lewis, 14. Vicar Pritchard, 148. Voluntary principle, 150. Waddv, Dr., 35. ,, Judge, 126. Wales, public schools of, 149. ,, wealth of, 17. Wall, writing on the, 201. Welsh music, 1S6. ,, preachers, 63. ,, preaching, 1S4. ,, singing, 184. ,, tunes, 184. ,, Wesleyans, iSi. Wesley College, 35. Wesleyan Methodists, 19. ,, ministers, 61. Western Mail, 81. " Who is this gentleman ? "' 156. Vv'illiams, Carvell, ALP., 123. D., 16. D. E., 131. Rev, D. W., 230. ,, Lewis, 9. ,, Mr. Lewis, 91. ,, Rev. Robert, 9. Mr. T., 131. ,, William, M.P., 150. ,, W., Pantycelyn, 148. Working man's testimony, 206. Ves, without doubt, 137. Zealand, New, 85. PRINTED BY MORRISON AND GIBB LIMITED, EDINBURGH BY THE SAME AUTHOR. THE ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF METHODISM IN WALES AND THE BORDERS. With an INTRODUCTION by the Rev. HUGH PRICE HUGHES, M.A., PRESIDENT OF WESLEYAN CONFERENCE, 1898. Demy 8vo, handsomely bound, large type, over 760 pp., cloth, red edges, price 10s. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. The Methodist Times. — " Mr. Young goes to the root of things with German-like accuracy and thoroughness to describe the history of Methodism in every county in Wales. All future historians and biographers of modern Christianity will necessarily turn to this book for information. 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