Blair Collection > Rhys Lewis, minister of Bethel

286 RHYS LEWIS.
other mode. The blessings attending the Society were very many
and obvious. Under the old Literary and Theological Society's
dispensation, the young men grew shy, timorous, and as bash-
ful as if they knew nothing at all. But once brought under the
influence of the Sol-fa Society, they were taught to hold their
heads up Like men, and show the world they knew "what's
what." It was only then they really found they were men,
and must act as such, and let the vulgar rich know that they
were not to have all the gloves and the rings to themselves.
The formation of this Society marked an important epoch in the
history of the neighbourhood. Speedily the habit which the
young people had of carrying their Bible to chapel began to dis-
appear, the Tune Book taking its place. True, here and there
an old woman, who knew no better, would grow wild from see-
ing this book usurping the post of its predecessor, but it was
useless kicking against the progress of the age. Like every
other reform, this one met with great opposition from old fash-
ioned folk. My master, Abel Hughes, though ordinarily a sensi-
ble man enough, was always a bit Toryish when new things were
introduced. I have, sometimes, seen him refuse to convert Sun-
day night Communion into Singing Meeting, and also making a
determined stand against rehearsing choral pieces on the Sab-
bath in view of a forthcoming National Eisteddfod. I heard
him, with my own ears, declare that singing was of no more
importance than preaching, and that the Tune Book did not
deserve greater attention than the Bible. He positively
refused to ask the preacher to "cut it short," so that more
time might be allowed the singing. For all " Eos Prydain's "
wild glare at him, Abel would not give over slurring and sing-
ing with might and main such words as —
" He, led unto Calvary hiU,
Was willingly nailed to the Cross."
Had Abel lived a little longer he would, doubtless, have
learned better things. Seeing the marvellous effects wrought
by the Sol-fa Society, I threw in my lot with it very heartily.
I remained a member for quite a month; during which period I
learned not only that I had a most unpromising voice, but that
I had neither the patience nor the brains to become proficient