OF THE Church of England. HELD AT SWANSEA On OCTOBER the 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th 1879 EDITED BY THE REV. FREDERIC W. EDMONDES, M.A. PREFACE. OME unexpected delay in getting this Report ready for the press has been occasioned by a severe domestic trial befalling the Secretary to whom the work of editing was originally entrusted, to whose combined zeal and discretion also no small part of the success of the arrangements for the Swansea Congress must be attributed. But few words are needed by way of introduction to such a volume. Be it enough to say that the Editor has endeavoured, with the kindly aid of the various Readers and Speakers, and the cordial co-operation of the Official Reporter (Mr. Chas. J. Cooke), to record as faithfully and accurately as possible the utterances of those who took part in the different meetings. The Congress of 1879 was marked by one very happy characteristic. While fully equalling former Congresses, both in interest felt, and in the ability brought to bear on the several subjects, in one most important particular this year's gathering was generally allowed to be in advance of any of its predecessors. The spirit of forbearance, toleration, and Christian charity was most remarkable. Much of this, no doubt, may fairly be ascribed to the secondary causes of habit and mutual acquaintance and intercourse; but these causes alone are not sufficient to account for the harmony which prevailed; and we should be wanting to ourselves if we did not go further for an explanation, and acknowledge here the special blessing of the God of peace and love. This having been the first Church Congress ever held in Wales, the condition of the Church in the Principality naturally occupied 334099 |