Welsh Journals

tendency to idolatry-it was their national sin. Monotheism was taught then1, from their very start as a nation, but they h.id no sympathy with its truth. Notwithstanding the marvels wrought on their behalf in their liberation from the servi- tude of Egypt, notwithstanding the manna from heaven every morning to satisfy their hunger, notwithstanding the proclamation of the law on Sinai amid thunders and lightnings, the first two commandments of which forbade plurality of gods and all graven images, yet we find them a few weeks after making a molten ox of gold, and indulging in dance music in honour of the image. Natural genius for religion, indeed Yes, for idolatry in its grossest forms. Had their natural genius for religion found expression in literature, I suppose the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." Read their history, scan their never-ceasing proneness to idolatry. Notwithstanding protests, strong and frequent, there was no winning them from their idols till they were exiled to Babylon for their delinquencies. The Bible the natural fruit of their genius for religion, indeed! The THE GRAMOPHONE. Most noteworthy is the playing, on four records, of Schubert's Trio in B Flat Major. The players are Cortot, Thibaud, and Cassals. The recording is strident in places, but is ex- tremely good on the whole. Irene Sharrer plays three of Scarlatti's charming little sonatas, all on one record. There is a capital organ record of Handel's Concerto in F Major. Another record (not too good) contains on one side Schubert's Marche Militaire, and on the other, Berlioz' Marche Hongroise. Two songs from Don Giovanni are well sung by Evelyn Scotney, but the finest record is that of Handel's Deeper, and deeper still and Waft her angels," by Walter Widdop. These records are now made by the electrical method, and are, on the whole, good. But as no sample of orchestral recording was sent us we cannot feel that a satisfactory proof has been given. The best is York Bowen's rendering of Chopin's A Flat Waltz and Polonaise in C Sharp Minor-a truly excellent record. Olga Haley sings Schubert's Gretchen and Spinrade and an Ave Maria by him very effectively. We do not care so much for Enid Cruickshank in Con- nais-tu I., pays and Gluck's Divinites du Styx," but many might like them. Other good records are-Minuet and Serenade by Godard, played by Adila Fachiri and Jelly d'Aranyi, and a Prelude and Carillon by Wolstenholme played on the organ by the composer. H.M.V. VOCALION. Bible warns them, denounces them, heaps male- dictions and woes upon them. Who were the strenuous protesters? Men specially raised by God, specially inspired of God, to denounce the immoralities and idolatries of the nation. I emphatically deny the Bible to be the natural fruit of the national genius,-the Old Testament antagonizes them, denounces them, is out and out opposed to them. The antagonism of the Old Testament to the Jewish nation compels us to seek another source to the wonderful writings therein contained, the only book in the Old Dispensation that denounced idolatry as a serious, grievous sin, the greatest of all sins. Amid all the books of the ancient world, written by men of most brilliant intellects-poets and philo- sophers of immortal fame, the Old Testament was the only Book on the face of the planet that taught Monotheism the only Book for 4,000 years which persistently proclaimed the truth of one God! What think you is the solution? The Bible itself supplies the answer, Holy men of God wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." SOME OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS. MISS EVELYN LEWES. During a long residence in West Wales studied the manners and customs of the people. A member of the Lyceum Club and numerous antiquarian societies. Author of Life and Poems of Dafydd ab Gwilym," Dream Folk and Fancies," etc. DR. CYNDDYLAN JONES. Foremost among Welsh divines and doyen of Yr Hen Gorff." Author of many theological works in Welsh and English. Has filled all prominent positions in his denomination. VISION. Oh; thou beauteous land of Wales, Harp-like .swept by mighty gales, Where lone Dolweddelan lies; Ah, the thoughts Time makes no duller That with wondrous weft and colour Through my glowing spirit rise! Cambria! Wild, and desolated, Cambria! Land of heroes, fated, Magnet-like, to draw the soul; While the centuries of thy story Crowned with bright poetic glory Grandly o'er thy mountains roll! A. G. ANDERTON.