Welsh Journals

THE * H: 1EAM E16 AND PEOPLE'S FRIEND. CONTENTS. Druidism (continued) _....... 33 Universal Peace....... 34 Chairman of a Public Meeting. . . . 3G Review.......... 37 Napoleon on Christianity..... 39 An Imaginative Sketch...... 39 Retrospect of the Month..... 40 Y&ge. Local Affairs......... 41 Wrexham Church Rate Contest ... 47 Wrexham Cheese Pairs...... 48 Why do you go to Church ? .... 48 An important Contrast...... 48 Singular state of morals...... 48 Brief Notices, &c........ 48 No. 3. Vol. 1.1 OCTOBER 1st, 1848. Pbice Id. DRUIDISM: OR THE RELIGIOUS, MORAL, AND SOCIAL STATE OF THE WELSH BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY AMONGST THEM. (COKTIKUED FBOM PAGE 18.) The Druids were divided into three classes or grades, according to the several offices which they served, and were named Bards, Ovates and Druids. Among the Bards were to be found poets, genealogists, and historians ; among the Ovates, medical men, soothsayers, and minstrels ; and the Druids had the superintendence of morality and religion.0 Each of these divisions or classes were known un¬ der the general name of Druids, and were considered as connected with the priesthood , but the Druids were the only class specially separated to that office ; and upon then) devolved the important duty of instructing the rising generation in the principles of their religion and morals.6 To secure the peace, and promote the success and happiness of this numerous class of persons, as well as of the public in general, the most eminent man amongst the Druids was chosen as their chief,—this High- priest or Arch-druid, was elected by the suffrages of the majority of the people : and as there was much au¬ thority, emolument, and honor con¬ nected with the office, the election of a suitable person for it, on some oc¬ casions, was attended with civil war," The Arch-druid, generally, resided in the Isle of Anglesea,"" and he was the supreme judge in all civil and relig¬ ious matters. By way of eminence, this person was called Dryw, and his residence was known by the name of Tre'r Dryw, and that of the Bards, Druids and Ovates, in his neighbor¬ hood who were more immediately in aArchalolog. Henry's Hist, of Brit, b Owen on BardUm. Archaiol. c Caesar's Comment, d Rowland's Mona Anti<i.