e Methodists.
'I liked the preaching which I heard at the chapel very well, though it
was not quite so comfortable as that of my old friend, the preacher being
in some respects a different kind of man. It, however, did me good, and
I went again, and continued to do so, though I did not become a regular
member of the body at that time.
'I had now the benefit of religious instruction, and also to a certain
extent of religious fellowship, for the preacher and various members of
his flock frequently came to see me. They were honest plain men, not
exactly of the description which I wished for, but still good sort of
people, and I was glad to see them. Once on a time, when some of them
were with me, one of them inquired whether I was fervent in prayer. "Very
fervent," said I. "And do you read the Scriptures often?" said he. "No,"
said I. "Why not?" said he. "Because I am afraid to see there my own
condemnation." They looked at each other, and said nothing at the time.
On leaving me, however, they all advised me to read the Scriptures with
fervency and prayer.
'As I had told these honest people, I shrank from searching the
Scriptures; the remembrance of the fatal passage was still too vivid in
my mind to permit me. I did not wish to see my condemnation repeated,
but I was very fervent in prayer, and almost hoped that God would yet
forgive me by virtue of the blood-shedding of the Lamb. Time passed on,
my affairs prospered, and I enjoyed a certain portion of tranquillity.
Occasionally, when I had nothing else to do, I renewed my studies. Many
is the book I read, especially in my native language, for I was always
fond of my native language, and proud of being a Welshman. Amongst the
books I read were the odes of the great Ab Gwilym, whom thou, friend,
hast never heard of; no, nor any of thy countrymen, for you are an
ignorant race, you Saxons, at least with respect to all that relates to
Wales and Welshmen. I likewise read the book of Master Ellis Wyn. The
latter work possessed a singular fascination for me, on account of its
wonderful delineations of the torments of the nether world.
'But man does not love to be alone; indeed, the Scripture says that it is
not good for man to be alone. I occupied my body with the pursuits of
husbandry, and I improved my mind with the perusal of good and wise
books; but, as I have already said, I frequently sighed for a companion
with whom I could exchange ideas, and who c
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