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 could take an interest in my
pursuits; the want of such a one I more particularly felt in the long
winter evenings. It was then that the image of the young person whom I
had seen in the house of the preacher frequently rose up distinctly
before my mind's eye, decked with quiet graces--hang not down your head,
Winifred--and I thought that of all the women in the world I should wish
her to be my