Welsh Journals

he tells us, by the lives of some of the clergy. Even Thomas Pennant, himself a good churchman, has a diatribe against those priests Who profane like a pagan, and swear like a trooper, Who shine in the cook-pit, on turf or in stable, And are the prime bucks and arch wags of each table." and compares them unfavourably with those whom he met on his journey to Scotland. At the same time Thomas Jones was coming into contact with some of the Methodists who, although simple, uneducated people, seemed to take their religious life much more seriously. Thomas Jones's Autobiography gives a remarkable account of his spiritual growth. For many years he had long periods of depression and despair, aggravated by poor health, followed by sudden illumination leading to confidence and joy. On leaving school he refused to go to Oxford, which at that time was no place for people with Methodist leanings, and instead of preparing for Holy Orders joined the small Methodist society in Caerwys. His father was extremely angry and gave him all the heavy work on the farm. The conflict between his desire to continue his studies and the demands of his spiritual life was so acute that for seven years he was unable to look at a book apart from the Bible. By remaining at home, however, and quietly defying his father's authority, Thomas was building up a strong and independent character. At last, after a long spiritual struggle, he attained a measure of peace of mind and was able to take up his studies again. The final test of his faith came when he felt himself called to preach. He was completely dismayed and for a long time resisted the compulsion. Then he was given another opportunity to prepare for the Church. It is evident that his feelings about the clergy had undergone a change, and that he thought more highly of them than he had done previously, for he gave this offer very serious considera- tion and even brought the matter before the Methodist Quarterly Meeting where he was given every encouragement. At that time there was no quest.on of secession from the Established Church, and the Methodists were only too delighted to have another of their number in Holy Orders. It is interesting to speculate as to why this change in attitude should have occurred. Thomas Jones himself tells us that owing to his shyness and fear of speaking in pdblic he would have found it easier to preach in a parish church than among the Methodists. In fact, the life of a scholar would have suited him better, both physically and temperamentally, than the life of an itinerant preacher. Moreover he was urged to take this course by people whose judgment he valued, and who were prepared to assist him. Unfortunately he does not tell us who these helpers were, and we can only surmise that the return of John Lloyd to Caerwys 1 Thomas Pennant. Literary Life, 1793. p. 20. 2 Duvnoldeb Rhydychen, gan Athraw'r Celfyddydau Brif-ysgol Rhydychen. Caerfyrddin 1769.