Blair Collection > Rhys Lewis, minister of Bethel

RHYS LEWIS. 77
for years, to impart to my brother all the knowledge I possessed,
so that he, if possible, might become something better than the
poor collier I am myself. Seeing that brother oppressed and
beaten most unmercifully, I did what anyone with a graia of
humanity in his composition would have done— I rusbed on the
oppressor and rescued the oppressed, as David did the lamb from
the lion's jaws. But this, in Communion's sight, was a great
sin, especially in that of some of the members, who, doubtless,
must feel very happy now that they are rid of a depraved
creature like me."
"Do you know what?" said mother, '-your words have
much the sound of self-righteousness. You make me think of
that man who began the prayer meeting in th.e temple of old.
Tou have his tinkle about you, to a T. There is as little of the
publican ring in your voice, now you are at home, as there was
in it in Communion. What has come over you, tell me? You have
shown a wonderful stiffness of late. Pray for grace, my son ; pray
that you may feel the rope, and see your filthy rags. Brought
before your betters at the Quarter Sessions it would be all right
to talk of your virtues ; in Communion before the Great Judge,
the less you speak of them the better, save by the names
wherewith Paul baptized them — " dung and loss." Do you
know, Bob, I have suspected for some time that there were
notions forming in your heart which, you never found in the
Bible ; and that has cost me many a sleepless night."
" You, mother, know me best, of all people," said Bob
feelingly, "and I must be bad indeed, when my own mother
can entertain so poor an opinion of me. I, no doubt, am the
biggest scamp in the neighbourhood. Well, be it so."
"No, my son, not so, either," said mother. "As a good
son to his mother, there isn't your superior in the six counties.
I. never had any trouble with you in that way, and I am very
thankful to you and the Great King for your kindness in
working so hard to keep a home for your mother and brother.
It is of your soul I am speaking now. It matters little whether
I have a crast or not; but it matters everything, my darling
boy, that your soul and mine should be under the dispensation
of the Spirit of God. Blessed be His name. He never gives me
rest, and I believe He means to make something of me. that