Tom Nefyn: 'A Cup of Cold Water'

When I wrote my series on Tom Nefyn, I noted that the exact reasons for his return to the ministry of the Calvinistic Methodists were unclear. Since then, some digging in the archives has produced this marvellous letter, written to layman, former MP and invalid, John Herbert Lewis, an orthodox Calvinistic Methodist, and one who had agreed with the decision to suspend Nefyn. Make of it what you will:

Beehive
Coedpoeth
Wrexham
March 29 [1933]

My dear Sir Herbert Lewis,
‘A cup of cold water.’ At times, such a statement appears simple and commonplace, and the reaction it evokes in the heart is both weak and colourless. Its meaning depends on man’s circumstances; they make it trivial or vital. For in the valleys of Wales, where the silver streams babble and flow endlessly, it would probably lack all force and fascination. But in a distant desert-land! Its words would soon assume a character, essential and appealing; it would associate itself with man’s destiny. ‘A cup of cold water.’
And during the last three years and eight months I have walked across a bleak and lonely country, homeless and without a Church, desirous of reaching the City of Reconciliation but exposed to the chilly wind of misunderstanding. Sometimes the soul has felt inclined to yield – to yield to its own weakness and weariness, and to the suggestion of things. During these moments the Desert almost won its victory; hope frequently gave way to pessimism.
But suddenly and unexpectedly – ‘a cup of cold water’!! You, George Davies, Fearon Halliday, and four or five other men, gave me signs of loyalty, affection, understanding, sympathy, and fellowship, and the soul renewed its strength. And this water Christ always turns into wine; the cup also does He make into a Communion Cup.
At last I have crossed the bleak and lonely country, and the City of Reconciliation has been reached. For that is the true significance of the Rhoseomor Call and Reply. Before I enter, however, let me say – thank you very much for your cup of cold water in days of isolation and need. ‘A cup of cold water’! Out of such does God make the dew of the Heavens.

With a deep sense of gratitude and
My heart’s best wishes. Gwyn eich
Byd. Troisoch eich gwely clf yn
Orsedd Gras I eraill
Very sincerely
Tom Nefyn

Sir John Herbert Lewis died later that year. Did he do right in keeping the way open for Tom Nefyn's return, or did this send the signal that the church was not serious about its beliefs? In the final analysis, there seems to be a tension between Sir Herbert Lewis' Christian charity to the man, and an implicit endorsement of his theology.