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who embrace it ought to understand, and which those who understand it do and must adopt, presented only a motive to thought and reflection, and soon vanished like the morning dew. Bright sunshine followed, and few could be found that more clearly discerned the sublime and consoling doctrine of Hobbes and Hartley. The terrors which have confounded others, and frightened them from embracing the clear "truth as it is in Jesus," that there is" one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," could have little effect on one who had been taught from his youth to "obey God rather than man," and to follow truth whithersoever it should lead him. He had the happiness to embrace the pure gospel while yet young. Yet such was his candour, his openness to conviction, his teachableness and childlike simplicity of heart, that, had the evidence of the truth been presented to him in maturity or in old age, he, unlike many men who are obstinate in proportion as they are ignorant, and dogmatical in proportion as they are advanced in years, would probably have received it with the same docility and readiness as he manifested at an earlier period.

An opportunity presented itself to D. Jenkin Rees of shewing his zeal for truth in the latter years of the eighteenth century, when Thomas Evans, principally by the assistance of Mr. Lindsey, erected the first chapel that, in South Wales, was devoted expressly to the worship of "one God, the Father." Although that attempt to collect a congregation of Unitarians, at Brechva, eventually proved abortive, the spirit of inquiry was then more decisively roused than at any former period. The subject of this account gave to the infant cause an unequivocal support, and the influence of his talents and character contributed largely to remove bigotry, and conciliate favour to the doctrines which he strenuously avowed. So great was the influence of his patronage, that the inclination to scoff at the truth and to calumniate its advocates was powerfully checked by the consideration that D. J. Rees was one advocate of that truth. Those who remember the time, can testify that the fierce enemies of the doctrine of one "God and one Mediator," bowed

low the head and smoothed the brow of sullen hate in the presence of this man of plain appearance and address. As yet, however, he remained in connexion with the old congregations, stemming the torrent of their animosity against the "sect every where spoken against," yet in a state of comparative infancy. His efforts were efficacious in bringing many to favour the truth, and many to embrace it with decision and constancy. Since the time in which Jenkin Jones and David Lloyd had opposed themselves to the violence of clamour, when they began a reformation of the general creed, coutroversy had, in a manner, ceased. The enemy had quitted the field, and a lifeless indifference had succeeded. With indifference came ignorance, and, for the most part, the people knew not on what ground they had been built, contenting themselves with the name which their predecessors had rendered illustrious by their intelligence and zeal. Now, a fresh activity was produced, and it would surprise those who think they excel many, how much talent was called forth, and how much penetration was displayed, in this remote district, in finding and managing arguments in support of the doctrines that so many concurred to reprobate. In few instances has the spirit of Jesus shewn itself more capable of overcoming the world. Slander, which knew no bounds and observed no decorum, was fairly driven to howl in the haunts that served to protect it from shame and confusion.

The time at length arrived when D. J. Rees was called upon to act still a more conspicuous part, when it became necessary to separate the wheat from the chaff, and congregate, in one body, the disciples that had been more silently formed in the bosom of the old connexion. For reasons that cannot now be detailed, "it seemed fit to all the brethren" to form themselves into a society of professed Unitarians. The consequence of which resolution was, that two chapels were erected, one at Llwyn-y-groes, and the other at Pant-y-defaid. These are the mother churches of this respectable name in the Principality of Wales. They are the first in point of time, and, it is humbly believed, the first in point of real consequence and information. They are pure and unmixed,

being of one mind in the faith of Jesus Christ. God only can foresee how long they may retain their enviable distinction after this pillar of their Christian edifice has been removed. The heart bleeds and the eye is suffused with tears, when the possible consequences of the departure of this great and good man present them selves to the imagination. Assuredly, if these united churches should become extinct, a "candle that was not hid under a bushel but gave light" to the whole district will be extinguished, leaving the whole country in comparative darkness. Such a loss to a country can scarcely be conceived, and it must be felt by all, of whatever name, that have any concern for the moral and intellectual cultivation of the human race. The chapel of Llwyn-y-groes owed its erection principally to the exertions, and greatly to the contributions, of D. J. Rees. Another person saw the chapel at Pant-y-defaid completed for the use of the people. That branch of the church which assembled at the former, flourished greatly under the auspices of this enlightened man; and, though some untoward circumstances have occurred, such as the present event, it is believed that a foundation has been laid which no man shall be able to remove.

To the most distinguished talents, D. J. Rees united a very happy felicity of utterance. He spoke the English language with considerable fluency. But he was truly eloquent in his own tongue. It was remarkable also, that those among whom he moved, and especially his religious associates, acquired an extraordinary readiness and correctness of expression. The writer of this article was surprised, on becoming acquainted with them as a religious people, at the copiousness of language which was at their command, and the uncommon propriety, and even elegance, of phraseology, which they employed. He was not before aware of the capacity of the Welsh language to convey ideas on subjects of morality, metaphysics and general science. This was an excellent school for those who designed to become public speakers, and he was himself not a little benefited by the advantages which it afforded him. In the midst of all, D. J. Rees, with a natural

diffidence, which ever rendered him incapable of arrogating to himself the least pre-eminence, was decidedly the most conspicuous character. Persuasion seemed always to accompany his address, which was expressed in words the most proper and best chosen. After hearing him, one might be tempted to exclaim, "never man spake like this man."

This gift of speech, which served to display a mind filled with profound knowledge, and some circumstances in the society which made it desirable, induced the people to urge the man whom all so highly respected to speak to them in public, and by slow degrees he became a pretty constant preacher. There is reason to think, however, that he lamented afterwards this acquiescence in the flattering solicitations of his fellow-christians. When the evils to the general respectability and success of the cause of the pure truth, arising from the public services of uneducated persons, were, at a later period, with an express exception with respect to himself, briefly stated in his presence, he could not help saying, that he was not entitled to exception; and that, if he were worthy of it, yet his example had an unfavourable tendency. He regretted that he had taken a step which he did not then believe was justified by the necessity of the case.

The gift of utterance was most happily applied by D. J. Rees in exercises of devotion. Many have prayed as well, for prayer is nothing else but pouring out the heart before God. But who are they who have expressed the desire of the heart with such copiousness, variety, suitableness and impression as he, when he assembled his numerous family at the commencement and end of day to seek the favour and blessing of the "Father in heaven"? It is confidently believed, that few who heard him, however they were and must be edified by his solemnity and pathos, could help envying the felicity and choice of sentiments and words which he poured out at the footstool of the Divine Majesty. Premeditation was less necessary to him than to most men. His thoughts were habitually religious and devotional; he spoke daily and principally on religious subjects; he constantly read the Scriptures, and had

their best expressions at command; and he was master of the best words and phrases in his language on that and most other topics. He was naturally irascible, but principle and habit had enabled him to subdue the quickness of his temper, which served only, in process of time, to give animation to his zeal and exertion in the cause of benevolence and truth. He was, on this account, calm and collected, standing like a huge column secure against the tempests that raged around him. With such a man in the midst of them, it may be, at least faintly, conceived what gladness and triumph reigned amongst his brethren, when they had succeeded in forming them. selves into a religious body, when they saw the first temples expressly devoted to the service of the true God erected, the first that had any prospect of permanence; when, for the first time, they went up to the house of God and called upon his name. They forgot the hubbub which, for many months, had resounded through the country. They grasped the hands of one another they sung praise to the Most High with loud shrouts: they looked the devotion and gladness that dwelled in their hearts: they partook of the tokens of remembrance of Christ, as if they had known him in the "days of his flesh." The sons of Jacob went not up with more unbounded exaltatation to the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, where dwelled the glory of the Lord. As long as the blood shall continue to flow in the veins of the present writer, and till the heart shall cease to throb, the remembrance of that day will not be effaced.

No considerable event in the religious life of D. J. Rees seems to have occurred in the latter part of his life, except at the very close of his career. Ever prompt to succour distress, for which he had a truly compassionate feeling, no sooner did a malignant fever appear among his poor neigh. bours, than he flew to their assistance. Not content with supplying them from his moderate means, he visited them, he spoke to them the words of consolation, and, alas for them and for the world, the haunts of misery contained contagion which communicated to the good Samaritan himself a mortal disease! Why did distance preclude the offices of friendship which the

danger of life should not have restrained? He died; but he was prepared to die. Assuredly no uneasiness assailed him but such as might arise from a necessary consciousness of the irreparable loss that must be sustained by his domestic circle, by his neighbourhood, and by his Christian connexion, when he could no longer benefit them by his substance, by his example, by his instructions and influence.

After thus describing the life and sphere of action of this "friend to our nation," who has done more than "build us a synagogue," and the manner in which he discharged the part he had to act on a theatre of most extensive usefulness, which it requires some knowledge of the mammers of his country fully to appreciate, there is no need of enlarging on his character. It was marked by simplicity, modesty, great comprehensiveness of intellect, the most correct moral purity and unwearied benevolence. This benevolence was exerted towards all, but towards none more than towards ministers, and towards young men preparing for the ministry, many of whom, on reading this account, will recollect their own most essential obligations to him for tender interest in their welfare and for substantial services. They will join with the writer, who takes this opportunity of acknowledging services from him more than fraternal, in bedewing his grave with tears of sincere esteem and affection. "A prince and a great man is this day fallen in Israel."

No apology is deemed necessary for thus dwelling on the excellencies of D. J. Rees. He was not an obscure man. Though unambitious of distinction, he employed a very high order of talents to the best purposes, till by doing good he found it fame.” To the Unitarians in London he was known by reputation, though I have observed that he has, at times, been brought into notice with evident reluctance. Let the Unitarians shew such another man, and he will have equal justice done to his memory. Who would not live as he did, and who would not die his death? The character of his Unitarianism especially deserves imitation. He adopted his principles because he considered them as a part of the truth. His zeal was

for the truth, which he promoted from the most benevolent and enlarged views, as necessary to the virtue and happiness of mankind. "Go ye, and do likewise." His age was from fifty to sixty. His fortune, with great opportunities for its increase, is not

understood to be large. Having no children, he employed his substance in doing good, in which his discrimi. nation was truly admirable, and in which the extent of his largesses was measured by the extent of his ability. London, Dec. 9, 1817. C. LL.

INTELLIGENCE

Warwick Fellowship Fund. SIR, Warwick, Dec. 12, 1817. I AM desired by the friends of a Fellowship Fund lately established in our society, to request the favour of an insertion of the following rules, with a hope that it will stimulate others to follow the example.

Your obedient servant, J. ASH. Warwick Unitarian Fellowship Fund. At a meeting of persons friendly to the establishment of a Fellowship Fund, on the plan adopted at Birmingham, London, Manchester, Exeter, and other places, held in the Vestry Room of the High-Street Chapel, October 27th, 1817,

The Rev. W. FIELD in the Chair. 1. That its object be, besides assisting to defray the expense of supporting di vine worship in this place, to furnish annual subscriptions to the Unitarian academies, to afford occasional contributions to small and indigent congregations, and to promote generally the diffusion of those great principles of religious truth which, as it appears to us, were taught by Christ and his apostles.

2. That the Fund be supplied by subscriptions of one shilling per quarter, to be paid in advance.

3. That an annual general meeting be held in the month of October, at which time a President, Treasurer, Collector, and Committee, shall be chosen.

4. That the Committee shall consist of the President, Treasurer, and six other persons, to be chosen at the annual meeting, of whom five shall be competent to

act.

5. That the meetings of the Committee shall be quarterly, and shall be open to every subscriber.

6. That in cases that may require it, a special meeting may be called.

7. That the Rey. Mr. Field be request ed to accept the office of President.

8. That Mr. Brown be appointed Treasurer, and Mr. Ash Collector.

9. That the following persons be chosen members of the Committee: viz. Messrs. Armstrong, Clarke, Dowler Gill, Holland, and Sansome.

WILLIAM FIELD, CHAIRMAN.

VOL. XH. ·

Removals amongst Unitarian
Ministers.

Mr. JOHN PLATTS has removed from Boston, Lincolnshire, where he was for many years minister over the Unitarian congregation which he raised in that town, to DONCASTER in Yorkshire.

The Unitarian Baptist Congregation, of Wisbeach, have invited Mr. NEIL WALKER, formerly of Glasgow and Dundee, and

who was a short time in the Unitarian Academy, under the patronage of the Uni-tarian Fund, to succeed the late Mr. Winder, as their pastor.

SIR,

Clapton, Dec. 29, 1817. I am sorry to be obliged to request your leave to inform the subscribers to Dr. Priestley's Works, that the Third Volume cannot possibly be delivered, as proposed, on the 31st instant.-It will however be ready for delivery, at Mr. Eaton's, No. 187, High-Holborn, on January 15th,

The disappointment has been occasioned by the size to which I have been obliged to extend the volume for the purpose of connecting the subjects in the most convenient form, and to the much longer occupation of time than I expected in ascertaining the authorities to which the author has referred, and in a careful correction of the numerous quotations.

I cannot help adding my request, that the subscribers who have not yet received their volumes, would send for them to Mr. Eaton's, and order payment of their subscriptions, as I have before taken the liberty to suggest. Should any friend to my design have any letters or information which they may choose to communicate, I must request their immediate assistance, as I purpose, if possible, to deliver the first volume, comprebending the biogra phy and correspondence of Dr Priestley, in the earlier part of the ensuing year.

The fourth volume, containing the Discussion with Dr. Price-The letters to various Opponents-Dr. Priestley's Col lins's Enquiry, and the Letters to a Philosophical Unbeliever will, I expect, be ready for delivery at the end of February. J.T. RUTT.

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