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    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 themselves to the imagination . Assuredl y * 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 , flou ^ rished 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 ex pression . The w riter 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

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    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 excteim , i € 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 sentimeuts 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

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    Obituary *—Mr . David Jenkin Rees . 743

• Citation
  • Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Dec. 2, 1817, page 743, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2471/page/47/