On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
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
Untitled Article
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
Untitled Article
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/
-