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Obituary.-Mr. Richard Reynolds.

Memoir of the late

Mr. RICHARD REYNOLDS. N our Obituary of last month, (p. 554) we briefly noticed the death of MR. RICHARD REYNOLDS, of Bristol. Various memoirs of that excellent man have already appeared; and it is hoped that the public will ere long be favoured with a minute and correct narrative of his useful life by one who knows how to appreciate his worth, and has been conversant with many of the more secret acts of Mr. Reynolds's benevolence. We should however regret that our readers should not be informed of some of the more prominent features of this pious and venerable Christian. A knowledge of his plans may induce the well disposed to go and do likewise.

Mr. Reynolds was a native of Bristol, His father was an opulent tradesman, and a minister among the Society of Friends. He was solicitous that habits of early industry should be implanted in his children. These were properly applied by his son, who at no advanced age became a proprietor and conductor of very extensive iron works in Shropshire. Perseverance and skill were accompanied by integrity; and the consequence was the great improve ment of the concern and the accumulation of an ample fortune by Mr. Reynolds. This he used in a manner becoming the philanthropist and the Christian. He ascribed all his blessings to the Giver of all good, and considered himself only a steward of Divine bounty. He regarded his talents, whether of money or ability, as treasures for which he must hereafter give a strict account-hence his self denial was uniforın, his circumspection great, and his generosity without partiality, either as to sect, party, or country. Piety was his ruling principle, and pride was a stranger to his actions. The good effect of his religious principle, was strikingly shown in the government he acquired over a temper naturally irritable. Benevolence is often the offspring of feeling: in Mr. Reynolds it was the consequence of faith, working by love. A discretion rarely to be found, was the companion of his zeal to do good. But a willingness to search out the case he knew not, was not its only feature: there was a penetration in his mode of proceeding that discovered the clearness of his judgment and the acuteness of his observations.,

617

But his deeds were not done to obtain the praise of men: he sought the means of conferring a favour in private, and redoubling the obligation by not seeming to have bestowed one. A striking instance of this kind occurred when a lady applied to him in behalf of an orphan, whom he had liberally aided : "When he is old," the lady said, “I will teach him to name and thank his benefactor."

Stop," said the good

man, "you mistake; we do not thank
the clouds for rain; teach him to
look higher, and thank Him, who
giveth both the clouds and the rain."
So great was Mr. Reynolds's modesty,
that he seemed wounded if his praise
were sounded, or if his deeds of kind-
ness were brought before the public
eye. Partly with a view of concealing
the author, and partly to give a wider
diffusion to his beneficence, he em-
ployed persons in different parts aud
men of all professions and religious
persuasions, to relieve objects deserving
of assistance, in the places in which
they resided. One method was lending
sums of money to the deserving, per-
mitting them to repay the amount by
instalments; if they were able to pay
interest, it was received, if not, it was
not deinanded. The same money to
be again and again applied to similar
cases. Expectation was not awakened
and then disappointed. But the advice
accompanying the aid bestowed was
frequently found of the highest utility.
Mr. Reynolds gave to public charities
with munificence; but to his own
name only such sums were affixed as
others might easily imitate, who were
well disposed to the cause. "A Friend,"
or "A Friend by ditto," contributed
what awakened admiration. To give
instances would be endless: suffice it to
refer to the records of the Committee
for relieving the Germans-to those of
the Spital-fields Weavers-of the Bible
Societies-to those of the African In-
stitution-and to those of the various
charities in Bristol. Mr. Reynolds held
it to be a duty that each one should as
much as possible be his own executor
not only to avoid giving trouble to sur-
vivors, but also, because our talents are
required to be faithfully used, whilst we
ourselves are in the body. On this
ground, during his life, he purchased
an estate for £10,000, the interest of
which is to be appropriated, at the
discretion of the trustees whom he

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Obituary:—Mr. Richard Reynolds.

named, to the assistance of seven charities which he specified. With the same view, he gave a sum of money to the Corporation of Bristol, to augment a fund, of which that body has the application, for relieving blind persons, by granting £10 a year to each recipient. The charity which for a long the occupied his attention, is worthy of its advocate: it was to raise a sum of money to enable all the inhabitants in the almshouses of Bristol to receive at present equal to the intention of the founders of the several almshouses, or to grant 5s. per week to each of them.. It is unnecessary to add, that his own contributions were suited to the magnitude of the design. To him the Samaritan Society owes its origin. Its object is to relieve those cases, which other charities could not assist. Many persons who have been patients in the Infirmary, many who are recovering from sickness, many who have been recalled from vicious habits, and have formed virtuous resolutions, often suffer greatly before they can gain employment, or pursue their former avocations with effect. Through want of temporary aid lasting difficulties frequently arise. To bestow this aid, and to lead the members of a society to do what their Saviour hath commanded, was the intention of the Institution, which bears the name its founder justly inerited, the Samaritan.

Hence it will appear that although Mr. Reynolds was solicitous to avoid praise, he was not inactive, or merely following the suggestions of the well disposed. He was ever ready to excite others to fulfil the trust committed to their care. His manner of appeal in behalf of the distressed did not derive its only force from his own example. There was an appeal to the judgment and to the heart which could scarcely be resisted. On one occasion of this kind, it is said, that when addressing a gentleman whom he supposed to be rich, in order to stimulate his exertions, he remarked, "When gold encircles the heart it contracts to such a degree that no good can issue from it; but when the pure gold of faith and love gets into the heart it expands it, and Causes each drop of blood to flow through the channels of benevolence." In his life was witnessed the truth of the remark, "When the eye saw him it was glad, when the ear heard him it

rejoiced." But it must be left to a Clarkson to recount his services towards the abolition of the Slave Trade, and ameliorating the condition of the oppressed Negro: it must be left to an Allen to tell what he hath done for the education of the poor: it must be left to an Owen to enumerate his benefactions to the British and Foreign Bible Society: and to an Harrison, or some other member of the Society of Friends, to enumerate Mr. Reynolds's gifts to the various charitable institutions belonging to that respectable class of Christians. Mr. Reynolds continued a zealous and consistent member of the society in which he was born and edu cated. In him they have lost a burning and shining light of faith, hope, and charity-in him a firm and consistent supporter of one of their fundamental principles, that all wars are unjust, impolitic, and unchristian: in him they have lost one, who was ever calling them to use their utmost efforts to ameliorate the condition of the distressed, whether Indian, African, or Briton. Mr. Reynolds embraced with ardour the hope that our penal statutes would become less sanguinary-and that capital punishments would be removed from our code. When the citizens of his native place had determined upon building a new gaol, Mr. R. was peculiarly solicitous that the improvements upon the plans of a Howard, in Munich, America and other countries, might be concentered in Bristol. He wished for the moral and religious improvement of those who had violated the laws of their country; and considered it incumbent to apply kindness, instruction and the motives of industry, to recal the offender to the paths of integrity. To trace the more public acts of this philanthropist would occupy the whole of the pages of a periodical publication: but to enumerate his private exertions to comfort the widow, to help the fatherless, to raise the desponding, to encourage the industrious and to reward the deserving, would require a volume, and even then the language of the queen of Sheba, when she had witnessed the wisdom of Solomon, might be employed, "Not half hath been told me." He now rests from his labours, but his works shall follow him.

The closing scenes of his life were in unison with his former conduct. In

Obituary-Mr. Richard Reynolds.

the spring of this year he began to decline. He was advised in August to try the waters of Cheltenham. This was done evidently to satisfy his friends. He did not expect to recover from the attack, but was perfectly resigned to what Divine mercy should ordin. He continued from the 7th of August to the 6th of September with little variation. During his illness he was exceedingly placid and kind to every one: his conduct and countenance in dicating that all within was peace. A short time before his death, when an endeared female friend had been administering to him some religious consolation, he said, My faith and hope are, as they have long been, on the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ, who was the propitiation for my sins, and not for mine only, but for the sins of the whole world. He closed his earthly career at Cheltenham, Sept. the 10th, in the 81st year of his age. His children, grand children, and many beloved friends were present when this great man in Israel fell.

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bonds of peace and righteousness of life.

Such was Richard Reynolds IIis corpse was followed to the grave by deputations from the several chari ties in Bristol, to which he belonged. The Committee of the Bible Society took the precedence, and was in close train with the long string of weeping relatives. It was composed of aldermen, clergymen, and dissenting ministers of all denominations. The greatest decorum was observed, though the crowd of spectators surpassed calculation. In' the Square in which the deceased had resided, the children of the several charity-schools to which he had been a generous patron, were arranged. The shops were shut in the streets through which the procession passed, and the toll of hells from several churches announced, that one was carried to the grave, who bore with him the affections of the living. On the Sunday following, funeral sermons were preached at most of the places of worship in Bristol and its neighbourhood. But the respect of survivors did not terminate with these marks of their regard. A public meet ing was convened at the Guildhall, on October the 3d, at which the mayor presided, to consider of the most effectual method of supplying the great loss the city of Bristol had sustained, and of perpetuating the memory of Mr. Reynolds. On that occasion ít was unanimously resolved to form a new society, called Reynolds's Commemoration Society, to keep up his subscriptions to the charities in Bristol to which he was a public contributor, and especially to cherish and strengthen the Samaritan, of which he was the founder. At the public meeting, various proofs were adduced of the distinguished excellence of the deceased, by the Rev, T. Biddulph, the Rev. W. Thorpe, the Rev. W. Day, the Rev. Mr. Simeon, of Cambridge, and the Rev. M. Maurice, At the same time, appropriate addresses were delivered by R. H. Davis, Esq. M. P. H. Davis, Esq. M. P. J. Butterworth, Esq. M. P. the Sheriffs of Bristol, Aldermau Birch, Dr. Pole, Dr. Stock and Counsellor Smith, by whom the business was ably introduced and forcibly recommended.

Is it wonderful that the news of his death excited general regret in Bristol and its neighbourhood? Is it surprising that the melancholy event created a gloom from the peasant's cot to the extensive mansion? Is it singular that a chasm should be contemplated when he was removed who for many years had bestowed upwards of £10,000 per annum in relieving the distress of others? Was it not to be expected that men of all classes and of all opinions should unite to request to shew the last sad tribute of respect, y following to the grave the remains of one who had practised pure and undefiled religion, who had employed self-denial that he might bestow liberally on others, who refused the indulgences of affluence that he might lessen the miseries of his brethren; who ordered his household with economy that he might give to him that was in want-who had cherished a zeal for godliness free from bigotry, and in exercising the right of private judgment himself, had still an ardent affection for those from whom he differed? No contrasted view of Divine mercy dwelt in his soul; and whilst he considered himself a debtor to the Jew and to the Greek, to the bond and to the free, he embraced all men with affection who strove to preserve the unity of the faith in the

May the mantle of Elijah fall on his descendants! May the chasm that has been made be filled up by the efforts of many! May the spirit of be

620 Intelligence.-Sunday Evening Lectures at St. Thomas's Street, Southwark.

nevolence which actuated a Reynolds, dwell with those who are associated to supply his place! Then will it be for good to others as well as for himself, that he has rested from his labours, May the seed that he has sown bear a rich harvest of love and good works: and whilst his name is held in

everlasting remembrance, may his bliss hereafter be augmented by an union with those who have here trod in his steps! May his admirers be his imitators, and their desire like him be to ascribe unto God the praise for every blessing they enjoy!

M. M.

INTELLIGENCE.

DOMESTIC.
RELIGIOUS.

Plan of a Fund by the Unitarian Church, Edinburgh, for obtaining a more commodious Place of Worship.

It is proposed to constitute a Fund, which shall bave for its object the Erection of a small, neat, and commodious Church, in some respectable situation in this City, for conducting Divine Worship on Unitarian principles.

a few hundred pounds, upon the security of the building, to enable them to complete it which debt, in the course of a few years thereafter, will be easily paid off upon the same plan.

P. S. Subscriptions in favour of this object, will be received by T. S. Smith, M.D. Yeovil, Somersetshire; the Rev. John Evans, Islington; and the Rev. R. Aspland, Hackney Road.

A Course of Sunday Evening Lectures, which will be Delivered at the Unitatarian Chapel, St. Thomas's Strect, Southwark; Commencing Nov. 3rd,

1816.

́precisely.
(FIRST COURSE.)

Nov. 3.-Rev. R. Aspland.—Reproach for the Name of Christ the Christian's Glory.

Nov. 10.-Rev. IV. J. For.-The Rise and Prevalence of Christ's Deity traced and accounted for.

On the necessity for such a building, it is almost needless to enlarge. It must be obvious to every one, that the present place of worship labours under great disadvantages, as to situation, outward Service to begin at Half past Six o'Clock appearance, and internal accommodation, which operate to a considerable extent in deterring strangers from entering it, and detract very much from the comfort of the congregation. But it may be proper to observe, that although any resources which can at present be calculated upon, must be quite inadequate, we are not therefore to suppose the object in view This undeserving of present attention. very circumstance calls for immediate consideration of the subject; for it is only by an accumulation of our present small resources, that we can calculate upon the accomplishment of so desirable an object with any certainty. It is therefore further proposed, that the Fund should be established by Annual Subscriptions, and incidental Donations, to be lodged in a Bank for accumulation, until the purpose above mentioned shall be attained.

Let every one who would feel himself called upon to contribute to the Erection of a Church, were such an intention to be immediately carried into effect, determine the sum he would give, and divide it into five, six, or seven instalments, according as his own opinion of the time which may be required shall direct him: and, at the end of five, six, or seven years, it is not surely altogether vain to expect that this Society may find themselves in possession of a sum, which, though not, perhaps, will enable them quite adequate, Commence the operation, and to borrow

to

Nov. 17.- Rev. J. Gilchrist.- The Doctrine of Hereditary Depravity.

Nov. 24.-Rev. IV. J. For.-The Sacrifice of Christ.

Dec. 1.-Rev. T. Rees.-Our Lord's Agony in the Garden.

Dec. 8.-Rev. R. Aspland.-The Faith which the New Testament represents as necessary to Salvation.

Dec. 15.-Rev. J. Gilchrist.-The Mediation of Christ.

Dec. 22.-Rev. T. Rees.-The Scriptural Idea of Christ's coming into the World.

Dec. 29.-Rev. R. Aspland.-Reflec tions on the Close of the Year.

The List of Preachers and Subjects for the remaining Portion of the Winter, will be delivered before the Conclusion of the present Course.

The Treasurer will attend in the Vestry every Evening after Service, to receive the Subscriptions of those who may be disposed to contribute to the Support of these Les

tures.

Intelligence.-Worship Street Lectures.-Hanover Street Lectures.

A Course of Thursday Evening Lectures, which will be Delivered at the MeetingHouse, in Worship Street, near Finsbury Square; Commencing Thursday November 7th, 1816.

Service to begin at Half-past Six o'clock precisely.

(FIRST SERIES.)

Nov. 7th. Rev. W. J. Fox. The Practical Influence of a Belief in the Unity of God.

Nov. 14th.

Practical

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The last Quarterly Meeting of Ministers,

Importance of the Difference between Cal- generally denominated Presbyterian, was

vinism and Unitarianism.

Nov. 21st. gious Feeling. Nov. 28th.

On Reli

The Final

Happiness of all Men predicted in Scrip

ture.

Dec. 5th. Rev. R. Aspland. The Loveliness of the Divine Character on the Unitarian Scheme..

Dec. 12th. Rev. T. Rees. The Titles and Offices of Christ consistent with his Humanity.

Dec. 19th. Rev. J. Gilchrist. The

Doctrine of the Atonement.

Dec. 26th. Rev. R. Aspland, The Importance of the Birth of Christ on the Unitarian Scheme.

Before the expiration of the year, the Conductors of the Lecture design, with the Divine Blessing, to publish a List of Subjects for the remainder of the Course.

The Treasurer will attend in the Vestry every Evening after Service, to receive the Subscriptions of those who may be disposed to contribute to the Support of these Lectures.

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held at Chewbent, on the 2d instant. The Rev. Mr. Ashton conducted the devotional' parts of the service, and the Rev. Mr. Brettell preached from Matt. vi. 9, a very useful and acceptable discourse on the pa

ternal character of God.

The extreme wetness of the day precluded the attendance of all distant friends, and must have considerably lessened the attendance at the chapel, which, nevertheless, was not inconsiderable. Between twenty and thirty persons dined together after the service," and spent the afternoon in a manner not unworthy of the occasion; and in the evening the greater part of the company retired to the hospitable mansion of a valuable member of the congregation, and a steady friend to the interests of religious truth and

liberty. On some occasions, the attendance tation of the members of the Quarterly at the chapel has disappointed the expecMeeting, but at Chewbent, the reporter can say with great truth, that they are always gratified with beholding a numerous and devout congregation of Christian worshippers. W. J.

Manchester, Oct. 14, 1816.

Mr. Saint on the Chapel at Southampton; SIR,

I have long been expecting to see, through the medium of your valuable Miscellany, a statement of the sums raised by different congregations, in aid of the Unitarian cause at Southampton. From what I have heard within the last few weeks, I fear indisposition is the cause of the delay. I sincerely hope that Mr. B. Travers, or one of his friends, who are in possession of the documents, will for the satisfaction of those persons who have subscribed, lay an early' statement before the public, through the medium of the Monthly Repository. I am the more earnest in this request, because I dm myself in some small degree connected in the collections made in behalf of that interest, (though at the time I was so engaged, I was not fully aware of the tenure" by which the Chapel was held,) which induced me to decline accepting the invitation given me by the people at Southampton to become their minister. If I could have'

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