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INTRODUCTION.

THE author has nothing to say in favour of the following verses, except that they are the sincere tribute of his affections, as well as his mind, to the Christian virtues of the deceased.

Richard Reynolds was one of the Society of Friends, but, as far as human judgment can extend, he was one of those who also are Christians, not in word only but in deed. To his memory the inhabitants of Bristol have already instituted—and may their posterity perpetuate it!—the noblest monument, perhaps, that man ever raised in honour of his fellow man. This will be sufficiently explained by the following advertisement:

"At a general meeting of the inhabitants of Bristol, held in the Guildhall of that city, on Wednesday, the 2d October, 1818, the right worshipful the Mayor in the chair:— It was unanimously resolved, That, in consequence of the severe loss which society has sustained by the death of the venerable Richard Reynolds, and in order to perpetuate, as far as may be, the great and important benefits he has conferred upon the city of Bristol

INTRODUCTION

and its vicinity, and to excite others to imitate the example of the departed philanthropist, an Association be formed under the designation of 'Reynolds's Commemoration Society.'

"That the members of the Society do consist of life subscribers of ten guineas or upwards, and annual subscribers of one guinea or upwards; and that the object of this Society be to grant relief to persons in necessitous circumstances, and also occasional assistance to other benevolent institutions in or near the city, to enable them to continue or increase their usefulness, and that especial regard be had to the Samaritan Society, of which Richard Reynolds was the founder.

"That the cases to be assisted and relieved be entirely in the discretion of the committee; but it is recommended to them not to grant any relief or assistance without a careful investigation of the circumstances of each case; and that, in imitation of the example of the individual whom this Society is designed to commemorate, it be considered as a sacred duty of the committee, to the latest period of its existence, to be wholly uninfluenced in the distribution of its funds by any considerations of sect or party."

The third piece in the ensuing series, entitled "A Good Man's Monument," was intended for a figurative representation of this sublime and universal charity. The resemblance ought to have been sufficiently obvious, without being pointed out here.

At the public meeting, mentioned in the foregoing advertisement, many eloquent panegyrics were pronounced on the character of Richard Reynolds. Here let his own words and deeds speak for him, in a few cases, which were made public on that occasion.

Mr. Butterworth, of London, said:— "When the first subscription was opened to relieve the distress in Germany, I took some part in that institution. Being in Bristol soon afterwards, I had some conversation with Mr. Reynolds on the subject. He made many judicious observations and inquiries as to the nature of the distress, and the best mode of distribution, which served as valuable hints to the committee in London. He then modestly subscribed a moderate sum with his name; but shortly after, the committee received a blank letter, having the post-mark of Bristol, and enclosing a Bank of England bill for five hundred pounds."

"It is

Dr. Pole gave the following account: well known, that he made it his constant practice from religious principle annually to spend the whole of his income. What his moderate domestic establishment did not require, he disposed of in subscriptions and donations for promoting whatever was useful to society, as well as to lessen the sufferings of the afflicted, without regard to names, sects, or parties. At one particular time (if I am rightly informed), he wrote to a friend in London, acquainting him that he had not, that year, spent the whole of his income, requesting that if he knew of

any particular cases claiming charitable relief, he would be glad to be informed. His friend communicated to him the distressing situation of a considerable number of persons confined in a certain prison for small debts. What did this humane and generous philanthropist do on this representation? He cleared the whole of their debts. He swept this direful mansion of all its miserable tenants. He opened the prison doors, proclaimed deliverance to the captives, and let the oppressed go free."

Dr. Stock said that he had heard, from what he considered good authority, the particulars of an act of princely liberality.

"Mr. Reynolds, in 1795, resided at Coalbrook Dale. He addressed a letter to some friends in London, stating the impression made upon his mind by the distresses of the community, and desiring that they would draw upon him for such sum as they might think proper. They complied with his request, and drew, in a very short time, to the extent of eleven thousand pounds. It appeared, however, that they had not yet taken due measure of his liberality for, in the course of a few months, he again wrote, stating, that his mind was not easy, and his coffers were still too full. In consequence of which they drew for nine thousand pounds more!"

Mr. Stephen Prust told this characteristic anecdote:-"Mr. Reynolds having applied to a gentleman whom he thought rich, but who was really only in circumstances of mediocrity, to stimulate

him to give, made use of the following argument:

. When gold encircles the heart, it contracts it 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 so that the last drop of life-blood will flow into any channel of benevolence."

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The following pleasing circumstance comes from the same authority:-"A lady applied to him on behalf of an orphan. After he had given liberally, she said, 'When he is old enough, I will teach him to name and thank his benefactor.' 'Stop (said the good man), thou art mistaken we do not thank the clouds for the rain. Teach him to look higher, and thank Him who giveth both the clouds and the rain.""

The Rev. William Thorpe, in the course of a most impressive speech, related a circumstance which strikingly exemplifies the humility of this excellent man:-" So far was he from being inflated with the pride of wealth, that he spoke the genuine sentiments of his heart, when he said to a friend who applied to him with a case of distress, My talent is the meanest of all talents a little sordid dust; but the man in the parable, who had but one talent, was accountable; and for the talent that I possess, humble as it is, I am also accountable to the great Lord of all.""

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A simple but noble monument, from the association of illustrious names, was erected to the honour of Richard Reynolds, during his lifetime, by one of his most favoured friends, who entered into rest

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