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THE MEMOKIAL OF THE JUST.

THE MEMORIAL OF THE JUST.

SERMON,
PREACHED IN MILL-HILL CHAPEL, LEEDS,
ON SUNDAY MORNING, XXVI JANUARY, MDCCCXVIU
<©tt«0iOtt£B fig ttje JB^atf)
OF
THE LATE REVEREND JOHN DISNEY, D.D. F.S.A.

BY THE REVEREND THOMAS JERVIS,
MINISTER OF MILL-HILL CHAPEL.

The just man walketh in his integrity.
The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
These were honourable men in their generation.
" The Dead whom we regret with true affection,
When talked of, die to us again— till Time
Soften regret to kindly veneration."

LONDON;
PRINTED FOR R- HUNTER, St. PAUL'S CHURCH- YARD;
AND ROBINSON, SON, & HOLDSWORTH, LEEDS.

MDCCCXVII.

TO
THE ESTIMABLE FAMILY
OF
THE LATE REVEREND DOCTOR DISNEY,
THIS SERMON
IS DEDICATED,
WITH GREAT REGARD,
AS A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT AND AFFECTION
&o tDe tjonouwa JMemors of
THEIR EXCELLENT AND VENERABLE FATHER,
BY
THEIR SINCERE AND FAITHFUL FRIEND,
THE AUTHOE.
Leeds, \Oth March, 1017.

ADVERTISEMENT.
A revisalfor the press necessarily involves correc
tions and alterations, which, so far from requiring an apology,
are rather to be considered as a respect due to the judicious
reader. It is, therefore, scarcely necessary to observe, that
some passages of the following Discourse are omitted in the
printed copy, which were inserted in the original MS. and
that some passages are here retained, which were not delivered
from the pulpit.

THE

MEMOEIAL OF THE JUST.

THE MEMORY OF THE JUST IS BLESSED. —
Proverbs, x. 7.

THEEE is no branch of history more
instructive than the biography of wise and
virtuous men. The book of general history
is frequently engrossed by unprofitable de
tails of the rage and ravages of conquest,
the: atrocities and cruelties perpetrated by
the lawless power and mad ambition of
those tyrants and oppressors who have, by
turns, in horrible succession, ruled the world
with a rod of iron ; who have persecuted
the. meek with merciless fury, have chas
tised them with scorpions, and drenched

2
the earth' with innocent blood, — at once the
scourge and terror of mankind ! Every
page is sullied with narratives, revolting
to, humanity, of martial achievements, of
military glory, as it is falsely called, to
delude the minds, and to excite the empty
admiration of the ignorant and unthinking
vulgar of every class and description —
of battles and sieges, — of whole armies
swept away at the cannon's mouth, in the
dreadful breach, by the irresistible, the
murderous energy of those weapons of
slaughter, those engines of death which
the ingenuity of man has devised for the
destruction of his own species. Yet, even
these details are calculated to be useful
to the world, if so applied as to produce
the effect of exciting horror and disgust
at the unnatural state of war, and strife,
and discord ; and to promote that love of
concord and of peace, which is inculcated
by the mild tenour of christiannity, and
"the gentle spirit of the gospel.
In the lives of individuals, the precepts
of morality are taught to the greatest ad
vantage. Even the profligacy of the un-

3
principled, the base, the malignant, and
the vicious, ought to serve as beacons to
(warn the inexperienced mariner of those
treacherous rocks and shoals, concealed
beneath the surface of the deep, which
constantly endanger his passage on the
voyage of life. But it is to the actions of
the truly wise that we are to look — it is
in the generous, candid, disinterested, be
nevolent, honest, and honourable conduct
of the upright, that we may most profitably
study the great lessons of human virtue.
Here they are " brought home to men's
business and bosoms."
The remembrance of the illustrious dead
has in every age, and in every clime, been
particularly cherished with a kind of religious
veneration. In ancient Greece and Eome,
those great men who distinguished them
selves by their wisdom, their love of liberty,
their stern and inflexible patriotism, were
celebrated by the poet, the orator, and the
historian ; their memory was embalmed in
the heart of every good man, of every friend
to virtue and the human race. Legislators,
philosophers, those firm and intrepid heroes
b 2

who were the champions of freedom, and
the deliverers of their country from tyranny
and slavery, were deified; their names were
enrolled among the gods, and divine honours
were paid to them. Among the ancient
Egyptians, it it well known, that the bodies
of their deceased friends were embalmed
with great care and costliness; and, by
these means, continued unimpaired for many
centuries ; a fact of which we have abun
dant proofs in the various remains which
are preserved to this day, in the cabinets
of the curious. These amiable supersti
tions, if we may so speak, may be consi
dered as somewhat congenial with', the
humane and generous sentiments of the
heart, as founded in an excess, as it were,
of-the better feelings of our nature.-—*—
"'Idolatrous fancy sanctifies the relics of
a departed friend."
Numerous are the examples which pre
sent themselves in history, ancient and
modem, sacred and profane, of men emin
ent in virtue, who exhibited in their own
conduct, admirable models of probity and
wisdom, — examples worthy of imitation on

account of their just principles, their good
deeds, their manly and consistent conduct,
their firmness, magnanimity, and persevere-
ance in the paths of honour and virtue,
" History," as it is finely expressed by Lord
Bacon, " is philosophy taught by examples."
Who does not recognize, with a degree of
enthusiasm connected with some of our
earliest habits of study, and our most delight
ful associations, the virtues of— Aristides,
who was designated the Just; — of Solon the
wise ; — of Socrates who exhibited a signal
example of practical wisdom and virtue?
We still read, with profit and with pleasure,
of the divine Plato, as he has sometimes
been called — and the profound Aristotle; —
of the laws of Lycurgus and Xuma, — of the
splendid deeds of virtue and valour per^
formed by those benefactors of mankind,
Timoleon, Pericles, Themistocles, Leonidas,
Epamminondas, Scipio Africanus, Brutus,
Cato^ and Cicero ; and especially of the
philosophic Marcus Aurelius, whose mo
deration, temperance, justice, and integrity,
reflect more honour on his name, than the
the lustre of his imperial diadem.

6

In our own country, we revere the names
of Alfred, truly denominated the great, — of
Algernon Sidney, Hampden, and Eussell,
while we contemplate their invincible integri
ty, their unshaken fortitude, and heroic intre
pidity in the great cause of virtuous liberty,
their sacred regard to the laws of recti
tude, and the dictates of conscience. The
great names of Newton, Boyle, Addison,
and Locke, those enlightened advocates
of christian truth and freedom, are held in
the highest estimation by the truly wise;
they are approved by God himself. The
probity, and the constancy of such men
may be said, in some sort, to bring
forth fruit even after they are dead ;
their names- live after them ; being
dead, they yet speak to the world in the
remembrance of the principles which they
inculcated, and the virtues which they
exemplified. The love of fame has been called an
universal passion. Within proper limits
and restrictions, the desire of the esteem
and approbation of good men, is a legiti
mate passion. It has accordingly been

found to exist with the greatest vigour and
vivacity in the noblest minds; while it
proves an auxiliary to virtue, and an incen
tive to worthy and beneficent actions.
This is, indeed, a natural principle, perfectly
consistent with the dictates of true wisdom-
Where is the man who can honestly say,
that he feels a total indifference to the,
judgment of future generations? Who
has so much apathy of nature, as to feel no
concern for what may be hereafter ;
what may be thought, or said of him, when
he lies unconscious and motionless in the
grave ? The warrior is solicitous that his
deeds of renown should immortalize his
name. Those who boast the gifts of for
tune, the pride of riches, or the splendor of
rank — " they wish," says the royal psalmist,
" that their houses may endure for ever, and
that their habitations may remain from
generation to generation." The man of
science and erudition, if he do not find a
present reward in the success of his labours
for the benefit of mankind, in the applause
of his fellow-creatures, in the hard-earned
reputation which is perhaps justly his due,

8
consoles himself with the reflection, that
in the award of impartial posterity, he
shall be raised to that pre-eminence which
has been the primary object of his ambition.
It must be acknowledged, that the most
virtuous and enlightened men do not com
monly find the recompense of their virtues
and acquirements in the present life. The
most active and honourable exertions of
human sagacity and intellect are not
always crowned with success. Virtue itself
is not always rewarded with honour ; it often
labours with pain under the grievous load*
of infirmity, disappointment, and sorrow;
and pursues that narrow, toilsome, rugged
path " which leads but to the grave." Craft,
and duplicity, sometimes gain an advantage
over candour, sincerity, simplicity of manners,
and singleness of heart. The generous and
feeling mind becomes the prey of cold
blooded apathy and selfishness. Honesty is
over-reached and circumvented by falshood,
cunning, and chicane. Truth, integrity,
and principle, when they stand in the way of
any favourite project or passion, of worldly
policy, selfish interest, or restless ambition,

9
if not held in open derision, are secretly dis
countenanced, and the whispers of conscience
are smothered in silence. Genuine patri
otism is sacrificed to the intrigues, or the
oppressions, of power. Mental freedom,
intellectual light, and christian knowledge,
are the victims of ignorance and bigotry,
intolerance, cruelty, and persecution. The
just and heroic sentiments of an elevated,
virtuous, and noble mind, are stifled and lost
in the unblushing profligacy, baseness, and
contamination of the world. It requires
but little acquaintance with the history of
man, to be convinced, that persons of
the most meritorious conduct and the most
exemplary character, have often sunk under
a load of malice, injustice, obloquy, jea
lousy, envy, and ingratitude. These obser
vations have been verified in the fate of
several of those eminent persons who have
been already mentioned. To name no other,
what was the fate of Socrates ? Accused
of heresy, and of maintaining doctrines con
trary to the polytheism and the superstitions
ofthe Pagan mythology, — this wise and vir
tuous person was condemned by his judges

10
to suffer the punishment of death — and
actually died a martyr to integrity and
truth. Still it is not in the power of the
oppressor or the tyrant, by pains, penalties,
persecutions, or even death itself, to cast
the dark veil of oblivion over the virtues
of the just man, or to extinguish the
light and lustre of his name. He has the
consolation to know that " his memory shall
be blest." He is not anxious that it should
be emblazoned with the outward decorations,
distinctions, and achievements of technical
honours. But he feels a secret satisfaction in
the consciousness of leaving an example to
the world, of probity, piety, and benevolence,
of upright intentions, of good deeds, of
worthy, humane, and honourable actions — ;
in the persuasion, that, when his lifeless
body is consigned to the tomb, he shall still
survive in the grateful remembrance of those
who loved and valued him in the sweet in
tercourse of social converse ; or who expe
rienced the benefit of his judicious counsels,
of his friendly offices, upon a thousand occa
sions, — in the kind communications of

11
friendship, — in the sympathies and the
tender endearments of filial piety, and of
paternal affection.
It were a pleasing and a profitable em
ployment, for a moment, to contemplate the
virtues of the just — to study a character
so amiable, so attractive, so interesting.
To give an accurate delineation of it, to
paint a correct likeness, and a lively portrait
of the original, in its true colours, and its
beautiful proportions ; to trace the sym
metry and softness, yet the expression and
animation of the features, requires the
pencil of a master. I shall therefore only
attempt a .mere outline of this rare and
admirable character.
We may be enabled to form some idea of
it, by recurring to those ancient models of
justice and righteousness, whose virtues are
left upon record for our imitation and com
fort. In the page of history you will meet
with examples of virtue which may well arrest
your attention, and interest your hearts.
Such examples, whether in ancient or modern
times, the just man contemplates with de
light ; it is his ambition to emulate the

12
virtues of the wise ; it is his glory to follow
their steps.
But it is to the records of scripture, that I
would principally direct your meditations on
this important subject. Open that sacred
volume, and there converse with the vener
rable dead. Converse with the patriarchs
and prophets of old time. Eead of the
righteousness of Noah ; contemplate the
faith of Abraham, the purity of Joseph, the
meekness and the constancy of Moses ;
witness the integrity of Job, that eminent
example of "suffering affliction and patience."
Behold the contrition of David ; listen to
the language of his elevated piety and
devotion, and his lpfty strains of thanks
giving and praise. While you meditate
on the apostles and first preachers of
Christianity, you will admire the mild vir
tues of John, the honest ardour of Peter,
•and the divine energy of Paul. Look
up to the noble army of martyrs, the
glorious company of the early confessors to
the faith of the gospel, " the spirits of the
just made perfect ;" that you may be for
tified by the shining examples of that host

13
of the departed, " of whom the world was
not worthy," but whose names will be ever
remembered with honour.
The time would fail me, should I attempt
to enumerate all the examples of extraordi
nary piety, fortitude and integrity which are
recorded in scripture. But, in the new tes
tament, we find one character in which all
that is great and good is concentred. In the
person of; Jesus of Nazareth we see the
highest moral excellencies combined. In him,
we behold virtue itself personified, and eloath-
ed in a human form ;: animated with, life,
brought into action, exhibited upon the
theatre of the world with all possible advan
tage for engaging the esteem and admiration
of mankind. If, among those exalted charac
ters who have done honour to the cause
of virtue, and who have recommended the
practice of it by their lives and conversa
tions, you seek a pattern of excellence
surpassing all the rest, — ," behold the man !"
If you would contemplate the rare example
of an immaculate and perfect character^-
^behold the man," — the man most worthy
of your highest regard and veneration*—

14
even " the man Christ Jesus !" Behold him
who exhibited, for your instruction, an
illustrious pattern of benevolence, and meek
ness, and patient suffering, and dutiful
submission to the will of God, under cir
cumstances of complicated trial and distress !
The school of adversity is the school of
virtue. The discipline of suffering is friendly
to moral improvement, to the correction of
sin, to the amendment of the heart. It
calls into action the highest motives and
principles .of human action, and the best
qualities ofthe human heart. The afflictions
of the faithful are the means of perfecting
their souls in virtue, of raising them to the
highest state of moral purity and perfection.
A state of suffering is beneficial to the noblest
minds ; and the noblest minds are hereby
trained to endure bonds, captivity, and death,
with the greatest fortitude and magnanimity.
We have many heroic examples of these vir
tues even in the heathen world. Memorable
was the saying of that great man, who,
when about to be sacrificed to the unjust'
resentment of his ungrateful countrymen,
in order to sustain the drooping courage of

15
a fellow sufferer, addressed him with a noble
calmness and composure, — " Eemember that
thou sufferest with Phocion !" The testi
mony of Cicero in honour of Marcus
Eegulus, is worthy of record: "He could
not so much derogate from the virtues of
such a hero, as to think him miserable even in
the midst of the Carthaginian torture : for
his magnanimity was not to be shaken by
the exquisite anguish and acuteness of his
sufferings ; nor were his fidelity, or his cou
rage, obscured or disturbed by the torments
he was doomed to endure ; his mind, sus
tained by conscious integrity, could not be
subdued by any external shock; though the
body was in durance, yet the soul preserved
her native freedom with constancy and firm
ness." There is something awful and sublime
in the passive virtues. Nor does virtue ever
shine with so bright a lustre as amidst the
gloom of adversity. Great and heroic qualities
do not exist in minds enfeebled and enervated
by dissipation and indulgence. This is not
the soil in which they are wont to thrive.
They are not cherished in the lap of luxury,
ease, and voluptuousness. The awful severity

V16
and sternness, if I may so express it, the eleva
tion and grandeur of virtue, are produced
by the endurance of hardships, by the presr
sures of poverty, by the conflicts of tempta-
tion,- the visitations of affliction, the
ruggedness of bonds, the terrors of impri
sonment, and the bitterness of death. Human
nature has never approached so near to per
fection, as in circumstances of suffering and
affliction. For this: reason it. is, that,; in
highly polished countries, like our own, and
other states of modern Europe, prosperity
degenerates into .luxury, a state of high
civilization and refinement, into softness and
effeminacy of manners ; the manhness of
virtue is lost % and the substance dwindles
into a shadow. It was long since observed,
notwithstanding, with as much truth as
eloquence, that a virtuous man, struggling
with misfortunes, and .rising above them all,
is a spectacle which superior . beings may
look down upon and contemplate with
delight. The life of the great founder . of our
religion was a life of suffering. He
was eminently "a man of sorrows." —

17
There is no instance of adversity and
affliction so interesting, so affecting, as
that which is exhibited in the history of
Jesus. I need not remind you of the cruel
indignities and persecutions which he endured
on the account of his zeal in propagating
the unpopular cause of the gospel. These
he sustained with unexampled patience and
forbearance, with undisturbed meekness,
with unshaken constancy, with a calm and
dignified composure. His conduct in the
various interesting and important scenes of
his life and his death, it were needless to des
cribe. It was such as is no. where to be
paralleled, certainly never was surpassed, in
the history of ancient or of modern times,
amongst the heroes and conquerors, whose
valour has contributed to the aggrandize
ment of empire, and the glory of their
country; amongst the sages, lawgivers, and
philosophers, whose wisdom has enlightened
the world; among the patriots, who have bled
to secure the welfare of their fellow-citizens,,
and to assert the liberties of mankind ; or even
in that catalogue of cOnfessors, who have
sacrificed their lives in honour of the truth,.

18
and in defence of the christian faith. Nor
can it be doubted that the trials of this holy
and illustrious sufferer had the salutary effect
of refining and improving his virtues, of com
pleting and establishing the perfection of his
character. For, this language is by no means
derogatory to the character of Jesus, nor does
it tend, in the smallest degree, to depreciate
the merit of. his exalted virtues. Says the
son of Sirach — "Gold is tried in the fire,
and acceptable men in the furnace of adver
sity." (Ecclus. 2.) The apostle means no
more, when he speaks of "the captain of
our salvation, in bringing many sons to
glory, being made perfect through suffer
ings." .*v .• .?. A ;;¦
- There are many situations in human life,
which require no, ordinary share of firmness
and resolution, to adhere to that which is
morally just and right ; to maintain an uni
form course of strict probity, nice honour,
and incorruptible integrity. To. pursue
an undeviating line of moral rectitude ;
to withstand the lures of pleasure, or of
gain; to stem the torrent of custom and
fashion ; to stand alone in conscious virtue*

19
undismayed at " the world's dread laugh,"
uncorrupted by the smiles of fortune,
unembarrassed by the frowns of power —
this is the lofty privilege of those com
paratively few just persons who have care
fully cultivated the purest moral and mental
accomplishments, in whom the principles
of virtue have taken deep roOt, and who are
duly honoured with the appropriate titles of
the just, the wise, the excellent.
In regard to worldly gratifications, the
life of the christian is not a life of ease and
indulgence. On the contrary, the gospel
enjoins the exercise of the 'severest virtues.
It especially requires- the practice of the
virtue of self-denial. In this view of it, it
is not an easy yoke ; it does not sooth the
vices of the heart ; it does not connive at
the errors of the life. It seeks no com
promise between truth and falshood. It
does not tolerate a narrowness of spirit, nor
the vices of selfishness, avarice* luxury, and
pride. It gives no countenance to those ha
bits of thinking, or Of acting, to those sordid
maxims, or those unworthy and sinister prac
tices, into which men are too often betrayed by
c 2

20
the circumstances of a prosperous condition.
But he, who rises superior to the moral dis
advantages of his station, and surmounts.
the dangers of prosperity, though he stand
alone in virtuous pre-eminence, shall enjoy
that inward peace, and quietness, and
assurance, which are the privilege and por
tion of the just.
Thus it is clear, that it requires great
strength of mind and energy of character,
to maintain the profession of a christian
in its genuine purity and integrity ; to
keep the even tenor of his way, with steadi
ness, consistency, and fortitude, unawed by
the fear of singularity, odium, unpopularity,
reproach ; — by the dread of oppression,
intolerance, persecution, and suffering. But,
"happy is he that endureth," — that passes
through the fiery trial with the ' constancy
of a martyr, and the resignation of a
christian !
The apostles and primitive christians were
exposed to sufferings peculiar to the cir
cumstances in which they were placed in
the infant state of the christian church.
But there is no period in which the most

21
faithful, just, upright, and consistent profes
sors of the gospel (for such are at all times
most exposed to calamity and trial) are not
subject to anxieties, privations, and distres
ses. All therefore who would live godly
in Christ Jesus, who would continue stedfast
in the wholesome discipline of duty, must be
perpared for the time when, if the will of God
be so, it may be their lot to become " par
takers of the afflictions of the gospel."
To this end, it will be conducive to this
salutary discipline, frequently to call to
mind the examples of those distinguished
sufferers who have gone before us in this
painful, but glorious, career. Greatly to be
praised, and highly to be honoured, was the
conduct of our venerable ancestors, who re
signed their temporal emoluments, and relin
quished their worldly prospects — who gave
up all, but their integrity, in vindication of
the glorious cause of religious liberty and
sacred truth. With these great objects they
suffered no competition, and counted not
their lives dear, so that they might transinit it
pure and uncorrupted to the latest posterity.
These were honourable men in their genera-

22
tion. Where is the man whose heart is not
fired with a generous emulation, while he con
templates those renowned patterns of chris
tian magnanimity ? Bearing them constantly
in mind, let us inure ourselves to the senti
ments and habits of a resolute perseverance
in the path of integrity.
Consider him, who " witnessed a good
confession before Pontius Pilate"-+and then
resigned his soul to death, an , illustrious
example of mingled .magnanimity and meek
ness! , Consider the. lives and; the deaths*
the conflicts , and the constancy,; of the pri
mitive saints, and of those holy men, who,
jn various periods, of the church, "endured
a great fight of afflictions" in honour of
their master; who. went to prison and to
death for his sake ; and with heroic and
undaunted courage, died as confessors "for
the testimony of Jesus." , .
r -The observations now suggested are obvi-?
ousjy; intended to illustrate ,the character,
and the sentiment, set before us in the text.
They are drawn from the records of former
times, both in the heathen and in* the
christian world ; and especially /from the

23
life and actions of that holy and just one,
whom we revere as the great author
and finisher of our faith, and the foun
dation of our hope. It appears from the
cursory view we have taken of the subject,
that virtue is not a chimerical good ; it is
not an empty name. The higher and seve
rer virtues have been actually displayed
in many eminent characters which have, at
different periods of the world, been justly
ranked amongst the brightest ornaments of
our nature. They stood forward in their
day, as the champions of truth, liberty, and
virtue; and maintained this great cause
against the power and prejudices of the
world ; discharging their arduous duty with
invincible fortitude and unwearied perseve
rance in well-doing. And their names will
not be forgotten; they are transmitted
down with honour to our times ; and, when
the present generations of men are passed
away, they will live to generations yet
unborn, . who will rise up to call them
blessed. =Ehis will be the lot of every just and
good man. There is, in evety period, a

24
certain number of persons who are known
and acknowledged to be such ; who are
doing good in their day, acting a virtuous,
wise, and consistent part; and their examples
will not be lost to the world. Whatever be
their sphere, and the station in which
Providence has placed them, they have the
consolation to think, that, whenever they are
are removed from this world, their memory
shall not perish in the dust ; it will survive the
ruins of this frail tabernacle ; they shall still
Jive in the tender recollection of those with
whom they hope to be one day re-united.
Thus, " light is sown for the righteous, and
sacred joy for the upright in heart."
The general tone and bias of the charac
ter of the just, is sufficiently understood.
There is nothing in it that is recondite, sub
tle, or mysterious. It is without reserve,
without concealment, duplicity, or disguise.
It is generous, frank, open, and ingenuous.
Its native candour and sincerity are conspicu
ous to the discriminating eye of observation.
For it is characteristic of the just man,
that he is inflexible in maintaining the great
principles of justice, truth, and integrity.

25
Such is the just, the upright, honest, be
nevolent, and good man. There is no guile:
in his mouth, no dissimulation in his heart.
A stranger to craft and deceit of every kind,
he holds in utter contempt the low and un
manly arts of subterfuge and evasion ; and,
with proud scorn and indignation, he shuns
the crooked ways of meanness, insincerity,
and hypocrisy; walking, with steady and un-
deviating step, in the strait path of rectitude
and innocence. Wherever you see a just man,
you see a man of sterling worth, of strict ho
nour, of unblemished reputation; a man who
is entitled to your unreserved and unqualified
esteem, to your unlimited confidence. You
may entrust to him your most important
interests ; no consideration upon earth shall
ever prevail with him to injure or betray
you. He will be the watchful guardian of
your good name. He will screen your
reputation from the envenomed shafts of
malice, and the infernal blast of envy. He is
inviolably attached to hisfamily,to hisfriends,
to his country, by the most sacred of allties,
the ties of duty and affection. " The just
man walketh in his integrity ; his children

26
are blessed after him." He sees that the
merciful creator causes his sun to shine, and
his rain to descend, upon all ; and, after this
sublime pattern, he wishes to make the light
of his good works to shine, and to diffuse
the beneficent effects of his kindness and
good-will -to all around him. While he
maintains the cause of universal benevo-r
lence, he renders to every man his due;
and rigidly adheres to the grand prin*
ciple of strict impartial justice, as compre
hended in that golden precept of Christianity
^-of "doing unto others, as he would that
they should do unto him." In short, the
character of the just, is, like that of "the
honest man," so justly designated by the
poet, by a comprehensive and liberal con
struction ofthe phrase, — "the noblest work
of God."
Moreover, it must be remembered of the
just man, as one of the noblest moral fea
tures of his mind, that, in the practice: of
virtue, and the discharge of the great duties
of life— -" he changeth not." His virtues are
the result* of reason, reflection, and experi
ence ; the practice of them becomes regular

27
and easy by habit ; and his moral taste and
relish for them are heightened by the delight
ful testimony of conscience. In scenes- of
perplexity and sorrow, he, still adheres to the
wisdom of the just, nor can trial ortemptation
shake the virtuous purpose of his sooL Under
the anguish of grief, orvthe pressure of calamity
and pain; he will. still holdfast his integrity 4
even tho' deprived of all outward comfort,
he will addpt the .language of Job — "Till I
die, I will not remove my integrity from
me: my heart shall not reproach me so long
as. I live."A:.,tA ¦-: :¦,¦¦

-" Rather than aught should fail

By violation of his faith, the just
Would see the sides of the earth crushing togel her."t
The advantages, of a well-founded and
well-established reputation for justice and
integrity, are too obvious to need further
enlargement. It is not one of the least
of these advantages, that the character
of uprightness is attainable by all; it Js
T Justum, ac tenacem propositi virum,
Si fnictua illabatur orbis,
' Impavidum ferient xiiinae. Hob. -

28

within the reach of every man, whatever
be his station, his profession, or his ta
lents. For, it is formed, pot by speculative
knowledge, but by right practice; not by
intellectual endowments, but by moral
discipline ; not by accuteness and depth of
understanding, but by soundness of heart.
It consists in the manly simplicity of
genuine virtue. Without this, what is the
clearest judgment, or the greatest sagacity ?
What are the most brilliant parts, the most
splendid accomplishments, or the most fas
cinating eloquence ? Without a rigid
observance of the laws of justice and honour,
they would render the worthless possessor
an object of detestation, and eminently the
bane of society.
Nor are we to estimate the happiness of
the unjust and the unrighteous, by the
external circumstances of affluence and
splendor, by which they are frequently
surrounded. They often " prosper in the
world, and increase in riches." Yet " the
time of the hypocrite shall last but for a
moment. The name of the wicked shall
rot. The light of the wicked shall be put

29
out, "and the sparks of his fire shall not
shine. Yea, the light shall be dark in his
tabernacle. His remembrance shall perish
from the earth, and he shall have no name
in the street. He shall be driven from
light into darkness, and chased out ofthe
world." The moral and civil advantages of a
reputation for uprightness of conduct, are
incalculable, even in the view of worldly
policy and secular interest. It tends to
promote the success of the best concerted
projects, either of commerce, legislature, or
government. It secures the unenlightened
and uncultivated mind from gross and fatal
errors of conduct. It is indispensible to
persons of all ranks, of all classes, and
conditions. It is essential to a man's
usefulness, to his responsibility and credit
in the world, to the ultimate success of his
undertakings, as well as to the peace arid
satisfaction of his mind. It smooths
the rugged path of life to the poor man
walking in his integrity, while it increases
the store of the wealthy, with the durable
riches of righteousness. Conscious inte-

30
grity is the brightest gem in the monarch's
crown ; while it cheers the humble cottager
in his rustic abode, and renders his hard
pillow easy to his head. " Blessings," says
Solomon, "are upon the head of the just*
and the upright shall have good things in
possession." .: It cannot be doubted, that the integrity
of a, man's genernal conduct thro' life,* will
contribute to the peace and tranquillity of
his last moments. The testimony of con^
Science, the hope of the divine favour, and
a. steady faith in the mercy of God, as
manifested to the world in the gospel of
Christ, administer to his mind the most
soothing consolations in that approaching
hour, when all the help of man is vain.
Let us contemplate . for a moment, this
interesting scene. Observe the composure
that sits upon his pallid countenance. See
him tranquil, patient, and resigned. No
mortal disquietudes now disturb the serenity
of his mind. Agreeably to that reviving pro*
mise which is made to the upright, " light
rises upon him in the midst of darkness."
Under the failure of bodily strength, and

31
the langour of increasing debility and weak
ness, with, the dereliction of all earthly joy,
he utters not a repining word. Though
chastened with, pain, he is not impatient to
quit the post of duty before he receives his
discharge from the rugged warfare of mor
tality ; but is ready to obey the will of his
maker, at his appointed, time. He betrays
no unmanly despondency, no vain terrors*
no superstitious fears, no distrust of. the
wisdom and goodness of God. He waits
his .will with dignity, and solemnity of spirit.
Can there be a spectacle more affecting
than that of a family gathered round the
bed;of a dying parent — a parent, whose vir
tues have, merited their respect and venera
tion, whose kindness has entitled him to
their gratitude and affection ? With looks
of unutterable woe, their attention is fixed
upon those awful symptoms which announce
the crisis of his approaching dissolution.
While he turns his languid eyes towards
his disconsolate children, and his pillow is
bedewed with their tears who are dear to
his heart, with what anguish do they listen
to those faltering accents in which he now

32
addresses them with his dying breath—
" Farewell, my dearest children ! To the
care of your heavenly father I commend
you. For you I implore the same blessings
which he has all my life long conferred upon
me. Be grateful for the mercies he bestows.
And you will find in him a father, when
I go hence. — O may the blessing of
God be ever yours !"
Happy are they who learn to copy from
those models of eminent probity and virtue
which we sometimes contemplate in real
life ! Though all have riot the like opportu
nities of distinguishing themselves by their
virtuous deeds ; yet there is no one who, in
his proper sphere, however narrow it may
be, cannot do some good in his day, and
leave behind him the fragrance of a good
name. Whatever be his rank or condition,
he may bequeath to his family, an example
which will prove to them of more real and
intrinsic value than the richest treasures,
and the most splendid inheritance.
This memorial of the just is deeply en
graved on the hearts of those who have
fallen within the sphere of his beneficence.

33
He who has supplied the poor with bread, he
who has delivered the oppressed, he by whom
the orphan has been reared, the widow
sustained, the aged comforted, the ignorant
instructed, the vicious reclaimed — this ge*
nerous benefactor has erected in the hearts
of his fellow-creatures, a monument more
durable than all the honours that can be
acquired by vanity, pride, and ambition.
When a person of exalted piety, and exem^
plary virtue is removed from the world, his
name is rescued from, oblivion by the recoL
lection of his life and actions, and his praise
transmitted to posterity v His fame is ex
tended, his horn is exalted with honour ;
and " his righteousness endureth for ever .;'*
yea, " the generation of the upright shall
be blessed."
Plato, when he saw his death approaching*
thanked God that he happened to live in
the days of. Socrates. It is, indeed, an en
viable advantage to have enjoyed the personal
knowledge, and still more so, the friendship
and confidence, of great and good, of wise
and excellent men— men who have been
lights of the world, eminent examples of

34
justice, probity, and integrity to their own,
and to future ages. This may be justly
accounted among the special favours of
providence, as one of the greatest blessings
which heaven, in mercy, has conferred upon
man. And those who have been so distin
guished, and so highly privileged, cannot be
too thankful to the giver of all good. This
is, indeed, a privilege which does not fall to
the lot of every man. But, whatever be
the advantages we possess, or whatever may
be withheld from us, in this respect, we
should be ambitious to walk with the wise ;
our delight should be in the excellent of
the earth. We should regard the upright
with a holy emulation ; we should atten
tively study the characters, and copy the
virtues and graces of those pure and en
lightened spirits, those faithful servants
of God, who have gone before us in the
career of virtue ; who now rest from their
labours, and are gathered to their fathers
in peace.
: In the moral delineation of character
which has now been imperfectly given in
the abstract, it will naturally be concluded,

35
that I have had in my contemplation an
individual model of virtue, as actually real
ized, and with truth and correctness
personified, in the high character of a man
of singular worth and eminence, lately de
ceased. His death may be truly considered
as a public loss. I should, therefore, deem
it a species of injustice to the public, were
I not to attempt, however inadequately, to
do justice to his memory ; not by an osten
tatious display of his exalted merits, which
need not the imposing aid of panegyric to
emblazon them, — but to pay that sacred
tribute of the heart, which his memory
justly claims from those who were best ac
quainted with his many admirable qualities.
This office has been already pointed out
to me by the suggestion of some friends,
whose opinion upon this subject, though
perhaps too partial, yet is entitled to my
attention and respect. Perhaps I may be
allowed to observe, that, in the course of an
undeviating, uninterrupted friendship of
nearly thirty years continuance — having
seen him under a variety of circum
stances, and without the mask of disguise^—
d 2

, 36
which he never assumed — but with all that
openness of temper, that generous frank
ness of nature, by which he was remarkably
characterized— I should consider myself
utterly destitute of observation, and discern
ment of character, if I were not in some
measure competent to estimate his talents,
and to appreciate his virtues. Having re
cently been near him in some of the last
interesting scenes of his valued life ; and,
at his lamented death, having joined with
many highly respectable persons, to pay the
last solemn tribute of honour and affection
to the departed, in attending the sacred
rites of sepulture, and depositing his vene
rable remains in the silent tomb — you will
not be surprized if I am almost afraid to
trust myself upon this affecting subject,
while all the kindest sensibilities of the
heart are awake, tremblingly alive to the
sentiments of unfeigned sorrow and regret.
I am well aware that, upon this painful
occasion, I shall stand in need of that in
dulgence which I have often needed, and as
often experienced, within these walls, from
the candid auditory to which I now address

37
myself. -And I am persuaded, that the
kindness of your sympathy will be prepared
to make every reasonable allowance for the
imperfect execution of the task which I
have prescribed to myself— to which, not
withstanding, I feel myself unequal.
Doctor Disney was aman of no ordinary
description. With great natural endow
ments, he had a mind stored with various
knowledge and information ; whilst a singu
lar energy and vivacity of sentiment, a
suavity and urbanity of manner, and a tem
per happily communicative, gave a peculiar
interest and spirit to his conversation, and
animated all around him. Possessing high
and varied attainments, he was eminently
conversant with the several departments of
theology and literature. And it may here
be observed with propriety and advantage,
that his controversial writings are remark
able for that manly liberality, candour, and
moderation, which reflect honour on the
cause which he espoused, and at once dis?
tinctly mark the character Of the scholar,
the gentleman, and the christian.
His estimable and accomplished character

38
was established upon the just ground of
his upright, and exemplary conduct
through life. Distinguished by his rank in
society, and adorned by the nobler distinc
tion of his virtues, he was highly esteemed
and respected in the neighbourhood in
which, he was resident ; in the circle of his
numerous and respectable friends ; and by
all who were competent to judge of the
purity of his principles, of the independence,
the honour, and integrity of his actions.
Descended from an ancient and respecta
ble family in Lincolnshire, Dr. Disney was
born on the 28th of September, 1 746. Having
passed with great credit through the usual
course of study at Peter-house in the Uni
versity of Cambridge, he proceeded to the
degree of Bachelor of Laws. Endowed with
a native ardour and activity of mind, he
appears to have distinguished himself at an
early period of life, as a zealous friend of
civil and religious liberty. And, on taking
orders, he received an honourable testimony
to his conduct, his talents, and his princi
ples, by the appointment of honorary Chap-

39
lain to the venerable Dr. Edmund Law,*
Master of his College, and Bishop of Car
lisle, who was himself a distinguished advo
cate of the same great cause. He was
afterwards presented to the Vicarage of
Swinderby, and then, jointly, to the Eectory
of Panton, both in his native county.
In these situations he discharged the
parochial duties of his sacred function, with
exemplary zeal, activity, and usefulness,
happy in the attachment of his parishioners,
and the esteem of his friends. A strenuous
and intrepid assertor of the cause of free
inquiry, and the right of private judgment,
to many it will not be matter of surprize,
that his enlightened and honourable mind
should have conceived scruples upon the
controverted subject of subscription to
creeds and articles of faith. A decided ene
my to all human impositions, and all human
authority in the concerns of religion, those
who understood his character, would be
still less surprized, that, disdaining the
* Father to the present Lord Chief Justice ofthe Court of
King's Bench.

40
meanness of all subterfuge, evasion, and
equivocation, in a matter of such vital im-
. importance, involving, as it appeared to
him, the opposing interests of this world and
those of another ; yet without harshly
judging the conduct of others, or condemn
ing with uncharitable censure and unchris
tian insinuation, those who viewed this
subject in a different light — he resolved to
obey God rather than men ; and, upon the
most serious inquiry, mature deliberation,
and the fullest conviction, he ultimately
made up his mind to relinquish his prefer
ments in the Established Church, and his
further prospects, which were considerable.
This important measure he adopted with a
decision, a disinterestedness, and a consis
tency of conduct, which, even by those who
entertained' sentiments and views entirely
different from his own, could not but be
respected ;— while he felt the inward con-
vi6tion, that
" A still and quiet conscience is a peace
Above all earthly dignities."
He resigned the respectable situation

41
which he held, and the emoluments attached
to it, when the just claims of an infant family
pleaded hard* against his conscientious de
termination, and while he possessed only
the comparatively slender provision of a
younger brother. Some years previous to this
event, he married the eldest daughter ofthe
Eeverend Francis Blackburne, Sector
of Eichmond, and Archdeacon of Cleveland,
in Yorkshire.
Dr. Disney, on quitting his preferments,
as a beneficed Clergyman in the Church
of England, removed to London, where he
officiated during many years at the Unita
rian Chapel in Essex-Street ; first, in con
junction, with the late worthy and exem
plary Mr. Lindsey; and, on the resignation
of the latter, Dr. Disney was unanimously
chosen by the trustees of the Chapel to
succeed him, as sole Minister of that res
pectable congregation.
As this brief memoir is intended only as
a sketch of character and talent, not as a
regular and digested biography of the excel-
* Dr. Disney's own words ; See his " Reasons for quitting
the Church."

42

lent person whose lamented death has given
rise to it,-— it is unnessary for the writer to
enter into a minute chronological detail of
the events of his valuable life. This object
may be more elaborately and more ably exe
cuted at some future period.
In the mean time, it may be noticed,
as a fact in his history too striking to be
omitted — that the late Thomas Brand Hollis,
Esq. who was a member of his congregation,
in consequence of great personal friendship,
which originated in a high respect for his
character and conduct, and the uncommon
sacrifice which he had made, by resigning
his Ecclesiastical preferments from a prin
ciple of conscience, bequeathed to Dr.
Disney by his will, entirely unknown to
him, having never received any intimation
of such a design — his entire estates in
Essex and Dorsetshire, without any condi
tion, limitation, or restriction whatsoever. *
Of that system of religious opinions
strictly unitarian, and of those principles,
respecting the worship of the one God, the
* N. B. Mr. B. Hollis's will was dated 12 years before his
death,

43
God and father of Jesus Christ, which, as we
have seen, he had embraced from motives,
the most pure, disinterested, and conscien
tious, and therefore the most honourable —
he was uniformly and invariably to the
latest period of his life a most decided, able,
manly, and consistent advocate. Thus was
Dr. Disney highly distinguished in that
heroic band of confessors, who sacrificed
upon the altar of truth, the honours and
endowments of the world ; who renounced
its alluring prospects, for the rights of con
science, for the honour of God, for the
faith of the gospel, and for the hope of a
better resurrection. To the truth of this
statement, his writings, various, enlightened,
liberal, and candid, bear the fullest attes
tation. Of these, one of his earlier pro
ductions, is, " Eeasons for quitting the
Church of England," — a most interesting
little tract, which developes the progressive
operation of an ingenuous, upright mind in
a matter of the most serious investigation,
and the conscientious result of such enquiry
in opposition to all worldly considerations,
and to all the powerful and affecting remon-

44
strances of his most attached friends and
family-connexions. Many other publica
tions appeared at different periods, biogra
phical, controversial, and theological, which,
though of great merit and interest, it is im
possible in this short sketch to enumerate.
But amongst those of the former descrip
tion, the Memoirs of Dr. Sykes, of Dr.
Jebb, and of Dr. Jortin, hold a principal
place. He printed also, The Book of Com
mon Prayer Eeformed, for the use of
Unitarian Congregations, in 1792; and a
second edition of the same, with the
Book of Psalms, and a Collection of Hymns,
in 1802. But the last of his works, pub-
fished in the course of the year 1816, and
carried through the press but a few months
previous to that which at once closed the
natural year, and terminated a life useful,
honourable, and highly important — consisted
of Two Volumes of " Sermons," forming a
sequel to two former volumes published in
1793, and which are now out of print.
This recent publication, and especially the
preface will be read with a peculiar and
affecting interest, by those who are qualified

45
to appreciate that intellectual vigour, and
soundness of judgment, which he retained
to the last. — An inflexible integrity, an
unshaken constancy, and determination of
character, combined with firmness and
elevation of mind, sustained him in circum-^
stances the most trying and afflicting,
amidst the sufferings of severe and almost
uninterrupted sickness, — standing on the
verge of the grave, the noble wreck of
what once he was — the ruined temple in
which his heroic and unbroken spirit
sat enshrined !
His health had been sensibly declining
for a considerable time ; but he endured a
painful and lingering illness with a fortitude
and composure which were truly admirable.
—Perfectly aware of his situation, he one
day told a friend who was near him, " he
had hoped all would have been over before
that time ; but he supposed a little more
discipline was necessary; and all was ordered
right." At another time, he said to his
physician, " I hope I shall not have to go
through all this long."— "When momen
tarily expecting his awful change, he was

46
most perfectly tranquil and collected in that
expectation, and anxious for his release. He
said, not long before his death, he felt com
pletely free from pain, happy and comfortable
to the greatest degree." — Again, to one who
was most dear to him, he observed,—" Amidst
my severe afflictions, I have many comforts,
and much to be thankful for, though I
do suffer a good deal ; but I endeavour to be
patient; and I wish to bring my mind to
believe, that this bed is the best place for
me. Some have a much rougher journey
out of this system than I have." — It was a
striking observation of a neighbouring gen
tleman, for whom he entertained great per
sonal regard — who, upon seeing him in his sick
room not many days previous to his dissolu
tion, remarked, that " His was the only com
posed, or happy countenance in the house."
" He frequently expressed his desire to be
released, and that he thought his time long.
When a word or sentiment escaped him, he
Was the same precisely as ever, unchanged
in sickness, suffering, and in death. When
rapidly advancing to the most awful and
tremendous of all moments, he continued

47
calm and serene, kind to others, and com
posed and dignified in his own views,"— Till,
at length, he breathed his last without a
struggle or a sigh, *— sunk into a state
of sweet and gentle repose, and closed his
eyes for ever on this world.
" The chamber where the good man meets his fate,
Is privileged beyond the common walk
Of virtuous life, quite in the verge of heaven."
Such were the interesting, awful scenes,
such the sad train of concomitant circum
stances, which I have partly witnessed, or
which have been represented to me with great
accuracy and distinctness, as well as with
deep interest, and the liveliest sensibility.
So consistent, so dignified was the conduct
of this approved servant of God in circum
stances the most trying to human nature,
— so enlightened, so vigorous were the princi
ples which sustained and carried him through
no common sufferings, — so bright and cheer
ing, the hopes which inspired his breast even
within the precincts of the tomb. " His
body is buried in peace" — but his " memory
» On Thursday Evening, the 26th of December, 1816.

48
is blest." — His good deeds are recorded on
high, and his name is registered in heaven.
The death of such a man exhibits a
solemn and impressive scene. It will long
be felt, and deeply regretted, as a loss to
the world — to which, to his surviving family,
and to his long tried and approved friends,
he has left a bright example of genuine merit,
and of sterling excellence — an example, jn
which the virtues of the man were admirably
blended with the acquirements of the chris
tian. It is, indeed, a subject of deep and
unfeigned regret, that, in his death, theolo
gical science has lost a shining ornament ;
christian truth and liberty, an able advo
cate ; and the cause of humanity, a generous
friend. Those who know his various merits
need no memorial of his virtues ; they bear
it in their own bosoms ; they will not cease
to remember him, as long as genuine piety,
disinterested benevolence, unaffected can
dour, probity, and singleness of heart, retain
a place in the esteem of mankind.
If testimonies were wanting to the vir
tues of so exalted a character, it were easy
to adduce them without number. I shall

49
content myself with quoting two or three
passages from the correspondence of persons
of eminence and long-established reputation
for integrity and worth.
" Human nature," says one, " cannot be
viewed in a more dignified attitude, than
that which your last short, but most affect
ing, letter presented to my eyes. Even the
tenderest performance of all the duties of a
daughter to a worthy parent in declining
health, meritorious as it is in a very high
degree, seems to me less affecting than his
calm fortitude, and truly christian resigna
tion to his maker's will. Few can hope to
reach so exalted a character; but many
will feel its superiority to the tinsel virtues
of the world, and may hope to be the better
for it."
These are the appropriate and emphatical
sentiments of the truly venerable Mr.
Wyvill. *
In another letter to a common friend
(dated January 16, 1817,) he observes—
"Mr. Disney's letters express the best
* In a letter to Dr. Disney, of Nov. 8, 1816, in answer
to thc last letter he received from his lamented friend
deceased. D

50

sentiments, and the justest, on his father's
uncommon merits, which were truly exem
plary, and place the friend we have lost in
the most distinguish'd station as a moralist,
a christian, and a friend to his country." —
And again, in a letter to the same correspon
dent, (February 17,) — "To have had such
a father, and such a friend, is one of the
greatest blessings that this life could afford;
if we know how to value it as we ought."
Another worthy and excellent person
expressed himself in the following terms, in
a letter of February the 6th: — "Dr. Disney's
death is both a private and a public loss.—
The value of the encomiums bestowed is
enhanced and confirmed by the sanction of
truth. — I believe his real character and
conduct fully,deserved them. This persua
sion is general, — and must render that tribute
to his memory acceptable to the lovers of
literature, and especially of moral worth
among his numerous acquaintance, and pe
culiarly grateful and consolatory to his
family and intimate friends. I can form no
better wish for them, than that they may
imitate, in their respective spheres, his pro
bity, his virtuous fortitude, his conscientious

51
regard to the rights of God and man, and be
entitled to a similar future reward."
Nor can I decline the satisfaction of add
ing the following extract from a letter
addressed to a gentleman most nearly con
nected with the deceased, by a person of an
elegant, correct, and highly accomplished
mind, and possessed of very superior intel
lectual endowments and acquirements — to
whom she observes, in terms that do honour
to her own discriminating judgment, inte
grity, and independence of character. — Her
words are these : — " The sad event you
announced, though by no means unexpected
for some weeks past, does not fall the less
heavily. You have lost a father, whose
name will command more respect for his
descendants than his estates, a hundred
times multiplied; could give them conse
quence." When "the righteous are taken away"
by the unrelenting stroke of death, they
may sometimes seem to pass unheeded to
the grave. Though they fail, the laws of
nature still proceed in silent operation. The
tides ebb and flow — the sun rises and
sets without interruption— light and dark-

52
ness, day and night, alternately succeed
each other. The business of the world is
•going on in endless agitation; while the
frivolous, the thoughtless, and the vain pay
Httle regard to the death of the upright.
Such an event makes little impression upon
their minds ; so that, in regard to them,
it may be truly said, no " man layeth it to
heart." Yet the worthy and the wise well
know that the death of every good man is
a loss to the world. They considered him
as a light shining in a dark place, as an ex
ample to the world, of public virtue, or of
private worth. And they know that his
removal will be attended with some loss or
detriment to the cause -of virtue, and the
friends of humanity. But, by those who
were nearly allied to the departed by the
tender ties of domestic duty and affection,
such a loss is most deeply lamented — it is
felt with bitter, anguish and regret. They
grieve for those revered, beloved, and honour
ed persons, who were dear to them as their
own souls. They once felt that in them
all their happiness was centered ; they now
seem to be separated from them for ever ;
and they refuse to be comforted. When

53
the heart is sad, it is natural for the virtu
ous mourner to seek the silent, sequestered
retreat — to devote the pensive, lonely hour
to the tenderest recollections of sorrow — to
consider it as a sacred duty to cherish the
remembrance, to dwell upon the virtues and
excellencies of departed worth— to give
vent to the fulness of the soul — to indulge
in all the luxury of tears.
 " When such friends part,

Tis the survivor dies."
Yet, when the lenient hand of time has
somewhat blunted the keen edge of deep
affliction, and mitigated the poignancy of
exquisite distress — then the upright and
well-regulated mind, recovering its wonted
tone and elastic vigour, will not relinquish
the cheering hope of hereafter renewing the
intercourse of virtuous minds — assured,
that the bonds of tenderness and friendship
are not broken, dissolved, or extinguished
in the grave.
If we lament the departure of a friend,
setting out on a long, a perilous, and toil
some journey to a distant country ; do we
not cherish the fond hope of meeting him

54

again, with fairer prospects of happiness
and delight? — So, those who are left to wan
der through this world of vanity and care,
must not give way to immoderate and un
availing sorrow for those who are gone be
fore; but must look beyond the gloomy scenes
of this valley of pain ; beyond this cloudy
atmosphere to brighter days, and more pro
pitious skies. They must raise their views
above this house of mourning and of death,
to that bright and glorious day, when, at
the resurrection of the just, the tomb shall
surrender its prey, the grave, shall give up
its dead, and the righteous shall be raised
to a life of unmingled bliss — an existence
that deserves the name of life — unallayed
and uninterrupted by the languor of sick
ness, the inflictions of pain, the visitations
of grief, the pang of separation, and the bit
terness of death, Then shall the children
of the resurrection, the wise and enlightened,
the virtuous and upright, the amiable and the
good, of every age, and every clime, be united
in one vast assembly; and dwell together in
the everlasting habitations of the just.

AN ELEGY
guxtti to m Mtmovv
OF
The Reverend JOHN DISNEY, D.D. F.S.A.

Quis desiderio sit pudor, aut modus
Tam ehari capitis } — .
 Cui pudor, et justitix soror
Incorrupta fides, nudaque Veritas,
Quando ullum inveniet parem }
Multis ille bonis flebilis occiditj
Nulli flebilior quam tibi.  HORAT.

If knowledge, learning, energy of thdught,
Combin'd with manly sense, and judgment sound,
Sincerity and singleness of heart,
Integrity unmov'd, and truth unaw'd,
And virtue stern 
If rectitude, benevolence, and candour
Clear as the day, and pure as driven snow —
If these the meed of honest feme demand,
That meed, O Disney, dear, departed Friend !
Is thine — thine is the wreath that decks the brow
Of such pre-eminence and worth 
Since, dear to honour, and to virtue dear,
Thy Name's distinguish'd in renown — shall not
The good and wise thy virtues emulate?
And, when this world's delusions charm no more,
When all its vain distinctions, overthrown,
Are in oblivion lost ; when nought remains
But moral worth and mental excellence-
Then talents and endowments such as thine,
Their generous influence widely shall extend
To ages yet unborn: remembrance sweet
Shall round the ashes of the just diffuse
A sacred fragrance ; and shall ever live
Still blest, lamented, honour'd, and belov'd —
Cherish'd by friendship's bright and hallow'd flame,
Bedew'd with virtue's consecrated tear.

T. J.

The Hyde,
Monday, 13th January, 1817.

A Catalogue ofthe Works ofthe late Reverend
John Disney, D.D. F.S.A.

I. Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Arthur Ashley Sykes,
D.D. Svo. 1785, with an Appendix. 5s.
II. The Works, Theological, Medical, Political, and Miscel
laneous, of John Jebb, M.D. F.R.S. with Memoirs of
the Life of the Author, 3 vols. 8vo. 1787, U. Is.
III. Discourses on various Subjects. To which are added,
Considerations- on Pluralities. By Samuel Disney,
LL. B. late Vicar of Halstead, Essex. With a Preface,
Svo. 1788, 6s.
IV. Memoirs of the Life and Writings of John Jortin, D. D.
Svo. 1792, 5s.
V. The Book of Common Prayer Reformed, for the Use ef
Unitarian Congregations, 1792, 2s. 6d.
VI. The Book of Common Prayer Reformed, for the Use of
Unitarian Congregations, with the Book of Psalms, and
a Collection of Hymns, 1802.
VII. Memoirs of T. B. Hollis, Esq. 4to. 1808.
VIII. Sermons, vols. 1 & 2, 8vo. 1793.
IX. Sermons, by John Disney, D.D. F.S.A. vols. 3 & 4, 8vo.
1816.

TRACTS.
I. Animadversions on Dr. Rutherforlh, 1768.
II. Loose Hints on Nonconformity, 1773.
III. Letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, 1774.
IV. Rational Christian's Assistant, second Edition, 1774.
V. Remarks on Dr. Balguy's Consecration Sermon, 1775.
VL Short View of Confessional and Clerical Petition Con
troversies,, second Edition, 1775.
VII. Thoughts on Licensing Public Alehouses, 1776.
VIIL Remarks on Bishop Hurd's Charge, 1777.
IX. Considerations on the Clergy acting in the Commission
of the Peace, 1781.

Catalogue, 8fc.
X. Reasons for quitting the Church of England, second
Edition, 1783
XI. A Friendly Dialogue, second Edition, 1787.
XII. Address to the Bishops, 1790.
XIII. Observations on the Homilies, 1790.
XIV. Arranged Catalogue of Publications, on Toleration,
Corporation, and Test Acts, 1790.
XV. Letter to the Students of Divinity in the Diocese of
Chester, 1791.
XVI. Letters to the Rev. Vicesimus Knox, D.D. 1792.
XVII. Short Memoir of Bishop Edmund Law, 1800.
XVIII. Short Memoir of Michael Dodson, Esq. 1800.
XIX. Six Brief Letters occasioned by the Institution of an
Auxiliary British and Foreign Bible Society, 1812.
XX. Remarks on the Bishop of Lincoln's (Tomlin's) Charge
1812.
XXI. The Great Importance of a Religious Life, revised,
2nd edit. 1812.
XXII. Short Memoir ofthe late Rev. R.E. Garnha'ni, 1814.
XXIII. Short Memoir of the Re v. William Hopkins, B. A. 18 15.

LATELY PUBLISHED,
BY THE REV. THOMAS JER VIS,
I. A Funeral Oration at the Interment of Joseph Towers,
LL.D. 1799.
II. A Funeral Oration at the Interment of Joseph Dawson,
Esq. ofRoyds-Hall, neat Bradford, 1813.
III. Reflections on the State of Religion and Knowledge, at
the Close of the Eighteenth Century, 1801.
IV. The Instructive Remembrance of Departed Worth, a
Sermon on the Death of the Rev. John Simpson, 1813.
VI. Sermons, 8vo. 10s. 6d. 1811.
VII. Several Single Sermons, on Public Occasions.