"The Bible lies open before me; it is full of consolation; but all is in prospect. I look at God, what he is in himself, what he is to his people now and what he will be to eternity: the consolations of hope are mine; but for the present, I feel like the sparrow on the house-top, or like a pelican in the wilderness; and when I think on my years and the robustness of my constitution, and that I may have a long journey before me, I am not able to look at it. At the same time, when I consider my children, who, having lost their pastor, who bore them on his heart to the throne of grace, have double need of a mother, I dare not indulge a wish, far less put up a petition for release. O, that I could get under the influence of that spirit which I have witnessed in my dear pastor — that entire confidence in God — that perfect resignation to his will — that complacency in all he has done, is doing, or will do — that rest in God, of which he seems to be put in possession even now, while his breast is laboring and heaving like a broken bellows, and he cannot fetch one full breath. O, what cannot God effect.
"SUNDAY EVENING. I have again seen my dear pastor, and discern the clay dissolving fast. The words of dying saints are precious, and his are few. He thus
accosted me: 'I am just waiting the will of God; for the present I seem a useless blank in his hand; I can say very little; be not too anxious for my life, but transfer your care to the church; my life or death is but a trifle; if the Lord have any use for me, it is easy for him to raise me up still; and if he do, it will be agreeable to observe his hand distinct from men; if he should not, you will all be cared for; leave all to him and seek his glory.' He could say no more, nor will I to-night, but address myself to our Lord on his behalf, yours, my own, and our dear concerns.
"Several days have elapsed since I last wrote; our dear doctor still lives, often recruits, and again is reduced; but man can do no more; my last page, before the vessel sails, shall be of him.
"As to myself and family, we are as the Lord would have it with us, and I make no doubt as we need. Business very full; a house full of boarders, and about sixty scholars. I begin to feel the effects of fatigue or age, I know not which. The almond-tree flourishes; those that look out at the windows begin to be darkened; but the keepers of the house stand firm, and all the wheels and springs discharge their office, though more heavily; there is no judging of my days by present appearances. Well, let me once more return to my rest — God; commit my way to him, who shall bring to pass what is best, and in the end shall complete my happiness.
"APRIL 23, MONDAY. It is finished. My dear minister's bitter draught is over. On Thursday, the 19th of this month, a quarter before ten o'clock, A.M., the Lord received his spirit and laid his weary flesh to rest. He had a sore conflict with the king of terrors,
who seemed allowed to revel through every part of his mortal frame: his legs were mortified to his knees; he had not been able to lie down for four weeks, and died in his chair. Like his Master, he groaned, but never complained: he had a draught of his Master's cup, but the bitter ingredient desertion made no part of it. I had the honor to close his dear eyes, and to shut those dear lips from whence so many precious truths have proceeded, and to mix with the ministering spirits who attended to hail the released. This honor I had desired, but did not reckon myself worthy, and hardly hoped for it; but the Lord saw the wish, though never formed into a petition, and indulged me. I bless him for it. And now, farewell human friendships; let me gird up the loins of my mind, and run with patience the little further, looking unto Jesus, and following also him my pastor, 'who, through faith and patience, now inherits the promises.'
"This is a great work finished. Dr. Mason was 'a city set on a hill.' He was with the army during all the war after the evacuation of New York; had great influence over the soldiers; preached the gospel of peace uniformly, but never meddled with politics, though he was fully capable. In every situation the Lord supported him in uniformity and consistency of character, and carried him through without a single spot or stain. Glory to God in the highest for this repeated proof of his faithfulness. 'Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.'
"I. GRAHAM."
Great was the grief of Dr. Mason's congregation on his removal. In him, to great learning were united