unt to the full assurance
of hope.

He was indeed a faithful shepherd of his flock, and his people
mourned for him as for an affectionate father. It is much to be
desired that his example were more followed by Christian pastors. To
preach with eloquence and acceptance is a talent of great value in a
minister of the gospel; this makes him respected, and his congregation
admire him, because, for one reason, they are proud of him; but to
gain their affections, to make a congregation the children of an aged
pastor, or the friends and brethren of a younger one, let the minister
visit the families of his people; this will seal on their hearts the
regard which their understandings had already dictated.

Very few ministers have been more remarkable for a strict
attention to this duty, than the late Dr. John Mason and his venerable
and attached friend Dr. Rodgers. When the former died, the latter
exclaimed, "I feel as if I had lost a right arm."

The congregation, bereaved of their pastor, wrote immediately to
his son, the late Rev. Dr. John Mitchell Mason, to hasten his return
from Edinburgh to New York; and after preaching to them with great
acceptance for several months, he was ordained and installed pastor of
the church in April, 1793. Mrs. Graham entertained for him the most
affectionate attachment, and this attachment was reciprocal.

At this date we find some of Mrs. Graham's delightful
devotional exercises.

"NEW YORK, 1793.

"Blessed Lord, thou hast, to the praise of thy grace, given me
the heritage of them that fear thy name; thou hast prepared my heart
to pray, and inclined thine ear to hear; thou hast drawn me into thy
fold, and hast fed me in thy green pastures. I rejoice in Israel's
Shepherd; not one of his flock shall be lost. Often have I wandered
from his presence and sought pasture among the swine, but my Shepherd
has ever drawn or driven me back. He has a rod and I have felt it; but
I bless the hand and kiss the rod.

"O, how wonderful to look back and see 'all the way by which he
has led me, to prove me, to try me, to show me what was in my heart,
that he might do me good at my latter end.' Amen, my God, I leave
myself in thy hands. I should lose myself; but thou wilt keep me from
foes without and foes within. What then have I to care for? My
Shepherd careth for all; he slumbers not nor sleeps, and he will
perfect what c