who was minister to the

congregation of

Protestant Dissenters in this parish 1.7 years. He ceased from his labours,

and was called to receive his reward Feb. 10. 1763. Aged 58 years. "Be followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

A writer, in the Gentleman's Magazine, says, that those who remember Mr. Mason, will recollect"a striking resemblance in his person to that of Dr. Jortin. His manner, though to modern hearers it would appear heavy and monotonous, was in his day impressive*."

His habits and mode of life were peculiarly regular and uniform. He was free, easy, communicative and pleasant in conversation, and much of the gentleman. appeared in all his behaviour. His acquaintance was much sought after and he

Mag. for July, 1804. p. 614.

himself

to peace.

himself took great delight in society. He was an enemy to controversy and a friend His religion was thoroughly catholic and therein truly christian: and he was ready to discern and acknowledge real merit, and esteem true learning and piety wherever he met with it. His sermons were correct, clear, nervous, and always illustrative of the text and doctrine; they were ever adapted to promote the purposes of piety and charity. During his illness, which was but of few days, and under all the pains with which he had then to struggle, his mind was remarkably serene and composed. As he retained the use of his reasoning powers to the last, so to the last he was calm and resigned: his end truly was peace.

Besides several single sermons and tracts, Mr. Mason published seven volumes of Discourses on devotional and practical subjects, and on Christian Morals, which were well received. Next to the treatise on

"Self

Self-Knowledge." the following pieces, now collected together, were the most popular of our author's publications.

"The Student and Pastor," shews the man of observation and reflection; and is fraught with pertinent, prudential and useful maxims, displaying the good sense as well as the piety of the writer. It is concise, yet comprehensive. The extensive view which it takes of the duties of the pastor, and the salutary and judicious advices which it contains, do not supersede the counsels offered in "A Letter to a Friend upon his entrance on the Ministerial Office," which was first published in the year 1753: several years before the appearance of "The Student and Pastor." It was drawn up at the desire of a young gentleman, who had been his pupil, the Rev. Mr. Stanshall, late of Chertsea. The "Essay on Elocution," was a publication prior to the other two pieces about the year 1749, or 50. It was received with great approbation, and in the course of a few

years

years went through three impressions, and may be considered as the foundation of many of our popular essays on the same subject. Mr. Dodsley, publisher, eminent for genius and taste, adopted it and inserted it in the "Preceptor." It was we are told by his biographer, originally published without the name of the author, and met, in that state, with considerable encouragement and patronage, at one of our public Universities; but when Mr. Mason claimed it as his own, by prefixing his name to the second edition, that learned body is said to have scouted it from their walls as the work of a dissenter.

1

These three tracts are so evidently congenial to each other, so well adapted to promote the same design, that no doubt can be admitted on the propriety and uti lity of connecting them together in one volume; and of offering them as a manual worthy the study and frequent perusal of the young minister, who is ambitious to support his character, and fulfil its duties

with

with decorum, dignity and usefulness. The editor would recommend, that this volume should be interleaved and kept as a text, or common-place book, to be often. consulted; and to admit either references to, or transcripts, under the different heads and chapters, of such rules and observations, as may offer in a course of reading. But even the cast of the eye, on a suitable section, previously to the performing any ministerial function, may be truly serviceable and impressive; may suggest a hint, on which to act, may furnish a rule of conduct, may bring the mind into a proper frame, or may excite a sentiment of piety. The editor earnestly wishes to press on his younger brethren the importance of frequently reading tracts on the nature and duties of their office and the occasional discourses that bear the name of charges. He has found the benefit of such reading, and it is an obvious reflection, that it cannot but be expedient and useful, that ministers, as well as orators.

and