still less for its soul. O God of _the spirits of all flesh_,
give it a plunge in _the blood of Jesus_--cleanse, O cleanse him
from original sin, and now, even now, in thy own sovereign and
mysterious way, sow _the grain of mustard seed_ in his soul."


In the spring of 1792, Mrs. Graham and her family were called to
a severe trial by the translation of their beloved pastor, Dr. Mason,
to a better world. A few months before his decease, while preaching to
his people, his recollection failed, his sermon was gone from his
mind, and he sat down in his pulpit unable to proceed. After a short
pause, he arose and addressed his people in a pious and affectionate
strain; he considered this event as a call from his heavenly Master to
expect a speedy dismission from the earth, and solemnly admonished
them also to be prepared for the will of God. His people, who loved
him, were affected to tears. An illness soon followed, which
terminated in the death of the body. He departed on the night when
Mrs. Graham took her turn of watching with him, and she closed his
eyes, which she always accounted a privilege and honor bestowed upon
her by her divine Master. But this tender and affecting scene is best
described in a letter which she wrote to her sympathizing friend Mrs.
Walker, of Edinburgh.


"NEW YORK, April, 1792, Sabbath noon.

"MY DEAR MADAM--It is not my custom to take my pen on this day
even to write to a Christian friend, having occasion for the whole
time with my family or in secret with my God; but I cannot go to
dinner, I cannot eat, I cannot talk to my girls; my heart must bleed