SIR JOHN MASON. SIR JOHN MASON, privy-counsellor to king Henry the Eighth, upon his death-bed delivered himself to those about him to this purpose; "I have seen five princes, and have been privy-counsellor to four. I have seen the most remarkable things in foreign parts, and been present at most state-transactions for thirty years together; and have learned this, after so many years' experience, that seriousness is the greatest wisdom, and a good conscience the best estate; and were I to live my time over again, I would change the court for a cloister; my privy-counsellor's bustles, for an hermit's retirement; and the whole life I have lived in the palace, for one hour's enjoyment of God in the chapel: all things else forsake me, besides my God, my duty, and my prayer." Ibid. JOHN WESLEY. On Wednesday, the 23d of Feb. 1791, he went to Leatherhead, and preached to a small company, on "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near." Here ended the ministerial labours of this man of God. On Thursday he stopped at Mr. Wolff's, at Balaam. At this place he was cheerful, and seemed nearly as well as usual, till Friday about breakfast time, when he grew very heavy About eleven o'clock, he returned home; and having sat down in his room, desired to be left alone, and not to be interrupted for half an hour by any one. When the limited time was expired, some mulled 66 wine was given him. He drank a little, and seemed sleepy; but in a few minutes threw it up, and said, "I must lie down." He accordingly was put to bed, and lay most of the day, having a quick pulse and a burning fever. Saturday the 26th, he continued much the same; spoke but little, and if roused to answer a question, or take a little refreshment, (which was seldom more than a spoonful at a time,) he soon dosed again. On Sunday morning he got up, took a cup of tea, and seemed much better. While sitting in his chair, he looked quite cheerful, and repeated the latter part of that verse in the Scripture Hymns on "Forsake me not, when my strength faileth:"" "Till glad I lay this body down, Soon after, in a most emphatical manner, he said, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth." Some who were then present, speaking rather too much to him, he tried to exert himself, but was soon exhausted and obliged to lie down. After awhile he looked up, and said, Speak to me; I cannot speak." On which one of the company said, "Shall we pray with you, Sir?" He earnestly replied, "Yes." And while they prayed, his whole soul seemed engaged with God for an answer, and he added a hearty Amen. 66 About half after two, he said, "There is no need for more than what I said at Bristol. My words then were "I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me!" One said, "Is this the present language of your heart, and do you now feel as you then did ?" He replied, "Yes." When the same person repeated "Bold I approach the' eternal throne, And claim the crown through Christ my own," and added," "Tis enough. He, our precious Immanuel has purchased, has promised all;" he earnestly replied, "He is all! He is all!" and then said, "I will go." Soon after, to his niece Miss Wesley, who sat by his bed-side, he said, "Sally, have you zeal for God now?" After this the fever was very high, and at times affected his head; but even then, though his head was subject to a temporary derangement, his heart seemed wholly engaged in his Master's work. In the evening, he got up again, and while sitting in his chair, he said, "How necessary is it for every one to be on the right foundation! "I the chief of sinners am, But Jesus died for me!" We must be justified by faith, and then go on to sanctification." He slept most of the following day, and spoke but little; yet that little testified how much his whole heart was taken up in the care of the churches, the glory of God, and the things pertaining to that kingdom to which he was hastening. Once in a low, but very distinct voice, he said, "There is no way into the holiest but by the blood of Jesus.” He afterwards inquired, what the words were on which he preached at Hampstead a short time before. He was told they were these: "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." He replied, "That is the foundation, the only foundation, and there is no other." He also repeated three or four times in the space of a few hours," We have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." Tuesday, March 1st, after a very restless night, (though when asked whether he was in pain, he generally answered, "No," and never complained through his whole illness, except once, when he felt a pain in his left breast, when he drew his breath,) he began singing "All glory to God in the sky, And peace upon earth be restor❜d: Appear our omnipotent Lord! ་ "Oh! wouldst thou again be made known, Thou only art able to bless, And make the glad nations obey; And bow the whole world to thy sway.” Here his strength failed; but after lying still awhile, he called for a pen and ink. They were brought to him but those active fingers, which had been the blessed instruments of conveying spiritual consolation and useful instruction to thousands, could no longer perform their office. Some time after, he said, "I want to write:" but on the pen's being put into his hand, and the paper held before him, he said, "I cannot." One of the company answered, "Let me write for you, Sir: tell me what you would say." "Nothing," replied he, " but, that GOD IS WITH US. In the forenoon he said, "I will get up." While they were bringing his clothes, he broke out in a manner, which, considering his extreme weakness, astonished all present, in these words: "I'll praise my Maker while I've breath, 66 Praise shall employ my nobler pow'rs: Happy the man whose hopes rely And earth and seas, with all their train; He saves the' oppress'd, he feeds the poor, And none shall find his promise vain.” -"" One you At another time he was feebly endeavouring to speak, beginning, "Nature is-Nature is that was present added, "Nearly exhausted, but are entering into a new nature, and into the society of blessed spirits." He answered, " Certainly;" and clasped his hands together, saying, "Jesus!" the rest could not be well heard, but his lips continued moving as in fervent prayer. When he got into his chair, he appeared to change for death: but regardless of his dying frame, he said, with a weak voice, "Lord, thou givest strength to those that can speak, and to those that cannot. Speak, |