TO.

THE

REV. JOHN MASON,

AT DARKING, IN SURRY.

REV. AND DEAR SIR,

I WAS pleased when you informed me that you had a design to print a new Edition of the Select Remains of your Rev. Grandfather. 'Tis very agreeable to hear that the spirit and temper which runs through that Book, is so far maintained amongst us, that there are sufficient readers to encourage these Remains to be republished. I have often thought that this collection of Short Sentences, under various heads, are very proper to attend Christians of the middle rank of life, either in the parlour or kitchen, in the shop or work house, and for that end I have been a frequent purchaser of them to distribute in families, among private Christians.

By spending one minute in reading these Sentences now and then, serious persons may find sufficient matter to furnish them

with frequent pious meditations in every circumstance of the Christian life; and they may be as happily useful in the retirements of the closet.

The style and manner appears to me much like that of the late Rev. Mr. Henry, whose practical works have been so universally esteemed. Though there is not any affectation of a train of close reasoning here, or magnificent and new ideas, which would tempt the polite and learned world to peruse them, yet a serious Christian of the highest rank, can hardly read many of these sayings, without an inward relish and taste of them.

The letters to his friends show the reader that the writer was always in heaven, and may teach him upon every occasion to bring religion into his converse with his friends, whether by writing or speaking.

Upon the whole, I cannot but conceive it to be an useful service to mankind, to have these papers spread abroad in the world; and that every occasion may be taken to support a sense of religion amidst

the many temptations of this life. And if you imagine, Sir, that my opinion may be of any advantage, you have free leave to make this letter public as you please.

I am,

Sir,

Your affectionate brother

And humble servant,

Newington, Oct. 24, 1741.

I. WATTS.