Watch Unto Prayer
”The end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”—1 Peter i4:7
The word of grace and truth, like a judicious physician for the body, prescribes different recipes for the soul. Sometimes the bitter draught of affliction; at others the strengthening, comforting balsam of faith, with the restorative mixture of love; but at all times a necessary regimen, whereby to rule and govern our lives, so that our souls may prosper and be in good health.
To use means in faith is our bounden duty; to neglect them is a contempt of the wise Prescriber; whereby we suffer loss, and receive hurt to our souls. As faith binds the soul to Jesus in the sweet bands of love, so it produces a conformity to him in heart and life. As the Spirit enriches the soul with precious graces, so they are accompanied with his transforming influence. He ever directs to the word he has inspired, that we may be taught to avoid those things contrary thereto; and also to practise those duties, which have a native tendency to strengthen the soul in persevering in holiness and truth.
An intemperate thirst after, and inordinate indulging ourselves in the enjoyment of any of the good creatures of this life, sadly indispose the mind to spiritual concerns. This is contrary to the life of faith; interrupts sweet communion with the Father of spirits, deadens the heart to holy fellowship with Jesus, and opposeth the comforting consolations of the blessed Spirit. Hence the soul finds great langours, deadness, and formality in its addresses at the throne of grace. Thy soul and mine is therefore called upon to consider, time, how short! eternity, how near! The judge is at the door. All things are on the point of dissolution. We are to be expecting the messenger to call us hence.
Since continuance here is so uncertain, all worldly enjoyments so precarious, and all certainly perish in the using, what temperance, what sobriety of conduct becomes us. And this is certain, Jesus, with his much incense, is ever before the throne. It is a mercy-seat, sprinkled with his precious blood. From hence all grace is bestowed, all power given. Oh may we be concerned to watch continually against the motions of the enemy, the stirrings of pride and lust; watching in prayer for the power of the Spirit, watching after prayer for an answer of peace. And when, disciple, is the time that this exercise may be omitted? Verily, not till faith is lost in sight, hope turned into enjoyment, and prayer lost in praise. Oh what a precious word is this from our Jesus: ‘Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do.’ John 14:13
William Mason (1719-1791) was a High-Calvinist author. For many years he served as a Justice of the Peace, and in 1783 was appointed a Magistrate. He served as editor of the Gospel Magazine before and after the editorship of Augustus Toplady. He is best known for a morning and evening devotional entitled, “A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God.”
