William Mason
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.”
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Going In The Strength Of The Lord God
Wise travelers provide things needful for their journey, and guard against such as lie in wait, by the way, to rob them. Our gracious God calls not his dear children to forsake their native country, to travel to the heavenly city, without furnishing them with a rich supply of all things necessary for their comfort, and also strength to protect them from the power of every enemy. No soldier of his goeth a warfare at his own charge; Christ being both their righteousness and strength, they can want nothing; neither riches nor power. Hence they go on from day to day, glorying in him as their richest treasure, and trusting in him as their almighty strength; and this is their constant song in the house…
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Keep Yourselves From Idols
Idolatry is founded in ignorance of Jesus, the true God, and eternal life. None are spiritual worshippers of God but believers in Jesus. There are many idols in the world, suited to the pride and lusts of our corrupt nature. These we are cautioned against. But in reading this very exhortation, the idol of free-will is ready to present itself; as though disciples, by their own power, were to keep themselves. This notion opposes the Spirit and power of Jesus, and springs from that grand idol, pride. Pride introduces the idol of self-righteousness. This blinds the eye to the glory of the righteousness of Christ, which is freely imputed through faith. Thus this trinity of idols, free-will, pride, and self-righteousness, are in unity with each…
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Behold The Lamb Of God
Nothing can make poor sinners truly happy, but that which taketh away the cause of all misery, sin. This is effected: the Lamb of God hath taken away all sin, by his sacrifice for us. When, by the eye of faith, we behold this Lamb, then all sin is taken away from our conscience. When a soul thinks, ‘Sin has condemned me before God; the law accuseth me daily; it works wrath in my conscience continually; and I am often ready to cry out, oh wretched that I am, who shall deliver me?’—Thanks be to God for a precious Redeemer. The Lamb which God provided, hath done it for ever. All our iniquities were laid upon him. ‘He bare in his own body on the…
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Called By A New Name
This is predicted of the church of God; which, according to covenant-transactions of the glorious Trinity, stands in the nearest and dearest relation to Jesus her head. She is here spoken of as a single person, ‘Thou.’ She is called ‘Christ’s body,’ and ‘the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ (Rev. 21:9) Of whom, saith God the Father, ‘I have loved thee with an everlasting love.’ (Jer. 31:3.) Yea, saith the Son of God to his Father, of all his beloved members, ‘Thou hast loved them as thou hast loved me; and thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.’ (John 17:23,24.) Oh most comforting truths of God’s word: how ancient is the love of God to his church! That God should love us miserable sinners…
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Today, If Ye Will Hear His Voice
“Again he limiteth a certain day, saying, Today, if ye will hear his voice.”—Hebrews 4:7 No marvel, that among other devices of Satan to distress sinners, and cause them to despair of God’s mercies in Christ Jesus, he urges this also: ‘Your day of grace is past, the time of your visitation is ended.’ Hence many poor souls have been driven to their wits end. And have not some preachers been so too, who have increased such persons fears by speaking in a most unscriptural manner on this point? Such are the effects of human systems, and free-will notions, with their offers of Christ, and their proffers of grace. I heard one declare, ‘This is the last offer; if it is not now accepted, eternal…
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The Life And Death Of William Mason
This honoured name was, perhaps, better known to the past generation than the present, though many still know the value of the "Pilgrim's Progress" with Mason's notes; and though from Hawker and Philpot we have their daily portions and readings, they have not entirely superseded "Mason's Spiritual Treasury." Many fathers and mothers in Israel abide by these daily readings, and find them a source of spiritual blessing and strength; and it were well if our younger friends had a hunger for such solid and substantial realities. But we live in sad times. Our author was a proof of what may be accomplished by a private Christian, engaged in business, yet finding time to write many useful and spiritual works, which still live after the lapse…
