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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Ye Have Need Of Patience
Are the Christian’s exercises great, and his patience small? Yet can he ever be at a loss to know by whom this grace is increased? Verily the Lord he serveth is ‘the God of patience.’ Hath he need of patience? Hear the Comforter’s declaration, by St Paul: ‘My God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory.’ Mind, disciple, this is covenant mercy; therefore, with every other grace it comes through a Mediator. Hence it is added, ‘by Jesus Christ.’ Phil. 4:19. We do the will of God when we believe on his Son Jesus, and love one another. 1 John 3:23. And all the promises are in Christ Jesus, ‘yea and amen,’ sure and certain to every believing soul. By faith…
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When Ye Pray
Faith in the heart excites prayer from the lips. Thus the faith of God’s elect manifests itself, that it cometh from the Lord the Spirit. By it the soul is led to Jesus the mediator, and by him to God the Father. So each person in the Godhead is known, worshipped, and glorified by believing souls. While we see and feel nothing of our misery and wants, no marvel that prayer is an irksome task. From a sight of ourselves, and the knowledge of Jesus, we come to him daily with simplicity of heart. Master, teach us to pray, it is the highest honour, the sweetest privilege, the most blessed exercise of the soul to draw nigh to God. What greater on earth than to…
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A Ransom For All
The gospel is quite sufficient to answer every objection, and to silence every cavil against salvation by Christ. This sacred oracle we are to consult day after day. Do we ask, why are any sinners saved? It assures us that God hath loved them; this is the cause. If we enquire, how God doth save them? It tells us that it is in a way of strict justice, consistent with the honour of God’s law, the perfection of his righteousness, holiness and truth. Therefore redemption is by stipulated price, the blood of the covenant, the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without spot. Do we seek to know who are the redeemed of the Lord? Jesus assures us, ‘he gave his life a…
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The Terms Of Discipleship
'Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again,’ saith Christ, John 3:7. The blessed effects of this spiritual birth will be evident in the life. Earthly objects will be forsaken, heavenly ones prized. Jesus will be chosen as our beloved master and only hope. He being esteemed our treasure, our hearts will be with him, our affections towards him; and it will be our chiefest delight to hear his voice, and to follow him in the regeneration. Coming to Christ, is turning our backs upon the ‘lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.’ By the faith of Jesus we renounce and forsake all these things as our curse and shame. The clearer views we…
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Sanctify Us Through Thy Truth
Thus prayed our great High Priest on earth. What he asked in his humiliation, is founded upon the word and will of his Father, and he hath power to effect it in his exaltation. Hence we have the fullest assurance of the perfect sanctification of all his members, hence the desires and breathings of souls after holiness are encouraged, and the prayers of the faithful gather the strongest confidence of success. While our Beloved expresses his affectionate concern for his people’s salvation, we see an equal regard for the honour and glory of his Father’s word. Love for holiness, and love of the truth are inseparable. As the gospel prevails in the heart, holiness is increased. It is first life, then liveliness in the soul;…
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My Soul Is Cast Down Within Me
In times of dejection and distress, the thoughts of a dear friend, who has comforted us in times past, tend to alleviate the mind. If we are assured of his love to us, we question not his readiness to assist us. So under the affecting loss of a dear brother, Martha addresses the Saviour, “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” John 11:21 Inexpressible blessedness, to live in a holy familiarity with the God of love! How simple are David’s words, how freely doth he pour out his complaints, and tell God of his sorrows! Though his soul was bowed down within him, heaviness of mind beset him, the sweet sunshine of joy was overcast by the dark cloud of sorrow,…
