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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Suffering Loss By Conferring With Flesh And Blood
How eminent did the grace of God shine in the conduct of Levi, when the glory of Jehovah was at stake, when his honour was to be vindicated against those who had sinned with a high hand. ‘He said to his father and mother, I have not seen him.’ That is, no one that mine eye shall pity, nor my hand spare, who has transgressed in this matter.‘ Neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor know his own children.’ Deut. 33:9. The Lord our God is a jealous God. It behoves his children to be valiant for the truth as it is in Jesus. It is our duty to face all opposition against it; to stand in defence of it from every quarter, and to…
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The Compatibility Of Peace And Tribulation
Such is Christ’s legacy to all his brethren; peace in him, tribulation in the world. Every disciple shall receive these bequests. The former, a God of truth and faithfulness is engaged by promise and oath to give. The latter, from the world, the flesh, and the devil, every follower of Jesus will be sure to receive. But alas, how apt are we, when in the mount of peace with Jesus, to cry, Tribulation shall no more affect me. On the other hand, when in the dreary valley of tribulation, then we are ready to conclude, There is no end to my troubles; I shall see peace no more. This was the case with David. One while we find him triumphing: ‘In my prosperity I said…
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The Word Was Made Flesh
When the Lord gave Lamech a son, he called his name Noah, which signifies repose or consolation; and he said, ‘This same shall comfort us concerning the work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord hath cursed.’ Gen. 5:29. Noah was an eminent type of Jesus. Every sinner, who is poor, and made low, as Lamech signifies, has infinite reason so to conclude of Jesus, the Son of God. ‘This same shall comfort us, though the work and toil of hands have been evil, and we are cursed for sin.
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The Regenerative Power Of The Holy Spirit
Sin, salvation, death, judgment, eternity, though matters of the highest moment and utmost importance to us, yet we are apt to think of them with little concern, to speak of them with great indifference, and treat the consideration of them as Felix did Paul: ‘Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season I will send for thee.’ Acts 24:25. And yet perhaps such have long sat under a preached gospel, hugely cry up and applaud the preacher, and are ready to condemn others who do not see and admire the excellency of the man. But alas, what are the most excellent words of man without the power of the Spirit? Light as air, ineffectual to soul-saving purposes, as sounding brass or…
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The Righteousness Of God Without The Law
‘Vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass’s colt.’ Job 11:12. Proud man would be righteous, though conceived in iniquity, brought forth in sin, and no goodness in him. This pride accompanies him all his days; yea it forsakes not newborn souls. Our natural notions are ever, that doing something will make us righteous. So the judgment of the flesh ever opposes the truth of the Spirit, carnal reason ever runs counter to spiritual faith; but it is the glory of believing hearts to take their views of righteousness from revealed truth. This, to the ineffable joy and unspeakable comfort of poor sinners, manifests a righteousness for their garment, which they toiled not for, neither did they spin. And what…
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The Breastplate Of Righteousness
When Saul had armed David with his armour, to go against Goliath the Philistine giant, his heart smote him, lest he should confide in it, and so be drawn from simply trusting to the power of God only. Therefore he said, ‘I cannot go with these; I have not proved them: and David put them off him.’ 1 Sam. 17:39. A faithful heart is jealous of the Saviour’s glory. Though the believer is made righteous, and loves and walks in the paths of righteousness, yet he will glory in nothing before God, nor trust in any righteousness to shield him from the face of the enemy, but the perfect spotless righteous ness of his dear and precious Saviour. He puts off all others, by the…
