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William Mason
William Mason (1719 – September 29, 1791) was an English preacher, author, and editor whose Calvinist writings and ministry left a mark on 18th-century evangelicalism. Born in Rotherhithe, Surrey, to a clockmaker father, Mason grew up in a working-class family, initially following his father’s trade. After his father’s death in 1740, he married Miss Cox at age 21, with whom he had a son, Rev. Henry Cox Mason. Initially drawn to Wesleyan Methodism, he attended John Wesley’s services but grew dissatisfied, shifting to the Calvinist teachings of George Whitefield by the 1750s, styling himself a “Church of England Methodist.” Ordained as a deacon, he never held a formal parish but preached informally, focusing on justification by faith, predestination, and the afterlife. Mason’s preaching career gained prominence through his writing rather than a traditional pulpit. In 1777, he briefly succeeded Augustus Toplady as editor of The Gospel Magazine, resuming the role after Toplady’s death in 1778, where he published works like “Notes on Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.” His most notable book, A Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God (1765), offered daily meditations on Scripture, becoming a staple for Calvinist readers. Appointed a Justice of the Peace and later an acting magistrate in 1783, he balanced civic duties with ministry. Known for hymns like “The Christian Surrender,” Mason preached to small, devout gatherings, emphasizing doctrinal purity over charisma. He died at 72 in Rotherhithe after a stroke, leaving a legacy of theological rigor and devotional literature that influenced lay Christians and fellow writers like William Cowper.
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William Mason, a respected figure in England, emphasizes the meek and lowly nature of Jesus as a source of rest for our souls. Jesus, as our compassionate Teacher, understands our weaknesses and invites us to learn from Him. He assures us of His loving friendship, encouraging us to pour out our hearts to Him and find tranquility and peace that cannot be found elsewhere. Believers are reminded that true rest is found in Jesus, leading to spiritual peace and joy.
Meek and Lowly Saviour
William Mason (1719-1791) authored a number of practical, devotional volumes for Christians and was highly respected in England for his legal service as a justice of the peace and later as a magistrate. These next two selections are taken from his daily devotional: A Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God. Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest to your souls. (Matthew 11:29) Thus, with tender affection, speaks Jesus our Prophet to the lambs of his flock. He well knows we stand in need of daily instruction from him. He teaches us in the truth, as we are able to bear it. He knows the weakness of our understandings. He is "touched with a feeling of our infirmities." Therefore, lest our poor hearts should at any time conceive thoughts of him contrary to his nature and office, he says, "I am meek and lowly in heart." You find you are poor sinners; ignorant of many truths; exercised with many conflicts, trials, and temptations: do not think of me only as "the High and Lofty One, who inhabiteth eternity," but as dwelling also with humble hearts. Look not on me as an austere master, a terrible lawgiver, a severe judge, who watches over you for evil, and is ever ready to take all advantages against you. No: I am your condescending, meek, and lowly Saviour; your loving Friend and kind Instructor; therefore come and listen to my words. "Learn of me." What sweet encouragement is this! Art thou, O soul, tossed with temptations? harassed with corruptions? beset with sinful passions? Do these bring disquiet upon thy mind, distress to thy conscience, and prove a wearisome burden to thy spirits, so that thou dost not enjoy settled ease and rest? Remember thy Saviour's lowly character and kind advice. He hath an ear of grace for thy complaints, a heart of love to pity thee, a powerful arm to relieve thee. With sweet familiarity pour out thy heart to him. As a bosom friend tell him of thy sorrows, complaints, and fears. Always bear in mind his kind invitation, the loving meekness and lowliness of his heart, and the blessedness of his promise. He hath spoken it, and will he not bring it to pass? He hath said it, and will he not fulfill it? "Ye shall find rest to your souls;" such sweet tranquillity and inward composure as can be found in no object besides. Could the children of this world persuade us that there is no evil in their vain diversions and carnal delights; still, we know we cannot expect our Lord's presence, nor shall we find rest to our souls in all the delusive scenes of earth. No; but the more rest we find to our souls in Jesus, the more we are delighted with him; we become dead to all things that are contrary to spiritual peace and joy from him. "We who have believed do enter into rest;" and yet, we "labor to enter into rest." Hebrews 4:3,11
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William Mason (1719 – September 29, 1791) was an English preacher, author, and editor whose Calvinist writings and ministry left a mark on 18th-century evangelicalism. Born in Rotherhithe, Surrey, to a clockmaker father, Mason grew up in a working-class family, initially following his father’s trade. After his father’s death in 1740, he married Miss Cox at age 21, with whom he had a son, Rev. Henry Cox Mason. Initially drawn to Wesleyan Methodism, he attended John Wesley’s services but grew dissatisfied, shifting to the Calvinist teachings of George Whitefield by the 1750s, styling himself a “Church of England Methodist.” Ordained as a deacon, he never held a formal parish but preached informally, focusing on justification by faith, predestination, and the afterlife. Mason’s preaching career gained prominence through his writing rather than a traditional pulpit. In 1777, he briefly succeeded Augustus Toplady as editor of The Gospel Magazine, resuming the role after Toplady’s death in 1778, where he published works like “Notes on Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress.” His most notable book, A Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God (1765), offered daily meditations on Scripture, becoming a staple for Calvinist readers. Appointed a Justice of the Peace and later an acting magistrate in 1783, he balanced civic duties with ministry. Known for hymns like “The Christian Surrender,” Mason preached to small, devout gatherings, emphasizing doctrinal purity over charisma. He died at 72 in Rotherhithe after a stroke, leaving a legacy of theological rigor and devotional literature that influenced lay Christians and fellow writers like William Cowper.