William Mason --Spiritual Treasury for the Children of God

June 22,


Which is not another (gospel), but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ.- Gal_1:7.


Trouble us indeed! it is our wisdom to hear preaching with an attentive mind, a humble heart, and a godly jealousy over what is spoken. The sweet sound of the gospel is joy to the heart, and as marrow and fatness to the soul; for it proclaims nothing but good news or glad tidings. This is its name: its nature and properties perfectly agree therewith. Hence it is called,- Act_20:24, The gospel of the grace of God; or good news of his free favor. And Eph_1:13, "The gospel of salvation; or glad tidings of salvation by Christ only." It was the wisdom of Adam to distinguish and give a proper name to every creature of God. Every Christian should imitate him in knowledge, to distinguish the law from the gospel, and to call each by its proper name. For when the law of works and gospel of grace are blended together, it puzzles the mind and disturbs the conscience. We may say of the gospel, as Tertullus said of Caesar: "By thee we enjoy great quietness."- Act_24:2. For by it the mind and conscience of the believer is filled with peace and comfort. From hence springs his love to God, and holy conformity to his will.

But preaching terms and conditions to be performed by us, in order to entitle to gospel grace, hath a native tendency to distress the mind, weaken faith, damp love, deject hope, and of consequence make the believer less zealous of good works.

Yet, through blindness and ignorance, some call this gospel; but Paul denies it: he says, "It is not another," he won't mention gospel. It deserves not the name; it is a mere system of man's devising. O but if there is great talk of the interest of morality, and a specious pretence to holiness, this makes a great shew in the flesh, so as to trouble some, and deceive many. But such "pervert the gospel of Christ; the everlasting gospel." For that proclaims eternal election, everlasting love, an established covenant of grace; brings everlasting consolations to the soul, by an everlasting righteousness through faith: and sure and certain salvation to every believer. THE GOSPEL, like some stately ship, is richly laden with the most munificent blessings of the patrimony of our Father; the last will and testament of our precious Saviour, freely consigned under the testimony of the Spirit, to us poor, lost, perishing sinners. O believer! study the immense value and riches of the gospel: be on thy guard, lest any deprive thy mind of its freeness and fulness. Gospel-perverters are conscience-troublers. Listen not to their specious guiles, lest thy mind be perplexed. Glory to our God, here is our mercy; though false teachers shall arise, though they may trouble, yet "it is impossible, saith our Saviour, that they should deceive the elect of God."- Mat_24:24.

[video=youtube;_aicOiTUPF0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aicOiTUPF0[/video]

Oh, you mean I have to put away my checker paints and high collar shirt?

Golf? What's that fore? No, and if I did, I'd be paranoid of bumping into OB.
Who's Mark, I'd like to give him 5 reps ...or do you mean Marc? ...in that case, hehe

June 23,


And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.- Zec_6:13.


With what rapture and ecstasy of soul the good old patriarch Israel heard of his son Joseph? Not only alive, but also governor of the land of Egypt. "IT IS ENOUGH," said he. As though he could enjoy no more. How then ought the hearts of poor sinners to be filled with joy, and fired with transport to hear that their friend and brother, Jesus, lives for evermore; that "the government is upon his shoulders:" that he is their King and their Priest upon his throne: that the counsel of peace is established, fixed and unalterably established, between the Father and him on their account! Surely if we believe this, as verily as Jacob believed the report concerning his son, we shall also cry out with him, IT IS ENOUGH, perfectly sufficient. More joyful news cannot be heard. More comfortable truth cannot be believed. Fuller evidence cannot be desired. Stronger proofs cannot be given than is revealed of the covenant-transactions of the adorable trinity, in behalf of sinners of mankind.

Here is the LORD OF HOSTS, and the MAN, the blessed man, who is called the BRANCH. And see we not the third person in the divine essence? For the establishing of faith, be it ever remembered, though the Father and the Son only are often mentioned in scripture; yet the Lord the Spirit in his office is evidently to be seen and clearly to be known. For whatever is covenanted and agreed between God the Father and Son, is manifested and revealed and enjoyed in the heart by the Holy Spirit. We had never heard of this blessed peace, had it not been by the Holy Ghost through the word of truth. Therefore it is "the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth."- 1Jn_5:6. Ever bear this in thy mind, disciple. As thou hadst not known sin, but by the LAW: so thou couldst not have any knowledge of peace and pardon, but by the gospel through the Spirit. He is the revealer, sealer and applier of all grace, peace, love and holiness. "The love of the Father is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us." "He shall testify of me," saith Jesus: all my members shall be taught of him: "He shall glorify me."- Joh_16:14.

Here is a peace established between heaven and earth: between the righteous Lord and sinful man, firm as a rock, durable as the ages of eternity.

God the Father is the author of this peace. Jesus hath obtained this peace by the blood of his cross. Rebels and traitors against God, are made the subjects of this peace. The Spirit begets faith in the heart. He applies the peace of God which passeth all understanding to the soul through the faith of Jesus. And though all in nature, sin, Satan, and the world are at war with us; still this is our glory, "Jesus is our peace."- Eph_2:14.

i like it when you show your age.

Mark=husband. he's your age and not gonna lie, pretty appealing.
Probie, because he's still on probation, as it's only been 35 years and i don't know if he'll work out yet.
another 35 oughta be a good indication.

he's technology averse, but i'll pass along the reps.

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. (Is 49:6 also Luke 2:32-- KJV just for you )

35 years, wow, congrats to the two of you. I was only 6 then . It's been 20 with us and I've yet to even make probation .

I'm sorry, it has been 29 years...to the woodshed for me. Tack on another 5 years til probation kicks in.

June 24,


In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul.- Psa_94:19.


Vain thoughts and carnal reasonings, like impertinent visitors, often intrude upon the Christian's mind. In this depraved state it cannot be otherwise. Though born again of the Spirit, and our minds renewed by grace; still our old friends, our present foes, the world, the flesh, and the devil, will furnish us with various exercises, from troublesome thoughts. That they do cause grief, are prayed against, and resisted, is a blessed evidence of a regenerate soul; which is also fed, delighted, and comforted with the spiritual truths, of God's gracious word.

There are frequent seasons when God's dear children are exercised with distressing, gloomy thoughts. Afflictions are painful and grievous to the flesh; then how naturally do these murmuring and repining thoughts arise? "Are these the tokens of God's love? how can I who am thus visited with such sorrow, pain, and trouble, think the Lord loves me with the love of a tender father, or that I am his child?" The sight of our vile polluted nature, corrupt lusts, sinful passions and affections, sink and discourage our spirits. A multitude of thoughts arise within; how can I have faith in Jesus, love to him, and delight in his ways, while I find so much in me contrary to his will, and unconformed to his image? If the Lord hides away his face, and withdraws the comforting sense of his presence, then these dejecting thoughts beset us: God is acting in wrath against us-his mercy is clean gone for ever. And with the church we are apt to think, "The Lord hath forsaken me: my Lord hath forgotten me."- Isa_49:14.

This is all very natural. But what says the voice of grace? Most cheering, most delighting to the harassed mind. "Many are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivers out of them all:" "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten."- Rev_3:19. "Can a woman forget a sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, she may forget; but I will not forget thee."- Isa_49:15. "This man (Jesus) receiveth sinners."- Luke_15:2. "His blood cleanseth from all sin."- 1Jn_1:7.

God's immutable love, unchangeable covenant, eternal truth, sacred word, precious promises, and solemn oath, all stand engaged for the safety and salvation of souls redeemed by Jesus: who saith, "He that believeth on me shall NEVER perish."- John_3:15. Shall any or all the powers of earth and hell make Jesus, the God of truth, a liar? The bible is the Christian's charter. It is our wisdom to study that, and to judge of God's love from his word and promises, not by our circumstances, trials, frames and feelings: For,

Whate'er thou found'st him at the best,
He's at the worst the same.
Christ rests forever in his love,
He never lost his fame.


[video=youtube;f2a9FNF2UYs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2a9FNF2UYs[/video]

June 25,


When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.- Jon_2:7.


In the prophet Jonah's conduct we have a true picture of human nature, in its strong opposition to the power and grace of God. Though Jesus clothes his saints with righteousness, and the Spirit sanctifies and renews them in the spirit of their minds; yet pride, obstinacy, and self-will still dwell in their corrupt, fallen nature. The Spirit of truth and wisdom hath discovered the vile sins of his eminent prophets and faithful people, as well as their holy graces. This proves as a touchstone to us, to try whether we have received the true grace of God in our hearts. A regenerate soul will never draw any encouragement to indulge himself in sin and rebellion against God, because he reads of David's complicated sins of murder and adultery; of Jonah's fleeing from, and provoking behaviour to God; or of Peter's sad denial of Jesus with abominable oaths and curses. If scripture truths proves as poison, it is only to reprobate minds. They are ever wholesome food to sanctified hearts. Such behold in the fall of the saints of old, the evils to which themselves are ever liable. If they are kept, they are humble; and give the dear Saviour all the glory. If they are fallen low, they remember the Lord. "I remembered the Lord," says Jonah. Grace creates a good heart-memory, where there is a bad head-memory. The soul can never forget the Lord Christ. It calls to mind the Lord's love, and how he dealt with his people of old. They see his loving kindness, faithfulness and truth, never failed them.

Hence the Holy Spirit stirs up and encourages poor, broken hearted, backsliding souls to trust in a God of covenant love. A sense of pain brings the body into a weak, fainting state. So a sense of sin, fear of God's wrath, the hidings of his face in Christ Jesus, makes the soul faint and languid. But in the lowest ebb of hope, and under the weakest frames of soul, the sanctified memory, though it bears a faithful record of past sins, yet it is also a precious repository of God's free grace truths, and most precious promises in Christ Jesus. His human nature is the TEMPLE, in which God and man meet; to which sinners look; and through which grace is bestowed. Hence the poor soul is excited to mourn under the displeasure of an offended Father; and yet to cry to him in hope against hope; to pray to him in faith, though it has not one encouraging symptom in nature and self: but looking for all in Jesus. O most blessed words from the Father to humble believing souls; "I will remember their sins no more."- Jer_31:34.


[video=youtube;OIgFsI1S-hw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIgFsI1S-hw[/video]

June 26,


And now, little children, abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.- 1Jn_2:28.

'A burnt child dreads the fire:' so a soul who has fallen into any snare of the enemy, when rescued by grace, fears the same evil and wisely cautions his brethren against it. I fell, do you beware. So it was even with the beloved disciple John. He did not abide by Jesus in the day of trial; but, with the rest of his disciples, forsook him and fled. But who can tell the sorrow of his heart? who can paint the distress of his mind and the shame of his face, when Jesus appeared to them, and John said, "It is the Lord?"- Joh_21:7.

And is Jesus gone but for a season? will he assuredly come again and take all his little children home? and do we expect his appearance? do we believe we shall shortly see him in the glory of his Father and of his holy angels? What constancy and courage should this inspire us with! how ought Christian soldiers to abide in Jesus the captain of their salvation; abide in a steady profession of his name; in a firm reliance upon his death and atonement; in a confident hope of being righteous in him; "accepted in him the beloved;" in an uninterrupted obedience to his will, and an earnest endeavour to follow his example! and above all, to abide in child-like dependence upon him, loving to be near him, conversing freely with him, pouring out our hearts before him, simply telling him of our weakness and dangers, our troubles and sorrows, and praying him to keep us from falling. This is sweet and pleasant, thus always to abide in the faith of our Lord.

The more we thus delight ourselves in the Lord, the more we grow dead to all things beside him. But, soul, be assured that conforming to a vain world, complying with its sinful customs, gratifying the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life; as this is not abiding in the teachings of Jesus, it will weaken thy confidence in him, and bring shame upon thy soul before him. Thou findest it so even now, when thou dost approach unto his throne of grace. How often, from thy foolish forsaking thy master and his ways, have thy hands been made to hang down, thy knees feeble, thy heart faint! O how hath holy boldness in Jesus forsaken thee, and shame and doubts and fears overspread thee! O then if thou hast any regard for the glory of thy Lord, any concern for thy present peace and joy, study and pray to live and walk so as to enjoy the presence of thy Saviour.

I cannot bear thy absence, Lord;
My life expires if thou depart;
Be thou, my heart, still near my God,
And thou, my God, be near my heart.

I was not born for earth or sin,
Nor can I live on things so vile;
Yet will I stay my Father's time,
And hope and wait for heav'n awhile.

[video=youtube;lJd4923hUB0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJd4923hUB0[/video]

Lol...cute

June 27,


And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night to him, though he bear long with them?- Luk_18:7.


This question implies the strongest assertion. Thus our Lord concludes a parable he had delivered to this end, "that men ought always to pray and not to faint." Our Saviour well knew how ready his disciples' hands are to hang down and their hearts to grow languid and faint, so as to be remiss in this duty. Therefore his loving heart would stir up and encourage them to a constant perseverance in prayer; assuring them that God's ears are ever open to their cry, and his omnipotent arm would most certainly avenge the enemies of his own elect, and surely deliver them from all their troubles. Hath the Lord loved his people with an everlasting love? hath he chosen them in Christ Jesus from before the foundation of the world? hath he given them the precious faith of his own elect, and the cry of his children, Abba, Father? and shall an unjust judge deliver one whom he cares not for, and the just and holy Lord leave any of his beloved little ones to the power of any adversary? O, believer, never indulge such a hard thought of thy heavenly Father! Doth sin make thee cry? Satan cause thee to call? the world excite thee to complain? Blessed be God for a throne of grace to go to, and an all-powerful King to protect and conquer for us. Duty is thine; be careful not to neglect it. Deliverance is the Lord's; be assured in his own time, way and manner, thou shalt receive it. Remember, one moment before thy Lord's time would not be thy mercy.

Thy prayers, however frequent or fervent, do not influence the Lord to elect and choose thee to salvation. No; but the cry of a heart believing in Jesus is an evidence of election. Therefore thou art in Christ always acceptable to God; so are thy prayers through him: "The prayer of the upright is his delight."- Pro_15:8. Though thy comfort may be often damped through the coldness and deadness of thy prayers; yet art thou to persevere conscientiously in thy duty. Why? To profess thy subjection to the Lord: "He is thy Lord, worship thou him."- Psa_45:11. Therefore prefer a cold prayer before none at all. Better to bring words that want a soul, than neglect to bring our bodies which have souls in them: "Take with you words."- Hos_14:2 -and say, if you cannot take the spirit and pray. This is the only foundation of hope of being heard, not our frames in duty; but the prevalency of Christ's intercession for us before the throne, and the faithful promises of God in him by the word and Spirit of truth. "Continue in prayer."- Col_4:2.


[video=youtube;8vsWO3-we-Y]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vsWO3-we-Y[/video]

A bonus video also by Keith Green encouraging praise.

[video=youtube;fIgVU_5FsqA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIgVU_5FsqA[/video]

Thank you for continuing this thread Crossnote. It relaxes me and brings peace to my heart. Its one of my favorites.