Anglican
Hymn #147.
We learn that the facts concerning the life of John Mason are scant. His father was a Dissenting minister, that is, did not go along with the Established Church (Anglican) of England. John was educated at Strixton schools at Northants, and Clare Hall, Cambridge. He first became the Curate of Isham and then Vicar at Stantonbury, Bucks. Later he was made Rector of Water-Stratford. There he composed a volume of hymns called “The Songs of Praise.” It is said that “Mason was a man of true piety and humility; known for eminent prayerfulness; faithful, experimental, effectual preaching;-a light in the pulpit and a pattern out of it.” What a good testimony is this to this servant of Christ! The Lord would have us walk in the truth we profess (Titus 3:88This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (Titus 3:8)).
The faithful Richard Baxter was a friend of his and writes thus: “The frame of his spirit was so heavenly, his deportment so humble and obliging, his discourse of spiritual things so weighty, with such apt words and delightful air, that it charmed all that had any spiritual relish.” Oh, how we need today a revival of spiritual relish among the Lord’s people! How often is a practical word despised with the servant of Christ giving it out! “Despise not prophesyings.”
We have not the record of how and when he came to Christ, but his own hymn declares in no uncertain terms what he rested on—
“To Him that loved us, gave Himself,
And died to do us good,
Has washed us from our scarlet sins
In His most precious blood;
Who made us kings and priests to God,
His Father infinite, —
To Him eternal glory be,
And everlasting might.”