John M. Mason (theologian)

He graduated from Columbia College in May 1789, and in 1791 traveled to his father's home country of Scotland to study theology at the University of Edinburgh.

Not understanding its cause, and knowing no other recourse, Mason wrote a sermon and had it printed by Samuel Loudon in his newspaper and then read it in New York on a day that the city set aside for public fasting and prayer for the people of Philadelphia.

At the meeting of Synod in Philadelphia in the spring of 1811, Mason's alleged delinquency in associating with these Presbyterians led to a formal investigation.

[1] Although this was resolved in a conciliatory manner, it was widely discussed within the church, prompting Mason to write a work on Catholic Communion, which appeared about four years after, and which was well received.

[4] In 1816, his health declined to the point that he found it necessary to resign the office he had assumed in connection with the college, and he resolved to try the effect of a voyage to Europe.

Mason then traveled extensively in France, Italy, and Switzerland, and then to England, where he arrived in time to attend the anniversary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, where he delivered a well-received address.

He thereafter worked without further interruption until February, 1820, when, shortly after reading the portion of Scripture on which he intended to lecture, his recollection failed, his mind became confused, and, bursting into tears, he told the audience that his infirmity prevented him from proceeding.