What Do You Think of Christ?
William Mason (1719-1791) was an English author, who wrote A Special Treasury for the Children of God, The Believer’s Pocket Companion, and The Christian Communicant. His life was characterized by the love of Christ and he urged all of his readers to seek to know, love, and to cherish Christ above all else.
In 1773, William Mason wrote these words in The Believer’s Pocket Companion or The One Thing Needful:
“‘Christ is all!’ —Colossians 3:2
“What do you think of Christ? This is the most important question in the world. Happy for that sinner who can answer it from his heart and say, ‘Christ is precious to me!’
“For such is this little work intended. To such it is humbly addressed. The design of it being to stir up and quicken such in the way of believing in Christ, looking to Christ, coming unto him, and abiding in him; or, in the apostle’s words, ‘to be putting on the Lord Jesus Christ’—so that they may enjoy more sweet fellowship with him, find more of the inestimable preciousness of him, and experience more of his wonderful love, which passes knowledge . . .
“The following observations, upon the present state of religion in this land, are very obvious:
“1. There never was a time in which the precious truths of the gospel, and the glorious doctrines of grace, were treated with so much calumny, contempt and ridicule, by the professors of Christianity, as in the present day. This is a most dreadful consideration. For this, we may justly dread the most sore and impending judgements to be executed upon this sinful land.
“2. Yet, this is a day, in which the Lord is sending forth many laborers into his vineyard, who preach the everlasting gospel with great clearness, power and faithfulness; and which gospel the Lord causes to have free course, to run and be glorified, to the gathering in of multitudes of precious souls to Christ, to whom he gives to live and walk in the rich experience, and sweet enjoyment of his pardoning love, justifying grace, comforting peace, and sanctifying influence. This is a most joyful reflection. This, a favorable signal to our sinful nation. But still,
“3. Though, perhaps, there never was a greater profession of Christ, and of the truth as it is in him, than in this day; yet many, very many professors content themselves with the form of godliness—instead of the power; the mere notion of truth—instead of the experience of it; the name of faith—instead of the grace of faith—the mere profession of Christ—instead of the actual possession of him. How few really feel their hearts happy in him, their hopes centered on him, and then affections going out after him! Hence they are not devoted in life and walk to the glory of Christ. This calls for much self-examination, and great searching of heart.
“In view of it, ‘My heart is inditing a good matter.’ O for the pen of a ready writer, to set forth the matchless glory and unparalleled excellence of the King—the King of Kings—the King of saints, even King Jesus; your King and mine! You once stout-hearted rebels against his crown and government! But, O the love of his royal heart! Instead of executing fierce vengeance upon us, for our sins, lo, he came from heaven to earth, with a flame of love in his heart, and matchless grace on his lips, on purpose to die for us, to wash us from our sins in his own blood, to conquer the rebellion of our hearts against him, and to win our affections to him. Has he saved us by his precious blood? Has he made us his willing, loving disciples, by his powerful grace? Surely, it is that we should live in the sweet enjoyment of all the rich blessings of his kingdom, and be holy and happy every day, yes, every hour, in him. In life and love be wholly devoted to him.”