Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace…

XIV. 1. A Christian indeed is one that having taken heaven for his felicity doth account no labour or cost too great for the obtaining of it: he hath nothing so dear to him in this world, which he cannot spare and part with for God and the world to come. He doth not only notionally know that nothing should seem too dear or hard for the securing of our salvation; but he knoweth this practically and is resolved accordingly. Though difficulties may hinder him in particular acts, and his executions come not up to the height of his desires (Rom. 7.16, 17. &c.) yet he is resolved that he will never break on terms with Christ: There is no duty so hard which he is not willing and resolved to perform: and no sin so sweet or gainful which he is not willing to forsake: He knoweth how unprofitable a bargain he makes, who winneth the world, and loseth his own soul; and that no gain can ransom his soul, or recompense him for the loss of his salvation. Mar. 8.36. He knoweth that it is impossible to be a loser by God; or to purchase heaven at too dear a rate: he knoweth that whatsoever it cost him, heaven will fully pay for all: and that it is the worldlings labour, and not the saints, that is repented of at last. He marvelleth more at distracted sinners, for making such a stir for wealth and honours and command, than they marvel at him for making so much a-do for heaven. He knoweth that this world may be too dear bought, but so cannot his salvation: yea he knoweth that even our duty it self, is not our smallest privilege and mercy: And that the more we do for God, the more we receive, and the greater is our gain and honour: and that the sufferings ⟨p. 36⟩of believers for righteousness sake, do not only prognosticate their joys in heaven, but occasion here the greatest joys, that any short of heaven partake of: Mat. 5.11, 12. Rom. 5.12, 3, &c. He is not one that desireth the end without the means, and would be saved so it may be on cheap and easy terms: But he absolutely yieldeth to the terms of Christ, and saith with Austin, Da quod jubes, & jube quod vis: Cause me to do what thou commandest, and command what thou wilt. Though Pelagius contradicted the first sentence, and the flesh the second, yet Augustine owned both: and so doth every true believer. He greatly complaineth of his backwardness to obey, but never complaineth of the strictness of the command.