The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

That first, God had made them willing to part from their lusts and idols; and if he would redeem them from them, make an eternal divorce between their Souls and them, they would for ever bless his Name.

Secondly, They found, that Christ was made so precious to them, that they did most gladly accept of Gods offer, and think it the best bargain that ever they made, might they but enjoy him upon his own terms.

Fifthly, They considered that great Command of the Gospel, To believe in Jesus Christ, to receive him, which (as I have said before) makes it my duty to believe in him, prepared or not prepared; they could not answer their neglect of that Command, by saying, Alas, I am not prepared, therefore I must not, or I cannot believe in Christ: This will not do; and therefore they must say, as that good Woman on her death-bed to her Minister, examining her about her Faith, the grounds of it (which at that time was understood to lye in Assurance, and so she answered) O Sir, said she, I did believe, because I dare do no other.

Fifthly, They confidered that great Command of the Gospel, To believe in Jesus Christ, to receive him, which (as I have said before) makes it my duty to believe in him, prepared or not prepared; they could not answer their neglect of that Command, by saying, Alas, I am not prepared, therefore I must not, or I cannot believe in Christ: This will not do; and therefore they must say, as that good Woman on her death-bed to her Minister, examining her about her Faith, the grounds of it (which at that time was understood to lye in Assurance, and so she answered) O Sir, said she, I did believe, because I dare do no other.