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

This answer may serve to another kind of argument like this, p. 148. when he saith, It is the greatest pride, when the Soul will be discontent and grow sullen, because God denies it not small things, but treasures of Grace, Mercy, Christ, and all that he is worth: This he illustrates from a Beggar that must have a thousand pounds, &c.

To which I answer: I grant they are wonderful things indeed; but considering the infinite fullness of himself, and the fullness of Christs purchase, it is no more for God to give me them, then to give me the bread I eat every day: God may give his Grace, Mercy, Love, Pardon, to millions of men more then are in the world, hath been, or shall be; and when he hath so done, not one farthing the poorer. I am the poorer by a penny if I give a penny; less then these will not serve the turn, our misery is so great. Be they never so great, his sweet heart intended them; his Christ hath purchased them: He hath pleased to promise them, Covenants and Seals to give them upon condition submitted to: He calls me, commands me to come and take them: He threatens me if I do not: No pride then at all to be discontent, disquieted without them. Doth God call me thus, command me to seek the lesser things of this world, and threaten me with damnation if I do not pursue them? The case then is not the same.

To which I answer: I grant they are wonderful things indeed; but considering the infinite fulness of himself, and the fulness of Christs purchase, it is no more for God to give me them, then to give me the bread I eat every day: God may give his Grace, Mercy, Love, Pardon, to millions of men more then are in the world, hath been, or shall be; and when he hath so done, not one farthing the poorer. I am the poorer by a penny if I give a penny; less then these will not serve the turn, our misery is so great. Be they never so great, his sweet heart intended them; his Christ hath purchased them: He hath pleased to promise them, Covenants and Seals to give them upon condition submitted to: He calls me, commands me to come and take them: He threatens me if I do not: No pride then at all to be discontent, disquieted without them. Doth God call me thus, command me to seek the lesser things of this world, and threaten me with damnation if I do not pursue them? The case then is not the same.