3. That it cost Christ's blood to purchase that house to sinners, and
to set mankind down as the King's free tenants and freeholders.
4. That many make a start toward heaven who fall on their back, and
win not up to the top of the mount. It plucketh heart and legs from
them, and they sit down and give it over, because the devil setteth a
sweet-smelled flower to their nose (this fair busked world), wherewith
they are bewitched, and so forget or refuse to go forward.
5. Remember, many go far on and reform many things, and can find
tears, as Esau did; and suffer hunger for truth, as Judas did; and
wish and desire the end of the righteous, as Balaam did; and profess
fair, and fight for the Lord, as Saul did; and desire the saints of
God to pray for them, as Pharaoh and Simon Magus did; and prophesy and
speak of Christ, as Caiaphas did; and walk softly and mourn for fear
of judgments, as Ahab did; and put away gross sins and idolatry, as
Jehu did; and hear the word of God gladly, and reform their life in
many things according to the word, as Herod did; and say to Christ,
"Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest," as the man who
offered to be Christ's servant (Matt. viii. 19); and may taste of the
virtues of the life to come, and be partaker of the wonderful gifts of
the Holy Spirit, and taste of the good word of God, as the apostates
who sin against the Holy Ghost (Heb. vi.). And yet all these are but
like gold in clink and colour, and watered brass, and base metal.
These are written that we should try ourselves, and not rest till we
be a step nearer Christ than sun-burnt and withering professors can
come.
6. Consider, it is impossible that your idol-sins and ye can go to
heaven together; and that they who will not part with these can,
indeed, love Christ at the bottom but only in word and show, which
will not do the business.
7. Remember, how swiftly God's post time flieth away; and that your
forenoon is already spent, your afternoon will come, and then your
evening, and at last night, when ye cannot see to work. Let your heart
be set upon finishing of your journey, and summing and laying your
accounts with your Lord. Oh how blessed shall ye be to have a joyful
welcome of your Lord at night! How blessed are they who, in time, take
sure course with their souls! Bless His great name for what you
possess in goods and children, ease and worldly contentment, that He
hath given you; and seek to be like Christ in humility and lowliness
of mind. And be not great and entire[391] with the world. Make it not
your god, nor your lover that ye trust unto, for it will deceive you.
[391] As in Letter CXIX., "Your heart wholly there."
I recommend Christ and His love to you, in all things; let Him have
the flower of your heart and your love. Set a low price upon all
things but Christ, and cry down in your thoughts clay and dirt, that
will not comfort you when ye get summons to remove, and compear before
your Judge to answer for all the deeds done in the body. The Lord give
you wisdom in all things. I beseech you sanctify God in your speaking,
for holy and reverend is His name; and be temperate and sober.
Companionry with the bad is a sin, that holdeth many out of heaven.
I will not believe that you will receive the ministry of a stranger,
who will preach a new and uncouth doctrine to you. Let my salvation
stand for it, if I delivered not the plain and whole counsel of God to
you in His word. Read this letter to your wife, and remember my love
to her, and request her to take heed to do what I write to you. I pray
for you and yours. Remember me in your prayers to our Lord, that He
would be pleased to send me amongst you again. Grace be with you.
Your lawful and loving pastor,