§ 13. Let us further consider, that it is the nature of every grace to promote diligence, that trifling in the way to heaven is lost labor, that much precious time is already mispent, and that in proportion to our labor will be our recompense. See the nature and tendency of every grace. If you loved God you would think nothing too much that you could possibly do to serve him, and please him still more. Love is quick and impatient, active and observant. If you loved Christ, you would keep his commandments, nor accuse them of too much strictness. If you had faith, it would quicken and encourage you. If you had the hope of glory, it would as the spring in the watch, set all the wheels of your soul a-going. If you had the fear of God, it would rouse you out of your slothfulness. If you had zeal, it would inflame, and eat you up. In what degree soever thou art sanctified, in the same degree thou wilt be serious and laborious in the work of God. But they that trifle, lose their labor. Many, who like Agrippa, are but almost Christians, will find in the end they shall be but almost saved. If two be running in a race, he that runs slowest loses both prize and labor. A man that is lifting a weight, if he put not sufficient strength to it, had as good put none at all. How many duties have Christians lost, for want of doing them thoroughly? _Many will seek to enter in and shall not be able_,[268] who, if they had striven, might have been able. Therefore, put to a little more diligence and strength, that all you have done already be not in vain. Besides, is not much precious time already lost? With some of us childhood and youth are gone; with some, their middle age also, and the time before us is very uncertain. What time have we slept, talked, and played away, or spent in worldly thoughts and cares? How little of our work is done? The time we have lost cannot be recalled; should we not then redeem and improve the little which remains? If a traveller sleep, or trifle most of the day, he must travel so much faster in the evening, or fall short of his journey's end. Doubt not but the recompense will be according to your labor. The seed which is buried and dead, will bring forth a plentiful harvest. Whatever you do, or suffer, everlasting rest will pay for all. There is no repenting of labors or sufferings in heaven. There is not one says, "Would I had spared my pains, and prayed less, or been less strict, and done as the rest of my neighbors did." On the contrary, it will be their joy to look back upon their labors and tribulations, and to consider how the mighty power of God brought them through all. We may all say, as Paul, _I reckon, that the sufferings_, and labors _of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us_.[269] We labor but for a moment, but we shall rest for ever. Who would not put forth all his strength for one hour, when for that hour's