If a Christian could have his choice

(Thomas Brooks, "A Cabinet of Choice Jewels" 1669)

If a Christian could have his choice, he would be . . .
  the most humble,
  the most holy,
  the most heavenly,
  the most mortified,
  the most patient,
  the most contented,
  the most thankful,
  the most fruitful,
  the most active,
  the most zealous, and
  the most self-denying Christian in the world.

If he could have his choice, he would be as holy as
God is holy; and as perfect as his heavenly Father
is perfect; he would do the will of God on earth, as
the angels do it now in heaven, namely--freely,
readily, cheerfully, delightfully, universally,
reverentially and unweariedly.

If he could have his choice, he would exercise
every grace, and perform every duty, with all
his might.

He sees so much excellency and beauty in God and
Christ, that he cannot be at rest until he is swallowed
up in the enjoyment of them. He sees so much excellency
in grace, that nothing but perfection of grace will satisfy
him. He makes perfection not only his utmost end--but
he also labors after perfection with his utmost strength
and endeavors.

"One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining
 toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win
 the prize for which God has called me heavenward in
 Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14